Boxoffice-May.15.1949

TOTAL NET PAID CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 23,000 

xka /%iijon Iajczwis. 

New 20th-Fox Sales 

Plan Is Announced 

Page 8 

Report Anglo-American Accord 

Page 10 

COVER STORY: April Blue Ribbon Goes 

to 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game" 

Page 34 

INATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION 

Including Ihc Sectional News Pacts of All Editions 

Entered la second-claas nialter at tbe Post Omc« at Kansas CItr. »Io.. under the act of March 3. 1879. 

MAY 14, 1949

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They point to M-G-M for the toppers of the season!

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TALK ABOUT STRAW VOTES! M-G-M is not only proud of its Features but we happily point to 

our leadership in Shorts which consistently lead in industry polls. For the 6th year in a row Pete 

Smith Specialties took first place in M. P. Herald's FAME poll, selected among 54 series of live-action 

shorts. Pete Smith Shorts are Tops in Showmen's Trade Review Annual, too, 5th Consecutive Year! 

BELOW: Actual ad ihotvinf^ how theatres advertise 

M-G-M shorts 

PETE SMITH, CHAMP! 

6th YEAR WINNER IN 

"FAME" ANNUAL! 

EXTRA ADDED ATTRACTIONS FROM M-G-M: 

TMI ACABIMY AWARD- 

WINNING (ABreOH!!! 

Tom 'n' Jerry 

"THt LITUi 

ORPHAN" 

COLOR BY TICHNICeiOR 

Pete Smith's 

TECHNICOLOR) 

FISHING FOR 

FUN"

FLAMINGO ROAD 

MY DREAM 

NIGHT UN1U NIGHT 

THE YOUNGER BF 

COIORADO TERRI 

THE F0UN1AINHEAI 

GIRL FROM JONE 

LOOK FOR THL5II 

^^cm^cgiD^

MORE 

MID MORE AND 

STILL MORE TOP 

m/ PRODUCT 

/) 

FROM WARNER 

; BEACH « BROS 

ER LINING^ 

WARNER BROS. 

ARE GEARED TO 

AS NEVER before:

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

POBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EOIIIONS 

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Editor-in-Chief and Publisher 

lAMES M. JERAULD -.Editor 

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by 

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OXOFFICE 

A FORWARD STRIDE 

^ 

-^^ HE new 20th Century-Fox sales policy seems to 

be all-embracing in its application to the needs of the buyer 

as well as the seller. The principle behind it, as expressed by 

Spyros Skouras, is that "pictures are not sold on a basis of 

cost but on their ability to ecrm," and the company has geared 

its 

new plan to increase the earning power of the pictures at 

the boxoffice, not only for itself but also for the exhibitors. 

There should be no complaints on that score, except, perhaps, 

over how much of the boxoffice dollar should go to 

whom. That is the eternal question in this business and it will 

always remain a matter of individual negotiation between 

buyer and seller. But, since the new 20th-Fox policy is not to 

be rigid—its flexibility is its most promising point—there will 

be room for adjustment of such differences as may arise after 

time-testing and picture-experience results have been had. 

Exhibitors may scry that the plan is designed to obtain 

higher film rentals. 

Obviously, all sales plans are designed to 

bring maximum returns. But, if, in the application of the plan 

with its proposals to make merchcmdising and promotion of 

product a vital part of the sales program, exhibitors' earnings 

also are increased, everybody benefits. 

To implement its custom-cut sales pattern, 20th-Fox has 

placed greater authority in the hcmds of the branch manager, 

subject only to the approval of the division chief. This is a 

healthy turn of policy. It enables the men in the field to deal 

best with their customers in the fitting 

of the sales method to 

conditions in each local situation, cmd also for making adjustments 

where they may be called for. This should tend 

greatly to improve buyer-seller relations at the base of operations. 

And, of prime importance, it portends a return to local 

conciliation which, earlier, appeared to have been abandoned. 

Mr. Skouras, who knows the exhibitor problem as well as 

he knows the distributor problem, says in his statement of 

policy: "There can be no arbitrary method of doing business. 

We seek to do business in the way the customer prefers, consistent 

with a fair cmd square deal." 

From such a credo one can expect only the very best of 

trade relations to result. 

Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo. 

Sectional Edition, $3.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50 

Vol. 55 

MAY 14 

No. 2 

1949

nIi4 ffûlu CT lluyylotloH.^ylctut€

SWEEPING NEW SALES METHODS 

ARE ANNOUNCED BY 20th-FOX 

Skouras Seeking Goodwill, 

Upped Revenues for Both 

Exhibitor, Distributor 

(Additional Report on Page 10) 

NEW YORK—With a sweeping gesture 

designed to improve exhibitor relations, 

20th Century-Fox has decided on a new, 

ultra-modern sales setup which aims to 

provide more income for both the company 

and its customers. 

Sliding scales will be used on percentage 

films to induce exhibitors to hold them 

and get all possible revenue from them. 

Subsequent runs will be able to buy films 

on a flat rental basis. 

MODERNIZING TECHNIQUES 

Distribution te6hniques will be modernized 

with a speed-up of clearances designed to 

put pictures into the subsequent runs while 

they are still benefiting from the first run 

advertising. 

Multiple first and subsequent runs will be 

used whenever and wherever this technique 

seems to fit local conditions and promises 

best results. Day-and-date exhibition will 

be emphasized, premieres will be promoted 

on a regional basis, children's matmees will 

be encouraged, and preferred playing time 

will be sought on quality productions. 

Outstandmg in the new approach is a decision 

to increase the number of sales divisions 

from five to eight and to give division 

and exchange managers complete autonomy. 

They will be authorized to sign 

firm contracts and to make adjustments locally 

along the Imes of the Smith-Berger 

conciliation plan introduced several months 

ago. 

The new sales approach is a result of regional 

contacts made in the recent series of 

meetmgs conducted by Al Lichtman, A. W. 

Smith jr. and Charles Einfeld. At the start 

of these meetings a full analysis of sales receipts 

from each exchange area was undertaicen 

and it has been in progress since that 

time. Some of the innovations—notably that 

of granting local sales autonomy—are reversals 

of policy. 

MORE MEETINGS SCHEDULED 

More regional conferences will be held, but 

on an invitational basis. Smith, Lichtman 

and other executives will attend the North 

Central Allied meeting at Minneapolis May 

23, and invitations have been accepted for 

later meetings elsewhere. The new sales 

plan will be explained and questions will be 

answered. 

The decision to permit subsequents to buy 

on a flat rental basis is expected to please 

many regional exhibitor units who have protested 

bitterly m recent years against the 

efforts of several of the majors to pressurize 

exhibitors into malting percentage deals. 

Spyros P. Skouras, president, issued a full 

explanation of the plan, which is printed in 

this issue, and described it as a "clear statement 

of company sales plans based on con- 

Highlights of Sales Policy 

Division managers, exchange managers and salesmen get iull 

to sign firm deals and make adjustments on a local basis. 

autonomy 

Each local situation to be handled "with full knowledge of the peculiarities 

of each territory to the benefit of exhibitors." 

Sliding scales to be used on percentage pictures to encourage exhibitors 

to get higher grosses, extend runs. 

Subsequents may buy on flat rentals whenever they prefer them. 

Clearances to be shortened with zone first runs after downtown in key 

centers. 

Territorial premieres, massed regional openings, personal appearances of 

stars, and modernized promotional methods to be used. 

Sales divisions, each headed by a division manager, increased from five 

to eight to improve local contacts. 

cepts of stability, 

prosperity and progress for 

the industry at large." 

The clearance speedup has already been 

planned m detail for Philadelphia, effective 

May 26, and is to be extended to other cities 

as fast as the details can be arranged locally. 

Statement of Policy 

By Spyros Skouras: 

Following is the complete text of the 

statement issued by Spyros Skouras, 20th- 

Fox president, on the company's new sales 

policy: 

TN RECENT years, all branches of the motion 

picture industry—production, 

distribution 

and exhibition—have been caught between 

a rise in costs and some decline m 

boxoffice. Unless steps are taken to resolve 

this pressing problem, film revenue will no 

longer sustain the continued production or 

exhibition of high quality motion pictures. 

I have sought an answer to this problem 

based upon three principles, which always 

have been uppermost in my mind: 

That the stability of this industry and 

its esteem and influence throughout the 

world must be constantly fought for and 

advanced 

That the prosperity of this industry 

requires a prosperity in all three of its 

major branches: production, distribution 

and exhibition; 

That progress is safeguarded only by 

the encouragement of the production and 

exhibition of quality motion pictures. 

This challenge confronting our industry 

today had to be met by alert, intelligent, 

straightforward action. Therefore, it was 

only natural that I should turn for assistance 

to my old friend, Al Lichtman, for 

whom I have always had the greatest respect 

as a genuinely constructive thinker in our 

industry. His career, as head of distribution 

for a number of major companies, always 

has Impressed me as having been most creative, 

with a view to the long range betterment 

and greater prosperity of all branches 

of our business. 

I turned to him for this task. I felt that 

he was the one man whose recommendations 

would be aimed solely at having the exhibitor 

and our company obtain the best possible 

returns from our pictures in all types of theatres. 

Together with Andy W. Smith jr., general 

sales manager, Mr. Lichtman initiated a 

survey which involved an analysis of the 

sales operation of all our exchanges, meetings 

with exhibitors, as well as a careful study 

of all of our contracts with every theatre. 

These gentlemen examined the methods of 

exhibition and exploitation of our films in 

all types of commimities throughout the 

country. 

Charles Einfeld, who heads our advertising, 

publicity and exploitation, also participated 

in the survey and was most valuable 

because of his wide knowledge of general industry 

affairs. 

Now, the sm'vey has been completed, the 

facts analyzed and a number of conclusions 

have been reached. These conclusions have 

been thoroughly discussed with every member 

of our sales organization and with a 

number of outstanding, representative exhibitors, 

both large and small. 

It is these conclusions which form the 

basis of the 20th Century-Fox sales policy. 

They indicate that existing conditions do not 

call for revolutionai-y plans. But they have 

revealed to us that it is now possible and 

desirable to institute certain improvements 

in distribution methods which will prove 

beneficial to those playing our product. . It 

is this policy that I now present: 

Sales Operation 

Our policy provides that each division 

head, branch manager and salesman will conduct 

his business in his own territory as if 

he were the owner of that business. Specifically: 

(A) Under this procedure, our representative 

is developtog a sound, cooperative and 

8 BOXOFnCE May 14, 1949

word 

firm business relationship with each account 

through fair dealing and honest representation 

of product so as to avoid unnecessarjbickering 

on the terms of each picture. As 

a result of his full responsbility to the situation, 

the 20th Century-Fox representative will 

offer the exhibitor still higher forms of service, 

such as exploitation ideas, special promotional 

angles and material and the latest 

merchandising concepts. This will represent 

additional direct assistance in attracting the 

greatest potential audience to the theatre. 

(B) Upon receipt of a print, the division 

head, branch manager and salesmen will 

screen it, discuss its value and the conclusion 

they arrive at will determine the general 

This company's approach to sales Is based 

upon two precepts: lai There can be no 

arbitrary method of doing business. We seek 

to do business in the way the customer prefers, 

consistent with a fair and square deal, 

(b) Since pictures are not sold on a basis of 

cost but on their ability to earn, each film 

investment represents a major risk to the 

producer. Therefore, every opportunity must 

be given a good picture to earn its full potential 

for both the exhibitor and the distributor. 

Our survey reveals that where it is practicable 

and desirable to do business on a percentage 

basis, the one method of sale that 

stands out beyond all others as the fairest, 

most efficient, most progressive and most mutually 

beneficial is the sliding scale, which 

was originally conceived and introduced by 

Al Lichtman. 

1. THE SLIDING SCALE: This is the incentive 

method. There is incentive to promote 

the picture. There is incentive to book 

it at the best playing time. Under the sliding 

scale every picture finds its proper level, 

which encourages the exhibitor to run it as 

long as profitable. It is this incentive which 

in turn provides the incentive to the producer 

to continue in his efforts to make ever finer, 

stronger, boxoffice films. 

2. FLAT RENTALS: Many exhibitors 

throughout the nation, particularly those in 

small towns and late subsequent runs prefer 

to buy their pictures flat rental. That is 

how we shall sell them. We have devised a 

system of designating flat rentals for the 

small exhibitor, who is least able to carry the 

big load imposed by these times. This method 

will function for him just as fairly as if 

the sliding scale were in operation in his 

theatre. 

Modernized Distribution Technique 

We have resolved to initiate the following 

steps to modernize some of our distribution 

techniques: this will aid the exhibitor in his 

efforts to win back and retain the large 

audience which is not presently attending 

the motion picture theatres. 

CLEARANCE AND MULTIPLE RUNS: 

This is a time of fast communications. It 

has become increasingly necessary that pic- 

Develop Company's New Sales Program 

policy under w^hich that picture will be distributed 

in that territory. 

(C) Under the present conditions of buying 

and selling, our sales representatives 

must be able to make quick, binding decisions 

because the exhibitor needs to know 

as far in advance .as possible the pictures he 

will play, since his backlog of product is so Spyros Skouras A. W. Smith Jr. Charles Einfeld Al Lichtman 

limited. Therefore, we have given our salesmen 

the widest latitude so that they will 

tures be brought to the public while interest 

is at its very height. A major point in area where these events are staged. The 

mieres help the exhibitor of the particular 

not have to refer their deals to the home office 

for approval. Where we have given responsibility, 

we have also given authority. 

our policy is to reduce clearances, where customary presence of stars at the even is 

necessary. This will shorten the dead time not only a stimulant to the revenue of the 

and enable the public to see our pictures most immediate picture, but is also the most posi- 

Methods of Sale 

conveniently when and where they want to 

see them, at the time they most want to 

see them as a result of the impact of advertising, 

promotion, reviews and of 

. 

mouth. We shall also attempt to create multiple 

first and subsequent runs in large cities, 

where it can be arranged for the mutual benefit 

of all interests involved. Clearances and 

multiple runs must remain elastic. The form 

will vary with each locality and will require 

careful examination by us, together with our 

exhibitor clients. However, regardless of 

form, we are convinced that this offers one 

of the most positive, and really simplest ways 

of increasing the income of the exhibitor and 

distributor. 

SATURATION RELEASES: In line with 

the necessity for attracting the greatest number 

of people to the theatre, we have found 

through experimentation that the regional, 

day-and-date distribution of motion pictures 

is most productive for certain types of 

films which lend themselves to this purpose. 

By permitting a concentration of our mutual 

efforts in advertising and exploitation in a 

given territroy, this method yields the greatest 

returns from our combined merchandising. 

PREMIERES: We advocate premieres 

whenever the occasion justifies them to stimulate 

public interest in motion pictures. We 

find the time and effort expended on pre- 

Myers Noncommittal 

On 20th-Fox Policy 

Washingi«n—Allied General Counsel 

A. F. Myers said Thursday that he cannot 

understand the 20th-Fox sales statement 

issued earlier in the week by President 

Spyros Skouras. Refusing to claim 

any victory for the Allied drive to hold 

rentals down, or to term the 20th-Fox 

statement a retreat, Myers was equally 

unwilling: to guess that it might mean any 

increase in rentals. 

"I can't tell what it means until they 

(1) issue a clarifying statement or (2) 

we find in practice what it means," he 

said. 

tive means of industry public relations. The 

bringing of Hollywood personalities into the 

communities of America establishes tremendous, 

lasting goodwill for the exhibitor in 

his own locality. 

CHILDREN'S MATINEES: We should do 

our utmost to help the theatres create children's 

matinees with suitable programs designed 

to increase our permanent motion 

picture audience. They are our customers of 

tomorrow. 

QUALITY PICTURES FOR PREFERRED 

PLAYING TIME IN SMALL THEATRES: 

In small towns throughout the country, 

many theatres do the major portion of their 

business on weekends, since their patrons 

are usually farmers or workers who have little 

leisure time in the middle of the week. 

In many situations, the exhibitors have a 

practice of booking their best pictures in the 

middle of the week when the fewest niunber 

of people are able to come to see thm. Our 

records indicate that this unnecessarily restricts 

the size of the week's gross and the 

profits of the theatre and the distributor. 

We want to give such exhibitors every 

incentive to play the best picture on the 

weekend regardless of whether it is percentage 

or flat rental. 

We are confident that if he once tries 

this, he will win many new and satisfied 

patrons and will increase his gen- 

attendance. 

eral 

This is the 20th Century-Fox sales policy 

which we believe will benefit the exhibitor 

and distributor alike. Every section, every 

word means precisely what it says and every 

member of our organization is pledged to its 

principles. 

This great industry of ours was brought 

from humble beginnings through the great 

faith and devotion of those pioneers who 

could see in a then infant medium the power 

to entertain and influence the thinking of 

the entire world. Because of their faith, 

their enthusiasm, their visionary showmanship, 

motion pictures have fulfilled and even 

exceeded their bravest hope. I am confident 

that the motion picture will continue to be 

the greatest medium of entertainment. So 

let us close our ranks, and in unity and harmony, 

march forward. 

BOXOFnCE May 14, 1948

Exhibitors Get Fint-Hand ^^^^ 

Interpretation of Policy 

NEW YORK—In their first meeting with 

an exhibitor group since the 20th-Fox sales 

policy was announced earlier in the week, 

company executives told the New York ITOA 

Thursday that the plan is in effect as of 

this week and that the company will sell 

on terms the exhibitor prefers in any type 

of theatre. 

Approximately 150 persons attended the 

luncheon. There was considerable interest 

in the meeting as it was the ITOA which 

issued a blast against 20th-Fox some weeks 

ago when the company first began its series 

of exhibitor meetings across the country. 

THINKS TLAN WILL WORK' 

Harry Brandt, the association president, 

began Thursday's discussions by saying that 

this was a "rambunctious" business but that 

he clings to the theory that its disputes can 

be settled within the industry. 

"My own feeling is one of elation," he 

said. "I think this 20th-Fox plan will work, 

provided it is carried out in the spirit of 

fair dealing as they have promised to do 

here today." 

Al Lichtman, 20th-Fox vice-president, was 

the principal speaker. He said he would explain 

"what all the shooting is about." 

Then he drew an audible chuckle by saying, 

"I have been called a hatchet man by 

a lifelong friend. It is all a misunderstanding." 

He was referring to a cartoon which appeared 

recently in The Independent. 

Lichtman 's talk was conciliatory throughout. 

He predicted a sliding scale of percentages 

would work out to the advantage 

of exhibitors as well as the company, because 

it will encourage exhibitors as well as encourage 

longer runs and more exploitation 

effort and because exhibitors will lose less 

on losing pictures. 

Lichtman said that studies made since the 

executives went on tour show that in some 

instances exhibitors have been paying too 

much. 

"Present conditions call for improvement 

in methods," he continued. "In too many 

places there is lack of confidence between 

salesmen and exhibitors. We will try to establish 

relationships so there can be no question 

of integrity on either side. We want 

to establish the same high plane of ethics 

in this business that exists in other businesses. 

We have to meet conditions together. 

QUESTIONS ARE ASKED 

"If you do not think our new plan is fair, 

please let us know about it." 

Max A. Cohen, chairman of the ITOA 

film committee, explained that the steering 

committee had decided in the morning to 

ask a series of questions. 

His first was: "When does the plan go into 

effect?" Andy Smith jr. general sales manager, 

replied that it was already in effect. 

Then Cohen asked whether the sliding scale 

would be insisted upon for all theatres, if 

some of them could prove they could not 

afford it. Smith replied that 20th-Fox would 

sell on terms the exhibitor prefers in any 

type of theatre. 

Then Cohen inquired about the formula 

for percentages. Smith said the first scale 

would run from 25 per cent to 50 per cent 

and then go in one per cent steps. Later 

he added that if a theatre could not afford 

25 per cent it would be reduced, possibly to 

20 per cent. He said the company would 

consider theatre cost data whenever an exhibitor 

was willing to make it available. 

In reply to a question as to whether a 

formula had been set on flat rentals. Smith 

said none had been set and that 20th-Fox 

intended to give theatres the same benefits as 

on the sliding scales. 

Cohen then asked if the company was 

eliminating home office approval of contracts 

and Smith replied that contracts would be 

sent to the home office merely for the purpose 

of recording. 

SOME COMPETITIVE BIDDING 

Cohen asked if the company would accept 

competitive negotiations. Smith answered 

that there would be competitive negotiation 

in certain areas. 

Lichtman interrupted to say that new 

clearances would be set up to fit local conditions. 

He said the company advocated 

moving up subsequent clearances in Philadelphia, 

but that it would be necessary to 

make a detailed study of the complex New 

York situation before any policy vould be 

decided upon. He emphasized that 20th-Fox 

had no desire to take unfair advantages. 

Brandt inquired further whether there was 

anything in the 20th-Fox plan that "displeased" 

any member present. One exhibitor 

wanted to know how deals would be made 

on pictures that had been milked by first 

run extensions. Lichtman told him he thought 

it would be possible to make fair deals in 

every instance. 

NEW YORK—British and American film 

leaders have slowly unwrapped and exposed 

to the light of public scrutiny the record of 

their deliberations in the recent Anglo- 

American film conference at Washington. 

It developed this week that the recent 

Anglo-American Council meeting agreed on 

several gestures. The British, on their part, 

will try to secure a reduction of the quota 

as soon as possible, and a revision of the 

remittance agreement when it expires June 

14, 1950. 

The British also will drop some of the 

exhibition practices which have stirred disputes 

during the past year. J. Arthur Rank 

will play 100 American A films per year in 

his Gaumont-British, Odeon and Associated 

British Pictures Corp. theatres and will stop 

his efforts to put American films on the 

lower half of dual biUs with British films. 

The allocations will be made on the basis 

of not more than 15 films annually from 

any single American company. 

In return for these concessions the Americans 

will eliminate their present requirement 

that programs using American films shall be 

all American. 

They will establish a subsidy for British 

producers out of imremittable funds accumulated 

in Great Britain, and this subsidy will 

rise as the returns from exhibition of British 

pictures in the U.S. rises. 

British circuits will not discriminate against 

U.S. films on weekend and holiday playing 

time. 

It is also understood there is a provision 

in the Anglo-American proposed plan whereby 

American producers will guarantee a certain 

sum annually to British producers, the 

guarantee to be paid out of unremittable 

sterling. 

Later in the week it was announced that 

the 2nd meeting of the Anglo-American Film 

Council will be held in New York June 2-3. 

Arnall Hits at British Agreement; 

Calls It a 'Cartel' Substitute 

NEW YORK—The Anglo-American 

Film Council is attempting "to substitute 

cartelization for what should be 

government action," declared Ellis Arnall, 

president of the Society of Independent 

Motion Picture Producers, 

Wednesday (11) in a second formal comment 

on the results of the council meetings 

as they had become known to him 

through "leaks." 

The agreement purportedly reached, 

Arnall said, would let "a small group of 

selfish men" completely usurp "the 

rights of the majority." He said that 

the 1948 council discussions decided 

against any discriminatory taxation of 

American pictures as an aid to the British 

industry. 

"Now," he continued, "a few representatives 

of the major companies have arrogated 

to themselves the authority to 

deal in secret for the entire industry, 

they have bartered away this fundamental 

principle for immediate dollars 

for their companies with no consideration 

of the effect upon American motion 

pictures as a whole. In addition to providing, 

in effect, an American subsidy 

for British production by calling for a 

guarantee by American companies of 

British film earnings here, the proposed 

agreement, on further examination, appears 

clearly to mean a sacrificing of 

opportunity for independent American 

producers to show their pictures. 

"The place of the American motion picture 

industry in the world is much too 

important to be handled as though it 

were the private himting ground of a 

handful of monopolists. Any action which 

affects it outside our borders is a matter 

of grave concern to our government 

and should be handled through proper 

government channels and not by a 

group of self-appointed would-be dic- 

10 BOXOFTICE May 14, 1949 

tators."

Levy Issues Bulletin 

On Drive-In Palenls 

NEW YORK—Herman Levy, general counsel 

of Theatre Owners of America, has issued 

a bulletin to members in which he attempts 

to explain the Boston decision declaring 

the Park-In Drive-In Theatre patent 

invalid and in wlrich he also warns exhibitors 

outside Maine. New Hampshire. Massachusetts 

and Rhode Island to consult their 

attorneys before they stop paying royalties. 

Some confusion has developed among exhibitors 

regarding the status of the patent. 

Levy points out. Technically, the decision 

of the U.S. circuit court of appeals applies 

only in the four states mentioned above, and 

the case may go to the Supreme Court. 

EXPLAINS INVENTION IDEA 

"It should be kept in mind." Levy observes, 

"that a drive-in theatre is validly 

patentable, provided the 'faculty of invention' 

is required in its development." 

Discussing royalties, he says: "In those 

states (the four New England states) drivein 

theatre operators may fairly .safely decide 

to withhold further royalty payments 

at lea.st until an adverse decision, if any. on 

appeal. As to operators in the other states, 

it would be best for them to consult their 

attorneys to determine their opinions as to: 

( 1 1 whether the Supreme Court will consent 

to hear the appeal: and (2i the probable 

decision of the Supreme Court. Both of these 

items should be explored before a conclusion 

is reached as to whether the payment of 

royalties should be discontinued." 

Levy points that the original patent was 

issued to one Hollingshead and was taken 

over by Park-In Theatres, Inc., a New Jersey 

corporation, which licensed E. M. Loew to 

operate in Providence on a royalty based on 

a percentage of the receipts. He stopped payments 

on advice of his attorney and his 

license was cancelled. Loew continued to 

operate, however, and was sued. The lower 

court ruled the patent was valid because 

it involved the "faculty of invention." 

HOW DECISION WAS BASED 

This decision was based on the arrangement 

of cars in an arc around the screen, 

the arrangement of cars on a slope or grade, 

the tilting of the front end of cars upward. 

The circuit court held the patent invalid. 

Confusion has developed among exhibitors 

because a decision was handed down in a 

somewhat similar case in California, where 

the court decided the drive-in could be the 

subject of a patent, but, as Levy points out, 

"did not decide whether or not the Hollingshead 

drive-in theatre was patentable because 

the court did not have before it the evidence 

to decide whether the 'faculty of invention' 

was required in the Hollingshead theatre. In 

the Loew case the court had that evidence." 

Mayer Back in Germany 

NEW YORK—Arthur Mayer has returned 

to his post as head of the motion picture 

division of the U.S. military government in 

Germany, but expects his request to be relieved 

of his duties to take effect in two to 

three months. He said that authorities in 

Washington have been Interviewing candidates 

for the post, Mayer flew from the 

army airport at Westover, Mass., to Frankfurt. 

Wehrenberg Dead at 68; 

Industry Pays Tribute 

ST. LOUIS—Fred Wehrenberg, who crusaded 

for exhibitor cooperation for more than 

three decades, died 

May 6 after an illness 

of five months. At the 

time of his death he 

was honorary chairman 

of the board of 

Tlieatre Owners of 

America, and before 

that had been chairman 

of the TOA board 

and president of the 

old Motion Picture 

Theatre Owners of 

America and the re- 

Fred Wehrenberg gional MPTO organization. 

He was 68 years old. 

Wehrenberg owned and operated a .substantial 

circuit of theatres in this area, but 

he was the voice of the small, independent 

exhibitor down through the years. He fought 

for a united industry front and when he was 

president of the MPTOA proposed that an 

all-industry forum be established to permit 

an expression and .settlement of industry 

problems. 

BECAME EXHIBITOR IN 1906 

Funeral services were held here Tuesday, 

and tributes came from all segments of the 

motion picture industry. 

He was born in St. Louis and. as a young 

man. was a horseshoer. He enlisted in the 

army when the Spanish-American war broke 

out and it was while he was stationed at 

Jefferson Ban-acks. near St. Louis, that he 

met a singer. Gertrude Foster, and married 

her. She worked right along side of him 

as a clerk in a grocery store he operated 

and then as an assistant when he entered 

motion pictiu'e exhibition in 1906. His first 

theatre was in a building which had been a 

bakery, and hLs second, built in 1910. was 

the first brick building erected in St. Louis 

for the exclusive .showing of motion pictures. 

Operation was a family affair. Mrs. Wehrenberg 

played the piano: her brother, George 

Foster, a tenor, sang between reels; another 

brother, Harry Foster, helped out as a handy 

man. Fred collected tickets and was the relief 

man for the projectionist—when he 

wasn't busy at his grocery store. 

At the time of his death, Wehrenberg 

owned ten theatres, including three drive-ins, 

and he booked pictures for Clarence and 

Francis Kaimann to place 26 theatres under 

his 

supervision. 

HUNDREDS ATTEND FUNERAL 

Wehrenberg's entry into exhibitor association 

activity came when he helped organize 

the Exhibitors' League of St. Louis and the 

regional MPTO unit. He was vice-president 

of the old MPTOA for many years and when 

Ed Kuykendahl died three years ago was 

elected president. 

Hundreds of motion picture exhibitors, exchange 

men. union leaders, city officials and 

business friends and associates paid their last 

respects to Wehrenberg. 

Out-of-town motion picture folks in attendance 

included Morris Loewenstein, Oklahoma 

City, secretary of TOA, and Mrs. Loew- 

TOA Tributes: 

NEW YORK — Arthur H. Lockwood, 

president of the Theatre Owners of America, 

said: 

"In the passing of Fred Wehrenberg 

of St. Louis, the motion picture indu.stry 

has lost a trusted and valuable leader. 

Throughout his career as a showman, he 

worked untiringly for the progress and 

welfare of all segments of show business. 

"As president of MPTOA and later 

chairman of the board of TOA. he was 

aggressive and firm in his demands for 

a fair deal for the independent exhibitor: 

yet ever mindful of the necessity of 

preserving the basic structure of the entire 

industry. He never formulated any 

policy or carried out any plan to accomplish 

his objectives which was harmful 

or destructive to others." 

Herman Levy, general counsel for the 

TOA. said: "The motion picture industry 

will mourn the death of Wehrenberg. 

His passing is a tragic loss. He was 

one of the very first to recognize and to 

appreciate the dire results of strife and 

litigation within the industry. That is 

why he devoted .so great a portion of his 

energy and effort to the possibilities of 

conciliation and arbitration. No undertaking 

was too strenuous, no journey was 

too arduous for that cause." 

enstein: Robert W. Coyne, former executive 

director of TOA, and Miss O'Toole, New 

York City, who had been Wehrenberg's secretary 

as president of the TOA, and later 

as chairman of the board and executive 

committee of TOA; R. R. Biechele, Kansas 

City, director of Kansas-MLssouri Theatre 

Owners Ass'n; and Fred Souttar. Kansas 

City, regional manager western Missouri and 

Kansas for Fox Midwest circuit, and, of 

course, many exhibitors from St. Louis territory 

including Tom Edwards. Farmington, 

who succeeded him last October as president 

of the MPTO of St. Louis, Eastern Missouri 

and Southern Illinois. 

Among the hundreds of fine floral tributes 

were pieces from Spyros P.. Charles P. and 

George P. Skouras; M. A. Lightman. Memphis, 

formerly president of the Motion Picture 

Theatre Owners of America and regional 

vice-president of TOA; Dave Palfreyman, 

MPAA: Rotus Harvey, president. Independent 

Theatre Owners of Northern California; 

Ned Depinet, president of RKO; S. H. 

Fabian, director of TOA; Abe Montague, Columbia 

Pictures; Kansas-Missom-i Theatre 

Owners, Better Films Council of Greater St. 

Louis; Elmer Rhoden, president, Johrmy 

Meinardi, St. Louis district, and Fred Souttar, 

Kansas district manager. Fox Midwest 

circuit; Steve Broidy, president of Monogram-Allied 

Artists Pictures; Motion Picture 

Theatre Owners of Staten Island, New 

York: J. J. O'Leary, Scranton, Pa., director 

of TOA: Tri-States Theatres Ass'n, Memphis; 

W. F. Rodgers. general sales manager, 

Loew's, and W. P. Ruffin, Covington, Ky. 

BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949 11

PARAMOUNT'S FIFTH GREAT COLOR SHOW 

r:?!^ 

THE GOLD RUSH OF '49 IS COMING 

YOUR WAY FOR DECORATION DAY! 

The Thrill-Story of The First Texas Rangers... and of the Fiery "Blonde Bobcat" who cast her lot with Three Outlaw Buddies under the Rangers' guns. 

Streets of ]?re 

Color bijT^chnicolor 

Produced by ROBERT FELLOWS • Directed by LESLIE FENTON 

Screenplay by Charles Marquis Warren • Based on a Story by Louis Stevens and Elizabeth Hill 

See and Play: "Eyes on Hollywood"—the free short that sells your pictures and your industry.

'Sfocked With The Stuff To Banish 

The Boxoffice Blues," "It's A 

Money-Maker That Has Everything!" 

applauds the Trade Press. 

starring 

WILLIAM 

WILLIAM 

MACDONALD 

mmjm 

MONA 

'You Can't Kill A Texas Ranger and Get Away With It!" -one of the many spectacular action scenes. 

"We've Been Pais for Years. But Now I've Got to Bring You In-Dead or Alive!", .the Roaring Climax of Paramount's Successor to "Whispering Smith." 

H 

-^"^ 

y V I 

.^*j 

^\r 

..The Streets ot Laredo ;s o P 

. 

^^^^,^ ^ 

seWmg lob 01 the,r^ ^^^^^^^^ ^^ m^^ 

_

Variety Pledges for '50 

Boosted by Half-Million 

SAN FRANCISCO—Variety Clubs International, 

through its 34 tents, will spend a 

record $2,800,000 for humanitarian projects 

in the next year, an increase of $562,000 over 

the actual expenditure during the last 12 

months, it was reported at the closing session 

of the 13th annual convention here. 

At the session, the annual Charity Award 

Citation was given to South California Tent 

No. 35 "for outstanding humanitarian service 

and the magnificent job performed by the 

tent under the inspired leadership of Charles 

P. Skouras." The principal project of the 

southern California barkers during the year 

was opening and maLiitaining a $200,000 Variety 

Boys' club in Los Angeles, plus a pledge 

of $75,000 a year to establish similar boys' 

clubs. The tent also has participated in 

supporting a spastic children's foundation, a 

hearing center for children, endowment nf 

61 scholarships to teachers in training handicapped 

children in public schools, and premature 

birth wards in two hospitals. 

O'DONNELL BY ACCLAMATION 

Robert J. O'Donnell was elected to his 

seventh term as international cliief barker 

by acclamation. Other officers elected were: 

Marc Wolf, Indianapolis, first assistant chief 

barker: Jack Beresin, Philadelphia, second 

assistant chief barker: Muiray Weiss, Boston, 

property master; George W. Eby, Pittsburgh, 

dough guy, and Charles E. Lewis, New 

York, press guy, a newly-created post. 

Committee heads appointed by O'Donnell 

include Nathan Golden, Washington, heart 

committee: W. H. LoUier, Los Angeles, sergeant-at-arms: 

James G. Balmer, Pittsburgh, 

ceremonial barker; Carter Barron, Washington, 

executive aide to the international chief 

barker; C. J. Latta, London, European representative, 

and Colonel William McCraw, 

executive director. Oscar Oldknow, Los Angeles, 

was appointed international representative 

for Los Angeles and Denver, and Abe 

Blumenfeld, San Francisco, was named the 

representative for San Francisco, Seattle, 

Portland and Salt Lake City. Other international 

representatives will be appointed 

later. 

Of the $2,800,000 pledged for the next year, 

$200,000 was earmarked for the Will Rogers 

Memorial hospital at Saranac, N. Y., which 

Variety will support in the future. Barkers 

also voted $20,000 for the sick and death insurance 

fimd of the American Guild of Variety 

Artists which, in retiu'n for this contribution, 

will provide free talent for local 

Variety tent benefits, charity premieres and 

house entertainment. 

The delegates also okayed a plan to keep 

former chief barkers active in tent activities. 

They voted a constitutional change to 

permit formation of a "Hey, Rube club," 

consisting of former chief barkers. These 

units will be part of the tents and members 

will 

E ^ J. >-A t Mh^- 

"•— 

c ^ 

hold annual conventions. 

A number of other changes were approved; 

The sess.on authorized international canvasmen 

to vote at conventions, giving each tent 

three votes: voted to leave to national officers' 

discretion whether an honorarium is 

to be given along with the Humanitarian 

Award with the amount unspecified fit has 

been $1,000) in the event the recipient is in 

need of funds, for personal or charitable 

reasons: and authorized the international 

tent to pay expenses of international representatives 

when they make trips in behalf of 

the organization. 

It was announced that "Variety Girl" and 

"Bad Boy," produced with Variety participation, 

have netted $400,000 to date for the 

various tents. "Bad Boy," in current release, 

has had 13 premieres with $125,000 in 

proceeds to the various tents and 12 to 14 

additional premieres are scheduled. Monogram, 

which produced the picture, also is to 

donate a $15,000 swimming pool to the new 

Boys Ranch being built by the Dallas tent. 

{ 

^^M

U 

EXHIBITOR 

WHO DOESN'T 

CLEAN UP 

WITH THIS 

BOB HOPE 

...xXUClIIE BALL 

ONE IS IN 

THE WRONG 

BUSINESS! 

—M. P. Herald

Paramount Reports Drop 

In Earnings for 1948 

NEW YORK—Paramount Pictures, Inc., 

earned $24,357,102 for the fiscal year ended 

Jan. 1, 1949. after all charges including 

estimated provision for taxes on income, 

according to the annual report issued by 

Bamey Balaban, president. The amount 

represents a drop of $7,083,375 from earnings 

for the fiscal year 1947 of $31,440,477 

including $3,429,000 share of undistributed 

earnings of partly owned non-consolidated 

companies. 

Earnings stated in the current report include 

approximately $2,360,000 net capital 

gains, after provision for taxes, and $1,788,- 

000 representing the company's direct and 

indirect net interest as a stockholder in the 

combined undistributed earnings of partly 

owned non-consolidated companies. 

FOREIGN GAINS NOT INCLUDED 

The consolidated results for 1948 do not 

include the earnings of subsidiaries operating 

outside of the U.S. and Canada except to the 

extent that dividends were received therefrom. 

Such film revenues were included only 

to the extent of the remittable portion or, 

with respect to certain countries, only to the 

extent that dollars were received in New 

York. 

Earnings per common share lor 1948 on 

the basis of combined consolidated earnings 

and share of undistributed earnings of partly 

owned non-consolidated companies was $3.63 

on the 6,715.039 shares outstanding and in 

the hands of the public Jan. 1. 1949. This 

compares with $4.43 per share for the year 

1947, or a decrease of 80 cents, on 7,092,839 

shares outstanding Jan. 3. 1948. 

Dividends paid during 1948 amounted to 

$13,788,978. compared with $14,347,788 in 1947, 

or $2 per share for each year. 

The consolidated balance sheet showed 

current assets of $81,628,553 and current liabilities 

of $13,664,405, leaving a net working 

capital of $67,964,148. The current assets Included 

cash and government securites of $32,- 

372.460, all located in the U.S. and Canada, 

and inventory of $42,483,137. 

Balaban's report to the stockholders commented: 

"During 1948 we spent approximately $8,- 

600,000 for net additions to fixed assets and 

mvestments of the company and subsidiaries, 

$3 500,000 for reduction of the company's 

bank debt, $8,269,000 for acquisition of shares 

of the company's common stock, and $13,- 

788.000 for payment of dividends to stockholders, 

with the result that the net working 

capital decreased $10,420,000 during the year. 

COMMON STOCK REDUCED 

"Between Nov. 11, 1946, and April 26, 1949, 

we reduced our common stock outstanding In 

the hands of the public to 6,588,139 shares by 

the purchase of 916,133 shares at an aggregate 

cost of $22,392,000 disregarding dividends 

which would have been paid if the shares had 

been outstanding on the several dividend 

payment dates. Thus, we reduced our outstanding 

capital stock by 12.21 per cent and 

we paid approximately $37,000,000 in dividends, 

or a total cash outlay of approximately 

$59,000,000 in less than 2H years." 

Commenting on speculation about television 

competition, the report says that the 

Youngstein to 

Head 

Para. Advertising 

NEW YORK—Max Youngstein has resigned 

as vice-president in charge of advertising, 

publicity and exploitation for 

Eagle Lion to become director of advertsing, 

publicity and exploitation for 

Paramount. He will leave EL May 20 and 

take over his new post three days later. 

Stanley Shuford resigned as advertising 

manager for Paramount earlier in the 

week. 

Since the resignation of Col. Curtis 

Mitchell as director of advertising, publicity 

and exploitation several months ago 

the Paramount promotion departments 

have not had a joint head. Shuford has 

functioned as advertising manager, Ben 

Washer as publicity director, and recently 

Hal Danziger was named exploitation 

director. It is understood Shuford 

objected to this arrangement. All three 

departments have been under the general 

supervision of Paul Raibourn, vicepresident. 

Shuford had been with Paramount six 

years and prior to that had long advertising 

experience, as a vice-president of 

the Blow Agency and with Lord & 

Thomas. He was with Warner Bros, 

seven years and with RKO in 1941. 

new medium "may turn out to be our companion 

rather than our antagonist," that it 

may become "an unparalleled medium for 

the development of talent for motion pictures" 

and that it will be "an imprecedented 

advertising facility for the showing of short 

sections of movies in homes to stimulate the 

interest of those who are not now patrons of 

the movies." 

The report tells how Paramount, as a motion 

picture company, has pioneered in the 

development of television and describes the 

company's fast system of large-screen television, 

calling it especially adaptable to a 

film theatre. It points out that "with our 

large-screen televisioii, people need not stay 

at home 'during broadcasts of major events') 

because they will know they can see the regular 

program and the special event at their 

motion picture theatre." 

Balaban's report concludes: 

"With the time now definitely fixed for 

the separation of Paramount into two enterprises, 

I cannot help but reflect upon the 

good and rewarding days we have had together. 

Many of us can remember the dark 

time following the reorganization in 1935 

when Paramount had approximately $100,- 

000,000 of senior securities outstanding. In 

the intervening years, practically all those 

senior securities were paid off or otherwise 

retired ... It is especially fortunate that we 

have such a sound financial structure now, 

because it makes the task of the two new 

companies so much easier and gives them 

the basic strength and resources to carry on 

their own activities successfully." 

British Circuit Plans 

TV Broadcasting 

NEW YORK—British exhibitors not in 

direct 

competition with Granada Theatres will 

be serviced on request 

with television programs 

if and when the 

postmaster general 

grants Granada's recent 

application for a 

license to erect a television 

station, Cecil G. 

Bernstein, managing 

director, has revealed. 

He also plans erection 

of a London studio for 

the production of specal 

shows which would q^^^ q Bernstein 

be televised to many 

of the company's chain of 58 theatres and 

the non-competing houses. 

Bernstein arrived a week ago for the 

express purpose of examining the RCA largescreen 

television equipment which will oe 

offered for sale in limited numbers at the 

end of the year. The current estimated cost 

would be about $25,000, not including some 

extras and installation. TOA has complained 

that this is too high for most exhibitors. 

INTERESTED IN COMPARISON 

The British film man will compare the RCA 

equipment with what he said is similar equipment 

to be marketed in England about the 

same time by J. Arthur Rank interests at 

an initial price, based on the production of 

the first 12 sets, of from $32,000 to $40,000, 

including installation. 

Up to the present time the British postmaster 

general has allowed television privileges 

only to the British Broadcasting Co., 

but Bernstein hopes to get permission to 

broadcast over a special wavelength. BBC 

already, he said, has offered to let his theatres 

pick up any of their wholly owned 

shows for large-screen theatre use in return 

for the use of films at least a year old. 

"We felt," Bernstein said, "that BBC has 

little to offer us now that would draw audiences 

to our theatres. This belief led to our 

decision to apply for our own station. 

"According to published descriptions, the 

Rank equipment looks pretty good. It is 

about the same size and is located at about 

the same distance from the screen as the 

RCA equipment. I am also interested In 

seeing the Paramount setup." 

CAN'T PREDICT VIDEO START 

Bernstein could make no prediction as to 

when the government might act on his application. 

If the decision should be favorable, 

his company would be the first private 

company to enter the field with the 

BBC. He did not know of any applications 

filed or planned to be filed by other film 

groups. He is an independent. 

While TOA envisages in the distant future 

the possibility of a central agency piping 

closed-circuit television programs into film 

theatres, or sending them over the air when 

a theatre is near enough to the point of 

origin, it is not believed that the plans have 

developed to a point where there might be a 

good percentage of live talent. 

With Bernstein the situation is different. 

His theatres are not limited to the showing 

of films and play a variety of entertainment. 

16 BOXOFPICE May 14, 1949

inbc ur ibiiuiiinbi I MIL KtRuniKiu 

. .10:00 

. 10:30 

, 1 

3:00 

i 

May 20 In Th*s> CItItt 

DENVER 

Paramount Proj. Rm. 

2100 Stout St 2 :00 P.M... 3 :45 P.M. 

LOS ANGELES 

Boulevard Theatre 

Wash. & Vermont Sts. 3 :00 P.M. . 1 :3a P.M. 

PORTLAND 


909 N.W. 19th Ave.. 2 :30 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 

SALT LAKE CITY 


270 E. 1st South St.. 1:30 P.M.. 3:15 P.M. 

SAN FRANCISCO 


205 Golden Gate Ave. 1 :30 P.M. 3:15 P.M. 

SEATTLE 


2330 First Ave. ,., 2:30P.M. 1:00P.M. 

Of Two Great Re-Issues Leading Off A Season-Long 

Paramount Parade Of All -Time Champions 

Brought Back By Boxoffice Demand 

So fine— So Stirring—So Timeless, 

That It 

Could Have Been 

Produced Yesterday! 

lED MacMURRAY 

SYLVIA SIDNEY 

HENRY FONDA 

in 

-'the TRAIL OF THE 

Color 

by 

TECHNICOLOR 

with Fred Stone 

• Nigel Bruce 

Beulali Bondi • Robert Barrat 

Spanliy McFarland • Fuzzy Knight 

Based on lolin roi, Ir's Famous No«ol 

Difected by Henry Hathaway 

A Walter Wanger Production 

The Cry That Will Bring New 

Millions To See its Vast Out- 

Door Spectacle— Its 

Action Thrills! 

Undated 

PRESTON FOSTER 

ELLEN DREW 

ANDY DEVINE 

William Henry • Ralph Morgan 

Gene Lockhart 

Directed by Paul H. Sloane 

Screen Play by Paul H. Sloane 

. 

May 24 In Th«t« Cities 

ALBANY 

Fox Screenmg Rm. 

1052 Broadway 7:30 P.M. .9:15 P.M. 

ATLANTA 


154 Walton St.. N.W. 2:30 P.M. 10:30 A.M. 

BOSTON 

Paramount Proj. Km. 

58 Berkeley St. 2:30 P.M. 11:00 A.M. 

BUFFALO 


464Franklm St. 1:00 P.M.. 2:45 P.M. 

CHARLOTTE 

Paramount Proj. Km. 

305 S. Church St.. . . 11 :00 A. M. 9 :30 A.M. 

CHICAGO 


1306 S. Michigan Av 1 :30 P.M.' 3:15 P.M. 

CINCINNATI 

Paiamount Proj. Rm. 

1214 Central Pkway. 1:30 P.M. 3:15 P.M. 

CLEVELAND 


1735 E. 23rd SI 2:00 P.M. 3:45 P.M. 

DALLAS 


412 S. Harv»ood St. 2:30 P.M. 10:30 A.M. 

DES MOINES 


1125 High St 1:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. 

, 

DETROIT 


479 Ledyard Ave. .1 ;00 P.M. P.M. 

INDIANAPOLIS 


116 W. Michigan St.. 1:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. 

JACKSONVILLE 

Fla. Thea. Screen'g Rm. 

128 Forsyth St 9:00 P.M.. ,7:30 P.M. 

KANSAS CITY 


1800 Wyandotte St. . :30 P.M. . 10 :30 A.M. 

MEMPHIS 


362 S. Second St.. . 2:30 P.M. 10:30 A.M. 

MILWAUKEE 


1121 North 8th St. 2 :00 P.M. 3 :45 P.M. 

MINNEAPOLIS 


1201 Currle Ave 2:00 P.M. 10:30 A.M. 

NEW HAVEN 


82 State Street . 

P.M.. 8:30 P.M. 

. , 

. 

NEW ORLEANS 


215 S. Liberty St.. A.M. 1 :30 P.M. 

OKLAHOMA CITY 


701 W. Grand Ave.. .1:30 P.M.. 10 :30 A.M. 

OMAHA 


1704 Davenport St. . . 1 :00 P.M. 10 :30 A.M. 

PHILADELPHIA 


248 N. 12th St 2 :00 P.M. 11 :00 A.M. 

PITTSBURGH 


1727 Blvd. of Allies. .2:00 P.M..11 :00 A.M. 

ST. LOUIS 


2949 Olive St 3:00 P.M. .1 :00 P.M. 

WASHINGTON 


306 H. Street, N. W. 1:30 P.M., ,3:15 P.M. 

May 18 In 

Naw York Cily 

Para. Proj. Rm. (12 floor) 

1501 Broadviiay. .. .2:30 P.M.

Edward Small in Overture 

To Acquire Eagle Lion 

HOLLYWOOD—Challenging United Artists 

for the sales-conjecture limelight, now 

comes Eagle Lion with 

not entirely unfounded 

reports that veteran 

producer Edward 

Small may be interested 

in acquiring that 

company or, at least, 

in moving into a controlling 

position therein. 

A Small representative 

told BOXOF- 

FICE that the filmmaker 

had been in 

Edward Small several preliminary 

huddles with Serge Semenenko, representing 

the First National bank of Boston, which 

organization has heavily invested in both 

EL and its parent company, Pathe Industries. 

Also sitting in on the parleys has 

been Robert Benjamin, EL counsel. 

Semenenko and Benjamin arrived in Hollywood 

almost simultaneously with the resignation 

of Arthur Krim as EL president, Krim 

having vacated the post because, he said, of 

"irreconcilable differences which have arisen 

between management and ownership." 

Meantime a spokesman for Small pointed 

out that the negotiations were covering so 

much ground, involving not only management 

of the studio but also the company's 

distribution operations, that at this point the 

principals were still talking in "generalities." 

He intimated that the huddles, now in the 

"vague" category, would have to continue for 

some time before any concrete decisions 

could be reached. 

Pathe Industries, Inc. Reports 

Huge Net Loss for 1949 

NEW YORK—Pathe Industries, Inc., parent 

company of Eagle Lion Films, Pictorial Films 

and Pathe Laboratories, reported a net loss 

of $1,045,997.44 for the 52 weeks ended Dec. 

31, 1948. The company had a net profit of 

$210,815 for 52 weeks in 1947. 

Robert W. Purcell, chairman of the board, 

told the stockholders that during 1948 gross 

revenues from Eagle Lion increased 65 per 

cent over 1947. He also said domestic rentals 

during the first 12 weeks of 1949 were 20 per 

cent higher than those for the corresponding 

period for 1948. 

Foreign revenues also are beginning to improve, 

he said. Purcell predicted that full 

scale operations in Latin America, increased 

distribution 

throughout the United Kingdom 

via the J. Arthur Rank Organization and the 

recent distribution past for continental 

Europe made with Gamma Films may double 

the 1948 foreign receipts by the end of this 

year. 

Purcell also said that Pictorial Films, 

Pathe's 16mm subsidiary, should produce a 

substantial profit for the parent company for 

the first time this year. 

Also on the bright side was the news that 

Pathe sold its lease in the State Theatre, 

Denver, at a $163,019 profit. 

Purcell then analyzed the reasons for the 

company's loss during 1948. He said Eagle 

Lion produced high-budget films during 

the 

first 11 months of its operation, August 1946, 

through July 1947, when production costs 

were at a peak level. 

These pictures were released in 1947 and 

1948 when boxoffice receipts were declining 

in the U.S. and the foreign market was 

upset by currency restrictions and economic 

conditions. The gross income failed to cover 

the cost of these productions, said Purcell. 

He said that Eagle Lion is now delivering 

films at an average cost 50 per cent below' 

that of the first 11 months, 1946-1947. Furthermore, 

the company's growing distribution 

facilities have attracted the product of David 

O. Selznick and Walter Wanger. Banks 

granted additional loans early in 1949 ($2,400,- 

000 from the First National bank of Boston), 

and current maturities of existing loans were 

extended until 1950. 

The financial statement showed that 

Pathe's total 1948 income was $30,068,449.87. 

This included $15,269,189.52 from rentals and 

sales of films and accessories; $6,044,291.96 

from Pathe Laboratories, and $201,862.89 

from theatre admissions, real estate and other 

operating income. 

Zonuck Stresses 20th-Fox 

Not Limited on Lineup 

HOLLYWOOD — Reaffirming the flexible 

production policy first disclosed at recent top 

brass executive huddles on the Westwood lot, 

Darryl P. Zanuck, 20th Century-Fox production 

chief, emphasized that the company will 

not be bound by arbitrary figures in its 

1949-50 lineup, which will comprise a minimum 

of 26 and a possible maximum of 3E 

features—or more. 

Myers Cites Great 

For Protection Aga 

WASHINGTON—The hard-pressed exhibitor 

who says he cannot afford to insure 

his theatre actually cannot afford 

not to carry insurance, Abram F. Myers, 

general counsel for Allied States Ass'n, 

said this week in commenting on a BOX- 

OFFICE editorial calling attention to the 

needs to protect theatres against fire 

losses. 

"Fire like all other accidents is not 

something that happens to the other 

fellow," he said. "While care may reduce 

the hazard, no one is immune. And when 

fire strikes, the loss is not limited to 

property damages; it spells an end to the 

exhibitor's means of livelihood." 

Increased use of non-inflammable film 

will not only reduce the fire hazard in 

theatres, Myers said, but it also should 

reduce insurance rates. A change to this 

type of film should be accomplished as 

soon as it is economically feasible, he 

added. 

"Exhibitors should also investigate the 

Goldwyn Considering 

Aid to Independents 

NEW YORK—James M. Mulvey, president 

of Samuel Goldwyn Productions, reported 

that negotiat ons are in progress between 

his organization and RKO over a special financing 

and distribution program proposed 

by Samuel Goldwyn for independents. This 

plan is tied in with the renewal of Goldwyn's 

distr.bution contract with RKO, which will 

expire June 30. The contract has a year's 

renewal option. 

Goldwyn has proposed to set up his own 

company to provide funds and studio facilities 

for certain topnotch independents. 

Their 

films would then be released through RKO 

along with regular Goldwyn productions. 

They would, however, be sold under the label 

of the independent producer and not under 

the Goldwyn label. They also would be 

covered by the same distribution terms 

covering Goldwyn's own product. He plans 

four films for 1949. 

Reports that disputes over the terms and 

the labeling were holding up renewal of 

Goldwyn's pact with RKO were denied by 

Mulvey. He said many details still have to 

be worked out, and predicted a satisfactory 

settlement. 

Shirley Temple Film Set 

For Release by UA 

NEW YORK—United Artists will distribute 

"A Kiss for Corliss," to be produced by Colin 

Miller and Marcus Loew II, according to 

Gradwell L. Sears, president. The picture, 

which will star Shirley Temple in the continuation 

of the Corliss Archer character 

created by her in "Kiss and Tell," will be directed 

by Richard Wallace and will be filmed 

in Hollywood this summer. 

UA has also acquired distribution rights to 

a series of 18 shorts entitled "Songs of 

America," produced by W. E. WUder, to be 

released within the next year. 

Exhibitor 

inst 

Disaster 

Need 

possibilities of use and occupancy insurance. 

This is a rather expensive form of 

insurance and may actually be beyond 

the reach of some exhibitors. It covers 

normal profits and continuing expenses 

while the theatre is closed pending repairs. 

Imagine what a lifesaver such insurance 

would have been to the exhibitors 

mentioned in your editorial." 

Myers also pointed out that exhibitors 

are doing more in the way of fire prevention 

than is commonly supposed. 

"They are aware of their tremendous 

responsibilities during operating hours. 

The manager or usher who quiets the 

aud'.ence and steers it to safety is not a 

chance hero. He is performing a task 

that he has mastered through many fire 

drills. But too much care cannot be 

exercised and the suggestions contained 

in your editorial are most timely. The 

subject should be on the agenda of every 

exhibitor meeting; it cannot be overstressed," 

he said. 

18 BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949

AT 25, LEO LOOKS BACK PROUDLY AT FIRST SUCCESSES . 

THE BIG PARADE (1924) 

THE MERRY WIDOW (1925) FLESH AND THE DEVIL (19261 BROADWAY MELODY (1929) 

MGM's Silver 

Is 

Anniversary 

Observed This Week 

NEW YORK—This is 

anniversary week for 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and, on the occasion 

of its 25th birthday, the company is looking 

back proudly and looking ahead with 

optimism. It was just a quarter of a century 

ago that Louis B. Mayer and his staff 

arrived at the studios to take charge of the 

various producing units which had been 

joined under the MGM banner, and the 

tradepress announced the formation of the 

new company. 

By the time talking pictures came to the 

screen, the new company already had established 

itself as a producer of top hits 

with such films as "The Big Parade" with 

John Gilbert and Renee Adoree, "The Merry 

Widow" with Gilbert and Mae Murray, "The 

Flesh and the Devil," again with Gilbert 

and with Greta Garbo co-starred and "Ben 

Hur," with Ramon Novarro, May McAvoy 

and Francis X. Bushman. 

The MGM organization, however, is not 

celebrating its silver anniversary by turning 

back to consider past laurels, but is looking 

ahead. Through its "Friendship" meetings, 

exhibitors in dozens of cities are being given 

an opportunity of looking at "The Stratton 

Story" and "Little Women," and attention 

is being paid to the selling of such releasedated 

pictures as "Neptune's Daughter" 

starring Esther Williams and Red Skelton; 

"The Great Sinner" which stars Gregory 

Peck, Ava Gardner dnd Ethel Barrymore; 

"The Barkleys of Broadway," which returns 

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire as a team; 

and "Edward, My Son," with Spencer Tracy 

and Deborah Kerr. 

Other anniversary product which the company 

has ready, but has not been set for 

release as yet includes: 

"In the Good Old Summer Time," in 

Technicolor, with Van Johnson, Judy Garland, 

Buster Keaton and S. Z. Sakall. 

"Challenge to Lassie," in Technicolor, based 

on an actual incident in Scotland, with 

Edmund Gwenn, Donald Crisp and Geraldine 

Brooks. 

"Scene of Crime," a detective mystery, with 

Van Johnson, Tom Drake and Arlene Dahl. 

"Conspirator," espionage drama, with Robert 

Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor. 

"Madame Bovary," based on the famous 

French novel, with Jennifer Jones, James 

Mason, Van Heflin and Louis Jourdan. 

"That Midnight Kiss," a musical story, in 

Technicolor, starring Kathryn Grayson, Jose 

Iturbi, Keenan Wynn and Ethel Barrymore. 

"Any Number Can Play," story of a bigtime 

gambler, with Clark Gable, Audrey Totter. 

Frank Morgan and Alexis Smith. 

Leo is carrying the story of anniversary 

product into 96 cities by previewing "The 

Secret Garden" and "The Stratton Story" 

for exhibitors and carrying the story of MGM 

and the film industry to civic groups within 

each of the communities. 

. . . And 

Looks Ahead 

Optimistically With 

Birthday Product .... 

Advance clips 

from MGM pictures 

to be released later in the year as 

anniversary features. 

MADAME BOVARY 

^^^j^î£ 

IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME 

(In 

Technicolor) 

CONSPIRATOR ANY NUMBER CAN PLAY THE STRATTON STORY SCENE OF CRIME 

BOXOFFICE :: May 14, 1949 19

ING 

Everybody agr 

^vorking hardest f 

is 

20th-deliveri 

parade of moneyj 

IT HAPPENS EVERY S 

BLONDE 

FROM BASMFl 

GOES TO COLLEGE .TH 

FAN • CANADIAN PACIFiq 

A LETTER TO THREE 

SHIPS -THE SN/ 

\^-' 

"Give your support to the United States Savings Bond Drive May 16-Iune 30. 

Be a modern iorty-niner." 

• 

I

s 

the company 

Shov^men today 

an unequalled 

î-the-bank hits!- 

Ing-the beautiful 

km -MR BELVEDERE 

DRBIDDEN STREET • THE 

flOTHER IS A FRESHMAN 

i 

• 

DOWN TO THE SEA 

PIT • YELLOW SKY 

a^tneaa^*' / 

CENTURY-FOX 

71! 

r^

No Future in 

Editor's Note— The following article written 

by C. A. Matthews of Charlotte, N. C. 

was received on March 21. 1949. Some of 

it, therefore, has become accurate prophecy. 

The "New Palace" has been definitely announced: 

vaudeville is being revived elsewhere 

around the country; new sales plans 

are being formulated. One, in fact, is 

announced in this issue. Mr. Matthews 

seems to know what he is talking about. 

And he has a way of telling it in interesting, 

inspirational fashion. 

By C. A. MATTHEWS 

How often have you heard the expression 

"When I played the Palace" . . . "When I 

produced Saint Elmo" . . . "When I was 

sales manager of Pluperfect Pictures" . . . 

these and other statements equally as 

prosaic. 

The use of the personal pronoun "I" 

in show business has ruined more corporations 

and damned more careers than all 

the social, economic and industrial upheavals 

our industry has been called upon 

to withstand. 

It may be true that all these voices raised 

in self praise have a divine right to be 

heard. They may even deserve a place in 

yesterday's fickle hall of fame, but, 1949 

can hardly afford to muse on the splendor 

that was Rome. Rather, we must concentrate 

on the glory, the opportunity, the 

challenge and the coign of vantage that 

is today. Never forgetting all the glorious 

tomorrows, which through our efforts will 

surely follow. 

For the vaudeville performer the Palace 

of the two-a-day became a memory. In 

the wake of its demise came depressed 

spirits, broken hearts and even caused the 

burial of a way of life. But, a new super 

Palace will be born with a proscenium 

opening width unlimited. A full stage setting 

of possibilities undreamed of in the 

old days. Television is making possible the 

rebirth of vaudeville. After viewing television 

for a period of time and suffering 

eye strain, monotony, not to speak of the 

evenings spent with more company in the 

living room than the walls will stand, a 

desire will suddenly appear for flesh . . . 

Life's Seminar Tarries 

In Chicago on Way West 

NEW YORK — Life magazine's so-called 

seminar by means of which it hopes to develop 

a critical discussion of the film industry 

moved early in the week to Chicago 

after sessions here attended by Ken Clark, 

Francis Harmon and Joseph I. Breen of the 

MPAA. 

On Monday (9i the seminarians stopped 

off in Chicago and discussed trade relations 

with exhibitors singly and in groups. They 

learned that some Chicago exhibitors think 

that exhibitor-distributor relations are not 

good. 

Set 'Colorado' Showings 

NEW YORK—"Colorado Territory" will be 

nationally tradeshown by Warner Bros. 

16. It will be released June 11. 

May 

Census Bureau to Get 

the Past Tense Film industry Data 

in person . . . then vaudeville will be recreated 

in the public mind. But don't 

follow the simple expedient of allowing the 

. . . It's a definite possi- 

other fellow to set the pace. Do something 

about it now. Prepare for the opening of 

the new Palace 

bility. 

Attention, you producers of "Saint Elmo," 

it's high time for you to change the routine 

and technique. We have outgrown the 

stereotype formula. Even you, Mr. Producer, 

will admit that the basic money 

theme you have produced for, lo, these 

many years, is beginning to backfire. It is 

more than just significant that two-thirds 

of all movie audiences are under 30 years 

of age. You must do something about this 

trend immediately with a new and different 

approach. 'Wliy not try producing 

Giuseppe Berto's "The Sky Is Red," or 

Gladys Schmitt's "Alexandra"? Forget 

"Saint Elmo" and "Thorns and Orange 

Blossoms." They went out with Goldman 

& Saks and the pick-up finance on the last 

five episodes of the serial. 

And now for the sales manager of Pluperfect 

Pictures, the time is ripe for the 

formulation of a new sales plan, a sales 

plan which will do the most good for the 

most, and I do mean most exhibitors. You 

may publicize the title of the new plan, 

hold the same old sales conferences, beat 

the same old drums, but be certain that 

the title of that plan is "The Emancipation 

Scale." You can then dispense with 

all the technicalities involved in all the 

old sales plans and base this plan on the 

Golden Rule. All the bad films which result 

in a loss at the boxoffice will receive 

a credit balance against the good 

films that show a profit. We have tried 

all other methods of selling. Let's give this 

simple system a whirl. 

We have rested on our laurels long 

enough, following an antiquated precedent 

of modus operandi. Unfortunately there is 

no guide book for the future. No Das 

Kapital to schedule the movements of our 

future revolution with destiny. We have 

dreamed too much and too long of the past. 

It's time to plan for the future, remembering 

that this future belongs to those 

who lay the groundwork today. 

Arthur S. White Dies; 

Was Aide to Edison 

NEW YORK — Arthur S. 'White, studio 

manager for the late Thomas A. Edison and 

one of the first leading men of the film business, 

died May 8 in the City hospital on Welfare 

Island. He was 89. 

White managed the Edison studio at West 

Orange, N. J. He made his first film appearance 

in Edwin S. Porter's "The Life of 

An American Fireman." This is considered 

to be the first American narrative picture 

and film historians say it served as a stepping 

stone to more ambitious films. Porter 

later made "The Great Train Robbery." 

Shortly after appearing in "The Life of 

An American Fireman," White resigned from 

the Edison company and joined Percy Williams, 

New York franchise holder for B. F. 

Keith vaudeville. 

WASHINGTON—The motion picture industry 

will learn more about itself, statistically 

speaking, this year than ever before— 

and, for the first time, will have accurate 

f igui-es on a great variety of its business activities. 

This information will come through Form 

BC-42 of the United States Census Bureau, 

the reporting form for theatres and other 

amusement places to be used in the census 

of business which the government is conducting 

this spring. The data will cover 

operations in 1948 and will be the first census 

of amusement enterprises in nearly a decade. 

SEVEN INQUIRY GROUPS 

The peak of operations is expected to be 

reached late in May when about 4,500 enumerators 

will be working out of 300 field offices 

interviewing business men in all parts of the 

country. 

The reporting form submits six groups of 

inquiries for all establishments covered in the 

entertainment field, and a seventh (on seating 

capacity and total number of admissions 

during the yean for motion picture theatres 

only. About half of the inquiries can be 

answered off-hand as they are read, and 

other inquiries, which require reference to 

records, have been designed to conform to 

normal accounting practices in the amusement 

industry. 

Inquiry 1 relates to identification of the 

place of business, name of owner, location, 

and date when the business was acquired. 

The second group of questions will relate to 

a description of the business and the legal 

form of ownership. The third group of questions 

is designed to provide information on 

ticket sales, sales of merchandise including 

refreshment services, sales and excise taxes 

paid to local, state and national government 

which are paid directly by the patron. This 

information will give the first accurate data 

on the amount of business which theatres 

do in candy, popcorn and beverage sales. 

TO REPORT ON PAYROLLS 

Other inquiries will deal with payroll and 

employment, totals on number of proprietors 

or partners and number of family members 

m business but not paid a salary or wage, 

and space leased for concessions or special 

departments. 

The data collected will be published in 

national, state and city summaries to enable 

exhibitors and others in the amusement field 

to make comparisons of their own experience 

with the average for other such establishments 

in various areas of the counti-y. 

Harold Beaudine, Director, 

Dies at VA Hospital 

HOLLYWOOD—Harold Beaudine, veteran 

film director once associated with the famed 

Christie comedies, died May 9 at the 'Veterans 

Administration hospital, Sawtelle, following 

a lengthy illness. He was 55 years old 

and had been a veteran of World War I in 

the army engineer corps. 

Military funeral services were held May 11 

at the Sawtelle 'Veterans chapel, with burial 

following in the Veterans Administration 

cemetery at Sawtelle. He is survived by his 

wife, Mrs. Stephanie Beaudine; his mother, 

Mrs. William Beaudine, and a brother. William 

Beaudine, Monogram film director. 

22 

BOXOrnCE :: May 14, 1?49

^^ 

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"Give your support to the 

United States Savings 

Bond Drive May 16-Iune 30. 

Be a modern forty-niner." 

^"-"^Cik. 

^ ^^rER Tor/Jt^'^ SKY 

OOWH TO Z 2P ^'V^S /

'THetmutd S(^^€*ttA 

Television Progress 

Clearance Theories Fade 

THEORIES about the value of clearances 

cherished for a quarter of a century or 

more are being revised so rapidly that both 

distributors and exhibitors are astonished. 

Zone setups within cities are spreading Uke 

a prairie fire. How far they will go is anybody's 

guess. 

Pictures play off faster, but they bring 

in more income from the subsequents both 

for the distributor and exhibitor. Massed 

regional openings as well as the Jackson 

Park decree in Chicago started the moves. 

The antitrust decree in the so-called Paramount 

antitrust case accelerated them. 

Some big circuit operators chewed nails 

at the start, but now some of the die-hards 

are beginning to admit that results from 

heavy advertising campaigns are better 

while the public still holds the impression 

pictures are fresh. 

Some subsequents have caught the idea 

By JAMES M. JERAULD 

and are now advertising minor product as 

first run with excellent results. 

What effect this will have on production 

remains to be seen. More pictures may be 

needed. Super-specials running 90 to 200 

minutes may take it on the chin. 

JJBC's statement of its position on use of 

television in theatres may turn out to 

be a milestone in the development of this 

industry's attitude toward the new medium. 

For the first time Charles R. Denny, in 

behalf of NBC, made it clear that his company 

has no objection to use of its pro- 

H LL developments out of England since 

Shadow Boxing 

grams in lobbies and lounges where no 

the return of J. Arthur Rank to London 

indicate that there is still a lot of 

extra admission is charged. Quite some 

excitement on this point developed during 

shadow-boxing in connection with the 

the Republican and Democratic national 

quota problem. 

conventions. As a result, some exhibitors 

Political spokesmen say it will be impossible 

to reduce the 40 per cent quota set 

have used lobby receivers and many have 

not because of their uncertainty over the 

for a start in October for at least another 

legal aspects. 

year. The impression has become general 

NBC makes it plain for the first time 

in this country that nothing happened at 

that it is willing to provide special programs 

for theatre use: that arrangements ington, except that U.S. distributors stated 

the Anglo-American conference in Wash- 

can be made for use of special events programs: 

that ordinary advertising programs position to the showing of American films 

flatly that they would continue their op- 

can be used if there is agreement to include 

on the lower half of dual bills with British 

the commercials, and that it may rent 

films. 

equipment. 

A neat face-saving formula may develop 

All these elements were surprises to some —something like the granting of additional 

of the TOA members, but the most surprising 

of all to many of them was the cost of 

exemptions to British theatres from quota 

operation. 

a large-screen projector—$25,000. 

Paramount estimated some time ago that 

its tube-to-film equipment for theatre use 

Special Nights 

would cost about this amount for the early CPECIAL midweek showings of Negro and 

sets. Costs will go down as quantity production 

is achieved. Big theatres, if they customers not regular attendants are being 

foreign films for the purpose of pulling 

decide to use the novelty, will have to stand tried in a number of places. 

the development expense. This means that R. M. Savini of Astor Pictures first suggested 

the plan to exhibitors who could not 

there will be no rush in this direction until 

the theatre divorcement problems are be induced to play Negro films for full 

cleared up. 

weeks on the usual two or three-day 

By that time, perhaps, it will be known changes in subsequents. Some houses have 

whether theatres will be granted broadcasting 

licenses by the FCC, which to date weeks for all-Negro programs. 

put aside one night every two or three 

has shied away from any houses directly Other exhibitors located in college towns 

or indirectly connected with the antitrust and in towns where there are large foreign-speaking 

sections have added occa- 

suits. Paramount and others contend that 

under the new divorced corporate setups it 

sional foreign films to their regular programs, 

or have included them one night a 

and the new units will be entitled to licenses. 

If the FCC continues to be stiffnecked, 

this problem will go to court. In ing. 

week on dual bills. The practice is spread- 

the meantime TOA may ask for an experimental 

channel for use with SMPE. 

Strange Taxation 

COME companies have been paying taxes 

on income they have not received because 

the Ti-easui-y department has insisted 

upon it. Others have treated foreign income 

as non-existent until transferred to 

this country in some form. 

the Treas- 

News from Washington that 

ury is considering a change in the rules 

came as a welcome surprise last week. If 

the rules change does not work out. Congress 

may be asked to act. 

There can be no justice in taxation on 

the book value of impounded foreign funds, 

because these always face the prospect of 

currency devaluation abroad after the 

taxes have been paid. 

Paramount Declares Dividend 

NEW YORK—The board of directors of 

Paramount Pictures, Inc., has declared the 

regular quarterly dividend of 50 cents per 

share on the common stock, payable June 24. 

Film 

Exchange Buildings 

Again Escape Fire Loss 

NEW YORK—For the third successive 

year, the 400 exchanges and shipping 

units of the Motion Picture Ass'n of 

America member companies have had no 

loss from fire, according to a report by 

John B. McCuUough, director of the conservation 

department, to Eric Johnston, 

president. In 1948, he said, the exchanges 

shipped, repaired and serviced theatres 

with more than 21,000 miles of film daily. 

He added: "It is doubtful that any industry 

of comparative business volume can 

match this record." 

There have been only 16 film fires in 

member-operated exchanges in the U.S. 

in 23 years, with an annual average fire 

loss of only $211.04, according to McCullough. 

He attributed the good record to 

the self-regulatoi-y conservation program 

instituted 26 years ago. Under the MPAA 

system, branch managers serve as supervisors 

in local exchange areas for six 

months on a rotating basis. In 1948, 4,700 

inspections were made. 

Industry Shorts Brochure 

Sent Out to Exhibitors 

NEW YORK—The Motion Picture Ass'n of 

America has mailed an elaborate eight-page, 

12-',2xl5-inch, two color brochure on heavy 

stock to exhibitors across the country as a 

buildup for the 12 industry shorts, "The 

Movies and You." 

The piece tells the story of the shorts, 

what they contain, how they will be promoted, 

and what exhibitors can do to help 

In improvement of industry relations. Many 

letters from exhibitors, crafts, guilds, producers 

and distributors are reproduced. 

Stanley SMuford and his advertising department 

at Paramount turned out the brochure. 

The first subject in the series, "Let's Go 

to the Movies," will be distributed by RKO 

and will be released May 13. Tlie others 

will come along at the rate of one every two 

months. 

DelGuidice to Produce 

Features in America 

NEW YORK—Pilippo DelGuidice, whose 

Pilgrim Pictures, Ltd., produced "The Guinea 

Pig," current at the Little Carnegie, is expanding 

his American activities and will 

produce films here under the title of Pilgrim 

Pictures, Inc. 

First feature to be produced by DelGuidice's 

local un't will be "Mr. Common Sense," 

an historical drama based on the life of Tom 

Paine, the author who championed the 

Colonies in the American Revolution. Fredric 

March will play the title role. "Mr. Common 

Sense" is the first of a series of featm-e>: 

plamied by DelGuidice to be based on classic 

themes or current day realism in the American 

scene. 

DelGuidice has heretofore produced typically 

British subjects, such as "Henry V," 

"The Tawny Pipit" and "Hamlet," as well as 

"The Guinea Pig," wh ch is a story of British 

school life. The latter film is being distributed 

in America by Variety Films. 

24 

BDXOFFICE May 14, 1949

TOA Lists 433 Films 

Used by Television 

NEW YORK—The Theatre Owners of 

America has mailed its members a list of 

433 films released to television in the New 

York area and made available to other television 

outlets throughout the country. Supplemental 

lists will be mailed monthly. 

The action follows the recommendations 

of the January 28 meeting of the board of 

These commended production and 

directors. 

distribution executives who refused to release 

films "created for and paid for by the motion 

picture theatres," urged against the 

"giving away" of industry product on tele- 

V sion as "economically indefensible" from 

the point of view of the entire industry, 

authorized TOA to tabulate such films and 

make their identity known to members, encouraged 

the use of sales trailers on television 

and asked members to "carefully 

analyze the television potentials and problems 

in his own particular market" and consider 

"whether he should, on his own or with 

others, file an application before the FCC 

for a television license." 

The bulletin also noted: "On the Ust you 

will find pictures originally released by MGM, 

RKO. Warner Bros., Paramount and other 

major companies. Most of these pictures were 

made by outside producers and released 

through the company listed: the rights have 

reverted to the producer, and the producer, 

not the distributor, has released the picture 

to 

television." 

RKO Sets Seven Reissues 

For Release During June 

NEW YORK—RKO has scheduled a flock 

of reis-sues for the summer season, thus following 

the lead of Paramount, which recently 

set two reissues for June, and MGM, 

which set "The Wizard of Oz" for July 1 

release. 

In addition to one new feature, "The Judge 

Steps Out," for June release, RKO will also 

distribute package reissue programs of two 

Disney films, "Dumbo" and "Saludos Amigos," 

and two Sol Lesser Tarzan features, 

"Tarzan Triumphs" and "Tarzan's Desert 

Mystery," in June. Three George O'Brien 

westerns, "Fighting Gringo," "Marshal of 

Mesa City" and "Legion of the Lawless," will 

also be reissued in June. 

RKO is also playing test engagements of 

"Gunga Din" and "The Lost Patrol" and may 

reissue them as a package during the summer. 

The company's first reissue package, 

"She" and "The Last Days of Pompeii," was 

released in January 1949. 

EL Sets Two Rank Films 

For Release in May 

NEW YORK—Two J. Arthur Rank productions. 

"Quartet," the W. Somerset 

Maugham film, and "Saraband," in Technicolor, 

starring Stewart Granger, Francoise 

Rosay, Flora Robson and Joan Greenwood, 

have been added to the Eagle Lion release 

schedule for May, according to William J. 

Heineman, vice-president in charge of distribution. 

The other EL releases for May are: "The 

Big Cat," in Technicolor, starring Lon Mc- 

Callister, Peggy Ann Garner and Pi-eston 

Foster, and "Shamrock Hill," starring Peggy 

Ryan with Ray McDonald and John Litel. 

Super-Western Surplus^ 

Says Georgia Assn Head 

ATLANTA—Producers are making loo many 

super westerns and glutting the market with 

too many run-of-the-mill western crooktype 

pictures, J. H. Thompson, president of 

the Theatre Owners and Operators of Georgia, 

told the second annual convention of 

the organization here this week. 

"The public is getting fed up with so many 

of these super duper westerns. In the small 

communities, patrons are staying away in 

droves where the theatre runs three or four 

pictures a week. In the last 12 months, insome 

instances, if the exhibitor ran all the 

big specials, he would have to play two to 

four westerns a week," he said. 

Thompson also criticized the western programmer. 

"Let's look at the western we're 

getting today. The drug store cowboy type, 

the guitar player, the cowboy who uses guitars 

instead of guns—the six-year-old boys and 

girls make fun of this type of western. Most 

of these westerns don't contain a good fight 

in the entire picture, and if there should be 

a fight in it, these guitar players absolutely 

refuse to fight in the sun. They will ride 

for miles and miles to find a nice shade 

tree where the grass is good and thick so 

that when they fall off the horse they won't 

hurt themselves. 

"The western audiences want he-man westerns, 

the two-gun cowboy, and your regular 

western program will not do any business 

at the boxoffice until you give them good 

action westerns," he declared. 

Thompson also discussed a number of 

problems facing the small town exhibitor. 

The theatre owner in the small community, 

he said, must play a role in the community 

life. "The exhibitor in which this organization 

is interested is the one who strives 

to give the public more than it pays for, one 

who is vitally interested in good, clean, 

wholesome entertainment, one who is interested 

in all types of public services for his 

people and the community in which he is 

located, in the enhancement of his schools, 

churches, hospitals and letter facilities for 

Lie SERVICES 

")ITION OF GOC 

J. H. Thompson (center), president of 

the Georgia exhibitor association, chats 

with Governor Herman Talmadge (left) 

and Mayor Ilartsficld of Atlanta at the 

convention dinner. 

good living, and everything that pertains to 

improving the standards in every phase of 

community life." 

There are many things an exhibitor organization 

can do to help the small independent 

operator to improve his business. 

And one of the.se, Thompson said, is to see 

that certain distribution practices which 

handicap the small town exhibitor are eliminated. 

One of the worst practices that throttles 

the profits of the small town exhibitor is that 

of failure to release pictures of a timely 

subject when the subject is still of current 

interest, he said. "Take for instance, a 

baseball or football story that the exhibitor 

could make some money on if it was possible 

for him to play it during the baseball or 

football season. But 90 per cent of them 

will not be able to get a date from the distributor 

until months after the season ends." 

Both the distributor and the exhibitor lose, 

he said, in this practice. 

Ascap, MPAA Discuss Copyright Decree 

NEW YORK—The copyright committee of 

the MPAA met with Ascap lawyers May 9 to 

discuss a revised consent decree that would 

combine the Department of Justice decree of 

1941 with provisions of Judge Vincent L. 

Leibell's decree of last November. 

The Department of Justice decree of 1941 

regulated Ascap's relations with the broadcasting 

industry. The Leibell decree regulated 

Ascap's relations with the motion picture 

industry and was the result of a private 

antitrust action filed by 160 members of the 

ITOA. Its provisions have been stayed pending 

an appeal filed with the circuit court of 

appeals. 

The meeting May 9 grew out of the efforts 

of Ascap and motion picture producers to 

find a new method for collecting performing 

rights fees for music on films to replace the 

old method outlawed by Judge Leibell and 

also by Judge Nordbye of the Minneapolis 

U.S. district court in the Bennie Berger case. 

All of the majors except RKO were present 

at the meeting. Unlike Warner Bros., Paramount, 

MGM and 20th Century-Fox, RKO 

has no music publishing affiliations, and is 

not an Ascap member. 

It is understood that Att'y Gen. Tom Clark 

informed Robert P. Patterson, Ascap lawyer, 

that the Department of Justice "will look at 

any proposed decree he and his associates 

submit." 

The issue of performing rights is now up 

in 

the air. 

The decree outlawed the collection of fe«s 

for performing rights from exhibitors by 

Ascap. It also prohibited Ascap from acquiring 

these rights in the future from its members, 

and prohibited the members from refusing 

to sell these rights to producers who 

buy synchronization rights. 

These provisions have been stayed pending 

the appeal, but Ascap has not attempted to 

collect fees from theatres. At the same time 

some producers have been making if and 

when deals with Ascap members. 

SOXOFnCE May 14, 1948 25

MARK THE DATE 

WHEN THE 

BIGGEST PICTURE IN TEN 

YEARS BACKED BY THE 

BIGGEST AD CAMPAIGN OF 

THE YEAR WILL PLAY 

TO THE BIGGEST 

BUSINESS OF 1949! 

/

. . The 

. . There 

7i^€i4AC9t^to«t 

Ô ONE HERE SEEMS to be very certain 

just what Joe Schenck is planning, so, 

obviously, talk about the Justice department 

being ready to do this or that is premature. 

It is certain, however, that the Justice department 

is watching with more than passing 

interest to see just what the 20th Century-Fox 

production chief does. And if he 

should prove to be in line to acquire the RKO 

circuit or even a substantial part of it, it 

sêms likely that there wiU be some loud outcries 

here—loud, and perhaps quite effective. 

The truth is that the Justice department 

is not anxious to see policy-making officials 

of the present defendant companies moving 

out to take over divorced units of their own 

or competitive companies. The ties with 

their old associates will be too strong, it is 

felt. 

It is true that the Paramount divorce 

calls for just this sort of thing, but there 

the company was bargaining when it signed 

the consent decree. And ah-eady some administration 

voices have been raised in question 

concerning this aspect of the Paramount 

decree. There is no thought that it will be 

challenged or in any way breached, but it is 

not likely that any other company could 

at this date negotiate anything as favorable. 

WARNER BROS, has not gone all-out in its 

withdrawal from television, it developed last 

week. Its local attorneys notified the FCC 

that although the application for Chicago 

was being withdrawn, the studio still hopes 

to buy the Los Angeles TV station it seeks 

from Mrs. Dorothy Thackrey, New York 

Post publisher. Price of the station—along 

with two AM stations—is $1,045,000, of which 

Warners has already advanced about $450,000 

to Mrs. Thackrey. 

Talking about television, the National Ass'n 

of Broadcasters reported this week that the 

57 stations now on the air employ about 

10 per cent as many full-time workers as the 

more than 3,000 sound broadcast stations on 

the air. The regular staffs of these stations, 

including networks, aggregated 3,456 full- 

Martin Hails Proposal 

To Cut Excise Taxes 

28 

WASHINGTON—House Minority Leader 

Joseph W. Martin this week hailed reports 

that the President's Council of Economic 

Advisers has recommended reduction 

of excise tax rates. Martin said it 

was an encouraging sign. 

Tliere was no indication that the economic 

report refers specifically to the 

admission levy, although Martin has 

placed himself on record for reduction of 

that tax to its prewar rate of 10 per cent. 

In the meantime, a joint congressional 

committee on intergovernmental relations 

heard pleas by municipal authorities 

for a separation of tax authority 

which would call for abandonment of the 

boxoffice levy by the federal government. 

Instead, it would become an important 

source of local municipal revenues. 

êfi^nt 

By ALAN HERBERT 

time and 1,000 part-time and free-lance employes 

in February, it was found. 

Average staff per station was 46 persons, 

with more than 70 persons for 13 per cent 

of the stations. The networks employ an 

average of 290 people for New York City 

operations. 

Half the staff of the typical station is made 

up of technical employes, with 22 per cent 

in program personnel, 16 per cent in general 

administration, 8 per cent in the film department 

and 4 per cent in sales. 

WITH ALL 

THE RECENT TALK about 

getting the federal government to drop the 

admissions tax so that it might be imposed 

instead by state and local administrations. 

Gov. Lee Knous of Colorado made news the 

other day. While supporting the tax separation 

principle in general, he voiced the perfectly 

obvious fact that collection of an 

admission levy by local governments would 

not mean much toward solution of fiscal 

problems of sparsely settled states. 

The boxoffice levy could mean sizeable 

sums in states like New York and Massachusetts, 

"where people go to the movies frequently," 

Knous said. But it would not raise 

much revenue in the more sparsely settled 

regions back from the Atlantic seaboard, he 

told a congressional committee looking inte 

the problem of overlap of federal and state 

authority. 

* * * 

SELECTION OF A NEW GERMAN film 

head to replace Arthur Mayer is due shortly. 

The army is reported trying to decide among 

about three candidates . whole problem 

was complicated last week when the 

Ferguson report on cartels in Germany 

charged that there has been no serious effort 

to break the film cartel. 

It has been reported here, but not confirmed, 

that a list of possibly acceptable films 

has been submitted to MPAA by the Soviet 

government. In the meantime, MPAA has 

had no notice that the deal concluded last 

year by President Eric Johnston to sell the 

Russians films has been called off. It's just 

"wait and see." 

Construction work on the new MPAA projection 

room, at a standstill for several 

months, has been renewed . are 

now 18 tax reducing bills in the house hopper 

directed at the admissions levy. But the 

prospect for action seems little brighter than 

last year. * 

, 

Maas Signs New Contract 

As MPEA Executive 

WASHINGTON—The contract of Irving 

Maas as vice-president and general manager 

of the Motion Picture Export Ass'n has been 

renewed for another two years, according to 

the MPEA. It was due to expire this month. 

The action lends credence to the belief that 

the MPEA in some form or other will continue 

for at least that length of time. Some 

and parts of the far east to the MPEA. 

member companies have recently been considering 

distributing on their own, especially 

in Germany, leaving the iron curtain countries 

Maas recently ended a three-month survey 

of contuiental Europe. 

Bond Group Pressbooks 

Are Mailed to 17,500 

Maurice A. Bergman, chairman of the 

motion picture industry's participation 

in the U.S. Treasury's savings bond drive, 

receives the first pressl>ook on the industry's 

participation from Max Youngstein, 

advertising and publicity chairman. 

NEW YORK—The Motion Picture Industry 

Committee for the U.S. savings bond drive 

has mailed 17,500 pressbooks to the nation's 

exhibitors. 

The 12-page, two-color book was prepared 

by the Eagle Lion pressbook department under 

the supervision of Max E. Yoimgstein, 

chairman of the industry's advertising and 

publicity committee. He also is EL publicity 

and advertising vice-president. 

The book is prefaced by messages highlighting 

the importance of the drive May 15 

through June 20 from President Harry S. 

Truman; Secretary of the Treasury John W. 

Snyder; Maurice Bergman, industry drive 

chairman; Dore Schary, west coast chairman, 

and Gael Sullivan and Edward Lachman, cochairmen 

of the exhibitors committee. 

It contains a complete exploitation program 

and a list of industry representatives 

participating in each exchange area. 

HOLLYWOOI>—Two troupes of 

Hollywood 

stars will take part in opening the U.S. 

Treasury's opportunity savings bond drive, 

which runs from May 15 through June 30, 

according to Dore Schary, Hollywod bond 

committee chairman. The star bond-selling 

teams were organized at the special request 

of John W. Snyder, secretary of the treasury. 

Dennis Morgan, Alexis Smith, Craig 

Stevens, Dan Dailey and Jean Hersholt will 

appear in a Washington, D. C, rally May 15. 

Morgan will then be headliner at a rally in 

New York while Dailey will proceed to Boston 

and Miss Smith and Stevens will appear 

in Philadelphia. 

Paul Lukas, Wayne Morris, Lizabeth Scott 

and Cesar Romero will take part in a rally 

at Kansas City May 16. Lukas will fly to 

Dallas for a rally May 18, Morris will appear 

at Atlanta and Miss Scott at Detroit 

the same date. 

George Jessel will act as master of ceremonies 

at Kansas City, introducing the stars 

there. 

BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949

A picture 

that dares 

to take 

UNITED ARTISTS 

announces with pride 

7he Premiere Engagement 

of 

a stand 

-AND STANDS 

a new Stanley Kramer production. 

Screen Plays Corp. 

presents 

ALONE! 

ÎP^^ 

at the 

VICTORIA THEATRE 

(New York's home of distinguished motion pictures) 

followed immediately by engagements 

in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco 

and Los Angeles. 

/ rJ 

SCREEN PLAYS CORP. 

presents 

HOmE OF THE BRAVE »„n OOUGLAS dick • frank LOVEJOY • JAMES EDWARDS 

• STEVE BRODIE • lEFF COREY • LLOYD BRIDGES 

PRODUCED BY STANLEY KRAMER • Based on an original play by ARTHUR LAURENTS • Screenplay by CARL FOREMAN 

Directed by MARK ROBSON 

• Musical Score by DIMITRl TIOMKIN

Theatre Construction, Openings and Sales 

CONSTRUCTION: 

Houlton, Me.—Unnamed 300-car drive-in under way 

tor Louis Webber. Tentative lale May opening. 

Wbitinjville. Mass.—Unnamed theatre, 1,000 seats, 

under way for unidentified owner. 

West Bridgewoter, Mass. — Permit for drive-ifi 

granted to Asack Bros. 

Framinghom, Moss.— 1,500-seat theatre to get under 

way in June in the Frcrmingham shopping center 

for Phihp Smith Enterprises. 

Columbia, Mo.— l,2(j0-seat theatre planned for 

early fall bids by Commonwealth Theatres, Inc., 215 

West 18th St.. Kansas City, Mo. Robert O. Boiler and 

Dietz Lusk, 7332 Brooklyn, Kansas City, associate 

architects. 

Rockville, Ind.— 300-car drive-in under way for 

Forest Sanger. 

Clinton, Ind.— 600-car drive-in under way for Harry 

Douglas, Dana Theatre, Dana, Ind. 

Joliet. 111.— 800-car drive-in under way for luly 

opening tor the Levine Co. 

Toylorville, III.—500-car dnve-in, costing $100,000, 

planned by Frisina Amusement Co. 

Toledo. Ohio—Woodville Drive-In, 550 cars, under 

way by a group of East Toledo businessmen. G. P". 

Pavlica. manager, 

Blytheville, Ark.— 400-car drive-in under way ior 

United Drive- In Theatre Co. 

Oskaloosa, Iowa—500-car drive-m planned on Highway 

163 for Tn-Stales Theatre Corp. 

Tampa, Fla.—$250,000 drive-in, GOO cars, 600 walkir. 

seats, planned on South Dale Mabry avenue by 

Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Britton, owners of Auto Park 

Drive-In 

Moore Haven, Fla.—Ground broken for 370-seat 

theatre to replace fire-destroyed house by Thomas 

E. Market te of Clewislon and Everett Burchard of 

Labe'le To be ready lor use in luly. 

Havre, Mont.— 400-car drive-in under way for Emil 

Don igny and Clarence Golder 

Klamath Falls. Ore.—New drive-in planned by 

George Mann. To be stcTrted soon. 

Hillsboro. Ore.—670-car drive-in. $100,000, under 

way for Ctairfield, Inc.; Lathrop, Gillam & Percy, 

architects. 

OPENINGS: 

Ilarnston, Ont.—Crown Theatre, 499 seats, opened 

by I E Wader. 

Oydord, N. S.—Capitol Theatre opened by Bcb 

Fulton. 

Victoria, B. C.—Rio Theatre opened by Hymie 

Singer after five-month closure and $15,000 renovation 

Taber, Alta.^New theatre to be opened June 15. 

Kankakee, 111.— 54 Drive-In opened by Levine Co, 

Neenah, Wis.—725-car drive-in opened by Marcus 

Theatres 

Uxbridge, Ont.—New quonset-type theatre to open 

May 25 for Doug Wark. 

Golden. III.—Golden Theatre, 256 seats, opened. 

Highland. 111.—Airport Drive-In opened for owner 

loe Schrempp. 

Hayti. Mo.—Drive-in opened May 14 for John 

Mohrstadt. 

Herrin, 111.— 1.000-car Marlow Drive-In opened by 

lohn Mcr'ow. 

Scarboro, Me.—Scarboro Drive-In, 950 cars, $200,- 

QCO, opening June 10 for Lockwood & Gordon circuit. 

Chestnut Hill, Mass.—Hancock Village Theatre, 950 

seats, opened May 18 for American Theatres Corp. 

Maynard, Mass.—Fine Arts Theatre, 900 seats, 

opening June 10 for Bert Coughlin. 

Attleboro, Mass.—Boro Drive-In to open in June 

for Joseph Stannler. 

Toledo, Ohio— 610-car Parside Drive-In, $125,000, 

opened with Jim Dempsey as manager. 

Wilkin-burg, Pa.—Maple Drive-In, 1,100 cars, to 

open Memorial dav 

Conneaut Lake, Pa.—Lakeside Drive-In, 425 cars, 

^vi^ 

to open soon for F. E. Hasley, East Pittsburgh, and 

Sam Yakish, Coverdale, 

Ellwood City. Pa.—Manos Theatre reopened after 

$70,000 renovation by Michael Manos. 

Caledonia Park, Pa.—450-car drive-in to be opened 

soon by Huntington businessmen as Caledonia 

Amusement Corp. 

Marietta, Ohio—Starlight Drive-In, 400 cars, opened 

by Jack Steadman. 

Elizabethtown, Ky.— 'Starlite Drive-In opened May 

15 by Bob Enoch. 

LiberaL Kas.— 500-car drive-in opened by Ben 

Adams- 

Fitzgerald, Ga.—Drive-in opened by E. O. Clark 

and E. W. McCall. 

Athens, Ga.—350-car drive-in opened by Georgia 

Theatres Co. 

Rob town, Tex.—Gulf Theatre, 900 seats, opened 

by Robb & Rowley Theatres to be operated by 

Corpus Christi Theatres, Inc. 

Calvert, Tex.— Eolia Theatre opened May 9 by 

Carl Allday, replacing fire-destroyed house. 

Granger Station. Ore.—Midway Drive-In, 500 cars, 

$100,000. opened. 

Payton, Utah.—Huish Theatre, 810 seals, opened 

by Huish -Gilhool Enterprises. Architect: Fred L, 

Markham. 

Othello. Wash. — Finkbeiner's Outdoor Theatre 

opened. 

Formington, N. M.—Totah Theatre opened May 4 

by Russell P. Allen. 

Hobbs, N. M,—Sky-Vue Drive-In opened May 5 by 

R. W. Ferguson. 

Great Falls, Mont.— -Falls Motor Outdoor Theatre 

to open Mcry 15, $90,000. for Edwin B. Pegram. 

San Jose, Calif.-Mayfair Theatre, 800 seats, $226.- 

COO, opened May 15 on a 20-year lease by Paul R. 

Catalana and Arthur YaTimie. 

Los Altos, Calif.—Los Altos Theatre to open June 

20 for Bob Bemis. 

Seattle—Bay Theatre, formerly the Roxy, 465 seats, 

$50,000 renovation job, opened May 11 by t rank L. 

Newman jr. Architect: B. Marcus Priteca, Seattle. 

Oleon, N. Y.— 800-car drive-in for May 30 opening 

by Louis Drew, Delaware Drive-ln, Tonawanda, 

N. Y. 

SALES: 

Baytown, Tex.—Alice Theatre to Noel Clark ol 

Houston by L. R. Montgomery. 

Scribner. Neb.—Scribner Theatre to Harry Hummell 

by John Brandt. 

Cothlamet, Wash. — Elco Theatre to Ellsworth 

Young and Robert Brock by L. E. and Gladys Randolph. 

Ida Grove, lowâ—King Theatre to Joe Anderson 

by Harold Mansfield. 

Westbrook, Me.—Brook TTieatre to G. M. Bryer 

by Mrs. EUsabeth Church. 

Hope, Ark.—Palace Theatre to Margaret Hedgecock 

by R. J. Barrett. 

Page, Neb.—Page Theatre to G. V. Fleming of 

Lynch, Neb 

Seattle, Wash.—Madron Thecftre building, five 

stories, 700 seats, to unnamed buyer. 

Parowan, Utah—Aladdin Theatre to Ray and Bill 

Fir mage from Ivan Johnson. 

Diihmon, Wash.—Dishmcm Theatre, 515-seater, to 

Keith Beckwith and Willard Walter Seale bv Charles 

Ames and his son Kenneth for reported $100,000. 

New Plymouth. Ida,—-KdK Drive-In to Rex Voeller 

and J. B. Giezen tanner, both of Emmett. from K&K 

Corp. 

Tulsa, Okla.—Rita and State theatres to Haskell 

Pethurum of Oklahoma City by Griffith Consolidated 

Theatres circuit. 

Mount Clemens, Mich.—Emsee Theatre sold to 

Cohen circuit by Irving Belinsky of Detroit. 

Stockport, Ohio—Stockport Theatre to M. S. Porter 

of Nelsonville, Ohio, by Jack Steadman, 

Dawson Springs, Ky.—Strand TheOftre to Arlhur 

Morris and Sam Maples by I H, Meadows 

Plan Pittsburgh Amusement Center 

PITTSBURGH—Norbert Stern, who pioneered 

outdoor theatres in this area, is busy 

here with a community center project which 

will include a theatre, a drive-in theatre and 

22 storerooms. 

Leveling of 30 acres of ground was started 

recently on Route 51, one mile from the 

Clover Leaf identified as a mile from Bill 

Green's tavern, for the new shopping and 

amusement center. The project will be "as 

modern as tomorrow" and will have exclusive 

features and materials. The indoor theatre 

will have a 1,600-seat auditorium. 

The drive-in theatre adjoining will have 

accommodations for 1,200 automobiles. All 

the latest outdoor theatre appointments and 

equipments will be utilized, Ernest Stem, son 

of the project director, said. 

There will be a large parking area for 

shoppers and patrons of the indoor theatre 

and the 22 stores. 

Norbert Stern opened the first drive-in theatre 

here at the entrance to South Park a 

decade ago and he owns and operates other 

outdoor theatres in western Pennsylvania and 

Ohio. Associated with him in certain of the 

drive-in theatres are his son Ernest and a 

nephew George Stem. 

U-I Will Release 17 

In 6-Monlh Period 

NEW YORK—Universal-International has 

set tentative release dates for 17 pictures for 

the coming six months, according to William 

A. Scully, vice-president and general sales 

manager. The schedule includes three J. 

Arthur Rank productions. Four are in Technicolor. 

This makes an average of three a 

month, instead of the two features released 

each month since November 1948. 

The May releases are: "The Lady Gambles," 

starring Barbara Stanwyck, Robert 

Pi-eston and Stephen McNally; "City Across 

the River," which introduces "The Dukes," 

six newcomers, and features McNally, and 

"Arctic Manhunt," featuring Mikel Conrad 

and Carol Thurston. 

June will see the release of the Rank production, 

"One Woman's Story," starring Ann' 

Todd and Claude Rains; "Illegal Entry," 

starring Howard Duff, Marta Toren and 

George Brent, and "Take One False Step." 

starring William Powell and Shelley Winters. 

Set for, July are: "Calamity Jane and Sam 

Bass," in Technicolor, starring Yvonne de 

Carlo and Howard Duff; the Rank production 

of "Woman Hater," starring Stewart 

Granger and Edwige Feuillere, and a picture 

starring Howard Duff, Shelley Winters and 

Dan Duryea tentatively titled "Johnny 

Evans." 

August releases will be "Blue Lagoon," the 

Rank production in Technicolor, starring 

Jean Simmons; "Sword in the Desert," starring 

Dana Andrews, Marta Toren and Stephen 

McNally, and "Abbott and Costello Meet 

the Killer, Boris Karloff." 

Tentatively set for September are: "Yes 

Sir, That's My Baby," in Technicolor, starring 

Donald O'Connor, Charles Coburn and 

Gloria DeHaven, and "Come Be My Darling," 

a Neptune production starring Robert Montgomery 

and Ann Blyth and featuring the 

stage star, Jane Cowl. 

October releases set so far are: "Western 

Story," in Technicolor, starring Yvonne De- 

Carlo, Charles Coburn, Scott Brady and John 

Russell, and "Abandoned." starring Gale 

Storm and Dennis O'Keefe. All but the lastnamed 

picture, now in work, are completed. 

U-I Sets Three Campaigns 

On Forthcoming Films 

NEW YORK—Universal-International has 

several exploitation campaigns lined up to 

follow the big party which took place at Las 

Vegas. Nev., May 8. 

There will be premiere ceremonies for 

"Calamity Jane and Sam Bass" at Dallas 

June 8, followed by regional openings at 

Houston, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Oklahoma 

City and Tulsa. More than 250 dates 

have been set in the southwest. 

Also on June 8, "Illegal Entry" will open 

at Washington, D. C, with a tieup with the 

Department of Justice planned. Marta Toren 

will make a personal appearance. 

"Take One False Step," starring William 

Powell and Shelley Winters, has been chosen 

as the company's bond premiere picture. 

FBI Recovers Print 

NEW YORK—The FBI has recovered a 

stolen 16mm print of "Standing Room Only" 

(Parat In Atlantic City. Sargoy & Stein, 

special counsel for the distributors in copyright 

matters, have turned over the recovered 

print to 

Paramount. 


mssm 

I 

S" 

^-î^' 

I 

/ /. 

I 

.^F 

Capitol Theatre 

NEW YORK 

Set the pace for Broadway 

during World Premiere 

^fc 

extended run! 

• 

Boston Theatre 

BOSTON 

Held over after terrific first week^ 

-applauded by audience and 

critics alike as top entertainment! 

• 

Oriental Theatre 

^ 

CHICAGO 

Held over after chalking up 

one of year's biggest grosses! 

- 

1:^ 

ana f °'7";;o^ds ond 

outstanding 

«»' '''"Von s>*« 

, 

VV 

Five Theatre 

Combinotion 

LOS ANGELES 

Terrific opening to set nev. h.gh 

for the year! 

• 

Harris Theatre 

PITTSBURGH 

stand-up business for ^ne;«»ffP 

fAiami, Lincoln 

dJy-and-date, "out of season 

to top 

"in-season" 

gross! 

^ 

"The lADY. GAW^L 

world P--;-k, May 20^ 

^ Theatre, New ^ 

.. tMTRY"Washing«°" 

3^ 

|UEGALENTRT,J 

Premiere, J 

. .-.nn 

Invitation f ^ 

^ 

ij Prem ere, " 

J""^ 

^1 openings' 

territor'al 

UR SUPPORI 10 me unnea Stales Savinis 

•Krt Mav 16-Juna 30 Put moie oppof- 

^youi luturt. B* • modefn forty nine. 

if^, 

kjy 

I 

?^'i 

% 

Ph^ The Industry s .„» t 

AVE RIVER 

"STEPHEN McNALLY 

SUE ENGLAND • BARBARA WHITING 

and introducing ''THE DUKES" 

Screenplay by Maxwell Shane and Dennis Cooper 

Produced and Directed by MAXWELL SHANE 

A UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL PICTURE

the 

HOME STATE EXHIBITOR LEADS 

MONOGRAM'S JIM MOTE DRIVE 

First Tabulation Shows 

Midwest City Drive-In 

Tops With 31 Points 

Because of the complicated tabulating 

system and the necessity for gathering 

statistics on a nationwide basis, not until 

now has it been possible to report actual 

standings in the STEVE BROIDY 25TH 

ANNIVERSARY DRIVE FOR BOXOP- 

PICE'S JIM MOTE FUND. The campaign 

is designed to help rebuild Mote's 210-seat 

Gem Theatre in Sterling. Okla.. which was 

destroyed by fire in 1948. 

RUNNERS-UP ARE LISTED 

For the week ending April 8. 1949. and 

understandably enough, it was a theatre in 

Mote's home state, the Tinker Drive-In at 

Midwest City. Okla. (Oklahoma City exchange) 

which was fii'st in standings, having 

amassed a total of 31 points. 

Running a contending second was the Palace, 

Atlantic City, N. J. (Philadelphia exchange), 

with 22 points, while the Bijou In 

Minneapolis. Minn. (Minneapolis exchange) 

was in show position with 20 pomts. 

The 17 other leaders out of the first 20 

in point standings are as follows: 

Orpheum. Havre, Mont. (Salt Lake City 

exchange). 15 points; Regal San Francisco 

(San Francisco exchange), 14: Roxy. Camden, 

N. J. (Philadelphia exchange). 13: the 

Pi'om. Gary. S. D. (Minneapolis exchange), 

and the Ritz. Stroud. Okla. (Oklahoma City 

exchange). 12 each: the Franklin, Bay City, 

Tex. (Dallas exchange), the Howard. Indianapolis 

(Indianapolis exchange), the 

Lyric, St. James. Mo. (St. Louis exchange), 

the Main, St. Marys, W. Va. (Pittsburgh exchange), 

the Solano, Fairfield, Calif. (San 

Francisco exchange), and the Uptown, 

Louisville. Ky. (Indianapolis exchange), each 

with 11 points. 

OTHER DRIVE LEADERS 

Tabulating ten points each were the Drew, 

Okmulgee, Okla. (Oklahoma City exchange) 

the Farmtngton, Farmington, W. Va. (Pittsburgh 

exchange): the Hudson Playhouse, 'W. 

Hampton Beach, Long Island. N. Y. (New 

York exchange) 

: Lyric, Terrell, Tex. 

(Dallas exchange): the Suzore, Memphis, 

Tenn. (Memphis exchange); and the State, 

Beloit, Wis. (Milwaukee exchange). 

Of significance is the nationwide representation 

among those in contention for 

prizes of $3,500 in U.S. government bonds 

and an array of merchandise during the 13- 

week drive. Showmen in small towns and 

big cities in virtually every one of the 48 

states are in active competition—ranging 

from the Gem in Lydonville. Vermont, to the 

Victory in San Jose. Calif.; the Ironclad in 

Ironclad, Tenn., to the Roman in Red Lodge. 

Mont., and including such large communities 

as Philadelphia, St. Louis, Trenton, Oakland, 

Pittsburgh, Seattle, Kansas City, Salt Lake 

City, Buffalo, Los Angeles and Oklahoma 

City. 

Steve Broidy, Allied Artists-Monogram president, receives congratulations from 

Carole Matthews, featured in the forthcoming AA release, "Massacre River," on the 

Broidy-Jim Mote Sales Drive at the New York home office. Broidy is holding the 

BOXOFFICE issue which featured the drive on the cover. 

^ Jf • 

Distribution Leaders in the Campaign 

In close contact with all exchange centers 

in the STEVE BROIDY 25th ANNIVERSARY 

DRIVE FOR BOX- 

OFFICE'S JIM MOTE 

FUND is Lloyd L. Lind, 

supervisor of exchanges 

for Monogram 

and Allied Artists, 

Born in New York 

City, Lind completed 

his academic train'ng 

at New York university, 

and after a period 

of service with the 

stock exchange in the 

eastern metropolis, en- 

Llovd Lind jered the motion picture 

industry in 1934 as a member of Monogram's 

accounting department. In 1936, when 

Monogram combined with Republic under the 

name of the latter. Lind became associated 

with the Republic foreign department, but 

returned to the new Monogram a year later 

as manager of the contract and playdate department. 

Subsequently he became assistant 

to the general sales manager. 

In 1945 Lind joined PRC as assistant general 

sales head, and was made a vice-president 

of the company. Two years later he 

became president of Pictorial Films, and in 

December of the same year rejo ned Monogram 

in his present capacity. 

All-Purpose Tool Ottered 

One of the merchandise prizes to be 

awarded in the cmTent Monogram campaign 

is a "Shopsmith." an all-purpcse power tool 

which can be used ns a lathe, drill press, circular 

saw, Sander, buffer, grinder and for 

many other theatre art shop purposes. 

James A. Prichard. southwestern district 

manager for Monogram-Allied Ai'tists and 

active head of the Dallas 

exchange, leads the 

campaign in his area 

on behalf of the 

STEVE BROIDY 25th 

ANNIVERSARY 

DRIVE FOR BOX- 

OFFICE'S JIM MOTE 

FUND. 

Prichard was born in 

Dyersburg. Tenn.. and 

attended school in 

Memphis. In 1928 he 

took his first job as 

poster clerk at the 

J. A. Prichard 

Pathe exchange in the latter city, and soon 

afterward became assistant booker. Thereafter 

he was a booker with the Liberty Specialty 

Film Co.. a Columbia franchise holder, 

and later advanced to salesman. When Columbia 

bought up the Liberty franchise, 

Prichard went to New Orleans for three years 

as a Warner Bros, salesman. 

Returning to Memphis, he operated his own 

advertising business for three years, then 

joined Universal as a salesman. In the years 

following he served as exchange manager 

for that company in Memphis. Charlotte and 

Dallas, and in November 1948 he left Universal 

to associate himself with Monogram- 

Allied Artists, headquartering in Dallas. 

Among the Prizes 

Prizes in the Monogram drive Include a 

Motorola television receiver and a Gruen 

"Autowind" wrist watch. 

32 

BOXOFHCE May 14. 1949

READY RIGHT NOW! 

Proven product from Allied 

Artists for the Steve Broidy 

25th Anniversary Drive for 

BoKoffice's Jim Mote Fund ! 

"THE BABE RUTH STORY" 

"BAD BOY" 

"BADMEN OF TOMBSTONE" 

"STRIKE IT RICH" 

"THE DUDE GOES WEST // 

\\ 

SMART WOMAN" 

"SONG OF MY HEART" 

"THE GANGSTER" 

BOXOFnCE :: May 14, 1943 33

'lake Me Out to the Ball Game" 

Wins April Blue Ribbon Award 

By VELMA WEST SYKES 

OCREEN entertainment for the whole family in a celluloid package is contained in 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Technicolored musical comedy, "Take Me Out to the Ball 

Game." voted members of the National Screen Council. Thus the April BOXOPFICE 

Blue Ribbon Award goes to this gay and tuneful production which uses a baseball setting 

to highlight a couple of romances and some clever song-and-dance techniques. Gene 

Kelly is all over the picture in more ways than one, for he not only plays one of the 

leading roles, with Frank Sinatra and Esther Williams, but he also helped to write the 

original story and to stage the musical numbers. Esther Williams still looks shapely in 

this "Grecian bend" era of elaborate costumes and willow plumes, and her swim suit must 

have been slightly daring for the period. Betty Garrett gives a pleasing sample of what 

the public may expect from her. The film's family appeal is in its climate of entertainment 

along lines where no age distinctions are drawn. 

Reviewed in the March 12 issue of BOX- 

OFFICE, the reviewer had this comment: 

"To make this a homerun attraction in any 

theatre, MGM made the triple play which 

has been the highlight of many of its past 

fun-and-tune films, to wit; a nostalgic, 

romantic and mirthful story to an enthusiastic, 

name-laden cast to unstinting, Technicolor 

production. This time, furthermore, the 

aforementioned T. P. developed a new facet, 

the teaming of Frank Sinatra and Gene 

Kelly ... It is this team of song-and-dance 

men that gives the picture its brightness and 

buoyancy and the fans will be so pleased with 

their screen association that they will clamor 

for more." 

Has 12-Plus Rating 

The winning film has a 12-pIus rating in 

the Review Digest and its boxoffice score, as 

indicated by findings for the Barometer page, 

is now 127 per cent on first run reports from 

14 key cities. As it gets into the subsequent 

run and neighborhood theatres, it will be 

baseball season, which should gladden the exhibitor's 

heart. 

For the three stars, this is only the second 

Blue Ribbon Plaque, but Edward Arnold now 

has six to his credit—Jules Munshin. Betty 

Garrett and Richard Lane get their first 

awards. Louis B. Mayer and Natalie Kalmus 

of the production staff merely add to a large 

collection of Plaques. Arthur Freed and Harry 

Tugend now have three, but for Director 

Busby Berkeley and others it is a lonesome 

first. 

Ballot comments this time were often 

couched in baseball language, as in these: 

" 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' is homerun 

entertainment—a hit for the whole family."—Arthur 

D. Mackie. Jersey Journal . . . 

"A holiday for the whole family in this fast, 

rowdily humorous, tuneful lark with Gene 

Kelly, the slickest dancer this side of Fred 

Astatre. A homerun with bases full and no 

errors."—Russell Rhodes. New York Journal 

of Commerce. 

The popularity of baseball itself was felt to 

be an asset in drawing trade to the picture. 

"Baseball is America's own game and it 

wields a wholesome influence on American 

family life. So when baseball and a gay tune, 

dance show are combined, what's better for 

the family?"—Kasper Monahan, Pittsburgh 

P:-ess. 

"Several good pictui'es this month but the 

one the family will enjoy best is 'Take Mefl 

Out to the Ball Game' for its gay story about U 

America's favorite sport."—Dean Burnett, n 

Indianapolis Screen Council. 

; 

"Excellent. More films like this would fc 

easily answer the $64 question: What's wrong fe 

with the movies?"—John I. Quirk, Manchester 

IN. H.) Leader. 

'Wiggle Test' Enthusiastic 

"Superb family fare that gives a lift to the 

spirits of young and old. Children's Wiggle 

Test audience couldn't have been more enthusiastic, 

and they lustily sang all the 

songs."—Marjorie G. Dawson, MPAA, New 

York City. 

"Entertaining and for the family. A step 

in the right direction."—Dorothy P. Martin 

Kansas City radio artist really 

. . . "This is 

solid entertainment. They cheered Gene 

Kelly."—R. M. Shepherdson, Peoria Journal 

..." 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' is fine 

entertainment, whether you know anything 

about the game or not."—Mrs. P. E. Willis, 

G.F.W.C. Glendale. Calif. 

The Cast 

Dennis Ryan 

Prank Sinatra Joe Lorgan 

K. C. Higgins Esther Williams Nat Goldberg 

Eddie O'Brien 

Gene Kelly Michael Gilhuly 

Shirley Delwyn ....Betty Garrett Slapvv Burke 

Edward Arnold 

Jules Munshin 

Richard Lane 

Tom Dugan 

Executive Producer Louis B. Mayer 

Produced by 

Arthur Freed 

Directed try 

Busby Berkeley 

Screenplay by 

Harry Tugend. George Wells 

Story by Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen 

Musical Direction by Adolph Deutsch 

Technicolor Color Director 

Natalie Kalmus 

Lyrics and Music by 

....Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Roger 

Edens 

Production Staii 

Song: "Take Me Out to the Ball Game'' by 

Jack Norworth, Albert von Tilzef 

Vocal Arrangements by ....Robert Tuckef 

Musical Numbers Staged by 

Gene Kelly, Stanley Donei 

Director of Photography 

George Polsey, A.S.C 

Art Directors 

Cedric Gibbons, Daniel B. Cathcar' 

Film Editor 

Blanche Sewel; 

Recording Director Douglas Sheare 

Set Decorations Edwin B. Willi! 

ti This Award is given each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of outstanding merit 

and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio 

film commentators, and repreMntatives of better film councils, civic and educational organizations.

( 

and all 

AKE ME OUT TO 

THE BALL GAME" 

APRIL 

BLUE RIBBON AWARD WINNER 

other Box Office Blue Ribbon Award Winners! 

You'll have your patrons singing "take me out to the movies", when 

they know that "TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME" is 

Blue Ribbon Award Winner for April. Start a "line drive" straight 

to your Box-Office with the exploitation "extras" in the Blue Ribbon 

Award Kit . . . die-cut gummed seals, and ribbons for your lobby advertising 

. . . mats for insertion in your regular newspaper ads . . . and a 

colorful One-Sheet that will "go to bat" for the picture, in your lobby. 

And ON YOUR SCREEN-a TAIL-PIECE and an N.S.S. 

TRAILER to inform every audience that "TAKE ME OUT TO 

THE BALL GAME" is Blue Ribbon Entertainment. Make it a 

Blue Ribbon "4-bagger" at your Box-Office! Order your Blue Ribbon 

Kit and Trailers TODAY! 

4 

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82 

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Use them to 

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sniping 1- 

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40 X 60s and 

Banners! 

the 

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Award . . . Selected by the 

NATIONAL SCREEN COUNCIL . . . 

comprised ol 242 Motion Picture Editors 

of Newspapers and Magazines ... 30 

Radio Commentators . . . 170 Clubwomen 

and representatives of sociaL 

civic, Religious and Educational Organizations 

... as the BEST PICTURE 

OF THE MONTH for the Whole Family I 

BRA-l . . . $3" 

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Use it for sniping 

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ACCESSORIES 

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mmmi \c/ee/^ service 

^-JpmifB/iBr Of mfinousmr

. . Robert 

. . John 

'i¥o(le^Mmd êîant 

Screen Directors Award 

Goes to Mankievricz 

His megging job on 20th Century-Fox's 

"Letter to Three Wives" won for Joseph 

Mankiewicz the fourth quarterly award of the 

Screen Directors Guild in a ballot of SDG 

members on all pictures released in the Los 

Angeles area during the three-month period. 

Mankiewicz thus joins three earlier winners 

—Anatole Litvak for "The Snake Pit," Fred 

Zinnemann for "The Search" and Howard 

Hawks for "Red River"—on the guild's honor 

list. 

The four thereby become candidates for an 

annual "directorial 

achievement" award, the 

recipient of which will be disclosed at a presentation 

dinner planned for May 22. 

Meantime another talent organization, the 

Screen Writers Guild, launched an extracurricular 

public relations campaign by initiating 

a series of forums on "How the Screen 

Writer Works" in conjunction with the department 

of theatre arts at the University 

of California at Los Angeles. Subjects under 

discussion include "Drama," "Comedy and 

Musicals," and "Documentaries and Television," 

and arrangements for the programs 

were set up by the SWG's Leonard Spiegelgass 

and Edward Eliscu, co-chairmen of the 

committee in charge. 

Week's Story Buys Drop; 

Only Four Are Reported 

Pour story properties were acquired during 

the period, somewhat under the normal pace. 

Writer-Producer Harry Kurnitz, who is under 

contract to Warners, collaborated with 

Martin Gable on an original called "Stop! 

You're Killing Me," which Warners purchased 

and earmarked as a starring vehicle for 

Danny Kaye. Kurnitz and Gable are now 

Theda Bara Portrayal 

Betty Mutton's Next 

Apparently Betty Button's is the first 

name to come to film producers' minds 

when they get ready to start camera work 

on a biographical subject dealing with 

one or another of the early-day silent 

screen's leading feminine boxoffice attractions. 

Already she has portrayed the 

queen, Pearl White, in Paramount's 

"The Perils of Pauline," and has been 

set by the same studio to appear as 

Mabel Normand in an upcoming untitled 

opus depicting the careers of that 

comedienne and Producer Mack Sennett. 

Now a loanout agreement has been 

reached whereby Miss Hutton will star 

for B. G. DeSylva in "The Great 'Vampire," 

an independent offering which will 

go on the sound stages this fall, and 

based on the life of Theda Bara. It is, 

parenthetically, DeSylva's first motion 

picture since he turned out "Stork Club" 

for Paramount in 1945. Release through 

Columbia has been set for the subject, 

which DeSylva and Jack McGowan are 

now scripting. 

By 

IVAN SPEAR 

. . Paramount 

. . . "Bucksin," an original 

developing the comedy-mystery, which chronicles 

Kaye's adventures in being pursued by 

a beautiful femme "private eye," and Kurnitz 

will hold the production reins . . . Republic 

purchased "San Antone Ambush," an original 

screenplay by Norman S. Hall, and assigned 

it to Producer Mel Tucker as the final entry 

in the series of six Monte Hale westerns on 

the studio's 1948-49 program . 

acquired "Mr. and Mrs. Anonymous," by 

Dwight Taylor, and added it to George 

Stevens' production schedule. Taylor is writing 

the screenplay 

by Paul Short, was purchased by Louis 

K. Deak. who plans an early summer production 

start on the western opus. No release 

Meantime scrivening activity at 

is set . . . 

Universal-International reached a new 1949 

high with 14 writers busy developing a round 

dozen properties. Keeping their typewriters 

humming are Oscar Brodney, Maurice 

Geraghty, John Champion, Sam Newman, 

Ai-thur T. Horman, Roy Huggins, Karl Kamb, 

John Klorer, Lee Loeb, Joel Malone, Martin 

Ragaway, Leonard Stern. Lewis Meltzer and 

Robert Richards. 

Schary Starts Speedy System 

To Get Films Previe'wed 

Instituted at MGM by Dore Schary, Leo's 

production chief, is a system of simultaneous 

dubbing and cutting during production which 

will make it possible to preview "Battleground," 

being personally produced by 

Schary, within 48 hours after the final 

scenes are filmed. The various departmental 

activities have been so coordinated that each 

day's film is completely processed as it is 

shot. 

Fairbanks to Make Film 

In England for Korda 

Idle produotionwise since the recent termination 

of his Universal-International commitment, 

Douglas Fairbanks jr. will put his 

Fairbanks Co. in mothballs for a few months 

while he journeys to England to star in 

"State Secret," plarmed for production by Sir 

Alexander Korda and geared for a summer 

start. 

Fairbanks also has a multiple-picture commitment 

with J. Arthur Rank, while his own 

production organization owns several properties 

in various stages of preparation. His 

last for U-I was "The O'Flynn." 

RKO Gets Westwood Film, 

'White Rose for Julie' 

Release through RKO Radio has been arranged 

by Westwood Productions, new independent 

unit organized by Irving Cummings 

jr., screen writer and son of the veteran 

director, and Irwin Allen, radio commentator. 

As part of the RKO Radio deal, the outfit 

has acquired "White Rose for Julie," an unpublished 

novel by Leo Rosten, which was recently 

purchased by the Howard Hughes company. 

The Westwood organization has taken office 

space on the RKO Radio lot and plans to 

place "Julie" before the cameras in mid-July. 

Bids U. S. 

Producers 

Film in Puerto Rico 

A new slant on the present popular 

trend toward the filming by American 

companies of pictures in England, Italy, 

France and other foreign countries is offered 

by George Mercader, business manager 

and controller for Walter Wanger 

Productions and a native of Puerto Rico. 

Mercader's proposal, in which he is endeavoring 

to interest some major motion 

picture company, is predicated on a recent 

F*uerto Rican governmental decree abolishing 

all income taxes for a period of 

12 years, the policy having been established 

in order to lure new and badlyneeded 

industry to the island. That law, 

Mercader emphasized, was passed with 

the complete blessing of the U.S., of 

which Puerto Rico is a territory. 

His plan calls for an American film 

firm to set up a corporation in Puerto 

Rico to construct and operate a studio 

there. Considerable of the capital required 

for the project, according to Mercader, 

would be advanced by the Puerto 

Rican government. 

As an example of how the tax-free 

manifesto would function, Mercader uses 

arbitrary figures. A film would, perhaps, 

be budgeted at $400,000 and filmed 

entirely in Puerto Rico. The studio's 

American company would then purchase 

the completed picture for, say, $600,000, 

which amount — representing a $200,000 

profit—would be deposited to the company's 

credit on the island. Although 

grosses in the U.S. would be subject to 

a federal tax, Mercader declares that 

distribution in foreign countries would 

be tax-free. 

Further, technicians imported from 

Hollywood would receive their salaries tax 

exempt. 

The Wanger executive says his scheme 

is being given serious consideration by 

several major companies. 

Bendix Replaces Beery 

In 'Johnny Holiday' 

Replacing the late Wallace Beery, who had 

been slated for the role on loanout from 

MGM, William Bendix will star in "Johnny 

Holiday," the juvenile delinquency story 

. . First personality 

which is the initial production venture for 

R. W. Alcorn Productions . Hutton 

draws the role of "the other man" in "Baby 

Is Here," the new Santana Productions entry 

for Columbia release . . . Alan Ladd will don 

the flight togs of a navy jet pilot for his 

next starring assignment at Paramount, 

femme "Eagles of the Navy" . 

to be handed a term ticket by the 

studio in almost two years is Barbra (yep, 

Barbra—without the second "a"i Puller, radio 

address booked by Republic and handed a 

femme lead in "Crosswinds" . Miljan 

was handed a character lead in "Mrs. Mike." 

the Bischoff-Gross production for United 

Ginger Rogers has been signed 

Artists . . . 

by Universal-International to star in its 

prison yarn, "The Story of Molly X" . . . John 

Hodiak will co-star with Robert Taylor in 

MGM's sagebrusher, "Ambush." 


CHESTER FRIEDMAN 

EDITOR 

HUGH E. FRAZE 

Associate Editor 

nmm 

SECTION 

PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN 

•uiaiMMuaaHMaMiMi 

^nQccadion 

Just two years aso. the new enlarged 

section of the Showmandiser 

made its initial appearance in 

BOXOFFICE. Two important innovations 

were incorporated into 

the section—the BOXOFFICE Bonus 

and the first practical quickreference 

index. At the same time, 

the publisher {I.ecided upon a bold 

step. The section was moved up 

front in its new format and imprinted 

on regular high grade stock 

which at the time was a costly and 

venturesome project because of the 

scarcity of coated newsprint. 

The immediate response from 

subscribers and the continuing 

comments during the past two years 

have justified the publisher's decision. 

More and more theatremen 

are coming to look upon the Showmandiser 

section with the same high 

esteem other departments of BOX- 

OFFICE have commanded for many 

years. That is evident in the vast 

exchange of correspondence enjoyed 

by this department with the men 

most concerned in keeping theatre 

receipts on the highest possible 

plane. 

The value of the Index and of the 

Showmandiser section as a permanent 

up-to-the-minute exploitation 

handbook for exhibitors is aptly 

expressed by O. Roald Vestbie of 

the Franklin Theatre, Oakland^, 

Calif., who writes: "I feel I have a 

stunt worthy of consideration for 

appearance in the Showmandiser 

section which I have filed and 

bound for the past few years." 

The value and importance of the 

BOXOFFICE Bonus in stimulating 

extra effort, inspiring new channels 

of promotion, and helping to place 

effective merchandising methods before 

the industry are best illustrated 

by the tremendous interest manifested 

by the hundreds of managers 

and exhibitors who contribute their 

endeavors to this department. 

The greatest influence the Bonus 

has wielded is to offer encouragement 

to the great majority of showmen 

in suburban and rural areas. 

There, without the tremendous factor 

of large populations, without the 

facilities of modern equipped newspapers 

and without the financial 

resources of their colleagues in large 

metropolitan cities, the struggle for 

business has always been the most 

iContinued on page 38j 

Bugs Bunny Birthday Tieup Accorded 

One-Year Extension With Air Quiz 

Warner Theatres in the Ohio territory recently 

observed the 13th anniversary birthday 

of Bugs Bunny with a continuous celebration 

throLighout the month of April. 

One of the most successful promotions was 

reported by Paul Montavon. manager of the 

Sherman. Chillicothe, Ohio. Montavon u.sed 

the occasion to tie up with the Howard Baker 

Co., Chrysler-Plymouth distributors, spon- 

.sors o! a radio program aired by station 

WBEX, to inaugurate a Good Deed Kiddy 

show from the stage of the Sherman. 

Merchants handling Bugs Bunny trademark 

items such as dolls, score cards, neckties, 

comic books, etc., were brought in on the 

deal as donors of special prizes for weekly 

and monthly winners of the Good Deed 

show. 

The over-all program received outright support 

and endorsement from the Ministerial 

Ass'n, PTA, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, 

Mothers clubs, and had as its objective a reward 

for the boy or gnl who performed the 

most outstanding good deed each week. 

A committee of judges representing the 

various groups selected the winner from letters 

submitted by adults commending boys 

and girls for good deeds during the week. 

Weekly winners from the candidates were 

presented with a $5 savings account donated 

by a bank. These winners also became eligible 

for the Golden Deed Award of the 

Month and a variety of sports equipment 

provided by dealers handling the Bugs 

Bunny merchandise. 

The weekly stage show at the Sherman 

consisted of a quiz with questions furnished 

by the Teachers' A.ss'n. Contestants in teams 

of five boys and five girls in matched age 

and grade groups competed against each 

other. The show was broadcast over WBEX 

with the auto firm awarding cash prizes to 

winners. Theatre passes, ice cream sodas 

and other prizes were given the losing contestants. 

WBEX cooperated by furnishing two masters 

of ceremonies to conduct the quiz and 

recorded the half-hour program for rebroadasting 

at 7:30 every Saturday evening. The 

station also plugged the quiz for two weeks 

in advance and in daily spots throughout 

the month. 

Theatre participation in the advertising 

setup included lobby credits for the cooperating 

merchants. As a direct result of the 

one-month tieup. the auto agency and radio 

station extended the agreement for an entire 

year including the weekly quiz. 

BOXOFFICE NUGGETS 

Howard Griffin, manager of the State 

Theatre, Jefferson City, Mo., has been getting 

increased grosses on Friday and Saturday 

at a net expenditure of less than $2.00 

a week. Griffm recently discovered that his 

Friday-Saturday business was dropping off. 

He began to use advance lobby displays made 

from National Screen posters and photos 

which are moved out front during the current 

engagement. After one month, business 

began to get back to normal and then started 

to improve. 

Byron Frame, manager of the Lorraine 

Theatre, Hoopeston, 111., has a weekly tieup 

with the Chronicle-Herald for a classified 

ad section contest. The theatre issues free 

passes to local citizens whose names appear in 

the classified section, upon proper identification 

at the newspaper office. Frame has been 

getting extra publicity and creating good will 

in his community by inviting women's groups 

to use the Lorraine for their meetings. At 

—141— 

the Hoopeston General Women's club meeting 

recently, he delivered an address on the 

making of motion pictiu-es. 

Working without the services of an art 

shop, John Haney, manager of the Patio Theatre, 

Freeport, 111., contrived a false front 

for "The Sun Comes Up." Haney utilized 

stock litho paper, making a banner overhead 

from lettering cut out of a 24-sheet. For side 

retiuns, three-sheets were mounted on 

beaverboard. 

Bill Hulbert, manager of the Massena 

(N. Y.i Theatre, promoted a full-page newspaper 

co-op ad to help exploit "So Dear to 

My Heart." The stunt was worked in connection 

with an offer of passes to persons 

identifying the titles of song hits from previous 

Disney films, inserted in each of the 

sponsoring merchant's ads. 

37

I 

Giveaways of Poultry 

Help Sell 'Chicken' 

At Syracuse, N. Y. 

The campaign for "Chicken Every Sunday" 

at the Paramount Theatre, Syracuse, had the 

advantage of a tieup with Swift & Co., another 

with radio station WSYR, and display 

signs in libraries and department stores, 

engineered by Richard Feldman, manager of 

the Paramount. 

On the Swift tieup, seven local trucks carried 

large bamiers plugging the playdates, 

tied in with the catchline: "For chicken 

every day of the week, use Swift's, etc." The 

company also provided 42 chickens for distribution 

among newspaper critics and as 

prizes to winners on the air show, WSYR 

Goes Calling. Twenty of the chickens were 

also given away from the theatre stage as 

door prizes, giving the picture a good buildup. 

Twenty-five gratis spot announcements 

were promoted from WSYR which carries 

the national Alan Young show, in exchange 

for a one-frame trailer at the Paramoimt. 

Window cards were displayed at all public 

libraries, the Syracuse university library, 

bookstore windows, counters of book departments 

in large Syracuse stores as well as 

downtown groceries, A&P's, Mohican markets, 

and various other food stores. 

Feldman tied up with Snell's Dancing 

Academy which featured a "Chicken Every 

Sunday" prize waltz contest a week before 

opening. Guest tickets were given away as 

prizes. 

Children's Photo Contest 

Is Sponsored by Studio 

A children's photo contest promoted by Al 

Hutchins, manager of the State, Fostoria, 

Ohio, drew several hundred entries and attracted 

wide local attention. Children up to 

the age of 4 were eligible and a local photo 

studio took their pictures gratis. The photographs 

were placed on display in the lobby 

and winners were chosen from ballots cast by 

patrons attending the theatre. 

The photo studio which sponsored the tieup 

contributed a $50 and a $25 savings bond 

for the first two winners in addition to color 

photos as consolation prizes. The sponsor 

also paid for a 4-column, 10 J- -inch ad which 

ran in the local newspaper, followed by a 

two two-colimin ads of eight and nine-inch 

size. 

Merchant Foots Bill 

On 'October' Contest 

Howard Thomas, manager of the Odeon 

Center, Owen Sound, Ont., promoted a contest 

in conjunction with "The October Man,'' 

under the sponsorship of a local merchant. 

Clues were furnished via radio and published 

in the local newspaper five days prior to the 

pictm-e's opening. Entry blanks were available 

at the sponsor's store and prizes included 

hampers of groceries, and theatre passes. 

The merchant paid for the cost of all radio 

and newspaper advertising and show card 

work. The theatre was tapped only for the 

cost of the entry forms amotinting to five 

dollars. 

The contest created great interest in the 

picture playdates, judging from the large 

number of entries received. 

Isn't 

It's 

Raining Rain, 

Dollar Bills 

Bill Hulbert, manager of the Massena 

(N. Y.) Theatre, put over an Easter tieup 

which cost the theatre and participants 

nothing and brought both gifts, and 

increased business to the theatre. 

Stunt was tagged a Ham giveaway and 

included eight 15-pound hams, 26 cartons 

of cola drink, cartons and cases of 

ginger ale, home packages of ice cream 

and many other items provided by neighborhood 

merchants. 

Coupons were published in the Massena 

daily and others were dropped from an 

airplane flying over the town. A few dollar 

bills were tagged to coupons dropped. 

Newspaper stories on the stunt had the 

local citizens walking around with their 

eyes directed toward the sky . . . hoping. 

All prizes were displayed in a freezer 

placed in the lobby with signs announcing 

the date of the giveaway. 

Footwear Giveaway 

Exploits 'Red Shoes' 

Steve McManus, manager of the Odeon In 

Fort Williams, Ont., tied up with Bryan's, 

Ltd., to award a pair of expensive footwear 

as a door prize to exploit "The Red Shoes." 

The store paid for 10,000 circulars explaining 

the drawing, with one side devoted to the 

film and playdates. The cards were distributed 

at the theatre well in advance. The 

store set up a huge display of ballet slippers 

in the theatre lobby, backed by full color 

posters on the picture and duplicated the 

exhibit in its main window. 

^nQccadion 

Continued from preceding page) 

difficult. So, too, has been the struggle for 

recognition. The Bonus is an equalizer for 

these past discrepancies. It seeks to compare 

ability, resourcefulness andi ingenuity with 

results attained at the theatre boxoffice. Regardless 

of theatre size or location, it strives 

to give the theatreman whose exploitation 

may be limited to a weekly ad or house program 

or a lobby display, an equal opportunity 

with the showman who has a larger budget 

and who frequently gets tangible and financial 

aid from the distributors. 

We feel proud to have been selected, by the 

publisher of BOXOFFICE to have a share in 

the administration of the new Showmandiser 

section during these past two years. 

We feel 

proud to have such a competent and enthusiastic 

staff to work ^vith at BOXOFFICE. 

We are especially glad to have made so many 

new acquaintances among BOXOFFICE subscribers 

and renewed old friendships. And 

we want to let everyone know that the past 

two years have been the most enjoyable and 

interesting of our 26 years association in this 

business. 

Newspaper and Radio 

Proclaim 'Women' to 

Cincinnati Fans 

Free newspaper space and air time were 

promoted for "Little Women" at the Capitol 

in Cincinnati. The campaign was handled by 

Nate Wise, publicity director of RKO theatres 

in that city, and Erwin Bock, manager of the 

Capitol. 

The Jenny store tied in with one of the 

fashion features from the film for a 1,000 

line co-op ad. Theatre and picture credits 

were prominent. The Hallmark Co., distributors 

of greeting cards and novelties, gave the 

picture 50 displays with retail outlets including 

department stores and specialty 

shops. The tieup was on "Little Women" dolls. 

Extensive window tieups were promoted with 

McAlpin's department store, the Mabley and 

Carew department store, the Song shop and 

numerous book stores. 

The Cincinnati Times-Star cooperated by 

running a coloring contest. The paper used 

a three-column drawing in addition to a twocolumn 

drawing for children. Theatre passes 

were awarded as prizes. 

The Times-Star also ran advance stories 

and art breaks in connection with a stunt 

whereby the paper and the theatre invited 

the family with the largest number of "Little 

Women" to be guests at the opening performance. 

The Cincinnati Post and the Enqtiirer 

devoted large art breaks to the opening. 

Free air time was promoted on WSAI and 

WKRC. A false front was used during the 

current showing. 

English Showman Sells 

'Belinda' Co-Op Herald 

H. Clayton Nutt, manager of the Broadway 

Theatre, Eccles, in England, took advantage 

of two unusual opportunities to exploit 

"Johnny Belinda." 

Nutt prepared a layout for a cooperative 

herald which he sold to a laundry on an 

equal cost basis. Half of the heralds were 

placed in laundry packages, the remainder 

distributed at the theatre. A window display 

was also arranged with the merchant, incorporating 

accessories from the film production 

and theatre signs with playdates. 

Signs bearing the title and dates were 

placed throughout the theatre. An advance 

plug was placed on the theatre's newly installed 

marquee attraction sign. Nutt made 

personal announcements from the theatre 

stage to create added interest. 

Million Dollar Checks 

Issued for 'Tatlock's' 

Emery Creekbaum, owner-manager of the 

American Theatre, Ladoga, Ind., reports a 

50 per cent boost in normal business as a 

result of a simple stunt used in connection 

with "Miss Tatlock's Millions." Operating on 

an extremely limited budget, Creekbaum had 

his local bank imprint checks made out to 

the order of American Theatre Patrons for 

one million dollars in laughs. He reports 

that most of the people who received them 

commented on them when attending the 

picture. The attraction was also exploited 

through window cards placed in Ladoga and 

seven adjacent communities. 

38 —142— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser May 14, 1949

APVEP9JVMm 

as rugged as the wilderness! 

tHtaE>LS 

^ 

• • • as toivering as the mountain peaks! 

JdSMANV^ 

• • • as lender as a first iciss! 

PRES, 

liiHif! 

00Z.02^ Syas 

DANNY ... the boy 

they called a quitter! 

as DORIS...the girl who trusted 

her love— and nothing else! 

as TOM . 

. . whose burning 

hatred was a deadly weapon! 

with FORREST TUCKER • SKIP HOMEIER . Produced by WILLIAM MOSS 

• Directed by PHIL KARLSON 

Screenplay by Morton Grant and Dorothy Yost • Story by Morton Grant • Presented by WILLIAM MOSS PICTURES, INC. • Released by EAGLE LION FILMS 

EAGLE LION'S Great Outdoor Action Hit... in Technicolor!

Guest -of -Week Stunt Earns Bonus 

For Manager in 

Millinocket, Me. 

J. L. Kelley 

W. F. Deaton 

Millinocket, Me., theatre Manager Ted 

Anies of the Opera House, won a $10 bonus 

and Citation of Honor for an outstanding 

idea submitted to the Shoviinandiser during 

April. Ames introduced a guest-of-theweek 

stunt which has proved highly popular 

with the townspeople and should find favor 

with other exhibitors in thinly populated 

communities. Each week, a candidate, 

selected from entries submitted by Millinocket 

theatre patrons, is guest of honor at 

the theatre on one night. Interest in the 

stunt has been instrumental in creating 

goodwill and attracting added patronage. 

J. L. Kelley and W. F. Deaton, co-owners 

and operators of the Pix Theatre in Alva., 

Okla., were awarded a Bonus and Citation 

for a unique co-op ad developed in conjunction 

with "The Life of Riley." The theatremen 

lifted scenes from stills which were tied 

in with a florist, grocer, insurance firm, 

drugs, new cars, etc. They composed poetry 

to match each illustration and then proceeded 

to sell the idea to local merchants. 

The result was a full-page layout in the Alva 

Review-Courier including a six-inch banner 

streamer and a 100-inch display ad for the 

picture. The entire setup was made at no 

cost to 

the theatre. 

I. C. Holloway, manager of tlxe Center 

Theatre, Lenoir, N. C, introduced the first 

distortion mirror ever seen by local residents 

in a window tieup on "Mexican Hayride." 

His ingenuity won him a Bonus. 

Attractive ad layouts designed by John 

Dickson, manager of the Elmo, St. Elmo, 111., 

earned a BOXOFFICE Bonus. The Institutional 

Bonus was earned by Hadden Matthews, 

manager of the Liberty Theatre, Elizabeth, 

N. J. Matthews staged a free showing 

of "King of Kings" during Holy week and 

invited 25,000 church members to the shows. 

Gordon Spradley, manager of the Capitol 

Theatre, Miami, Fla., was awarded a Bonus 

for a general tieup and excellent campaign 

in connection with his engagement of "I 

Shot Jesse James." Tom Arrants, manager 

of the State Theatre in Denver, was honored 

for outstanding ballyhoo used in conjunction 

with his campaign for "Red River." 

For exceptional manipulation of his theatre 

fronts at the Odeon Theatre, Guelph. 

Ont., a Bonus and Citation were awarded to 

Ken Johnston. The Lobby Bonus went to 

Clarence Martin, an exhibitor who operates 

the Gem Theatre in Hugo, Colo. For several 

novelty house programs of exceptional merit, 

the tenth Bonus was awarded to Murray 

Metnberg, manager of the Kismet Theatre, 

Brooklyn, N. Y. 

^^ \) 

%^ 

j9 

Gordon 

Spradley 

Ken Johnston 

r^ 

A.._^„li 

Murray Mcinberg Tom Arrants I. C. Holloway Ted Ames John Dickson 

Prizes Draw Youngsters 

To Big Easter Matinee 

An Easter party on Saturday before the 

holiday was arranged for the small fry patronage 

at the Senator Theatre, Washington, 

by Manager Ben Coleman. Prizes were 

promoted from a neighborhood merchant including 

four pair of shoes, large Easter candy 

baskets and six live rabbits. Stage games 

held the kids' interest. 

In conjunction with the opening of ,the 

new serial, "Daredevil of the Skies," 2,000 

heralds were distributed and personal announcements 

were made from the stage beginning 

several weeks in advance. 

Children who attended each chapter of the 

serial will have an opportunity to win a 

bicycle, a radio and an all-steel wagon, all 

of which Coleman promoted. Punch cards 

were imprinted and distributed to the yoimgsters 

so that those who attend the first 14 

chapters will be properly identified as eligible 

to participate in the prizes. 

Big Co-Op Ad on 'Riley' 

Elmer Hecht's campaign for "The Life of 

Riley" at the Park Theatre, Tampa, Fla., 

included a half-page cooperative ad in the 

Tampa Daily Times. Sponsored by the Madison 

drug store, more than half the space of 

the ad was devoted to scene reproductions 

from the picture in addition to theatre 

dates. The store used a full window display, 

and an entire window at Kress's was also 

promoted for the use of posters, stills and 

theatre copy. 

Promotes TV Set 

Harper Howard, manager of the Elmwood 

Theatre, Perm Yan, N. Y., has a tieup with 

a local merchant to give away a television set. 

The theatre and the merchant are distributing 

coupons. The set will be awarded to the 

lucky patron on a designated night, with the 

drawing taking place at the Elmwood. 

Free Parking Provided 

For 'Red Shoes' Patrons 

Richard Berry, manager of the Varsity, 

Milwaukee, promoted the free use of a parking 

lot from Marquette University for patrons 

attending the theatre during the run 

of "The Red Shoes." Large signs were erected 

informing motorists of the free parking. 

During the current showing, a special front 

was built at? the Varsity, and several pair 

of red ballet slippers were suspended from 

the outer edge of the marquee with colored 

ribbons. 

Gets Paper Break 

John Palfi, manager of the Kent (Ohioi 

Theatre, received excellent newspaper publicity 

in connection with the personal appearance 

of Buddy Ebsen. The paper used 

a cut of the star over a story on Ebsen and 

the vaudeville program booked at the Kent 

for the coming week. 

I 

i 

40 —144— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 14, 1949

Music Tieups Exploit 

'My Dream Is Yours' 

Reg Streeter. relief manager of the Fi-esno 

I 

Calif. Theatre, developed numerous music 

I 

tieups in behalf of "My Dream Is Yours." 

Two hundred jukeboxes thi-oughout the city 

carried announcement cards inviting ths 

public to play Doris Day's recordings from 

the film. This stunt was set up two weeks 

pr or to opening. 

Thirteen record shops in Fresno were lined 

up for window di.splays using records heard 

in the picture, scene stills and the theatre 

playdates. Disk jockeys were contacted for 

plugs on the song hits and tieups were made 

with radio stations KFRE. KMJ, KARM and 

KYNO. Fred White, KYNO disk jockey, interviewed 

Streeter, providing the picture with 

an excellent plug. 

Regular radio spots were utilized and the 

newspaper campaign was started a week in 

advance with teaser ads, graduating in size 

until opening day. 

Cleveland Educators Give 'Hamlet' 

Strong School and Library Support 

strong support from educational services 

was enlisted by Vaughn O'Neill, manager of 

the Ohio, Cleveland, to attract extra patronage 

for the roadshow engagement of "Hamlet." 

In each of the public library branches in 

the city, a set of 12 stills was displayed with 

mention of theatre playdates. Special displays 

also were placed in 14 libraries in high 

schools located in the metropolitan area. 

O'Neill contacted the head of the board of 

education and made arrangements for student 

tickets to be placed on sale in schools 

and eight colleges. Educators and editors 

of college and high school publications attended 

an advance screening at the Ohio 

with excellent reviews resulting. 

Nuns, who normally are not permitted to 

attend public performances, were invited to 

a rehearsal performance. As a result of this 

foresight, attendance at the theatre during 

"Hamlet" was a must for all students in 

Catholic schools and colleges. 

In suburban high schools, entire classes 

were sold blocks of theatre tickets for matinee 

shows. During the northeastern Ohio 

teachers convention in Cleveland. O'Neill 

addressed the drama group and Englsh 

group presenting 700 teachers with a Time 

magazine reprint of the "Hamlet" review and 

a copy of the study guide for classroom use. 

Many parties of classes w'ere arranged at this 

time. 

A mailing list of 8.500 was circularized with 

heralds and more than 150 organizations received 

letters informing them of benefit discounts 

offered during the run of the picture. 

M«M TllADK SHOWS MAY !»"• 

O 

M.G-M Re-Preên.s •THF WIZARD OF 

07" slarringJLDV GARLAND • FRANK 

LAHR 

MORGAN .RAV BOLGER • BERT 

JACK. HALEY • BMlic Burke • MarKar.i 

Play bv Noel 

Edgar Allan 

Lancley. 

Woolf 

Hamilton . Chark-y *-\"Pje';'" * ^"^ 'he 

Munchklns • Color by TECHNICOLOR 

A VICTOR FLEMING Produciion • Screen 

Florence Ryer*on and 

• From the Book by 

Frank Baum • Lyrics by E. V. Harburg 

Music by Harold Arlen • 

VICTOR FLEMING • Produced by 

MERVVN LeROY • A MelroGoldwyn- 

L. 

Directed by 

Mayer Masterpiece Reprint. 

CITY 

AUANV 

ATLANTA 

BOSTON 

BUFFALO 

CHARLOTTE 

CHICAGO 

CINCINNATI 

CLEVELAND 

DALLAS 

DENVER 

DES MOINES 

DETROIT 

INDIANAPOLIS 

KANSAS CITY 

IDS ANGELES 

MEMPHIS 

PLACE 

20th- Fox Screen Room 

20th-Fox Screen Room 

M-G-M Screen Room 


20th-Fcx Screen Room 

H. C. Igel's Screen Room 

RKO Palace BIdg Sc. Rm. 



Paramount Screen Room 


Max Blumenthal's Sc. Rm 





1 052 Broadway 

197 Walton St., N. VJ. 

46 Church Street 

290 Franklin Street 

308 S. Church Street 

1301 S. V\/abash Ave. 

16 East Sixth Street 

2219 Payne Ave. 

1803 Wood Street 

2100 Stout Street 

1300 High Street 

2310 Cass Avenue 

326 No. Illinois St. 

1720 Wyandotte St. 

2019 S. Vermont Ave. 

151 Vance Avenue 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

5/19 

2 P.M. 

2 P.M. 

2 P.M. 

2 P.M. 

1 :30 P.M. 

1 :30 P.M. 

8 P.M. 

1 P.M. 

2:30 P.M. 

2 P.M. 

1 P.M. 

1:30 P.M. 

1 P.M. 

1:30 P.M. 

2 P.M. 

10 A.M. 

MILWAUKEE 

MINNEAPOLIS 

NEW HAVEN 

NEW ORLEANS 

NEW rORKN.J 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

OMAHA 

PHILADELPHIA 

PITTSBURGH 

PORTLAND 

ST. LOUIS 

SALT LAKE CITY 

SAN FRANCISCO 

SEATTLE 

WASHINGTON 

Warner Screen Room 









B. F. Shearer Screen Rm. 

S'Renco Art Theatre 



Jewel Box Preview Thea. 


212 W. Wisconsin Ave. 

1015 Currie Avenue 

40 Whiting Street 

200 S. Liberty St. 

630 Ninth Avenue 

10 North Lee Street 

1502 Davenport St. 

1233 Summer Street 

1623 Blvd. of Allies 

1947 N. W. Kearney St. 

3143 Olive Street 

216 E. First St.. So 

245 Hyde Street 

2318 Second Ave. 

932 New Jersey, N. W. 

5/19

April Fool Program 

Has Quaint Gags 

A midnight surprise April Fool show 

promoted by Dick Peffley, manager of 

the Paramount, Fremont, Ohio, attracted 

more patronage than the usual midweek 

business. Peffley booked six tworeel 

comedies comprising a two-hour program 

and advertised that anything could 

happen at the April Fool show, such as 

the picture running upside down, etc. 

To exploit the show, Peffley used radio 

spots, special heralds, a trailer, A-boards 

in the lobby and out front and newspaper 

ads. 

The idea went over well, according to 

Peffley. He had the operator insert slides 

with humorous copy at intervals during 

the show and ran one cartoon upside 

down. 

Interboro Theatremen 

Step Up Advertising 

Interboro Theatres of the Long Island division, 

under the supervision of Lew Preston, 

has been engaged in a drive to promote extra 

business through advertising and exploitation. 

All theatres in the Long Island zone 

which played "One Sunday Afternoon" used 

a horse-drawn hay wagon as a street ballyhoo. 

The driver stopped at busy intersections 

to distribute special heralds announcing 

the theatre playdates. 

Record players featured song hits from the 

picture in theatre lobbies. The Island and 

College theatres used tandem bikes with cutouts 

for special lobby displays. At the Linden 

Theatre, a pai-k bench with dummy figures 

of a boy and girl waiting to see the 

picture helped to provoke added interest. 

At the Main Street Theatre, a tieup was 

made with a local fruit store to exploit 

"Family Honeymoon." Five hundred peaches 

were promoted from the store, attached to 

heralds wîth copy, "This is a peach of a 

show," and distributed to women shoppers. 

For "Whispering Smith," 27,000 sample 

boxes of cough drops were promoted from 

the Smith Brothers Co., and tieups were 

made with local drug stores to 

stand the cost 

of the envelopes with theatre imprint for 

the distribution of the lozenges. 

Civic Groups Reached 

With 'Snake Pit' Cards 

When "The Snake Pit" played at the 

Waller, Laurel, Del., Manager Herman Kopf 

used a personal mailing list made up of 

names of members from all civic and service 

clubs. Postal cards were imprinted with a 

per.sonal message from him regarding the 

picture. A 30x40 display was made for out 

front, with announcements of the Academy 

awards and citations by national magazines 

given to the picture. 

In conjunction with "John Loves Mary," 

Kopf arranged window displays with merchants, 

tieing in their respective products 

with the pictirre title. Cooperative newspaper 

ads also were promoted from the merchants, 

including a 4-column, 12-inch layout from 

an electrical appliance store. 

Usherettes, Old Car 

Ballyhoo Playdates 

For Take Me Out' 

Three usherettes carrying banners imprinted 

with title, stars and theatre playdates 

served as downtown ballyhoo for Manager 

Bob Carney at the Poll. Waterbury. 

Conn., in advance of "Take Me Out to the 

Ball Game." Carney obtained an old car, 

bannered it with special signs and used it as 

an added ballyhoo. 

Bumper strips were placed on taxicabs, 

and a cosmetic concern used stills and cast 

credits in a window display tied in with the 

catchline, "You'll score a homer if you use 

iblanki cosmetics." 

In conjunction with "Little Women," Carney 

made arrangements with a department 

store to distribute fan photos of the five female 

stars in the film production. Each 

time a purchase was made, a customer received 

a photo. Signs throughout the store 

called attention to the fact that customers 

collecting a complete set of the photos would 

receive free theatre tickets. 

A sports broadcast was arranged over 

WBRY and spot announcements were used 

on WWCO. Twenty-five standees were 

spread throughout the downtown sector, and 

a coloring contest was planted on the Youth 

News page of the Waterbury daily. 

Pepsi-Cola Tieup Sparks 

'Riley' at Syracuse, N.Y. 

Dick Feldman, manager of the Paramount 

Theatre, Syracuse, capitalized on the Pepsi- 

Cola tieup to exploit "The Life of Riley." The 

local soft-drink distributor put out "Life of 

Riley" streamers in every retail outlet in 

Syracuse. More than 2,000 of these were displayed 

in stores, gas stations, etc. 

A three-column lead story was promoted m 

the Herald-Journal, in addition to a onecolumn 

cut of William Bendix. 

Feldman took advantage of the Fox Movietone 

newsreel shots of Shirley Martin, Syracuse 

girl who made the statue of St. Anne cry 

when she kissed it. A 40x60 was placed out 

front calling attention to the newsreel picture, 

with copy on Syracuse's own Shirley 

Anne Martin and the crying statue. The 

Herald-Journal also used special news stories 

on this newsreel item. 

Patrons Try Puzzles 

Waiting for 'Jennie' 

Patrons of the Rivoli Theatre in New 

York have been whiling away their time 

waiting for the start of the showing of 

"Portrait of Jennie" at each performance 

by putting together a 300-pieee jigsaw 

puzzle of Jennifer Jones who has the title 

role in the film. Monty Salmon, manager 

of the Rivoli, has provided tables and 

chairs for jigsaw puzzle fans on the mezzanine 

floor, and offers a 22x24 reproduction 

in full color of the Robert Brockman 

painting of Jennifer Jones for those who 

join all interlocking parts. 

Teen Town Benefits 

From Easter Sfiow 

F. P. Gloriod, manager of the Varsity, 

Carbondale, III., promoted his second annual 

Easter style show under joint sponsorship 

with the Junior Women's Chamber 

of Conunerce. The Kiwanis club, the 

Eagles and Parent-Teacher Ass'ns supported 

the project and a share of the 

.eceipts was turned over for the benefit 

of Teen Town. 

Every shopkeeper in town participated 

in the tieup, carrying full window displays 

and supporting an eight-page newspaper 

section in the Free Press, as well 

as using individual ad space to publicize 

the Varsity attraction. 

The local radio station cooperated with 

15 free spot announcements plugging the 

sale of tickets. Gloriod reports that because 

of advance sales made by the 

Jaycettes, the director of Teen Town 

received $400 through the tieup. 

Lobby Treasure Chest 

Keys 'Dear My Heart' 

A jewelry store tied in with Ed Pyne, manager 

of the RKO 105th Street Theatre, Cleveland, 

for a "So Dear to My Heart" treasure 

chest, shaped in the form of a heart and 

placed on display in the theatre lobby. A sign 

announced that keys were being distributed 

by the jeweler and that those holding a key 

which opened the lock on the heart would receive 

a Mickey Mouse watch. The jeweler donated 

36 watches for lucky youngsters. 

To help promote the new Sealtest Shmoo 

Kow ice cream bar, Pyne sold the dealer on 

the idea of donating enough ice cream to 

present to the first 500 children attending the 

opening performance of "So Dear to My 

Heart." This stunt was publicized through 

lobby displays, radio spots and newspaper 

ads. 

A window tieup was promoted from a local 

photographer, using the tiein line, "Your 

favorite photos will always be held so dear 

to your heart, etc." 

Theatre, Radio Station 

In Reciprocal Hookup 

Recent tieup made by Robert Beamer, 

manager of the Pulaski (Va.i Theatre, is a 

reminder for exhibitors that cooperative advertising 

with the local radio station is effective, 

without putting a strain on the theatre 

ad budget. 

Beamer's tieup is with station WPUV and 

involves a reciprocal agreement whereby both 

the Pulaski and Dalton theatres receive four 

spot announcements daily, five announcements 

on Saturday and three on Simday. In 

return for this, the theatres use a brief trailer 

with copy: "For daily coverage of local, national 

and worldwide news, keep your radio 

dial set at 1230, radion station WPUV." 

The trailer is used as a newsreel clip and 

cost the theatre less than eight ads. To 

counterbalance this, Beamer estimates the 

cost of the promoted radio time at $2,184 per 

year. 

42 —146— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser May 14, 1949

1 

ing 

National Promotions 

Work on Local Basis 

For 'Life of Riley' 

Randall Roberts, manager of the Browny 

Theatre, Brownsburg, Ind.. comes into the 

U-I Unity drive exploitation contest with a 

hangup campaign on "The Life of Riley." 

He followed up all national tieins on Pepsi- 

Cola. Reader's library. Bendix wa.shers, Prell 

shampoo, etc. 

A progressive grocery tied in by offering 

free theatre tickets to "The Life of Riley" 

with each order purchased during a onehour 

specified period on Saturday before 

opening. The store used a large ad to announce 

the offer and easily made back the 

expense of the ad plus the cost of the theatre 

tickets. A downtown restaurant offered 

a "Riley" special. 

A banner was placed across the main street 

of town, giving the feature, location of the 

theatre and playdate. Roberts took a sound 

truck to six neighboring towns where the 

picture received a personal ballyhoo. 

The Brownsburg newspaper and a weekly 

published in an adjoining town provided extensive 

cooperation thi'ough the insertion of 

the picture title in type at the bottom of 

each merchant's ad. Roberts received personal 

letters of thanks from several of the 

merchants who used tieups. 

Chicks Given to 100 Kids 

For 'Chicken Every Sun.' 

One of the highlights of the campaign 

for "Chicken Every Sunday" put on by 

Spencer Steinhurst. manager of the 'Weis 

Theatre in Savannah. Ga.. was a full-page 

co-op ad in the Savannah Morning News. 

Cooperating merchants also went along on a 

stunt whereby theatre pas.ses were given to 

store customers, paid for by the individual 

sponsors. 

The Coastal hatchery donated 100 baby 

chicks to the first 100 kids attending the 

opening show. Steinhur.st reports that downtown 

Savannah was loaded with children as 

a result of the baby chick giveaway. The 

stunt worked so successfully that it was 

repeated. 

Five large markets paid for the cost of a 

full-page ad and announced that theatre 

tickets were enclosed with some of the 

chickens offered for sale. The theatre received 

a quarter-page ad on the picture at 

no cost. 

Jigsaw Puzzle Ad Is Used 

To Plug life of Riley' 

Duke Elliott, manager of the Strand, Carthage. 

N. Y., developed a full page co-op 

ad in conjunction with "The Life of Riley" 

which had an unusual twist. Free theatre 

passes were offered to the first 25 newspaper 

readers who cut out and correctly assembled 

a scene from the picture. Parts of 

the scene were placed in each of the cooperating 

merchant's ads. A large portion 

of the space on the page was devoted to a 

display ad plugging "The Life of Riley" and 

the Strand dates. 

Elliott also promoted window displays with 

a furniture store and a clothing store. Taxicabs 

and two mail trucks carried banners 

plugging the picture. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser May 14, 1949 

SAN FRANCISCO CALL-BULLETIN 

(0«i if 

'Red Pony' 

A Family 

Life Study 

By FRED JOHNSON 

GIVEN A dog or a pony on Ihe 

screen, you also espy the boy who 

get-s same and loses ditto, or 

otherwise does his juvenile best 

to break your heart. 

There's enough of that in "The 

Red Pony," John Steinbeck's 

story of ranch life in the Salinas 

Vallev. which had its world premiere 

yesterday at the Fox. But 

there's also refreshment in its 

study of the domestic relations 

bound up with and influenced by 

' 

might be a cure for his discontent. 

This it it 

proved to be 

after 

he'd also felt loneliness during his 

visit and returned to find the cure 

within himself. 

Child Shall Lead 

It wouldn't seem a boy and hia 

pony has much to do with all 

this But loss of the animal docs 

figure in it. with a conflict between 

Tom and the farmhand 

which atso has to be resolved, 

along with an easier life emerging 

for the gabby grandfather as 

well. 

a boy and his tiny horse. 

In similar screen affairs the Myrna Loy. oddly ca.st as the 

adults usually are bystanders drudging wife and mother, acquits 

herself graciously and with- 

whose lives move placidly on and 

all that matters is the adolescent's 

outcome after heart-trying Robert Mitchum is the personiout 

benefit of smart answers and 

fication of a kindly farm worker. 

experiences. 

Shepperd Strudwick. currently 

Mission to Fulfill 

the Father Matthieu in "Joan of 

But boy and pet have much to Arc." turns in a thoughtful study 

do in reshaping a family's way of of the confused father; Louis Calhern 

is delightful as a Buffalo 

getting on in "The Red Pony. 

They were needed in the farm type of grandfather, and 10 year 

circle of the Tiflins. whose head old Peter Miles is lovably unaffected 

as the boy. 

was a former schoolteacher who 

remained a stranger to both family 

and neighbors. His son Tom ing technicolor, is sensitively pro- 

The Republic picture, in pleas- 

had his gift of a pony, but looked duced and directed by Lewis 

to the .sympathetic farm hand for Milestone from Steinbeck's own 

companion-sh'ip and guidance. adaptation and with splendid photography 

by Tony Gaudio. 

A boresome father in law, with 

his repetitious tales of the Old With no concessions to youthful 

romance or other Hollywood 

West, was resented only by the 

maladjusted pedagogue, whose glo.ssing. "The Red Pony" is an 

patient wife advised a visit to his exceptional and vastly entcrtain- 

San Jose kin without suggesting 

film for all ages. 

Rep'-inted fro m The Son Francisco Call-Bulletin 

MYRNA LOY 

(IIAKLK.S K fflllHAN prfsmts 

ROBERT MITCHUM 

JOHN STEINBECK'S 

in 

yJê Iêe^Pon^ 

and introducing 

illlJUll and SHEPPERl 

PETER MILES as TOM and MARGARET HAMILTON 

Screen Play by JOHN STEINBECK • Music by AARON COPLAND 

Produced and Directed by LEWIS MIIESIONE • A REPUBLIC PROOUCIION 

COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR

Smart layouts, above, right and below, 

designed and drawn by Jay Wren, ad 

head lor Paramount Adams, Newark, N. I. 

.ivMu.'i«

Baseball Atmosphere 

Provided by Staff 

For Take Me Out' 

Real atmosphere was provided by Sam 

Oilman, manager of the Regent Theatre, 

Harrisburg, Pa., to build up advance interest 

in "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." The 

entire theatre staff was dressed in baseball 

uniform, and the coincidental opening of the 

local baseball season provided opportunity 

for numerous window displays and newspaper 

and radio tieins. 

Dick Wolfe, film editor of the Evening 

News, distributed 25 passes to readers named 

O'Brien, Ryan and Goldberg. The incidental 

publicity was extensive. Tom Shreiber. sports 

editor of the Patriot-News, offered theatre 

passes through his column for those sending 

in the best letter on the greatest double play 

combination in ba.seball as compared to the 

O'Brien-to Ryan-to Goldberg combination in 

the film production. 

Peanuts enclosed in glassine bags imprinted 

with theatre copy were handed out to pedestrians 

by two attractive young women dressed 

in abbreviated baseball costumes. 

Oilman blew up an advertising still in color 

and had two girls in baseball costume assemble 

the device as a jigsaw puzzle on busy 

street corners. Juke boxes throughout the 

Harrisburg area carried at least one song hit 

from the picture, and cards were displayed 

with picture and theatre credits. 

Sporting goods stores displayed baseball 

equipment along with posters from the film 

production. Two thou.sand blotters imprinted 

with cuts and picture copy were distributed 

through blanks, hotels and the post office. 

Disk jockeys used a baseball question contest, 

with theatre tickets offered to listeners 

submitting the correct answers. 

Army Bomb Exhibit Used 

The coincidental booking of "Command 

Decision" with Army week gave John J. 

Haney, manager of the Patio, Freeport, 111., 

an opportunity to enlist military aid in promoting 

the playdates. Haney contacted the 

recruiting office and arranged for an exhibit 

of a bomb rack truck and caterpillar tractor 

on the courthouse square. This was tied in 

with the Army week celebration, and Haney 

arranged for a large sign to be displayed 

calling attention to the theatre dates. 

Animated Window Display 

Is Short Subject Tieup 

Wannie Tyers, manager of the Odeon m 

Toronto, tied up with the Ontario hydroelectric 

commission for a complete animated 

window display tied in with the tworeel 

subject, "Gates of Power." Measuring 

15x9 feet and fully illuminated, the exhibit 

revealed the complete mechanics of converting 

water into power through a series of 

uraphic illustrations and photographs. In 

addition to the direct tiein with "Gates of 

Power," the current screen feature, "The 

Red Pony," was credited in display signs. 

T>-ers received newspaper and radio plug.s 

by playing host to Toronto's crippled children 

during the engagement of "Tlie Red 

Pony." He promoted the use of a pony and 

cart, giving many of the youngsters an opportunity 

to enjoy a short ride prior to the 

showing. 

Merchants Collaborate 

On Army Day Promotion 

Sponsored by the Bridgeton Merchants 

Ass'n. of which he is the president, Dan 

Dandrea. manager of the Stanley Theatre, 

Bridgeton, N. J., promoted special stage ceremonies 

commemorating Army day, with the 

cooperation of the army recruiting service. 

Highlight of the stage activities was the 

presentation of more than $500 in cash 

awards to winners of an Army day essay 

contest promoted through the Bridgeton 

school system. The stage ceremonies were 

presided over by Lieut. Col. J. V. Davidow 

who made an address which was broadcast 

over station WSNJ. 

The army recruiting service provided an 

exhibit of tanks and other equipment outside 

the theatre, and the Merchants Ass'n sponsored 

a full-page ad announcing the theatre 

activities. 

Archery Display Hits 

'Robin Hood' Target 

"Adventures of Robin Hood" was exploited 

by Steve McManus, manager of the Odeon 

Theatre, Fort William, Ont.. through a tieup 

made with the Thunder Bay Archei-y club. 

The group provided a lobby exhibit of bows, 

arrows and other archery implements which 

was backed up by posters from the film production. 

The display was placed in the theatre 

lobby a week in advance and attracted 

lots of interest from theatre patrons. 

Four weeks in advance of opening with 

"The Gangster and the Hunted," two onesheets 

were pasted and shellacked and placed 

on the floor of the outer theatre lobby. This 

stunt also provoked excellent comment for 

the picture. 

Double Truck Co-op 

To observe the opening of the month-long 

spring parade of hits at the Community and 

Congress theatres, Saratoga Springs, N. Y.. 

Harry Burke, manager of the Community, 

and James Benton, manager of the Congress, 

promoted a double truck newspaper spread 

in the Daily Saratogian. Considering that 

dm-ing the off season, Saratoga Springs is a 

small town with extremely limited merchant 

activity, the theatremen did an excellent job 

of promotion. The layout carried a fourinch 

'banner headline across the top of both 

pages and included four-column ads plugging 

the theatres' coming hits. 

RKO RADIO PICTURES, inc. 

TRADE SHOWINGS OF 

JOHN FORD and 

MERIAN C. COOPER'S 

Arko Production of 

MIGHTY JOE YOUNG 

ALBANY, Fox Screening Room, 1052 Broadway, 

Mon., Moy 23, 8:00 P.M. 

ATLANTA, RKO Screening Room, 195 Luckie St., 

N.W., Mon., May 23, 2:30 P.M. 

BOSTON, RKO Screening Room, 122-28 Arlington 

St., Mon., Moy 23, 2:30 P.M. 

BUFFALO, Mo. Pic. Operators Screening Room, 

498 Pearl SI., Mon., May 23, 2:30 P.M. 

CHARLOTTE, Fox Screening Room, 308 S. Church 

SI., Mon., May 23, 2:00 P.M. 

CHICAGO, RKO Screening Room, 1300 So. 

Wabash Ave., Mon., Moy 23, 1:30 P.M. 

CINCINNATI, RKO Screening Room, 12 East 

Sixth St., Mon., May 23, 8:00 P.M. 

CLEVELAND, Fox Screening Room, 2219 Payne 

Ave., Mon., May 23, 10:30 A.M. 

DALLAS, Paramount Screening Room, 412 South 

Horwood St., Mon., May 23, 2:30 P. M. 

DENVER, Paramount Screening Room, 2100 Stout 

St., Mon., May 23, 2:00 P.M. 

DES MOINES, Fox Screening Room, 1300 High 

St., Mon., May 23, 2:30 P.M. 

DETROIT, Blumenthal's Screening Room, 2310 

Coss Ave., Mon., May 23, 2:30 P.M. 

INDIANAPOLIS, Universal Screening Room, 517 

N. Illinois St., Mon., May 23, 1:00 P.M. 

KANSAS CITY, Paramount Screening Room, 1 800 

Wyandotte St., Mon., May 23, 2:30 P.M. 

LOS ANGELES, RKO Screening Room, 1980 So. 

Vermont Ave., Mon., May 23, 2:30 P.M. 

MEMPHIS, Fox Screening Room, 151 Vance 

Ave., Mon., May 23, 2:30 P.M. 

MILWAUKEE, Warner Screening Room, 212 W. 

Wisconsin Ave., Mon., May 23, 10:30 A.M. 

MINNEAPOLIS, Fox Screening Room, 1015 Currie 

Ave., Mon., May 23, 2:00 P.M. 

NEW HAVEN, Fox Screening Room, 41 Whiting 

St., Mon., Moy 23, 2:00 P.M. 

NEW ORLEANS, Fox Screening Room, 200 S. 

Liberty St., Mon., May 23, 10:30 A.M. 

NEW YORK, Normandie Theotre, 53rd St. & 

Pork Ave., Mon., May 23, 10:30 A.M. 

OKLAHOMA CITY, Fox Screening Room, 10 

North Lee St., Mon., May 23, 10:30 A.M. 

OMAHA, Fox Screening Room, 1502 Davenport 

St., Mon., Moy 23, 1.00 P.M. 

PHILADELPHIA, RKO Screening Room, 250 N. 

13th St., Mon., May 23, 10:30 A.M. 

PITTSBURGH, RKO Screening Room, 1809-13 

Blvd. of Allies, Mon., May 23, 1:30 P.M. 

PORTLAND, Star Screening Room, 925 N.W. 

19th Ave., Mon., May 23, 10:30 A.M. 

ST. LOUIS, RKO Screening Room, 3143 Olive 

St., Tues., May 24, 11:30 A.M. 

SALT LAKE CITY, Fox Screening Room, 216 E. 

First South St., Mon., Moy 23, 1:30 P.M. 

SAN FRANCISCO, RKO Screening Room, 251 

Hyde St., Mon., May 23, 2:30 P.M. 

SEATTLE, Jewel Box Screening Room, 2318 

Second Ave., Mon., May 23, 2:30 P.M. 

SIOUX FALLS, Hollywood Theatre, 212 North 

Phillips Ave., Mon., May 23, 10:30 A.M. 

WASHINGTON, Fox Screening Room, 932 New 

Jersey Ave., Mon., May 23, 11:00 A.M. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser May 14, 1949 —149— 45

; 

WILLIAM 

Sales Girl's 

Glamor Contest Wins 

Merchant and Newspaper Support 

Jim Barnes, manager of the Huntington 

Park (Calif. t Theatre, promoted a three-week 

contest to locate the most glamorous sales 

girl in the business district. 

The stimt received full cooperation from 

the Huntington Park Daily Signal, was sponsored 

by a jewelry concern and was highlighted 

by the fact that Alexis Smith, Hollywood 

screen star, made the presentation of 

the awards to winners. As an added feature, 

the fashion editor of the San Francisco Examiner 

acted as mistress of ceremonies for 

the stage presentation. 

The William Penn Jewelry store, sponsor 

of the promotion, printed and distributed application 

blanks and took large size newspaper 

ads to publicize the quest. A $500 ring 

and other valuable prizes were given to the 

winners. 

Contestants were judged on charm, beauty 

and poise, and were selected to represent 

stores in the Huntington Park business and 

shopping district. Each store provided a 

wardrobe for its candidate. The newspaper 

cooperated by publishing pictures of all entrants. 

* IN PERSON 

MISS ALEXIS SMITH 

STAR or WARNCR BROS SOUTH OP ST LOUIS 

WILL PRESENT AWARDS TO 

WILLIAM PENN JEWELERS 

"MOST GLAMOROUS SALESGIRL CONTEST" 

Ut PRIZE ..SSOO.OC DIAMOND RING 

SOUTH Or ST LOUIS thophy 

2n(l PRIZE ..LADIES' 21. JEWEL 8UL0VA WATCH 

Jrd PRIZE-S25.0O GIFT CERTIFICATE 

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES, March 23rd ..d 30«h 

BABETIE 

GIRLS 

-- IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO ENTER 

SEMI-FINALS ..MARCH 23rd 

FINALS -MARCH 30tli 

tSI9 Pacific Blvd. 

nu IN 

THIS APPUCATION AND 

BKING n INTO OUR STOHC 

PENN

Newsreel Theatres 

Will Run Features 

NEW YORK—Another newsreel circuit 

will change to feature programs. The shift 

will be made May 25 by Newsreel Theatres, 

Inc., w^hich will begin showing J. Arthur 

Rank's "All Over the TomV at its theatre 

in the Airlines Terminal at Park avenue and 

42nd street. The name of the house will be 

changed to Embassy Cinema. Last December, 

Tians-Lux Theatres Corp. made the 

change from newsreels to features after it 

had acquired six additional theatres from 

Harry Brandt, its chief stockholder. 

W. French Githins, president of Newsreel 

Theatres, says newsreel business has 

fallen off and a change has to be made. He 

will experiment with the feature policy at 

the Embassy Cinema, and if it is profitable 

he will apply it to his other theatres. Newsreel 

operates four in New York and one in 

Newark. 

During the past few weeks he and his associates 

have been attending two and three 

feature screenings daily in their search for 

appropriate product. 

The Trans-Lux theatres have been playing 

foreign films on a single bill and regular 

subsequent run American twin bills in different 

theatres throughout the city and 

suburbs. Trans-Lux has 13 houses in Manhattan, 

Bronx and Westchester. 

The status of newsreels also is doubtful 

with several circuits in the New York area. 

During the past few weeks Century Theatres 

has canceled newsreels for three or 

four of its subsequent run theatres. Starting 

May 16, the RKO, Walter Reade and 

Trenton-New Brunswick Theatres will experiment 

by dropping newsreels from several 

of their subsequent run theatres. The 

important theatres will continue to show 

newsreels. 

The explanations offered by circuit executives 

vary. Most of them said the moves 

were prompted by economy. They also said 

that the newsreels were too old by the time 

they reached the subsequent run theatres. 

One booking and buying official acknowledged 

that televised newsreels made some of 

the theatre newsreels seem outdated. This 

same official said that the newsreel companies 

appeared to be trying to counteract 

this by using more feature and documentary 

material. 

Three Film Houses Plan 

Legitimate Programs 

NEW YORK—Three film houses will 

change to stage shows for the summer in 

New York City. These are the Windsor, 

Bronx and the Flatbush in Brooklyn, Brandt 

theatres, and the Brighton. Brooklyn, a 

Rugoff & Becker house. They followed the 

same policy last year. 

Rugoff & Becker may also present plays 

at the Crest Theatre, Long Beach. This 

house had been used for Broadway revivals 

during the past few summers, but plans have 

not been set for 1949. 

Madison Pictures Moves 

NEW YORK—Madison Pictures, Inc., has 

moved from 625 Madison avenue to the Paramount 

Bldg. at 1501 Broadway. More space 

was needed to take over distribution of Eagle 

Lion's 1944-46 product. 

Philadelphia 

Clearances 

To Change on May 26 

NEW YORK—The 20th Century-Fox clearance 

plan called "flexible availabilities" for 

theatres in 18 Philadelphia zones will go into 

effect May 26 with "Mr. Belvedere Goes to 

College," according to A. W. Smith jr., vicepresident 

and general sales manager. 

Eighteen theatres will be able to buy pictures 

on a 21-day availability, an increase 

from the previous eight or nine houses on 

a 28-day availability. 

The zone system as set up: Zone 1, Broad; 

Zone 2, Benson: Zone 3, Tower: Zone 4, 

Girard: Zone 5, no theatres have come in 

on the plan as yet; Zone 6, Nixon; Zone 7, 

Iris; Zone 8, Carmen; Zone 9, Logan; Zone 

10, Jeffries: Zone 11, Roosevelt; Zone 12, 

Fernrock; Zone 13, Ogontz; Zone 14, Bandbox; 

Zone 15, Mayfair; Zone 16, Oxford; 

Zone 17, Erlen; Zone 18, Keswick: Main 

Line, Suburban Theatre, Ardmore. 

The availabilities will run from 21 to 35 

days for the zone first runs after downtown 

fir.st runs. Pictures playing on the first day 

of availability will have seven days clearance 

over succeeding rim. The later a theatre 

plays a picture in the availability period, 

the less clearance that theatre will have over 

the next succeeding run. 

For theatres following the first group of 

18, the availability will be 35 to 49 days 

after downtown first runs. On the 50th day 

after first run pictures will be offered to 

all theatres in their proper playing positions. 

The company figures that more theatres 

will be able to play "A" pictures and will not 

be forced to miss any of them because of 

locked-in availability dates, and they will 

benefit from being closer to the national 

and local first run advertising. It is estimated 

that full playing time will be available 

in a maximum number of theatres, 

totaling 28,000 seats as against 16,000 under 

present selling methods. 

The new release plan will be publicized 

in Philadelphia. One feature of this campaign 

will be the award of bonds of $100, 

$50 and $25 to the managers of the 18 theatres 

whose campaigns in behalf of the 

May 26 openings and "Mr. Belvedere Goes 

to College" are judged the best. 

Samuelson Attacks New 

20th-Fox Clearances 

PHILADELPHIA—Sidney Samuelson, business 

manager of the Allied Eastern Pennsylvania 

unit, has aimed a blast at the new 

20th Century-Fox clearance plan scheduled 

to start here May 26 with the release of 

"Mr. Belvedere Goes to College." 

He calls it "enforced bidding and vicious, 

candy-coated poison." He predicted that 

subsequent runs would oppose the plan by 

refusing to buy. Meetings of the local Allied 

unit are to be held to discuss the effects 

of the plan. 

Samuelson said he had wired A. W. Smith 

jr., 20th-Fox vice-president, asking postponement 

of the plan, and that Smith had 

replied that a postponement would "torpedo" 

the plan. 

Film Executives Seeking Sustenance 

Barred From London Zoological Park 

NEW YORK—In typical British fa.shion. 

Screencomber, writing in the April 21 issue 

of Kinematograph Weekly, supplies sidelights 

on the economic plight in which film 

men in the tight little isle find themselves 

these days. His account follows: 

"For posing as a chimpanzee and fraudulently 

acquiring two buns and a cup of tea, 

the property of the Royal Zoological society. 

Wart Mendelthropp Winkleheim, described as 

a film promoter, was fined 15 shiUings and 

two guineas costs. Mr. Winkleheim asked for 

time to pay, so that he might apply for a 

grant to Mr. Lawrie of the Film Finance 

Corp. 

"The prosecution described the imposture 

as a particularly impudent one and claimed 

considerable indignation was felt in the ape 

world at the idea of a film executive impersonating 

one of their kind. Mr. Winkleheim 

admitted that on a number of occasions 

he had sneaked into the chimpanzee cage 

dm-ing feeding time, but denied that the 

buns had been fraudulently acquired, pointing 

out that his table manners were as good 

as any ape's and that, as the spectators had 

been completely fooled into believing in his 

simian origin, he was entitled to the bims 

in payment for his performance. 

"The magistrate. Mr. Snedgeby-Jackson, 

said while he sympathized with the defendant 

in the present state of the film business, he 

would still have to take action, otherwise the 

Zoological Gardens might be overrun with 

starving film executives and the general public 

might shortly be unable to distinguish 

between film executives masquerading as apes 

and apes masquerading as film producers. 

Mr. Winkleheim asked that a further offense 

should be taken into consideration, when he 

dived into the pool and, while masquerading 

as a sea lion, illegally secured three sardines, 

a pilchard and the core of an apple." 

Father's Day Film Opens 

In Lambertville, N. J. 

NEW YORK—"The Lambertville Story," 

a Paramount Pacemaker short featuring Paul 

Whiteman, opened at the Strand in Lambertville, 

N. J., May 12. Mayor William R. 

Naylor of Lambertville and other civic officials, 

as well as Whiteman, Justin Herman, 

the producer, and Edgar Fay, assistant director, 

were present. The short has been 

selected the Father short of the year by 

the National Father's day committee and 

will be released generally May 26, the day 

Paramount receives the award from the 

Father's day coimcil. 


. . . Maurice 

. . Marilyn 

. . Another 

. . . Robert 

. . Harold 

. . Departures 

. . Norman 

BROADWAy 

TZathryn Grayson, just back from. London, 

flew to Winston-Salem, N. C, her birthplace, 

to be guest of honor at the Forsyth 

county centennial celebration May 12 . . . 

El.zabeth Taylor, Morgan Hudgins of the 

MGM studio publicity staff and Robert 

Henigson, son of Henry Henigson, MGM 

studio executive, have booked passage on 

the Nieuw Amsterdam for June 10. They 

will work in Rome on "Quo Vadis." 

. . John Joseph, 

Norman Ayres, Warner Bros, southern division 

sales manager, visited Charlotte during 

the week . Charlotte visitor 

was Rudy Berger, MGM southern sales manager 

. Deborah Kerr and husband, Anthony 

. . 

Hartley, are due here from the coast May 18 

N. Wolf spoke at the Rotary 

club, Tulsa; Kiwanis, Oklahoma City, and 

Exchange club. Stillwater, Okla. 

Carol Brandt, head of MGM eastern story 

activities, is expected back May 16 from a 

six-week visit in London . 

assistant to Howard Dietz, is due here from 

Clark Gable 

the coast the same day . . . 

expects to end his vacation here in a few 

days and return to the coast . . John 

. 

Huston plans to fly to Rome June 1. 

Leon J. Bamberger, RKO sales promotion 

manager, will speak on "Costs Versus Showmanship" 

at the 30th annual convention of 

ITO of Arkansas May 18, 19 at Little Rock 

. . . Frank C. Hensler is back at his Detroit 

headquarters after two days of MGM home 

office conferences . . . Walter Ellaby, export 

manager of Alexander Film Co., has returned 

after a three-week business trip to London. 

Mrs. William Wyler stopped over in Dallas 

en route to the coast . . . Adrian Weiss of 

Louis Weiss & Co. is expected in New York 

soon on a tour of television stations throughout 

the country selling westerns, serials and 

cartoons . Maxwell returned to 

Hollywood after personal appearances in key 

cities . . . Larry Parks and his wife, Betty 

Garrett, are here on a vacation. 

. . Phyllis Calvert, 

Joel Levy, out-of-town booker for Loew's, 

is vacationing at Miami . 

English actress, was due here from England 

over the weekend and will go to Hollywood 

to appear in a Paramount film . . . June 

Havoc has flown to Paris for an extended 

vacation in Europe . . . Edwin C. Booth is 

back at his Cincinnati headquarters and 

TRY 

AND 

SEE! 

HIWACK 

SPECIAL 

TRMltRS 

Ncwyork-6t9W. 54fhSf. 

Guliston Wilton Theatre Carpet 

JOE HORNSTEIN has it! 

Frank J. Downey back at his Detroit headquarters 

after meetings at the MGM home 

office. 

. . Peter Lorre 

. 

. 

Uda B. Ross, Westrex Latin American regional 

manager, is touring his territory to 

discuss new equipment developments and 

policies with local managers . 

arrived to headline the stage show at the 

Paramount Theatre W. Elson, 

vice-president of Ti'ans-Lux Theatres, left 

for a Cape Cod vacation . Jimmy Durante 

has returned to the coast 

. 

... J. J. Felder. 

vice-president of Favorite Films Corp., went 

to the coast on a three-week business trip 

Walker was due to leave for 

Hollywood over the weekend for a short vacation 

with his two sons before starting an 

MGM film. 

M. L. Simons of MGM attended the Georgia 

theatre owners meetings at Atlanta and then 

went to Charlotte . . . Jack and Paul Broder 

of Realart returned to continue the series of 

board and stockholder meetings . . . Stanley 

Kramer, head of Screen Plays, addressed students 

of the NYU department of motion 

. 

pictures May 11 on "Why the Independent 

Producer?" Hendee addressed 

the recent 34th annual state convention of 

Indiana Endorsers of Photoplays at Fort 

Wayne. 

Vera Ellen is here for her first visit in five 

years . . . Sol Handwerger of MGM Records 

attended the Georgia TOA meetings . . . 

Ginger Rogers left for the coast . . . James 

Stewart arrived from Indiana, Pa., where he 

visited his family . . . Van Hetlin is here . . . 

Mrs. Jack Warner returned from Europe on 

the America on the Queen 

. 

Elizabeth included Wayne Coy, chairman of 

the FCC; Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Flaherty 

and Boris Moitos, producer and music director. 

Harry Mersay, head of the 20th-Fox print 

department, is convalescing at St. Peter's 

hospital in Brooklyn from a recent operation. 

He is expected back at the office in about 

ten days. 

'Pine' Will Be Tradeshown 

As Adolph Zukor Salute 

NEW YORK—Henry Fonda, star of "The 

Ti-ail of the Lonesome Pine," one of the 

industry's first Technicolor features, will be 

among the celebrities who will attend a 

"demand performance" tradeshowing at Toots 

Shor restaurant May 17 in tribute to Adolph 

Zukor. The feature will be reissued in June. 

Forty exhibitors and circuit heads also will 

attend the showing, which will be followed 

by a luncheon. 

Rites for R. Y. Salomons Sr. 

NEW YORK—The funeral of Robert Y. 

Salomons sr., 57, cashier at Warner Bros, 

home office, who died recently, were held 

Tuesday ilOi at St. John's Lutheran church, 

Williston, L. I. Salomons joined Warners in 

1929. He is survived by his wife Ruth, a 

son Robert Y. jr., a daughter Joyce Smith, 

and two sisters Louise and Beatrice. 

Mechanical Duck Signed 

Robert Lamouret and his mechanical duck, 

Dudule, have been signed to appear in RKO's 

"Make Mine Laughs." 

'Barkleys' Scores 

Smash First Week 

NEW YORK—The reunion of Fred Astaire 

and Ginger Rogers in "The Barkleys of 

Broadway" gave Loew's State smash business 

in its opening week. Joan Crawford's draw 

in "Flamingo Road" also gave the Strand 

a good opening week. "Africa Screams," in 

its first week at the Criterion, and the three 

long-run British films. "Hamlet" in its 32nd 

week at the Park Avenue, "The Red Shoes" 

in its 29th week at the Bijou and "Quartet" 

in its fifth week at the Sutton, also did 

well. 

Most of the others slumped badly in final 

weeks of long runs and were replaced by six 

new films during the week. They were "The 

Stratton Story" at the Radio City Music 

Hall, "Home of the Brave" at the Victoria, 

"The Sun Comes Up" at the Capitol. "Forbidden 

Street" at the Roxy, "Amazon Quest" 

at the Rialto and "Temptation Harbor" at 

the Beacon, first run British film house. 

(Average Is lOQ) 

Astor—We Were Strangers (Col), 2nd wk 105 

Bijou—The Red Shoes (EL), 29th wk 95 

Capitol Adventure in Baltimore (RKO), plus stage 

show, 2nd wk 75 

Criterion AJrica Screams ( DA) 100 

Globe—Champion (UA), 5th wk 105 

Little Carnegie The Guinea Pig (Variety), 2nd 

wk 90 

Loews State—The Barkleys of Broadway (MGM). .150 

Mayfair The Wizard oi Oz (MGM), reissue, 4th 

wk 100 

Park Avenue Hamlet (U-I), 32nd wk. of two-aday 

100 

Paramount—The Undercover Man (Col), plus stage 

show, 3rd wk 98 

Radio City Music Hall A Coimecticut Yankee 

(Para), plus stage shew, 5th wk 90 

Rialto—The Raven (FC), Murders in the Rue 

Morgue (FC), reissues, 2nd wk 90 

Rivoli—Portrait of Jennie (SRO), 6th wk 75 

Roxy Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (20th-Fox), 

plus stage show, 4th wk 90 

Strand Flamingo Road (WB), plus stage show 115 

Sutton— Quartet (EL), 6th wk 105 

Trans-Lux Madison Avenue Sleeping Car to 

Trieste (EL), 4th wk 65 

Victoria—loan of Arc (RKO), 26th wk _ 70 

'Little Women' Ahead by Shade 

In Buffalo Week 

BUFTALO— "Little Women" was good at 

the Buffalo. So was "Flamingo Road" at the 

Great Lakes and "Mr. Belvedere Goes to 

College" in a moveover week at the Teck. 

The weather has been unusually warm for 

early May. 

BuflalcÛttle Women (MGM) 118 

Great Lakes—Flamingo Road (WB) 110 

Hippodrome—Casablanca (WB), G-Men (WB) 87 

Lafayette- Criss Cross (U-I); Shamrock Hill (EL)..100 

Teck—Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (20th-Fox), 

2nd d t wk 119 

20lh Century—Wake oi the Red Witch (Rep); 

Outpost in Morocco (UA) 100 

American Tele Society 

To Elect Officers May 26 

NEW YORK—Tlie American Television 

Society will elect new officers at the Park 

Sheraton hotel May 26. Proposed bylaw 

changes will be voted on. 

The nominating committee has prepared 

the following slate: David Hale Halpern, for 

president; Donald D. Hyndman, vice-president; 

Reynold R. Kraft, secretary, and 

Douglas Day, treasurer. Warren Caro is an 

added nominee for treasurer. 

Nominations for the board of directors, 

seven of whom will be elected, are Charles 

Durban, Ralph Austrian, Jerry Danzig. 

Maurice E. Strieby, Warren Caro, Donald 

Hyndman, Emerson Yorke, Charles Alicoate, 

E. P. H. James, George Shupert, A. U. Braunfeld, 

and Halsey V. Barrett. 

48 

BOXOFnCE May 14, 1949

. . Mrs. 

. . . Rose 

. . Etta 

Paramount Quarter 

Earnings $5,675,000 

NEW YORK—Paramount Pictures, Inc., 

estimates its earnings for the first quarter 

of this year ended April 2 at $5,675,000 after 

all charges including estimated provision for 

taxes. This total includes $1,429,000 representing 

the company's direct and indirect 

net interest as a stockholder in the combined 

undistributed earnings for the quarter 

of partially owTied and nonconsolidated subsidiaries. 

Gross earnings for the first quarter 

were estimated at $7,760,000. 

Foreign film revenues decreased in the 

first quarter. During the first six months of 

1948 all the revenues from British subsidiaries 

were remittable. In the last half 

of the year, remittances were restricted by 

the British tax settlement. 

First quarter earnings were at the rate 

of 86 cents a share on the 6.609,731 shares 

outstanding, which compares with $1.11 a 

share for the quarter ended April 3, 1948 

on 6,987,039 shares. 

Film Dividend Payments 

Off in First Quarter 

WASHINGTON—Publicly reported cash 

dividend payments by film companies fell off 

sharply in the first quarter of this year, 

compared with 1948, although the total was 

slightly better than for the final quarter of 

last year. 

The 1949 total was $10,371,000, compared 

with a three-month payment in 1948 of $13,- 

171,000. Payments in the final quarter of 

1948 amounted to $10,058,000. 

January payments this year were $2,639,000, 

February payments $224,000, and March payments 

$7,508,000. In the same order, payments 

in 1948 were $3,772,000, $2,025,000 and 

$7,374,000. 

Joseph Bellfort Named 

RKO Continental Head 

NEW YORK—Joseph Bellfort has been 

named European continental manager for 

RKO by Phil Reisman, vice-president in 

charge of foreign operations, who now is in 

Paris. 

Bellfort was assistant to Wladimir Lissim, 

who resigned as continental manager a few 

weeks ago. Bellfort has been with RKO for 

19 years, starting as an office boy in the 

home office foreign department in 1930. 

After passing his bar examinations, he was 

assigned to the legal department. He became 

far eastern division manager in 1946. 

from which position he was transferred to 

Paris. 

British Theatre Staffs 

Now Talk Strike Moves 

LONDON — Theatre employes represented 

in the National Ass'n of Kine Employes are 

now talking strike and the problem has been 

referred to the national arbitration board. 

Tom O'Brien, NATKE head, says theatre 

staffs would go out on a sympathetic strike 

if the theatre employes quit. It was only 

recently that studio shutdowns were ended. 

O'Brien says negotiations have been under 

way for six months without producing any 

results and that 80 per cent of theatre workers 

receive pay under subsistence levels. 

Along New York's Filmrow 

.By 

P M. LOEW, the Boston exhibitor, has 

joined with Moe Goldman, a New York 

exhibitor, and Lou Walters, operator of the 

Latin Quarter night club, in the operation 

of the San Juan Theatre, which is now featuring 

Spanish vaudeville and films . . . Until 

recently the San Juan had been known as 

the Audubon Theatre. The 2,600-seat house 

opposite the Medical center in upper Manhattan 

had been closed for years. Goldman 

reopened it last year as a subsequent run 

outlet for U.S. product. The Spanish policy 

is a recent change. 

The 20th Century-Fox staff welcomed 

Martin Moskowitz, sales manager of the newly 

created Empire .state division, and Joe 

St. Claire, his assistant, to the New York 

exchange May 12. They will make their 

headquarters at the exchange. St. Clab-e 

had been at the exchange until about two 

years ago when he moved to the home office 

with Ray Moon when Moon was named sales 

manager of the now defunct Yankee division. 

Moon now heads the central division 

... As a result of the latest reshuffling, 

Seymour Florin, branch manager, and Herb 

Gillis, his assistant, have been assigned to 

Clarence Hill, manager of 

new offices . . . 

exchange operations for 20th-Fox, recently 

visited the Montreal and Toronto offices. 

Irving Landau, operator of the Heights 

Theatre, Manhattan, is now showing foreign 

films weekends and American pictures dm-- 

Joseph Mirasola and Anthony 

ing the week . . . 

Bruscoleri are converting a building 

in Greenfield Park, N. Y., into a 252-seat 

theatre to be called the Greenfield Park . . . 

The Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen 

of America will reopen the wage provisions 

of the contract with the distributors within 

the next month or two. The agreement runs 

AT THE MOVIES BALL—Mr. and Mrs. 

Max Cohen of New York are pictured 

above dancing at the Movies Ball at the 

St. Francis hotel in San Francisco during 

the 13th annual Variety Clubs International 

convention there. 

WALTER WALDMAN. 

for two years and will expire in 1950, but the 

wage provisions can be reopened at the end 

of the first year. 

. . . Harvey 

Hal Roland, U-I booker, will lead the band 

at the annual dinner and dance to be held 

May 22 by the Motion Picture Bookers club. 

Jack Carter will be master of ceremonies 

Sherman Randa, daughter of Phil 

Winnick, U-I salesman, arrived in Japan 

with her daughter May 8. Her husband, a 

captain, is stationed in Kyoto 

Rheinstein of the U-I booking department 

went to Florida May 14 for two weeks. 

Dr. Hugh M. Flick will take office as the 

director of the motion picture division of the 

state education department May 16. He 

succeeds Dr. Ward C. Bowen, acting director. 

Flick has bought a house in Mount Kisco 

where he is now living with his family. 

Jolin Dacey sr. of the RKO sales staff has 

recovered from a recent illness and is back 

at his desk. He was feeling so much better 

that he was planning to attend the finals 

of the annual Goodall golf championship 

matches May 15 at the Wykagyl Country 

club. New Rochelle. His -son John jr. supervises 

the tournament for Goodall, with which 

he is associated. 

. 

. . . Cliff Pierce, 

Don Krauze will join the Eagle Lion sales 

force in New York Monday. Lou Falkoff is 

the new EL office manager. He was transferred 

from the home office to replace Bea 

Friedman Segall of Monogram 

spent Wednesday evening (11) with her 

daughter Caroline at the Mother and Daughter 

night celebration held by State Teachers 

college at Jersey City . . . Pauline Gibbs 

Kaye has resigned from Monogram to concentrate 

on housekeeping 

Columbia office manager, is in the hospital 

Bellino, RKO stenographer, will 

marry Ted Sardone Jime 5. 

Irving Da.shkin of the Savoy Theatre, Jamaica, 

and Harry Brithwar of the Prudential 

circuit were among those present at the recent 

screening of "The Window" at RKO. 

New York Theatremen Join 

Treasury Bond Committee 

NEW YORK—Metropolitan theatre executives 

have accepted membership in the Broadway 

savings bond committee in order to 

piLsh the bond-selling campaign which starts 

May 15 and runs to June 30, Maurice A. 

Bergman, industry campaign chairman, reported. 

Those who already have joined are 

< Malcolm Kingsberg, Maurice Maurer, Charles 

B. Moss, Eugene Picker, Monty Salmon and 

Robert Weitman. 

ABC to Take Over Elysee 

NEW YORK—The American Broadcasting 

Co. will use the Elysee Theatre, currently 

showing Siritzky International films, for 

radio and television broadcasting in the near 

future. Arrangements were concluded between 

H. William Fitelson, president of Edin 

Films, Inc., which owns the Elysee, and 

Siritzky, who leased the theatre. 

BOXOFnCE May 14, 1949 49

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Wider and deeper seats with the 

exclusive, new "Comfort Cushion." 

Form fitting, padded steel 

insert panel back. "Wire-on" 

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MODEL 350-AH 

An excellent investment 

for patron comfort. Padded, 

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back cover. Full spring-edge 

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Famous for comfort and 

durability. "Wire-on" back 

cover. Hingeless seat 

suspension. Full upholstereded back. Full spring-edge cush ' 

ion of coil type. Unit co 

struction. 

MODEL 101- 

An outstanding buy in the 

lower price range. 7/16-inch 

veneer back— lacquered finish. 

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. . . Inspector 

. . The 

. . Harley 

. . Gordon 

. . Ben 

End to Segregation 

Asked of Theatres 

WASHINGTON—The president of the District 

of Columbia Board of Recreation found 

this week that elimination of Negro discrimination 

in Washington motion picture 

theatres is of secondary importance compared 

with the need to end segregation in restaurants 

and legitimate theatres. 

At the same time, he pointed out in a report 

on Negro problems that the DuPont 

Theatre experience in the past year "has demonstrated 

that adult citizens . . . can enjoy 

quality motion picture entertainment without 

concern about racial taboos." The DuPont, 

now operated by E. I. Lopert, is a small house 

featui'ing foreign films. 

On exclusive Connecticut avenue and featuring 

the most modern equipment and design, 

the theatre has played to capacity 

houses since it opened, with most of its patrons 

white, according to Recreation Board 

president Han-y Wender. He suggested that 

new independent theatres might also follow a 

policy of nonsegregation. 

But he added that "since many movie 

houses are conveniently located for essentially 

Negro use. the local motion picture situation 

is not an especial handicap to the Negro 

population." 

BALTIMORE—The Maryland Theatre here 

has abandoned its policy of race segregation. 

Charles P. McClane, production manager, 

said the 46-year-old playhouse will be open 

to all "regardless of race or color." 

TV Owners Attend Sports 

More Often, Survey Says 

PHILADELPHIA—The latest in the parade 

of surveys on television, conducted in this 

area by William B. Mitchell of Princeton and 

his student Jen-y N. Jordan, showed that 

television apparently has helped attendance 

at sporting events. 

The survey showed that ordinary radio 

owners attend motion pictures .82 time a week 

while television set owners, who have owned 

TV sets for at least a year, attend motion 

pictures .71 times a week. In sporting events, 

' 

however, regular radio attend .62 

times a week while TV set owners attend .71 

times a week. 

One sidelight on the survey showed that 

the more education a radio owner had the less 

time he spent listening to the radio. But 

highly educated television owners watched 

their sets just as much as those with little 

education. 

Local B-lOO Certified 

As Bargaining Agent 

PHILADELPHIA—The Pennsylvania labor 

relations board has certified lATSE Local 

B-lOO as collective bargaining agent for 

cashiers, doormen, ushers, cleaners, porters 

and matrons in theatres here. Employers 

involved are Warner Bros., Paramount and 

Fox circuit houses and the Theatre Cleaning 

Service. New contract negotiations are 

to be started soon and demands will be 

made for pay increases retroactive to last 

August 3. 

Actor-director-designer Richard Whorf will 

play a top role in Warners' "Chain Lightning. 

'^ 

WASHINGTON 

. 

. . . 

. . . 

•The Variety Club quarters have been redecorated 

New members are Lloyd 

George 

. . 

Wineland. booker, and Albert V. 

Pohl, secretary-treasurer of the Fairlawn 

Amusement Co., and William Kurtz, 

Dorothy 

manager 

of the National Theatre 

Kolinsky, Variety Club secretary, was back 

Tent 

at work after a recent operation 

11 was saddened by the death of barker Hal 

Hode, Columbia executive at New York. 

Mrs. Tom Clark, wife of the U.S. attorney 

general, was the Mother of the Day at the 

Variety Club Mother's day luncheon in the 

Shoreham hotel. Dr. Sylvan Danzansky and 

Harry Connin headed the committee on 

arrangements . event was sponsored 

by the associate members. Each woman present 

received a corsage and a fountain pen. 

Metro items: Booker Ida Barezofsky and 

cashier Esther Blendman became aunts when 

their sister gave bii'th to a daughter who 

has been named Judith Nancy . . . Booker 

Max Stepkin and his family visited relatives 

in New York City over the weekend 

Nettie Plummer returned 

from a vacation at Shady Side, Md. 

. . . 

. . . 

Twentieth Centur>'-Fox news: Cashier 

Emily Watts motored to Patton, Pa., to visit 

two grandsons, James Gordon DavLs, 2 

months, and Stephen Davis. 2 years 

The new E-40 clerk is Cyrelle Pines 

Manager Glenn Norris visited in Richmond 

. . . Little Pauline Kohler, daughter of 

. 

. 

booker Jack Kohler, celebrated her first 

birthday . . Millie Layden sends announcements 

of the birth of a daughter 

named Kathleen Prances Young, 

husband of booker Sara Young, visited Mrs. 

Young's parents in Brookline, Mass. 

. 

Mrs. Lou Spate came in from Frostburg, 

Md., to buy and book for her Palace and 

Lionel Clark made one of his 

Lyric . . . 

infrequent visits to book for his Midland 

Theatre, Midland, Md. Davidson 

of the Independent Theatre circuit took 

a few days off . . . Mrs. Sam Wheeler was 

seen at the Mother's day luncheon sponsored 

by the Variety Club. 

. . . Irving 

. 

RKO office manager Joe Kushner's new 

secretary is Judy Saunders, formerly with 

20th-Pox . . . Fred Kogod, K-B Amusement 

Co., is convalescing at the Kempner 

Carter Barron has 

clinic, Durham, N. C. . . . 

been elected to the board of governors of 

the Washington Board of Trade 

Cohen has resigned from the Ike Weiner 

circuit . . Dr. Tanner came in from Victoria, 

. 

Va., to book for his circuit . . Norma 

. 

Yahraus resigned from Film Classics . . . 

Bill Hoyle, who recently won $11,000 worth 

of prizes in a radio contest, has not yet 

received any of them Contee 

is holding down the fort at 20th-Fox in the 

absence of branch manager Norris, who is 

serving on a jury in Fairfax county, Va. 

MPEA Okays Parleys 

NEW YORK—MPEA approval of the 

Anglo-American film discussions outlined 

early in the week by Eric Johnston was 

given Friday (13) at a special meeting held 

at the Harvard club. Many top executives 

did not attend. 

Schine Circuit Opens 

Amsterdam Mohawk 

AMSTERDAM, N. Y.—A parade and ribbon-cutting 

ceremonies marked the opening 

here Tuesday ilOi of the Mohawk Theatre, 

buUt by the Schine circuit on the site of 

the old Strand. Only two walls of the former 

theatre were used in the rebuilding 

process. The cost was said to be approximately 

$200,000. 

The parade included a drum and bugle 

corps and members of the Canadian-American 

league baseball team. Mayor Ai'thur 

Carter officiated during the ribbon-cutting 

ceremonies. The Rev. Edward A. Walsh, pastor 

of St. Mary's Catholic church, made the 

principal address. Father Walsh served in 

a Gloversville parish 23 years ago, and the 

Schine brothers then gave him their closest 

cooperation. 

In addition to J. Myer and Louis W. 

Schine. other circuit officials present included 

John May, Gus Lampe, J. Dewey 

Lederer, Bill Kraemer, Chris Pope, Maurice 

Glockner and Arch Levine. Joe Bm-ns, who 

was transferred from Van Wert, Ohio, is 

manager of the new theatre. 

LE ROY J. FURMAN — In charge 

of operations "Monarch" Division, 

Gamble Enterprises, Inc., New York, 

N. Y.—says: 

"We have just extended our 

RCA Service agreement, and 

included Projection Room 

Parts. We believe it is a good 

investment." 

To get the benefits of RCA Service 

—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY, 

INC., Radio Corporation of America, 

Camden, N. J. 

Ifi^SkV^^l- FIOODLIGHTS 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. 

Adv. 

''ll'%T 

% ST CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR 

* THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru 

ATLANTA: Astor, W. M. Richardson 

(3) 163 Walton St., NW 

DALLAS: Jenkins & Bourgeois, Astor 

(1) Harwood & Jackson Streets 

NEW ORLEANS: Dixie. R. A. (Bob) Kelly 

(13) 218 S. Liborty 

BoxorncE May 14, 1948 51

. . Chauncey 

. . 

Schenck-NT Split 

Scheduled Oct. 1 

NEW YORK—Negotiations between Joseph 

M. Schenck and Charles Skouras, head of 

National Theatres, for a breakup of the;r 

joint theatre operations on the coast have 

progressed to the point where October 1 has 

been set as the date. About 60 theatres are 

involved in this phase of the divorcement 

program, and Schenck will form a new company 

to operate the group. 

At present the joint operations are between 

United Ai-tists Theatre Corp. of California, 

headed by Schenck, and Fox West Coast 

Theatres, National Theatres subsidiary. 

Schenck is still silent about his plans for 

future operations as an exhibitor. His resignation 

from 20th Century-Fox will go before 

the board of directors May 17. 

In the meantime he is conferring almost 

daily with Chai-les and George Skom-as here. 

The latter is head of Skouras Theatres Corp. 

and this company has a ntmiber of spots 

closely allied with Schenck's United Artists 

Theatres Corp. 

'Pacific' Will Accompany 

Palace Vaudeville Bow 

NEW YORK—"Canadian Pacific," 20th 

Century-Fox feature in Cinecolor, will accompany 

the inaugural vaudeville show at 

the RKO Palace starting Thursday (May 19 1, 

The eight variety acts, in order of their 

appearance: Mage and Karr, dance team; 

the Chords, who give impressions of band 

leaders: the Marvellos, a combination of 

music and magic: Cook and Brown, knockabout 

dance comedians: Norman Evans, 

English comedian in his American debut; 

Jerry Wayne, singer, Lorraine Rognan, 

comedienne, and the Raya Sisters, European 

choreographers In Doll-Usions, 

Vog Films Will Release 

'Manon/ 'White Legs' 

NEW YORK—The prints of two new 

French films, "Manon" and "White Legs," 

have arrived from Paris for release by Vog 

Film Co., which will edit them and add 

English dialog titles. Both will open on 

Broadway late this simimer or early fall. 

Vog Films largely financed the production 

of "Manon," which stars Cecile Aubry, recently 

signed by 20th Century-Fox for "The 

Black Rose," starring Tyrone Power. Suzy 

Delair is the star of "White Legs," which 

was directed by Jean Gremillon. 

Protestants Cite 'Stratton' 

NEW YORK—"The Stratton Story" has 

been selected the picture-of-the-month for 

June by the F^rotestant Motion Picture Council 

and the Christian Herald. James Stewart 

is the star. 

Dorfmann to Make Film in New York 

NEW YORK—Edmund L. Dorfmann, producer, 

will film the novel "Guilty Bystander" 

in New York City. Dorfmann's associates in 

this project are Rex Carlton and Joe Lerner, 

director. Don Ettlinger is working on the 

screenplay and casting has been started. 

Shooting will probably begin some time next 

month with an eight-week schedule planned. 

A national release is now being negotiated 

by Dorfmann. 

BALTIMORE 

Toe Samartano, Loew city manager, was in 

St. Agnes' hospital recuperating from a 

recent operation . . . Cliff Jarrett and Sampson 

Pike have resigned as salesman for 

Carter T. Barron, Loew 

Equity films . . . 

Eastern division manager, was here visiting 

Loew houses 

man were 

. . . Mr. and Mrs. Barry Gold- 

in San Francisco attending the 

Variety Club convention. 

. . . Izzy Rappaport held a 

. . . 

. 

Norman Clark, Newspost drama critic, was 

back at work after suffering a severe cut 

on one hand 

screening for the detective bureau for "The 

Undercover Man" . Wolf was 

seen enjoying the sport at Havre de Grace 

Jack Sidney sr., father of the Loew 

publicist, was here for the Preakness 

Fred Schanberger of Keith's is heading the 

theatre committee for the Catholic charities 

drive. 

Russell Holman Heads 

Para. News, Shorts 

NEW YORK—All short subject and newsreel 

production at Paramount has been put 

under the supervision of Russell Holman, for 

many years Paramount eastern production 

manager, it was announced Friday. Bernard 

Goodwin will continue as business manager 

of short subjects and A. J. Richard as editor 

of Paramount news. Oscar Morgan is general 

sales manager of Paramount short subjects 

and the news. 

Ben Washer Continues 

Eastern Publicity Chief 

NEW YORK—Following the formal an-- 

nouncement that Max E. Youngstein would 

become director of advertising, publicity and 

exploitation for Paramount it was revealed 

that Ben Washer will remain as eastern publicity 

manager and Norman Slegel will continue 

as studio publicity director. 

Astor Gets 'Messenger' 

NEW YORK—Astor Pictures, headed by 

R. M. Savini, has made a distribution deal 

with T. G. Eggers, executive secretary of 

the Lutheran Laymen's League of St. Louis 

for distribution of "Messenger of Peace." 

INCORPORATIONS 

—ALBANY- 

SAW Theatres: To operate in New York; 

capital stock, 200 shares, no par. 

Visual Transcriptions: To produce musical, 

moving pictiu-e and other forms of entertainment: 

capital stock, 200 shares, no par. 

Beekman Cinema, Inc.. New York, made a 

change of directors. 

Film Concerts: Motion pictures in Yonkers: 

Capital stock, 100 shares, no par. Incorporators: 

W. S. Kaufman, Marie T. Beckwith, 

Yonkers: Ernest R. Catenacci. Bronx. 

Mountain Drive- In Theatre: To conduct 

business in Liberty, Sullivan county: capital 

stock, $100,000, $100 par value. Incorporators 

are Luther F. Grant, Flavius S. Grant and 

Vivian Scherf, Liberty. 

Independents Facing 

Big Opportunities 

NEW YORK—"The independent producer 

today is in the best position to break the 

rigid Hollywood 'pattern' and win back the 

maturer audiences who have given up theatregoing," 

Stanley Kramer, producer head 

of Screen Plays, Inc., told students and 

faculty of New York university's department 

of motion pictures. 

"If he (the independent! is brave enough 

to back his own judgment and avoid Hollywood's 

usual pitfalls, he has the greatest opportimity 

in the history of motion pictures 

to usurp the more important playing time 

and come out with a substantial profit," 

Kramer said. He pointed out that the independent 

has none of the large overhead 

which besieges the major studio and only in 

very rare instances is he tied down to contract 

personnel and the responsibility of a 

pay roll of thousands. 

Kramer, an NYU graduate of 1933, produced 

"Home of the Brave" and "Champion," 

both released by United Artists and both 

playing on Broadway. He left for Boston 

May 12 to plan openings of both pictures 

there. 

Welles Will Be Honored 

At Magicians' Meeting 

NEW YORK—Orson Welles has been 

named honorary chairman of the 21st annual 

conference of the Society of American 

Magicians to be held at the Shirley-Savoy 

hotel, Denver, May 16 to May 18, according 

to Dr. E. T. Prendergast, conference chairman. 

The Black Magic Ball, which will be attended 

by more than 1,000 magicians at the 

hotel May 16, will be a tribute to Welles in 

honor of its new film portrayal of Cagliostro, 

famous 18th Century magician, in the Edward 

Small production, "Black Magic," which 

United Artists will release in August. Nancy 

Guild, who co-stars with Welles in the 

film, will 

be guest of honor at the ball. 

All-Negro Film Programs 

Booked Special Nights 

NEW YORK—R. M. Savini, president of 

Astor Pictures, is inducing exhibitors to buy 

all-Negro films for showing on special nights. 

Some circuits, he says, are putting aside one 

night every three weeks for these programs. 

These include Fox West Coast and Fox Wisconsin. 

Other recent bookings have been in Ohio, 

Alabama. Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas 

and Louisiana. Thus far the reception has 

not been good in the east, Savini says. 

Eagle Lion Sales Drive 

Hits Record Week 

NEW YORK—"President's Week," the 22nd 

in the Jack Schlaifer Testimonial drive at 

Eagle Lion, which began Friday, April 29, 

rolled up billings of over $500,000, according 

to William J. Heineman, vice-president in 

charge of distribution. The drive will end 

June 2. 

Heineman said the billings were 64 per cent 

above any previous week the company has 

had and that he was confident the momentum 

would continue. 

52 BOXOFFICE :: May 14, 1949

. . Herb 

. . Fabian's 

. . Jack 

. . 

. . 

J 

ALBANY 

•Phe Palace received more than 2.000 

entries 

in a coloring contest sponsored with the 

cooperation of the Times-Union and MGM 

as promotion for "Little Women." In addition 

to a first prize of $10. there were many 

. . . 

other awards, including theatre passes 

George M. Horan. Warner district manager, 

and Ray Smith, branch manager, conferred 

with Schine circuit officials at Gloversville. 

William C. Smalley returned from a Florida 

vacation. 

Marchetti, Warner cashier and 

Mrs. Lillian 

wife of Al Marchetti. U-I head booker, was 

reported improved following an operation . . . 

The Bennington Drive-In at North Bennington, 

Vt., has been opened by Alanzo & Willard 

. . . The Sunset Drive-In operated by 

Harry Lamont near Kingston ran afoul of 

an old local ordinance prohibiting shows on 

Sunday . Jacobs was reported as 

having resigned as manager of the Colonial, 

art house operated by Harry Eisenstein of 

New York and booked by Brandt Theatres. 

Frank Cunningham, assistant manager at 

Fabian's Grand, sang with the Knights of 

Columbus Choral club in an annual concert 

at the Playhouse . . . The Colonial has been 

awarding passes as prizes for errors in spelling 

in the WROW flashcast sign. Misspellings 

are deliberate. The Colonial is a regular user 

LEON ROSENBLATT—Secretary 

and Treasurer, Rosenblatt-Welt 

Corporation, New York, N. Y. 

says: 

"We are celebrating our 20th 

year with RCA equipment and 

service, and find it the best 

insurance for good sound." 




Camden, N. J. 

NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND 

JOE 

HORNSTEIN, Inc. 

630 Ninth At*.. N*w Yoik Citr 

ENTRANCE 

AND EXIT 

FLOODLIGHTS 


729 Baltimore 

K. C, Mo. 

of the sign as an advertising medium . 

Fabian's Erie at Schenectady used spot announcements 

on WPTR for an engagement of 

"Hamlet." 

The Schine circuit sponsors a daily "Billboard" 

broadcast over WPTR to exploit attractions 

at its houses in Gloversville. Amsterdam. 

Glens Falls and Hudson Falls . . . 

C. J. Latta, former Warner zone manager 

here and now managing dij-ector of British 

affiliates for the company, wrote a letter of 

good wishes to the son of Mrs. May Finan, 

switchboard operator at the upstate offices, 

on his entrance to the novitiate of the Brothers 

of the Congregation of the Holy Cross at 

Notre Dame . Grand had been 

rented by the Borden Co. for May 25, when 

its regular Columbia network broadcast will 

originate 

there. 

Exhibitors on Filmrow included Sam Davis, 

Phoenicia and Woodstock, and Sam Rosentlatt. 

Watervliet and Lake Geoi-ge . . . William 

E. Benton of Benton Theatres, Sara- 

. 

. 

toga, returned from a Florida vacation 

Bernie Brooks, Fabian Theatres buyer and 

booker, conferred with Saul J. Ullman. upstate 

general manager Bullwinkle. Columbia 

manager, drove to Saratoga for conferences 

with Benton Theatres officials . . . 

The 600-seat theatre being built by Sam 

Rosenblatt at Catskill is expected to be ready 

for opening by June 1. 

Plan Ice Cream Addition 

To Trisiate Candy Corp. 

ALBANY— Tristate Automatic Candy Corp. 

is reported planning the addition of ice cream 

to candy and popcorn in a number of area 

theatres, mcluding some Fabian and Warner 

situations. The cream will be served from a 

deep freeze and will be packaged in a cup 

cake in order to leave no disposables. 

Price contemplated is said to be ten cents. 

The sale of ice cream heretofore has been 

confined chiefly to drive-ins although Sid 

Dwore has served the product at the Cameo 

in Schenectady for years. 

Irving Fried of Buffalo, president of Tri- 

State, and George Schenck, Albany manager, 

recently inspected local theatres. Filmrow 

reports have it that popcorn .soon will augment 

candy in two of the city's largest 

situations. All Troy first runs have had popcorn 

for a year and a half. 

Buffalo Para. Exchange 

Leads in Sales for 1949 

BUFFALO — The Buffalo exchange of 

Paramount, headed by Mike Simon, manager, 

has taken top place over all other branches 

in mot'on picture sales thus far this year. 

Simon, with John Good. Buffalo and 

Rochester representative, John McMahon. 

representative of the Syracu.se district, and Al 

Fitter, head booker, who also played a leading 

part in putting the Buffalo branch at the 

top of the list, will attend a conference at the 

home offices. 

WB Films for Music Hall 

NEW YORK—A number of Warner pictures 

are booked to open at the Radio City 

Music Hall following "Edward. My Son.'' 

They include "Under Capricorn." "Beyond 

the Forest." "Glass Menagerie" and others. 

PAM-O— 505 Pearl Street. Buffalo 

BELL—S30 Ninth Avenue. N.Y.C. 

EQUITY— 1001 N. Jersey Ave., Washington, D. C. 

CAPITAI^309 N. 13th Street. Philadelphia 

BoxorncE May 14. 1949 53

Video Will Promote 

'Joe Young' Debut 

ALBANY—An analysis of the possibilities 

offered by television for the promotion of 

motion pictures was featured at a luncheon 

at the DeWitt Clinton hotel here following 

a screening of "The Great Joe Young." Terry 

Turner, RKO exploitation director, and G. 

Emerson Markham, director of General Electric 

radio and television stations in Schenectady, 

discussed the subject before 40 film men. 

Seymour L. Morris, Schine circuit exploitation 

director, also was a speaker. 

Tui-ner said that he will rely on video in 

exploiting "The Great Joe Young." Teaser 

trailers will be used in Schenectady, Buffalo, 

Boston and New Haven in connection 

with the four-state premiere of the film. He 

the 

pointed out that RKO had pioneered in 

exploitation of premieres by radio, recalling 

the campaign used on WLW, Cincinnati, for 

"Hitler's Children." RKO spent $10,000 for 

radio time for the picture, he said. 

Markham declared that the capacity of the 

American public for absorbing entertainment 

is unlimited. He said that television could 

do much in exploiting films. A survey indicates 

that there are approximately 22,000 

television sets in this area, Markham declared, 

and he added that video has not yet 

been used for exploiting pictiu-es here. 

Film men at the head table included Gus 

Schaefer, RKO district manager; Saul J. 

Ullman, Fabian upstate general manager; 

Eddie Fabian, son of the circuit head; Lou 

Alleman, fonner RKO field exploiteer and 

now Times-Union promotion manager; Harry 

Reiners, New England RKO exploitation 

head; Henry Howard, RKO exploiteer in 

Albany and Buffalo; Larry Cowen, upstate 

Fabian pubhcity director; Jerry Atkin, Warner 

zone publicist, and Max Westebbe, RKO 

branch manager. 

Others who attended the preview of the 

film included; 

Vic Bunze 

W. W. Earley 

Guy Graves 

Bob Johnson 

Phil Rapp 

Dick McKay 

Lou Rapp 

Max Friedman 

George Seed 

Joe Weinstein 

Milt Shosberg 

Woodie Campbell 

Frank Cunningham 

Mrs. Mary Flynn 

Sam Rosenblatt 

Mrs. Helen Hadley 

Jules Perlmutter 

Mende Schulman 

Howard Goldstein 

Mrs. Helen Doolittle 

Jim Frcngooles 

Margaret Buckley 

Wilhelmina Wenzel Leo Rosen 

Johnny Lee 

Hal Meyer 

Sherb Herrick 

Eugene Weil 

H. E. Wellpot 

Edgar S. Van Olinda 

Korda May Handle Sales 

Of Some of His Films 

ISTEW YORK—Sir Alexander Korda may 

handle distribution in the U.S. of five of 

his films for wlrich no contracts have been 

signed with American distributors, according 

to Morris Helprin, head of Korda's London 

Film Prod, in this country. They probably 

would be released on a percentage basis. 

Helprin said that the plan is still in the 

tentative stage. Theatres in a number cf 

key cities will be approached first. 

The films in question, which have been 

rated art theatre product, are "The Winslow 

Boy," "The Last Days of Dolwyn," "Saints 

and Sinners" and "The Small Back Room," 

with one still to be selected. 

54 

THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS 

JOE HORNSTEIN has them 

w ^ .L u u 

• 

n.j 

McCarthy -Hughes m Deal; 

New Name oi Thealre 

„ „ , „. ,. 

But It's for a Stratoliner 10 ButlalO KiallO 

HOUSTON — What's a $1,200,000 airplane 

between friends? Two local millionaire 

film producers recently sealed an 

unusual deal. Glenn McCarthy bought a 

$1,200,000 Boeing StratoUner from Howard 

Hughes. The plane is one of eight 

produced by Boeing thus far, and it is the 

only one privately owned. McCarthy will 

add the "Strat" to his fleet of personal 

aircraft. 

'Louisiana Story' Score 

Wins Pulitzer Prize 

NEW YORK—Virgil Thomson, music critic 

for the New York Herald-Tribune, has received 

the 1949 Pulitzer Pi'ize for his score 

for "Louisiana Story," a documentary feature 

by Robert Flaherty, released by Lopert 

Films. This is the fii'St year that the prize 

for a distinguished musical composition was 

given for a work written for a motion picture. 

Other 1949 Pulitzer Prize winners included; 

Arthur Miller, for his Broadway stage hit, 

"Death of a Salesman," and Robert E. Sherwood, 

for his biography, "Roosevelt and Hopkins." 

Miller also won the stage play award 

in 1947 for "All My Sons," which was later 

made into a film by Universal-International. 

"Salesman," which also won the New York 

Drama Critics award as the best play of the 

1948-49 season, has not yet been bought for 

filming. Sherwood also won Pulitzer awards 

for his plays, "Idiot's Delight" in 1936, "Abe 

Lincoln in Illinois" in 1939 and "There Shall 

Be No Night" in 1943. The first two were 

made into films. 

Skidmore Girls Approve 

Of Community Theatre 

SARATOGA SPRINGS—The girls at Skidmore 

College here definitely like the Community 

Theatre, colonial-type film house 

built by Walter Reade sr., independent circuit 

head. A survey by the college sociology 

class in city planning revealed that the theatre 

has a place in their affections along with 

the Saratoga spa, Yadda, which is a cultural 

retreat for artists, the park, the historical 

site, friendly people and snow clearance. 

The Community is designed to resemble a 

library or public building from the outside, 

and is set back from the street by concrete 

walks. It has no marquee or conventional 

theatre advertising displays. The front has 

large columns and the entire building Is of 

red brick with white stone and wood trim. 

Interior finishings are simple but luxurious. 

Reade has built similar theatres in Hudson, 

N. Y., and in Morristown, Toms River, New 

Brunswick and Trenton, N. J. 

Coronet, MGM Cooperate 

NEW YORK—MGM received a lucky exploitation 

break from Coronet magazine. As 

a promotion for its forthcoming article, 

"MGM; Manmioth of the Movies," in the 

May issue the magazine distributed 25,000, 

llx9-inch cards on newstands in the metropolitan 

area and supplied enough of them to 

Loew's, Inc., to furnish lobby displays in all 

Loew's theatres. 

BUFFALO—The latest theatre name destined 

to flash in electric lights along Buffalo's 

White Way is Paramount's new Center. 

The house was the Hippodrome before the 

big Paramount- Shea switch. It was acquired 

by Paramount, along with the Great Lakes 

and several neighborhood houses. The Center 

will come into being with an entirely new 

streamlined front, marquee, lounges and 

lobby. 

The theatre was renamed the Center, according 

to James H. Eshelman, Paramount 

district manager, because of the building's 

central location in downtown Buffalo. More 

than $150,000 will be spent by Paramount 

on an improvement program. Work will start 

next week. It will not be necessary to close 

the theatre while the work is progressing. 

Wright Associates Building Corp., this city, 

has the contract. Michael J. DeAngelis, 

Rochester, is the architect. 

The marquee will be of stainless steel. 

Beneath it, the building face will be trimmed 

with maroon Carara glass. The front doors 

will be of solid glass, the long, narrow lobby 

will be completely redone in modernistic 

motif and will have indii-ect lighting. Men's 

and women's lounges will be provided with 

entirely new equipment, furnishings and 

lighting. The theatre will have all new carpeting. 

Eshelman said dedicatory festivities will 

take place later and that he plans to have 

some film stars here. 

The Great Lakes Theatre, now in the circuit, 

will be renamed the Paramount, Eshelman 

added, and plans are being made now 

for its reseating and refurbishing. 

The Lakes and Hipp projects are expected 

to cost in the neighborhood of $375,000. The 

Lakes will have 3,000 new Bodiform air cushioned 

seats. A vertical 60-foot sign with the 

name Paramount in four-foot letters will 

front the Great Lakes in Main street and 

will have chaser and twinkling lighting. The 

Center will be lettered thi-ee feet high horizontally. 

There will be new stage gear for 

both houses, to be available when stage attractions 

are brought here. 

Don Gillette Joins Board 

Of New Music Company 

NEW YORK—Don Gillette, 

former tradepaper 

editor and trade contact with Warner 

Bros., has been made a member of the board 

of directors of Trans-America Music Corp., 

a new holding company, which has acquired 

Ascap membership and will be the 

first film music publishing venture to offer 

its stock to the public. 

Nathaniel R. Real, head of N. R. Real & 

Co., Wall street securities firm, is the organizer 

of the firm. The company proposes 

to publish musical numbers from films and 

stage shows as well as original songs. Most 

of this form of publication in the past has 

been by companies controlled by film producers 

and distributors. 

Ivan Christy, Actor, Dead 

BURBANK, CALIF.—Ivan Christy, 61, 

former 

character actor in western pictures, died 

May 9. He retired from acting a decade ago 

and recently had been working as a studio 

guard at the Walt Disney studio here. 

BOXOFFICE 

:: May 14, 1949

. . 'Joan 

Bergman Disconient 

Wilh 'Joan' Denied 

HOLLYWOOD—Widespread publicity being 

accorded I'affaire Ingrid Bergman-Roberto 

Rossellini and news syndicate reports 

that Miss Bergman is "unhappy" with Hollywood 

because, among other things, she 

avowedly had "lost the money she put into 

the film 'Joan of Arc,' " brought forth an 

indignant den'al from Walter Wanger. president 

of Sierra Pictures, which produced the 

opus, and a spokesman for RKO Radio, which 

is distributing it. 

In a joint statement Wanger and the RKO 

Radio official contended "Joan of Arc" not 

only "has not lost money but gives every 

indication that within the two-year playoff 

time scheduled, will show a handsome profit." 

They pointed out that the feature could 

not have "lo.st money" because it has not yet 

finished its metropolitan first runs and is 

"just beginning to get widespread distribution." 

Added the communique: 

"We estimate, on the basis of the business 

the film ha.s already done, that by the end 

of 1950 when it will have completed its 

roadshow and regular engagements in this 

country and Canada, that it will gross between 

$9,000,000 and $10,000,000 . of 

Arc' will have paid off all its investors when 

a total gross of $8,700,000 is reached." 

A gross of $600,000 is claimed on "Joan of 

Arc" at the New York Victoria Theatre for 

its six-month run. The film is the first in 

the house s nee it was rebuilt, so there is no 

basi.s for comparison with the past. 

Kalmine, Brandt Join 

Bond Drive Committee 

NEW YORK—Harry Kalmine, Warner 

Theatres executive; Harry Brandt, head of 

Brandt Theatres, and Russell V. Downing, 

executive vice-president of the Radio City 

Music Hall, have joined the special Broadway 

committee to aid in the sale of U.S. 

Treasury savings bonds during the drive 

which runs from May 15 through June 30, 

according to Maurice A. Bergman, U-I executive 

and chaiiman of the motion picture 

industry's participation in the drive. 

Other members of the committee: Malcolm 

Kingsberg. president of RKO Theatres: Maurice 

Maurier, managing director of the Bijou, 

Astor and Victoria theatres; Charles B. 

Moss, managing director of the Criterion and 

president of Macon Amusement Corp.; Eugene 

Picker, Loew's Theatres executive: 

Montague Salmon, managing director of the 

Rivoli Theatre, and Robert Weitman, vicepresident 

of Paramount Theatre Service 

Corp. 

The industry has presented 30 covered 

wagons to the nationwide drive to be sent 

on a tour of some 700 cities by John B. 

Snyder, secretary of the treasury, to publicize 

the campaign and aid bond sales. 

Price Names Mrs. Haskin 

NEW YORK—Ethel Haskin has been appointed 

head of advertising and sales promotion 

of Price Theatre Premiums and 

Farmer Boy Corn & Equipment Co. by Jacob 

Price, president. Mrs. Haskin was formerly 

connected with the Advertising Guild. 

One V/orld Award Dinner 

Attended by Film Stars 

NEW YORK — Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy 

Durante, John Garfield, Walter Huston, 

George Jessel, Katherine Locke, Groucho 

Marx, Dinah Shore and Frank Sinatra were 

among the stars joining in a "Salute to One 

World" part of the fifth annual One World 

award presentation ceremonies and dinner at 

the Hotel Plaza May 11. John Huston, w'hose 

latest film, "We Were Strangers," is at the 

Astor Theatre, was presented the 1949 One 

World award. Jessel was master of ceremonies 

and Norman Corwin. winner of the 

One World award in 1946, produced the 

show. The event was broadcast over NBC 

radio and both CBS and DuMont television 

networks. 

Other film industry figures on the dais 

were Howard Dietz, MGM director of advertising, 

publicity and exploitation: S. P. 

Eagle, producer of "We Were Strangers," 

Irving Lesser and Seymour Poe. Nate Spingold, 

Lewis Blumberg, Hortense Schorr and 

Ray Murray were among the Columbia representatives 

present. 

DuMont May Develop Own 

Sports Field for TV 

NEW YORK—Development of 57 acres adjoining 

the DuMont Laboratories in Passaic, 

N. J., as a center for sporting events which 

could be televised is under consideration, a 

DuMont spokesman said this week, but it is 

still in the "think" stage and there is no 

possibility that work will begin on it this 

year. 

As tentatively set up on paper by Mortimer 

W. Loewi, executive assistant to Allen B. Du- 

Mont, there would be a baseball diamond, 

football fields, a .swimming pool and boxing 

arenas where events would be stag-ed for the 

cameras. No comment could be obtained on 

whether the contestants, if the plan goes 

through, would be amateurs or professionals. 

The National Broadcasting Co. is said to be 

interested. 

Lone Robber Gets $2,500 

At Baltimore Theatre 

BALTIMORE—A robber 

entered the office 

of the Harlem Theatre here, forced William 

Zell. owner of the theatre, and Mrs. Helen 

White, ticket taker, to lie down and then 

bound them with a rope he found in the 

office. After he had fled with receipts totaling 

$2,500, the victims were freed by Marcellus 

Slight, manager. 

E. M. Loew-John Ford Deal 

For Circuit Hits Snag 

BOSTON—E. M. Loew wants to purchase 

Maine and New Hampshire Theatres, Paramount 

partnership circuit, but John Ford 

wants to retain his interest in the face of 

Loew's desire to take over complete control. 

Split of the circuit between them is expected 

to solve the problem. 

TBA Issues New Report 

NEW YORK—A roundup of current television 

information is supplied by the first of 

a series of quarterly reports by the Television 

Broadcasters Ass'n titled "The Status of the 

Television Industry." It was complied by Will 

Baltin and Richard Ives. 

rHttAsrstixKio^ 

^ 

Tr^MfER- 

'Ms. 

VOODOO 3(IA UIC9ff 

.on THE 

looSE" 

ttsTsmtKm 

^Wi 

BELL PICTUHES—630 Ninth Avenue, N.Y.C. 

(Serving Bulfalo and Albany) 

EQUITY— 1001 N. Jersey Ave.. Washington. D. 

CAPITAL—309 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia 

C. 

BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949 N 54A

Loews, Fabian End 

Ties in Richmond 

RICHMOND—Loew's has taken another 

step in ending partnerships by selling its 

holdings in the Lee and Carillon theatres 

to the Fabian circuit, co-owner. Fabian 

operated the theatres and will continue to 

do so. No price was announced. 

The Lee was one of the 29 jointly owned 

theatres covered by Loew's agreement with 

the Department ot Justice stipulating a division 

of holdings and assets between Loew's 

and ten partners. The Carillon was not 

among the 29. 

Loew's has ah-eady sold its 50 per cent interest 

in the Criterion Theatre, New York, 

to its partner—B. S. Moss Enterprises. It has 

completed a deal with Paramount and Vincent 

McFaul for the division of 13 theatres 

operated in the Buffalo area by Buffalo 

Theatres, Inc. Loew's is taking over seven 

or eight of these theatres. 

An agreement is expected soon between 

Loew's and United Artists Theatre circuit for 

the division of eight theatres operated by the 

jointly owned Penn-Federal Enterprises, Inc. 

Operation of these theatres in Baltimore, 

Pittsburgh. Columbus and Louisville has been 

in the hands of Loew's personnel. 

'Fury' Among Major Films 

Which Bypass B'way Runs 

NEW YORK—United Artists again has bypassed 

a Broadway opening for one of its 

new releases by opening "High Fury," Buddy 

Rogers-Ralph Cohn British-made production, 

at the Brooklyn Paramount May 11. The 

picture is double billed with another UA 

release. "My Dear Secretary," which played 

a two-week first run at the Mayfair Theatre. 

Other recent UA releases which failed to 

get Broadway engagements were "The 'Vicious 

Circle," 'W. Lee 'Wilder production, which 

opened in 20 neighborhood houses in late 

summer; "Texas, Brooklyn and Heaven," 

Robert Golden production, which opened at 

the Brooklyn Strand, and "Cover-Up," a 

James Nasser production, and "Girl From 

Manhattan," a Benedict Bogeaus production, 

which also opened in downtown Brooklyn 

houses. 

Important releases by other companies 

which opened in Loew's or RKO neighborhood 

theatres instead of playing a Broadway 

first run were "The Countess of 

Monte Cristo," and "Feudin', Fussin' and 

A-Fightin'," U-I releases; "Shockproof" 

(Coll and several lesser 'Warner Bros, releases, 

"Flaxy Martin" and "Smart Girls 

Don't Talk," both starring "Virginia Mayo, 

and "Homicide." 

Every Paramount release except the Pine- 

Thomas action programmers, every MGM 

release except "Secret Land," a documentary 

about Admiral Byrd, and every RKO release 

except the Tim Holt westerns and 

"Station "West," a Dick Powell western, 

played first runs on Broadway. 

Jack Holt has been ticketed for a top featured 

role in the Rod Cameron starrer, 

"Brimstone." 

"Voice of Theatre Speakers" 

JOE HORNSTEIN has them! 

20th-Fox Now Has Interest 

In 484 Foreign Houses 

NE'W YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox 

now has an interest in 484 theatres overseas. 

Spyros P. Skouras, president, stated 

in the annual report that the company 

recently spent approximately $280,000 in 

blocked funds to buy a new theatre in 

South Africa and about $385,000 to increase 

its interest in the Amalgamated 

theatre circuit of New Zealand from 50 

to 75 per cent. 

The overseas theatre interests, according 

to a country-by-country breakdowi. 

are; England, through Gaumont-British 

holdings, 264; Australia, through Hoyt's 

holdings, 168; New Zealand, through 

Amalgamated, 44; South Africa, three; 

Chile, two; and one theatre each in 

Egypt, Holland and Columbia. 

Ida Lupino Meets Press 

At Film Classics Fete 

NEW YORK—Film Classics, which will 

release 

the first featui-e produced by Ida Lupino, 

"Not Wanted," in May, was host at a cocktail 

party and press reception to the star-producer 

at the Hampshire House May 9. Miss Lupino 

does not appear in "Not Wanted," which features 

screen newcomers Sally Forrest, Leo 

Penn and Keefe Brasselle. 

Among those who attended were Joseph 

Bernhard. FC president; B. G. Kranze, sales 

manager; Jules K. Chapman, his assistant; 

Collier Young, Miss Lupino's husband, who 

is executive producer of Emerald Productions, 

her company; Lester Cowan. Harry Brandt, 

Montague Salmon, Sol Schwartz, Carole 

Donne, Max Cohen, Syd Gross and representatives 

of the magazines and trade press. 

Miss Lupino will start production on a 

second feature, "Never Fear," a stoi-y of polio, 

between June 15 and July 1. Film Classics 

also will release this. 

Gotham Books Beery Film; 

Five MGM Broadway Runs 

NEW YORK—"Big Jack," Wallace Beery's 

final MGM picture, will open at the Gotham 

Theatre May 21. The theatre has been playing 

double reissue bills since Chi-istmas. 

Four other Broadway first runs have current 

or future MGM bookings: Radio City 

Music Hall, where the current "The Stratton 

Story" will be followed by "Edward, My 

Son"; Loew's State, where the current "The 

Barkleys of Broadway" will be followed by 

"The Great Sinner"; the Mayfair, where 

the current reissue of "The Wizard of Oz" 

will be followed by another reprint, "Blossoms 

in the Dust," and the Capitol, where 

the current "The Sun Comes Up" will be 

followed by "Tulsa" and then "Neptune's 

Daughter." All but "Tulsa" are MGM releases. 

Five of them are in Technicolor. 

UJA Meeting May 19 

NEW YORK—The advisory committee of 

the amusements division of the United Jewish 

Appeal will hold a luncheon meeting 

May 19 in the Century circuit offices of Fred 

J. Schwartz, chaii-man. Plans for full industry 

participation in the campaign are to 

be made. 

Mayer Sees Hays 

On French Coin 

NEW YORK—Gerald M. Mayer, continental 

manager of the Motion Picture Ass'n of 

America, testified May 6 before Will H. Hays, 

special MPAA arbitrator named last October 

to settle the division of $1,572,138 to be remitted 

by France. The amount is to be paid 

in cash under the terms of the Franco- 

American film agreement. 

Mayer, who arrived in New York for home 

office conferences May 5, was the latest of 

a series of film executives to appear before 

Hays, former MPAA president. The companies 

involved are; 20th Century -Fox, Warner 

Bros.. Columbia, Universal-International, 

Paramount, RKO. United Ai-tists and MGM. 

Another issue involving American product 

in France is also in the discussion stage. 

This is the quota set by France last year 

permitting the import of 121 U.S. films. Of 

this number 110 were assigned to MPAA 

members, and the remainder to independents. 

Eagle Lion protested to the U.S. state 

department, and state department officials 

have sent a cable to the French government 

stating the position and objections of independents. 

No reply has been received to 

date. The first year's quota will expire June 

30, and the independents want the terms renegotiated. 

UA Withdraws 'Verdoux' 

At Chaplin's Request 

NEW YORK—United Artists has withdrawn 

"Monsieur 'Verdoux" from further distribution 

at the request of its producer-star, 

Charles Chaplin. The film, which has been 

in release since April 1947, has played only 

2,075 dates in that time and has grossed little 

more than $300,000 in domestic rentals. 

The picture opened for a two-a-day run 

at the Broadway Theatre but, after two 

weeks, switched to continuous showings. 

Business ranged from mild to poor during 

the six-week run. It has played no subsequent 

runs in New York and has had few 

bookings in other key cities or small towns, 

mainly because of opposition from Catholic 

church groups. Previous Chaplin features 

played over 12,000 dates in the U.S. and were 

tremendous money-getters. However, the 

last, "The Great Dictator," was released in 

1940 and Chaplin's name means little to 

juvenile picture-goers of today. 

Lord Portal Dies at 62; 

Was British Film Leader 

LONDON—Lord Portal, who was head of 

the Board of Ti-ade Committee engaged in 

investigating the film industry, died Friday 

(May 6). H-e was 64. 

Lord Portal had been an important figure 

in the industry for many years. In 1937 he 

was chairman of the board of General FUm 

Dstributors, and he is generally understood 

to have had considerable influence on J. 

Ai-thui- Rank's decision to go into the business. 

There is widespread speculation as to what 

effect Lord Portal's death may have on the 

industry probe. His prestige was expected 

to make the recommendations of the committee 

effective with Harold Wilson, head of 

the Board of Ti-ade, and there have been reports 

that he favored production-exhibition 

divorcement. 

54B 


Fabian Chain to Fete 

Its 35th Anniversary 

ALBANY—The 35th anniversary of the 

Fabian circuit, which operates more than 60 

theatres in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania 

and Virginia, will be celebrated in 

August, and plans for the observance now 

are being made at home offices in New York. 

The Fabian circuit is one of the largest 

independent operators in the nation. In addition 

to regular houses, it operates 12 indoor 

theatres in the Albany area, and jointly 

with the Hellman interests two drive-ins. the 

Mohawk and the Saratoga. Another ozoner 

at North Philadelphia al-so is operated jointly 

by the two firms. Fabian drive-ins also are 

in operations or being built in Pennsylvania 

and Virginia. 

Si Fabian is president of the circuit, and 

Sam Rosen, his brother-in-law, is vice-president 

and general manager. 

Lipton East to Discuss 

U-I Ad-Pub Transfer 

NEW YORK— David Lipton, director of 

advertising and publicity for Universal-International, 

is due here shortly to start conferences 

on transfer of the headquarters of 

the department from the coast to the Park 

avenue office. It is understood this may 

take place before the end of June. 

In the meantime, it is understood that 

Maurice Bergman, eastern advertising and 

publicity director, who is now busy on the 

U.S. savings bond drive, will be named as an 

assistant to Nate Blumberg, president, in 

charge of exhibitor and public relations. 

DeRochemont Completes 

'Boundaries' in East 

NEW YORK—Final scenes of Louis De- 

Rochemonfs "Lost Boundaries," which Film 

Classics will relea.se in June, were completed 

by April 29 by Alfred Werker, director. The 

picture was filmed almost entirely in New- 

England, with special effects shot in Harlem. 

Canada Lee, noted Negro actor, was added 

to the cast for the final two weeks. Beatrice 

Pearson and Mel Fen-er are featured ana 

Richard Hylton, Susan Douglas and Carleton 

Carpenter have important roles. 

New Sign Along Broadway 

Can Show Motion Pictures 

NEW YORK—A new Broadway sign 

that 

will magnify an image over 1,000 times upon 

a large screen and that can show films as 

well as routine advertisements is planned on 

the roof of the three-story buUding at 1485 

Broadway, according to Ted Seidel. owner. 

The building is between 42nd and 43rd streets 

on the west side of Broadway. Reflectors 

will be used. 

Ungro Finishes World Tour 

NEW YORK—Frank A. Ungro, treasurer 

of Westrex Corp., has returned from a 90- 

day trip around the world during which he 

discussed accounting and financial problems 

with regional managers. He made stops in 

London, Paris. Rome, Alexandria. Bombay. 

Singapore, Batavia, Hong Kong and Shanghai. 

Rivoli Opening of 'Woman's Story 

Will Assist Savings Bond Drive 

UA Board Holds Meeting; 

A. W. Kelly to England 

NEW YORK— United Artists board of directors 

met Monday (May 9i for the first 

time since suspension of the recent negotiations 

for sale of the company, but maintained 

silence as to what happened. The 

usual statement, "routine business," was issued. 

One of the problems discussed was the 

British situation. Arthur W. Kelly, executive 

vice-president, left for England Tuesday 

and his stay will be extended. For the past 

two years the company has had difficulty 

getting playing time on the Odeon circuit. 

United Artists is a holder of a block of nonvoting 

stock and is understood to have offered 

objections when J. Arthur Rank required 

Odeon to take over his Cinema Finance 

Corp. 

Kelly will also meet with a UA representative 

out of the Paris office who has been 

in Germany surveying the territory and preparing 

a blueprint for a UA national distribution 

outlet there. Present plans are for 

the new setup to handle UA product on a 

percentage basis. Financing for the project 

will come partially from the frozen funds in 

Germany belonging to UA, now held by the 

MPEA. 

American companies are not getting any 

income out of the Reich at present. The 

MPEA companies recently voted to continue 

the cooperative distribution in 1950 only as a 

service organization and for each company 

to go on its own completely in 1951. 

Kelly is also expected to confer in Rome 

with Ferrucio Caramelli, Italian producerdistributor 

who recently paid a visit to this 

country, on the distribution of UA product 

in Italy. Caramelli, who operates Artisti 

Asociati, formerly held the UA franchise 

there until the producers turned down the 

deal he offered late in 1947. Since that time 

some of the UA producers have sold their 

product independently in Italy. 

Gradwell Sears Leaves 

For Parley in London 

NEW YORK—Gradwell L. Sears, UA president, 

was scheduled to leave Sunday, May 

15, to join Arthur W. Kelly, executive vicepresident, 

in London for discussion of UA's 

Odeon Theatre stock and other problems. 

Sears expects to return in the near future 

and report back to the dh-ectors. Kelly's 

stay will be prolonged and wUl include visits 

to -several spots on the continent. 

Knee on Jungle Trip 

NEW YORK—Ernest Knee, cameraman 

from the Princeton Film Center, is a member 

of a joint Venezuelan-American party 

attempting to reach Angel Falls in the heart 

of the Guiana jungle. The expedition has left 

Caracas by air. It includes two other Americans, 

Ruth Robertson, free lance photographer, 

and Everett Bauman, employe of the 

Creole Petroleum Corp. 

NEW YORK—The first of more than 100 

openings planned during the U.S. Teasury's 

opportunity savings bond drive will be at the 

Rivoli Theatre May 17 with "One Woman's 

Story." a J. Arthur Rank production released 

by Universal-International. The Rank organization 

has contributed the picture and 

admission to the opening will be free to purchasers 

of U.S. savings bonds. Booths have 

been set up at the Rivoli and at the 62 

Skouras Theatres Corp. houses in the metropolitan 

area to handle the sale of bonds 

and allocation of tickets on the basis of bond 

denominations, according to Montague Salmon, 

manager of the Rivoli. 

The nationwide public information service 

of the indu.stry has been placed at the disposal 

of the U.S. Ti-easury to aid in increasing 

the public awareness of the drive, which 

will run from May 15 to June 30, according 

to Maurice A. Bergman, chairman of the industry's 

participation in the drive. 

The campaign has been organized on a 

regional, as well as a national, basis and 

chairmen have been named for each of the 

31 exchange areas. These have named .subchairmen 

in each city and town in their 

areas so that every one of the more than 

17,500 theatres will get maximum coverage. 

Six hundred prints of the drive short, 

"Spirit of '49." starring Jack Benny and produced 

by MGM, will be distributed free for 

showing in the theatres. More than 20,000 

copies of a special 12-page pressbook on the 

drive have been sent to exhibitors. A list of 

Hollywood stars is now being lined up for 

a series of coast-to-coast personal appearances. 

Paramount Begins Series 

Of Divisional Meetings 

NEW YORK—Paramount this week began 

holding a series of five divisional sales meetings 

to discuss new product, advertising and 

exploitation, exhibitor relations and future 

prospects for the company. 

First of the meetings was held in New 

York May 9, 10 and 11 and the second was 

in Pittsburgh starting May 12. Home office 

executives and personnel of 15 branches in 

the eastern and southern divisions participated 

in the New York sessions and personnel 

of six branch offices was at the Pittsburgh 

conference. 

Barney Balaban. president; Adolph Zukor. 

chairman of the board; A. W. Schwalberg, 

general sales manager; Oscar Morgan, shorts 

subjects sales manager; E. K. O'Shea, assistant 

general sales manager, and Staiiley 

Shuford, advertising manager, participated 

in the meeting in New York. 

The -schedule for remaining meetings includes 

Chicago, May 16-18: Dallas, May 19- 

21, and Los Angeles, May 23-25. 

Consolidated Not for Sale 

NEW YORK—The board of directors of 

Republic Pictures Corp. has formally withdrawn 

from the market the proposed sale of 

Consolidated Molded Products Corp., a wholly 

owned subsidiary. The sale had been approved 

by stockholders in 1948. 

BOXOFFICE :: May 14, 1949 54C

Wilcox Sees Changes 

In British Methods 

NEW YORK—Beli^r that the British committee 

will suggest an end to the "barring 

system" in the United Kingdom, which prevents 

any film playing first run in London 

from being shown elsewhere in the country 

at the same time, was expressed by Herbert 

Wilcox, chairman and managing director 

of Imperadio Film Pi-oductions. Ltd., 

on his arrival here recently. He did not 

think the committee would recommend divorcement 

and that there is any chance of 

nationalization. With him were his wife 

Anna Neagle and Michael Wilding, actor. 

Wilcox also thought the committee would 

favor extension of playing time and the 

zoning of first runs throughout the United 

Kingdom. Asked about the quota, he said 

British producers can meet it "quantitatively 

but not qualitatively," and he said he favors 

fewer and better films. He hoped for lower 

distribution costs for producers, which now 

come to 20 per cent of the gross, and for 

an agreement with the unions extending the 

present work week of five days and 44 hours. 

A hope in some quarters that part of the 

entertainment tax would be allocated to distribution 

he regarded as unfounded. He said 

there is no government criticism of the industry, 

but that the government feels there 

could be a redistribution of the money paid 

by the public. 

Wilcox supplied figures on "Spring in Park 

Lane," recently named the best picture of 

the year. He divided its record gross of 

$5,600,000 as follows; Entertainment tax, 

$2!250,000; exhibitors' share, $1,800,000; distributor 

charges, $320,000; producer, $1,250,- 

000. The splitup, he said, gives the producer 

less than 15 per cent on his investment. 

The British producer planned to leave 

for the coast to promote a plan for 

the use of American acting talent in making 

films in England with blocked funds. He 

would not say with whom he would talk, 

except that he plans to obtain from Bernard 

Giannini of the Bank of America a "comprehensive 

understanding of the economics of 

the industry" but won't seek any financing. 

Wilcox also intends to arrange American 

distribution for three of his films, "Spring 

in Park Lane," "Maytime in Mayfair" and 

"Courtneys of Curzon Street." 

Maas Will See Johnston 

Before Discussing Trip 

NEW YORK—Irving Maas, vice-president 

and general manager of the Motion Picture 

Export Ass'n, arrived May 2 by air from 

Frankfurt, Germany, ending a two-month 

tour of continental markets. His office said 

he would have no statement to make imtil he 

had discussed his trip with Eric Johnston. 

MPEA-MPAA president. In Washington. 

Maas met first with member company 

European managers in Paris, and then visited 

Prague, Belgrade, Budapest. Warsaw, 'Vienna 

and several key cities in Germany. 'Wlule in 

Belgrade, he worked on final details of the 

Johnston-Marshall Tito agreement for the 

release of U.S. films in Yugoslavia. He probably 

will also talk over with Johnston on renewal 

of MPEA licensing agreements in 

Austria, Japan, Korea and Indonesia, on 

which action has been deferred by member 

companies. 

54D 

Discina Int'l to Handle 

Six MGM Foreign Films 

NEW YORK—Discina International Films 

Corp. has acquired six features from MGM 

International Films for distribution in the 

United States and Canada. All of the featui-es 

are foreign made. Two of them are 

in English. The two films with English dialog 

are "Portrait of Maria," starring Dolores 

Del Rio and Pedro Armendariz, and "Tne 

Last Chance," in which the motley characters 

speak seven tongues. 

Of the three French language films, 

"Angels of the Streets," with Renee Faui'e. 

Jany Holt and Mila Parely, has never been 

shown in the U.S. and will open at the Pans 

Theatre following the run of "Devil in the 

Flesh." The other two, "It Happened at the 

Inn," with Fernand Ledoux, and "Stormy 

Waters," starring Michele Morgan and Jean 

Gabin, already have had first runs in New 

York under MGM auspices. They will be 

distributed in two versions, one with English 

dialog titles, the other with English dialog 

synchronized on the sound track. 

"When Words Fail," originally produced in 

Spanish in Argentina, will also be distributed 

in the same two versions. 

MPEA Education of Japs 

Praised by U.S. Army 

NEW YORK—The Motion Picture Export 

Ass'n has been praised by the motion picture 

division of the U.S. Far East Command 

for its aid in promoting goodwill and fostering 

democratic attitudes among the Japanese. 

An editorial in the army publication. 

Stars and Stripes, says that MPEA, headed 

locally by Charles Mayer, has initiated the 

idea of reserved seats, introduced roadshows 

and insisted on cleanliness in theatres. 

It continued; "More than 728 large-scale 

movie exhibits have been displayed in department 

stores, schools, mobile units and 

public halls in every large city in Japan. 

For more than two years. MPEA-Japan has 

had a staff of lecturers on continuous tour 

throughout the country, explaining and interpreting 

the cultural, artistic and entertainment 

merits of Hollywood films. In 

1948 more than 2,300 of these talks were 

delivered in schools, theatres, municipal halls, 

factories and offices." 

March of Time Brochure 

Lists 16mm Forum Films 

NEW YORK—The March of Time has produced 

a beautifuUy printed and illustrated 

brochure which describes 46 of its 16mm 

sound educational films of special interest 

to educational institutions and groups, health 

agencies, labor unions and religious and welfare 

organizations. 

An insert calls attention to five new films, 

"Life With Junior." "March of the Movies," 

"Modern Surgei-y." "The Fight Game" and 

"Marriage and Divorce," plus what it terms 

an unusual special release, the United Nations' 

"Battle for Bread." Detailed information 

can be obtained by wi-iting March of 

Time Forum Films, 369 Lexington Ave., New 

York 17, N. Y. 

Name Bevis to NBC Post 

NEW YORK—Charles C. Bevis, manager of 

WNKB, Cleveland, has been named National 

Broadcasting Co. director of owned and operated 

stations by Carleton D. Smith, du-ector 

of network television operations. 

Television May Lose 

Ascap Music June 1 

NEW YORK—Ascap-controUed music may 

not be available to television broadcasters 

after June 1 as a result of a breakdown May 

6 in the negotiations in which both sides 

have partxipated for several months. Unless 

the dispute is straightened out before 

then, the broadcasters will have to make 

separate contracts with composers, authors 

and publishers each time a tune is played, a 

practically impossible situation, according to 

Ascap. 

Fred E. Ahlert, president of Ascap, has 

suggested an arbitration committee. One 

member would represent his organization 

and one the National Ass'n of Broadcasters 

and Attorney General Tom C. Clark would 

represent the public. Robert P. Myers, chairman 

of the NAB television committee, however, 

has said the matter cannot be arbitrated. 

The dispute revolves mainly around a matter 

of fees and the matter of deciding what 

legal rights under the copyright law govern 

various kinds of musical performances. Ahlert 

said Ascap asked a fee of 2-', per cent of 

station gross income less various discounts. 

He called a counter offer "unfair" and "utterly 

unrealistic." 

Myers said the Ascap formula is based on 

the limited rights which Ascap sought and 

secured to negotiate tor its members, and 

that the general license which Ascap offered 

permitted only limitf^d use of music for television. 

"The special righl upon which Ascap insisted," 

he said, "would force each television 

broadcaster to inquire as to Ascap's interpretation 

as to each use of music. If Ascap 

determined that the use was special, the 

broadcasters would then be required to 

negotiate an additional individual fee for 

each number thus used. 

"The television broadcasters still are willing 

to negotiate and, in the event that agreement 

is not reached by October 1, to pay 

Ascap retroactively to Jan. 1. 1949, payments 

based on the formula in use by the radio 

broadcasting industry for the past nine years, 

a formula which Ascap accepted and under 

which it continued to operate." 

Ascap Invites Telecasters 

To Meeting on Mo'y 16 

NEW YORK—Ascap has Invited individual 

television stations and networks to meet 

during the week of May 16 for discussions 

on rates for music used by the telecasters. 

These talks will be apart from the negotiations 

between Ascap and the television 

music committee of the National Ass'n of 

Broadcasters, which broke down May 6. The 

NAB has already recommended that its members 

reject the proposed Ascap rates and 

formula. 

ABC Adds Three Stations 

NEW YORK—Three more television stations 

have affiliated with the American 

Broadcasting Co. network. They are KSL- 

TV in Salt Lake City, KMA-TV in 

Omaha and WLAV-TV in Grand Rapids. The 

network now numbers 31 stations. 

BOXOFFICE :: May 14, 1949

NEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CEINXER 

iHollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear. Western Manager/ 

Las Vegas Premiere 

For 'Lady Gambles' 

HOLLYWOOD—A total of 44 newspaper 

and trade press representatives planed to Las 

Vegas as U-I"s guests for a press preview 

May 8 of "The Lady Gambles." Barbara 

Stanwyck starrer. The trip and screening 

were backed by Las Vegas resort interests 

and those attending made their headquarters 

at the Last Frontier and Flamingo hotels 

during their two-day stay. 

Slated to leave Hollywood May 13. a number 

of Paramount players will tour Texas 

and Oklahoma to attend key-city premieres 

of the Technicolor western, "Streets of Laredo." 

Making the trek are Mona Freeman, 

William Bendix, Dick Foote. William 

Demarest, Don DeFore. Fortunio Bonanova 

and the tunesmith team of Jay Livingstone 

and Ray Evans. An eight-city itinerary will 

open with a w-orld premiere in Laredo, Tex., 

May 16, followed by Beaumont, Houston, San 

Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth and openings 

in two Oklahoma situations, Oklahoma 

City and Tulsa. 

Array of Film Notables to Head 

Bond Drive Kickoff Broadcast 

HOLLYWOOI>—Film and radio luminaries 

will help to kick off the U.S. Treasury department's 

Opportunity bond drive on May 

16 when a lengthy array of notables is slated 

to headline a nationwide broadcast to be 

a'red over the four major networks. Their 

appearances are in line w-ith a pledge by 

Dore Schary, Hollywood chairman of the 

campaign, that every public relations facility 

of the motion picture industry will be 

made available in order to assure the drive's 

success. 

Lined up for the ether show are Bing 

Crosby. Jack Benny and Rochester, Bob 

Hope, Al Jolson, Jo Stafford, Roy Rogers. 

Irene Dunne, Lionel Barrymore, Dorothy Lamour, 

Humphrey Bogart, Edward Arnold, 

Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Esther Williams, 

Betty Garrett and Nelson Eddy. 

Additionally, a dozen screen personalities 

will help launch the drive through appearances 

in major cities, while a short subject 

starring Benny will be booked into theatres 

under auspices of the MPAA. Set for appearances 

are Red Skelton. Peter Lawford, 

Dane Clark, Eddie Bracken, Dan Dailey, Paul 

Lukas, Dennis Morgan, Wayne Morris. Cesar 

Romero, Lizabeth Scott, Alexis Smith and 

Craig Stevens. 

* * * 

Ruth Roman, Warner contract player, was 

named "Raisin Queen" for the 41st annual 

California raisin festival, staged in Fresno 

May 8-14. 

* * 

Cast headliners of MGM's "Battleground" 

will make personal appearances at an "I Am 

An American' day to be staged May 15 in the 

Hollywood Bowl. Set to appear are Van 

Johnson, John Hodiak, Ricardo Montalban, 

George Murphy, Marshall Thompson and 

Denise Darcel. Accompanying the cast will 

be members of the 82nd au-borne division, 

formerly of the 101st division, who appear in 

the picture. A special 15-minute script was 

prepared under the supervision of Robert 

Pirosh, who wrote "Battleground," 

Twin city premieres will launch Warners' 

"Colorado Territory," starring Joel McCrea 

and Virginia Mayo, which will make its debut 

early next month in Salt Lake City and 

Denver. The sagebrush opus has been set 

for national release June 11. Miss Mayo will 

appear in both cities. 

Metro will tee off its 25th birthday celebration 

with the "silver anniversary" premiere 

of "The Stratton Story" June 1 at the 

Egyptian Theatre. West coast debut of the 

Jimmy Stewart starrer will be highlighted 

by the attendance of top star names and 

industry executives and the opening will be 

given the full klieg-light treatment. 

B. N. Darling Heads Two 

Fairbanks Branches 

HOLLYWOOD — Re.shuffling of field 

branches of Jerry Fairbanks Productions has 

been completed in readiness for a projected 

increase in activities in television and commercial 

film production. B. N. Darling, head 

of the Chicago office, now will be in charge 

of the New York staff as well, dividing his 

time between the two cities. Jack Pegler, 

who was in charge of the Manhattan branch, 

becomes sales chief of the Zoomar Corp., 

which manufactures and sells Zoomar video 

and camera lenses. 

Ray Brewer Is Renamed 

To Top Charities Post 

HOLLYWOOD—Roy M. Brewer. lATSE 

executive, was re-elected president of the 

Permanent Charities committee and Edward 

Arnold and Regis Toomey were renamed 

executive vice-president and secretary, respectively, 

at the organization's annual meeting. 

Brewer succeeds Director George Marshall 

in the top spot. 

It was reported at the session that since 

1942 more than $10,000,000 has been raised 

in charity funds by the committee. 

'Hellfire' Release May 23 

HOLLYWOOD—"Hellfire," William Elliott's 

fii-st picture for his recently formed 

independent unit, Elliott-McGowan Productions, 

will go into general release under 

the Republic banner May 23. 

Acquire Railroad Story Rights 

HOLLYWOOD—Film rights to a series of 

railroad stories by E. S. Dellenger have been 

acquired by Edward Finney and Walter L. 

Bennett. Shooting on the initialer is slated 

to get under way this summer for an as-yet 

unnegotiated release. 

'Man on the Eiffel Tower' 

To Be Released by RKO 

HOLLYWOOD—Having arranged for 

RKO 

distribution of their independent opus, "The 

Man on the Eiffel Tower," which was filmed 

in France. Irving Allen and Franchot Tone 

have established office space on the RKO 

lot to supervise the final editing and scoring. 

Their A&T Productions previously headquartered 

at General Service studios. Tone 

starred in and Allen megged the film. 

Office space has been secured at Nassour 

studios by a newly formed independent production 

unit headed by Tom McGowan, which 

will film a documentary on alcoholism titled 

"High Bottom." The yarn, much of which 

will be filmed on location in San Francisco, 

was written by S. W. Taylor and Rutherford 

Montgomery. 

Joins Famous Artists 

HOLLYWOOD—Henry Willson, 

former assistant 

to David O. Selznick, has joined the 

Famous Artists Corp. in an executive position. 

Willson was vice-president of the 

Zeppo Marx Agency previous to his six-year 

association with Selznick. 


starring 

" 

son 

STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES 

Barnstormers 

Monogram 

Cowboy star JOHNNY MACK BROWN and RILEY 

HILL ilew to Las Vegas May 12 to be marshals ol 

the annual Helldorado parade 

RKO Radio 

Comedian JACK PAAR emceed the third annual 

shov/ for the staff and earners of the Cleveland 

Press, which was held in Cleveland's public auditorium 

on May 13. Paar was to make another personal 

appearance in Buffalo May 14, 

Cleiiers 

Metro 

Musical director lor "Death in the Doll's House" 

will be ANDRE PREVIN. 

ADOLPH DEUTSCH was named musical director 

for "Stars in My Crown," to be directed by Jacques 

Tourneur for Producer William H. Wright. 

Named musical director on "Battleground" was 

LENNIE HAYTON. 

Loonouts 

Universal-International 

MAUREEN O'HARA was borrowed Irom 20th-Fox 

to star with Paul Christian and Vincent Price in 

"Bdgdad," replacing Yvonne DeCarlo, who has 

been switched to "Mademoiselle McCoy and the 

Pirate." 

Meggers 

Monogram 

Producer Lindsley Parsons signed WILLIAM 

BEAUDINE to direct "Trail oi the Yukon." 

Republic 

Assigned to direct the semidocumentary, "Post 

Office Investigator," was GEORGE BLAIR. Sidney 

Picker will produce. 

20th Century-Fox 

Set to meg "Night and the City" was JULES 

DASSIN. 


MICHEL KRAIKE will produce "Java," modernday 

yarn to star Shelley Winters and Stephen 

McNaily. 

Options 

Columbia 

ROBERT HUTTON will be seen as the "other 

man" in the Robert Young-Barbara Hale comedy, 

"Baby Is Here." Henry Levin will direct lor Producer 

Robert Lord ol Santana Productions. 

Feminine lead opposite Gene Autry in "Cow 

Town" will be GAIL DAVIS. John English directs 

lor Producer Armand Schaeler. 

Independent 

WILLIAM BENDIX was set lor the starring role, 

originally intended for the late Wallace Beery, in 

Alcorn Productions' "Johnny Holiday," to be directed 

by Willis Goldbeck. 

Metro 

Role ol a blackmailer in the James Craig-Karley 

Granger topliner, "Side Street," will be played by 

ADELE JERGENS. Anthony Mann directs and Sam 

Zimbahst produces. Added to the cast was EDMON 

RYAN. 

TOM EWELL, Broadway actor, will make his iilm 

debut in "Adam's Rib," starring Spencer Tracy and 

Katharine Hepburn, to be megged by George Cukor. 

Monogram 

Additions to the cast of Barney Sarecky's production, 

"Cattle King," are MYRON HEALEY, BILL 

POTTER and BOB WOODWARD, 

Paramount 

Signed lor a key role m "Copper Canyon" was 

FRANK FAYLEN. 

Oldtime screen stars ANNA Q. NILSSON, BUSTER 

KEATON and H. B. WARNER were signed for "Sunset 

Boulevard, Gloria Swanson atid Erich 

" 

von Stroheim. The trio will play themselves in the 

Iilm to be produced by Charles Brackett and directed 

by Bill Wilder. JAY LIVINGSTONE and 

RAY EVANS, Academy award-winning song writing 

team, will make their screen debut playing 

themselves in the iilm. 

Producers Pine and Thomcfs have signed REED 

HOWES lor a featured role in the John Payne-Gail 

Russell starrer, "Captain China." 

RKO Radio 

JOAN FONTAINE is set for the topline in 'Bed 

of Roses," which is set to roll next month with 

Nicholas Ray megging. 

Top feminine role with George Raft and Pat 

O'Brien in "The Bail Bond Story" will be enacted 

by ELLA RAINES. JEAN WALLACE bowed out of 

her starring role with George Raft and Pat O'Brien 

after it was decided that the role wasn't suited to 

the actress. No replacement has been set. Character 

actress FRANCES MORRIS has been set for 

an important role. 

ERSKINE SANFORD, FRED GRAHAM and MARLO 

DWYER are additions to the cast of "I Married a 

Communist." 

ROBERT LAMOURET and his mechanical duck, 

DUDULE, were signed to appear in "Make Mine 

Laughs," to be produced by George Bilson. 

Republic 

Radio actress BARBRA FULLER was signed to a 

long-term contract and assigned one of the leading 

roles in the William Elliott-Adrian Booth starrer, 

"Cross winds," to be produced and directed by 

Joseph Kane. NOAH BEERY JR. will enact a leatured 

role. GRANT WITHERS was added to the 

cast Signed for two important parts were JIM 

DAVIS and BOB STEELE. 

Chief heavy role in the Hoy Rogers' starrrer, "The 

Golden Stallion," was handed DOUGLAS EVANS, 

William Witney directs for Producer Edward J. 

White Assigned the second femme lead was 

ESTELITA RODRIGUEZ. Joining the roster was 

GREG McCLURE 


] FARRELL MacDONALD portrays a studio police-gateman 

in George Jessel's production, "The 

Bandwagon." 

Inked for top supporting roles in the Claudette 

Colbert topliner, "Three Came Home," were KER- 

MIT WHITFIELD and GENE GONDO. Jean Negulesco 

directs and Nunnally Johnson produces. 

United Artists 

ARTHUR GARDNER, assistant to the King Brothers, 

producers of "Gun Crazy," will play the role of 

Anabel Shaw's husband in the film. 

Signed for the cast of Bischoff-Gross production, 

"Mrs. Mike," was JOHN MILJAN. 


JEFF CHANDLER, radio's Detective Michael Shane, 

was signed for an important role in the Dennis 

O'Keefe and Gale Storm co-starrer, "Abandoned," 

being directed by Joe Newman for Producer Jerry 

Bresler, 

PATRICIA MEDINA was inked for the top feminine 

spot m the Donald O'Connor vehicle, "Francis," 

under the direction of Arthur Lubin for Producer 

Robert Arthur, CHILL WILLS joins the cast in a 

supporting role. Character actor HOWLIN CHAM- 

BERLIN was signed to play an army psychiatrist. 

ANTHONY CURTIS had his option renewed and was 

assigned to the film. RAY COLLINS was inked to 

play an army colonel. 

Signed for the title role in Producer Aaron Rosenberg's 

"The Story of Molly X" was GINGEiR ROG- 

ERS. Crane Wilbur will direct. 

Warners 

G. PAT COLLINS and JOHN ARCHER join the 

cast of the James Cagney starrer, "White Heat," 

with Raoul Walsh directing and Lou Edelman producing. 

Signed for a featured part was MICKEY 

KNOX. Also inked for the James Cagney starrer 

was IAN MacDONALD. 

DAVID BRIAN was set for a top spot in the Bette 

Davis-Joseph Gotten starrer, "Beyond the Forest." 

Actor-director-designer RICHARD WHORF will 

play a top role in "Chain Lightning," to be directed 

by Stuart Heisler and produced by Anthony Veiller. 

RUTH ROMAN joins Bette Davis and Joseph Cotten 

in "Rose Moline," to be directed by King Vidor 

for Producer Henry Bianke. 

Audie Murphy to Star 

In Biography Film 

Hollywood— "To Hell and Back," the 

autobioâphy of Audie Murphy, World 

War II hero turned film actor, will be 

transferred to film with Murphy starring 

and Paul Short producing. The subject 

goes on Short's docket to follow "The 

Kid From Texas," also a Murphy topliner, 

which is slated for Universal-International 

release. 

No distribution has been set for "To 

Hell and Back." 

Scripters 

Republic 

Signed to write an original untitled screenplay 

to star Roy Rogers was SLOAN NIBLEY Edward 

J. White will produce the Iilm, which will deal with 

the current search lor uranium mines. 

Warners 

LENORE COFFEE was assigned to screenplay 

"Man Without Friends," Margaret Eckhard novel 

to be produced by Henry Bianke. 

Story Buys 

Independent 

Thomas Mann's "The Joseph Tetralogy" has been 

purchased by Frank P. Rosenberg and Endre Bohem 

and will be produced under the title of "Joseph in 

Egypt." much ol the filming to be done on location 

in Israel and Egypt. Baruch Diener of the 

Israeli film studio will function as associate producer 

No release has been arranged. 

"Buckskin," original screen story by Paul Short, 

was purchased by Louis K. Deak and Associates tor 

early summer production. 

RKO Radio 

Purchased and assigned to Producer Jack Gross 

wa's "Strange Convoy," western story by Tom 

Blackburn. 

Screen Guild 

Producer William Stephens acquired "Murder 

M. D ," by Ralph Bors. and "Crossed Wires," by 

John Wiltse. Former is an expose of "racket" doctors 

and the latter concerns the exploits of telephone 

linemen- Both will be scripted by Maurice 

Tombragel. 

Warners 

"Stop, You're Killing Me," original comedy-mystery 

by Harry Kurnitz and Martin Gable, was acquired 

and earmarked as a Danny Kaye vehicle. 

Kurnitz will produce. 

Technically 

Columbia 

Signed to lens S Sylvan Simon's production, "The 

Good Humor Man," was LESTER WHITE. 

Independent 

Inked as assistant director lor Samuel H. Stietel's 

production, "The Big Wheel," was MAURIE SUESS. 

Metro 

Assigned as art director on Edwin Knopl's production, 

"Adam's Rib," was WILLIAM FERRARI. 

JACK GREENWOOD and CHARLES LEVIN draw assignments 

as assistant director and unit manager, 

respectively. 

Lensing chores include HAROLD LIPSTEIN on 

"Ambush" and CHARLES SCHOENBAUM on "Stars 

in My Crown. 

Dialog coach on the Judy Garland starrer, "Annie 

Get Your Gun," will be CELESTE RUSH. 

Paramount 

EDDIE MORSE was set to succeed Joe Egli as 

unit casting director. 

RKO Radio 

JACK MacKENZIE and JOHN TRIBBY will handle 

the camera and sound chores, respectively, on 

George Bilson's production, "Make Mine Laughs." 

DORAN COX is assistant director. 

Republic 

Assignments on "Crosswinds" include REGGIE 

LANNING, cameraman, RICHARD MODER, assistant 

director; FRANK ARRIGO, art director, and ARTHUR 

ROBERTS, Iilm editor. 

Assigned as cameraman on Edward J. White's 

Roy Rogers starrer, "The Golden Stallion," was 

JACK MARTA. Other assignments include JACK 

LACEY, assistant director; TONY MARTINELLI, iilm 

editor; FRANK HOTALING, art director, and MOR- 

TON SCOTT, musical director. 


ARTHUR MILLER JR , ol the veteran cinematographer, 

has joined the crew ol "Pinky" as an operating 

cameraman. His lather currently is observing 

his 37lh year as a lenser. 

Film editor BARBARA McLEAN'S option was lilted 

lor another year. 

Reoptioned lor another year was Cameraman 

ARTHUR ARLING. 

United Artists 

FRANCES GRANT will stage the square dances for 

the Gross-Bischoff production, "Mrs Mike," starring 

Dick Powell and Evelyn Keyes, 


IRVING GLASSBERG will lens the Robert Arthur 

production, "Francis," with DICK RIDELL as art director, 

MILTON CARRUTH as Iilm editor, EDDIE 

DODDS as unit manager and lOHN SHERWOOD as 

assislant to Director Arthur Lubin. 

Crew assigned to "Bagdad," the Yvonne DeCarlo 

(Continued on next page) 


TV Ass'n Names Board 

To Work With Unions 

HOLLYWOOD—A new nine-man board of 

directors to guide the organization through 

upcoming negotiations with guilds and unions 

concerning working agreements was selected 

by the Television Film Producers Ass'n at a 

general membership meeting. 

Named to the board were Hal Roach jr., 

Carl Dudley. Roland Reed. Glenn Miller. Al 

Herman. Perry King. Wallace Worsley, Bernard 

J. Carr and Herbert L. Strode. 

At a meeting immediately after the election, 

the new board re-elected Roach president, 

Dudley vice-president and Reed treasurer 

of the TFPA and selected Miller as the 

new secretary. 

Union negotiations are slated 

to begin within the next ten days. 

* • * 

Five sessions covering a wide variety of 

subjects will constitute the second annual 

"television institute" begin sponsored by the 

Screen Publicists Guild in association with 

the Ass'n of Broadcast Unions and Guilds, 

the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, 

the Television Film Producers Ass'n. the Society 

of Motion Picture Engineers and the 

Television Producers Ass'n. 

"Management Problems in Television" will 

be discussed at the first meeting, to be held 

May 26. On June 2 the topic will be "Hollywood's 

Challenge as TV Film Production 

Center": June 9. "The Role of Hollywood's 

'Live' Production in Coast to Coast Television": 

June 16. "Films in Television": and 

June 23, "What Is the Outlook for Hollywood 

Labor in Television?" 

Public Relations Groups 

To Help Bond Campaign 

HOLL'^WOOD — Every public relations 

facility of the motion picture industry has 

been pledged to suport the U.S. Treasury department's 

annual savings bond drive, which 

kicks off May 15 and runs through June 30. 

it was disclosed by Dore Schary, MGM production 

chief and Hollywood chairman of the 

campaign. Twenty-five stars will make personal 

appearances in major cities and will 

participate in a national broadcast emanating 

from the film capital. A short .subject 

starring Jack Benny and made at MGM 

will be booked in theatres throughout the 

country under the auspices of the MPAA. 

Personnelities 

(Continued from preceding page) 

stojrer, includes RUSSELL METTY, cameraman; 

ALEX GOLITZEN, art director, and JESS HIBBS, 

assistant director. Charles Lament megs. 

"Abandoned" will be edited by EDWARD CUR- 

TISS. 

Warners 

Film editor lor "Chain Lightning" will be THOMAS 

REILLY. 

Film 

MARKS 

editor tor "White Heaf will be OWEN 

Title Changes 

Monogram 

TRAIL OF THE YUKON is the new title on Producer 

Lindsley Parsons' "Tentacles of the North. ' 

Warners 

THE LADY TAKES A SAILOR is the new tab on 

Producer Harry Kurnitz's Jane Wyman topliner, 

"The Octopus and Miss Smith." 

Changed back to its original title BEYOND THE 

FOREST wcTs the Bette Davis-Joseph Gotten vehicle 

which had been retabbed "Rose Moline." 

WHIPPING up birthday cakes apparently 

is keeping MGM's kitchen 

busier than the proverbial demoiselle 

with two boudoirs. 

In this space and elsewhere throughout the 

trade and public press much favorable comment 

has been made upon the 25th anniversary 

currently being celebrated by Mighty 

Leo himself and upon the glittering celluloid 

candles with which his natal confection is 

being adorned. 

Now it is revealed that May calls for a 

comparable celebration for Arthur Fi-eed, one 

of MGM's top producers, who is observing 

his 20th anniversary at the Culver City film 

foundry. 

In those two decades Freed's name has 

been associated with a lengthy list of top 

tunefilms made under the MGM label, beginning 

with the epoch-making "Broadway 

Melody of 1929." He began his professional 

career some years earlier as a piano player 

for a Chicago music publishing firm, became 

a song plugger. did turns with the Marx 

Bros, and the Gus Edwards troupe and. after 

World War I, took a whirl at producing legitimate 

stage shows in his own theatre in Los 

Angeles. The writer of many hit songs, Freed 

—reviewing his metamorphosis from composer 

to film-maker—contends the switch may be 

regarded as unusual but eminently logical. 

He cites, for example, the thorough training 

he received in the entertainment world 

before turning his hand to motion picture 

production. Film-making is a "separate and 

distinct technique," he confesses, and musicals 

are "complex," but "making entertainment 

is basic to show business, and the early 

training I got on Broadway and in Tin Pan 

Alley were invaluable experiences for a film 

production career." 

Obviously Freed knows whereof he speaks, 

.since his record includes, among other hits, 

"Strike Up the Band." "Good News," "Easter 

Parade" and upcoming "Barkleys of Broadway." 

Recently he completed one of his few 

straight dramatic offerings, the Clark Gable 

starrer, "Any Number Can Play," and is currently 

at work on "Annie Get 'Y'our Gun," 

film version of the Irving Berlin stage success, 

which stars Judy Garland. 

Freed views with considerable pride the 

long list of new and fresh per.sonalities who 

have made their film debuts in the pictures 

he has manufactured. It is his contention 

that the public applauds the introduction of 

new talent in timefilms. 

"Nothing is of greater disservice to a fresh, 

sparkling musical," he avows, "than personalities 

who have been playing the same roles 

for years." And among the film luminaries 

either discovered or developed by him are 

such attractions as Eleanor Powell, Gloria 

DeHaven, Gene Kelly, June Allyson, Cyd 

Charisse and Esther Williams. 

Adds Freed: 

"The basic ingredients of popular entertainment—the 

stage, the revue, films, radio 

and even television—are always the same." 

Coupled with that analysis is his observation 

—hardly to be refuted— that year in and year 

out the public demand for film musicals has 

placed such subjects in the category of celluloid 

staples. 

In these uncertain days when boxoffice receipts 

are in the doldrums—but not nearly as 

deeply as some of the calamity-howlers would 

have one and sundry believe—one of the suggestions 

oft heard as a panacea for all of 

the industry's ills is the need for new blood 

literary, thespian, productional and executive 

—to lead the trade out of its self-imposed 

wilderness. 

Reviewing the 20-year film record of Freed 

and other veterans of comparable accomplishments 

gives rise to a contradicting diagnosis. 

PURPLE HEART DEPARTMENT 

Lou Lifton Division 

"Jimmy Wakely, Monogram western star, 

suffered a broken nose at Placeritos ranch 

over the weekend during filming of a fight 

scene for his current 'Range Rogues.' " 

Particularly perturbing is the injury inasmuch 

as Jimmy uses the organ for singing 

as well as breathing. 

Upon his recent return from Italy, where 

he supervised arrangements for the upcoming 

MGM production. "Quo Vadis," Director 

John Huston was quoted by a local trade 

publication as saying the film "looks like 

one of the biggest things that's ever happened 

in Rome." 

That whirring noise you hear is caused by 

Nero, Caesar and Mark Antony spinning in 

their graves. 

From Lou Lifton's Monogram magnifiers 

comes intelligence that the producing King 

Bros, concluded arrangements to use the 

Security First National bank In Montrose and 

the California bank in Reseda for holdup 

sequences in their forthcoming United Artists 

production, "Gun Crazy." 

Leave it to those Brudem King to figure 

out a way—while all other independent producers 

are struggling to get second money 

the hard way. 

According to Dave Lipton's lads in U-I's 

blurbery. the studio avowedly is encountering 

difficulty in trying to fill the role of "Francis," 

a talking mule, in its upcoming fantasy, 

"Francis." 

If the producer could listen in on one of 

Dave's staff meetings his problem might be 

BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949 57 

solved.

Z'xecddilue. 

was accompanied from the Bay City by 

West: Harry Popkin, United Artists producer, 

returned from a business junket to 

New York, during which he huddled with 

UA eastern officials on his upcoming production 

schedule. 

* * « 

West: Steve Broidy, president of Monogram 

and Allied Artists, returned to his 

studio desk after an extended stay in the 

east. Broidy, who attended the recent Variety 

Clubs International convention in San Francisco, 

Harold Mirisch. vice-president. Meantime 

Scott R. Dunlap, Broidy's executive assistant, 

checked in after a visit to the New Orleans 

exchange, while James A. Prichard, Monogram-AA's 

southwestern district manager 

and head of the company's Dallas exchange, 

returned to his Texas headquarters after a 

short stay at the studio. 

-* t- * 

North: Louis B. Mayer, MGM studio head, 

made a quick trip to San Francisco for discussions 

with John Snyder, secretary of the 

treasury, concerning Hollywood's participation 

in the upcoming U.S. bond selling drive. 

« * • 

West: Robert Clark, executive director of 

production for the Associated British Picture 

Corp., Ltd., of London, arrived here for 

huddles with Steve Broidy, president of 

Monogram-Allied Artists, concerning the latter 

company's plans for U.S. distribution of 

several Associated British features. 

+ * * 

East: Producer Sam Spiegel and Director 

John Huston planed to New York, where 

Huston was guest of honor May U at the 

annual banquet of the One World committee. 

Warner-Ginsberg Dinner 

Starts Charity Campaign 

HOLL'YWOOD—Opening gun in the motion 

picture industry division's drive for the 

United Jewish Welfare fund was fired via a 

banquet hosted by Jack L. Warner, president 

of the Los Angeles campaign, and Henry 

Ginsberg, chairman of the film branch, and 

attended by some 350 industry representatives. 

The Los Angeles quota for the campaign 

is $11,000,000. In 1948, out of a Los 

Angeles quota of $10,000,000, the film world 

raised $1,925,000. 

Sharing the dais with Warner and Ginsberg 

at the dinner were 19 top film figures, 

including H. M. Warner, Walter Wanger, 

Dore Schary, Al Jolson. Jack Benny, Joseph 

M. Schenck, Bert AUenberg, Harry Cohn, 

Abe Lastfogel, Lew Wasserman, William 

Goetz, Leo Spitz, William Gordon, Charles 

P. Skouras, Eddie Cantor, Louis B. Mayer. 

Nate Blumberg, Samuel Goldwyn and Sid 

Rogell. 

Guests of honor and principal speakers 

were Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th-Pox production 

chief; Quentin Reynolds, war correspondent 

and author, and Reuven Dafni, Israeli consul. 

Dafni was a major in the Haganah, a 

veteran of the British army who organized 

the Yugoslavian underground which saved 

more than 3,000 Jews from the Nazis and 

rescued 140 shot-down American flyers during 

World War II. 

58 

^ûi4/ele/U> 

West: William Selwyn, talent chief for 

Producer Samuel Goldwyn, returned from a 

two-month eastern tour lining up possible 

new film personalities. 

< * * 

West: N. Peter Rathvon checked in from 

Manhattan after an extended stay, during 

which he completed arrangements for beginning 

operations as an independent production 

financing company. 

* • * 

East: Edward Muhl, U-I vice-president and 

general manager, and M. R. Davis, studio 

business manager, left for Washington. D. C, 

to confer with the company's legal representatives 

there on tax matters. 

» « * 

West: Ned E. Depinet, RKO Radio president, 

was due in over the weekend from 

Manhattan for a week's stay. He will confer 

with Howard Hughes, the company's head 

man, and Sid Rogell, production executive, 

on distribution arrangements for forthcoming 

releases and picture-making plans for 

the remainder of the year. 

* * « 

East: Edward Schellhorn, of the Paramount 

studio foreign department, left for 

New York for huddles with George Weltner, 

president of Paramount International. 

Meantime, an arrival at the studio was Hal 

Haughton, publicity-promotion director for 

Australia, who is combining a vacation with 

conferences on new product. 

* • * 

West: Edmund Grainger, Republic producer, 

returned to his studio desk after a 

week in New York and Washington on company 

business. 

Judy Garland Suspended; 

'Annie' Filming Held Up 

HOLLYWOOD—With no indication as to 

when camera work will be resumed or whether 

Judy Garland will be replaced in the title 

role, MGM slapped a four-week suspension 

on the actress for allegedly refusing to answer 

a work call for "Annie Get Your Gun" 

and placed the rest of the cast and crew on 

layoff. 

It was the second time the film version of 

the Irving Berlin stage musical had encountered 

difficulty. Shortly after production began 

Busby Berkeley was replaced as megaphonist 

by Charles Walters, assertedly because 

of a disagreement between Berkeley 

and Producer Arthur Freed over the handling 

of the opus. 

"Annie Get Your Gun" has been on the 

sound stages since early in April. It is the 

first suspension for Miss Garland, who has 

been under contract to MGM since 1937. 

Midway Drive-In Opens in Lodi 

LODI, CALIF.—The 350-car Midway Drive- 

In has been opened by WilUam Bacon and 

Walter Lawrence of Modesto. The six-acre 

location has room to accommodate a total of 

800 cars. 

Michel Kraike will produce "Java" for Universal-International 

release. 

Labor Board Delves 

Into SPG Dispute 

HOLLYWOOD—In an attempt to unravel 

the present jurisdictional snarl involving the 

Screen Publicists Guild, a midweek meeting 

of all parties concerned was called by the 

National Labor Relations Board, with representatives 

of the major studios and two 

factions within the SPG slated to attend. 

It was expected the NLRB would suggest 

an immediate election to determine whether 

the SPG should affilate with the lATSE or 

some other labor group, or should remain 

independent. It recently voted disaffiliation 

from the AFL brotherhood of painters. 

In the event the suggested election might 

be refused by either faction, it was indicated 

the NLRB would order an investigatory 

hearing into the whole matter. 

Meantime the lATSE-minded publicists 

issued a broadside charging the SPG. as now 

constituted, is an "unhappy captive" of its 

present administration, and stressing their 

desire for an affiliation that would permit 

membership in such industry groups as the 

Hollywood AFL Film council and the Motion 

Picture Industry council. 

Retaliation at the ballot box in 1950 against 

congressmen who recently voted against repeal 

of the Taft-Hartley law was threatened 

by Roy M. Brewer, lATSE studio executive 

and chairman of the Hollywood AFL Film 

council. Brewer indicated his group would 

"organize in every district ... to defeat the 

rebranded Taft-Hartley congressmen." 

RKO Asks for Injunction; 

UA Files for Dismissal 

HOLLYWOOD — The next round in the 

heavyweight legal tiff between RKO and 

United Artists-Screen Plays, Inc., wherein 

RKO alleges there are similarities in plot 

between its boxing opus, "The Set-Up," and 

UA-Screen Plays' "Champion" was due to 

get under way the latter part of the week, 

federal Judge Pierson M. Hall having viewed 

both films and requested UA to make certain 

cuts in "Champion" before it is again unwound 

for the jurist. 

At the same time Judge Hall took imder 

advisement RKO's plea for an injunction 

against further showings of "Champion" and 

motions for dismissal as filed by UA-Screen 

Plays attorneys. RKO also seeks general 

damages of $500,000, charging violation of 

copyright. 

Both films ali-eady have had a number of 

playdates throughout the country. 

Dishman, Wash., Theatre 

Is Sold for $100,000 

DISHMAN, WASH.—The 515-seat Dishman 

has been sold by Charles Ames and his son 

Kenneth to Willard R. and Walter L. Seale 

and W. K. Beckwith. the latter a North Bend 

theatreman. The Seales own and operate the 

Rialto and Ritz here. 

The Dishman was built in 1936 by A. T. 

Dishman. founder of the town, at a cost of 

$50,000. He also installed $20,000 theatre 

equipment. The Dishman was sold for $100,- 

000. A new manager will be selected, it was 

reporter. The beauty shop and dentist's office 

on the second floor of the theatre will not 

be affected, the owners said. 


Sidelights of Variety Convention in San Francisco 

SAN FRANCISCO^-Mention of names and 

events of the gala happenings at the 13th 

annual Variety Clubs International convention 

here keep springing up along Filmrow. 

Much praise is being voiced for the excellent 

work of General Chairman Rotus Harvey 

and Abe Blumenfeld of the executive committee, 

Charles Shutt, chairman of the publicity 

committee, and Hannie Oppie. executive 

secretary for the convention. 

The women attending the convention maintained 

that this was the most outstanding of 

all such conclaves. Instead of having to 

shift for themselves, events were planned 

for them by the chairman of the ladies 

division, Sylvia Levin. 

Seen buzzing in and around the Fairmont 

hotel were Mr. and Mrs. Peter T. Dana. Pittsburgh. 

Pa.: Charles Trampe. Milwaukee: Ben 

Goffstein. Albany. N. Y.: Milton Rogasner. 

Philadelphia: Ben Fish, Los Angeles: Dr. 

Fernando Va.squez. Mexico City: Mr. and 

Mrs. Morris Stein, Toronto. Ont.: Sam Tabor. 

Baltimore: Mrs. E. Whitaker, Atlanta: Mr, 

and Mrs. William Weaver. Los Angeles: Lou 

Bruno. Toledo: Raymond Hay. Houston, and 

Alfred Finestone, New York. 

The above photo was taken at the close of the final business session at the 

Variety Clubs International convention in San Francisco. Shown, left to right, are: 

Nathan Golden, Washington; Manuel Fernandez, Luis Montez, Robert J. O'Donnell, 

Miguel Gallagher, Manuel Ampudia and Max Gomez, all of Mexico City. 

Red Skelton was the life of the party at 

the Variety Movies ball at the St. Francis 

hotel and Hilo Hattie had some fun when 

she managed to get Robert J. O'Donnell and 

John H. Harris up on the dance floor to 

leam the hula. 

Two hundred and fifty wives of delegates 

were given a gift cosmetic package and had 

their chance at winning prizes at the fashion 

show held at the Palace hotel. The guests 

were given tally charts on which they wrote 

their guess as to the price of garments being 

modeled. Winners were Mrs. Nate Sandler 

of Des Moines. Iowa., wife of the president 

of Theatre Enterprises: Mrs. Robert Phillips 

of Washington, and Mrs. James Lima 

of 

San Jose. 

Mrs. C. E. Lewis, wife of the Variety International 

convention director, won $312.80 on 

a $2 ticket on Vin Rose in the first race at 

the Variety Club day at Golden Gate field. 

Sam Rosey outdid himself in putting on a 

splendid show. His Variety Frolics at the 

Tivoli Theatre was a fitting end to the festivities. 

Seen jumping on the Powell street cable 

car was Irving Mandel of Chicago, who took 

a short ride. 

Jimmy Myers, Monogram, handed out welcome 

notes to Variety registrants at the desk 

in the lobby. 

Monogram executives here for the convention 

included Steve Broidy. Howard Stubbins, 

Jim Schiller and James Burket. 

Ford Bratcher of Riverside and his wife 

decided to grab a plane at the last minute to 

attend the convention and spent a week here 

wondering if he would be able to reclaim his 

car, which he left without a claim check 

sitting in front of the airport. 

Top: Members of Los Angeles Tent 2.5 are pictured at the Humanitarian award 

banquet during the convention. Clockwise, left to right, Murray Odel, J. Berman, 

Oscar S. Oldknow, D. Bershon, Ben Fish, Herb Griffin and P. Dignan. Bottom: The 

gala Movies ball was one of the highlights of the Variety convention. Shown enjoying 

the festivities are, seated left to right, Horace R. Falls, Dallas, Georgia Mc- 

Donald, Yakima. Wash., and Mrs. Darrel .lohnson, San Diego. Standing, left to 

right, 

Earle Streve, Los Angeles, and Darrel Johnson, San Diego. 

W. H. Turpie. western division manager were J. Don Alexander, president; Don Alexander, 

vice-president, both from Colorado 

for Manley, was seen wandering around convention 

headquarters. 

Springs: Colin Dexter, district manager for 

California: Jimmy Hickox. northern California 

representative: Lyle Bramson: George 

The Alexander Film Co. Oasis of Good 

Cheer was open to all and proved to be head- 

Hickox. John Boyle and Clifford Parker, 

quarters for many gala gatherings. Hosts northern division manager. 

BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949 w 59

^0«td^«t ^Cfi^^ 

PHE FIRST FILM TO BE MADE with the 

help of goverament finance was shown to 

the trade last week and although, frankly, 

a second feature, is an object lesson to major 

producers. 

Sometime back we mentioned in this colimin 

that James Carreras of Exclusive Films 

was one of the first to be granted a loan 

by the National Film Finance Corp., a modest 

one. it might be said, of $80,000. To get 

the advance he had to submit a program of 

pictures and his plan was to make a series 

of supporting featui-es based on popular radio 

serials broadcast by the BBC. The present 

film called "Dr. Morelle—the Case of the 

Missing Heiress" was made at the country 

house in Berkshire which Carreras has converted 

into a studio. When their program 

was submitted to the NFFC, Exclusive undertook 

to bring in each picture for a budget of 

$60,000, which is the maximum that can safely 

be spent on a second or supporting feature 

for British release, and they make no secret 

of the fact that this Dr. Morelle picture cost 

$4,000 less than that figure. 

Viewed in London by your correspondent, 

"Dr. Morelle—the Case of the Missing Heiress" 

turned out to be a well-made, good 

quality second feature which compared very 

favorably with many pictures on which twice 

the money has been spent. 

The secret of this economical method of 

production is that no high studio rents are 

paid and that Carreras has gathered round 

him a small crew of really enthusiastic technicians 

who know that their jobs are secm'e 

even though they bring in a picture quickly. 

* * * 

J. ARTHUR RANK on his arrival back in 

England, although greeted at the docks by a 

horde of reporters, refused to comment on 

his trip. It is more than likely that he will 

hold a press conference very soon to give 

the results of the American visit, but this 

will not be until he has had time to discuss 

the situation with Harold Wilson, president 

of the Board of Trade. 

The only statement given out by the Rank 

organization on his return was that Rank 

was overjoyed at being able to bring home 

with him the eight Oscars gained by "Hamlet" 

and "The Red Shoes." 

* • * 

A CIRCUIT RAPIDLY GROWING in 

importance 

is the Essoldo group which is owned 

by Sol Sheckman. Essoldo recently bought 

six more cinemas at Brighton, Kilburn, Nottingham 

and Whitley Bay, bringing their 

present total to 77 theatres. One of the new 

houses is the Imperial at Brighton which has 

a 10 per cent quota, against the national 

figure of 45 per cent and about which representations 

have been made to the Board of 

Trade by local independent exhibitors. It is 

a fine, 2,000-seater which, because of its 

quota exemption, can now play American 

product first run. 

* * » 

WHETHER OR NOT it is due to the money 

advanced by the Film Finance Corp. or 

whether private investors in the city are beginning 

to regard films more favorably the 

fact remains that there is a slight upswing 

in independent production in British studios. 

As previously reported. Edward Dmytryk is 

shooting at Denham on "Give Us This Day" 

By JOHN SULLIVAN 

from the stoi-y "Christ in Concrete" and at 

Riverside studio Anthony Havelock-Allan has 

now nearly completed another independent 

picture titled "The Cord." As Korda is also 

nominally an independent since he is not tied 

officially to any circuit, it is worthy of note 

that he also has two pictures on the floor 

currently. Neither of these can be described 

as an epic, one being set for a budget of 

$700,000 and the other around the $550,000 

mark. When the new loan from the government 

Film Finance Corp. goes through we 

may see further production at Korda's two 

plants. 

That Rank has not entirely cut out his 

prestige product is evidenced by two of his 

pictures now being made, "Rocking-Horse 

Winner" and "Madeleine." The former is being 

made at Denham and stars young John 

Howard Davies who scored such a sensational 

success as Oliver in "Oliver Twist." John 

Mills is producing this picture which will 

probably cost about $800,000 and is so convinced 

of its merit as a film subject that 

he will play a subsidiary part instead of his 

usual stellar role. The other film, "Madeleine," 

is the current assignment of one of 

Britain's two top prestige directors, David 

Lean. It is based on a famous legal case 

when Madeleine Smith was placed on trial 

in 1857 for the murder of her lover by poison 

and escaped with a verdict of "Not Proven," 

a peculiarity of Scottish law. 

* * * 

THE OLD CONTROVERSY as to 

whether 

newspapers with their criticism help or harm 

a film blew up this week as a result of the 

rapturous notices which Ealing's "Passport 

to Pimlico" had received in the daily and 

evening papers. In view of the way lay press 

critics mercilessly slash what may be described 

as the popular picture which then 

goes on to make big money at the boxoffice 

it has always been a contention of the film 

trade that the critics can make a film but 

cannot break one. In the case of the Ealing 

picture it was particularly noticeable that the 

film opened on a Thursday to very little 

business, but almost as soon as the first evening 

papers were selling on the streets with 

the lyrical reviews of their critics queues 

started to form outside the Gaumont and 

the Marble Arch pavilion, where the picture 

was showing. These two houses always play 

their films day and date and "Passport to 

Pimlico" looks like topping the very large 

boxoffice take which was recorded at these 

theatres by two previous pictures, "The Red 

Shoes" and "The Blue Lagoon." 

• * • 

THE LONDON AND HOME COUNTIES 

branch of the Cinema Exhibitors Ass'n has 

issued its report on big-screen television and 

the dominant note is one of caution, its conclusion 

being that the immediate installation 

of television in a large number of cinemas 

is an impossibility. The report goes on 

to say that the cost of the equipment to the 

individual exhibitor is estimated at between 

$30,000-$40,000, although this price will come 

down considerably when quantity production 

bîns. The CEA does not think that this 

will be before 18 months. 

As most Americans know, there is no commercial 

broadcasting in England either of 

ordinary radio programs or of television. 

Oregon Film Tourney 

Slated for May 17-19 

PORTLAND—The film industry of Oregon 

will sponsor its first annual spring pow-wow 

and golf tournament May 17-19 at Gearhartby-the-Sea, 

where the entire resort hotel is 

being reserved for the event, according to 

George Mitchell and Bill Graeper, chairmen. 

Registration will open Tuesday, May 17, 

to continue throughout the day. The fee for 

the tournament will be $4, which will entitle 

a registrant to two full days on the 18-hole 

course. There will be a separate tournament 

for women. 

The tourney will begin Wednesday morning. 

Other activities will include bingo games 

at 2 p. m. and a cocktail party at 5 p. m. 

Evening activities will include cards, beach 

fires and weiner roasts. 

Finals in the tournament will be played 

Thursday. At 12:30 p. m. there will be a 

luncheon and style show. Following a cocktail 

party, tournament winners will be announced 

dm'ing a dinner dance at 8 p. m. 

Reservations for the pow-wow and tournament 

are being received at headquarters, 1931 

N. W. Kearney St. here. Local film .salesmen 

also are accepting reservations. Since 

only 100 rooms are available, Mitchell and 

Graeper urge early listing of reservations. 

Fox West Coast Moves Up 

In Showmanship Drive 

LOS ANGLES—Fox West Coast's southern 

California division, headed by Dick Dickson, 

moved from fifth to fourth place in the 

second week of National Theatres' seventh 

annual Charles Skouras Showmanship campaign. 

The Evergreen circuit jumped from 

fourth to second, while Fox Wisconsin, headed 

by Harold Fitzgerald, maintained its hold on 

first position. 

Other standings: 

FWC's northern California division, third; 

Fox Midwest, fifth: Fox Intermountain, sixth. 

Anacortes, Wash., Theatre 

Damaged in $25,000 Fire 

ANACORTES, WASH.—A prematinee blaze 

caused an estimated $25,000 damage to the 

dressing rooms, stage and screen of the Empire 

Theatre here. The fire, believed to have 

started from a fault in the oil heating system, 

was discovered at 1 p. m. as envployes 

prepared to open the theatre for the Saturday 

matinee. Accoi-ding to Manager Jim 

Brunner, a complete paint job and all new 

hangings will be necessary, in addition to 

rebuilding the stage. The Empire is owned 

by Anacortes Theatres, Inc. 

L. E. Randolph Sells Elco 

CATHLAMET, WASH.—Gene Brock of 

Stella is the new manager of the Elco here. 

Brock and his uncle, Ellsworth Young of 

Gardinier. Ore., purchased the theatre from 

L. E. Randolph, who had operated the Elco 

for 

the past 20 years. 

Sunday Matinees for Star 

CRESWELL, ORE.—One Sunday matinee 

showing has been Introduced at the Star by 

owner C. A. Johnson. Evening shows start 

at 7 p. m. as usual. 


. . Paramount 

. . 

LOS ANGELE S 'Champion Gross of 180 Edges Out 

XJ M. "Red" Lentz, Columbia .-salesman, is 

— 

celebrating his 29th wedding anniversary 

"to the same woman." he quips . . . 

Paul Walsh has replaced 

Roy Bassett as 

a salesman at Favorite 

Films . . . Tom James. 

St. Louis theatre 

owner, visited friends 

along the Row during 

his southland vacation. 

Cliff Harris, former 

^\ 

^^Kn 

Republic salesman, 

moved over to Monogram 

in the same capacity 

. . . George Page "• ^- ^*"*^ 

of the Arroyo Theatre in Arroyo Grande, has 

begun buying for the new' Park-Air Drive-In, 

. . . 

slated to open in Santa Maria about June 1 

Lou White, operator of the Savoy Theatre, 

took a loss of $850 when a bandit prodded 

him in the ribs with a gun recently . . . 

Ferd Slatten resigned as a booker at Columbia 

and was replaced by Harvey Lithgow . . . 

On the sick list is Monroe Goldstein of the 

Belasco. 

Norma Martin, assistant cashier at Columbia, 

resigned—motherhood impends . . . L. O. 

"Dell" Peterson and associates plan a May 15 

opening for their Motor-View Drive-In in 

Bostonia—California, not Massachusetts . . . 

Bob Hicks Page, west coast manager for 

Hallmark Pi-oductions. hopped to San Francisco 

to make arrangements for the Bay City 

opening of "The Lawton Story." 

. . 

Returnees from the Variety Clubs International 

convention in San Francisco included 

Jack Schlaifer, Eagle Lion sales manager; 

Izzy and Jack Berman, Eastland circuit: Bob 

Quinn and Stan Pariseau of Altec, and several 

others . Harold Gimble has taken over the 

Mission Theatre on South Broadway from 

Murray Feldman . upped E. E. 

Beuerman from booker to office manager . 

Pilmrow visitors included Syd Weider, district 

manager, and Chuck Percy, booker, of Russell 

Rogers' Preferred Theatres in San Diego, 

George A. 

Long Beach and Bakersfield . . . 

Rickey, Metro's west coast sales head, returned 

from a Palm Springs vacation. 

An addition to the family of Al Bruno, 

Fox West Coast booker, is John Christopher, 

born to Mrs. Bruno at the Wilshire hospital. 

Garland Starts Radio Show 

SPOKANE—An audience participation 

show, "You're on the Air," is being sponsored 

each Wednesday afternoon over KNEW 

by the Garland Theatre. Admission is by 

tickets obtainable without cost from the Garland. 

Bud Bankson is writing and producing 

the show which is emceed by Clary Wright. 

Claims Made for Work on Theatre 

SANTA ANA, CALIF.—Tare Bros. Glass & 

Paint Co. has charged Norwood Theatres, 

Inc. with faUure to pay $9,884 on a $10,634 

bill for installing doors, hinges and locks in 

the theatre building which was never completed 

at 206 Whittier Blvd. 

'Belvedere 

LOS ANGELES—Even the redoubtable "Mr, 

Belvedere" in his matriculation as a college 

man couldn't shake "Champion" off the top 

rimg among first run moneymakers. The 

latter, in its second stanza in four theatres, 

carded a hefty 180 per cent, while "Belvedere," 

in its opening week, placed second with 

160. Third spot, with 125, went to "We Were 

Strangers." Concluding a long-run roadshow 

engagement, "Hamlet" hit a 100 per 

cent average in its 28th and final week. 

(Average Is 100} 

Belmont, Carthay Circle, Culver. Orpheum, 

, 

Vogue Outpost in Morocco (UA); The Gay 

Amigo (UA) 110 

Chinese, State, Uptown, Loyola Mr. Belvedere 

Goes to College (20th-Fox); Arctic Fury (Ind) 160 

Downtown, Hollywood Paramounis A Connecticut 

Yankee (Para), 2nd wk 65 

Egyptian, Los Angeles, Wilshire Big Jack 

(MGM) 90 

Fine Arts—The Red Shoes (EL), 19th wk bO 

Four Music Halls— Champion (UA), 2nd wk ISO 

Four Star—flamlet (U-1), roadshow, 28th wk 100 

Guild, Iris, Ritz, Studio City. United Artists- 

City Across the River (U-I); Daughter ol the 

West (FC) 115 

Pantages, HiUstreet—We Were Strangers (Col); 

The' Lost Tribe (Col) 125 

Warners Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern 

Flamingo Road (WB), 2nd wk 100 

'Belvedere' Second Week Gross 

Hits 200 in Seattle 

SEATTLE—"Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" 

continued to be the top hit grossing 

200 per cent in its second week at the Music 

Hall, 

Blue Mouse—Tulsa (EL); Shomrock Hill (EL), 

3rd d.t. wk 70 

Coliseum— I Shot Jesse lames (SG); The Duke 

oi Chicago (Rep) 70 

Filth Avenue—Little Women (MGM); Tucson 

(20lh-rox), 3rd wk 115 

Liberty—A Coimecticut Yankee (Para), Blondie's 

Big Deed (Col), 3rd wk 150 

Music Box The Red Shoes (EL), roadshow, 

2nd wk 200 

Music Hall Mr. Belvedere Goes to College 

(20th-Fox); I Cheated the Law (20th-Fox), 

2nd wk 200 

Orpheum—The Lite oi Riley (U-I); State Department, 

File 649 (FC) 130 

Paramount—Take Me Out to the Ball Game 

(MGM); Search ior Danger (FC) 12C 

'Riley' Second Week High 

At 150 in Frisco 

SAN FRANCISCO—The second week of 

"The Life of Riley" brought forth top honors 

rating 150 per cent while the third week of 

"Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" remained in 

top circles with a pleasant 120. 

Esquire Shoe Shine (Lopert); Carmen 

(Superhlm) 135 

Fox United Nations Mr. Belvedere Goes to College 

(20th-Fox); The Last Bandit (Rep), 3rd wk..l20 

Golden Gate Adventure in Baltimore (RKO); 

Brothers in the Saddle (RKO) 120 

Orpheum—The Uie of Riley (U-I), 2nd wk 150 

Paramount My Dream Is Yours (WB); Arson, 

Inc. (SG) 115 

- 

St Francis Take Me Out to the Ball Gome 

(MGM), 5th wk - 80 

State A Connecticut Yankee (Para), 3rd wk 80 

United Artists-Impact (UA) 130 

Warlield—Little Women (MGM); Tucson 

(20th-Fox), 3rd wk 90 

Denver Paced at 240 by Roadshow, 

'Red Shoes,' as "Mother' Hits 185 

DEN'VER—Pour films are holding over, 

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" was big 

at the Orpheum and is staying; "Red Shoes" 

was fine at advanced prices at the Esquire, 

and stays: "A Connecticut Yankee" is holding 

strong at the Denham and stays a fourth, 

and "Die Fledermaus" gets a second at the 

Vogue. 

Aladdin—Mother Is a Freshman (20th-Fox); Moonrise 

(Rep), 5th d. t. wk 165 

for Los Angeles High 

Denham A Connecticut Yankee (Para), 3rd wk 120 

Denver and Webber—My Dream Is Yours (WB); 

I Cheated the Law (20lh-Fox) 140 

Esquire—The Red Shoes (EL), roadshow 240 

Orpheum—Take Me Out to the Ball Gome (MGM): 

Behind Locked Doors (EL) 140 

Paramount Tarzan's Magic Fountain (RKO); 

Hide-out (Ref) 100 

Rialto— Little Tough Guys (U-I); Little Tough Guys 

in Society (U-I). reissues 130 

Vogue—Die Fledermaus (Artkino) 1/5 

Portland Grosses High; 

"Belvedere' Leads at 200 

PORTLAND—Excellent weather and good 

pictures combined to give all downtown 

houses one of the best over-all weeks in a 

long time. Way on top at 200 per cent was 

"Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" at the Paramount 

and Oriental. 

Broadway Take Me Out to the Ball Gome 

(MGM); An Old-Fashioned Girl (EL), 

3rd d. t, wk 170 

Guild—The Red Shoes (EL), roadshow 3rd 

d.t. wk 150 

Music Box The Undercover Man (Col); The 

Velvet Touch (RKO). 2nd d.t. wk 120 

Orpheum EI Paso (Para); Disaster (Para) 175 

Mayfair—Big Jack (MGM); Miss Mink ol 1949 

(20th-Fox) 135 

Paramount and Oriental Mr. Belvedere Goes lo 

College (20th-Fox); I Cheated the Law 

(20th-Fox) 200 

Playhouse A Connecticut Yankee (Para); 

Henry, the Rainmaker (Mono), 3rd d.t. wk -..105 

United Artists—Little Women (MGM), 

3rd d.t. wk 165 

Sherman Oaks Opening 

SHERMAN OAKS, CALIF.—Screen celebrities 

were on hand to participate in the 

opening of the new 000-seat Sherman Theatre, 

built and being operated by Jack Grossman. 

Richard Arlen, honorary "mayor" of 

Sherman Oaks, functioned as master of ceremonies, 

while Francis Lederer and Leo Gorcey, 

among other film luminaries, made appearances. 

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SALT LAKE CITY Denver Plaza, Redone in Ranch Style 

n series of dianges in personnel held in- 

Of Old West, Reopening as Roundup 

terest on Filmrow. Eugene Jones resigned 

as salesman for Eagle Lion, going to 

Paramount, for whom he will sell in eastern 

Montana; Nelson Soelke, booker for EL, was 

moved up to Jones's place, in line with its 

policy of promoting within the office, and 

Fred Palosky moved into Soelke's job . . 

. 

Carl Lind, for several years associated with 

UA, was appointed salesman in western Montana 

for Paramount. Howard DeWeese left 

Monogram to replace Lind at UA, leavmg 

Monogram with only Graham Susman as its 

salesman. 

Joe Walk, MGM checker for ten years before 

becoming employed by the city, has been 

appointed Snooproof sales representative in 

the Salt Lake City area, according to Henry 

S. Ungerleider, inventor of the new-type 

ticket . . . Iras Wright, Paramount telephone 

operator, will wed Morris Trover May 20 . . . 

Irving Gillman has received a permit to 

build a drive-in at Thirty-ninth South and 

Redwood road. This is one of four driveins 

to open in the area soon. 

The Rainbow Theatre at Great Falls reopened 

after extensive remodeling, according 

to Hall Baetz, district manager for Fox Intermoimtain, 

which operates the house. The 

" 

reopening attraction was "Little Women . . . 

The comic section of the Salt Lake Tribune 

for May 8 carried a half-page ad in full 

color on "Little Women" with the notice: 

"Watch for it at your favorite theatre." The 

picture had opened at the Uptown three 

weeks previou.sly and ended its run a week 

before the ad appeared. 

A change in policy at exchange screenings 

has been noted on Salt Lake's Filnu-ow. 

Until six weeks ago exchanges had been in 

the habit of swapping pictures for company 

screenings. Now some companies will trade, 

others will not . . . Exhibitors seen on Filmrow 

were Merv Reber of St. George: Earl 

Whittaker, Kanab, who is preparing for the 

premiere of "Stallion Canyon," first release 

of Kanab Pictures Corp.: Hi Knutson of 

Livingston, Mont., and George Leany of Lehi. 

Merv Reber just sold his Chrysler to Harold 

Green of Columbia and bought a Cadillac 

. . . Eric Peterson, operator of the Motor- 

Vu Drive-In. surprised his wife with one of 

the most unusual Mother's day presents in 

the area. He bought a new Oldsmobile and 

covered it with flowers. When she awakened 

on Mother's day, there was the car in front 

of the combination drive-in home of the 

Peterson's. Eric said it was because "she 

fried such wonderful hamburgers." 

DENVER—The Plaza, Curtis street grind 

house, has been made over into a distinctive 

western house, to run western pictures first 

run, with the named changed to the Roundup. 

Planned for .-i Friday 113) reopening, 

the exterior was transformed into a western 

log cabin, with the attraction board enlivened 

by a huge cutout of a bucking bronco with 

rider. 

Patrons buy their tickets at a rustic window 

labeled "Oldtimers." The inside lobby 

represents a stockade, with western murals 

and a blue ceiling, simulating the sky. The 

walls are covered with saddles, horseshoes, 

bleached steer skulls and Indian blankets. 

There is an old-fashioned Mutascope worked 

by hand that shows an old Tom Mix film. 

The candy counter has been converted into 

a chuck wagon, while the drinking fountain 

is in a barrel. There is a western museum 

with authentic mementoes of the west, including 

flintlock guns, bows and arrows, 

branding irons and one of Trigger's shoes, 

gilted and with a message from Roy Rogers. 

Bowl Pilgrimage Play 

To Be Filmed as Feature 

HOLLYWOOD—To the agenda of religious 

subjects has been added an untitled, featurelength 

film version of the annual Hollywood 

Pilgrimage Play, which will be produced by 

Ralph Ravenscroft, veteran film exploiteer, 

under sanction of the Hollywood Bowl Ass'n. 

Ravenscroft's associates in the project are S. 

A. Schwartz and J. Ernest Ba.ss. 

The film will be shot in 16mm Kodachrome 

and will be blown up to 35mm for theatrical 

release, which is planned on a roadshow basis 

following a premiere, probably in October, in 

the Hollywood Bowl. Narrow-gauge prints 

will be turned out for distribution to churches 

and schools. The picture will be directed by 

Arthur Pierson and will utilize the cast of 

the yearly Pilgrimage Play. 

Redding to Have 600-Car Ozoner 

REDDING, CALIF.—Merit Espy and Arthur 

Perkins will open a new 600-car drive-in 

here sometime in Jime. Equipment is being 

installed by Walter G. Preddey Theatre Supply 

Co. 

The sign over the men's room says "Cowhands," 

and that over the ladies' room, "Cowgals." 

The no smoking signs read, "Hey Pardner, 

No Smokin'," and behind the chuck wagon 

is a sign reading, "Check "Sfour Guns Here," 

where the kiddies are obliged to check their 

guns, receive a check and get them back 

upon leaving the theatre. Employes are 

dressed in cowboy and cowgirl style. 

Opening features were "The Denver Kid" 

and "Son of God's Country." 

Milton Harris, for many years associated 

with Loew Theatres in Cleveland and the 

Fox in St. Louis, is manager, with Dorothy 

Dolen, assistant. Miss Dolen, besides having 

been associated with management of de 

luxe houses, is well known as the writer of 

"Gee, Isn't It Great to Be an American," the 

U.S. army song in the recent war, "Heaven 

Only Knows," and the current on-the-waytQ-the-top 

song, "Fishing," a novelty tune. 

The Roundup is one of the Wolfberg Theatres. 

William Bendix will play the starring role 

in "Johnny Holiday,' originally intended for 

the late Wallace Beery. 

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C'dison Vickers is opening the second Detroit, 

Ore., tlieatre. Last winter's heavy 

snows delayed the opening by crushing in 

part of the roof. The Idanha, Ore., theatre 

has been closed by Vickers and leased to a 

furniture store. The other theatre in Detroit 

is owned by E. W. and John Hanan, 

who have operated it for over a year . . . 

Work has started in earnest on the Detroit 

dam which will be completed in approximately 

five years. At the end of this 

time the present town site, including both 

theatres, is expected to be covered by the 

waters of the lake to a depth of 40 feet. 

E. H. "Tom" Dickenson has sold his Salem, 

Ore., home and is moving to Los Angeles. 

Dickenson has owned and operated the 

Ranier, Ore., theatre and the Hollywood 

Theatre in Salem since World War II. F^-ior 

to that time Dickenson was an exhibitor 

for 14 years in Glens Ferry, Ida. 

. . . Pay 

The Colonial Theatre in DeLake, Ore, 

has been opened by Chuck Slaney and Bob 

Littlepage . . . Jack Sigler, Barkdale, Ore., 

exhibitor, has gone into the sawmill business. 

Sigler owns pear and apple orchards 

and operates a barber shop in addition to 

the Valley Theatre in Parkdale 

Honey, North Richland, Wash., exhibitor, was 

a recent visitor. 

Allen Burt, Theatre Exchange Co., took 

"colpix" of the recent earthquake damage 

in the Puget Sound area where the worst 

destruction occurred. Burt says no one will 

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DENVER 

fêorge McCormick, owner of theatres there, 

has started building a 300-car drive-in 

Mr. and Mrs. William 

at Canon City . . . 

Prewitt passed through on their way from 

New Orleans to Frisco to attend the Variety 

convention. Prewitt is president of the Gulf 

Robert C. Ryan, former 

States Allied . . . 

film salesman who has been in the appliance 

business in Torrington. Wyo., has gone to 

work for Manley, Inc., as a salesman, covering 

Utah, Wyoming and Montana. 

Claude Newell. Metro booker in the air 

force reserve, borrowed a plane and went to 

Albuquerque for his vacation, where he visited 

his parents . Probstein, owner 

of the State, has returned to his home in 

St. Louis after visiting Manager Z. P. Arrants 

of the State. 

Roy Bozarth, assistant shipper at Paramount, 

rented a plane and took off on his 

vacation, his first .stop being Joplin, Mo. . . . 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry B. Green took second 

place in the annual open pairs duplicate 

bridge tournament. Green is auditor for Fox 

Inter-Mountain . Rennie, Monogram 

salesman, is suffering from the shingles. 

Pauline Hall, Paramount secretary, flew to 

Utah on her vacation . . . "Red Stallion in 

the Rockies," in its Rocky Mountain premiere 

at the Glen, Glenwood Springs, broke several 

hou.se records during its three-day stay 

there. On the opening day the house grossed 

within $20 of what was previously the threeday 

record, and in two days showed to more 

than the population of the town. M. R. Austin, 

Eagle Lion manager, attended the showing. 

. . . 

Darlene Marr, EL contract clerk, has resigned 

to raise a family. She is succeeded 

by Edwena Carevalho Larry Starsmore, 

president of Westland Theatres, is making 

ready for a vacation trip to Mexico. 

John Wolfberg:, president of Rocky Mountain 

Allied and Wolfberg Theatres, is suffering 

from the measles. His father Harris flew 

in from Florida . Ashby, general 

manager for Rocky Mountain Allied, his wife 

and son Paul, went to Grand Junction to 

visit son Gerald and his family. 

Robert Armstrong of the Paramount staff 

has been made assistant manager at the 

Tabor . . . Jack Fleming, assistant at the 

Aladdin, and Grace Leroy, former Aladdin 

cashier, announce their engagement. 

Theatre folk on Filmrow: Fred Lind, Rifle; 

Mrs. Marie Goodhand, Kimball, Neb.: Elden 

Menagh, Fort Lupton: Robert Spahn, Mitchell, 

Neb.; John Steele, Limon; Dr. F. E. 

Rider, Waimeta. Neb.: Fred Anderson. Eaton; 

W. L. Smith, North Platte, Neb.: Robert Nelson 

and Gene Hawkins, Leadville: Irving 

Oilman, Salt Lake City, Utah: Mr. and Mrs. 

Fred Hall, Akron; Richard Klein. Rapid City, 

S. D.; Doyle Shelton. Pritchett; Les Newkirk, 

Sheridan, Wyo.; Wa.vne Barton. La Junta; 

Charles E. Means, Grants, N, M.; Jim Hughes, 

Yuma, Colo., and Claude Graves, Albuquerque, 

N. M. 

Randall Goldman Plans Theatre 

GREENVILLE, CALIF.—Randall Goldensen 

is planning to erect a new building to 

replace his Greenville Theatre. 

Louis F. Long Circuit Celebrates 

Its 30th Anniversary in Arizona 

SAFFORD. ARIZ.—A dinner-dance chmaxed 

the two-day convention here last 

week in observance of the 30th anniversary 

of the Long Enterorises, the lai-gest theatre 

chain in the state. 

The turnout of about 200 employes and 

their wives included representatives from 

every Arizona town in which the Louis F. 

Long enterprises are represented. The list 

includes theatres, radio stations, newspapers, 

music machines and coin-operated machines. 

In addition to the employes, those on hand 

included business associates from several 

states, among them Long's brother J. G. 

Long of Bay City. Tex., and several of his 

executive staff employes. 

The convention got under way with a booking 

forum and at noon, the following day, 

members of the organization were guests at 

the local Rotary club, which had set the day 

aside in honor of Long and his 30 years of 

service to Arizona. Later in the afternoon 

the group gathered to hear talks by members 

of the executive staffs, who outlined plans 

and projects of their various enterprises. 

The Long Enterprises in Arizona started 30 

Long Beach Council Okays 

Belmont Sign, Sidewalk 

LONG BEACH— Adoption of an amendment 

to the city ordinance which limited tlie 

depth of all .signs to four feet, has varied 

the depth limitations in accordance with the 

length, thus making it possible for the Belmont 

Theatre to go ahead with plans for a 

nine-foot deep marquee. 

The city council has also approved a building 

code variance to permit a terrazzo sidewalk 

at the entrance to the Belmont. The 

terrazzo was approved subject to a content of 

60 per cent abrasive to prevent pedestrains 

from slipping. 

Both the amendment and the code variance 

were suggested by Stanley Brown, district 

manager of United We.st Coast Theatres 

Corp., who is building the theatre. 

Management Change in Lancaster 

LANCASTER, CALIF. — Western Amusement 

Co., Inc., of Los Angeles has taken over 

the buying, booking and operation of the 

Antelope and Valley theatres here since the 

purchase of a part intere.st from Ed Shearer. 

HEYWOOD- 

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years ago when J. G. Long began a theatre 

circuit in the towns of Willcox. Pearce, Benson 

and Dos Cabezos. Shortly afterwards 

Louis F. Long, on returning from service in 

World War I, joined his brother in the enterprise. 

A partnership was formed, and the 

Long Theatres operated until J. G. Long returned 

to Alvin. Tex., which he used as his 

base of operations to build a large theatre 

chain in the Lone Star state. 

In the meantime, Louis F. Long started his 

own expansion program in Arizona. His first 

move was in Safford where, in 1926, he purchased 

the interests of Martin Layton in the 

Safford Theatre, becoming a partner of J. A. 

Jacob.son. Later he bought out Jacobson's 

interests and soon after took over the Pima 

Theatre from O. W. FoUett. 

Other theatres acquired at later dates included 

the Duncan at Duncan, and a circuit, 

operated by the late George A. Mauk, which 

took in houses at Superior, Ajo, Ray, Hayden. 

Sonora, Coolidge and Florence. Other 

theatres were bought in Casa Grande, Springerville, 

McNary. Phoenix, Tiger, Bowie and 

Eloy, 

Seattle Theatre Sold 

SEATTLE—The Madrona Theatre building 

here has been sold, with purchaser and 

price undisclo.sed. The building is five stories 

and the theatre seats 700. Tlie property is 

leased to the Sterling Theatre Corp. 

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BOXOFFICE :: May 14, 1949 62-C

More British, Fewer U.S. Films 

Imported by Australia in 1948 

By WILLIAM BEECHAM 

Australian Bureau, Boxopfice 

PERTH, W. A.—Chief Australian film censor 

J. O. Alexander, in his recently released 

report for 1948, gives some interesting statistics. 

These reveal that there was a decrease 

of 372, 35mm films imported into 

Australia, but that the decrease affected 

shorts almost entirely, the drop in feature 

film imports being only one. 

* * * 

Imports of feature films from the United 

States showed a numerical decrease of 27. 

or 7.7 per cent of the total importations, 

while imports of features from Britain 

showed a numerical increase of 25, or 7.4 

per cent, and imports of features from other 

countries showed an increase of one, .3 pei' 

cent. 

* * * 

Importation of shorts from the U.S. decreased 

by 190, while British shorts showed 

a decrease of 298. Shorts from other countries, 

however, were up by 116. Total 35mm 

footage imported was approximately 6,000,000, 

while 16min footage was 2,181,562, an increase 

of 112,288 feet for the year. Imports 

of 8mm and 9.5mm film showed an increase 

of 100,075 feet. 

* * • 

Exports of Australian films during the year 

showed increases as far as the U.S. and 

Britain were concerned, but exports to other 

countries dropped by nearly 50 per cent. Production 

during the year included the Ealing 

feature, "Eureka Stockade," the McCraedie 

Bros.' "Always Another Dawn" and the 

Department of Information's "Australian 

Diary," "The 'Valley Is Ours" and "Gold 

Town." 

» * * 

Of the films imported during the year, 149 

HARRY L. NACE, SR.- President, 

Harry L. Nace Theatres, Inc., Phoenix, 

Arizona—says: 

"Sound is the very heart of 

our theatres . . . and RCA 

Service is the very heart of 

our sound." 


write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY, 


Camden, N. J. 

Adv. 

were classified as suitable for general exhibition, 

while 189 were considered as not 

suitable for exhibition before children under 

16. But with a view to increasing the proportion 

of films suitable for general exhibition, 

it is proposed, with the cooperation 

of the Motion Picture Distributors Ass'n and 

other importers and distributors, to record 

eliminations of material not vital to the films 

which, if effected, would enable a "general 

exhibition" certificate to be granted. 

The large amount of footage of 16mm film 

imported is causing concern to exhibitors of 

standard film, and the Australasian Exhibitor 

points out that a grave danger exists in the 

matter of amateur shows. It cites an incident 

in a Sydney suburb where a juvenile 

group held a week-night screening in a 

Sunday school hall, and packed in more than 

800 children and adults, netting $75 from 

donations. A two-hour performance was 

staged, featuring rented shorts, and as no 

admission charge was made, there was no 

amusement tax to be paid. As the Exhibitor 

points out: "Churches, parents and citizens 

committees and other community welfare 

gi'oups are finding 16mm a new aid to promoting 

funds. Unless some means is found 

to curb 16mm nights in suburban and country 

halls, the film industry may find itself 

faced with a great menace." 

Hoyts Theatres has discontinued its special 

Saturday morning children's shows, and 

many exhibitors in cities, suburbs and country 

districts are seriously considering following 

suit. The sixpence (about eight cents at 

current rate of exchange) charged for admission—a 

fee dating back to the days when 

hardly any admission coin was considered too 

small if it attracted business—frequently fails 

to cover costs. A strange feature of the 

whole business is the indisputable fact that 

youngsters both before the show and during 

the interval, spend many times their admission 

fee in nearby sweet shops. Pew cinemas 

in Australia sell candy, but many lease 

adjoining premises to tradesmen who often 

have the right to vend within the theatre. 

If some local bodies have their way, even 

stricter censorship will be imposed upon films, 

for despite the fact that censorship has been 

tightened up this past year, several groups 

continue to complain that children still see 

films which are unsuitable for them. Indeed, 

some bodies would have the onus put 

upon the exhibitor to refuse admittance to 

children when "unsuitable for children" films 

are offered, but the governments have wisely 

decided that such onus rests with parents. 

In Perth recently the conference of the Federation 

of Parents and Citizens Ass'ns agreed 

to a motion "deploring the continued exhibition 

of horror films and urging a campaign 

to educate parents in regard to the 

'ill-effects' of such films on children." 

S. Gresham, well known for many years 

in the Australian film industry, left for San 

Francisco recently on an eight-week trip 

which will embrace the U.S. and Britain. 

Two Arrested for Robbery 

Of Tempe, Ariz., College 

TEMPE, ARIZ.—Wayne Earley, 21-yearold 

son of Pinal comity sheriff Lynn Earley, 

and Sidney Horn, 31, were arrested in Tucson 

Monday and charged with a $600 robbery 

the night before at the College Theatre here. 

The men were accused of entering the theatre 

Sunday night after closing hours, tying 

up Dwight Harkins, manager and co-owner, 

and his secretary Viola Cruz and escaping 

with $600 in receipts and a check for $1,500, 

representing funds being transferred from 

one theatre to another. 

The men were arrested after Miss Cruz 

said she recognized the voice of young Earley, 

a former usher at the College. 

Police said they found $512 in a Tucson 

apartment allegedly occupied by the two men. 

Police quoted Horn as saying he used a toy 

gun in the holdup and threw it away after 

leaving the theatre. 

Police said Earley told them he had taken 

a key to the theatre while working there. 

According to Harkins he and his secretary 

had left the theatre after counting and putting 

away the night's receipts, then decided 

to return to pick up some books the girl had 

forgotten. They found the front door open, 

and as they ascended the stairs to Harkins' 

office, they were accosted by two masked 

men. 

Harkins operates the College Theatre in 

conjunction with Harry L. Nace, and also 

owns stock in a similar venture, the Saguaro 

Theatre in Wickenburg. He also is a stockholder 

and manager of station KT'VL, Mesa, 

where he doubles as a disk jockey. 

Bernhard Baer Jr. Named 

Pasco Theatre Manager 

PASCO, WASH.—Bernhard Baer jr., formerly 

with the Simons Amusement Co. of 

Missoula, Mont., is the new manager of the 

Pasco Theatre, according to Don McGregor, 

city manager for Midstate Amusement Corp. 

While working for Simons, Baer managed 

theatres in Livingston, Mullan and Coeur 

d'Alene, Ida. He first began work as a 

projectionist in Frank Buckmiller's theatres 

in 

Baker, Ore. 

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G2-D BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949

1904 World Fair Visit Turned Wehrenberg to Exhibition 

ST. LOUIS—Theatremen in all parts of 

the nation are joining with those in tlie St. 

Louis area and the midwest in mourning the 

death of Fi-ed Wehrenberg, 68. an exhibitor 

here 43 years and honorary TOA board 

chairman, for whom funeral services were 

held last Tuesday (10). 

the memory of Wehrenberg will 

Tribute to 

be paid by members of the Better Films 

Council of Greater St. Louis at an annual 

installation meeting May 20 at the Congress 

hotel here. It was through the encouragement 

of Wehrenberg that the organization, 

the first of its kind in the world, was established. 

Born in St. Louis, Wehrenberg as a young 

man became a horseshoer. At the outbreak 

of the Spanish-American war, he enlisted in 

the army. While he was stationed at Jefferson 

Barracks near here, he was strongly 

attracted to Gertrude Foster, a pretty girl 

who sang for the troops quartered there and 

who captui-ed the heart of the soldier with 

her songs. The wartime romance was climaxed 

by their marriage. 

A turning point in the career of the veteran 

exhibitor came as the result of a visit 

to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition here 

in 1904. One of the exhibits was what appeared 

to be a railway coach in which motion 

pictures taken from the front of a moving 

train were shown on a screen at the 

front of the car. Noting the success of the 

attraction, Wehrenberg decided to enter the 

theatre bu.siness. He opened the 89-.seat 

Cherokee in 1906 in a storeroom at 1953 

Cherokee street which previously had housed 

a bakery. 

The next year he opened the Best Tent 

Theatre at Jefferson avenue and Cherokee 

street, alternating films and stage acts. He 

erected the Best Theatre on the same site in 

1910. It contained 224 seats and was the first 

Stopped Run on Bank 

With Roll of Bills 

St. Louis—.Vn interesting sidelight on 

the career of the late Fred Wehrenberg 

details how he first became a director of 

the Jefferson-Gravois National bank, the 

financial institution of which he was 

vice-president at the time of his death. 

Years ago ho went to the bank one 

morning and found a large crowd of depositors 

milling in front of the building. 

Sensing a possible run, and anxious to 

dispel rumors which were circulating 

among the people, Wehrenberg took a 

bundle of currency from an inside pocket, 

mounted a box and asked the crowd to 

listen to him. 

Waving the bills aloft, be told the milling 

throng that he intended to deposit 

the money in the bank and that he was 

certain it would be safe. The action 

quieted the crowd, which soon faded. 

Grateful bank officials soon afterward 

elected him to the board of directors. 

brick building erected in St. Louis for the 

showing of motion pictures. 

Always an advocate of cooperation among 

theatremen, Wehrenberg and the late Joseph 

Mogler were instrumental in tlie founding of 

the Exhibitors League of St. Louis. Later 

he helped in the establishment of the Motion 

Picture Owners of St. Louis, Eastern 

Missouri and Southern Illinois. He served 

successive terms as president of the TOA 

affiliate until he declined re-election because 

of ill health last October. 

After Wehrenberg had served several terms 

as vice-president of the Motion Picture Theatre 

Owners of America, he succeeded the 

late Ed Kuykendahl as president in 1946. 

When the Theatre Owners of America was 

established, he was named chairman of its 

board of directors. When he declined reelection 

last year, he was made honorary 

chairman. 

The Wehrenberg circuit now includes the 

Cinderella, Melba, Michigan, Virginia. Lemay, 

Soutliway, Savoy, Studio, Normandy and 

Apollo theatres, and the 66 Park-In, Ronnie 

and North drive-ins. The last named outdoor 

theatre has been owned jointly by Wehrenijerg, 

his son-in-law Paul Krueger, and Clarence 

and Francis Kaimann. Wehrenberg also 

maintained a booking arrangement with the 

Kaimanns for 23 theatres and three drive-ins. 

Wehrenberg maintained close personal contacts 

with patrons of his various theatres, especially 

those of the Cinderella at 2735 

Cherokee street, where offices of the circuit 

are located. 

Affection for his grandson Ronald Krueger 

prompted Wehrenberg to establish a trust 

under the terms of which revenue from the 

concession stand at the Cinderella Theatre 

is being deposited in a fund which will go 

to the boy on his 21st birthday. Paul Krueger, 

father of the boy, has been associated 

with Wehrenberg in the operation of the 

circuit. 

Wehrenberg was a member of the St. Louis 

Variety Club, the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce, 

the Woodmen of the World and of 

the United Spanish War Veterans. He also 

was a vice-president of the Jefferson-Gravois 

National bank here. 

In addition to the wife Gertrude, survivors 

include Mrs. Lillian Krueger, a daughter: 

Mrs. Ida Kaiser, a sister; Edward and 

Charles Schwier. stepbrothers, and several 

nieces and nephews. 

Guy Faul Sells After 

35 Years at Theatre 

WINCHESTER, ILL.—Guy Faul, 

who has 

been in the theatre business here 35 years, 

has sold his interest in the Lyric to his 

partner, Paul E. Stehman, making the latter 

the sole owner. Stehman will renovate the 

house, redecorating inside and out and remodel 

the lobby, auditorium and projection 

booth. 

Faul has been in the show business here 

since 1914 when he and Jesse E. Overton 

piu-chased the Lyric, then located in the old 

Opera House block, from Thomas Drake. At 

that time the Lyric was presenting one-reel 

shows at five and ten cents from one handoperated 

projection machine. 

In a little more than a year Faul and 

Overton moved the Lyric to its present location 

just off the square in the Frost building. 

They presented their first feature length 

film, "The Spoilers," Oct. 19, 1915. It will be 

shown again as a reissue. 

"Sweetie" w'as the first talkie presented at 

the Lyric. It played April 8, 1930. 

Overton sold out his interest in 1947 to 

Stehman. 

Judge Levies $300 Fine 

For Obscene Film Sale 

ST. LOUIS—Nathan Vail, 49, operator of 

a confectionery and used book store at 4165 

Olive street was fined $300 and costs by Judge 

Joseph B. Catanzaro after he had admitted 

on the witness stand that he sold a threereel 

motion picture deemed to be indecent. 

The police paid Vail $5 for some books said 

to be obscene and when offered the film, 

they took it to headquarters to be run to 

check its contents. 

Af filated Ads License 

Game to Four Theatres 

INDIANAPOLIS — Affihated 

Advertising 

Distributors has licensed the following theatres 

to use the copyrighted plan, "Lucky 

Name." They are the Roxy at Peru, Walcott 

at Walcott, Virginia at Terre Haute, 

and FTewitt, Plainfield. 

Directs 'Doll's House' Music 

Andre Pi-evin has been named musical 

director for the Metro picture, "Death in the 

Doll's House." 

Second Swedish Film 

Set for Chicago Vic 

CHICAGO—The second in a series of three 

Swedish films is now showing at the Vic 

Theatre. Title of the new film is "Skeppar 

Jansson," a new comedy picture of the sea. 

Manager Edward Wikoff reports that the first 

film, "Klockorna I Gamala Stan," was such 

a success that it was held over for an additional 

two days to accommodate capacity 

crowds. Not only did hundreds of northsiders 

attend, but persons as far as Milwaukee 

and Rockford were seen at the 

showing. 

There will be one more film May 19 but 

its title has not been announced. Shown on 

the program along with the main feature 

are Swedish .short subjects. All of the pictures 

bear English sub-titles. 

To Open Drive-In in June 

EAST ST. LOUIS—The 1,000-car drive-in 

built by the Pimes Co. on Route 40 near the 

Pairmount race track is expected to be completed 

early in June. Construction is being 

supervised by W. H. Mills and Son, architects 

and engineers. 


. . Ernest 

INDIANAPOLIS 

Wal Klaver, MGM salesman, is the father 

of a baby girl born at the Coleman hos- 

. . . Hollis Bass and his wife, 

pital here 

operators of the Ritz Theatre, Owensville, 

Ind., went on a fishing trip and caught 86 

Jack Dowd, manager for Republic, 

catfish . . . 

visited the Mailers circuit offices in 

Fort Wayne. 

. . . 

William Starling succeeds Melvin Miller as 

assistant shipper at RKO . . . Russell Brentlinger, 

manager for RKO, and Marc Wolf 

attended the Variety Club convention in San 

Francisco Peggy June Swing, secretary 

to Gordon Craddock, manager for Eagle Lion, 

is the mother of a baby girl . . . Ray Brooks, 

EL home office, was at the local branch. 

TESMA OFIIC lALS AILIJ — 1 IMcturetl alxivc arc Chicago members of the Theatre 

Equipment & Supply Manufacturers Ass'n meeting with TESMA officials to discuss 

the TESMA-TEDA trade show and conventions to be held in Chicago September 26-28. 

First row, left to right: \V. A. Gedris, vice-president, TESMA; Oscar F. Neu, president, 

TESMA; Roy Boomer, secretary, TESMA, and Bob Hoff, Ballantyne Co. Second 

row: Stuart Barlow, Thomas L. Leedom Co.; S. T. Jacobsen, Krispy Kist Korn 

Machine Co.; R. V. Williams, Kroehler Mfg. Co.; H. A. Fisher, Compco Corp.; William 

DeVry, DeVry Corp., and W. V. Hoffman, Da-Lite Screen Co. Third row: Lou 

Price, C. Cretors & Co.; J. G. Obey, Heywood-Wakefield. Co.; Fred Wenzel, Wenzel 

Projector Co.; Edward H. Wolk, Edward H. Wolk Co., and H. B. Engel, GoldE Mfg. Co. 

Install New Cry Room 

CHICAGO—The owners of the Rose Theatre 

in Franklin Park have instituted a cry 

room. The theatre is owned by former GIs. 

It was designed and built last summer by 

Ted Theodore, former air force bombardier 

and one of the owners. Other partners are 

two physicians and an engineer. They run 

the theatre in their spare time. 

C. W. RODGEUS — President, 

Rodgers Theatres, Inc. (18 theatres), 

Cairo, Illinois—says: 

"RCA has always given us dependable 

service over our circuit 

that is 100 per cent RCA 

sound equipped." 




Camden, New Jersey. 

RAMP-EXIT. 

ENTRANCE 


FLOODLIGHTS 

Adv. 

729 Baltimore 

K. C. Mo. 

George Settos Files Suit 

For Federal Tax Rebate 

INDIANAPOLIS— George Settos, Indiana 

and Kentucky theatre chain operator, filed 

suit in federal court here for a rebate of 

$51,323 in government taxes. Settos said the 

Internal Revenue bureau erred when it ruled 

out his wife as a legal partner in the business. 

The result was, Setos' complaint said, 

that her earnings were added to his for 

income tax purposes and excessive taxes assessed. 

The taxes covered income for 1940 

and 1942-43. 

Cicero Theatre Files Suit 

For First Suburban Run 

CHICAGO—Seymour Simon, attorney for 

R&G Theatre Corp., operator of the Olympia, 

Cicero, filed suit before Judge Sullivan in 

district court here against Paramount, Warners, 

United Artists, Columbia and the Balaban 

& Katz Corp. Plaintiff wants to play 

product of defendant distributors on first 

outlying runs in Cicero. No damages are 

asked. 

Leading Role in 

'Crosswinds' 

Barbra Fuller, radio actress, will play a 

leading role in Republic's "Crosswlnds." 

THE5a>rRE EQUIPMENT 

442 NORTH ILLINOIS STREET 

INDIANAPOLIS 

INDIANA 

Forest Sanger is building a drive-in at the 

Rockville junction north of U.S. Road 36. 

The grading for the new 300-car project is 

being completed . . . Pilmrow gossip reports 

the marriage of J. B. Stine, operator of the 

Garfield Theatre in Terre Haute . . . Abe 

Kaufman, operator of the Fountain, Terre 

Haute, was in Danville, 111., preparing to 

make some changes in his recently acquired 

American Theatre there. 

Harry Douglas, operator of 

the Dana The- 

. . . 

atre, Dana, and Joe Million are building a 

600-car open-air theatre at Clinton. Work 

is in progress and the grading practically 

completed . Smith, operator of the 

DeVon, Francisville, was here booking 

Mrs. Buxton, wife of T. W. Buxton, operator 

of the Buxton, Roachdale, was seriously ill 

. . . Roger Sheerer, Fort Wayne, spent the 

week at Liberty checking his Union Theatre 

there. 

Fletcher Brewer, State, Windfall, Ind., was 

here booking ... Ed Campbell of the Lyric, 

Lexington, Ky., will do the booking and 

buying for the Star-Dust Open-Air Theatre 

at Seymour, Ind.. and the Sky-Line 

Mrs. CecU 

Drive-In, Madison, Ind. . . . 

Thompson, mother of Gayle Black, salesman 

at Warner Bros., died at her home here. She 

had been ill for a long time. 

Manager Clyde McKean, Warner Bros., his 

son Tom and son-in-law Jack Ingram flew 

to Hollywood for the wedding of Lieut. Col. 

Dave Allerdice and Iris Byrum at Ocean 

Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Weilert, Anderson, 

House . . . 

were here booking and buying . . . 

Edward Salzburg, district manager for Albert 

Dezel Productions, visited the local 

branch . . . Rosemary Lundberg is the new 

booker and office manager at Screen Guild 

. . . J. T. Victory, salesman at 20th-Fox, was 

the victim of a thief who broke into his 

car while Victory was in an eating place. The 

thief stole Victory's brief case and several 

suits of clothing, none of which have been 

retrieved. 

ON THE 

MOTI 

ACWAYS 

COAST IT HAS 

BEEN 

MFRAMCISCO, 

mtimir 

FOR SHOWMEN WtJ^^ÂNT litSi BEST 

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. . Albert 

. . Hall 

'River' Paces Chicago 

With 120 Per Cent 

CHICAGO—A heat wave bringing temperature 

up around 90 degrees sent people to 

beaches, parks and outdoor amusements but 

business wasn't too bad at air conditioned 

first run houses. 

Best of the newcomers was "City Across the 

River" plus a stage show headed by Horace 

Heidt stars, which had a nice week at the 

Oriental. The Chicago was not far behind 

with "Flamingo Road" on the screen, plus a 

stage show with Vic Borge, Janet Blair and 

the Blackburn twins. "Louisiana Story" 

bow-ed in strong at the World Playhouse. 

"Little Women" at the State-Lake and "Life 

of Riley" at the Palace also opened up good. 

The Woods also had a nice opening week 

with "Etown to the Sea in Ships." 

(Average Is 100) 

Apollo—Hangover Square (20th-Fox); The Lodger 

(20th-Fox), reissues 95 

Chicago—Flamingo Road (WB), plus siege show 115 

Garrick— I Shot lesse lames (SG), SOS Submarine 

(SO) 100 

Grand—Joan ol Arc (RKO), Bth wk 105 

Oriental— City Across the River (U-I), plus stage 

show ... 120 

Palace—The Life of Riley (U-I): The Mutineers 

(Col) .... 105 

Rialto—The Purple Heart (20th-Fox); Guadalcanal 

Diary (20lh-Fox), reissues 100 

Roosevelt—Bad Boy (Mono), 2nd wk 100 

Selwyn—The Red Shoes (EL). 19th wk Good 

State-Lake— Uttle Women (MGM) 110 

Studio—The Ape Man (Dezel); The Man They 

Could Not Hang (Dezel), reissues, 2nd wk 95 

United Artists—Caught (MGM), 2nd wk 95 

Woods—Down lo the Sea in Ships (20th-Fox) 110 

World Playhouse—Louisiana Story (Lopert) 115 

Circus, Races Hit Grosses 

At Indianapolis 

INDIANAPOLIS—Grosses took a slide 

downw-ard here as business hit a new low, 

due to other attractions, including Cole Bros, 

circus, which did more business in its threeday 

stand than it did last year despite unfavorable 

weather. The Midget Races was 

another amusement that attracted crowds 

away from the theatres. 

Circle—Enchantment (RKO); Shamrock Hill (EL) 65 

Indiana — Canadian Pacific (20th-Fox): Hideout 

(Rep) 90 

Loews—Portrait of Jeimie (SRO); Black Eagle. 

the Story of a Horse (Col) -- 85 

Lyric—I Shot Jesse James (SG); Highway 13 (SG) 100 

Northcenter Reopened 

CHICAGO—Tlie remodeled Northcenter 

Theatre here, owned by the Lincoln-Robey 

Corp., has been reopened after having been 

closed several weeks. The house has been 

redecorated and new draperies have been 

installed. Other changes include a new overhead 

.sign. RoUin Stonebrook is manager. 

ST. 

LOUIS 

Tohnny Walsh, manager for Albert Dezel 

' Productions, was out in the territory . . . 

A new cooling system has been installed in 

the 1,500-seat Orpheum at Quincy, a Publix 

Great States unit recently remodeled and 

redecorated at a cost of approximately $50,- 

000 .. . B. G. Kranze, New York, vicepresident 

and general sales manager of Film 

Classics, was a recent visitor. 

. . "El Paso," 

Dave Nelson, new' general manager for 

Midcentral Allied, was seeking new permanent 

quarters along Filmrow . 

playing first run at the World Theatre, was 

held for a second week with "S.O.S. Submarine" 

added Dezel, Detroit, 

and Ed 

. 

Salzberg, eastern division manager 

for the Dezel Co., visited executives of the 

Fanchon & Marco and the Fox Midwest 

circuits. 

. 

Rodney Bush, 20th-Fox exploitation manager, 

was here in behalf of the world premiere 

of "It Happens Every Spring" at the 

United Artists has a 

St. Louis May 26 . . . 

new northern Missouri and central Illinois 

salesman, Harry Barker, recently transferred 

here from Omaha. He has been with the 

company 24 years Walsh, district 

manager for Warners, was in Kansas City. 

Front and back office employes and salesmen 

for Monogram were guests of Manager 

Rosenblatt at a dinner May 2 at the Sheraton 

hotel in celebration of the results obtained 

by the local office in the Steve Broidy week, 

ending April 29. It proved to be the most 

outstanding week in the history of the local 

office, film shipments sent out topping all 

previous marks. Telegrams of congratulation 

were received from President Broidy, Harold 

J. Mirisch, vice-president of Allied Artists, 

and Nicky Goldhammer, western division 

sales manager for Monogram-Allied Artists. 

The local branch now is aiming for a new 

record to be set during Jim Mote week, ending 

July 1. 

Exhibitors on Filmrow: Izzy Wienshienk, 

district manager, Publix Great States, Alton: 

Bernard Temborius, Lebanon: Mr. and Mrs. 

John Dickson, St. Elmo: Clyde Metcalfe, 

Wood River: Paul Horn, Edwardsville; Justus 

Garard, Carthage: A. M. Chamness, Carrier 

Mills: Forrest Pii-tle, Jerseyville: Delbert 

Wagner, Eldorado, and Tom Bloomer, Belleville, 

111., and Tom Edwards, Farmington: 

L. A. Leber, Pacific, and Russell Arnientrout, 

Louisiana, Mo. 

Crawfordsviile Drive-In 

Uses St. Louis Speakers 

ST. LOUIS— In-car speakers made by the 

Cooperative Drive-In Equipment Manufacturers 

now are in use at the new Ben Hur 

Dr.ve-In opened last Tuesday (10 1 

at Crawfordsviile. 

Ind. The new ozoner is owned 

by Ralph Roberts, Pete Decker and other 

Craw-fordsville businessrtien. 

Roberts and Decker recently visited H. Paul 

Stroud, head of the drive-in equipment firm 

and operator of the World Tlieatre here. 

Stroud said that his company now is able to 

produce in-car speakers at the rate of 600 a 

day. A featm-e of the speakers is a novel 

means by which the ramp and stall numbers 

are indicated by a tiny light. 

Broadway actor Tom Ewell will make his 

film debut in Metro's "Adam's Rib. 

MODERNIZE YOUR SOUND—call . 

. 

Rites for Mrs. Rose Koplar 

ST. LOUIS — Funeral services were held 

here May 5 for Mi-s. Rose Koplar, 87, who died 

May 3 of a heart ailment. She was the 

mother of Nat Koplar, operator of the Rio 

Theatre here, and the grandmother of Norman 

Probstein, owner of the Crest Theatre, 

Afton, Mo. Survivors include two other sons, 

two daughters, eight other grandchildren and 

eight great grandchildren. Benjamin Koplar, 

her husband, died about 12 years ago. 

Start Ozoner Near Blytheville 

BLYTHEVILLE, ARK.—Construction has 

been started on the 400-car drive-in theatre 

being built near here by the United Drive-In 

Co. of Caruthersville, Mo., headed by W. P. 

Robertson. RCA-Brenkert projection and 

sound equipment will be used.

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Drive-In Must Employ 

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MILWAUKEE—With the opening of a 

number of outdoor theatres in this state, 

sheriffs have reported considerable congestion 

arising when cars leave the theatre sites. 

In most instances, the drive-ins are located 

on through routes between large cities, thus 

creating a hazard as the cars leave the exits 

and turn in both directions onto the main 

highways. 

At one southern Wisconsin drive-in a 

sheriff reported as many as 1,000 cars trying 

to get onto the highway from the grounds 

at one time. 

Sheriff Leonard Jensen, in attempting to 

reduce danger around the Midcity Outdoor 

Theatre near Kenosha, plans to ask state 

authorities to authorize a speed limit of 25 

miles in a zone of at least three-tenths of 

a mile on Highway 42. The sheriff also is 

aslcing authorities to install a traffic light 

on the highway at the intersection of the 

county trunk Highway A, near the theatre. 

To further alleviate the traffic hazards 

near the Midcity, a change of exit is also 

being planned. Entering cars will continue 

to be routed into the grounds from Highway 

42, but cars leaving the theatre will be 

routed to an exit at the northwest corner of 

the grounds onto Highway A. 

Another danger spot, the Chicago & Northwestern 

railroad tracks which cross Highway 

A west of the theatre exit where the 

two highways meet, will be patrolled by two 

deputies, Jensen said. If the speed zone is 

enforced, the two deputies will be put on 

the theatre pay roll because the county "does 

not have the manpower or the equipment to 

maintain patrolling which the theatre will 

require." 

Stating that the traffic problem will be 

largely up to drivers' cooperation for everyone's 

safety, Jensen suggested theatregoer.? 

use the center lane of the three-lane Chicago 

highway allowing the outside lanes for 

through traffic. A traffic officer will direct 

the flow of cars into the theatre grounds. 

Ozoner to Be Ready Soon 

QUINCY, ILL.—The 830-car drive-in being 

constructed on the west side of the Mississippi 

river near West Quincy by the World 

Theatrical Enterprises will be completed 

about June 1, according to H. Paul Stroud, 

head of the company. The equipment will include 

in-car speakers made by the Cooperative 

Drive-In Equipment Manufacturers, 

which Stroud organized early this year. The 

owners have made provision for expansion to 

1,000-car capacity when the need arises. 

Second Racine Drive-In Opens 

RACINE, WIS.—A full page advertisement 

in the Journal-Times announced the opening 

of the Outdoor Theatre on Washington 

avenue and the city limits on Highway 20 

here recently. Admission is 65 cents for 

adults with children imder 12 free when accompanied 

by parents. "Romance of the High 

Seas" was the opening feature. 

Strand Theatre of Milwaukee operates the 

Midcity Drive-In between here and Kenosha. 

Harry Watts Home III 

KNIGHTSTOWN, IND.—Harry Watts, 

operator of the Alhambra Theatre here, was 

confined at home by an illness. 

CHICAGO 

. . . 

pine weather brought thousands to Chicago's 

Loop for Mother's day. The mercury 

dipped from around 90 to 60 and 

Barkers 

all 

theatres had capacity crowds 

of the local Variety Tent returned a day 

ahead of time from the convention in San 

Francisco . . . Irving Mack, John Simadales, 

Irving Mandel and Nat Nathanson were 

honorary pallbearers at the funeral of Henri 

Elman, chief barker of Tent 26 and beloved 

figure of Chicago's Filmrow. 

. 

Front pages splashed the arrival of Prances 

Langford and Jon Hall here May 10, when 

they landed in their private twin-engine 

plane at the Northerly Isle airport on the 

lake front. B&K's Ed Seguin had all top 

brass of army, navy and marines on hand to 

receive the stars. They arrived early to do 

two days of veterans hospital appearances 

before opening stage appearance at the B&K 

Chicago. Herald-American sponsored the 

hospital tour . . . Eddie Solomon, 20th-Fox 

praise agent, went to St. Louis for the premiere 

of "It Happens Every Spring" 

Pi-ank Casey, Warner's praiser, came 

. . 

back 

from the same town where he aided in the 

opening of "The Younger Brothers." 

. . . 

Bob Gilham was in town huddling with 

B&K's ad chief Bill Hollander on "Portrait 

of Jennie," opening the end of the month 

at the Garrick . . . William F. Stern, former 

special assistant to the attorney general, has 

resigned from United World Films, where 

Tom 

he headed the 16mm department 

Burke, president of the janitors union, will 

start negotiations with theatre owners soon 

and will ask for the same pension plan for 

theatre janitors that was granted the motion 

picture projectionists. He'll al.so demand hospitalization 

and a 20 per cent pay hike. 

"Lucia," Donizetti's grand opera adapted 

to the screen, bowed in at the Harvard Theatre 

for a first Chicago showing . . . Aithur 

O'Toole, salesman for Paramount, was injured 

in an automobile crash near Monmouth, 

111. He is at Wesley hospital . . . 

E. L. Schimmel, vice-president in charge of 

Bell & Howell's international division, left 

for England to visit British Acoustic Films, 

Ltd., a member of the J. Arthur Rank organization, 

manufacturing Bell & Howell 

Gaumont products in England. 

"The R«d Shoes" still is going strong at 

the Selwyn Theatre, entering its 20th week 

Rube Levine annomices that the 54 

. . . 

Drive-In at Kankakee, 111., will open soon. 

The ozoner was constructed in 29 working 

days. The Levine Co. also will start the 

construction of the new 17-acre, 800-car 

drive-in in Joliet. It will be ready early in 

Earl "Mad Man" Muntz, visiting 

July . . . 

his Chicago television plant, was recruited 

by Ed Seguin of B&K and Eddie Solomon of 

20th-Fox to pop the prizes for the Chicago 

Herald-American contest on "Mr. Belvedere 

Goes to College." Winners of the contest, 

"Are You a Genius, Like Belvedere?" will 

share the ten Muntz television set prizes. 

Sets retail for $269 each, which means the 

contest prizes total $2,690 in value. 

Open Drive-In Near Ha-yti, Mo. 

HAYTT, MO.—John Mohrstadt was to open 

his 500-car drive-in theatre between here and 

Caruthersville, Mo., on May 14. 

Alliance Circuit Adds 

Grand at Terre Haute 

CHICAGO— Alliance Theatre circuit reports 

the addition of the Grand Theatre, 

Terre Haute. Ind., from the DoUe circuit, 

making 96 houses now operated by the circuit. 

They plan a complete overhauling of 

the house at a cost of $150,000 including new 

seats, air conditioning, marquee and new 

booth equipment. Work will get under way 

at once and is scheduled for completion by 

the end of May. 

This gives the circuit two houses in Terre 

Haute, the Orpheum and Grand. Bob Baker 

has been named supervisor of the Alliance 

circuit's outdoor theatres. 

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. . Charles 

For Femme Lead in "Cow Town' 

Gail Davis will take the femin ne lead in 

the Columbia picture, "Cow Town." 

MACLAY— Manager, 

JOHN H. 

Grand, Strand and Avon Theatres, 

Dubuque, Iowa—says: 

"We have always found 

RCA Service to be eminently 

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To get the benefits of RCA Servicewrite: 

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Camden, N. J. 

Adv. 

The MODERN THEATRE PLANNING INSTITUTE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas City 1, Mo. 

Gentlemen: 

Paul Horwitz Is Stricken; 

With Theatres 40 Years 

MILWAUKEE—Paul Hoi-witz died in Minneapolis 

Monday May (9) of a heart ailment. 

He had been connected with theatres for 40 

years. 

Horwitz was born in Russia, coming to 

Milwaukee in 1906, where he was successively 

connected with the Alhambra, Shubert, Empress, 

Palace, Pabst, Riverside and Wisconsin 

theatres, having left the latter show house, 

where he was manager, three years ago. From 

Milwaukee Horwitz went to Minneapolis, 

where he took over the management of the 

Alvin Theatre. 

He is survived by his mother, three 

brothers and a sister, all of Milwaukee. 

Censors View 111 Films 

CHICAGO—The motion pictui'e censor 

board of the Chicago police department reviewed 

111 pictures, 485,000 feet of film, last 

month, and classified for adults only MGM's 

"Edward, My Son," United Artist's "The 

Crooked Way," "Too Late for Tears" and 

three foreign pictures. Continental's (Italian 

i "'Vampire," Candia's (Swedish* "In the 

Old City" and Franklin's ( Swedish i "Incorrigible." 

Film Editor for "White Heat' 

Owen Marks has been ticketed as film 

editor for Warner's "White Heat." 

RESEARCH 

BUREAU 

for MODERN THEATRE PUANNERS 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION 

5-14-49 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU to receive information regularly, as 

released, on the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

n Acoustics 

n Air Conditioning 

n Architectural Service 

n "Black" Lighting 

n Building Material 

D Carpets 

n Coin Machines 

n Other 

Theatre 

Addre.ss 

Subjects 

n Complete Remodeling 

Decorating 

Drink Dispensers 

Drive-In Equipment 

Lighting 

Fixtures 

n Plumbing Fixtures 

n Projectors 

Seating 

n Projection Lamps 

n Seating 

n Signs and Marquees 

D Sound Equipment 

n Television 

n Theatre Fronts 

n Vending Equipment 

Capacity 

MILWAUKEE 

fôincident with the coming of "A Connecticut 

Yankee" to the Towne Theatre downtown 

at 46 cents for matinees and 90 cents 

for evenings, the department of municipal 

recreation's Civic Light Opera company presented 

the Rodgers & Hart stage play of the 

same name at the Lincoln High school auditorium 

at $1 for the main floor and 70 cents 

for the balcony. Each theatre proved good 

advertising for the other ... In its third 

week at the Fox Wisconsin as first run, "Mr. 

Belvedere Goes to College" appeared to be 

good for a longer period. When the show 

first opened grade and high schools were 

closed and police had to line up two columns 

of customers outside the theatre. 

With the temperature about 90 degrees in 

the shade here. National Screen had circularized 

its notices on "Cool Trailers." They 

were called pre-summer notices to showmen, 

but suddenly it got hot in early May and 

theatres that had air conditioning made the 

most of the trailers to keep the crowds coming. 

The Towne Theatre has installed Musak 

music for lobby and lounge, whxh helps a 

lot to put patrons in a good mood, says Er-win 

Clumb, manager . . . Having moved to a new 

spot at 1007 North Seventh Street on Filmrow, 

Vogel's Theatre Equipment and Supply 

Co., has had a coat of canary yellow applied 

to the store exterior. The show windows are 

not so large, so Vogel got the idea of attracting 

attention to his place of business in another 

way. 

The new outd-oor theatre, a Marcus project 

on Highway 41 about five mles north of the 

city of Neenah, Wis., opeiied with good attendance. 

It has a 725-car capacity and is 

located near two important highways in a 

thickly populated area . Trampe 

of Allied-Monogram here was on a business 

trip to California, and attended the national 

convention of Variety Clubs International as 

a delegate from Wisconsin Tent 8 . . . Charles 

Fox of the Empress, burlesque theatre here, 

is putting on films in addition to stage shows. 

Jack Lorentz, division manager for 20th 

Century-Fox, was a visitor . . . The date for 

the dinner-dance to be held by the Reel 

Fellows of Wisconsin has been set for May 

20 at the Circus room of the Wisconsin hotel, 

the .same room in which the Variety Club 

holds its meetings. 

Paul Horwitz, formerly with Fox circuit 

and now manager of the Alvin Theatre at 

Minneapolis, is reported back on the job 

after five weeks at Ashbury hospital in Minneapolis 

. . . Inez 

Gore, secretary at 20th- 

Fox and acclaimed one of the best women 

bowlers in show business, planned to attend 

the national convention of women bowlers in 

Columbus, Ohio. 

City 

Signed, 

State.. 

(Owner-Manager) 

Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience in obtaining information 

are provided in The MODERN THEATRE RED BOOK (Nov. 20, 1948). 

NEED A SCREEN? 

call JOE HORNSTEIN Inc. 

3146 Olive FR 0999 St. Louis 


Henri Elman Stricken; 

Tent 26 Chief Barker 

CHICAGO—Henri Elman. 57, chief barker 

of Tent 26, Variety Club of Illinois, died 

Thursday (5i in Wes- 

"^ ley hospital here after 

r'~ 

x^ 

I 

a brief illness. A pioneer 

in the motion picture 

industry in Chicago 

for 40 years, he 

~t, ro.se from a stagehand 

, Jj 

at the McVickers Theatre 

in downtown Chicago. 

In 1925. he operated 

a theatre and 

the Century Film Co. 

with M. Salkin. He 

then became the fran- 

Henri Elman chi.se holder of Coltunbia 

Pictures, district manager for Tiffany, 

franchise holder of Monogram Pictures 

Corp., PRC Pictures of Illinois and for the 

last three years was president of Henri 

Elman Enterprises, Inc., and Capitol Film 

Co. 

Among his notable activities was the sponsorship 

of the Variety Club of Illinois of 

which he was chief barker at the time of 

his death. 

Funeral services w-ere held Monday (9) 

with interment in Westlawn cemetery. He 

is survived by his wife Pearl, nee Starr, and 

a sister Mrs. Bessie Zimmerman. 

Orpheum in Hammond 

Bought by Warner Bros. 

HAMMOND. IND.—The Orpheum Theatre 

here has been sold by auction for $127,500 

to Lloyd Hurst, Indiana Harbor, agent for 

Warner Bros. One of the oldest landmarks 

here, the theatre was built by the pioneer 

Schultz family in 1902. It formerly was known 

as the Gregory Theatre. The only other bidder 

was John Leary, who represented the 

Schultz family estate. 

New Columbus Video Unit 

COLUMBUS—Third local video outlet, 

WTVN, owned by Picture Waves, Inc., will 

go on the air by Labor day, announced Edward 

Lamb, owner of the new station. Lamb 

has signed a long-term lease with the LeVeque 

Lincoln skyscraper for studio, office and 

transmitter facilities. The tower will be 

erected atop the 45-story building. 

Fred Cory Has Troubles 

Opening Safe in Holdup 

Chicago—It was a terrifying: situation 

for Frederick Cory under the gun of a 

holdup man in the office of the Surf 

Theatre at 1204 N. Dearborn St. Try as 

he did, Cory couldn't find the combination 

to the safe which the robber wanted 

opened—and fast. 

As Cory's fingers fumbled, the robber 

snarled, "Mess it up again and I'll blow 

your top off." Cory did it again and held 

his breath. But the robber only repeated 

his threat. Cory, manager of the Surf of 

the H&E Balaban chain, tensely went 

back to work and finally heard the click 

that signaled the safe's opening. The impatient 

robber snatched S634 and fled. 

Speedway Film Planned 

By Rooney and Stiefel 

INDIANAPOLIS—Wilbur Shaw, president 

of the Indianapolis speedway, says Hollywood 

is negotiating with speedway officials 

to film a motion picture here starring Mickey 

Rooney. There is no specific agreement yet, 

Shaw said, but "we hope we will be able to 

reach an agreement." 

A Hollywood columnist announced that the 

picture, "The Big Wheel," would be filmed 

at the speedway in May. The show is to 

be produced by Mickey Rooney and Sam 

Stiefel with Rooney as the star. Shaw- said 

the columnist's announcement was premature. 

"We want more details on what kind 

of picture will be made before we agree 

to a proposal," he said. 

From the 

BOXOFFICE FILES 

• • • 

(Tvênty Years Ago) 

•PHE Fox Theatre in St. Louis, which has 

had elaborate stage presentations ever 

since its opening on January 31, is abandoning 

the policy. Under the new policy 

talking motion pictures and straight vaudeville 

will be depended on to fill the 5.200 

seats in the Fox. 

* • * 

. . . Louis Lutz, 

. . . 

The Eagle Theatre, Eagle River, Wis., owned 

and operated by N. M. Emmons for the last 

five years, has been sold to W. R. Ashton, 

owner of the Vilas Theatre 

manager of the Parkway, Madison, Wis., has 

resigned and will lease the theatres in Boscobel. 

The 

Wis., and operate it himself Rex Theatre at Racine has reopened under 

the managetnent of Frank Stephen. 

* * * 

The Midwest Distributing Corp.. consisting 

of Steve Bauer, manager of the Elite Theatre, 

and John Strain, formerly booker at Midwesco 

in Milwaukee, have formed the Midwest 

Amusement Co. and have taken over the 

Majestic and Princess at Plymouth, Wis., 

from Mr. and Mrs. M. Gillman. Trampe 

also operates the Climax and Rainbow theatres 

in Milwaukee . . . H. E. Boch has taken 

over the Boch Theatre in Emerald, Wis., 

from H. L. Boch. 

Drive-In Near Sharpsburg, Dl. 

TA'SfLORVILLE, ILL. — Dominic Frisina, 

head of the Frisina Amusement Co., Springfield, 

disclosed plans for the construction of 

a $100,000 drive-in, to accomodate at least 

500 automobiles, near Sharpsburg on one of 

the farms owned by Pri.sina. It is expected 

to serve patrons as far north as Springfield. 

In-car speakers will be installed. 

New Post for Harrison Taylor 

DANVILLE, ILL.—Harrison Taylor, formerly 

of Shelbyville, Ky., has succeeded Irvin 

Allen as manager of the Royal Theatre here. 

Allen has gone to Terre Haute to as.sume the 

management of the American there. Taylor 

served more than three years in the army 

during World War II. 

To Lens 'Francis' 

Irving Glassberg will lens the Universal- 

International picture, "Francis." 

Herrin, 111., Drive-In Opened 

HERRIN. ILL.—John Marlow, head of 

Marlows Theatres, Herrin, 111., has opened 

his 1.000-car Marlow Drive-In Theatre between 

here and Marion, 111. 

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BOXOFHCE May 14, 1949 69

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IOWA-NEBRASKA ITO SEEKS 

CLEARANCE READJUSTMENTS 

Convention in Resolution 

Urges Cuts; All Officers 

Are Re-Elected 

DES MOINES— All officers of the Allied 

Iiidoiiondent Theatre Owners of Iowa-Nebraska 

were re-elected 

at the two-day meeting 

in Hotel Savery 

here last week. One 

new officer was 

chosen. Elmer Huhnke 

of the Minne Lusa 

Theatre in Omaha was 

named secretary of 

the two-state group. 

Leo 

Wolcott 

The office of secretarytreasurer 

formerly had 

been held by T. J. 

Evans of the Lyons 

Theatre in Clinton, 

Iowa. Evans continues as treasurer—the 

dual office having been split upon action of 

the board of directors. 

The officers: Leo F. Wolcott, New Grand 

Theatre, Eldora, chairman of the board; A. C. 

Myrick, State, Lake Park, Iowa, president; 

J. P. Lannan, Rivoli, West Point. Neb., vicepresident, 

and Charles Niles, Anamosa, Iowa, 

national director. 

Also named at the parley, attended by 

about 200 persons from theatres throughout 

the two states, was a 20-member board of 

directors. From this board the officers were 

selected. New members of the board: Carl 

Bailey. Pawnee City, Neb.; Don Smith, Carroll, 

Iowa; D. C. Kennedy, Des Moines; 

Al Weuben, Parkston, S. D.; Jeanette 

Schoeneman, Wahoo, Neb.; Ed Kugel, Holstein, 

Iowa, and R. M. Bernau. Lake City, 

Iowa. Re-elected: Wolcott, Myrick, Lannan, 

Huhnke, Evans, Niles and Howard Brookings, 

Oakland, Iowa; Mrs. Thelma Parsons, 

Keota, Iowa; George March, Vermillion, S. D.; 

Arnold Meierdricks, Pender, Neb.; Robert 

Hutte, Osceola, Iowa; Henry Rahfield, 

Bloomfield, Iowa; Jim Watts, Osage, Iowa. 

The board of directors was nominated by 

a committee composed of the following: 

Luella Kress of Mallard, and Bernau, Niles 

and Mrs. Schoeneman. 

RESOLUTIONS 

ADOPTED 

At the concluding business session of the 

convention May 5, a series of resolutions was 

adopted by the group in closed meeting. 

They were: 

1. Approval of the Finneran plan, which 

has been adopted by national Allied, calling 

for "disciplinary action for erring film stars." 

2. That existing clearances in the territory 

should be reduced to comparable length 

to other similar territories and all clearance 

should be determined from the first run. 

3. To appoint a committee to select regional 

chairmen to hold regional meetings 

and assist in making each region 100 per cent 

Allied. 

The group voted to invite the national 

Allied group to hold its convention in Des 

Moines in the fall of 1951. That convention 

will be a testimonial to Abram F. Myers, 

Sandra Has Measles. So 

Showmen Vote Cheer 

Des Moines—The Iowa-Nebraska AITO 

opened and closed its annual spring 

meelins here la-st week without the presence 

of one of its most enthusiastic followers. 

It was just one of tho.se things 

which kept Sandra Myrick, aged 10, frora 

accompanying her parents, President 

A. C. Myrick and Mrs. Myrick, to Hotel 

Savery and the long-anticipated convention. 

The most tangible evidence was a 

series of red blotches which broke out on 

Sandra on May 2. Not long after, a 

printed card was posted on the Myrick 

home. It was not unlike the playbills 

appearing before her father's theatre. 

But, this sign read, "Measles." 

So. Mr. and Mrs. Myrick journeyed to 

Des Moines without little Sandra. But, 

Sandra had her day after all! In an unprecedented 

move. Leo Wolcott. chairman 

of the Iowa-Nebraska AITO board, proposed 

that the entire convention vote a 

"message of friendship and goodwill" to 

Sandra Myrick. ag;ed 10. 

The 200 exhibitors attending responded 

with a vigorous round of applause. 

a former lowan who is chairman and general 

counsel for national Allied. 

It also was decided that all moneys in 

excess of $2,500 in the Iowa-Nebraska unit's 

treasury be invested in government bonds. 

Speakers at the closed business session 

were: Harold Field, Minneapolis, of the Pioneer 

circuit, whose subject was "Allied and 

You"; Benny Berger, president of Northwest 

Allied. "Auditing Suits"; Niles, "Court 

Actions"; William Ainsworth, national Allied 

president, "Progress of Allied." and 

Wolcott. 

Niles urged his listeners to "play flatrental 

films and stay clear of percentage 

pictures." 

Ainsworth praised the Iowa-Nebraska 

group for its progre.ss. saying it had: 

1. Been one of the first to fight percentage 

pictures. 

2. Fought advanced admission prices. 

3. Instituted regional meetings. 

4. Resisted Ascap. 

5. Originated the "get-out-to-vote" campaign 

in the November election. 

6. Stopped "house detectives" from going 

through the territory. 

7. Helped in local decisions and decrees. 

8. Stopped several semiprofessional baseball 

teams from allowing free admittances. 

9. Whipped adverse legislation in recent 

sessions of state assemblies. 

10. Improved pubUc relations. 

11. Secured adjustments for deserving 

members. 

Ainsworth said the national group has 

helped "deserving exhibitors who have had 

misfortunes" and is undertaking a short to 

remind the public of the disabled war vet- 

Hike in Kiddy Admissions 

Discussed; Rembusch 

Allays TV Fear 

eran. Ainsworth said it is his opinion that 

the public is forgetting, all too soon, the 

sacrifices of these men in the services of 

their country. 

An open-forum discussion was held following 

the talk by Ainsworth. Subjects included 

the importance of concessions in theatre 

operation, children's admissions, damaged 

prints and promotional activities. 

There was considerable discussion of increasing 

admission charges for children under 

12. Many members held that the theatre 

films unsuitable for them 

is "taking the place of the baby sitter" and 

that for ten cents a family can unload its 

children on the theatre management while 

occupying itself elsewhere. One exhibitor 

remarked that this resulted in children seeing, 

in many ca.ses, 

and tended to give the industry a black eye 

while decreasing theatre revenue. 

FOR KIDDY PRICE HIKE 

Another point stressed was the practice 

of allowing free admission to children at 

drive-in theatres. Many members thought 

that this procedure should be halted and 

that children be charged full admission rates. 

It was suggested that drive-ins should follow 

existing indoor situations. 

Another exhibitor called attention to the 

fact that everything connected with the theatre 

has increased in price except admission 

to children. He felt strongly this should 

be remedied at once. 

Wolcott closed the business .session with a 

talk on television and its effect on motion 

picture theatres. Wolcott advi-sed exhibitors 

to try out, whenever feasible, television 

loimges in their theatres "to help wear the 

novelty off television." 

This was the second reference to television 

during the two-day meeting. At the 

Wednesday .session the day before, Trueman 

T. Rembusch, treasurer of national Allied, 

told the exhibitors that "television does not 

present any immediate threat to your business." 

And, they were told, until a lot of 

television "bugs" are eliminated, Bing Crosby 

and Betty Grable will be playing at the 

Bijou for a long time to come. 

NO TELEVISION FCAR 

"You have nothing to fear from television 

in your territory in operating theatres for 

years—if ever," Rembusch said. "To me, 

television is an added form of entertainment. 

It will augment our motion picture 

business." 

History is repeating itself, he explained. 

Years ago exhibitors turned gray when people 

stayed home to hear Amos and Andy 

on that new form of entertainment, the 

radio. Now Milton Berle is affecting the motion 

picture theatre boxoffice in the east. 

However, Rembusch predicted, television will 

learn to walk hand-in-hand with the motion 

picture industry, as was true with radio. 

The convention closed with a banquet address 

by Gov. William S. Beardsley. 

BOXOFnCE May 14, 1949 MW 71

. . Howard 

. . Harold 

. . Frank 

. . 

KANSAS 

/êorge Harttman, owner of the Armour 

Theatre in North Kansas City and now 

living in Los Angeles, was a visitor on Filmrow 

Harry R. Hamburg. Paramount 

. . . manager, was preparing to go to Dallas to 

attend a south central division sales meeting 

May 19-21. Other local company personnel 

at the session will include Arthur 

Cole, industry representative: A. H. Chaffee, 

office manager; J. H. States, booking manager, 

and Earl Ogan. Frank Westbrook. Alan 

Held and Frank Thomas, salesmen. 

R. R. Biechele, local theatre operator and 

KMTA legislative chairman, returned from 

St. Louis where he attended funeral services 

Don Davis. 

for the late Fred Welirenberg . . . 

RCA-Victor district manager, was in Missouri 

George Baker, general 

territory . . . manager of the A. F. Baker Enterprises, was 

in Oakley, Kas.. where the company is 

building a new theatre . Hume. 

Fox Midwest city district booker, was driving 

a new Pontiac . Burkhardt. 

N. W. HUSTON— Owner, Liberty 

Theatre in Columbus and Maywood 

Theatre in Galena, Kans.—says: 

"The regular RCA Service 

we have maintained since we 

installed RCA sound eighteen 

years ago has been of vital 

importance in our business." 




Camden, N. J. 

Adv. 

CITY 

Midland manager, returned from a vacation 

in the east. 

J. A. Becker, Independence. Mo., president 

of Associated Theatres, returned from 

Excelsior Springs after attending a Rotary 

club convention . C. Grubel. opera- 

. . . Gladyce 

tor of the Electric in Kansas City. Kas.. still 

was a patient at Menorah hospital . . . New 

RCA sound equipment has been installed 

at the Regent, downtown Commonwealth 

house . . . Louise Crane. Paramount contract 

clerk, was on vacation 

Penrod, KMTA office manager, celebrated 

her birthday and received many cards and 

presents. 

. . . 

Recent reopening of the drive-in operated 

by Tal Richardson at Coffeyville. Kas.. was 

delayed because of damage to the screen 

tower in heavy winds during a storm . 

Tom Steele. Fox Midwest city manager at 

Pittsburgh. Kas.. was hospitalized recently 

as the result of an ulcerated tooth . . . 

George Lederer will continue to manage the 

Joan at Linn. Kas.. which he recently sold 

Two 

to Frank Reising. Clifton. Kas. 

bids for purchase of the city owned Canton 

at Canton. Kas.. were rejected by officials. 

The new St. James Theatre at Rolla. Mo., 

is expected to be ready for opening before 

June 1 ... A tract near Mexico. Mo., has 

been purchased as the site for a drive-in 

theatre to be erected by A. J. Dietz of St. 

Louis . . . The new Mary Lou Theatre 

being built by George H. and J. Leo Hayob 

is expected to be completed before June 1 

. . . Interior decoration of the new Englewood 

on Winner road between Kansas City 

and Independence, Mo., is expected to be 

started soon, and the house will be completed 

by July 1. 

Kansas theatremen seen on Filmrow included 

Kenneth Ehret, Star. Clay Center; 

E. M. Bock, Civic, Sabetha; Dan Blair, 

Blair. Smith Center; Homer F. Strowig. 

Lyric, Abilene; O. F. Sullivan. Civic. Wichita; 

J. Ward Spielman. Gem. Baldwin, and 

T. J. Campbell. Osawa. Osawatomie . . . 

Missouri showmen visiting exchanges and 

supply houses included Tom Spurgeon. Moderne. 

Stanberry; Francis Meyers. Civic. 

Brookfield; Glen Hall. Hall. Cassville; C. E. 

Cook. Tivoli. Maryville. and J. Leo Hayob. 

Mary Lou, Marshall. 

Red Skelton to Emcee 

Bond Rally Program 

KANSAS CITY — With Red Skelton as 

master of ceremonies and Lizabeth Scott. 

Yvonne DeCarlo and Paul Lukas among film 

stars in the cast, a gala stage show to be 

broadcast from the Municipal auditorium 

here Monday night (16) over the four major 

radio networks will launch a nationwide savings 

bond drive. 

John Snyder, Secretary of the Treasui-y, 

will head dignitaries who will be here to 

participate in the radio show and bond rally. 

Four governors who will speak briefly during 

the program include Frank Carlson of 

Kansas, Forrest Smith of Missouri. Paul 

Dever of Massachusetts and Earl Warren of 

California. 

Climaxing the network program, an address 

on the purposes of the savings bond 

drive will be made by President Truman, who 

w-ill speak from Washington. Secretary Snyder 

will introduce the national chief executive. 

Music for the rally will be played by an 

orchestra to be provided by the Kansas City 

Musicians union, and various entertainers 

by the American Guild of Variety Ai-tists. 

A crew of stagehands supplied by the lATSE 

will handle scenic effects and properties. 

Visiting dignitaries and fUm stars will 

participate in a brief ceremony at Independence. 

Mo., during the afternoon, and 

they will be special guests at a dinner at 

6:30 p. m. at the Muehlebach hotel. David 

T. Beals. local drive chairman, will be the 

host. 

George Jessel, 20th-Fox producer and veteran 

comedian, had agreed to emcee the bond 

rally program when it originally was scheduled 

for Sunday, May 15, but he wired local 

drive officials that he could not attend the 

event when it was delayed 24 horn's because 

of a protest filed with Pi-esident Ti-uman by 

the Independence Ministerial Alliance. 

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Ainsworth to Speak 

At Allied Conclave 

KANSAS CITY—William L. Ainsworth. national 

Allied president, will be one of the 

principal spealiers at the annual Kansas- 

Missouri unit convention here June 7. 8. with 

other leading Allied officials also expected to 

attend. O. F. Sullivan, Wichita, president, 

said at a meeting of the board of directors 

Tuesday ilOi. 

All official convention sessions will be held 

in the Trianon room of the Muehlebach 

hotel. Special entertainment elsewhere also 

is being planned by C. M. Parkhurst. general 

manager, who now is preparing material 

for the souvenir program too be given to all 

who attend the conclave. A tea and fashion 

show for women will be one of the highlights. 

Attendance at the 1949 convention is expected 

by Sullivan and other officials to exceed 

that registered during it,s initial conclave 

last year. Special promotional material 

now is being prepared by Parkhurst 

for mailing to unit members at regular intervals 

before the gathering here. 

New members reported by Parkhurst at 

the board meeting included these theatre oprators 

from Kansas: W. A. Weaver. Pic, lola; 

Ray Miner. Blue Moon. Blue Mound, and 

Miner, Moran: F. H. Rodenbeek. Drive-In, 

Scott City; Ray Walsh. Main.street. Chanute; 

Fred H. Munson. Lakin, Lakin; John A. 

Schnack, Electric. Lamed: Sol Frank. Chief. 

Cold water, and Chief, Sedan: Roy CuUey. 

Pastime. Medicine Lodge; A. W. Pugh, State. 

Columbus; E. M. Block, Civic. Sabetha; 

George Werts. Mainstreet, Beloit. and Carl 

Botkin, Harper. Harper. 

Missouri theatremen reported as new members 

included H. L. Hull. Show-Me. Bunceton; 

S. W. Booth. Booth. Rich Hill, and Fred 

Lambert. Lambert, Princeton. 

Durwood Circuit Starts 

Filmrow Office Building 

KANSAS CITY—Construction of a onestory 

building to be used as offices for Durwood 

Theatres, Inc.. has been started on a 

site near 18th and Baltimore here, and the 

structure is expected to be ready for occupancy 

about July 1. according to Stan Durwood. 

vice-president. 

The new building, which will be air conditioned, 

will provide approximately 2,000 

square feet of space for office purposes. A 

lot at the rear will be used for parking. 

James O'Bryan was the architect, and A. I. 

Morris & Son are contractors for the building. 

Operating 12 theatres in Kansas City, St. 

Joseph and Jefferson City. Mo., and Leavenworth. 

Kas.. the Durwood circuit has maintained 

offices in the Waldheim building here 

since 1943. The company also has disclosed 

plans for drive-ins to be located at St. Joseph. 

Jefferson City and Leavenworth. 

Camdenton Theatre Ready Soon 

CAMDENTON. MO. — The Grand Glaize 

Drive-In now being built by Bob Smith near 

the Turkey Bend road is expected to be completed 

and ready for opening soon. 

Sale Handled by Savereide 

DES MOINES—The recent sale of the Reinbeck 

Theatre in Reinbeck. Iowa, was handled 

by Savereide Theatre Brokers. 

New Missouri to Give 

Nursery Service 

KANSAS CITY—A stainless steel 

and porcelain 

marquee topped by a 100-foot vertical 

sign will be among the exterior architectural 

features of the remodeled Mainstreet Theatre 

here, to be reopened by RKO Theatres. 

Inc.. as the Missouri in July following 

changes to be completed at a cost of approximately 

$400,000. The new lobby, of 

modern circular design, will be finished in 

mahogany colored Tennessee marble. Moved 

from its former location, the boxoffice also 

will be circular. Tan and red carpeting will 

be laid in the new 30x80-foot foyer. 

Interior decoration of the theatre is being 

supervised by Hanns R. Teichert, Chicago 

designer and color specialist. Walls will be 

finished in gray. Burgundy colored carpeting 

will be laid in the mezzanine lounge. 

Features of the remodeled theatre will include 

checking lockers conveniently reached 

from the foyer, and a nursery for children 

up to 5 years old downstairs, with a registered 

nm-se on duty during all performances. A 

refreshment bar will be located in the lobby. 

KMTA Offices to Be Moved 

KANSAS CITY—Offices of the Kansas- 

Missouri Theatre Ass'n here, located at 221 

West 18th St. since Feb. 1, 1948, will be 

moved June 1 to 122 West 18th St.. Elmer 

Bills. Salisbury, Mo., president, said at a 

board of directors meeting Tuesday ilOi. The 

offices were maintained at the new address 

prior to 1948. Gladyce Penrod is office 

manager. 

Buys Milan, Mo., Theatre 

MILAN. MO.—Shelby O. Armstrong. Unionville. 

Mo., has purchased the Milan Theatre 

here from Chester L. Hurdle, former local 

resident now living in Boulder. Colo. Remodeling 

and redecorating of the 300-seat 

theatre now is being planned by the new 

owner. 

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KMTA Convention 

Committee Named 

KANSAS CITY—Tentative plans for the 

1949 convention of the Kansas-Missouri Theatre 

Ass'n to be held here in October were 

launched at a meeting of its board of directors 

Tuesday HOi -xt the Phillips hotel, when 

a special committee to plan the conclave was 

appointed by President Elmer Bills of Salisbury. 

Mo. 

Senn Lawler. Fox Midwêst Theatres public 

relations director, A'as named general chairman 

of the committee. Members include 

George Baker, general manager of the A. F. 

Baker Enterprises; R. R. Biechele, theatre 

operator and KMTA legislative chairman, 

and Robert Shelton, Commonwealth Theatres 

vice-president and general manager. 

The next meeting of the board will be June 

21 at the Phillips hotel here. Additional 

members of the committee may be named by 

Bills at later meetings. 

Reports of progress in the Missouri legislature 

on senate bill 80, .specifying aisle 

widths in theatres and other places of amusement 

and outlawing a statute enacted in 1877 

permitting the filing of informer suits, were 

made at the board meeting by Joe Kelly jr.. 

KMTA attorney, and Dick Brous. Fox Midwest 

Theatres attorney. The status of several 

suits filed in recent months under terms 

of the old law was discus.sed. 

Members of the board, during a general discussion 

of film buying and other problems of 

exhibition, officially condemned the practice 

of salesmen in disclosing confidential information 

relating to gro.sses of pictures played 

in specific theatres. 

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. . Tom 

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" 

'Red Shoes' Gross 200; 

3rd Kansas City Week 

KANSAS CITY — Rain, which climaxed 

several days of unusually hot and unseasonable 

weather, crimped trade at local first 

riins. "The Red Shoes" in a third stanza 

at the southside Kimo continued to pace the 

city with a rating of 200 per cent. "The 

Younger Brothers, ' helped by extensive promotion, 

rang up a hefty 115 per cent in an 

eight-day run at the Paramount. A dualing 

of "Big Jack" and "Caught" at the Midland 

drew average trade. "Flamingo Road," paired 

with "Sword of the Avenger" at the Orpheum. 

rounded out a fair second frame. 

(Average Is 1.0O) 

Esquire- Mother Is a Freshman (20th-Fox), 2nd 

df t. wk; I Cheated the Law (20lh-Fox) 9b 

Kimo The Red Shoes (EL), advanced prices, 

3rd wk 200 

Midland—Big lack

. . H. 

. . President 

. . Drew 

Several Tri-Slalers 

Given Promotions 

DES MOINES—Following the appointment 

of Kermit Can- as district manager, replacing 

Art Stolte, G. Ralph Branton, Tri- 

States general manager, has announced the 

following promotions: 

Everett Peterson, manager of the Strand 

in Waterloo, will move to the Paramount in 

that city, managed until now by Carr. He 

will serve as city manager. Everett first 

started his career with Tri-States in January 

1938 as an assistant at the Paramount 

Theatre in Des Moines. In 1939 he became 

manager of the Uptown, Des Moines, and 

in 1945 was transferred to the Strand in 

Waterloo. 

Don Knight, manager of the Roosevelt, Des 

Moines, will replace Peterson at the Strand 

in Waterloo. Knight also started with the 

company in 1938, seeing service as assistant 

manager at both Paramount and Des Moines 

theatres, and later moving to manager at 

the Ingersoll. In 1947 he moved to the Roosevelt 

where he has been manager until now. 

Carl Hoffman will assume duties as manager 

of the Roosevelt, moving over from the 

Ingersoll in Des Moines. Hoffman began as 

an usher at the Hiland Theatre in 1942. 

later going to chief of staff, treasurer and 

assistant manager at other Des Moines theatres 

before becoming Ingersoll's manager. 

Eugene Moore, who has been assistant 

manager at the Paramount, Des Moines, assumes 

the managerial duties at the Ingersoll. 

Francis Hague, who has been relief 

manager for the suburban theatres in Des 

Moines, will move into the Paramomit as 

assistant manager. The appointment of a 

new relief manager has not been announced. 

JOHN H. MACLAY— Manager, 

Grand, Strand and Avon Theatres, 

Dubuque, Iowa—says: 

"We have always found 

RCA Service to be eminently 

satisfactory." 

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. . . 

. 

T J. IVIcGinley, Rank sales manager, was in 

town calling on U-I Manager L. J. Miller 

Joe Murphy, formerly with Repubho 

in Milwaukee, is an addition to the Paramount 

sales staff here. He succeeds Harry 

Chapman who resigned . . . Paul Horwitz, 

58, manager of the Alvin, local burlesque 

house, died from a heart ailment. He was 

a veteran showman whose home was in Milwaukee 

M. Richey and Leon Bamberger, 

MGM and RKO exhibitor relations 

heads, respectively, will address the North 

Central Allied convention here May 23. 

Ben Marcus, Columbia district manager, 

W. L. Lakie, former 

was a visitor . . . 

Barnesville, Minn., exhibitor, has been named 

manager of the Bloomington Drive-In . . . 

Dan Peterson, associated with his father, Leo, 

in the operation of a number of South Dakota 

theatres, was in from Rapid City. He 

reports that his dad has recovered from his 

long illness. 

. . . Visit of Walter Bran- 

A contest is being held to get a name for 

the new W. R. Hiller drive-in theatre at 

Marshall, Minn. 

son. RKO western sales manager, and several 

of the company's legal staff, to try to 

solve the local clearance problem, has been 

delayed . Bennie Berger of 

North Central Allied is back from Des Moines 

where he addressed the Iowa-Nebraska Allied 

annual convention. 

Joe Wolfe, veteran showman and owner of 

Texas drive-ins, is supervising the reopening 

of the Mann-Rubenstein Drive-In in Duluth 

. . . Tom McGinty is the new Paramount 

booker, succeeding Roger Dietz who 

resigned to join Columbia . . . Lyceum, local 

legitimate roadshow house, gets two of 

Broadway's biggest smash hits of recent years 

this month. They're "Finian's Rainbow," 

coming next week, and "A Streetcar Called 

Des re," due May 30 for a week. 

"Champion" was enthusiastically received 

by an invited audience of fighters and 

referees at a screening . Roddy, 

Gopher projectionist, died while attending 

a business meeting in Duluth. 

EL Mgr. Tony Goodman 

Rounds Up Golfers 

OMAHA—Tony Goodman, Eagle Lion office 

manager-booker, has cooked up an 

atomic bomb of sorts for the YMCA Golf 

league. Tony has rounded up a team that 

includes Sam Alexander, Nebraska publinks 

champ; Cal Synder, local runnerup, and Lou 

Dopinski, a past winner. 

The fourth member is Tony. And Tony 

is a brother of former national champion 

Johnny Goodman, and always a threat in 

local tournaments. 

Fort Dodge Drive-In Opens 

PORT DODGE, IOWA—The drive-in two 

miles south of here on Highway 169 opened 

its 1949 season recently. Several improvements 

still are under way. One will double 

the parking space at the theatre to accommodate 

450 cars. A playground area also is 

being constructed. It will be 75x100 feet and 

will be seeded in blue grass. A new billboard, 

built in marquee style, is planned. 

Berger's Invitation 

Irks Allied Group 

MINNEAPOLIS—The invitation that 

President Bennie Berger of North Central- 

Allied extended to Al Lichtman and his 

touring 20-Fox sales policy explaining party 

to appear before the annual Allied convention 

here May 23-24, has caused considerable 

criticism, but Berger is sticking by his guns. 

Feeling among the members against 20th- 

Fox has run high because of the company's 

demand for higher rentals and they are 

thi-eatening to walk out of the meeting and 

resign from the body when Lichtman appears. 

The dissension arises from the feeling 

that North Central Allied should have no 

truck with 20th-Fox. Berger, however, feels 

differently. The North Central Allied president 

asserts that he has had more congratulations 

than squawks on account of inviting 

Lichtman to the convention. 

"As long as I'm president of this organization," 

Berger has told his membership, "its 

doors always will be open to all distributor 

representatives who desne to talk or present 

their case. I feel that it not only behooves 

exhibitors to listen to 'the other side,' but 

also to try to work out differences by roiuidtable 

discussions. I still am firmly convinced 

that mediation will prove the industry's 

salvation." 

Lichtman will be accompanied to Minneapolis 

by Andy Smith, sales manager, and 

others. Smith and Berger launched their 

conciliation plan here last year and North 

Central Allied still subscribes to it. 

H. L. Golladay Appointed 

To Fort Madison Strand 

PORT MADISON, IOWA—H. L. Golladay 

has returned to the post he formerly occupied 

as manager of the Strand Theatre here. He 

had been in Lexington, Mo., managing Fox 

theatres. E. R. Wallace, retiring manager 

of the Strand, has been transferred to Moberly. 

Mo. 

Harold Field Visits Iowa 

DES MOINES—Harold D. Field, president 

of Pioneer Theatres, Minneapolis, made a 

flying trip to several Iowa cities to confer 

on plans for drive-ins the corporation is 

erecting in the state. Stops were made in 

Spencer. Cherokee, Carroll and Atlantic. 

Sunda'y Sho'wiiig.'; Started 

NEW LONDON, IOWA—Sunday showings 

have been inaugm-ated at the Alamo Theatre. 

The picture will be the same shown on Friday 

and Saturday. 

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76 BOXOFFICE May 1'4, 1949

Iowa Theatre Adding 

200 Additional Seats 

NORTHWOOD, IOWA—Remodeling and 

expansion of the Northwood Theatre is under 

way here, according to L. E. Whitcome. 

manager. The lobby will be expanded and 

a new office for the manager will be built. 

The auditorium is being enlarged to provide 

for 200 more seats. New seats and carpeting 

will be installed as well as a new 

style front. Owners are Nathan Sandler of 

Des Moines and Harry Warren of Tucson, 

Ariz. 

400-Car Project at Algona 

ALGONA, IOWA—A drive-in with a 400- 

car capacity will be built near here on Highway 

18. it was announced last week. Eight 

acres of land has been purchased by the 

partners sponsoring the project—two men 

from Fort Dodge and one from Kansas City. 

Clinton Opening Soon 

CLINTON. IOWA— Clinton's 

new drive-in. 

the A-Muse-U. will be ready for business by 

the end of May, Harold Espensen. construction 

engineer, reports. The theatre is located 

on Highway 136. 

Corral Opening May 20 

CHEROKEE. IOWA—The Corral, a drivein 

with "ru.stic, western atmosphere," is 

scheduled to open here May 20, according 

to Art Downard. Arrow Theatre manager. 

Special equipment will include a chute-thechutes 

and other playground devices for the 

children. The theatre is a projection of the 

Pioneer Theatre Corp. of Minneapolis. 

Art Farrell Is Manager 

CARROLL. IOWA—The Carroll Drive-In 

opened May 3 under the management of Art 

Farrell. The drive-in features a miniature 

train for children, set up in front of the 

screen tower to provide entertainment for 

the kiddies before the show begins. There 

is also a children's playground, complete 

with slides, merry-go-rounds and jungle gym. 

Ames Ozoner to Open in June 

AMES, IOWA—Joe V. Gerbrach. manager 

of the Ames Theatre Co.. has announced his 

750-car drive-in one mile west of Ames on 

the south .side of Highway 30 will be ready 

for opening by the middle of June. Grading 

and surfacing of the 14 acres of ground was 

done by J. D. Armstrong Co. Roy Runyeon 

of Dayton, Ohio, is supervising the construction. 

The 14-acre site was purcha.sed from Carl 

E. Bahling. Originally, the ozoner was scheduled 

for construction two and a half miles 

west of town on the southwest corner of a 

farm owned by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Cooper, 

but the location was changed to the present, 

flatter 

site. 

Businessmen Buy Air Cooler 

THOMPSON, IOWA — Air conditioning 

equipment has been installed at the New 

Thompson Theatre here. Purchase of the 

equipment was made possible by the town's 

American Legion post and business men of 

the community. 

NEW ly.-\KNED, K.^S., THFATKE— Keplacing a structure which had been in u.>e 

about 30 years, the new State at Larned, Ka.s., recently was opened. Plans for the 

theatre were drawn by Robert Boiler and Dietz Lusk jr. Faced with buff brick and 

with a bulkhead of green Carara glass, the house has concrete floors throughout. Features 

include a cry room, a special drinking fountain for children and an electric film 

lift from the ground floor to the projection booth level. Owners are U. E. Burnett 

and H. L. Reed, and Burnett is manager. 

Minnesota Area Openings 

Set for 'Green Promise' 

NEW YORK— Robert Mochrie, RKO vicepresident 

and general sales manager, has set 

up a series of regional openings for Glenn 

McCarthy's "The Green Promise." with the 

Orpheum theatres in Minneapolis and St. 

Paul topping the list on June 1. 

Other situations booked in the area arc: 

Granada. Duluth; Beacon, Superior, day and 

date with Minneapolis and St. Paul. Others 

to follow in June and July will be: Bismarck, 

Bismarck; Paramount, St. Cloud; 

State. Eau Claire; Rivoli. La Crosse; Chateau, 

Rochester; Paramount, Austin; State, 

Mankato; Maco, 'Virginia; State, Hibbing; 

Plaza, Watertown; State, Winona; Paramount, 

Mitchell; Capitol, Aberdeen; Fargo, 

Fargo; Huron, Huron; State. Madison; State, 

Minot; Dakota. South Forks. 

Robert Herrell Manages 

Realart in Des Moines 

DES MOINES—Realart Pictures. Inc. has 

opened a branch office here at 620 Savings & 

Loan Bldg. Robert Herrell has been named 

exchange manager and Joe Foley is salesman. 

Helene Jacobs, former Universal branch manager's 

secretary, will be booker and secretary 

for the new exchange. Herrell has been office 

manager for Film Classics in Denver 

and Foley formerly was a salesman for King 

Enterprises here. 

Here's the Latest Crime 

Films Are Blamed For 

Omaha—Sooner or later the films will 

get blamed for everything. 

A .young woman, Gladys Reed, 21, of 

Alhambra, Calif., gave her husband's objection 

of her love of the movies as reason 

for leaving hitn there and holding 

up a cab driver here. The cabbie took a 

gun away from her and turned her over 

to 

police. 

Schary Aide Says TV 

Doesn't Worry Holly 

KANSAS CITY—While television eventually 

may affect attendance at motion picture 

theatres throughout the nation, Hollywood 

is not greatly worried by the present 

outlook, according to Mary E. Rechner. former 

local girl now an assistant to MGM 

Vice-Pi-esident Dore Schary, and here recently 

to visit her brother, Carl B. Rechner, 

head of a real estate fum. 

A graduate of Central High .school here and 

of Stephens college at Columbia, Mo., Miss 

Rechner began her career in Hollywood 13 

years ago as a secretary in the story department 

of the agency operated by the late 

Myron Selznick. Later .she became secretary 

to Selznick, and following his death in 1944 

she became secretary to his brother, David 

O. Selznick. Schary at that time was a producer 

at the Selznick studios. 

When Schary became affiliated with RKO 

in 1947, Miss Rechner accompanied him as 

his executive secretary. When Schary moved 

to MGM last year, and Miss Rechner went 

with him, and several weeks ago she was 

promoted to executive assistant. 

"People want to get away from their homes 

frequently, and they want their children to 

get away, too," Mi.ss Rechner said in discussing 

the future effect of television on theatre 

attendance. "Just what the outcome will be 

remains to be determined when video becomes 

national in scope. Many areas now are not 

serviced by a single television station." 

While the postwar decline in theatre attendance 

resulted in curtailed production at 

most Hollywood studios, and budgets on many 

films were cut sharply, boxoffice prospects 

appear to favor a normal level in the near 

future, according to Miss Rechner. 

"Some producers believe that films should 

be entertainment and nothing more," she 

said. "But Mr. Schary believes that films 

are as important as newspapers and radio 

as a means of education. He now is supervising 

production of 'Battleground.' " 


. . Jean 

. . Inez 

. . The 

. 

OMAHA 

prancis Cardinal Spellman was here for 

. 

dedication ceremonies for 34 buildings in 

the new high school section at Boys Town. 

Estimated cost of the building program was 

$10,000,000 . . Harold Beecroft, Eagle Lion 

district manager from Dallas, arrived here 

to go on with Manager Ed Cohen to the 

Theatre Owners of America gathering at 

Grand Island. 

. . 

Marion Kemp replaces Marilyn Franciso 

May Westerman, 

as Paramount biller . . . 

20th-Fox inspector, and Marian Sokey, contract 

clerk at the same office, are taking 

their 

MGM office 

vacations 

Mr. 

Coffee and cake at the 

. . . 

added to the birthday celebration 

for Ferd Reuter, 22, booker . 

and Mrs. Carl White celebrated their 31st 

wedding anniversary during the week. They 

own the Quality Theatre Supply Co. 

New autos put Tony Goodman. EL 

manager, and Mrs. Evelyn Cannon, 

. . 

office 

MGM 

office manager, in high spirits this week. 

Shirley Hudson is a new biller at RKO 

. . . Subby Salerno, named King of Creighton 

university last week, is a brother of Tiny 

Salerno, MGM assistant cashier . . . H. B. 

Johnson. U-I manager, is enjoying a visit 

from his daughter-in-law and granddaughter. 

H. B. Johnson jr., a lieutenant senior 

taking time out 

grade in the naval reserve, is 

for summer training out of Philadelphia. 

Mrs. Hattie Morrison, grandmother of Bill 

Nedley, MGM booker, died in Minneapolis. 

Services were to be here. She was the mother 

of Mrs. Carl Nedley, wife of the MGM Denver 

manager . Usher, who is a 

cashier at the RKO Brandeis Theatre, is 

vacationing. 

Murray Greenbaum, former Eagle Lion 

salesman here, and J. Winberg are planning 

a new booking agency here. It is to 

be called Quality Films . Miller, 

U-I inspector, is on vacation . Brandeis 

tied a page ad of merchant sponsors 

into promotion for "Enchantment." Omaha's 

leading department store also provided a 

display window. 

Among: visitors along Filmrow were: Joseph 

Chantry, York; M. E. Lee, Central States 

booker from Des Moines, Iowa; Frank Good, 

Red Oak, Iowa; Merrill Fie, George. Iowa; 

Jeanette Shoeneman, Wahoo; Ralph Martin. 

Moorhead, Iowa; R. V. Fletcher, Hartington; 

H. O. Qualsett, Tekamah; Oliver Schneider, 

Osceola, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. John Brandt. 

Scribner; John Fisher, Valley, and Mr. and 

Mrs. Francis Pace, Malvern, Iowa. 

There is some local speculation that the 

Brandeis soon may be featuring some vaudeville. 

Its basis is this: Jerry Shinbach, division 

manager, spent a week here. He had 

just arrived from Kansas City where the 

Mainstreet Theatre is being remodeled for 

vaudeville. He was in Des Moines and the 

Orpheum there is to receive similar treatment. 

. . . 

Elaine Mendelson, daughter of Warner 

salesman Leon Mendelson, has garnered 

more laurels at the University of Missouri. 

She is one of 26 elected to Kappa Epsilon 

Alpha, freshman honorary society, and she 

was named to the sophomore council . . 

. 

Elmer Swenson, Alta, Iowa, exhibitor who 

also drives a school bus, now is busy on another 

sideline—preparation of the ground for 

landscaping at the town's new hospital . . . 

The Ballantyne Co. is equipping Tri-States 

Theatres, new 400-seat drive-in at Norfolk 

Edward M. Serlin, Warners, was in town 

to handle publicity during the successful 

premiere appearance of studio stars . . . Dr. 

Lawrence Acker of the First Lutheran 

church is now at Culver City. Calif., on a 

third Lutheran film, "The Sickle and the 

Cross," starring Kent Taylor, a Waterloo, 

Iowa, boy. 

Airers Ask Earlier Films 

In Minneapolis Area 

MINNEAPOLIS—The start of a general 

move by drive-in operators to obtain earlier 

availability of pictures are being met with 

opposition from owners of conventional theatres 

here. 

For the drive-ins, Ralph Green, general 

manager of a chain owned by him and a 

group of Minneapolitans. has started the 

ball rolling by announcing that he will demand 

a 28-day clearance for his Rochester 

drive-in. Up to now. outdoor theatres have 

been playing oldies, reissues and very late 

runs for the most part. 

Ella Raines will play the top feminine role 

in RKO's "The Bail Bond Story." 

Decree Changes Minor 

For Minnesota Circuit 

MINNEAPOLIS—When September 2 rolls 

around, the Minnesota Amusement Co. will 

have to make only comparatively slight 

changes to conform to Paramount's consent 

decree. The big and prosperous theatre circuit 

will emerge little altered. 

Partnerships at La Crosse, Wis.; Fairmont, 

Minn., and Madison, S. D.. and a pool at 

Jamestown, N. D., must be ended. The circuit 

also will be limited to the operation of 

two first run theatres each in Rochester 

and Winona, Minn., where it now has four 

and three, respectively. 

One first run house must be relinquished, 

too, in each of nine towns—Minneapolis, St. 

Paul, Mankato and St. Cloud. Minn.; Fargo 

and Minot. N. D.. and Aberdeen, Huron and 

Watertown, S. D. The chain also must let 

loose of an unspecified run theatre each in 

Austin, MiJin.. and Eau Claire, Wis. 

First and second runs must be designated 

and pictui-es can't be moved over from the 

first to the second first run stand in Duluth, 

Grand Forks. N. D., and Sioux Falls 

and Mitchell, S. D. 

The government's purpose, of course, is to 

open the aforementioned towns to competition. 

Variety Club Nets $3,000 

At 'Bad Boy' Premiere 

OMAHA—More than $3,000 was netted for 

Variety Club charities with the staging of 

the "Bad Boy" premiere at the Orpheum. 

Bill Miskell, Tri-State Theatres district 

manager, pitched in to round up a stage 

show to help. Ceremonies were brief with 

Eddie Shafton explaining Variety Club's 

operation. Talent came from local night 

spots with Cliff Winehill acting as master 

of ceremonies and doing a monologue and 

songs. Walter Scott played the piano, Mel- 

O-Aires sang and the Junettes, a line of eight 

girls, did dance steps and songs. 

Omaha Parking Terminals 

Would Cost $2,600,000 

OMAHA—Downtown theatre owners as 

well as other businessmen are keenly interested 

in a $50,000 report on Omaha's traffic 

and parking prepared by George Barton 

of Chicago. 

It provides for off-street parking terminals 

offering space for an additional 2,400 autos 

and costing $2,600,000 by 1965. The city would 

obtain the land, private enterprise would 

construct and operate the parking facilities 

and users would pay for the service. 

Two Bars Up on Drive-Ins 

MINNEAPOLIS — Two suburbs have approved 

zoning codes which shut out the 

drive-ins. In a special election Minnetonka 

township, west of the city, imposed a ban. 

Previously the city council of St. Louis Park 

enacted a similar prohibition. 

OMAHA REPRESENT.\TIVES IN FRISCO—Omaha showfolk attending the 

annual Variety Clubs International convention are shown at the Movies ball held in 

the St. Francis hotel in San Francisco. Left to right, Meyer Stern, Mrs. Stern, Mrs. 

Walter Creal and Creal. 

13th 

Red Oak Ozoner Nearly Ready 

RED OAK, IOWA—Construction of a 300- 

car drive-in on Route 34 near here was to 

have been completed early this month, according 

to Ed Haal, formerly of Audubon. 

Iowa. Plans provide for a 50x50-foot screen 

and in-car speakers. 


DRIVE-IN BUILDING CONTINUES 

AT HIGH VOLUME IN MIDEAST 

Detroit Community Circuit 

Opens LlOO-Car Plant; 

Other Additions 

DETROIT—The rapid growth of drive-ins 

in this area was climaxed by the opening of 

the new Tow^n Drive-In by the Community 

circuit, headed by Charles Komer and Adolph 

and Irving Goldberg. Located on the west 

side at Telegraph and Chicago roads, the 

new ozoner holds 1,100 cars and is said to be 

the largest drive-in in this territory. 

It has such features as hard-surfaced 

roads, to eliminate dust, dirt and mud; a complete 

miniature railway and other rides for 

the entertainment of youngsters in a playground 

section, and is equipped with RCA 

in-car speakers. 

The new Town was equipped by Ernie 

Forbes Theatre Supply with RCA sound and 

projection equipment and Peerless Magnarc 

lamps. An 80-foot screen tower was constructed 

by the Maley Construction Co. in 

Wayne. Tlie new drive-in was designed by 

Charles Komer working in conjunction with 

Ted Rogvoy. well known theatrical architect. 

Komer also was general contractor. Fred 

Pellerito. former manager of various houses 

for the United Detroit circuit, is manager 

of the new drive-in. 

Parkside Drive-In Opens in Toledo 

TOLEDO— Newe.st drive-in in the area is 

the 610-car Parkside. located on Navarre 

avenue opposite Pearson park in East Toledo. 

Jim Dempsey is the manager. 

The drive-in was completely equipped by 

Theatre Equipment Co. and features in-a-car 

speakers made by that firm. Century projection 

equipment. Strong lamps and a new design 

in the screen tower, open at the bottom. 

The tilted screen was built by the Selby 

Engineering Co. in Cleveland. A 100-foot 

moonlight pole at the rear provides illumination 

and a 30-foot refre.shment stand has 

been in.stalled. Ballantyne ramp lights are 

also a feature of the drive-in. The theatre 

cost approximately $125,000, 

Woodville Road Drive-In Begun 

TOLEDO—Construction of a 550-car drivein 

on Woodville road, 4':; miles east of Toledo, 

has begun. G. F. Pavlica will manage 

the theatre which is owned by a group of 

East Toledo businessmen. Site is on the east 

side of Woodville road, adjoining the El 

Rancho ballroom. The 12-acre tract was purchased 

from Edward Wandtke. 

J. Dietz & Co. are general contractors for 

the project. The new drive-in will be called 

the Woodville Road Drive-In and will be 

ready for operation this season. Facilities 

will include in-a-car speakers. 

Memorial Day Opening Planned 

PITTSBURGH—The Maple Drive-In. now 

rescheduled for opening around Memorial 

day, will play quality product. Located on 

Route 30, ten miles east of Wilkinsburg, road 

advertising employs a maple tree and signs 

reading "Look for the sign of the Maple 

AT VARIETY CONVENTION— Snapped at the Movie ball, one of the highlights of 

the 13th annual convention of Variety International at San ITancisco, were, left to 

right: Marc Wolf, doughguy, his wife, Mrs. Allan Moritz, Cincinnati, and Moritz. 

tree." A 50x40-foot patio erected in front 

of the giant steel screen tower will be used 

for free dancing before the first evening show 

and during intermission. There is a 700- 

foot approach to the boxoffice off the highway 

and a four-lane entrance, plus a wide 

rear exit. Two convenient .snack bars have 

been constructed and 1,100 in-a-car Motiograph 

speakers are being installed. 

Ahead on Pittsburgh Ozoner 

PITTSBURGH—Construction is progressing 

rapidly on the new drive-in theatre at 

Silver Lake on Washington boulevard. Gabe 

Rubin. Harry Rubin, Joseph A. Shenken and 

David M, Kaufman are the owners. Several 

of these investors were former owners of the 

A-B-C Drive-In at Baden. The new enterprise 

will have a 500-car capacity. 

Grafton House to Open Soon 

GRAFTON, W. VA.—Michael Manos, circuit 

exhibitor, is hurrying completion of the 

all-new Manos Theatre here, now in the final 

stages. A grand opening will be announced 

soon. From all indication the new Manos 

will open within a month. Gus Gianakos, 

now assisting Bert Detwiler at Ellwood City, 

will be manager of the theatre. A nephew 

of Mrs. Michael Manos, Gianakos, formerly 

was associated in exhibition with John 

Notopoulos at Ambridge, Pa. 

500-Car Drive-In at Corapolis, Pa. 

CORAPOLIS, PA.—The Kenmawr Amusement 

Co. w-ill open a 500-car capacity drive-in 

on Route 51 between Corapolis and McKees 

Rocks featui-ing RCA in-car speakers and 

RCA equipment furnished by the Alexander 

Theatre Supply. A 15-acre tract is being used 

for the open air project. Kenmawr officers 

are A, R. McKee. president: Guy Fusco, vicepresident; 

Paul G. Trunick, trea.surer, and 

Andrew Glinka, secretary. Trunick is coowner 

of the Penn-Lincoln Drive-In Theatre 

at Imperial near the junction of Routes 22 

and 30, with Arthur E. Klixbull. The latter 

is not known to be associated with the new 

outdoor theatre company. 

Welcome Theatre Owners 

CONNEAUT LAKE, PA.—F. E. Hasley and 

Sam Yakish, Pittsburgh area exhibitors who 

are opening the new Lakeside Drive-In here 

within a few weeks, were honored by the 

chamber of commerce at a dinner at Metzler's 

on the Meadville-Conneaut Lake road. 

The East Pittsburgh and Coverdale theatre 

owners were welcomed officially by the business 

a.ssociation and were extended best 

wishes for the success of their outdoor theatre 

enterprises. 

Drive-In to Open at Caledonia 

CALEDONIA PARK, PA.—To be opened 

here within two weeks on Route 30 is a 450- 

car drive-in, owned by Huntingdon business 

men who have formed the Caledonia Amusement 

Corp. The concrete block screen tower 

is nearing completion in the amu.sement park 

area next to the government reforestration 

reservation. The screen tower is on a hillside 

and will have a 50-foot picture. In 

keeping with the woodside, the owners are 

building a stockade fence. Driving di.stance 

is 12 miles from Chambersburg and an equal 

dozen miles from Gettysburg. Harry C. Bondurant, 

well-known theatre manager of Alabama 

and western Pennsylvania, is manager 

of the new theatre. Bondurant formerly was 

associated with the Manos circuit. 

New Ozoner at Erie 

ERIE, PA,—Construction of the new 650- 

seat theatre at 26th and East street here 

for Bill and Joe Zeny is progressing satisfactorily 

with the brothers themselves doing 

most of the work. They operate the Avenue 

Theatre here with Bill serving as manager 

and Joe as projectionist. Opening of the 

new theatre is expected on or before Labor 

day. 

BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949 ME 

79

Renovated Ellwood City, Pa., Manos 

Features Mahogany Trim in Lobby 

ELLWOOD CITY, PA.—Michael Manos was 

feted by civic officials and the Chamber of 

Commerce on the recent grand reopening of 

the newly renovated Manos Theatre here. 

The business association made a special 

LOU PADOLF— Manager, Virginia 

Theatre, Parkersburg, W. Va. 

writes: 

"For the past 10 years I 

have been using RCA Service. 

I feel it is one of the 

best investments I have 

made for this theatre." 





Adv. 

award to the circuit head, presenting him 

with a bronze plaque for "courage, leadership 

and his faith in the community." 

Albert C. Detwiler, Manos manager, introduced 

the leading citizens and other Manos 

executives. Representatives of the city government 

and the motion picture industry 

participated in a street parade before the 

opening. The Monaca Cornet band and a 

color guard from the local American Legion 

post led the procession. 

A reception at the Ellton hotel, across the 

street from the Manos, followed the opening 

ceremonies. 

The renovation of the Manos cost more 

than $70,000 and was completed in one month. 

The theatre has Herculite glass doors leading 

to a modern and beautiful mahogany lobby 

and blending with an elaborate confection 

shop at the right. A cove ceiling with indirect 

lighting in the lobby plays up the 

mahogany paneling. 

New restrooms are located on the main 

floor, as is the manager's office, and a florist 

shop, formerly located in the section now 

occupied by the concession stand, is at the 

left front of the building. 

In the auditorium, a new concrete floor and 

Ideal slide-back chairs have been installed. 

Bold colors are featured in the decorations 

of the auditorium, but in the mezzanine 

lounge, where television is exhibited, .soft, 

vibrant shades are used to pick up the colors 

of the Chinese modern fui-niture. 

Press and radio both cooperated with the 

opening of the Manos. WBVP, Beaver Falls 

station, broadcast the opening events, concentrating 

on interviews and patron reaction. 

BOOKED SOLID BY ALL MAJOR CIRCUITS 

WARNERS — LOEWS — SCHINE and PARAMOUNT 

ENGLISH 

DIALOGUE 

Exclusive Distributors 

For Ohio and Kentucky 

Phone Of Write 

REALART PICTURES OF CLEVELAND 

Film Bldg., 2108 Payne Ave. 

Cleveland, OHio 

Phone Superior 5700-5701 

The Ellwood City Ledger featured the reopening 

and a wide-area outdoor poster campaign 

was used to further publicize the event. 

Among industry members present at the 

opening were David Silverman, Paul Reith, 

Jack Lange, Alan Wieder, all of RKO: P. D. 

"Dinty" Moore and Paul Krumenacker, WB; 

Mr. and Mrs. A. Harry Passarell, Paramount: 

E, S. Thorpe, Orlando Boyle, 20th-Fox: 

Francis Guehl, Peter Quiter. Jimmy Ley, 

Jimmy Coyne. U-I; I. T. Sweeney, Bill Nesbitt. 

Republic; Mr. and Mrs. James Hendel, 

EL; Eddie Moriarty, Max Shabason, MOM; 

Milton Brauman, SO; Jim Alexander, Sam 

Fineberg, Alexander Theatre Supply; Alex 

Showe, Theatre Candy Co.; Victor A. Rigaumont, 

architect; Mr. and Mrs. Edgar E. 

Shaffer, Slippery Rock; Speer Marousis, New 

Castle; Bob Leiber, Braddock; John Wilson. 

Koppel; A. W. McCormick, Beaver, Andy 

Biordi. Ellwood City, and Bob Klingensmith, 

BOXOFFICE. 

Manos representatives in attendance included 

Mike, Louis, Jack and Ted Manos, 

Bernard Buchheit, George Purcell, H. G. 

Pattison, V. L. Wadkins, Gus Gianakos and 

A. C. Detwiler. 

Detroit Censors Cut 400 

Feet From April Films 

DETROIT—Wth a slump of about 18 per 

cent in the amount of motion picture film 

screened for review by the Detroit police censors, 

cuts jumped from zero to 400 feet for 

the month of April. This was the first actual 

cutting so far this year, breaking an unusual 

three-month record. Footage reviewed totaled 

410.000, a drop from 495,000 in March. 

Armenian films appeared on the schedule 

for the first time this year, accounting for 

7.000 feet, whUe footage of other foreign pictures 

screened were: Mexican, 9,000; Italian, 

9,000, and Arabian, 24,000. The old prewar 

standbys of Spanish. French and German 

films were totally missing for the month. 

The report was compiled by Lieut. Howard 

Stewart, in charge of police censorship. 

Youngstown, Ohio, Votes 

Compulsory Parking Act 

YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO—The city council 

has enacted an amendment to the zoning 

law to require that new construction of certain 

buildings provide adequate off-street 

parking facilities. Theatrical entertainment 

establishments, including film houses, will require 

one parking space for each ten seats. 

Outdoor Opera House Okayed 

PITTSBURGH—The city of Pittsburgh has 

approved an ordinance authorizing an agreement 

with the Edgar J. Kaufmann Charitable 

Trust and two other groups for construction 

of an outdoor theatre for summer opera. 

The project is made possible by the trust's 

$500,000 gift offer, which the city will match. 

Under the plan, the city acquires title to 

the theatre when completed. It will be maintained 

by the Civic Light Opera Ass'n of 

Greater Pittsburgh. 

Municipal Stadium for Canton 

CANTON, OHIO—The city council is expected 

to give final approval this week to 

plans for a new million-dollar municipal stadium, 

to house facilities for boxing, basketball, 

hockey and stage performances. The 

arena-type hall will seat 6.000 persons. A 

parking lot for 400 cars will adjoin the 

building. Construction is expected to start 

this 

year. 


f 

Vast Video Future 

Seen by FCC Chief 

COLUMBUS—Removal of four present bottlenecks 

will speed television's growth so 

that within five years it will be the dominant 

broadcasting medium, said Wayne Coy, chairman 

of the Federal Communications commission, 

before a meeting of the 19th annual 

Institute for Education by Radio of Ohio 

State university here. 

Coy listed these as bottlenecks: FCC's 

freeze on new station permits, limitation of 

present 12 video channels, scarcity of new 

network facilities and the huge cost of station 

construction and operation. Coy also 

said that in his belief AM broadcasting 

within five years, although impreved and 

extended, will "be attracting less of the 

advertisers' dollars and less of the listeners' 

attention." 

Coy added that FM radio will continue to 

grow as the best kind of radio service available. 

Mortimer 'W. Loewi, director of the DuMont 

television network, i-aid that TV is the greatest 

instrument for mass dissemination of 

knowledge since the Gutenberg invention of 

movable type. "It we continue to think of 

television in the narrow confines of an entertainment 

medium, we do a grave injustice 

not only to our industry but to the 

viewers as well," Loewi said. 

National, Midwest Meet 

In Cincinnati Finals 

and tuck 

CINCINNATI—After playing nip 

all season. National Theatre Supply and 

Midwest Theatre Supply entered the final 

week of the Cincinnati Theatrical Bowling 

league with but one game separating them. 

Team standings are: 

Won Lost 

National Theatre Supply 92 10 

Midwest Theatre Supply 31 11 

Bond Theatre 64 38 

Gayety Theatre 62 40 

Tamily Theatre 57 45 

Times Theatre 54 48 

Kentucky Theatre 49 53 

Westwood Theatre 48 54 

Clovernoolc Theatre 42 SO 

Strand Theatre 40 62 

Grand Theatre 37 65 

Forest Theatre 37 65 

Keiths Theatre 34 68 

Idle Hour Theatre 7 95 

This week's 200s: W. Hall, 224: W. Biederman, 

208: W. Patton, 202; Vf. Lynn, 200. 

Drive-In Hamburger Shop 

Features Films on Roof 

DECATUR, ILL.—A new departiore in outdoor 

motion pictures is the opening here of 

the Movie-'n-Dine at the intersection of 

Routes 51 and 48 north of the city. The new 

structure is principally a drive-in hamburger 

shop but shows 16mm films on top of the 

restaurant building. 

'Supernatural' Author Dies 

TOLEDO—Mrs. Margaret Sallume. 75, who 

became an author at 16, died here. She wrote 

under the name of Margaret Heather, and 

had two stories accepted for motion picture 

material by Universal. One was "Greater 

Love," produced in 1921. 

Mrs. Sallume claimed a supernatural power 

colored her writing. She said she was an 

instrument of some unseen intellect which 

used her mind and hand as a means of expression. 

HOLIDAY AT YAC'HTl.\(i—Pictured above are industry men who gathered on 

the yacht Miss Kentucky II for a weekend on Kentucky Lake near Paducah. Sho^vn 

in the photo are Harold VVirthwein. Paramount division manager from Los Angeles; 

Gov. Earl C. Clements of Kentucky; Duke Clark, Paramount division manager from 

Dallas; Henry Ward, Kentucky commisioner of state parks, and Leo F. Kciler, Columbia 

.Amusement Co., Paducah, host. Others in the group, not pictured, included Harry 

Haas, Paramount St. Louis manager; Bernie Palmer, circuit film buyer, and Jack 

Keller, circuit assistant general manager. 

Pittsburgh Pin League 

Ends Year With Dinner 

PITTSBURGH — The F i 1 m r o w Bowling 

league here closed another season with an 

annual banquet May 7 in the Rose room of 

the Fort Pitt hotel. The final team standings: 

Team Won Lost 

Joe Hanna 57 27 

George Curtz 55 29 

Wahneta Gardner 44 40 

Harry Witmer 44 40 

Cele Stumph 42 42 

lay Angel 42 42 

Pete Quiter 41 43 

Bill Brooks 38 48 

Walter McCloskey 34 50 

lack Lange 24 60 

High average: Men—Pete Quiter. 142.6: 

women—Wahneta Gardner, 112.2. High individual—1 

game: men, Pete Quiter, 213: 

women, Leanora Whetstine, 176; 3 games: 

men, Pete Quiter, 523: women, Grace Benitz, 

421. High team— 1 game: Wahneta Gardner, 

689; 3 games: Wahneta Gardner, 1.827. 

Thompson Is High Scorer 

In Nightingale League 

DETROIT—Roy Thompson was the leading 

.scorer for the season in the Nightingale 

Bowling league. The final standings for the 

year were as follows: 

Roy Thompson 180 Fred Sutlerlield 152 

jack Colwell 178 Nick Forest 151 

Joseph Michel 177 Cecil Cox 151 

Ralph Haskin 176 frank Scheuer 148 

Gilbert Light 171 Carl Bewersdorf 14V 

Carl Reals 171 Eugene Bass 147 

Matt Haskin 170 Edward Nielsen 147 

William Fouchey 169 Romulus Albu 145 

John Lindenthal 168 Walter Romsy 146 

Francis Light 168 Jack Yellich 144 

Paul Green 168 George Haskin 141 

Edward WaddeiJ 166 F. Arendell 14U 

Floyd H. Akins 164 Michael Badarak 139 

Carl Larsen 162 Harold Welch 138 

Welber Haartge 161 Raymond Gagnon 138 

Edgar DouviUe 160 Charles MacFarlane ..13? 

Irvin Nitz 160 Carl Bacon 137 

Maurice Beers 160 Melvin Donlon 136 

Roy Light 159 Earl Woodling 134 

Percy Huebner 154 Gilbert Lubin 126 

Edward Cross 153 Charles Ross -....121 

John Goossen ..._ 153 William Gagnon ........121 

Robert Andrews 152 John Lasko 118 

Ginger Rogers for Title Role 

Ginger Rogers has been signed for the title 

role in U-I film, 'The Story of Molly X." 

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POPCORN BAGS, i/z-lb $1.02 Per M—50M Prepaid 

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BOXOFFICE :: May 14. 1949 81


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. . Al 

. . Thomas 

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. . . Josephine 

. . Extensive 

. . Carl 

. . Mr. 

DETROIT 

lyraxwell M. Chetkin, former exhibitor here, 

. 

. 

. 

is planning to get back into theatre 

business Clarry, former cirxuit 

executive, is dividing his time between booth 

work in various houses and buying for Kaiser- 

Frazer Beierlein is the new assistant 

at the Mayfair, with Mike Kareha 

taking over the managerial responsbility . . . 

Danny Drozan, formerly at the Roxy. replaced 

Howard Piadette as manager of the 

Rio Frederick remains in his longtime 

post as manager of the Emsee in Mount 

Clemens under the new ownership of the 

Cohen circuit. 

Alex Schreiber has returned from a vaca- 

DELUXE 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

* BRENKERT PROJECTORS 

* RCA SOUND SYSTEMS 

* RCA RECTIFIERS 

RCA SOUND SCREENS 

* BRENKERT LAMPS 


MOHAWK CARPET 

HORSTMAN MARQUEES 

ADLER LETTERS 

CENTURY GENERATORS 

KOLDRINK BARS 

STAR POPCORN MACHINES 

NEUMADE PRODUCTS 

COINOMETER CHANGERS 

STAGE EQUIPMENT 

. 

. . . 

tion in Hawaii remodeling is 

Grant Hawkins, 

under way at the Irving . . . 

Irving manager who had a heart attack 

several months ago, is about ready to return 

to work . . . Eddie Weisfeldt of Associated 

has two ambitions—to break 90 in golf and 

Community 

to become a grandfather 

Theatres soon will open the new Town Drivein 

Dahrel Crum is covering Ohio territory 

.. . for United Film Service, working out of 

Liberty Center. 

Arnold Wisper reports the installation of 

three ten-ton Typhoon units by Maksym Refrigeration 

Engineers in the Carlton for Jack 

Krass . . . David Farlow has moved from the 

Garden to manage the Majestic for Ray 

Schreiber, replacing James A. Jeffress, who 

has gone to Bay City. Mrs. Marie Jeffress, 

formerly at the Garden, has rejoined the 

Emanuel Harris and 

Associated circuit . . . 

Saul Plast of the Tuller are the two newest 

members of Variety, sponsored respectively 

by Harry Gilbert and Leonard Cromwell, and 

Jack Zide and Gilbert. 

Gertrude Applebaum, secretary to Monogram's 

branch manager, is back from a 

month in Los Angeles with many snapshots 

. . . Bill Hurlbut retm-ned from another 

Sidney Bowman, United 

business trip . . . 

Artists manager, rates the palm for persistence. 

He has been bowling for 15 years, 

while the UA team has rolled for 17 in the 

Film Bowling league—and they finally won 

the title . . . Frank J. Downey, MGM manager, 

made a one-day trip to the home office 

for a conference . Dross has 

taken over the Detroit Popcorn Co. following 

the death of the former owner. 

Irving Belinsky, circuiteer, was authorized 

by the city council to replace the front on 

the Romeo . . . Gene Morgan, manager at 

the Times Square, is taking Thursday as 

George L. McBath continues 

his day off . . . 

his missionary efforts down at the Times 

Square now . . . Albert Krimm, projectionist 

at the Grant, holds the Filmrow record 

for commuting—he has moved to Ann Arbor 

Kostyn, cashier at Eagle 

Lion, is readying her hope chest for an 

August wedding to Don Raths. 

. 

Vincent Pope, manager of the Circle in 

Dearborn, is doubling between getting his 

spring cleaning done and plugging hard for 

the cancer fund collection and Mrs. 

Romulus Albu at the Clairwood were hosts 

to the Akins, Douville and Eigenmann families 

... Gil Light, Nightingale prexy, was 

busy preparing for the big annual midnight 

party on Tuesday . . . John Gentile of Paramount 

disclosed that Dan Duryea will be 

here May 19 for the special opening of 

"Manhandled" at the Palms-State. 

Second Ruling Issued 

In Grand Blanc Case 

DETROIT—Application of the award given 

by arbitrator David A. Wolff in the case 

brought by the Center Theatre of Grand 

Blanc last January 30 has been implemented 

by the unusual procedure of a clarifying 

order. Parties to the case had come to the 

conclusion that one of its principal factors, 

"first run availability date," was something 

they could not agree on. 

Various suggestions defining it had been 

advanced ranging from "national release 

date" to whenever the local first run houses 

in the territory decided to play a picture. 

The situation remained unsatisfactory, particularly 

after the slashing of clearances as 

much as 50 per cent between first and second 

runs, and additional argument was 

heard on the question. 

While not touching the original award nor 

changing the relative clearances between the 

various runs and houses, the arbitrator determined 

that first run availability date is 

defined as "first run play day, when within 

a 60-day period following the first playdate 

in the exchange area." Wolff ruled that if 

a picture is not played by a first run theatre 

within that period, then the availability 

shall be defined as the "day following 

the last day of the 60-day period aforesaid." 

EQUIPMENT 

MeARTHUR THEATRE 

COMPANY 

454 COLUMBIA ST, WEST - DETROIT I. MiCH. 

IDEAL SLIDE BACK CHAIRS 

Phone: CAdillac 5524 

HtOHWW 

OUTSTANDING 

s\chco. 

CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ENOINEERINC 

Theatrp Sign and Marquee Maintenance 

/^^^ Our Specialty 

^ 

\kJfTorstman ^ Co. 

WOodard 5-4C50 

. 2821 Brooklyn 

POntiac 3-4473 

Detroit 1. Mich. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRES OUR 

SPECIALTY 

ERNIE FORBES 

THEATRE SUPPLY 

Film Bldg., Detroit 1, Mich. 

84 

Days 

WO 1-1122 

WO 1-1123 

Nights 

VE 7-1227 

. 

. . . Harry N. Smith, veteran 

Ed Long has been elected a director 

James 

of 

the National Electric Sign Ass'n 

H. Ross of the Dearborn 

. 

Drive-In 

. 

is making 

plans to erect another ozoner in Warren 

township 

projectionist at the Hollywood, is leaving for 

Alpena, where he plans to spend most of the 

summer Paula Drew, Detroit screen 

actress, 

. . 

was 

. 

married May 4 to Dr. Ira M. 

Altshuler, psychiatrist at Bowling Green, 

Ohio. 

Joan Fontaine for Topline 

Joan Fontaine has been ticketed for the 

topline in RKO's "Bed of Roses." 

Your Heywood - Wakelield 

Seating Representative. 

14021 Greenview Rd. 

Detroit 23, Mich. 

Phone: VErmont 7-3165 

FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS 

The Showmen 's Drug Store 

Drugs * Cosmetics • PrescriptionB 

Personal Service Irom Twro Showmen 

MAX BERNBAUM lACK GALLAGHER 

Pharmacist 

Manager 

Phone CLiilord 1527, CLiflord 3694 


R 

. . 

'Dream' Registers 150 

In Cincinnati Palace 

CINCINNATI—"My Dream Is Yours." playing 

at the Palace, registered 150 per cent 

COLUMBUS 

Freshman May carnival at 

Washington . . . 

Ohio State w'as opened officially with the arrival 

of contestants in a three-mile "Barkleys 

of Broadway" dance race which started 

from Loew's Ohio, where the student race entrants 

were guests of Manager Walter Kessler 

to see Astaire and Rogers do the swing 

trot. 

TRY 

AND 

SEE! 

FOR POPCORN PROFITS 

FILNUVCK 

SPECIAL 

TRWURS 

.,}27S.Wobo«W 

Chicago- 

New York-619W. 54th5t. 

Atfenlion, Mr. Exhibitor 

BUYERS WAITING! 

Wo Can Sell Your Theatre if the Deal is Right 

Lcrrge or Small Houses—Ône Theatre or a Circuit. 

CONTINENTAL REALTY CO. 

1535 Dime Bank BIdg., Detroit 26. Mich. 

Phone woodward 1-7834 

USED THEATRE SEATS 

Thousands — Completely Reconditioned 

All Typos — From J4.75 Up 

(OtherB irom 11.50 Up) 

Write (or Prices and Photographs 

Immediate Delivery — Anywhere in U. S. 

Delivery in Good Condition Guaranteed 

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211 Moss Avenue Detroit 3, Mich* 

Phone TOwnsend B-7227 

. . . . Hitch Your Future to a STAR! 

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* Produce large quantities of high quality popcorn. 

* Attractive appearance. 

* Eye-catching interest produces sales. 

* Durably constructed of monel metal and solid stainless steel. 

* Simplicity of operation. 

* 6 Models to choose from. 

RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY 

106 Michigan St., N. W., Grand Rapids 2, Mich. 

Telephone GLendale 4-8852 Nights and Sundays 3-2413 

24-Hour Projection and Sound Service. 

BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949 

85

. . Chris 

C I N C I N N ATI 

lêmbers of the local Variety Club have been 

sent tickets for the annual spring supper 

dance and midnight frolic to be held Satiu'- 

day, June 4, at the Pavilion Caprice, Netherland 

Plaza hotel. Plans assure everyone of 

a gala evening, and proceeds will go to the 

Children's Foundling home. Reservations will 

be limited and it has been requested that 

commitments be made by May 25 . . . Jack 

Skirball, producer, Los Angeles, and a former 

graduate of HUC here, was married recently 

to Audrey Marx of Beverly Hills, Calif. 

Kentucky exhibitors are not happy over 

prospects of another coal strike, which seems 

imminent, as it results in a big curtailment of 

theatre grosses. Many West Virginia coal 

mining towns will be affected and Bluefield, 

W. Va., has been chosen by John L. Lewis as 

the town where meetings will be held by 

. . Or- 

union officials and mine operators . 

ville Wood, who operates the Dover and Majestic 

theatres, Camden, was married recently 

to Mary Crafton of Camden. 

RKO theatre officials in Dayton are enjoying 

midseason vacations. Mr. and Mrs. 

Bob Gilbert motored to North Carolina for 

a week and Goode Sable, division manager, 

left for a week's trip on Gilbert's return 

Robert Mochrie, vice-president of 

. . . 

RKO, and 

Morris Lefko, eastern central district manager, 

were in Columbus recently. They visited 

members of the Ohio censor board. 

Stanley C. Jacques, manager at RKO, and 

. . . George 

Mrs. Jacques are motoring to Florida and 

other points south for a vacation ... In the 

next to last week of the RKO Depinet drive, 

Cincinnati was in thii-d place. The dri'ife 

Kenneth Blake, student 

ended May 5 . . . 

booker at RKO, resigned and has been replaced 

by Richard Singerman 

Brown, who operates the Luna. Byesville, 

is building a drive-in there. 

. . 

Three RKO employes are sporting new automobiles. 

Bob Coleman, booker, and Paul 

Fagaley, shipper, each have new Chevrolets, 

and Lee Heidingsfeld, Dayton salesman, has 

a new Pontiac . Mrs. Allan Moritz accompanied 

her husband to San Francisco for the 

Variety Club convention. Moritz is chief 

barker here and a delegate. 

. . . Al Shane, 

. . . Marty 

Si Fabian, prominent eastern exhibitor, will 

be guest speaker at the Jewish Welfare fund, 

motion picture division dinner to be held at 

the Netherland Plaza hotel Monday il6i at 

6:30 p. m. William Bein and Maurice White 

new 

are local co-chairmen 

United Artists Columbus salesman, is driving 

a new company-owned Ford 

Warshauer, West Vu'ginia salesman for Eagle 

Lion, will take the marriage vows the middle 

of Jime, with a young lady from New York 

City, where the wedding will be held. 

Fred Myers, Dayton salesman for Paramount, 

is on the sick list in Buffalo, where 

he underwent a series of minor operations. 

His condition is improving, and Myers expects 

to be back on the job soon ... J. J. 

Grady, Paramount manager, his sales staff, 

head booker and office manager plan to attend 

a divisional meeting in Pittsburgh May 

14-16. 

Early Filmrow vacationers include Thelma 

Gratsch, booking stenographer. Paramount: 

Russ Weiler, booker, 20th-Fox, who plans a 

motor trip to California and other points 

west, and Mary Lou Miller, inspector, 20th- 

Fox . . . Katherine Mersch, head contract 

clerk at MGM. announced her engagement 

to Roger Maughey. A definite date for the 

wedding has not been set. 

. . . 

MGM has a new employe in the contract 

department, Yvonne Halin The girls of 

U-I are making preparations for bridal showers 

for two of their co-workers—Mary Mc- 

Gurn. booking clerk, will be married September 

3 to Dick Breslin, booker. Eagle Lion, 

and Naomi Wagner, office manager's secretary, 

will be married August 20. 

Bob Harrell of the Avalon Theatre, Cleves, 

Ohio, has returned home from a winter sojourn 

in Florida and is busily engaged in operation 

of his theatre and planting and 

growing popcorn . . . The 20th-Fox inspection 

department will enjoy air conditioning. The 

system is being augmented with an additional 

unit to permit directing of ah' into the inspection 

room. It was recently mentioned in 

this column that 20th-Fox officials Andy 

Smith, Al Lichtman and others, held a division 

meeting in Detroit for managers and 

salesmen. At the last minute the meeting 

place was changed to Washington, where 

Manager Joe Rosen and his sales staff attended 

the meeting. 

While attending the meeting. Manager Joe 

Rosen was called to Bethel, Conn., due o 

the death of his mother. The funeral was 

held in Bethel, where Mrs. Rosen lived with 

a daughter . . . Jack Steadman, who recently 

opened the new Starlite Drive-In, Marietta, 

Ohio, has disposed of his Stockport Theatre 

at Stockport to M. S. Porter of Nelsonville. 

Ohio. The Shea circuit has made several 

changes in theatre managers in Ohio. John 

Woodward, formerly of Zanesville, now is 

managing theatres in northern Ohio and 

serviced out of Cleveland. Joe Scanlon, formerly 

of Marietta, is taking Woodward's 

place at Zanesville, and Duward Duty replaced 

Scanlon as manager of the Hippodrome, 

Ohio, and Putnam theatres, Marietta. 

. 

Ben Cohen, former manager of the Strand 

Theatre here and recently connected with 

Telenews theatres, Cleveland, has returned 

here to manage the new drive-in on Reading 

road and Tennessee avenue, which will be 

opened shortly by Rube Shor and associates 

Marie Donaldson, cashier at Screen 

. 

Guild, spent a weekend in Detroit and spent 

Mothers' day weekend in Nashville, Tenn. 

Margaret Woodruff, booker for Screen 

Guild, spent the weekend in Bellefontaine, 

visiting her family. Margaret's son, who will 

graduate from Hughes High school in June, 

suffered a broken hand when wrestling recently 

... Ed Salzberg, district manager for 

Screen Guild, was in Kansas City on business 

and to visit his sister there. 

Visitors on the Row included Charles Scott, 

Vevay, Ind.: Jack Needham. Columbus; Mannie 

Marcus, Indianapolis: Joe Lee, Dayton; 

Gene Custer, Charleston, W. Va.; Donald 

Keesling and Goode Homes, Bramwell, W. 

Va., and John Micu, Ohio Theatre, Celina, 

Ohio. 

Al and Bill Thalheimer of the C&M Theatrical 

Corp., Logan, W. Va., and Manager 

Bill Garner spent several days in New York. 

Projectionists Ass'n 

Formed in Toledo 

TOLEDO—The new independent imion of 

motion pictui-e projectionists recently organized 

here plans to begin negotiations with 

theatre owners and managers soon. Treasurer 

and business agent of the new union 

is Fi-ank J. Vanden Eynden, who recently 

won a decision in the common pleas court 

against the lATSE Local 228, allowing him 

to continue as projectionist at the Strand 

Theatre. He sued the union, claiming he 

was barred from his work and was not made 

a union member. 

Vanden Eynden said at least 15 projectionists 

have agreed to join the new organization. 

Sam Seligman, local operator who 

won an Ohio supreme court decision in 1948 

against Local 228, is president of the new 

Toledo Projectionists Ass'n. Other officers 

are A. M. Bowyer, vice-president and Chris 

Spanoudia, secretary. 

Business manager Vanden Eynden said the 

officers have discussed prospects of contracts 

with local theatre owners and managers. He 

said most existing contracts between Local 

228 and local theatres expire September 1. 

Projectionists Ass'n is not affiliated with any 

international organization, but its members 

will consider such affiliation, the officers 

have said. 

SPRINGFIELD 

fJarry ElUot, manager of the Ohio, took first 

place in the April chapter of the Regent-State 

Corp. Manager of the Month 

contest. Elliot came through with the "best 

business" award John Huffman, manager of 

the Regent, took "best exploitation" money, 

whUe William LaSance, manager of the Fairbanks, 

won the award for the cleanest theatre 

and the best personnel. Tlie "best business" 

award is determined by the gross receipts 

for the month over the same period 

the year before. 

. . Phil Chakeres, president 

For "Little Women," John Huffman, Regent, 

distributed 3,000 bookmarkers upon 

which were printed the words "Little Women—at 

the Regent" in the Warder public 

library and the Wittenberg College library 

William Massie, assistant at the Regent, 

was ill a few days . 

of Chakeres Theatres, is back in his 

office after spending several months in 

Florida Chakeres, manager of the 

. 

State in Washington Court House, was released 

from Springfield City hospital where 

he spent more than a week recuperating 

from a pedestrian-automobile accident. A 

car struck him recently as he was crossing 

the street in front of his theatre. He sustained 

a fractured leg. His wife also was 

released from City hospital where she was 

confined with a throat ailment. 

Irving Sochin of Cincinnati, U-I manager 

was a visitor . . . The Majestic is conducting 

a big publicity campaign for the 

showing of "Paisan," the Italian film, starting 

May 20. Manager Woodrow Owens already 

has constructed a large lobby and 

foyer display on the film . . . Al Glaubinger 

of Cincinnati, EL manager, conferred with 

Michael Chakeres to talk over film deals. 

86 


. . Nat 

. . W. 

. . Caravan 

Continue Litigation 

On Meadville Estate 

MEADVILLE. PA.—Who may purchase an 

estate property adjoining the Academy Theatre 

here may be decided soon. Dr. Harry C. 

Winslow. who heads the Park Theatre Corp., 

and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Shadley of the 

Academy both seek the right to buy the property. 

Latest development In the lengthy litigation 

was a ruling by Judge Herbert A. Mock discharging 

a motion to strike off the right 

of the Shadleys to intervene in the case as 

interested parties. The property involved is 

part of the estate of Maiy Martha Thompson 

and has been the subject of litigation for a 

number of years. 

Dr. Winslow, meanwhile, filed a petition 

regarding an agreement he had with the late 

Mrs. Thompson, in which he presented an 

option calling for the property to be sold to 

him for $30,600. The Shadleys then filed a 

petition to intervene, saying that they had 

entered into an agreement with the executrices 

of the estate to buy the property for 

$38,000. The executrices claim the option of 

Dr. Winslow is null and void. 

Either or both sides may appeal Judge 

Mook's rulings or the case may come to trial 

in orphans court some time this year. 

'Every Spring' to Premiere 

In Ann Arbor, May 12 

ANN ARBOR, MICH.—May 12 the college 

town of Ann Arbor will have the first shov/- 

ing of the 20th Century-Fox film, "It Happens 

Every Spring," starring Ray Milland, 

Jean Peters and Paul Douglas. The film is 

based on a 25-year-old stage farce written 

by Shirley Wheeler Smith, 74. retired University 

of Michigan vice-president. 

Smith called his play "The Sprightly 

Adventure of Instructor Simpson" when he 

wrote it for a university club function a quarter 

of a century ago. The world premiere of 

the film is slated for St. Louis two weeks 

after the local showing. 

Studio officials call this performance "the 

author's premiere" and .said it will be the 

first premiere to honor an author in motion 

picture history. University and city officials 

will participate in the event which is to be 

held in the Michigan Theatre. 

Film Companies Ask $3,000 

From Dayton Theatre 

AKRON — Four film distributors have 

charged in federal court at Cleveland that 

the management of the Dayton Theatre gave 

them false attendance reports on the showing 

of their films. Tlie charges were filed 

by Loew's, Inc., RKO Pictures. Inc., Paramount 

Pictures, Inc., and 20th Centuj-y-Fox 

Film Corp. against M. C. Andrew and Albert 

Martin, operators of the Dayton. 

The suit asked the court to determine the 

receipts and to award damages. Each of the 

four distributors, in separate petitions, 

claimed their losses would exceed $3,000. 

$3,000 Fire Hits Theatre 

SPENCERVILLE, OHIO—The Ohio Theatre 

here was hit by a $3,000 fire which started 

in the projection booth. The eight patrons 

escaped without injury. 

Firemen confined the 

fire to the booth. Mackin Bowman is manager. 

CLEVELAND 

Duth Gardiniere, Co-op booker, left on a 

. . . 

trip to Florida, Cuba and the surrounding 

Sam Stecker of Associated circuit 

islands . . . 

and wife sailed Friday for a European 

Milton A. Mooney and H. Mc- 

trip . . . 

Manus of Cooperative Theatres of Ohio were 

in New York on business Joe Leavitt is 

back in town for good. After closing his 

Independent screen room last fall, he moved 

into a newly purchased home in Miami. But 

with the junior Leavitts all anchored in 

Cleveland he decided to return and has re- 

.sumed his former status as projectionist at 

the Colony Theatre. 

. . . 

Anyone looking for Ted Vermes of the 

Yorktown and other local theatres during the 

summer will have to look for him on Lake 

Erie. Last week a 30-foot Criss Craft cabin 

cruiser was delivered to him. His guests on 

the maiden trip included Marshall Fine, 

Jimmy Kalafat and Stuart Cangney 

Joe Mansfield, Eagle Lion publicity, was 

here in behalf of "Quartet," the next attraction 

at the Esquire Theatre, where it is 

to be presented on a continuous policy at 

advanced prices . . . Charles Deardorff, MGM 

exploiteer who has been laid up with arthritis, 

is much better with the advent of warm 

weather. 

John J. Schmitzer, RKO home office, was 

visitor . . . RKO District Manager Morris 

a 

E. Lefko attended a home office conference 

in New York . Ward Marsh's two-aweek 

film courses at Cleveland College have 

been so successful that they will be incorporated 

into the regular college curriculum 

Peter Bayes, who used to 

next fall . . . 

handle EL publicity in these parts, is now 

manager of "Tlie Red Shoes" in Denver. 

Lou Walters of Universal Corp. of Dallas 

was given a hearty welcome by his former 

friends and associates on his brief business 

visit to local theatre supply offices. Walters 

formerly was NTS branch manager in Cleveland 

. Lefton will be here about a 

month to undergo minor surgery. When 

fully recovered he and Mrs. Lefton will proceed 

to their summer home in Michigan . . . 

Millard Ogle of Cleveland Projector Co. has 

a contract to install Ballantyne projection 

equipment in a drive-in being constructed 

on Woodville road on Route 120 just outside 

Toledo by Gus Padlica and Joseph J. Pakulski, 

Toledo. They expect to start operation 

by the middle of June. 

"The Stratton Story" was doing better 

than opening week busine.ss in its third week 

Lester Zucker, 

at the Stillman Theatre . . . 

U-I manager, was in an automobile collision 

in front of the Paramount Bldg. last Friday. 

Both cars were traveling at low speed . . . 

Nat Barach, NSS manager, was out calling 

on the trade of Ohio held a 

meeting here 

. 

on Monday in the Hollenden 

hotel with Urban Anderson as chairman . . . 

Tom Manos has Installed new Ballantyne 

sound heads in liis Manos Theatre, Newton 

Falls. Millard Ogle sold the job and made 

the installation. 

M. B. Horwitz, general manager of the 

Washington circuit, postcarded his office en 

route to the Variety convention in San Francisco. 

To Meg "Night and City' 

Jules Dassin has been set to meg "Night 

and the City" for 20th Century-Fox release. 

Variety Club to Sponsor 

Fur Show and Card Party 

DETROIT—The Variety Club of 

Michigan 

will sponsor a combined fur fashion show, 

luncheon and card party Tuesday (17) in the 

Arabian room of the Tuller hotel. Following 

the luncheon and fur show, the party will 

adjomn to the Variety clubrooms for the 

card party. 

A highlight will be the presentation of fur 

creations by both American and European 

designers. Lawrence O'Larry, head of the 

Saint Clair Fur Co., made a special trip to 

New York with several staff members to 

secure the latest designs for this display. 

There will be 11 door prizes, with a fourpiece 

stone marten .scarf as first award. 

Tickets are being sold by a committee consisting 

of Mrs. H. Edward Stuckey, chairman; 

Mrs. HaiTy Gilbert, vice-president, and 

Mesdames Carl Buermele, Louis Mitchell, 

Harold Sandelman, Henry Zapp and Irving 

Belinsky. 

Visual Education Supplier 

AKRON—M. E. Lockard, who entered the 

motion picture field as an operator at the 

old Arlington Theatre in 1915 and has been 

a projectionist in every Akron theatre, is 

now a dealer in visual education supplies. 

He was recently written up in the Akron 

Beacon-Journal as one of the first operators 

to work on Vitaphone and Movietone equipment. 

When 16mm .sound films began to be 

practical in 1935, he became interested in its 

possibilities as an education medium. He 

was associated with the Holmes Projector Co. 

in Chicago in ironing out many difficulties 

connected with production of a 16mm projector 

that would be simple to operate. 

G. F. Hartman, 84, Dies 

YOUNGSTOWN. OHIO—George Franklin 

Hartman, 84, operator of the first projection 

machine here, died recently following a heart 

attack. Hartman was engineer of the Paramount 

Theatre when it opened as the Liberty 

in 1929. Prior to that, he operated the 

first local projection machine 53 years ago. 

He is also credited with installing the city's 

first electric lights and the first theatre air 

conditioning system. 

To Levy Amusement Tax 

NANTY GLO, PA.—The independent school 

board, having set the 1949 tax rate at 30 mills 

along with a $5 per capita tax, plans to re-enact 

the present one-half per cent earned income 

tax and to adopt a 10 per cent amuse- 

Action on the new tax program 

ment levy. 

will be taken at a session May 27. 

Every Kind of Successful Promotion 

for Theatres and Drive-ins 

Dinnerwore .. All Types of Bingo Games 

ZIP-O for 

Merchant Tie-Ups 

also 

KIDDIES 

A Promotion Package including Merchandise, 

Contest, with Trailers and Displays, costs as 

little OS 2 cents per child or can be had at 

no cost to you. 

THEATRICAL ENTERPRISES 

JACK GEHTZ 

BEN STAHL 

403-404 Film Bldg. 170S Boulevard of Allies 

Clovelond Ohio 

Pittsburgh, Pa. 

BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949 ME 87

. . . Male 

. . Warner 

. . Lou 

. . The 

P I 

T T S B URGH 

•The Windber school board voted to continue 

the 10 per cent amusement tax and 

established a new levy of 1 per cent on salaries, 

wages, compensations and net profits, 

to become effective in July Little 

. 

Theatre of Wheeling honored Joe E. Brown 

at a reception. Brown in "Harvey" closed 

the theatrical season at the Virginia in 

Wheeling circuit bowling teams 

. 

held a banquet at the Carousel and continued 

the party at the Warner club quarters in the 

Clark building. 

John D. Nagy jr., son of the Rural Valley 

exhibitor, and Eleanor Shaffer of Kittanning 

will be married June 5 . . . Vince Josack is 

no longer associated with Ben Stahl, premium 

games promoter . . . Charles Szewczyk, Boswell 

exhibitor, will change his name to 

Sheftic. Several months ago he renamed the 

Vernon at Boswell as the Sheftic . . . The 

International Film club presented the French 

film "Harvest" at the Nittany in State College 

. . . Sam Pineberg of the Alexander 

Theatre Supply was back at work after visiting 

his family in Phoenix, Ariz. 

ganization at Greensburg are not growing 

beards, sideburns, goatees or mustaches, having 

purchased shave permits. The city will 

celebrate its sesquecentennial beginning June 

20 and beard growers will be eligible for 

prizes on the basis of quality, quantity and 

style. Proceeds from shave permit sales will 

help pay costs of the celebration . . . Ted 

ToUey, MGM shipper, again became a grandfather, 

a daughter having been born to his 

daughter, Mrs. June Hill, formerly of the 

RKO office. 

. . . 

Mr. and Mrs, Bert Redfoot, Windber, were 

called to Lancaster by the death of her sister 

. . . The father of Irving Frankel, RKO 

city salesman, underwent an emergency appendectomy 

The 

at Montefiore hospital mother of Gordon and Milton Gibson, Atlas 

Theatre Supply, was a patient in two hospitals 

within a few days, checking a head 

hemorrhage . . . Lillian Davis resigned from 

the billing department at the Warner exchange 

and Lorraine Garrity, who had been 

on the road with a dancing group, retui-ned 

to duties at the office. 

. . . 

Exhibitors and other members of the Industry 

will participate with the Filmrow gang 

at a square dance at South Park June 3. 

Jack Lange of the RKO office is an-anging 

transportation . . . James H. Madden received 

several offers for the Parker at Parkers Landing 

but he has not yet sold the property. He 

hopes to complete a sale soon and move with 

his wife and child to Tucson, Ariz. . . . The 

school board at Titusville passed a resolution 

continuing the municipal amusement tax for 

another year The Springdale-Cheswick 

Community Concert Ass'n disclosed that the 

three concerts for next season will be held 

in the new Cheswick Theatre. 

Peggy Doyle, RKO stenographer, was ill 

with the measles . Hanna was hobbling 

about as the result of a back and leg injury 

members of the Manos circuit oriîi^SS 

Jim Alexander 

Sam Fineberg 

'705 Blvd. ol the Allies 

PITTSBURGH 19. PA. 

Phone Express 0777 

Mr. and Mrs. Andy Biordi, Ellwood City exhibitors 

and parents of three daughters, will 

be visited by the stork for a fourth time this 

fall . . . Mrs. Louis Wheeler, living here with 

her son Eddie on Beechwood boulevard, was 

honored on Mother's day by her sons Hymie, 

Screen Guild; Al, United Artists; Eddie, 

Monogram; Maurice, attorney, of Pittsburgh; 

Samuel. Screen Guild, and George, circuit 

booker, of Washington, D. C. . . . George J. 

Corcoran, former Uniontown theatre manager 

and Allied exhibitor field representative who 

joined the Republic sales organization here, 

has been assigned to the West Virginia territory. 

. . . 

E. C. Wilson has reopened the Thomas 

Speedway Drive-In on Route 73 between 

The 

Bridgeport and Fairmont, W. Va. 

. . 

Twilight Drive-In on Route 73, three miles 

south of Fairmont, has been opened by E. G. 

Reynolds. Gray Barker is booking manager 

The Uffington Drive-In. also on Route 

. 

73. between Morgantown and Fairmont, which 

is under construction for Woodrow Lemley 

of Core, is expected to be ready for opening 

before the first of June. Jerry Geinber, former 

Pittsburgh film salesman, will book. 

Harry Koch, manager of Warners' Holly- 

HANDY

. . 

/ 

In at Carmichaels the other night when a 

passing machine smashed into Mike's, causing 

considerable damage . . . Jack Skirball, 

producer formerly of this city area, and his 

bride, the former Audrey Marx, are residing 

The mother of 

in Beverly Hills, Calif. . . . 

Joseph and Gilbert Gellman, local exhibitors, 

has suffered several strokes . . Edna 

. 

street, directly in the rear of the Filmrow 

exchanges, was torn up this week for resurfacing. 

Paramount executives were here May 12- 

14 for a regional sales meeting and session 

with exhibitors . . . Carlos Moore, veteran of 

local Filmrows. and wife are en route to 

Bombay. He has been named representative 

in India for UA. He was UAs general manager 

in India from 1937 to 1942 . . . Mr. and 

Mrs. Jack Cohen forwarded a post card from 

Tucson. Ariz., "a grand part of the country." 

. . 

The Karston stage show was at the Butler 

at Butler May 12 and at the Prince in Ambridge 

The Manos circuit has 

May 13 . . . booked the Horace Heidt amateur show for 

Mone.ssen, Ellwood City and Indiana, May 

25, 26 and 27 . . . Big Slim and his Oklahoma 

Boys of WPIT will appear at the Penn in 

Some of the 

Mount Pleasant, June 1 . . . 

Warner theatres here are inaugurating Ten- 

O-Win games . John Delson has succeed- 

Lou Ginsburg as zone auditor for 

ed the late 

the Warner circuit. 

Rites for Mrs. H. E. Brown. 

Wife of Early Showman 

KANE. PA.— Mrs. Harry E. Brown. 75. wife 

of the pioneer exhibitor, died at the Kane 

Community hospital where she had been a 

patient for three weeks. Mrs. Brown had been 

a resident of Kane for the last 53 years. Born 

in Indiana county, .she was married in 1895 

to Harry E. Browii. who survives. She was a 

member of the First Methodist church of 

Kane and the local Macabee order. 

A son. Clifford Brown, operates the two 

theatres here. Surviving also are two 

brothers, S. A. Smiley. Kane, and John 

Smiley, Commodore, Pa., and a grandson. 

Hari-y M. Brown, also of Kane. 

Sunday Film Balloting 

Set in Pennsylvania 

PITTSBURGH—Local option balloting in 

Pennsylvania on Sunday film and sports will 

be scheduled for the general election on November 

8. Voting on permitting or banning 

liquor and beer licenses will be conducted 

at the primary elections in September. 

It will not be legal to begin circulating 

Sunday film or sports petitions until August 

10. The deadline for filing these petitions 

with county commissioners will be September 

9. 60 days before the November election. 

Theatre Closed by Smoke 

EMPORIUM. PA.—Smoke resulting from a 

fire in air conditioning ducts at the Emporium 

brought about the closing of the 

theatre Friday night last week. The theatre 

was reopened later that evening. 


10-2 — 12-2 — 14-2 


729 Baltimore 

K. C, Mo. 

State Tax Authority 

Urged by Ohio ITO 

COLUMBUS—Independent Theatre Owners 

of Ohio is fighting senate bill 354. introduced 

by Senator Guthrie. Coshocton county, 

which would empower township trustees to 

impose admission taxes up to 5 per cent. This 

bill has the backing of the powerful Ohio 

Municipal Ass'n. composed of mayors and 

other officials of Ohio municipalities. 

"The association is supporting this legislation," 

said P. J. Wood, ITO secretary, "in 

the hope that many townships throughout 

the state will take advantage of the 5 per cent 

ceiling, thus giving cities now having a 3 

per cent admissions tax rate a plausible excuse 

to increase their rate to 5 per cent. 

Furthermore, this higher rate would be very 

attractive to those cities that have so far 

not enacted local admissions tax ordinaiices. 

"There is considerable sentiment among 

members of the hou.se taxation committee 

for a house bill which would return the tax 

authority to the state and limit the rate to 

3 per cent," continued Wood. "On the other 

hand there are some members who believe 

that the tax authority .should remain in the 

hands of municipalities. It therefore behooves 

all exhibitors who desire to escape an increase 

in local admissions tax rates to talk 

with representatives from their counties and 

\u-ge them to support house bill 526." 

TOLEDO 

lyfr. and Mrs. Angelo Boudouris of the Theatre 

Equipment Co. have announced the 

birth of a daughter named Victoria Ann . 

Jack Hagerman has been appointed manager 

of the Telegraph Drive-In. located on Telegraph 

road. He will also continue working 

for the Theatre Equipment Co. 

June 10 has been set for the central section 

meeting of the Society of Motion Pictui-e 

Engineers of Ohio, Michigan and Canada 

to be held here in the Commodore Perry 

hotel. R. T. Van Niman, section chairman, 

has announced the program will Include a 

visit through the Strong Electric Corp. plant, 

followed by a technical discussion, luncheon, 

another discussion period, a late afternoon 

river cruise and an evening meeting. 

. 

"A Streetcar Named Desire" was booked 

at the Paramount for two days last week 

Joe E. Brown was scheduled to return 

. 

to 

. 

the Town Hall Theatre for four evening 

performances and a Saturday matinee of 

"Harvey" this week. This makes his third 

The Repertoire 

visit here with the same play . . . 

Little Theatre offered ten performances 

of "Years Ago" and the University of Toledo 

theatre group pre.sented four performances 

of "Macbeth." 

On the screen, "Henry V" returned to 

play at the Palace and "The Red Shoes" 

was booked for three weeks at the Prmcess. 

"Symphonie Pastorale" played three days at 

Loews Esquire ... A stage show was a 

recent feature at the Paramount. Jerry 

Colonria and Jerry Wald's orchestra with 

. . . 

Penny Edwards headed a four-day variety 

show stand Scheduled for a May 19 

opening is another stage show. "Stop the 

Music," ba.sed on the radio show. 

Barney Nelson Buys Orr Restaurant 

ORRVILLE, OHIO—Barney Nelson, operator 

of a restaurant in the Film Exchange 

Bldg. in Cleveland and a steak house at the 

Hawley hotel there, has purchased the Orr 

restaurant, closed since last summer. The 

restaurant formerly operated in connection 

with the new Orr Theatre. 

ROBERT H. UHi.lNti -Owner 

and Operator, Wayne Theatre, 

Wayne, West Virginia— says: 

"The theatre I operate is 

small but I know that I can 

compete with the biggest and 

best by using RCA sound 

and service." 




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ADAMS 8107 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT GO, OF CINCINNATI 

1632 CENTRAL PKWY,' CINCINNATI, OHIO 

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Adv. 

«; 

BOXOFnCE :: May 14, 1949 89

LOUISVILLE 

Tames G. Howe, owner and manager of the 

Richland Theatre, CarrolUon, Ky., attended 

the 13th annual convention of Variety 

Clubs International in San Francisco. An 

ardent member of the Variety Club, Jim 

rarely misses an opportunity to attend the 

convent;on . . . Visiting the Row for the first 

time in a good many weeks was Pope Sisco, 

Arco Theatre. Bardstown, Ky. Otlier visitors 

included J. B. Dale, Clay, Celina, Tenn.; 

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Kessler, Pal. Palmyra. 

Ind.; C. O. Humston, Lyric, Lawrenceburg, 

Ky.: E. L. Ornstein, Rialto, Marengo, Ind.; 

J. P. Burnette. Gypsy Drive-In, Bardstown; 

F. X. Merkley, Rialto, Columbia; George 

Lindsay, Lindsay, Brownsville, and Bob 

Harned. Empire, Sellersburg, Ind. 

It's a baby girl Barbara for Mr. and Mrs. 

Richard Mullens. Dick is the manager of the 

Bard Theatre here for Pi'emier Theatres of 

Evansville. This is the Mullens' second 

child, both girls . . . Reports from Bob Enoch 

indicate his new Star-Lite Drive-In, Elizabethtown. 

will be completed and in operation 

by Sunday (15) . . . Prior to the opening 

of the Parkway Drive-In, the management 

had a giant searchlight mounted on a truck 

and driven through the city throwing the 

huge beam high in the air in all directions. 

The curious followed the light to its source 

and found appropriate copy heralding the 

opening of the Parkway. 

Arthur Morris and Sam Maples of Dawson 

Springs have announced the purchase of the 

Strand there from J. H. Meadows. According 

to the new owners, considerable improvements 

are planned with the installation 

of some new equipment . . . The planning 

and zoning commission here has rescinded 

its approval of the proposed drivein 

on Poplar Level road near the Fincastle 

public housing project. A new public hearing 

has been set for May 19. The theatre 

previously was approved by a 4 to 2 vote. 

According to the commission chairman, the 

vote to reconsider was unanimous and followed 

a request for such action by county 

Judge Barker and presentation of "new 

evidence" by objectors, commission members 

said. 

The Parkway Drive-In, Louisville's newest 

ozoner, opened with much fanfare, bringing 

the total to five such enterprises now in 

operation in the Falls cities area ... A 

new idea of offering two feature pictures 

simultaneously will be included in the $100,- 

000 improvement program outlined for the 

Theatair Drive-In near Jeffersonville. According 

to a reported announcement by the 

president of Mimicipal Enterprises at Indianapolis, 

owner of the Jeffersonville ozoner, 

construction will get under way in a few 

days. A second screen will be built and 

automobile accommodations will be increased 

from 719 to 1,500. 

Following a pattern of former years, many 

screen notables were on hand for the running 

of the 75th Jubilee Kentucky derby 

. . . 'With the "Ice Cycles of 1949" opening 

at the Jefferson county armoi-y here for an 

11-day engagement and all downtown first 

run theatres changing programs, there was 

plenty of entertainment for Derby visitors 

as well as local patrons. 

Headlining the programs was "Joan of 

Arc," which opened at the Rialto at prices 

of $1.25 for evenings after 5 p. m., and 75 

cents for matinees during the week and 90 

cents for Sunday matinees. Cliildren at all 

times were 49 cents. The Mary Aiiderson 

featured a singleton in "My Dream Is Yours," 

with the Scoop following in like manner 

with "Don't Take It to Heart." The Loew's 

and Strand offered double bills, "Portrait 

of Jeruiie" and "Rusty Saves a Life" at 

Loew's and "The Boy With Green Hair" 

and "Rustlers" at the Strand. The National 

offered a stage show and feature film, "Hawaiian 

Paradise Revue" and "Jungle Goddess." 

The Harrod Theatre, Harrodsburg, purchased 

a short time ago by Chakeres Theatres 

from Willard Gabhart. has undergone 

a complete remodeling and a grand opening. 

As the 47th theatre now operated by the 

Chakeres chain, the house will be under the 

direction of Manager Jack Crouthers. On 

hand for the opening ceremonies were the 

mayor and other city officials, who appeared 

on stage, and Phil Chakeres, president of 

Chakeres Theatres, Inc. 

Variety Club Fetes Trio 

Given New Film Posts 

DETROIT—The Variety Club of Michigan 

celebrated the promotion of three of its 

active members to new posts of responsibility 

within the film industry May 6 with a farewell 

dinner. They were Joseph Busic, former 

supervisor of the United Detroit circuit, who 

left to head the new BKR Theatres In Grand 

Rapids; Robert Dunbar, former Warner Bros, 

manager and a past chief barker, who is now 

manager at Des Moines, and Sidney Cooper, 

former United Artists salesman here and now 

manager at Cleveland. All three retui'ned for 

the occasion, which was attended by a large 

crowd of local filmites and friends. 

The committee which an-anged the big affair 

was headed by Lou Mitchell, Kilbride 

circuit manager, as chairman, and included 

Heni-y P. Zapp, Cooperative booker; Eddie 

Loye, RKO office manager; Carl Buermele, 

manager of General Theatre Service; Frank 

Upton, UDT supervisor; Allen Dowzer, manager 

for Mutual Theatres, and Ted Levy, 

Warner salesman. 

Paul H. Sanders Stricken; 

Campbellsville Owner 

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY.—Paul H. Sanders, 

53, for 30 years owner and general manager 

of the Alhambra Theatre here, died 

unexpectedly at the Rosary hospital recently. 

Sanders, a native of Campbellsville, was well 

known in Kentucky and national theatre 

circles. 

He owned and operated the Cozy Theatre 

in addition to the Alhambra. and had a new 

drive-in under construction near here. Burial 

was in a local cemetery. Survivors include 

four daughters and three brothers. 

Tax Enacted by Borough 

FREDERICTOWN, PA.—The borough has 

enacted a 10 per cent amusement tax ordinance 

here. 

Eliminations Clear 

Erie 2nd Run Setup 

ERIE. PA.—The second run situation here 

has been cleared on Paramoimt and 20th-Fox 

product by the elimination of runs for the 

State and Strand theatres. 

About six months ago, Harvey Emerman, 

operating the State as United Exhibitors, 

Inc., closed the theatre, charging that product 

playing the State was removed for exhibition 

at the new Strand, operated under lease by 

the Warner circuit. This tied up licensing 

agreements for subsequent run theatres. 

The old Strand had been razed earlier to 

make way for a new commercial building, 

and during the period while there was no 

Strand Emerman licensed first and second 

run product for the State. Pi-ior to this 

the State had exhibited on twin and triple 

bills much older product. Several years ago 

Emerman filed an antitrust suit in federal 

court. It was reported that the case would 

be scheduled for hearing at the recent district 

court term, but the case was not filed in the 

clerk of court's office. 

Currently, Warners' new Strand is improvising 

with reissues and second runs and 

the State is dark. Other theatres, which 

were without suitable product, now are booking 

the Paramount and 20th-Fox releases. 

Will Try Mileage Game 

Drive-Ins at Youngstown 

YOUNGSTOWN—p. M. Wellman. operator 

of the North Side, South Side and East 

Side drive-in theatres here, w 11 introduce a 

"motorized" version of bingo called Mileage 

Money. It is a game based on the mileage 

recorded on the automobile meters. 

The motorists whose mileage comes closest 

to the numbers flashed on the screen, will 

win a full cash jackpot. There are two 

other prizes for the runners up. The game 

and a trailer are provided by William Salmans 

and Richard Griley jr. of Coshocton, 

Ohio. 

Negotiations have been started with the 

Fabian interests to introduce the game into 

the circuit drive-ins near Philadelphia. 

Mrs. Samuel Mintz Dies; 

Detroit Theatre Owner 

DETROIT—Mrs. Cliarlotte Mintz, wife of 

Samuel Mintz, pioneer exhibitor and theatre 

owner here for 37 years, died here following 

a two-day illness. In 1911 she purchased the 

Hilsendegen building, and a year later built 

the Monroe Tlieatre in the structure. The 

house was operated by her husband Samuel 

Mintz continuously from that time until his 

retirement in 1945. At that time, the property 

was taken over by their three children, Mrs. 

J. Shurley Howitz, Mrs. Milton H. Sims and 

Marvin Mintz, and the house was subleased 

to Harry Lewiston. She is survived by her 

husband, and the three children. 

Rename Hodgenville House 

HODGENVILLE, KY—W. S. 

Gabhart, coowner 

of the Cardinal Theatres, which recently 

acquired the Lincoln Theatre here, 

says that the name of the theatre will be 

changed and that a public contest will be 

held for selection of the name. Pi-izes will 

be awarded to winning entries. 


'Boundaries' Filming 

Ends in Porlsmouth 

PORTSMOUTH, N. H— Shooting Of the 

Louis DeRochemont documentary film. "Lost 

Boundaries." has been completed in this vicinity 

and the 200.000 feet of film now is in 

New York for editing and cutting preparatory 

to its showing throughout the country. The 

final setting in the picture was at the Kennebunk 

Port church. 

Pioducer DeRochemont. who was forced to 

double as a director when Alfred Werker 

became ill in the final stages of the shooting, 

said the film, costing approximately 

$642,000. will be cut down to about 9,000 feet 

and will run about an hour and a half. The 

world premiere will be held in June at both 

the Colonial and Olympia theatres here under 

sponsorship of the Portsmouth Exchange 

club. The star performers. Mel Ferrer and 

Beatrice Pearson, will be present. 

Upon completion of the production. De- 

Rochemont started plans for fUming another 

picture. "The Murder at Smuttynose." in 

this area. It will be based on the famous 

Wagner murder which occurred 76 years ago 

at Smuttyaiose Island, one of the Isle of 

Shoals group off Portsmouth. He hopes to 

commence the shooting this summer. 

"It takes a lot longer to get a picture into 

production than people realize." declared the 

producer who used approximately 1.000 persons 

in "Lost Boimdaries." Many of the 

"extras" requested that the wages which 

would normally be paid them be turned over 

to charity. 

Bridgeport Agent Shifts 

Back to Klein Memorial 

BRIDGEPORT — Mrs. Katherine Shea, 

holder of the United Booking Office franchise 

here, will switch from Loew's Lyric to 

the city-owned Klein Memorial auditorium 

for the legitimate presentations next fall. 

When Mrs. Shea's late husband Albert 

started bringing plays to the city he used the 

Klein, but after several years in the 1.500- 

.seat hou.se he became involved in a dispute 

with Perry Rodman, then managing director 

of the house. As a re.sult Shea took his 

shows to the Lyric where he has operated 

for the past five years. The Lyric seats in 

excess of 2,000. 

Albert Shea died last January and his wife 

took over the franchise. 

Mrs. Carlotta Lorenzi, 88, 

Dead; Sister of Polls 

HARTFORD— Mis. Carlotta Poll Lorenzi, 

88, mother of Alfred J. Lorenzi, president of 

the New Haven board of assessors, is dead. 

She was a sister of the late Joseph and S. Z. 

Poll, prominent Connecticut theatre owners. 

She was born in Italy but had lived in this 

country 60 years. 

Randy Miller to Offer Deal 

HARTFORD—Randy Miller, for many 

years with Warner Theatres in this area, 

has copyrighted a uoxoffice promotion deal 

and will introduce it to theatres soon. He 

resigned as manager of the Strand. New 

Britain, in 1945 to join Selznick Releasing 

Organization on the west coast. He returned 

to New Britain nearly two years ago and now 

lives there. 

Two Big Theatre Centers 

Ahead in Boston Suburbs 

BOSTON—Two men prominent in the theatre 

business will expend more than $8,000.- 

000 in separate shopping-theatre projects in 

the Boston metropolitan area. 

Phil Smith Enterprises, of which Phil 

Smith of Midwest Drive-In Theatres is the 

head, has broken ground on a $7,000,000 shopping 

center in Framingham off the Worcester 

turnpike. The project includes 67 stores 

and a 1.500-seat theatre. 

A corporation headed by Morris Pouzzner 

has decided to go ahead on construction 

of a supermarket and other store buildings, 

and remodeling of the City Theatre in the 

old "city block" of Brockton. William Riseman 

Associates, local architects, prepared the 

plans which involve raising the level of the 

City Theatre one-half story and installation 

of ramps from the street to the new theatre 

entrance. The supermarket will be under 

the theatre. The theatre will be called the 

Edison. Work is scheduled to start in June 

de.spite failure of the city and Pouzzner so 

far to agree on a .solution of the parking 

problem. 

In the rear of the city block is a tract recently 

purchased by the city and made into 

a free parking lot accommodating 700 cars. 

Pouzzner has not made formal applicatioji 

to the city council to buy or lease the lot. 

but it is thought he can make some sort of 

deal with the council when the city block 

project is completed. Brockton citizens have 

complained that workers in nearby offices 

and stores park their cars in the public lot 

all day long and leave no space for shopper 

parking. 

The Brockton building department has approved 

the Riseman-Pouzzner plans. 

The City Theatre project has received publicity 

in the Brockton papers, where Pouzzner 

has been much quoted in telling of his hopes 

for the new venture and his promise to 

make the block one of the most imposing 

business structures "this side of New York." 

The Phil Smith project includes a parking 

area for 4,200 cars. Attending the ground 

breaking ceremonies on the 200-acre lot were 

Cameron Thompson, vice-president of the 

Jordan-Marsh Co., operator of the big Boston 

department store, and Smith and his son 

Richard, along with 150 Framingham town 

officials. The construction of the buildings 

will be handled by the Suburban Center Trust. 

Tlie new theatre will have 1.000 orchestra 

Hole-in-One Scored 

By Max Salzberg 

New Haven—Max Salzberg, Eagle Lion 

manager, scored the first hole-in -one of 

the season at Rare Brook Countrj' club 

last weekend in a foursome with H. E. 

Hoffman and Maxwell Hoffman. Warner 

Theatres zone executives, and James 

King of Purchase, N. Y., Eagle Lion home 

office. 

Salzberg dropped his ace on the Race 

Brook 15th hole, a 187-yard blast from 

the tee. with a No. 3 iron. There was 

considerable notice on {he New Haven 

Journal -Courier and Register sports 

pages. 

Sam Pinanski Exhibits 

His Artist Creations 

Boston— Samuel Pinanski, president of 

American Theatres Corp., who spends 

his spare time painting in oils and water 

colors, has a canvas on exhibition at the 

22nd annual showing of the works of "the 

men who paint for fun" at Paine's Galleries. 

This group is known as the Business 

Men's Art club which sponsors the 

work each year of r.J5 members. Included 

among the artists are doctors, lawyers, 

clerks, salesmen and business men from 

every walk of life. The exhibition has received 

many favorable comments from 

art critics and the public. 

seats and 500 loge and balcony seats, all of 

the push-back type. The exterior of the 

building will be of Transite with aluminum 

strips and the front of glass and enameled 

Zourite. A specially planned television lounge 

wUl be built off the foyer with casual chairs 

to accommodate 100 persons. 

The theatre will be equipped with an RCA 

television screen, and the entire building will 

be air conditioned and equipped with acoustical 

devices. Ketchum, Gina & Sharp of 

New York are the architects with Schlanger 

& Hoffberg of New York City the theatre 

consultants. The project will take one year 

to complete. 

It will be the fourth year-around theatre 

operated by the Philip Smith ESiterprises in 

New England. The group also operates driveins 

in the midwest as well as six summer 

situations on Cape Cod in conjunction with 

Interstate Theatres. 

Riseman Associates has revealed plans for 

four additional theatre projects besides 

the Pouzzner project in Brockton. They are: 

The Bates Theatre. Attleboro, a B&Q 

house, will close in June for major alterations 

to cost about $200,000. The structure 

will be changed entirely. Formerly an upstairs 

house, plans call for lowering the theatre 

to the street floor and extending the rear 

of the house and addition to 300 seats, bringing 

the total to 1.025. The project is expected 

to take about six months. 

The Union, only other theatre in Attleboro 

and also a B&Q house, has reopened 

after a six-week remodeling. 

Remodeling and enlargement of the Strand 

Theatre, New Bedford, an E. M. Loew house, 

will start early in June. Fifty feet will be 

added by breaking through the rear wall for 

an additional 400 seats. The project will take 

about 12 weeks. 

Alterations will be made on the Magnet. 

Dorchester, operated by Richmond-Stern 

Enterprises. Plans call for closing for three 

months. 

Booth Bill Introduced 

PROVIDENCE. R. I.—A bill to compel theatre 

owners to maintain two projectionists in 

a film booth at all times has been introduced 

in the Rhode Island legislature by Thomas 

P. McHugh. chairman of the house labor committee 

and an AFL man. 

BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949 NE 91

. . Sympathy 

. . Harry 

. . Joan 

. . Gertrude 

. . 

. . Herman 

BOSTON 

"The death of William J. Scully, former U-I 

production manager, caused much confusion 

in this area. Many thought he was 

the brother of John J. Scully, U-I district 

manager here, and sympathy notes poured 

into his office. John's brother, however, Is 

William A. Scully, vice-president and general 

manager of U-I John Scully is a 

grandfather again. 

. . . 

A grandson named Brendan 

jr. was born recently to Mrs. Brendan 

Burke of Buffalo. Scully has two granddaughters. 

Phil Engle, UA publicist, and Paul Levi, 

American Theatres Corp. publicist, arranged 

special screenings of "Outpost in Morocco" 

for French Consul Albert Chambon and his 

wife and consulate 

MGM booker, 

aides . . . Francis Driscoll, 

is heading publicity for the 

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Telephone HAncock 6-3880 

annual benefit dance of the Young Catholic 

Mission league of New England to aid foreign 

missions . Kalmine of Warners 

Theatres and I. J. Hoffman of New 

Haven visited Newburyport to make a thorough 

inspection of the new Port Theatre, recently 

cotnpleted by Warner Theatres. 

ATC's Esquire Theatre closed one week for 

alterations. A new Magnascope screen was 

added and the air conditioning system was 

repaired. The house reopened Friday (13) 

with "Champion," also playing day and 

date at the Pilgrim and Mayflower theatres. 

Wilfred Tully is manager of the Esquire, assisted 

by Lawrence Barry . Rittenberg, 

office manager at E. M. Loew's circuit, 

is resigning June 1 to take a long vacation. 

Bill Lavery has changed the name of the 

Strand, Lawrence, to the Astor and will 

adopt a new policy of first run films . 

The engagement of Eleanor Robinson, secretary 

to E. M. Loew, to Lawrence Gordon 

Laskey of Brookline has been announced. 

Laskey is a brother of Mrs. Louis Gordon, 

whose husband is one of the heads of the 

Lockwood & Gordon Enterprises. The wedding 

date is set for June 12 with the ceremony 

and reception at the Copley-Plaza 

hotel. 

It is reported that a new 1,000-seat theatre 

will be built on Main street in Whitinsville, 

starting late this summer. This town is one 

of the largest textile equipment centers in 

New England . Mansfield, assistant 

to Art Moger in the Warners publicity department 

and more lately secretary to Arthur 

Lockwood of Lockwood & Gordon Enterprises, 

will be married May 21 to Walter 

Brannigan. The ceremony and reception will 

be held in Arlington and the couple wUl 

make their home in Seattle, Wash., whei-e 

Brannigan has business interests. 

Joe Cifre, canvasman from Variety Club 

Tent 23, and Murray Weiss, International 

representative, and their wives flew to the 

Variety International convention in San 

Francisco. Joe will receive the Great Heart 

award from Tent 23 at a banquet later this 

month . to Hannah Brand of 

the E. M. Loew circuit on the death of her 

sister while the two girls were traveling to 

the west coast . . Bill Koster is father of a 

. 

baby son born at the Faulkner hospital and 

named Stephen Philip. 

Bill Goldman, MGM studio publicist, 

brought his wife and 6-month-old son Richard 

east for a visit with his family in Cohasset. 

He planned the trip to coincide with 

the world premiere of "The Secret Garden" 

at the Astor Theatre . . . Theatre Candy Co. 

is expecting delivery of the new Star Theatre 

Model 44 popcorn machine for disp.ay 

at the Independent Exhibitors of New England 

convention and equipnrent exposition 

at the Copley-Plaza hotel May 25, 26 . . . 

Sympathy to Eddie Sokolowski, Capitol, 

Lowell, on the death of his sister. 

Ken Forkey, who operates the Park and 

Greendale theatres in Worcester, is now settled 

at his summer place in Guilford. N. H.. 

on the shores of Lake Winnepausaki where 

he conducts a motorboat business. Sporting 

a beautiful coat of tan he arrived in the 

. . . 

district for a day's buying and booking 

Here exchanging views on the outlook of 

the industry with Joe Levine of Embassy 

Pictures was Al Feldman, assistant manager 

of the Maryland Theatre, Cumberland. The 

house is a unit of the Darnell circuit. 

. . . 

A daughter named Linda Jean was born 

to the Bill Jennings' at the Quincy City 

hospital. Bill, head booker at Film Classics, 

is now the daddy of three children, a son 

and two daughters From Derry, N. H., 

comes word of the birth of a daughter named 

Vivian Barbara to David Zerinsky of the 

Plaza there . Ripps. district 

manager of MGM, was in a few days . . . 

Robert Wheeler, who owns and operates the 

Riverside, Richmond, Me., was here booking 

with Phil Feinberg at MGM. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

•Phe Dartmouth Players in Hanover presented 

Sean O'Casey's "Juno and the Paycock." 

May 11-14. in observance of the 50th 

anniversary of the Irish National Theatre. 

Warner Bentley was the director . . Granite 

. 

state farmers turned film actors when Robert 

Engle, Washington photographer, arrived 

to "shoot" scenes showing them clearing 

unproductive land for pasture, applying 

fertilizer and other farm operations. The 

film, produced by the New EIngland green 

pastures committee in cooperation with the 

National Fertilizer Ass'n. is expected to be 

ready for showing in New Hampshire and 

other states by late fall. 

New Hampshire druggists are showing 

much interest in a film produced by this 

state's own producer, Louis DeRochemont 

of Newington. Entitled "RX," the new 

documentary picture was produced for E. R. 

Squibb & Son, big New York pharmaceutical 

firm, and is being distributed to aid druggists 

is creating a better understanding of 

their profession. It is a 20-minute. 16mm 

second film. 

Word has been received that Lawrence L. 

Willey, his wife Miriam and sister Mahala 

have visited England, Holland. Belgium, 

Switzerland and France on a European tour. 

Willey. a well-known musician, once operated 

the Colonial in Rochester. 

Herman Levy in Atlanta 

NEW HAVEN—Herman M. Levy. Theatre 

Owners of America counsel, spoke at the 

Georgia cotivention in Atlanta Mon- 

TOA of 

day and Tuesday (9, 10 1. giving a review of 

industry legislation and litigation. He will 

address the TOA of Arkansas convention in 

Little Rock May 18, 19. 

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'Tc.%T' 

92 BOXOFFICE ;: May 14, 1949

oadshow 

Dorothy 

. . Samuel 

was 

Belvedere' Hils 150 

For Top at Boston 

BOSTON—New and strong product boosted 

business, but night baseball, the opening of 

the dog track and warmer weather took their 

toll in most first runs. However. "Mr. Belvedere 

Goes to College" in its first week at the 

Metropolitan averaged 150. the best take of 

the year. It was held for a second week and 

may continue for a third. 


Aslor—Pride oi the Yankees (RKO), reissue, live 

days in 3rd wreak with The Secret Garden 

(MGM) having world premiere lor Iwo days-llS 

Beacon Hill—Four Steps in the Clouds (ConI); 

Street oi Shadows (Com) 100 

Boston— City Across the Rivet (U-I); Daughter ol 

the Jungle (Rtp). 2nd wk 90 

Esquire and Pilgrim—The Crooked Woy (UA); 

Bomba, the Jungle Boy (Mono) 90 

Exeter Street-Monsieur Vincent (Lopert). 3rd wk 9b 

Majestic—The Red Shoes (LL), 241h wk 80 

, 

Memorial—The Ule of Riley (U-I); Feathered Serpent 

(Mono) I'-^ 

Metropolitan Mr. Belvedere Goes to College 

(20th-Fox); Homicide (WB) 150 

Paramount and Fenway — My Dream Is Yours 

(WB); HimKre (SG) 

, 

^ 

State and Orpheum We Were Strangers iCol) 

The Crime Doctor's Diory (Col) 125 

' 

Jennie' Paces Hartford 

As Heat Crimps Trade 

HARTFORD—Warm weather crimped 

grosses at local first runs and bolstered trade 

at nearby drive-ins. "Portrait of Jennie," 

showing with "Jigsaw" at the Poll, registered 

110 per cent to pace the city. "The Set-Up." 

dualed with "Siren of Atlantis" at the Strand, 

was next best with a rating of 100 per cent. 

AUyn A Bride oi Vengeance (Para); The Louisiana 

Story (Lopert) ^C 

Center—The Raven (Weslport) 60 

E M Loews The Undercover Mon (Col); The 

Mutineers (Col), 2nd wk £0 

Poll— Portrait ol Jennie (SRO); Jigsaw (UA) 110 

Palace—The Bribe (MGM); The Sun Comes Up 

(MGM), 2nd wk 55 

Regal—Red Canyon (U-1); Blanche Fury (EL), 

2nd wk 50 

State Casanova in Burlesque (Rep), reissue, plus 

stage s)iow 75 

Strand—The Set-Up (RKO); Siren of Atlantis (UA)..10U 

'Bribe' 

and 'Belvedere' 

Average at New Haven 

NEW HAVEN—"The Bribe" and "The Sun 

Comes Up" at the Poll hit average and stayed 

over for a second week at the Bijou. Only 

other first run to hit par was the College 

with "Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" in its 

second week. 

Bi)ou—Let's Live a Little (EL); Tale oi the Navajos 

(MGM) 55 

College—Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (20th- 

Fox); The Feathered Serpent (Mono), 2nd d. t.. 

wk -...100 

Loews Poll—The Bribe (MGM); The Sun Comes 

Up (MGM) 100 

Paramount—EI Paso (Para); Strike It Rich (Mono) 85 

Roger Sherman Family Honeymoon (U-I); Mickey 

(EL) 75 

Undefeated Poll Team 

Tops Softball League 

HARTFORD—standings of teams in the 

Hartford Theatres Softball league now are 

as 

follows: 

Poli 

Allyn 

Strand 

Palace .„ _ _ 

Regal .7. 

Loew 

State 

Won 

... 2 

... 1 

1 

1 

1 

Lost 

Usher to West Point 

HARTFORD—Alvin Hayes, formerly chief 

usher at the Allyn Theatre here, has been 

appointed to the U.S. Military academy at 

West Point. A former Trinity college student, 

Hayes scored 223 on his West Point entrance 

examination. Passing grade is 138. 

I 

1 

1 

1 

2 

RKO Hosts Theatremen at 'Joe Young 

BOSTON— Screenings of the RKO picture, 

"Mighty Joe Young," were held here and in 

New Haven in advance of a seven-state premiere 

scheduled for July 13. The special 

invitational showing drew approximately 80 

theatremen here as guests of District Manager 

Gus Schaefer and Manager Ross Cropper. 

Following the screening, a luncheon meeting 

was held at the Hotel Statler where Terry 

Turner. RKO exploitation manager, outlined 

plans for the launching of the film. Guests 

were entertained at the luncheon by a 12- 

foot, animated gorilla which did everything 

but join them for lunch. Assisting in arranging 

the affair were Sales Manager Larry 

BRIDGEPORT 

/Christopher Kiernan, chief of service at the 

Poli, will marry Muriel Reynolds June 1 

. . . Loew's Poll and Globe have switched 

from Saturday to Thm-sday openings 

Jean Brunette, assistant cashier at the American 

Theatre, celebrated a birthday 

Lawrence Langner and his wife Armina Marshall 

are back from Hollywood where they 

lined up talent for their Country Playhouse 

in Westport. 

. . 

The newly renovated Strand in Stamford 

has reopened . Manager Harry A. Rose of 

the Majestic drove over to Long Island to 

give his new auto a test . . . Jack Quinn will 

open his Playhouse in Southbury July 5 . . . 

Ramp Identification Lights 

SAVES TIME — ELIMINATES CONTUSION 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO K. C. Mo. 

729 Baltimore 

Gardiner, eastern field supervisor Harry 

Reiners and New England field representative 

Ralph Banghart. 

Pictured above at the luncheon, following 

the New Haven showing are, Leo Ricci, 

Capital, Meriden; Jim Millne, WNHC: Reiners, 

Turner, Schaefer and Barney Pitkin of 

RKO; Jack Fishman, and an unidentified 

man with his back *o camera. 

In the bottom photo, guests of RKO at the 

Boston luncheon are shown, left to right: 

Roy Burroughs, buyer and booker for the 

R&W circuit; Joseph Cohen, Beacon Hill 

Theatre: Newell, general manager of the 

Graphic circuit, and his father Sam Kurson, 

president of GrapWc. 

A pretty girl who certainly does not correspond 

to her name is Rose Mai-y Drab, 

cashier at the Hiway. 

Birthday congratulations to Fred Lewis, 

projectionist at the Majestic . T. 

Orson, Yonkers, N. Y., theatre owner, is seeking 

a permit to build a 400-car drive-in at 

Greenwich . . . Master Sgt. and Mrs. Dean 

Brown are now located at the army medical 

center, Washington. Before her marriage 

Mrs. Brown i Peddle i associated 

in various capacities with the Loew's theatres 

here. 

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130 Meadow Street, New Haven 10, Conn.

. . . Joe 

. . Somebody 

NEW HAVEN 

. . 

The boys are beginning to waim up for the 

annual film golf tournament, which will 

be held in August Wedding bells will 

peal for Gloria 

. 

Danzig of the 20th-Fox 

office and Harold Kent on July 3 at Baybrook 

. . . The Variety Club car giveaway 

has been postponed to June 11 ... All Loew 

Poll houses, except the Poli in Hartford and 

in Springfield, have gone back to Thursday 

openings from Saturday. 

Michael Paone no longer is connected with 

the Fairmount Theatre, which is now a partnership 

of I-ene Terrazano and Frank Panzo 

DiFi-ancesco is putting a new cooling 

system in the 400-seat Cheshire, personally 

letting out contracts and supervising 

the work . . . The E. M. Loew Montville 

Drive-In, first to open in the New London 

area, is reported doing very well. 

Roger Mahan of the Carroll, Plaza and 

Tower, Waterbury, who successfully petitioned 

for change of zone on a piece of properly 

less than a mile from the new Ville 

Theatre, is now in third week of a hearing 

on an appeal by residents from the decision 

of the zoning board. 

Mike Tomasino, retired exhibitor from 

New Haven, has flown to Italy to visit his 

son Angelo, and look into the Italian films 

situation . . Dr. J. B. Fishman, general 

. 

manager of the Fishman chain and president 

of Allied Theatres of Connecticut, will 

attend the Boston Allied conclave May 25.26 

at the Copley-Plaza . . . Tom Duane, SRO 

division manager, was in town on "Portrait 

of Jennie." 

Mrs. Mary Vuono has reopened the Strand, 

Stamford, 1.300-seat house closed for more 

than a year because of numerous alterations 

required by the state police. No definite policy 

has yet been established, but vaudeville, 

Italian opera, and some pictures will 

Columbia auditor Harry Colburn 

be tried . . . 

and student Meyer Ackerman were at 

the New Haven office. 

En Cee Specialty Co. sold the Fairmount 

Micky Nunes 

here an 82-week dish deal . . . 

of Price Premium signed up Sam Hadelman 

and Philip Schwartz of the Parkway, Bridgeport 

Seymour Levine of Quality Premiums 

. . . reports dish openings at Plainfield 

and Waterbury and has just signed Morris 

Shulman for a deal in the Rivoli, Lyric and 

Rialto, Hartford. 

Sam Rosen of Rosen Film Delivery, exhibitor 

at Windsor, Winsted and Wethersfield, 

came in from Key West to give his 

operations the once over, but will soon be off 

for new fishing grounds . . . The Poli, Waterbui'y, 

will feature Louis Freeman and his 

band May 24, 25 . . . State Theatre, New 

Britain, owned by Otto Teffs, is no longer 

. . . Following recent sale 

in Amalgamated 

of the Palace, Stafford Springs, the Panoras 

have placed their 718-seat Twentieth Century, 

New Milford, on the block. 

Reed Howes in 'Captain China' 

Reed Howes has been signed for a featured 

role in the Paramount picture, "Captain 

China." 

New England Allied 

Convention May 25 

BOSTON — The Independent Exhibitors. 

Inc., New England affiliate of national Allied, 

has revealed plans for the exhibitor convention-exposition 

to be held at the Copley- 

Plaza hotel here May 25, 26. 

Due to the forthcoming convention business 

session will be omitted for May. Events 

planned for the convention Include business 

meetings, a cocktail party, a night club party 

in the Oval room of the Copley-Plaza, a banquet 

for celebrities from the state and city 

and personalities from the industry and a 

theatre supply and equipment exposition. 

For the women, the program includes a 

matinee at one of the leading legitimate theatres 

at which they will see "Bom Yesterday," 

tickets to Boston's best motion picture houses 

and passes to the club house of Suffolk 

Downs, New England's leading racing park. 

Simultaneously with the convention announcement, 

the organization urged members 

to work on the membership drive so that at 

least 25 more new members could be acquired 

before the convention. The membership 

drive is the A. F. Myers drive and the slogan 

is, "Every member get a member on the line 

for 

'49." 

The bulletin urged each member to sell 

theatremen in their vicinities on the advantages 

derived from membership in Independent 

Exhibitors. 

More Realism in Films 

Asked by School Youth 

From Central Edition 

CHICAGO—High school kids see the motion 

pictures as having too much "mushymush" 

language and happy endings and not 

enough realism. 

"We know life isn't just a bowl of cherries 

and people just don't talk like they do in the 

movies," said June Rappaport of Schurz 

High school. 

June, with three other students, members 

of the Chicago Youth Conference, gave the 

teen-age slant on motion pictures at a meeting 

of the Better Films Council of Chicagoland 

held at the Illinois Federation of Women's 

Clubs. 

"All Hollywood plots are the same," sputtered 

Jim O'Riley, 17, of Loyola academy. 

"One of their favorites seems to be the 

theme that with marriages all problems are 

solved, this kind of propaganda at a time 

when divorce has reached an all-time high. 

The motion picture industry is presenting 

fal.se ideals to the American public, especially 

teen-agers. They've shown they can produce 

good films, like 'Joan of Arc,' so why 

don't they make more?" 

Arlene Rizner, 16, Resurrection High school, 

thought it was better for children to be 

watching a good cowboy picture than to be 

roaming around the streets. 

"Maybe their parents would be better off 

at a good motion picture theatre than a local 

tavern," the pretty, brown-eyed student 

observed. 

"All those happy endings are just sickening," 

snapped Ed Archibald, 17, of Niles 

Township High. "Most of the dialog isn't fit 

to listen to. My little brother likes it though. 

Hollywood can't even appreciate good books 

—they contort them into something that 

caii't even be recognized." 

WORCESTER 

Deports are current that another open-air 

theatre will locate in subui-ban Shrewsbury 

mailed a Kentucky Derby 

. 

edition of a Louisville paper to Manager 

Harold Maloney of Loew's Poli, and Joe Mead 

says it's because of that checkered suit he 

wears . . . Harry James' orchestra drew 

1.400 to Lyonhuist, but the event was marred 

by fist fights that necessitated calling out 

police reserves. James also will play at Whalom 

and the Sun Valley ballroom Don 

. . . 

McNeil will do his radio show at the Auditorium. 

Gene Lester, former Worcester photographer, 

is producing shorts for television stations 

and has a number of film names signed 

State police 

for his Hollywood studios . . . 

knocked off a carnival in Webster, arresting 

operators of gambling games and a girl 

show, and fines of $1,600 were levied m district 

court. As a result, the Webster selectmen 

banned traveling carnivals from the 

town. 

"Oklahoma!" did terrific on a week stand 

here last winter, but when it returned a couple 

of weeks ago, it laid an egg—booked too 

soon for the repeat . . . Rumors are current 

about town that vaudeville will be seen again 

in the autumn in one or possibly two theatres 

. . . Claude Thornhill, theb and leader, 

was in town. 

More than 200 persons, most of them children, 

filed out of the Ideal in Milford when 

fire broke out in the building that houses 

the theatre. Tlie flames did not reach the 

auditorium but damage in other .sections 

reached $20,000. When the blaze was discovered 

pouring from a cupola at the top of 

the building, theatre attaches went before the 

audience and asked them to leave the building. 

Patrons filed out, unaware of the fire 

until they reached the street. 

LE ROY J. FURMAN— In charge 

of operations "Monarch" Division, 

Gamble Enterprises, Inc., New York, 

N. Y.—says: 

"We have just extended our 

RCA Service agreement, and 

included Projection Room 

Parts. We believe it is a good 

investment." 




Camden, N. J. 

Adv. 


95

. . Leonard 

. . Al 

. . Inez 

HARTFORD 

. 

lîke PicciriUo, Center Theatre manager, 

was in New York Lessow of 

Loew's Poll, Waterbury, a visitor . . 

was . 

Jim Caffey is a new Palace usher succeeding 

Prank Armentano. who resigned . . . 

H. S. Chase is the new assistant manager 

of tlie Capitol, Willimantic . . . Maurine 

Bloomquist, Regal cashier, was in the midwest 

visiting her sister who recently became 

the mother of a son. Mary Miccarelli was 

relief cashier during her absence. 

I. J. Hoffman, Cy O'Toole and Rudy Weiss 

of the Warner circuit were Hartford visitors 

... A new office clock has been installed at 

the AUyir . Young, E. M. Loew's 

manager, was interviewed on Claire Gibson's 

96 

In 

Housewife News show over radio station 

WONS . Quinn, E. M. Loew's cashier, 

resigned. Her replacement is Teresa Federowicz 

. . Hari-y Bernstein, Columbia exploiteer, 

. 

was at work here on "We Were 

Strangers." 

Hillmer Robinson, for many years with the 

E. M. Loew circuit locally, now is manager 

of the car washing department of a downtown 

garage. 

. . 

Otto Tefts of the State, New Britain, is 

not planning a vacation for this summer, 

but he hopes to get in some one-day fishing 

trips during the warm months . The New 

Britain Warner theatres have launched a 

the New 

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Telephone Liberty 2-9305 

junior executives bowling league, with all 

personnel below the position of manager 

eligible for participation. Highest scorers so 

far are Ralph Carenza. Strand, with an 

average of 120, and Stanley Szandrocha, Embassy, 

with an average of 119. 

John Patno of the AUyn was in Rutland, 

Vt., attending his grandmother's funeral . . . 

Irving Scheffman of EL was a visitor . . . 

Dimitri Petrou, Community Amusement 

Corp.. was in New York for a few days . . . 

The Strand staff is calling Euler Lane, projectionist, 

Deacon these days. Lane had the 

role of a preacher in a suburban dramatic 

Charlie Lane of the 

group's play recently . . . 

Warner circuit has a new Lincoln . . . Harry 

Hoff of the Strand bought a television set. 

Bill Christiansen, former assistant at the 

Warner, Torrington, has joined Glackin & 

LeWitt Theatres as assistant manager of the 

Arch Street, New Britain. Stanley Sinski, 

former Arch Street assistant, now is managing 

G&L's Strand, Plainville . . . Daniel 

Grenier, projectionist at the Strand, Plainville, 

and his wife, the former Margaret 

Tarter, were divorced last week. 

George LeWitt has a new Cadillac . . . New 

marquee tubing has been installed at the 

Arch Street, which will observe its tenth anniversary 

next fall . . . Bill Canelli of RKO 

Amalgamated buying and 

was a visitor . . . 

booking office no longer is handling film 

bookings for the State. 

. . . 

. . . 

. . Paul 

The Warner club will hold its annual 

summer outing in August. There's talk of 

again using the Castle Inn, Cornfield Point 

Ben Laimo, Strand assistant, who has 

been ill several months, was a visitor at the 

Hartford district office of Warner Theatres 

Leonard Young, manager of E. M. Loew's, 

was in Albany visiting his mother . 

W. Amadeo, former manager of the Hartford 

Drive-In Theatre, now is assistant manager 

at the Pike Drive-In, Newington. 

SPRINGFIELD 

n Springfield woman. Blance A. Bassett, has 

filed a $5,000 suit against the Poll New 

England Theatres in the superior court. She 

claims she was injured when she tripped 

over an allegedly poorly located weighing 

scale in the women's room at the Poll Theatre. 

In her petition, the woman said that 

the scale could not be seen clearly. 

Arthur Treacher, the Hollywood actor, was 

a Westfield visitor . . . Edward Everett Horton, 

who toured the coimtry for many years 

in "Springtime for Henry," now is starring 

in "Present Laughter." The show played at 

the Academy of Music, Northampton. 

He Doesn't Like Beer on TV 

TORONTO—The Rev. Harold Young, a 

Toronto clergyman, complained to the United 

Church general council that Buffalo, N. Y., 

television programs, which are being received 

in Toronto, showed beer being poured 

from a bottle "every five minutes," presumably 

to advertise a brand of beverage. 

The general council decided to support public 

control of television in Canada "if this is 

what television in private hands will be." 


Theatre Included in 

Hospital Project 

BROCKTON. MASS.—The Veterans administration 

has approved the proposed site 

of 300 acres for the erection of a neuropsychosis 

hospital to cost between $17,000,000 

and $20,000,000 and to include an institutional 

private theatre. 

It is understood that the theatre will be 

equipped for the showing of both films and 

stage presentations. It is planned to design 

the theatre to accommodate bedridden patients 

who can be rolled into the auditorium 

by means of ramps and runways. The hospital 

will care for from 1.000 to 1.100 neuropsychotic 

patients and about 300 medical 

cases. Construction is scheduled to start 

next spring. 

Lockwood-Gordon Builds Drive-In 

SCARBORO. ME.—The first 

drive-in to be 

built and operated by Lockwood & Gordon 

Enterpri.ses is under construction in this Portland 

suburb and is scheduled for opening 

about June 10. 

Erected by Asceto Construction 

Co. of Portland at a cost of about $200.- 

000. the new drive-in will have special land- 

.scaping effects and a huge refreshment area. 

It is designed to accommodate 950 cars. 

Capitol Theatre Supply is installing booth 

equipment with Brenkert projectors, RCA 

sound and in-car speakers. 

Theatremen in Hartford 

Aid in Symphony Drive 

HARTFORD—Mayor Cyril Coleman presided 

at a meeting- of a theatremen's committee 

to discuss motion picture participation 

in the Hartford Symphony .society drive for 

S60.000. Theatremen attending included 

James F. McCarthy, Strand; Fred R. Greenway. 

Loew's Poll Palace; Lou Cohen, Loew's 

Poll: Francis S. Morm. Regal; John L. Calvocoressi. 

Community Amusement Corp., and 

Maurice W. Shulman. Shulnian circuit. 

LYNN 

'The Lynn Kiwanis club held its noonday 

luncheon on a Constellation plane. The 

trip was over Maine, including Old Orchard. 

Manager James Davis, Paramount, was on 

the committee . . . Paramount had such success 

with a circus for kids Saturday morning 

that a puppet show will be pre.sented May 

14 with clowns, six cartoons and "Rebecca 

of Sunnybrook Farm." 

To Play Blackmailer Role 

Adelc Jergens will play the role of a blackmailer 

in MGM's "Side Street." 

HOWARD R. JOHNSON — Manager, 

Strand Theatre, Hamden< 

Conn.— says: 

"The Showman's Number One 

consideration is his booth's operation. 

RCA Service i.s 100 per 

cent insurance against breakdown 

and a top boost to highest 

efficiency of light and sound 

quality." 





Adv. 

\ 

Houlton Airer to Open May 15 

HOULTON. ME.—An unnamed drive-in, 

buUt here by Louis Webber, was scheduled 

for opening May 15. The drive-in has a capacity 

of 300 cars and booking and buying 

will be handled by Harold Young of Boston. 

Drive-In Ready May 15 

HARTFORD—The drive-in theatre being 

erected on Davis field, Waterford, for Joe 

Gloth is expected to be ready for opening 

May 15. Construction was started early this 

spring. The 700-car ozoner will be the second 

drive-in in the eastern Connecticut area, the 

E. M. Loew circuit already operating a 600- 

car drive-in at MontviUe. 

Bill to Regulate Ozoners 

CONCORD. N. H.—Towns throughout New 

Hampshire would be empowered to regulate 

the location and hours of operation of drivein 

theatres under a measure introduced in 

the state senate here. The measure is sponsored 

by Doris M. Spollett. senator from 

Hampstead. 

A RESEARCH BUREAU 

for MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS 





Gentlemen: 

5-14-49 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU to receive information regularly, as 

released, on the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

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Air Conditioning 

D Architectural Service 

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Lighting Fixtures 


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Lamps 

n Seating 


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n Television 

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TRY 

AND 

SEE! 

HLMACK 

SPEClM 

New York-619W. 5-»i».St. 

Other 

Theatre 

Address 

City 

Subjects 

Signed 

Seating 

Capacity, 

State. 





..«i«f«»lHW«*W*' 

f-3-'-'- 

-•>*

Zukor Will Attend 

Parley at Dallas 

DALLAS—Adolph Zukor. chairman of the 

board of Paramount Pictures, will make his 

ADOLPH ZUKOR 

first film business trip to this city with six 

home office executives to attend a division 

meeting at the Baker hotel, to be presided 

over by Duke Clark, May 19-21. Zukor was 

one of the founders of Famous Players, the 

original production company which became 

Paramount. 

In the Zukor party will be A. W. Schwalberg. 

general sales manager; his assistant, 

E. K. "Ted" O'Shea; Oscar Morgan, head of 

the short subjects department; Fred Leroy, 

statistical department; Morton Love, legal 

department and several other home office officials. 

The meeting will be one of five held simultaneously 

all over the country. It will be attended 

by 50 managers and salesmen from 

Clark's division which includes Kansas. Missouri, 

Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. 

Film Man to Open Cafe 

BROWNSVILLE. TEX. — Russell Davila. 

former South American representative for 

United Artists, has stepped out of show business 

and is readying a swanky new drive-in 

restaurant on the Boca Chica road near 

Brownsville. 

STANDEE SPEAKERS 

FOR FBONT SECTION AND REAH RAMPS 

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To insure comfort, back slats ore steam-bent to 

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seats to be easily turned up or down. 

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201 IV2 Jackson Street Dallas, Texas Phone Prospect 7-1398 

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The Largest Manufacturer of Public Seat'mg in tfie South 

100 


. . Recent 

SAN ANTONIO 

ni Butler, general representative for "Tulsa," 

currently playing the Majestic Theatre 

here, arrived in the Alamo city from a side 

trip to Gonzales where he visited circus quarters 

Tomjny Crump, assistant manager 

. . . of the Cactus. Austin, called our attention 

to the new drink vending machine recently 

installed in hi.s Sixth street house. It dispenses 

three different kinds of cold beverages. 

Tom is one ol the capital city's up 

and coming showmen. 

The Josephine brought in "Smart Women" 

for a first run suburban engagement. "The 

Kissing Bandit" bowed into the Texas for a 

four-day stand. The Alameda played "Soledad." 

a Clasa-Mohme release, for a week's 

showing . visitors seen along the 

Row were Lou Baxley. Houston: J. G. Long, 

Bay City: Rubin Frels, Victoria: Eddie Reyna, 

south Texas theatre circuit Mexican booker, 

and E. J. Elkins. Astor, Dallas. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wally McLaughlin of New 

York have opened the new Consolidated Artists 

Booking Agency in the Texas Theatre 

Bldg. They place all kinds of music and 

talent in theatres, including film actors, 

musicians and other entertainments . . . 

Tony Garza, manager of the Progreso, says 

he is for A. C. Jack White for mayor in the 

Spring-like weather, 

May 10 election . . . 

coupled with rains, is neither hurting or 

helping local theatre business ... A midnight 

screen and stage spook show was put 

on at the Majestic on Friday and Saturday 

nights at SI per person. 

The Home Theatre on North Floras street 

has discontinued showing 16mm films . . . 

San Antonio's newest drive-in. the Kelly 

. . . 

. . . 

Field, opened at 1325 Frio City Road 

Robert Mann. 20th Sentury-Fox sales representative 

for San Antonio and .south Texas, 

now is domiciled at 940 West Mulberry 

Jean Valjean, Parisian stage artist, has been 

playing theatre dates in Austin. Dallas, Houston 

and Fort Worth. She recently closed a 

successful stand at the Zarazoza here . . . 

We missed talking to J'mmy Starr, Los 

Angeles Herald-Express dramatic editor, and 

Ivan Spear. Hollywood BOXOFFICER, and 

a host of other scribes in Houston at "The 

Green Promise"-Shamrock hotel openings. 

TRY 

AND 

SEE! 

SPECIAl 

TRMltW 

nMS.Woba* 

NcwYork-619W. 54thSt. 

PRESTON E. SMITH—Owner of 

State, Tech, Plains and 5 Point 

Drive- In Theatres, Lubbock, Texas 

— declares: 

"RCA Service has been and 

will continue to be an intimate 

part of my operation." 





Adv. 

IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS AND 

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FOR REPLACEMENT JOBS 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. "k.c',"mT' 

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MODEL 101- 









SOUTHWESTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. OKLAHOMA THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

2010 Jackson St., Dallas 1, Texas 628 W. Grand Ave., Oklahoma City 2, Okla. 

1416 Main St., Houston 2, Texas 

DELTA THEATRE SUPPLY 

214 S. Liberty St., New Orleans 13, La.

Exchange Records 

Opened to Village 

DALLAS—Interested parties here were informed 

that Judge T. Whitfield Davidson of 

the U.S. district court here, sitting briefly in 

Jefferson. Marion county, ordered 13 major 

distributors to turn their records over at 10 

a. m. Tuesday to plaintiffs in the case of the 

Village Theatre. Port Arthur, versus Jefferson 

Amusement Co. and the distributors. 

Judge R. E. Thomason of El Paso previously 

had enjoined the defendants from moving 

their records out of the state. Judge 

Etevidson set the time for making the records 

available to photostating. 

Davidson al.so ordered that the records of 

the circuit's home office in Beaumont, as 

well as its Port Arthur theatres involved in 

the case, be turned over to plaintiff. All records 

are for the last 39-month period. Charles 

L. Brent of Dallas and W. H. "Pat" O'Bryan 

of Oklahoma City are owners of the Village. 

William Beaudine has been signed to direct 

"Trail of the Yukon" for Monogram. 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

"Phe Capitol Theatre in Capitol Hill had a 

cooking school each morning, free of 

chai-ge, for five days. Groceries, were given 

away and on the final day, a grand door 

prize, an electric range, was awarded . . . The 

Knob Hill in Capitol Hill has three changes 

a week, while the Redskin, also owned by R. 

Lewis Barton, has two changes a week. The 

Redskin, too, is in Capitol Hill. Barton says 

the Knob Hill house now heads his chain. It 

ran second to the Redskin until recently. 

Barton, who owns five houses in and around 

Capitol Hill, is breaking ground for a sixth 

at Del City, near here. 

in 

H. L. Hawkins of Wilson is the new manager 

of the Ritz Theatre in Britton, succeeding 

Ed Asher. who went to Walters to man- 

Bee-Gee Drive- 

age a theatre there . . . The 

in reopened recently with a new name, the 

Del, and with the addition of individual 

speakers. 

SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY 

Your Deal Handled Personally' 

27 years experience 

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DALLAS, TEXAS 

Ducia, R. A. (Bob) EdIIy 

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NEW ORLEANS: (13) 

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. . Paul 

. . Homer 

Dave Mifchel and Bill Mick Form HOUSTON 

Southv/est Poster Service, Dallas 

DALLAS—David Mitchel and William Mick 

have formed a theatre advertising accessory 

partnership which they say will offer complete 

theatre service. It will be operated under 

the name of Southwest Poster Service, 

2029'l' Jackson St. The company will be 

distributor for World Wide Posters, Inc., 

which has entered the field manufacturing 

silk screen 40x60s, 24x82 banners, and 30x40s. 

A line of standard advertising accessories 

also will be offered. 

The Dallas company has joined other independent 

poster services in the United States 

and Canada in organization of an association 

to be sole distributor for World Wide. This 

association is headed by Mitchell Panzer of 

Philadelphia. 

Mitchel bought the Buddy Harris poster 

exchange five years ago, changing the name 

to Southwest Poster Service. In 1928. he 

started with National Screen Service as shipper 

and salesman in Philadelphia. He was 

transferred to the New York home office for 

sales statistics and later became supervisor 

of branch operations. He was sent here in 

1943 as service manager. 

Bill Mick is a veteran of 30 years in theatre 

operations and is well known among 

showmen of this territory. He was with the 

old Pinkelstein & Ruben circuit for 15 years 

in Minnesota as both manager and division 

manager, devoting most of his time to exploitation. 

When F&R sold to Publix. Mick 

went with RKO Theatres in New York. His 

next stop was Dallas as field representative 

of the Jam Handy organization. 

He recently 

resigned from National Screen Service. 

IJruce Cabot, the film actor, and press columnist 

Bill Roberts talked over their old 

. 

. . . Majestic 

. . . Industrial film producer 

army days when they hit the sick list simultaneously 

McCallon, skipper of 

Loew's State, is on vacation 

Manager Eddie Bremer moved "Mr. Belvedere 

Goes to College" over to the Kirby for a 

second week 

Bob Bailey will be "on location" for the next 

few weeks to come. 

. 

Irl Mowery, director of the Saginaw, Mich., 

Little Theatre and former Houstonian, has 

been engaged as director of the Houston theatrical 

group, replacing Ralph Mead, who 

resigned recently. Mowery's wife "Dinnie" 

is al.so well known to Houston audiences . . . 

The Alabama and Broadway offered special 

kiddy shows of ten cartoons Saturday morning 

Hochuli, amusement editor of 

the Houston Press, has booted his virus and 

is back on the job again. 

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Sig Byrd and Eddie Cope, Houston writers, 

bumped into each other between planes at the 

Dallas airport last week. Byrd was en route 

to Houston from Hollywood, and Cope was 

on his way to El Paso and Brownsville. 

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214 SOUTH SAINT PAUL STREET DALLAS, TEXAS 

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We can re-cover worn or torn seats 

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DALLAS 

IJob Smith, circuit 

owner from Mission, was 

here .several days booking. His next visit 

will be for the ATO directors meetings and 

convention May SO, June 1 . . . S. G. Fry of 

Tyler made his customary two-day visit to 

all exchanges ... P. A. "Bob" Warner spent 

most of the week visiting towns in south and 

west Texas. 

Temple Summers, owner of the Palace in 

Glen Rose, is beating the drums for the 49er 

Jubilee to be held there May 14, 15. His 

ccmic card suggested ways of getting there 

by bus, skates, jalopy, old dobbin, a new car 

or in a baby carriage, but come, because fun's 

agoin" to waste, he said. 

Forrest White has moved his Ind-Ex Booking 

Service into new offices in the Manley 

building at 2013 Young St. . . Reservations 

. 

are being received daily by the Texas Allied 

Theatre Owners office and H. A. Cole predicts 

the 1949 convention will have visitors from 

more states than ever before . . Mrs. Ruby 

. 

Gibson has returned to her Filmrow office 

after weeks of absence after an operation. 

Friends say she looked fine as she resumed 

the operation of her Navaway Theatre in 

Houston. 

Mae Clark of the Army Theatres office and 

Bob Davis. MGM booker, were married recently 

and have returned after a brief honeymoon 

. . . B. E. Flowers, manager of Buckner 

Blvd. Drive-In, has ordered BOXOFFICE 

for a year. 

Charles E. Darden and Ralph Thornily and 

their wives drove to the Variety convention 

in San Francisco. The Thornilys continued 

their trip northward on a sightseeing trip 

after the convention and the Dardens flew 

back to Dallas, landing here after only a few 

gin rummy hands. He was a delegate, and 

thought the convention was one of the best 

although fewer attended. Returning in the 

same plane were R. J. O'Donnell, the international 

chief barker; delegate John Rowley; 

Horace Falls, and several others of the Dallas 

contingent. Chief Barker Julius Schepps and 

wife intended taking this plane back but instead 

he phoned his chauffeur to bring the 

station wagon west to get them. 

Jim Castle, Paramount St. Louis publicity 

man, was here for the division meeting. T. L, 

Henrich has been transferred from Detroit 

to Dallas under Duke Clark's office . . "The 

. 

Red Shoes" ran 11 days in Alfred Sack's art 

Coronet Theatre at roadshow prices. It went 

150 of average following three w'eeks first run 

at the Telenews downtown. The Coronet just 

ran Columbia's "La Traviata" for seven days 

first run and did 110 over average. 

Clair Hilgers said he hadn't seen it so quiet 

on Pilmrow after Easter as it is now and 

that he has been around in these parts for 

28 years. He said there was nothing alarming 

about it either, because while business 

BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT 

lOth n.. 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO., INC. Dallas. Tex. 

is off everywhere, no one seems to be hurt. 

Exhibitors came to town for a few days after 

the ice and then quit, with no reasons heard 

why. Hilgers said you could hold a man up 

on the Row at 3 p. m. and probably get 

by with it. He is distributor of Realart Pictures 

for John Franconi. He returned recently 

from a trip to Chicago and Minneapolis 

working on the same national giveaway 

plan announced here a few months ago, 

which he thinks is being ironed out now and 

will go into the setup he now has with Franconi. 

Theo Miller of Quitman can almost be 

counted on for weekly booking trips these 

days . Franconi and his wife were 

in San Francisco for Variety convention and 

then went south to Hollywood where he conferred 

several days on Screen Guild production 

matters . Meadows has moved 

her office in Bob Warner's Manley setup 

from 302 South Harwood to 2015 Young St., 

in a new building which Bob recently remodeled. 

Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount production 

vice-president in Hollywood, is expected here 

next week on a visit, the purpose of which is 

not yet known. They say, however, he likely 

will see Karl Hoblitzelle, president of Interstate 

circuit; his brother Charley, with that 

organization, and may attend the Paramount 

meeting here at about the same time. 

SAM SCHWARTZ— Owner, Aztec 

and Yolanda Theatres, Eagle Pass, 

Texas—declares: 

"I have used RCA Service 

continuously for the past 20 

years. Service has been prompt 

and very efficient. It's a sound 

business investment." 




Camden, N. J. 

Adv. 

Westerns-Features-Serials 

Tower Pictures Co. 

HABOLD SCHWARZ 

302>/i 

S. Harwood St. DolloB 1, T«xcu 

Phones C-7357 and R-3998 

CONSOLIDATED ARTIST BOOKING AGCY. 

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BOOKING VAUDEVILLE COAST to COAST 

Shows for All Types of Entertainment 

Phone Fannin 5496 405-406 Texas Theatre Bldg. 

SAN ANTONIO. TEXAS 


TOA OF GEORGIA RE-ELECTS 

OFFICERS FOR ANOTHER YEAR 

Join Hands With TV, Urges 

Thompson; E. H. Stevens 

Lists 16mm Merits 

ATLANTA—The second annual meeting of 

the Theatre Owners and Operators of Georgia, 

held here Monday and Tuesday i9, 10 

closed with the re-election of J. H. Thompson, 

president; O. C. Lam. vice-president: Nat 

Williams, vice-president: J. S. Tanksley, first 

vice-president; John Thompson, secretary, 

and E. D. Martin, treasiu-er. 

The exhibitor convention, attended by 350 

exhibitors from .southern states, was highlighted 

by .speeches by Francis H. Hare. Mike 

Simons. MGM. New York; R. B. Wilby, circuit 

operator: Herman Levy, general counsel of 

TOA, and Edward H. Stevens, president of 

Stevens 16min exchanges in Atlanta, all of 

whom spoke at the Monday meeting. 

On Tuesday. Leon Bamberger spoke on 

"Motion Picture Research," O. C. Lam sr. 

spoke on projection, and Gael Sullivan, executive 

director of TOA, discussed industry 

highlights and organization. Sol Handwerger 

talked about music exploitation and Alfred 

Starr di.scu.s.sed theatre concessions. 

Simons told the exhibitors that the motion 

picture industry had entered a new era. emphasizing 

better adaptation to the market 

and a closer feeling between the industry and 

the public. He said the outward signs of the 

new era are visible through modernization 

programs in existing theatres, better sound 

and screen equipment and new types of theatres 

to attract persons not now attending the 

Shown above are the women of the Theatre Owners and Operators of Georgia 

who provided entertainment for other women attending the convention. Top, left 

to right: Mrs. Cooper Welch, Mrs. Jack Dunestree, Mrs. Bill VVooten. Bottom: Mrs. 

W. M. Snelson, Mrs. Leonard Allen. 

try folk to the cities of the state, Stevens 

asked, "Is it not better for these people who 

are moving to your towns to come to you 

with the motion picture habit?" 

"Tliey won't get that habit and become your 

regular patrons traveling miles on 30-cent 

theatre.s. He urged a sound public relations 

program for the industry to keep the public 

informed on type and quality films available. 

Stevens explained the value of 16mm operations 

to the theatreman, saying that through 

16mm operations in settlements where there 

were no normal theatre facilities, some 

1,000.000 potential Georgia theatregoers were 

getting the "motion picture habit." 

Explaining the tremendous influx of coun- 

gasoline. We must take motion pictures to 

them and 16mm is the proper vehicle. We 

are the salesmen handing out the two-fors 

like the cigaret salesmen pass out daily. Habits 

are created by constant exposure and 

suggestion. We are training customers for 

you. The fellow who smokes a 5-cent cigar 

always wants a better one and people who 

see our shows will go to your theatres for 

better entertainment." 

He added that comparison of 16mm with 

regular theatres was foolish, since the theatres 

have air conditioned comfort and good 

seating, while 16mm patrons sit on "benches 

and nail kegs." 

"We operate in the hamlets and theatreless 

towns." Stevens said, "and we fail for these 

reasons every time an operator gets near 

you." 

Stevens urged exhibitors to let him know 

of any .specific place where 16nim was hurting 

the individual exhibitor, and promised 

that he would do his best to correct the situation. 

The convention was opened Monday by 

President J. H. Thompson, who congratulated 

the thearemen on the public service 

campaigns they aided in 1948. such as the 

Highway Safety drive, the Attend Sunday 

School move, the Youth. March of Dimes. 

Red Cross and Crippled Children's campaigns 

and others. 

Thompson urged the motion picture indus- 


Treasurer E. D. Martin 

O. C. Lam. left, and Nat Williams, vicepresidents. 

President J. H. Thompson 

BOXOFFICE :: May 14, 1949 

SE 

107

Registrants at Georgia TOA Conclave 

GEORGIA 

ATLANTA 

O. G. Alexander, Wil-Kin Theatre Supply: 

Mr. and Mrs. Emery Austin, MOM; Mrs. L. S. 

Bach, Bach Theatre; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bailev, 

Bailey's Theatres: Mrs. Mae Banks, National 

Theatre Supply: Fred S. Barnes, Altec: 

Fred Bearden jr.. Southeastern Theatre 

Equipment: Mr. and Mrs. B. D. Benton and 

Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Benton. Benton Bros, exchange: 

E. H. Brauer. Republic: Guy C. 

Brown, Motion Picture Advertising Service 

Co.: J. C. Brown. NTS: B. S. Bryan, RKO: 

Dan Coursey, 20th -Fox: Willis J. Davis, Georgia 

Theatre Co.; Miss Wenonah Duke; Mr. 

and Mrs. J. B. Dumestre III and Mr. and 

Mrs. Jack Dumestre, Southeastern Equipment: 

Charles C. Durmeyer, Mrs. Maree Durmeyer. 

Southern Automatic Candy. 

R. A. Edmondson jr., Dixie Drive-ins; Ray 

Edwards, Screen Guild; Jack Elwell, Dixie 

Drive-ins: Mrs. E. C. Fitzgerald, Paramount; 

R. H. "Dick" Ford, 20th-Fox; Charlie Fortson, 

Wil-Kin: C. J. Galloway and Ed H. 

Hays. SG: Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Howell, Wilby- 

Kincey; R. J. Ingram, Columbia; W. B. 

Jones, Blevins Popcorn Co.; Charlie Karr, 

Martin Theatres: Charles E. Kessnich, MGM; 

Willard Kohorn, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Langer 

and Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Lester, all of 

National Screen Service: Mr. and Mrs. R. L. 

McCoy and Mrs. Cleo McFarland, Film Classics; 

Charles A. Moore, Wil-Kin; Mrs. Paul 

Morgan, Paramount: E. L. G'Nell, Sam Oshry 

and Patty Oshry, U-I. 

Mr. and Mrs. 

Harry M. Paul. RCA Victor; 

Jacob Pries and Sid Reams, Republic; H. P. 

Rhoads, Georgia Theatre Co.; W. M. Richardson, 

Astor: G. F. Sandore, RCA; P. H. 

Savin, BOXOFFICE; M:-. and Mrs. Harvey 

Smith, Tower Theatre: Harold Spears. Bailey 

Theatres; J. L. Stanton, MGM; Ed H. Stevens, 

Stevens Pictures: Marguerite Stith, Wilson- 

Moore Ent., Inc.: F. G. Storey, Georgia Theatre 

Co.; Buford Styles, U-I; Mr. and Mrs. 

George Terrent, NSS; Walter L. Titus jr., 

Republic: Charles Turner. Loew's; Howard 

Wallace, Sack Amusement Co.: W. A. Wallace, 

Benton Film Forwarding Co.; Virgil 

Warren, Martin Theatre; Mr. and Mrs. Cooper 

Welch, Grove Theatre: R. B. Wilby, Wilby- 

Kincey; Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Wilson, Wilson-Moore; 

George Womack, Benton Bros. 

Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Wooten. Kirkwood 

Avondale; F. W. Young, Atlanta Popcorn Supply: 

H. R. Kistler, Warners; J. A. Bachman, 

UA; Keith Bain, RKO: O. S. Barnett, Monogram; 

Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Butler, Loew's; 

Jimmy Campbell, Monogram; Mr. and Mrs. 

J. E. Hobbs: Mr. and Mrs. Tom W. Jones, 

Exhibitors Service: B. H. Jordan, Monogram; 

G, T. "Shag" Jordan, UA; Charles King, 

Exhibitors Service; Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Kirby, 

Warners: Thomas E. Lucy, Exhibitors Service; 

Hubert M. Lyons, RKO: Mrs. Ben Mc- 

Chessey, Paramount; A. B. Padgett, MGM; 

Grover C. Parsons. Eagle Lion; Sam Perloff, 

MGM; Harry B. Rogers, RKO; George Roscoe 

and wife, Columbia; Ken A. Smith, SG; 

Mrs. Ira P. Stone, RKO; R. W. Tarwater, EL; 

Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Williamson jr., Warners; 

Harris B, Wynn jr., MGM; John W. Mangham, 

SG. 

ROYSTON—Branson James, Royce Theatre. 

COMMERCE—Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Jarrell, 

Roxy Theatre. 

108 

ROME—O. C. Lam and Howard Schuessler, 

Lam Amusement Co. 

STATESBORO—Hal Macon jr., Macon 

Theatres. 

SWAINSBORO—W. M. Karrh, Dixie Theatre. 

PORTERDALE—Mr. and Mrs. 

OCILLA—Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Gammon, 

Mrs. Mary G. Pedraja and Mrs. Estelle 

Swearingen, Ocilla Theatre. 

John Heckney, 

Porterdale Theatre. 

ELLIJAY—Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Hampton, 

Mrs. W. R. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. J. S. 

Tankersley jr., Tankersley & Hampton. 

JEFFERSON—Ml-, and Mrs. Nat Hancock, 

Roosevelt Theatre. 

THOMASTON—J. B. Hardy, Ritz Theatre. 

GRIFFITH—Mr. and Mrs. J. Harrison, Imperial 

Theatre. 

MONTEZUMA—Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Martin, 

Grand Theatre. 

STONE MOUNTAIN—Mr. and Mrs. Roy 

W. Mitchell, Mountain Theatre. 

BLUE RIDGE—Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Mowbray, 

Royal Theatre. 

BLAKELY—Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Peters, 

Blakely Theatre. 

COVINGTON—Mrs. M. M. Osman, Strand 

Theatre. 

MOULTRIE—C. 

H. Powell, Moultrie Theatres, 

Inc. 

JESUP—Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Riggins, 

Strand Theatre. 

SOCIAL CIRCLE—Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Satterfield, 

Circle Theatre. 

BUENA VISTA—Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Shingler, 

Vista. 

M. Stockton, Martin 

HAWKINSVILLE—L. 

& Thompson: J. H. "Tommy" Thompson, 

Martin & Thompson Theatres. 

GAINESVILLE—John Thompson, Skyview 

Theatre. 

TRION—M. T. Varnell. Mark Theatre. 

COLUMBUS—Matt Bates. G. N. Goldwire, 

Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Harrell, Mr. and Mrs. 

E. D. Martin, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Martin jr., 

Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Patrick, all of Martin 

Theatres; Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Shingler, Columbus 

Drive-In; I. T. Taylor, Martin Theatres. 

FORT GAINES—Mrs. Betty Bennett, Mrs. 

Bessie D. Walker, Walker Theatre. 

BROOKHAVEN—Mr. and Mrs. John H. 

Carter, Brookhaven Theatre. 

ROSWELL—Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Brannon, 

Roswell Theatre. 

GREENSBORO—W. R. Boswell, Greenland 

Theatre. 

EAST POINT— Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Coleman. 

East Point Amusement Co. 

ROCHELLE—Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Crummy, 

Cecil. 

CARROLLTON—Ebb Duncan, Roy Richards, 

Duncan-Richards Theatres. 

WEST POINT—L. J. Duncan, J. S. "Sid" 

Laird, Al-Dun Amusement Co. 

SAVANNAH—Mr. and Mrs. Fred G. Weis, 

Weis 

Theatre. 

KINGSLAND—J. N. Wells, Wells Theatre. 

HARTWELL—Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Yarbrough, 

Emily Theatre. 

THOMASVILLE—Nat Williams, Int. 

Ent. 

MACON—Mr. and Mrs. Hal Allen, Macon 

Telegraph. 

FLORIDA 

CHATTAHOOCHEE — Mrs. C. S. Dunn, 

Gibson. 

HAINES CITY—Carl Floyd Floyd Theatres. 

FRUITLAND PARK—Mr. and Mrs. C. O. 

Jeffery, Alexander Film Co. 

JACKSONVILLE — Walt Woodward, Wil- 

Kin. 

TEXAS 

TEMPLE—R. Paul Shallcross, American 

Desk Mfg. Co. 

DALLAS—W. H. Brieut, United Artists; 

Wendell Welch. 

OHIO 

CINCINNATI—N. G. Thomas, Altec Service 

Corp. 

PENNSYLVANIA 

PITTSBURGH—Welden Waters, 

PHILADELPHIA—Lew Herb, Exhibitor. 

20th-Pox. 

TENNESSEE 

NASHVILLE—J. V. Blevins, Blevins Popcorn 

Co.; Alfred Starr, Bijou Amusement Co. 

ETOWAH—Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Manning. 

CHATTANOOGA—A. Solomon, Independent 

Theatre, 

LOUISIANA 

NEW ORLEANS—Mr. and Mrs. A. E. 

Chadick. Mrs. Prude Gore. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh 

E. Hollon, C. J. Mabry. Motion Picture Adv.; 

Roy Prewitt and W. A. Pi-ewitt, American 

Desk Mfg. Co. 

ALABAMA 

FAYETTE—Mrs. Lucile Cobb. Richards 

Theatres. 

BIRMINGHAM—Harry M. Curl. Commu- 

John W. Douglas, Acme The- 

nity Theatres; 

atres: R. M. Kennedy, Alabama Theatre, Inc.; 

Frank W. Merritt. Acme Theatre Co. 

FLORENCE-Dan W. David, Norwood Theatre; 

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Rosenbama, Muscle 

Shoals Theatre. 

ALEXANDER CITY— Ml", and Mrs. Mack 

Jackson, Jackson Theatre. 

ALBERTVILLE—Thomas E. Orr. Amusement 

Enterprise, Inc. 

NEW YORK 

Leon Bamberger, RKO: Sol Hendwerger, 

MGM Records; Herman Levy, TOA; Sam 

Shain, 20th-Fox; Mike Simons, MGM; Gael 

Sullivan, TOA. 

Georgia Theatre Owners 

Re-Elect 1948 Officers 

(Continued from preceding page) 

try to join hands with the television industry 

and use television instead of letting "television 

use us." He termed television "an 

advertising medium to sell our pictures yet 

unheard of by running trailers on our pictures 

over television—pictures that television 

will never buy to run because of rental costs." 

Social events on the convention program 

included a Monday tour of homes, tea and 

fashion show for the ladies and a cocktail 

party and buffet dinner in the Dixie ballroom 

for the members and their wives that evening. 

Luncheon was served in the Dogwood 

room on Tuesday and the afternoon featured 

a luncheon, bingo and cocktail party 

for the ladies in the Variety Club's new 

Skyview lounge atop the Atlantan hotel. 

The meeting was concluded Tuesday night 

with a banquet and floor show and the installation 

of officers at the Dixie ballroom. 


. . Brandt's 

. . . Paramount 

. . Wometco 

, , The 

Commillees Named 

MIAM I 

By TOA in Carolinas 

CHARLOTTE—Committees to serve for the 

coming year have been appointed by J. Bates 

Harvey, pre-.ident of the Theatre Owners 

Ass'n of North and South Carolina. 

In releasing the committee roster, Harvey 

included a new group on public relations. 

This group is headed by Norris Hadaway of 

Greensboro. Other members are A, F. Sams 

jr., Statesville: Roy L. Champion. Wulson; 

Senator Roy Rowe. Burgaw; Alfred Starr. 

Nashville, and J. I. Sams. Orangeburg. 

Other committees are as follows: 

Conciliation — Worth Stewart, chairman: 

P. H. Beddingfield. George D. Carpenter. 

R. O. Jeffress and Roy L. Smart, 

Film rentals—Hank D, Hearn. Charlotte. 

chairman; Ernest Stellings, Charlotte: S. T, 

Stoker. Charlotte, and Ralph Simpson. Gastonia. 

Checking—Sam Trincher. Charlotte, chairman: 

Harold Armstead. Lasley. and Basil 

Kerr, Charleston. 

Television — Ben L. Strozier, Rock Hill, 

chairman; F. W, Davis. Morganton; Fred 

Powell. Chester: Max Zager, Greensboro, 

and Howard Anderson, Mullins. 

Insurance — Hearn. chairman: Francis 

White. Charlotte: Ed Haley, Raleigh, and 

S. S, Stevenson, Henderson. 

16mm films—Roy Rowe, Burgaw, chairman: 

Roy L. Smart and Roy Champion, 

North Carolina legislative—H. E, Buchanan. 

Hendersonville. chair-man; T. A. Little. 

Charlotte; Worth Stewart and S. S. Stevenson. 

South Carolina legislative—Warren Irvin. 

Charlotte, chairman; Robert E. Bryant. Rock 

Hill; J. C. Long. Charleston; Strozier and 

R. L. Wilburn, Buffalo. 

Accessories and trailer— F. H. Beddingfield, 

chairman: W. H, Hendrix, Reidsville; H. E. 

Wessinger, Lexington, and Kenneth Richardson 

jr., Seneca. 

Membership — Walter Griffith, Charlotte, 

chairman; Jimmie Earnhardt, Edenton; A. P. 

Lassiter. Conway: H. H. Everett. Charlotte: 

Ed Haley, Raleigh, and Leiand Young, Clinton. 

Program—H. D. Kincey. Charlotte, chairman: 

H. D. Hearn. vice-chairman; Strozier, 

Francis White, H. H, Everett and Sam W. 

Craver. 

Alabama Receipts Slip, 

College Survey Shows 

BIRMINGHAM—Theatre receipts in the 

state for February showed a decline of 1.4 

per cent compared with January, according 

to a retail trade report just issued by the 

bureau of business research at the University 

of Alabama. 

Theatres accounted for .74 per cent of the 

total state revenue during February. January 

theatre receipts, accounting for ,83 per 

cent of the state total, were up 12.8 per cent 

in comparison with December 1948. 

Arcade Back to First Run 

JACKSONVILLE — The Arcade has returned 

to its first run policy after operating 

as a second run house for the past year. A 

larger number of new films plus an increase 

in business brought about the switch. Manager 

John Crovo announced. The Arcade is 

owned and operated by the Florida Coastal 

Theatres. 

. , . 

Qrorge Hoover, Miami Variety Club chief 

barker and general manager for Paramount 

Enterprises, stopped over in Colorado 

for a vacation en route home from the Variety 

Due 

convention in San Francisco largely to the efforts of George Beebe of the 

Herald, the amusement and hotel interests 

of this area will be able to put a good fool 

forward next November when some two score 

members of the Sunday Editors Ass'n convene 

here. 

RKO requested amusement editors to 

spread the word to theatre patrons not to 

tell friends what causes "The Boy With 

Green Hair" to acquire green hair after 

they have seen the picture. It opens at Paramount's 

Florida and Colony shortly . . . 

Gregory Peck, now on location near Fort 

Walton. Fla,. telephones his white shepherd 

dog every night. It happened on the night 

Peck long-distanced his wife in Hollywood 

and his dog. hearing his voice, made such a 

fuss that Mrs. Peck held the receiver to his 

ear. The dog now listens every evening. 

Peck is making 'Twelve O'clock High." 20th- 

Fox's saga of the Eighth air force. 

. . 

Residents undoubtedly will flock to theatres 

to see familiar surroundings. Cuban 

and Florida locales will add the special mterest 

for the forthcoming showings of "We 

Were Strangers" and "Flamingo Road" 

Bernstein's Dixie in 

. 

downtown Miami has a 

special "early bird" admission price of 25 

cents for adults arriving from 10:15 a. m. to 

noon . Flamingo has reverted to 

its former policy of double-feature continuous 

showings since "The Red Shoes" finished 

its 19-week run. 

With vaudeville due for a revival at New 

York's Palace, Al Weiss has booked a show 

for the Olymp'a that has a great deal of the 

two-a-day quality. The opening act will also 

open the Palace inaugural bill . , . Bill Peek, 

chairman of the Variety Club entertainment 

committee, has arranged to have the Southern 

GREETINGS — George Meyer, chief 

booker of the Pastime Theatres, and the 

Plaza in Charleston, S. C. greets Doris 

Day, star of Warners' "IVIy Dream Is 

Yours," on her recent 25-city tour. 

Serenaders, a local choral group, present a 

musical condensation of "Showboat" at the 

club rooms as the feature of the regular 

Wednesday club show. As with all of these 

shows, it's for the benefit of the South Florida 

Children's hospital which Tent 33 will 

operate when it opens in January. 

Arline Judge has been laid up in a local 

hospital with a fractured ankle . Les 

. . 

Rhode, orchestra leader for a number of 

years at the Olympia, is now leading the 

band with the Water Follies on a Latin 

American tour. He recently wrote Olympia 

manager Al Weiss from Caracas to say that 

he happened to notice a sheet of weathered 

newsprint caught in a tree outside his hotel 

room. Curious, he went out and retrieved it. 

only to discover that it was a Miami Herald 

amusement page, dated Aug. 13. 1947, and 

bore his name in large type. 

, 

iVIitchell Wolfson, Wometco co-owner, was 

pictured in the sports sections of newspapers 

when he participated in the cutting of the 

ribbon that launched the new Westview Golf 

club. Wolfson is an officer in the club 

Summer prices have gone in effect at 

. . . 

Wometco's 

Lincoln. Capitol and Cameo ... In 

honor of Mothers' day a number of theatres 

presented special features. Bernstein's Dixie 

gave a box of candy to each of the first 10 

mothers attending the matinee performance 

and a carnation to the first 100 mothers attending 

Little River gave away a 

handsome oil painting to the winning mother 

led off its Mothers' day advertising 

with a greeting to mothers. 

. . . 

Bill Dock, pursuing the same plan he followed 

when managing the Dade, presented 

10 orchid corsages and boxes of candy from 

the stage at the 4 and 9 p. m. shows. Winners 

were the oldest mother in the audience, the 

youngest mother present, the mother who 

had the most children, the newest mother 

and the mother-in-law who had lived with 

her son-in-law the longest without an argument 

. headed its Sunday schedule 

with the advice to go to church with 

mother and then treat her to a show . . . The 

Rosetta in Little River gave a carnation to 

the first 100 mothers attending the theatre. 

On stage at the 3:30 show, the oldest and 

the youngest mothers received corsages 

At the Essex, newest house in the chain, the 

oldest and youngest mother received orchids 

at the 8 p. m. performance. 

Walter Foley Hosts Police Department 

LAKE WORTH. FLA. — Manager Walter 

Foley of the Skydrome Theatre was host at 

a dinner meeting of members of the local police 

department and the Florida highway 

patrol. Foley and police chief G. S. Sanders 

are heading a local safety campaign. 

Takes Top Spot in 'Francis' 

Patricia Medina has been inked for the top 

feminine spot in U-I's "Francis." 

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DELTA THEATRE SUPPLY 

214 S. Liberty, New Orleans 13, La.

. . . The 

. . G. 

. . . Additional 

Transil Strike Hits 

ATLANTA—Boxoffice grosses went into a 

.slump here occasioned by the strike of the 

Transit Workers Union, operators of the local 

public transportation system. 

MEMPHIS 

. . . The 

Atlanta First Runs 

T\on Landers has opened the Post Theatre, 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. ^^k.c',"m7" 

Weona, Ark., for the summer 

Dixie Theatre at Itta Bena, Miss., closed 

after a fire, has been rebuilt and was reopened 

this month by Allen H. Gibbs, owner 

remodeled Royal Theatre at Benton, 


Fox—Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (20lh-Fox).. . 89 Ark., was opened May 10, J. B. McCartie of 

Grand— City Across the Ri»er (U-I) 89 Robb & Rowley, owners, said. It formerly 

Paramounl—Canadian Pacilic (20lh-Fox) 89 

Roxy—Tulsa (EL), 2nd d.t. wk 86 was the Imp Theatre, which was closed 

February 22. 

'Yankee' Chalks Up 130 

The Joy Theatre, West Memphis, was the 

To Lead New Orleans 

scene of a beauty review for selection of 

NEW ORLEANS—Grosses at all local first Miss West Memphis who will compete with 

run houses were above average. "A Connecticut 

other Arkansas beauties at the Forrest City 

Yankee," showing at the State, rang up 

Paul S. Wilson, At- 

Peach festival later . . . 

a lusty 130 per cent for a ten-day run. 

lanta, 20-Fox assistant southern division 

loy—Alias Nick Beal (Pnra). 8 days 109 manager, was a visitor . . . Ophelia Gaulding, 

Liberty—My Dream Is Yours (WB), 2nd wk 102 

Orpheum—Song ol India (Col), split with The 

booker at MGM, and Walter Parham 

Dark Past (Col) 100 of the Royal Theatre, will be married in 

Saenger—Canadian Pacilic (20lh-Fox) lOS 

Slate— A Connecticut Yankee 

June, It was a Filmrow romance. 

(Para). 10 days 130 

W. F. Ruffin sr. and jr., Ruffin Amusement 

Co.. Covington, Tenn., were on Film- 

Manager Gordon Bennett 

row . H. Goff, Rustic, Parsons, and 

Starts 'Polar Bear Club' 

C. Rice, Rice, Brownsville, were other visiting 

Tennessee exhibitors . . . Missouri ex- 

DUNEDIN, FLA.—Gor(Son Bennett, manager 

of the only air conditioned theatre in hibitors include Lyle Richmond, Richmond, 

the area outside of St. Petersburg, has instituted 

a "Polar Bear Club" for his patrons. Seay, Grand. Cardwell, and D. R. Walker, 

Senath; D. D. Flippin, Bragg City; James W. 

Membership is gained by attending a matinee Home, Holcomb. 

at the air cooled Palms. 

Manager Bennett says the scarcity of air Arkansa.s exhibitors visiting included A. J, 

conditioned theatres is probably due to the Portas, Dixie, Marmaduke; Moses Sliman, 

number of older houses in the area and the MuiT at Osceola and Lux at Luxora; Clint 

difficulties encountered in making a cooling Dunn, Clint in Alma and Mulberry; Mrs. 

system work properly in them. The Palms Clyde H. Rice, Ritz, Reyno; W. E. Ringger 

was originally designed for air conditioning, sr. and W. E. Ringger jr., Gem, Leechville; 

Bennett said. 

E. E. Reeves, Palace, Oil Trough; B. V. Mc- 

Dougald. Drew and Amuseu, Monticello, and 

Tom Kirk, New, Tuckerman . . . Mississippians 

Sam Trincher Announces included Roland Adams, Jm-an, Booneville; 

Renovation of St. 

J. 

George 

P. Adams, Tate, Coldwater; J. R. Adams, 

Von and Jeran, Booneville; Jack Watson, 

ST. GEORGE, S. C—Sam Ti-incher, general 

manager 

Palace, Tunica, and Mart Mounger, Mart, 

of the Legendre circuit, has 

Calhoun City. 

announced the renovation of the St. George 

Theatre is completed. Ti'incher said newseats 

have been installed, a new cai-pet has 

West Memphis has a new censorship setup. 

been laid, new draperies are up and other improvements 

have been made. 

Ozoner Opened at Dublin, Ga. 

DUBLIN. GA.—The 220-car drive-in built 

here by L. J. Powell has been opened. In-car 

speakers are used. 

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LOW PRICES — PROMPT SffiPMENT 

Mayor P. M. Dacus and city councilmen now 

see all pictm-es banned in Memphis by censors 

before they are permitted in West Memphis. 

However, the first two bamied here 

to be seen by the West Memphis censors were 

approved. They were "A Song Is Born" and 

"New Orleans" , . . James McCarthy, manager 

of the Warner Theatre, and Ed Williamson, 

branch manager for Warner Bros., 

entertained the press and radio at a breakfast 

at the Gayoso hotel at which Wayne 

Morris, Alan Hale, Bruce Bennett and James 

Brow^n, here to make personal appearances 

in connection with the opening of "The 

Younger Brothers," were gue.sts. 

Ed Williamson, chief barker of the Variety 

Club, said a third performance has been 

added to the "School Days Revue," which 

the club and The Press-Scimitar will sponsor 

June 6-8 at the Overton Park shell. Pi'oceeds 

will go to the club's Mothers Milk 

bank and the newspaper's Cynthia Milk Fund 

Variety Club committees 

named include: Herman Chrismann, program 

coordinator; M, A. Lightman sr., special 

advance sales; Jack Sawyer, disbursement-collection; 

R. L. Bostick, industrywide 

sales; M. A. Lightman jr., street sales; Leonard 

Shea and Bailey Prichard, membership 

sales; R. V. Reagin, theatre lobby sales; Ed 

Sapinsley, PTA and school .sales; Fordyce 

Kaiser, out-of-town sales; Jim West, civic 

club sales; R. M. Hammond, special expediter. 

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BOXOFFICE :: May 14, 1949 Hi

MILLION-DOLLAR CONVERSION 

IS STARTED BY CRESCENT CO. 

Martin Opens 700-Seater 

In Florala, Ala.; Other 

Theatre Openings 

NASHVILLE—Contracts have been let on 

the conversion of the downtown Wamer 

building into an ultramodern theatre at a 

cost of more than $1,000,000. Work may begin 

in 90 days if the steel is available, according 

to Kemiit Stengel, executive vicepresident 

of Crescent Amusement Co. Otherwise, 

a delay of six months to a year is 

possible. 

The theatre's seating capacity, between 

2,200 and 2,400. will be the largest of any in 

the midstate area. Main entrance probably 

will be on Church street at the front of the 

building. The theatre will be buUt in the 

rear of the building, occupying most of the 

first floor. Full details will be announced 

later. 

R. E. Baulch, president of Crescent, said 

that the structure originally was designed for 

use as a theatre-office building. It was 

transferred in 1942 from Warner Pictures to 

Crescent. At that time the late Tony Sudekum 

held up the project because the steel 

was needed in the war effort. 

Martin Opens Florala House 

FLORALA, ALA.—Formal opening of the 

new 700-seat Martin Theatre was held here 

with Martin officials in attendance included 

E. D. Martin. R. E. Martin jr.. and C. L. Patrick. 

The theatre, built at a cost of more than 

$90,000. is managed by J. B. Shuman. who 

has managed the cii'cuit's former theatre 

here for the last 18 months. A veteran show- 

Five-Act Vaudeville Marks Debut 

Of Dixie Theatre in North Miami 

MIAMI—E. E. Branscome opened his new 

North Miami Theatre on the Dixie highway, 

the latest addition for the entertainment of 

residents in the northern section of the 

county. 

The opening performance was dedicated to 

the Optimist club of North Miami and funds 

derived from donations at the initial performance 

will be used in the club's boys welfare 

work. Formal dedication of the theatre 

was made by North Miami Mayor Edward 

Tiagman. 

A five-act vaudeville show was part of the 

opening festivities. "The Untamed Breed" 

was the screen attraction. M. Ungaro was 

the architect for the theatre building which 

included two stores. Branscome was his own 

builder and he and Mrs. Branscome are now 

operators and managers. Single features are 

shown every day except Saturdays when double-features 

are the policy. On the first 

Saturday afternoon, children were admitted 

free. 

The theatre is air conditioned and seats 

man, Shuman formerly was associated w^th 

Florida State Theatres in Jacksonville for 

about 15 years. He is a veteran of World 

War II. The Florala News issued an eightpage 

special section to mark the opening of 

the new house, which features the latest 

equipment throughout. 

over 600 persons. There is a small balcony 

which is used as a smoking loge. In the 

lobby is a candy bar and soda fountain. Seats 

are upholstered Springedge. 

The color scheme is predominantly green 

and white, with a carpet of a leaf design 

against a maroon background. Ceilings are 

covered with acoustical plaster and walls are 

finished in pale green. 

One of the chief beauties of the theatre 

is the use of large murals. These were painted 

by the Patiguants, well-known husband and 

wife team who recently came here to live. 

Using designs with a tropical feeling, they 

painted murals on the walls of the auditorium 

at either side of the screen. Illuminated 

by special lighting, they show huge 

poinsettias, measuring six feet across. As the 

patron leaves the theatre he sees smaller 

murals over the entrance doors with tropical 

flowers and flamingoes. 

Performances are continuous from 2:45 

p. m. Besides the North Miami, Branscome 

operates the Tropicaire, a drive-in. 

1

Start 370-Seat Theatre 

At Moore Haven, Fla. 

MOORE HAVEN. FLA.—Construction of a 

370-seat Quonset-type theatre has been 

.started by Thomas E. Markette. Clewiston. 

and Everett Burchard. LaBelle. to replace a 

house recently destroyed by fire. 

The main auditorium will be a 40x80-toot 

structure resting on concrete block walls. 

Entrance to the theatre will be through a 

foyer at the rear of a storeroom on Avenue 

J. Plans provide for a stage 26 feet deep. 

A neon-lighted marquee will be installed 

across the front and around the side of the 

house. 

Marvin Tidwell. Arcadia, previously purchased 

lots adjoining the theatre site and 

had begun construction of a house. An 

amicable settlement was reached and Tidwell 

retired. The theatre is expected to be ready 

for opening in July. 

Georgia Theatre Co. Opens 

New Athens. Ga„ Drive-In 

ATHENS—The 350-car Athens Drive-In. 

the first open air theatre here, has been 

opened. Occupying approximately 50 acres, 

the new ozoner is equipped with in-car speakers. 

The drive-in was built by the Georgia 

Theatre Co.. of which W. K. Jenkins of 

Atlanta is president. Dan W. Hill is city 

manager for the firm, and J. T. Blackman 

is manager of the drive-in. 

Savannah Drive-In Started 

SAVANNAH, GA.—Montgomery Theatres, 

Inc., has begun construction of a new drivein 

here, slated for completion about July 1. 

The drive-in will accommodate 500 cars and 

will cost about $55,000 to build. 

Fitzgerald Drive-In Opened 

FITZGERALD, GA. — A drive-in theatre 

built by E. O. Clark and E. W. McCall on 

the Abbeyville highway north of here has 

been opened. 

Brunswick Drive-In Opened 

BRUNSWICK, GA.—The 264-car Starlight 

Drive-In built by E. H. Diemmer at a site 

on Glynn avenue here has been opened. 

Norris L. Stephens is manager. 

Okeechobee Drive-In Opens 

OKEECHOBEE FLA.—A new drive-in is 

being opened on Parrot avenue by a Mr. 

Mackes. owner. 

Drive-In Charter Is Granted 

MACON, GA.—A charter has been granted 

to the Star-Lite Drive-In Theatre, Inc., organized 

for the showing of motion pictures, 

stage shows and television programs. The 

petitioners were J. R. Grace. Moran, Ga.; 

J. L. Hortman and Mrs. J. L. Hortman, 

Macon, Ga. Capital was set at $10,000. 

Russellville Opening Soon 

RUSSELLVILLE. ALA.—The King Drive-In, 

located on Highway 43 about three miles 

from here, will open soon. It is a 250-car installation 

owned by Lee King of Russellville. 

The project cost approximately $25,000. 

Equipment was furnished by Southeastern 

Theatre Equipment Co. 

Outdoor Drive-In 

h300-Car Twin 

Opened Near Jacksonville, 

JACKSONVILLE — The Normandy Twin 

Outdoor Theatre has been opened with a 

total capacity of L300 cars and seating facilities 

for 400 persons. Opening night proceeds 

went to the Riverside Lions club for the 

Baptist hospital fund. 

Seats for walk-in patrons are located in the 

refreshment centers of the two drive-ins. A 

dozen Mexican burros are being used to draw 

two-wheel refreshment carts from the stands 

through the parking ramps. Each cart is 

equipped with a heating unit. The burros 

are led by waitresses in Mexican costumes. 

A playground has been set up on one side 

of the area equipped to attract children of 

all ages. 

The twin ozoners have four exits from the 

area. 

Movieland Ride-In Opens in Saniord 

SANFORD. FLA. — The 440-car Movieland 

Ride-In Theatre, located close to the 

city limits, has been opened with C. B. 

Schiard as manager and Cecil Bales projectionist. 

Located on a 14-acre tract, this is the 

first drive-in in the immediate area and was 

built at a cost of approximately $75,000. The 

theatre is owned by Sanford Auto Theatres, 

Inc.. of which John Schiard jr., is president, 

Brantley Henderson vice-president, and C. B. 

Schiard .secretary-treasurer. Directors include 

W. A. Patrick. Dan Wright and A. B. Peterson. 

Okay Sylacauga Drive-In 

SYLACAUGA. ALA. — Lane Hebson. city 

manager for Martin Theatres, has received 

the go-ahead signal from the circuit on a 

new drive-in to be located about two and 

one-half miles from Sylacauga on the Childersburg 

highway. Construction will start 

immediately and the circuit will seek completion 

as quickly as possible. 

Talladega Drive-In Opens 

TALLADEGA. ALA.—The Talladega Drive- 

In. owned by Crouch brothers, held its formal 

opening here recently. It is a 300-car operation, 

with equipment furnished by Southeastern 

Theatre Equipment Co. and including 

RCA sound. 

The Crouch brothers also operate the Manchester 

Drive-In near Jasper, Ala., which 

has been completely remodeled. It has individual 

in-car speakers. 

Trail May Install Laundry Service 

SARASOTA. FLA. — The $170,000 Trail 

Drive-In. opened on Tanvianii trail opposite 

the Sarasota-Bradenton airport, may have 

an automatic laundry service, Manager F. H. 

Thomas jr. has announced. A poll will be 

conducted among patrons to see if such a 

service would be acceptable. The automatic 

laundry would enable a patron to have the 

laundry washed as he watches a film. 

The Tiail, owned and operated by the Waller 

& Thomas Amusements, Inc., has a 550- 

car capacity. The normal screen angle of 

45 degrees was reduced to 32 degrees to improve 

visibility, making 14 ramps necessary 

Fla. 

as contrasted to the usual 12-ramp. 800-car 

capacity of a drive-in. This increase in 

ramps also allows 20 per cent more parking 

area for each car. The screen covers an area 

61x44 feet. 

Partner in the enterprise is M. L. Waller 

jr. of Lenoir City, Tenn. The company al.so 

owns two midget auto racing plants in Nashville 

and Knoxville. Plans are being made 

for additional drive-ins throughout the country. 

Bernie Swiney, concession manager, occupies 

the six-room apartment at the ba.se 

of the screen. 

A staff of 15 is employed at the Trail. 

Thomas says the drive-in has contracts with 

U-I. RKO. Monogram and Allied Artists for 

first run films and also with U-I for first 

run newsreels. 

Before formmg the corporation with Waller. 

Thomas spent 15 years with the Crescent 

Amusements Co. of Na.shville. serving ten 

years as a projectionist and five years as a 

theatre manager. 

Start Drive-In at Macon 

MACON, GA. — Construction has been 

started by Outdoor Theatres, Inc., of a 672- 

car drive-in theatre on a site at the intersection 

of Houston avenue and East Side 

highway. It will be the first home-owned 

theatre, according to E. K. Cargill. president 

of the firm. Completion of the new ozoner 

is expected by July 1. 

Tallahasee Ozoner to Open in June 

TALLAHASSEE—A June opening is being 

planned for the $50,000 drive-in being built 

on Woodville road by Tallahassee Enterprises. 

A. P. Talley will manage the ozoner which 

will have a capacity for 300 to 350 cars. 

IÔLIVAR HYDE— General Manager, 

Talgar Theatre Co., Lakeland, 

Florida— declares: 

"We have used RCA Service for 

over 14 years, and have found this 

service satisfactory and economical. 

Our equipment always is kept 

in excellent condition." 





Adv. 

BOXOFnCE May 14, 1949 113

Alger Lancaster, Stuttgart Manager, 

Tried to Exploit TV in Mid-19305 

STUTTGART, ARK. — Alger Lancaster, 

manager of the two Malco circuit theatres, 

the Majestic and Strand, here the last 13 

years, was known as "the Little Barnum" of 

the show business in the days before motion 

pictures crowded vaudeville and the popular 

traveling minstrel off the theatre stages. 

Lancaster, relates the Daily Leader, local 

newspaper, in an article describing his colorful 

40-year theatre career, not only achieved 

success as a theatre mânager before films took 

over but was an accomplished vaudeville performer 

and show producer who played at 

theatres all over the country after World 

War I and in the 1920s. 

In addition, Lancaster foresaw the possibilities 

of television more than a decade ago, 

around 1935, to be exact, and attempted to 

interest department stores in giving television 

programs as drawing cards with talent 

furnished by Lancaster. But television was 

too young at that time to impress the merchants, 

and his ventm-e was shortlived. 

Lancaster was born in Jackson, Miss., the 

son of a postmaster, and started in the theatre 

business at 13, working for the Marlowe 

Theatre there, carrying a sandwich board 

ballyhooing stage attractions. However, the 

$1.50 weekly salary was not too satisfying, 

and in 1911 he joined a carnival as grease 

monkey and handyman. Soon, however, he 

was back home broke and Dan Williamson, 

of the Marlowe again offered him a job, 

this time passing out handbills and spelling 

It's 

New! 

It's Beautiful! 

It's 

Comfortable! 

It's 

Spring Edge Seats . 

Cast Iron Standards 

Economical! 

Face Padded Backs 

Ball Bearing Hinges 

For complete information write: 

SOUTHERN DESK COMPANY 

Theatre Seating 

Division 

P. 0. Box 630 HICKORY, N. C. 

at the exit door on the merits of the coming 

roadshows. 

At this time Lancaster formed a friendship 

that was to lead to one of the major activi- 

ALGEK LANCASTER 

ties of his life. He met Lasses White, now 

known as the screen actor and singer, who 

then was in vaudeville as understudy for 

Honey Boy Evans, famed blackface comedian 

of the time. 

From Jackson, Lancaster, still in his teens, 

went to Joplin, Mo., and became a zinc miner 

by day and a ticket taker at a local theatre 

by night. In a short time the manager 

"drank himself out of the job" and Lancaster 

took over as manager of the theatre, booking 

stage shows from St. Louis and filling in 

once in a while with films. He packed the 

house, and was so successful as manager 

that in two months he took over the theatre 

on a lease and leased two other houses. He 

started producing "gal" shows himself, making 

oil boom towns of the southwest. 

In the economic turmoil attendant on the 

entry of U.S. into the first World War. 

Lancaster lost his savings, some $35,000, and 

switched to Camp Funston, Kas., where he 

operated an outdoor show until the division 

stationed there moved overseas, when he 

joined the marines. 

After the war, he entered vaudeville and 

came to know such personalities as Al Jolson, 

Eddie Cantor, Will Rogers, Jimmy Durante 

and many others, including a man named 

Sullivan, who billed himself as "The world's 

worst juggler." Today the juggler is known 

as Fred Allen. 

After a year in song and dance act Lancaster 

met Lasses White, the friend of his 

boyhood, and a booker by the name of W. T. 

{(ônfjilciat 

BLOWUPS 

212 N. MIAMI AVENUE. 

MIAMI, FLORIDA 

Standard^ 

Date 

Slides 

3 for $1 

Spaeth. The three organized the Lasses 

White Minstrels and whipped up a 45-person 

cast into a first class show. They opened 

their show in Maysville, Ky., and it was an 

immediate success. The. minstrel was on 

tour for nine years, hitting every avaiable 

theatre in the country. The expenses ran 

$600 a day but the show prospered. The top 

night came in Florida when a single gate 

totaled $4,000. 

"These were some of the most pleasant 

years of my life," Lancaster recalls. "Lasses, 

Will Spaeth and myself were more like brothers 

than partners." 

But theatre managers were beginning to 

find motion pictures cheaper to show than 

live talent and the minstrel found bookings 

harder and harder to get, and it folded in 

1929. 

Lasses entered radio, Spaeth retired and 

Lancaster became manager of the Southern 

Producing Co. of New Orleans. Members 

of the disbanded cast included Chill Wills, 

bass singer now a film star, and Lew Lubin, 

now the fast talking barber on the Amos 'n 

Andy programs. 

Lancaster produced and sent on tour 14 

shows for the Southern Pi-oducing Co. and 

handled, as well, some 400 players thi-ough 

an agency he had formed on the side. He 

booked Bebe Daniels, Ben Lyons, Mitzi Green, 

Ken Murray and Lupe Velez. 

At this time he married Vivian Clark, secretary 

to E. M. Clark, an official of the 

Saenger-Paramount theatre circuit. By this 

time talking pictm-es were universal, radios 

were in every home and the demand for stage 

artists was near the vanishing point, so in 

1936 Lancaster closed his agency and settled 

down for a rest. 

Then a friend needed a temporary replacement 

for a manager in a Stuttgart theatre, 

"It will be only for three weeks,," he told 

Lancaster, "why not help me out?" 

That was 13 years ago. "Nobody's told me 

to leave . . . Stuttgart is a nice place to be," 

Lancaster comments. 

Boys' Estate to Benefit 

From Atlanta Fox Show 

ATLANTA—One of the largest stage and 

screen shows ever to be staged here will be 

held at the Fox Theatre May 18 as a benefit 

for the Boys' Estate. James V. Carmichael, 

recent candidate for governor and chairman 

of the board for Georgia's Boys Town, along 

with Wally Butts of the University of Georgia 

are leaders of the Boys' Estate fund raising 

campaign. 

The stage and all facilities of the theatre 

are being made available through William K. 

Jenkins, president of Georgia Theatres, Inc. 

UA-Memphis Censor Suit 

On June Court Docket 

NASH'VILLE, TENN.—The supreme court 

clerk's office says that hearings on the appeal 

of the United Artists' suit against the 

Memphis board of censors ban on the film 

"Curley" will come up in the June session of 

com-t. The censors banned the film because 

it showed white children and Negro children 

playing together. 

R. C. Houser New Manager 

BOONE, N. C.—R. C. Houser has been 

named manager of the Spartan Theatre, 

Sparta, N, C. Houser has been a projectionist 

here for the last two years. The appointment 

was made by R. E. Agle sr., district manager. 

114 

BOXOFTICE May 14, 1949

. . Percy 

. . Frank 

BIRMINGHAM 

T B. Harris, manager of Waters' Central 

Park Theatre, has resigned to become manager 

of the Birmingham, downtown Negro 

house. He succeeds HariT W. Roberts, w-ho 

has resigned because of ill health. Roberts 

probably will enter a hospital here soon and 

later expects to go to Florida to recuperate 

Frances Jackson of New Orleans spent 

Mother's day here with her mother Mrs. Olive 

Stack. Miss Jackson during the war was a 

booker for Waters Theatres here and later 

became the city's first woman manager. She 

now is office manager for Kay Films in New 

Orleans and BOXOFFICE representative 

there . . . Mildi'ed Lewis of the Melba candy 

. . . H. M. Powell. Norwood manager for 

Waters, has been transferred to Central 

Park to succeed Powell. Morris Willeford, 

a relief manager, .succeeds Powell at Norwood. 

shop vacationed in Indiana . V. 

Merritt. general manager of Acme Theatres: 

John W. Douglas, assistant general manager 

and Harry M. Curl, general manager and 

booker for Cormnunity Theatres, were in Atlanta 

on a business trip . . . Inez Harnett has 

been added to the main office staff at Waters 

Theatres as receptionist and clerk. 

Gus May, well-known longtime resident of 

Birmingham and the father of Fritz May. 

manager of the Shades Mountain Drive-In, 

Clyde "Smoky" Moore, 

died recently . . . 

Melba projectionist, is convalescing at his 

home after a long illness. He expects to return 

to work about June 1 . . OUie HajTies, 

. 

Lyric manager, is back at work after an illness 

which sent him to the hospital . . . Bill 

Coury. Temple manager during the winter 

season, now is devoting full time to management 

of the Ritz. "O Mistress Mine." 

starring Sylvia Sidney and John Loder was 

the final stage attraction of the sea.son. playing 

two performances May 5, 6. 

. . . McCal- 

Fred McCallum, Strand manager, has been 

a bu.sy man of late. He laid an extensive 

campaign on "Hamlet," winning much space 

in the press. His campaign through the 

.schools was especially effective 

lum and Emery Austin. MGM publicist, also 

worked together on MGM day here . . . 

R. M. Ware. Alabama representative for 

.southeastern Theatre Equipment Co.. is back 

after attending the opening of the new Martin 

Theatre at Florala, Ala. . . . J. K. Jack- 

.son, .son of J. A. Jackson. Empire manager, 

has resigned from a local radio station to 

become announcer for Station WAPL. Atlanta. 

H. M. Addison visited here to work on the 

campaign for "Tul.sa" at the Empire Theare. 

He had just returned from the w'orld premiere 

of the picture in Tulsa. On his Birmingham 

visit he was accompanied by his 

wife Doris. The film held for a second week 

at the Empire . Faulks is new manager 

at Waters' Miles Theatre, replacing 

Charles Dye, resigned. 

New Speakers Installed 

AUGUSTA. GA.—Installation of 321 new 

in-car speakers has been completed at the 

Augusta Drive-In Theatre, according to Hoyt 

Burke, manager. 

Sunday Films Remain 

Issue in Talladega 

TALLADEGA. ALA. — With a . municipal 

election coming up. the Sunday motion picture 

question in Talladega is still a moot 

point. Latest development is that Commissioner 

J. B. McKinney. who previously announced 

he would not seek re-election, may 

get into the race. He said that he will run 

again if no other candidate enters the race 

on a platform calling for an informal referendum 

on the Sunday film question. 

McKinney still hopes to bring the matter 

up for city commission action in ample time 

for ballots to be prepared for the September 

municipal election. He also discussed the 

possibility of a write-. n vote in case the commission 

declines to place the question on the 

ballot. 

WEST POINT. GA.—A referendum here 

resulted in a victory for Sunday films after 

a heated campaign. The vote was 352 for. 

208 against. More [han 300 registered voters 

did not cast ballots. 

The referendum here was one of the first 

under the new law passed by the last session 

of the Georgia general assembly. L. J. Duncan, 

head of Al-Dun Amusement Co.. filed 

a petition on March 14 containing the signatures 

of more than 25 per cent of qualified 

voters. Under the law. the city council issued 

a pei-mit and Sunday shows were started 

March 20. 

Opposition, which came principally from 

four West Point churches, filed a counter 

petition, also containing more than 25 per 

cent of qualified voters. The council was 

forced to call the referendum. 

LAFAYETTE, ALA.—Sunday motion pictures 

are almost a certainty here as the result 

of a referendum in which the vote was 

260 to 176 for the Sabbath shows. The total 

vote in the straw ballot was considered as a 

heavy one on a local question. 

The straw ballot will serve only as a guide 

to the city council in taking action on the 

question. It is not binding, but it is believed 

city officials will follow the dictates of the 

majority of the voters. 

SYLVANIAN, GA.—A petition is being circulated 

here asking the city council to call 

an election to determine whether or not the 

voters are in favor of Sunday motion pictures. 

ELBERTON. GA.—The city council here 

has voted 3-to-2 in favor of a city referendum 

on the Sunday baseball and Sunday 

motion picture question. Council members 

took the action after the proposal was opposed 

at a council meeting by members of the 

local Ministerial Ass'n. church boards and 

others. 

ROCKMART, GA.—The city council here 

has given a permission for the showing of 

Sunday motion pictures. The local theatre 

is operated by the Lam Amusement Co. 

METTER, GA.—Sunday motion pictures 

seemed assured here after a city referendum 

vote in .which the vote was 269-to-124 in 

favor of Sunday shows. 

TOCCOA, GA. — Sunday motion pictures 

were shown here for the first time. 

CHARLOTTE 

The Filmrow softball team of the Queen City 

league came through with two wins and 

no lo.sses in the first week of play. Fine support 

is being given them by film people at 

their games ... In the next to last week of 

the Ned Depinet drive, the Charlotte RKO 

branch are running second in the nation 

. . . Roger Mitchell of the RKO sales force 

was home ill . . . 'Virginia Kidd. RKO cashier, 

was on vacation in Linville Palls. 

Visitors on Filmrow: Harry Cooke. Mount 

Olive; Gary Rabdall. Wallace; J. B. Mclntyre, 

Raeford; L. L. Overton, Enfield; A. P. Lassiter, 

Conway; Ben L. Strozier, Rock Hill; 

Robert M. Baum. Goldsboro; George Carpenter. 

Valdese; R. L. "Somiy" Baker. Valdese; 

Charlie Bergen. Valdese. and H. E. Buchanan. 

Hender.sonville. 

The Variety Club held a bingo party in 

the clubrooms the night of May 7 with a 

Al Duren, manager 

large crowd present . . . 

at Paramount, .salesman Paul Cockrill. Ed 

Chumley, E. C. DeBerry. office manager Lawrence 

Terrell and exploiteer Everett Olsen 

have returned from a sales conference in New 

York. 

Heard on the Row: The Paramount exchange 

is getting a coat of paint. Every 

inch of the interior is being repainted from 

Manager Al Duren's office to the salesman's 

room in the first floor front . . . Jack Kirby, 

Warner southern district manager, was a visitor 

as was Rudolph Berger. MGM's district 

manager. 

Cy Dillon, Repubhc chief here, salesman 

Jack London and exhibitor Tom Little, got 

together on a little Kentucky Derby bet. 

Each picked a horse exclusive of the favorite, 

the horse which came in first to win his 

picker $5 from the other two gentlemen. The 

horses picked finished in one, two, three 

order, with Tom Little picking up the $10 . . . 

What newspaperman got beaten plenty in a 

gin rummy game at the 'Variety Club? . . . 

Walter Griffith, former manager of the 

Charlotte Theatre here, is running the Plaza 

until the Charlotte has been rebuilt. 

»»A FRIENDLY 

EXHIBITOR SERVICE 

JIMMY WILSON 

WILSON-MOORE ENT.. 

INC. 

89 Cone St. Atlanta 

AMERICAN DESK 

MANUFACTURING COMPANY 

Manufacturers of Theatre Seating 

Mr. W. A. Prewitt, Jr., 223 South Liberty St. 

New Orleans, La. Ph: Magnolia 6571 

IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS; 

SPEAKER POSTS 


"k^'.'mT' 

BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949 SE 1 14-

. . Joe 

. . Dave 

. . Ben 

. . Added 

Memphis Censors 

Newsman Avers in 

MEMPHIS—Robert Johnson, special assignment 

man and former amusements editor 

of the Press-Scimitar, attacked Memphis 

censorship in a debate before the Public Affairs 

Forum here recently. 

'• 

'The Southerner' was banned in Memphis 

because it was considered by the board 

of censors as being prejudicial to the south. 

Later the ban was withdrawn when the film 

was shown in West Memphis 'because it 

B. B. ANDERSON— Owner, Anderson 

Theatre Company, Mullins, 

South Carolina—declares: 

"We use RCA Service in every 

Anderson Theatre and have 

found the service very satisfactory." 





9 

Adv. 

'Thought Police/ 

Public Forum 

wasn't right to let West Memphis make 

money on it while Memphis paid the taxes,' " 

said Johnson. 

" 'Dead End Kids' was banned because it 

might incite children to crime. 'Vet it was 

chosen one of the ten best pictures of the 

year. And instead of inciting crime, it was 

trying to teach a social lesson—that where 

you have slums you have crime. 

" 'Curley' was censored because it showed 

white and Negro children in school together. 

Yet, subsequent to that, Oui- Gang comedies 

have been on Memphis television shows. 

"In other cities censorship is primarily on 

obscenity. In Memphis it amounts to policing 

of thought. Censorship must be confined 

to eliminating obscenity and flagrant 

indecency." 

Grover McCormick, lawyer, took the other 

side. "Censorship should not be limited to 

local censorship," he said. "It should be 

broader. It should apply In any community, 

any municipality, any state. We must have 

it everywhere to protect men and women from 

their own fleshly nature, else they will be 

destroyed." 

Morris Air Base Theatre 

Opened by Chas. Myers 

CHARLOTTE—The Morris, 330-seat theatre 

which served the former army air base 

at Morris Field near here, has been reopened 

by Charlie Myers jr. A large veterans housing 

settlement now occupies the former base. 

Myers, who formerly was associated with his 

father in the operation of theatres at Ayden, 

Rich Square, Hookerton and Colerain, said 

that the theatre would show first run pictures 

and reissues. 

Maureen O'Hara will star with Paul Christian 

and Vincent Pi-ice In U-I's "Bagdad." 

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. 

. 

. . Jules Mayfack, Sack 

. . 

IJal Jordan, branch manager; J. E. Stout 

and J. E. McLeory, salesmen, Charlotte, 

returned home after discussions here with 

Arthur C. Bromberg, president of Monogram 

Southern Williams, former EL 

salesman in Charlotte, has been transferred 

here Scott, who left Republic to 

head the booking office at FC, has returned 

to his old company . 

Amusement Enterprises, visited the local office 

on his way to New York . Bob Moscow, 

short reel producer for the company, also 

was a visitor from Dallas. 

. . . 

E. E. Whitaker of Georgia Theatres returned 

to his desk after attending the Variety 

Club convention in San Francisco 

Peggy Berry has joined the Paramount Theatre 

boxoffice staff . . . Bill Hutt, formerly 

with National Theatre Supply Co., has resigned 

and has been named southeastern 

salesman for Southeastern Theatre & Eqiupment 

Co. 

. . . Clyde 

Mr. and Mrs. B. E. Addy have taken over 

from Martin & Thompson Theatres their 

Shell Theatre in Shellman, Ga. 

Goodson, branch manager; Eddie Fitzgerald, 

sales manager; R. W. Word, Paul Morgan, 

Frank Morgan and Jack Flood, salesmen, returned 

from New York where they attended 

a Paramount sales meeting May 8-11 . . . 

Leonard Allen, southern publicity chief, flew 

to New York for the meeting after the premiere 

showing of "Manhandled" at the Paramount 

Theatre here. 

. . 

New Negro theatres have been opened in 

Dawson, Ga., where the Starlight is owned 

by E. Hardin, and in Decatur, Ala., where 

the Elite recently was launched . The Atlanta 

Variety Tent moved from its old quarters 

in the Henry Grady hotel to the new 

club rooms in the Atlantan hotel. The grand 

opening will be held some time later this 

month . . . Virgil Hopkins, Republic booker, 

was appointed director of 16mm for the 

southeastern states. 

. . Alice of Republic 

W. L. Griswold sr. has been appointed Republic 

booker . Hill, former publicity 

chief for UA, was here handling the booking 

for "City Across the River," 

Shaw 

which will open 

at Loew's Grand . 

has returned to her desk after a vacation in 

New York . . . Visiting here were Nat Hancock, 

Jefferson Theatre, Jefferson, Ga.; Joe 

Maddox, Clay Theatres in Georgia, and Mrs. 

P. C. Thompson, Ramos Theatre, Frost Proof, 

Fla. 

Dick Ragan, head booker for FC, has resigned 

to join Kay Exchange . to 

the office force at Theatrical Printing Co. 

was Henrietta Knowles. 

Herman Abrams, independent owner and 

manager of the Lumpkin Theatre, Lumpkin, 

Ga., has installed new Century projectors, 

RCA soundheads and a new beaded screen. 

Martin Asks for Auditorium 

WILDWOOD, FLA. — The Sumter county 

board of public instruction is considering an 

offer made by the Martin Theatre chain for 

leasing the Wildwood High school auditorium 

during the summer. 

To Script "Without Friends' 

Lenore Coffee has been signed to screenplay 

"Man Without Friends" for Warners. 

114-B BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949

. . W. 

Alabama Governor 

Asks Theatre Levy 

BIRMINGHAM—An additional 10 

per cent 

on amusements is being sought by Gov. James 

E. Folsom as the 1949 legislature goes into 

session in Montgomery. Estimates are that 

the tax. if enacted, would raise some $600,000 

annually. 

The amusement tax was proposed by Folsom 

in his opening address to the legislature. 

He asked the lawmakers to provide 

$55,000,000 in new^ taxes, plus an $80,000,000 

highway bond issue to be financed by hiking 

the state gasoline tax from 6 to 7 cents. 

Opposition to Folsom's program already 

has made itself evident in the state capital. 

Many of the solons have predicted that no 

tax increases will be voted this session. 

Better Saturday Shows 

Asked by Iowa Women 

from Midwest Edition 

ELDORA, IOWA—Women of Eldora township 

are planning to petition theatres in 

Hardin county for better Saturday shows. 

The group, in a recent meeting, discussed 

the topic, "Movies Are a Primary Cause of 

Juvenile Delinquency." The women decided 

that since Saturdays are best for children 

to attend shows, they would like to see pictures 

of the caliber usually shown on Sundays 

and Mondays. This subject, has been 

discussed by groups of women in 12 of the 

15 townships in Hardin county. All groups 

have favored better films for farmers and 

children on Saturday—the customary day for 

farm folks to come to town. The Eldora 

group pointed out that while they believe 

motion pictures are not a primary cause of 

juvenile delinquency, they agreed that children 

are much impressed for either good 

or evil by the pictures they see. 

Central Theatres Denied 

New Damage Suit Trial 

SARASOTA — Circuit Judge Lyn Gerald 

has denied a motion for a new trial in the 

$5,000 damage suit brought against Central 

Theatres, Inc., by Mr. and Mrs. John T. Mc- 

Criunm. 

' 

The suit charged theatre officials with 

neglecting to keep the lobby floor in sate condition. 

Mrs. McCrumm claimed $3 000 damages 

after she fell and broke her right leg. 

McCioimm collected $2,000 for medical expenses 

incurred in the accident. 

Central Theatres stated no negligence was 

shown on the part of their theatre operators 

as the floor had been mopped but the plaintiffs 

chai-ged the floor remained unsafe after 

the mopping. 

Davisboro Theatre Reopened 

AUGUSTA, GA. — The Davisboro 

Theatre 

here, severely damaged by high wind during 

a storm several months ago, has been 

reopened. 

Bijou Razed in Delray 

DELRAY BEACH. FLA.—The Bijou, one 

of the oldest local landmarks, is being torn 

down here to make way for a nrodern business 

block, to be erected on the site of the old 

theatre. 

/^ ^ 

kmd' 

HOLIDAY AX YACHTING—Pictured above are industry men who gathered on 

the yacht Miss Kentucky II for a weekend on Kentucky Lake near Paducah. Shown 

in the photo are Harold Wirthwein, Paramount division manager from Los Angeles; 

Gov. Earl C. Clements of Kentucky; Duke Clark. Paramount division manager from 

Dallas; Henry Ward, Kentucky commissioner of state parks, and Leo F. Keilcr, Columbia 

Amusement Co., Paducah, host. Others in the group, not pictured, included Harry 

Haas, Paramount St. Louis manager; Bernie Palmer, circuit film buyer, and Jack 

Keiler, circuit as.sistant general manager. 

NEW ORLEANS 

attending the Paramount sales meeting in 

New York May 9-11 were Gordon Bradley, 

local manager; Foster Hotard, office manager, 

and Harold Wyckoff and Edgar Shinn, 

salesman . . . Henry Goldberg. Paramoiuit 

home office, was at the local office . . . May 

Helen Villars of U-I will leave May 29 for a 

vacation trip to New York . . . Anabelle 

Boehm of the MGM office was married to 

Warren Chestnut. 

. . . 

Doris Stevens, UA booker, left on a vacation 

UA exploiteer Ben Hill was here beating 

. . . 

the drums for "Outpost in Morocco" and 

"Champion" Manager Mark Sheridan 

of 20th-Fox doubled in brass as did Office 

Manager Hem-y Harold, booker "Lucky" Ingram 

and A.ssociated secretary Connie Black 

assisting Roy Prewitt, American Desk representative, 

in piloting planes across the river 

for Prewitt Aircraft Corp. . A. Pi-ewitt 

jr.. Associated Theatres head and American 

Desk representative, flew to San Francisco 

for the Variety Club convention. He was accompanied 

by several American Desk executies. 

. . . 

Joyce Gradenigo has returned to her job 

as secretary and commercial artist at Theatre 

Display Service after a honeymoon trip. 

She recently married Gus Bnme . . . Billy 

Briant, fonner 20th-Fox salesman who was 

appointed assistant to Fred Jack of UA, was 

here fi-om Dallas en route to Atlanta 

M. H. Brandon, Transway, Inc., president 

from Memphis, visited the local Transway 

office and conferred with General Manager 

Dan Brandon. The elder Brandon recently 

recovered from a severe case of flu. 

The Orpheum Theatre, RKOs local first 

run, has returned to its normal opening time. 

Doors open at 9:45 a. m. daily. The time had 

been moved back to 11:45 a. m. for nine days 

to permit the installation of new floors and 

American Bodiform chairs, which are part 

of the extensive renovations being done in the 

house . . . Visiting the exchanges were Paul 

Drake, Ide.^1, Ponchatoula, La.; Donald 

B. Fiske, Lake Providence, and Oak Grove 

Theatre, Oak Grove; E. L. Padgett, Gulf, 

Pensacola; Max Connett. Connett circuit. 

Newton, Miss.; Ira Phillips, Joy, Moreauville; 

Charlie Levy, Harlem, Thibodaux; Ed Jenner, 

Drive-In, Laurel, Miss., and Roy Pfeiffer, 

Avenue. Istrouma and Tivoli, Baton Rouge. 

Mrs. Henry Lazarus, Lazarus Theatres 

head, is in Paris and will tour the continent 

for two months . Don "Red" Barry, western 

star, appeared 

. . 

here as a member of the 

Grand Ole Opera cast, which performed at 

the municipal auditorium . . . Exhibitors from 

the Mississippi territory complained of heavy 

declines in business due to severe storms. 

"A Connecticut Yankee" fell slightly short 

of a two-week holdover, playing ten days at 

Loew's State. "Alias Nick Beal" did enough 

business at the Joy to waiTant a one-day 

holdover. It played eight days instead of the 

normal seven. "Portrait of Jennie" moved 

into Loew's State and "The Louisiana Story" 

opened at the Joy. A preview showing of the 

latter was attended by Governor Long and 

Mayor Morrison. "Mr. Belvedere Goes to 

College" opened at the Saenger. "The Walking 

Hills" was featured by the Orpheum. 

The Liberty returned temporarily to double 

TRY 

AND 

SEE! 


HIWACK 

SPlCIAl 

TRAIURS 

New York-6I9W. 54thSt. 

BOXOFFICE :: May 14, 1949 114-C

. . . Edward 

. 

. 

NEW ORLEANS 

(Continued from preceding pagei 

billing and presented "Sergeant York" and 

••Castle on the Hudson." "Knock on Any 

Door" was featui-ed at the Center. "Mother 

Is a Freshman" was showing at the Tudor 

and "John Loves Mary" at the Globe. 

The Tip Top Theatre, Carencro, La., has 

OnAiaU Griggs SeaU 

Our line ot Griggs Theatre 

Chairs ofters form-fitting backs 

and seats, mounted at just the 

right angle, give instant bodybalanced 

support . . . deep, 

comfortable coil-spring cushions 

and durable upholstery. Go 

Griggs for your theatre seatingi 

^ £et 1/li REPAIR 

damaged backs, seats or other parts. 

We can re-cover worn or torn seats 

and backs in your theatre. Contact us 

regarding replacing parts and recovering 

seats. 

Bee Harlan Dunlap 

in our Memphis, Tenn., oifice 

at 410 S. Second St., Phone 8-1770 

See Alon Boyd 

Louisiana and Southern Mississippi Exhibitors: 

Alon Boyd, Box 213 Cedar 

Grove Station, Phone 6101, Shreveport, 

Louisiana 

Or Call, Wire or Write: 

GRIGGS 

114-D 

' 

Texas 

. . 

added approximately 100 seats to its original 

450. Remodeling of the theatre is under 

way. Leo T. Mary is owner and manager . 

The Joy Theatre, Bordelonville, La., until 

recently operated by Ira Phillips as one of 

the Joy Theatres circuit houses, has been assumed 

by C. R. LaBorde, owner, upon the 

expiration and non-renewal of the lease. 

LaBorde is continuing operations under the 

new name of LaBorde Theatre. PhiUips gave 

as his chief reason for relinquishing the 

house the fact that the baseball season, which 

began a short while ago, attracted so many 

patrons from the theatre that operating during 

the summer months at a worthwhile 

profit was impossible. 

The Yazoo Theatre, Yazoo City, Miss., has 

resumed operations after an extended closure 

to repair damages caused by fire. This is a 

Dixie Theatres operation ... W. V. Lacy 

has opened his Lobe Theatre at Long Beach, 

Miss., a town of 1,495 population. J. G. 

Broggi will handle buying and booking . 

E. B. Hand has opened his Hand Drive-In in 

Minden. La., making two di-ive-ins in the 

town of 6,677 persons. There are three other 

theatres there. 

W. K. Farrish's colored theatre, the Bamboo, 

has reopened at Monroeville, Ala., after 

an extended closure . . . Phillip Murphy has 

sold his Wayne Theatre at Melvin, Miss., to 

Lands Bros. & Co. 

E. C. Cotton and John W. Bowers have 

named June 18 as the opening date of their 

new Skyvu Drive-In at Andalusia, Ala. . . . 

The Dorsett brothers, "Slim" and Curtis, who 

operate the Star Theatre at Hattiesburg and 

the Petal Theatre at Petal, began operation of 

their new drive-in in Columbus, Miss., recently. 

Clinton Vucovlch is converting his Sky 

Chief Walk-In at Pensacola, Fla., into a conventional 

theatre. The walk-in was operated 

only a short time after its opening and has 

been closed for several months. Vucovich 

also operates the Pen and Belmont theatres 

at Pensacola and the Twin theatre at Warrington, 

Fla. . . . Extensive remodeling has 

been begun at the local Rio Theatre. Air 

conditioning has been installed and work is 

starting on the installation of new velourcovered 

seats, a new screen and new rest 

rooms. Paul Giangroso is owner and Jimmie 

Beard manager. 

Installation of a number of new seats in 

the Muse Theatre at Denham Springs, Miss., 

has been completed. R. H. Muse is owner 

Jenner has postponed the opening 

of his new drive-in at Vicksburg, Miss., 

due to heavy rainfall. Jenner had planned 

to open the theatre May 3. He also operates 

a drive-in at Laurel, Miss. . . . The Mack 

Theatre, Zwolle. La., has closed indefinitely. 

This house was taken over from Mack Jarrett 

several months ago by P. A. Jameson. 

Passes to Safe Drivers 

FLORENCE, ALA.—The Norwood Theatre 

is awarding passes to safe drivers. Police 

Chief Noah Danley awarded the passes as a 

safety week feature to drivers cited by officers 

for observing all traffic regulations. 

Barstow Theatreman Hurt in Accident 

BARSTOW, FLA.—Manager Jack Cameron 

of the Ritz was injured when the automobile 

in which he was riding hit another car. 

Deputy sheriff Ben Howell was riding with 

Cameron when the other car backed out in 

front of them. Cameron received chest and 

leg 

injuries. 

AT SEARCH OPENING—The personal 

appearance of Javmila Novotna in Birmingham 

for the opening of •'The Search" 

won for Fred McCallum, Strand manager, 

honorable mention in MGM's Photo of 

the Month contest for April. Shown above 

at the premiere of the picture are, left to 

right: Emery Austin. MOM publicist; 

Miss Novotna, and McCallum. 

Mayor Asks Censorship 

NASHVILLE, TENN.—Mayor Thomas L 

Cummins has asked the local motion picture 

censor board to ban any films whose 

casts include persons convicted on narcotics 

charges. The mayor charged such films were 

harmiul to children as well as adults. Sam 

Davis, chairman of the censor board, said 

that body had not yet acted on the mayor's 

request. 

Messmore Kendall Leaves Palm Beach 

PALM BEACH—Messmore Kendall, president 

of the Capitol Theatre in New York, and 

Mrs. Kendall will return to that city this 

month, after spending the winter at their 

Florida residence. 

Theatre Destroyed by Fire 

NEWTON, N. C. — The Catawba Theatre 

here was completely destroyed by fire last 

week. The house had been operated by 

Everett Enterprises. 

CiiY Commissioners Oiiei 

'Unfair' Competition 

Lake Worth, Fla.—When the new city 

commissioners went into office here recently, 

Malcom Estes, manager of the 

Lake Theatre, made sure he'd be the 

first one to give them something to 

worry about. He registered the first complaint, 

directed against the commissioners 

themselves. 

Asserting that business tell off at the 

theatre on the day the new commissioners 

were installed, Estes, according to the 

mayor, charged the city with unfair business 

tactics. 

"You fellows," said Estes, "have a double 

feature as against our single attraction. 

You have one set of commissioners 

going out of office and another group 

launching its administration." 


FPC Chief Asserts TV 

What Theatres Need 

TORONTO—President J. J. Fitzgibbons of 

Famous Players Canadian Corp. emphasized 

to the annual meeting of the shareholders 

here that television is considered an adjunct 

to film entertainment and not a competitive 

factor. 

"Television is complementary to and not 

in competition with the moving picture industry." 

he said. "We sincerely believe that 

it is just what the industry has been waiting 

for." 

Fitzgibbons said that he did not know if 

FPC would be granted a television broadcasting 

license but no one had gained an 

advantage over the circuit in this matter. 

FPC is prepared to convert the Victoria 

Theatre In downtown Toronto into a television 

studio and equipment is ready at the 

Imperial for screen reception of visual broadcasts. 

Considerable expense was involved in 

these preparations but the investment 

should prove to be worthwhile, he said. 

He as.serted the current year was expected 

to be as profitable as 1948. The dividend of 

$1 on common stock w'ould be maintained 

through 1949. he promised. 

Fitzgibbons registered strenuous objection 

to the manner in which theatres were singled 

out for special taxation in Canada, particularly 

by the provincial government of Ontario. 

The effect of the amu.sement tax was 

felt mostly by the wage earner, he said. 

All directors were re-elected. 

Construction and Sales 

Slow Down in Canada 

VANCOUVER—Both theatre construction 

and sales in British Columbia slowed considerably 

early in 1949. Prices asked f*r theatre 

leases and real estate are close to the 

boomtime marks of 1947, but there is considerable 

buyer resistance and very little 

activity in the field. 

Of the few deals actually consummated, 

prices paid are greatly under the asking 

terms and the sales have been made only 

after the property has been on the market 

for some time. Two theatres in the Victoria 

zone, which have been up for sale for many 

months, have clo.sed. 

On the construction side, building has 

slowed down due to high costs. 

Both circuits 

and independents have expres.sed the view 

that theatre interests will be best served by 

keeping existing houses operating and staying 

clear of overseating. 

'All Over Town' Premiere 

At Two Brampton Theatres 

BRAMPTON, ONT.—The Odeon and Ro.ty 

theatres here were the setting for the North 

American premiere of the British feature, 

"All Over Town," for which a personal appearance 

was made by Sarah Churchill, 

actress-daughter of Winston Churchill. 

The premiere was sponsored by the Kinsman's 

club and the proceeds were divided 

between the emergency fund for Britain and 

the Kinsman's campaign for the equipping of 

a room in the new wing af the Peel County 

Memorial hospital. 

Miss Churchill was guest at the big Toronto 

Press club ball in the Royal York hotel 

May 7. as was Barbara Ann Scott, the Olympic 

and world championship figure skater. 

Birchwood Featured in 

996-Seater 

Opened by Odeon in Brantwood, Ont. 

J f 

Pictured above, top, is a front view of the modernistic Odeon Theatre at Brantwood, 

Ont. Below: the foyer of the theatre showing the concave birch walls in the 

center background and the natural wood concession stand at right. 

BRANTWOOD. ONT.—The 

use of birch- 25-watt amber lamps. Carpets are of sandwood 

and shades of buff and sand throughout 

are features of the 996-seat Odeon Theterns, 

and bright red sectional chairs are 

colored background with blue flowered patatre 

here, newest house in this town of 30,000 used. Three birch frames with three dimen- 

population. Located in the downtown section 

directly northwest of the city hall, the Odeon 

features a buff brick front with lighting in 

shadow boxes and display frames of natural 

finished birch and moulded members with 

doors of plate glass in bii'Ch frames. 

The theatre was designed by the late Jay 

I. English, and contractor for the job was 

Cromar Construction Co. of Brantford. J. O. 

Dougall Co. of Toronto was the decorator 

and color designs were done by L. H. Kemp. 

The all-metal marquee recedes to the wall 

on one end and has changeable letters from 

the Adler Mfg. Co., Chicago. The marquee 

was manufactured by E. L. Ruddy Co., Toronto. 

The upright sign, also from the Ruddy 

Co.. has neon tube letters on the vertical 

steel member with the theatre name on the 

two opposite faces. 

Lobby lighting is provided by recessed 

fluorescent tubes with egg-crate undercarriages. 

The color scheme in the lobby is rose 

and green and the floor is of terrazzo. One 

wall in the lobby is of concave birch while 

others are of plaster. In the reeded birch 

wall are two display frames. The boxoffice 

is located in the end corner of the lobby, 

forming a quarter circle. 

It has a birch base, 

stainless steel counter and is glass enclosed. 

The Odeon uses a Johnson coin changer and 

an automatic ticket machine. 

In the foyer, pot lights in the ceiling use 

sional effects are located in the foyer. 

Ceramic tile floors and walls are used in 

the re.strooms, while in the powder room 

decorations include a vanity bar with formica 

top, a full length mirror, side lighting in 

boxes behind opal gla.ss and bright red and 

green sectional chairs. 

Auditorium sidewalls of precast plaster 

flutes and a plaster sound diffuser on the 

rear wall under the balcony provide acoustic 

treatment. The auditorium is decorated in 

turquoise with the carpet of blue on sand 

with black insets furnished by the Harding 

Carpet Co.. Brantford. Theatre seats have 

red velour backs and gray cloth seats and 

were made by Interior Hardwoods Ltd., 

Kitchener, Ont. 

There is no proscenium arch at the Odeon 

and the main draw extends out to the auditorium 

walls with the ceiling of the stage 

extending into the auditorium ceiling. There 

are three sets of curtains, the main draw 

and side curtains of gold with a flowered 

pattern, the leg and border curtains of deep 

green and the screen draw of silver satin. 

The screen was made by Gaumont-Kalee. 

The stage is acoustically treated with Piberglas 

to a three-pound density on the entire 

rear walls. Air conditioning equipment was 

manufactured by Air Conditioning Engineer- 


BOXOFFICE May 14, 1949 E 115

Capacity Houses Drawn 

For All-Cartoon Shows 

VANCOUVER—Ivan Ackery, manager of 

the Orpheum, is having fine luck with his 

all-cartoon shows, which he plays each 

month to capacity houses. As a part of the 

FPC circuit, he borrows the current cartoons 

from other first run theatres. He always 

gives his shows a special name, such as the 

"Bugs Bunny Birthday Party," giving away 

toy rabbits to the kids and from $50 to $100 

promoted from local merchants. 

Ban Off Building Steel 

OTTAWA—After many postwar theatre 

projects have been built the Dominion government 

abolished the import quota restrictions 

on fabricated steel from the U.S. on 

May 6. 

Say Films Too Adult 

TORONTO— Sharp criticism 

was heard at 

a suburban council meeting in York township 

regarding the type of features which 

were being shown at Saturday matinees 

among the 36 theatres In the area. Deputy 

Reeve C. O. Moffat charged that gangster 

and other unsuitable films were being 

screened at children's shows. The council 

decided to write to all theatre managers to 

request that more suitable films be booked 

for children's matinees. 'W. H. Lachenhaur, 

manager of the Mount Dennis Theatre, denied 

that any features graded as adult entertainment 

by the Ontario board of censors 

had been shown at Saturday matinees. 

He admitted, however, that not sufficient 

children's pictures were being produced to 

supply all theatres with appropriate programs 

for all such shows. 

Odeon in Brantwood 

Features Birchwood 

(Continued from preceding pagei 

ing Co., Toronto, while the heating system 

was supplied by the Oliver Plumbing & 

Heating Co., Brantford. The theatre supply 

dealer is Gaumont-Kalee of Toronto. 

Projection room equipment includes Gaumont-Kalee 

Model 19 projectors and Lightmaster 

lamp houses along with Duosenic 

sound. English Electric rectifiers are used 

as are DeVry Airflow stereopticons and Capitol 

spotlights. Film cabinets are by Neumade 

and the rewinder is a Wenzel model. 

Cannington Je-wel Opens 

CANOTNGTON, ONT.—The Jewel Theatre 

here has reopened after a complete renovation 

and the installation of Royal Sound 

Master sound and projection equipment by 

Perkins Electric Co., Ltd. 

^ 

NOW! 

\ju CAN AFFnors 

• A FINISHED SCREEN 

^^^fU 

• ERECTED AND 

COMPLETED 

• TILTED FOR 

PERFECT VISION 

• BUILT TO 

WITHSTAND A 

HURRICANE 

•LOW COST 

• QUICK DELIVERY 

• FAST ERECTION 

• MEETS ALL BUILD- 

ING CODES 

U...^ 

^^--

. 

. 

. . The 

07 J A\N A 

pert Lahr, comedian of the screen, stage and 

radio, was here briefly on the way to the 

fishing lodge at 21 MUe Lake of Dr. Charles 

E. Shapiro, Ottawa, lor a week's vacation . 

The inquiry into Canadian culture by a royal 

commission will not get under way until 

August 1: The government announced the 

commission last January for what has been 

dubbed "the omnibus probe" because of its 

wide authority in connection with films, 

radio broadcasting, television and the arts. 

The commission will hold a hearing at Toronto, 

probably in November. 

The Council of Women at Kingston has 

approved a resolution which asks for the 

appointment of three or more women to the 

Ontario board of moving picture censors as 

proposed by Premier L. M. Frost Reissues 

. . . 

made their appearance at a first run theatre 

here when the Centre, now under the management 

of Frank Gallop, played a double 

bill comprising "My Son, My Son," and "International 

Lady." The business result was 

considered satisfactory. 

"Joan of Arc," playing as a roadshow at 

the Regent, managed by Henry Marshall, 

received high praise in newspaper reviews 

but there was some criticism of the elaborate 

production on the part of some patrons. 

Strangely enough, exception was taken to the 

picture by some French-Canadians. 

First Canadian Conference 

Held by Radio Engineers 

MONTREAL — One hundred and sixty 

members of the Institute of Radio Engineers 

met here recently for the first Canadian regional 

conference. The radio engineers visited 

the RCA Victor plant where they learned 

the local plant is producing 40 television sets 

daily for distribution in Toronto and western 

Ontario, with an expected boost in production 

to 300 sets daily. 

Delegates heard three papers on television 

dealing with modern camera tubes for transmitter 

ends with receivers, and production 

testing of television receivers. 

New officers were announced at the banquet. 

They are: Allan B. Oxley. chairman; 

Chester Soucy, vice-chairman, and Henri 

Audet, secretary-treasurer. Stanley Knights 

of the Canadian Marconi Co. was in charge 

of the convention committee. 

Editorial Hits 'Yankee' 

HALIFAX. N. S.—An editorial in 

the Halifax 

Mail-Star severely criticized "A Connecticut 

Yankee," claiming that the title was 

far from suitable, out of line with the production 

and that Bing Crosby was wholly 

miscast. It was inferred that the Mark Twain 

title and authorship were used to stimulate 

sagging theatre attendances in New England 

and that such misjudgment only made older 

film fans yearn for the silent films. The 

editorial heading was "The Title's Not the 

Thing." 

Son Follows Father 

Arthur Miller jr.. son of the veteran cinematographer, 

has joined the crew of 20th- 

Fox's "Pinky" as an operating cameraman. 

TWICE CHOSEN—John G. 

Ganetakos 

was elected to two offices in two companies 

on the same day in Montreal recently. 

The board of United Amusement 

Corp. elected him first vice-president and 

the board of Confederation Amusements 

named him managing director. 

Canada's Oldest Showman 

Sells Umbrellas Again 

VANCOUVER—John Schuberg, Canada's 

oldest exhibitor who retired from business. 

is 

now back in his original umbrella business 

downtown. Now over 80, he is still active 

and in the best of health. 

Schuberg ran the Strand Theatre for years 

before it was taken over by Famous Players. 

He played "The Great Train Robbery" across 

the Dominion in tent shows 45 years ago, and 

was the owner of the Province Theatre in 

Winnipeg before coming to British Columbia. 

He is a charter members of the local branch 

of the Canadian Picture Pioneers. 

Art Houses Doing Well 

TORONTO—The twin art theatres, the 

newly opened Towne Cinema and the older 

International Cinema, have been doing well. 

"Quartet" was held for a sixth week at the 

International on a program including "The 

Loon's Necklace," voted the best Canadian 

.short subject of 1948. "Concert Magic" remained 

for a second week at $1.25 top at the 

Towne, thus holding off the second scheduled 

picture, "The Guinea Pig." 

CALGARy 

Tean Malcolmson, secretary to William Guss, 

manager for MGM of Canada, was injured 

seriously in a motor car accident. He 

now is in the General hospital suffering from 

internal injuries and a fractured skull. 

Louis Segral, chief booker at Empire-Universal, 

left for the Mayo clinic at Rochester, 

Minn., for a medical examination for 

trouble which lingered on since his stint in 

the air force. 

Joe Garfin's Dalmatian again lifted many 

honors at the Edmonton dog show, beating 

out American male and female champs and 

picking up 15 ribbons. The Duke of Highwood 

did not sweep the board at the Calgary 

dog show, having to be content with a mere 

ten ribbons. Joe is going back on the road 

again to clean up his film sales for the end 

of the season . new theatre at Taber 

will be ready for opening about June 15. 

. . Business 

"Joan of Arc" opened at the Edmonton 

Strand to very good business at roadshow 

prices of $1.15 top. Patrons are accepting 

upped prices with little comment . 

is good in Alberta, reports from both 

small towns and cities indicate. Some rain 

would be welcome, but no anxiety is felt. Oil 

discoveries continue to be reported in new 

districts, while Premier Manning has given 

his approval to the Dominion act passing 

a pipeline here to carry natural gas to neighboring 

provinces. 

A new theatre will be constructed at Vauxhall 

by C. Birck, who now rents the Community 

hall for exhibition of film . . 

Film 

. 

salesmen who have returned from Saskatchewan 

say that the dry belt in the southwest 

of the neighboring province already is gasping 

for moisture. Dust is drifting like snow 

from the seeded fields, blowing crops onto 

the roadways. Only good heavy rain will save 

the crops. 

Preachers Dislike Sponsor 

TORONTO—The Greater Niagara Ministerial 

Ass'n adopted a resolution of protest 

at a meeting of the organization against 

the showing of moving pictures in public 

schools which were sponsored by a brewery. 

The films are presented as a feature of a 

con.servation program which is being conducted 

by the brewing company throughout eastern 

Canada as a community promotion. 

Screens — Arc Lamps — Rectifiers — Lenses — Carbons — Theatre Chairs 

J. M. RICE & CO. 

202 Canada BIdg. Winnipeg, Manitoba 

Phone 25371 

Everything For Your Theatre 

COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS 

An Expert Repair Department 


. . The 

. . George 

V A N C O U V E R 

Oammy Nangler reports Cardinal Films will 

bring "Paisan" to Vancouver soon. Cardinal's 

"The Lost One" (La Ti-aviata) played for 

five capacity weeks at the Studio . . . 

The 

wife of Tommy Winchester of the Dominion 

The 

Theatre staff died here at the age of 54. 

amusement business was well represented at 

the funeral . . . Bill Turner now is doing 

dual job for Odeon dowTitown theatres. 

a 

Hs 

is treasurer at both the Odeon and Plaza. 

Jay Smith, president of Alliance Films, reports 

the local exchange will move to the 

former SRO offices in the Dominion bank 

building. Smith also said that the Studio 

will run all Alliance grand opera films . . . 

Al Jenkins, Plaza manager, won fii-st prize 

in the Odeon circuit's gift campaign for 1948. 

He was way over the quota set for his theatre. 

The new Community at Salmon Arm replaces 

the old Rex in the interior fruit town. 

The Rex will be demolished. It's rumored 

also that the "ôrk in Victoria, built by Alex 

Pantage, will be turned into a department 

store. It was operated by the David Theatre 

Co. and has been closed for the last five 

months . trend toward stage entertainment 

here folded after a three-week trial 

at the Odeon Hastings. It was a profitable 

experiment and Odeon officials said the reason 

was shortage of good acts in the Pacific 

area at present. This is expected to be overcome 

by fall. If so, Odeon will bring back 

stage shows to the east end Hastings, which 

will return to its former policy of twin bills. 

. . . 

Garvin Studios is giving the Rex a facelifting. 

The house recently was taken over 

by a syndicate headed by George Brewerton, 

Alberta exhibitor, who wUl make many improvements 

to Vancouver's oldest theatre, located 

on skid row Hymie Singer, who 

closed his Rio in Victoria for alterations, 

opened it after being out of business for five 

months. The reconstruction cost $15,000. 

. . . 

Jack McCausland, Famous Players construction 

manager, and Bill Forward of General 

Theatre Supply Co. have left to inspect 

the two new FPC houses in the interior, at 

Kelowna and Chilliwack, expected to open 

in June Pilrm-ow visitors were Paul 

Gauthier, Rex, Quesnel; Les Toffee, Ladner, 

Ladner, and Hymie Singer of the new Rio, 

Victoria. 

Jack Randall, Strand, and Lloyd Muir, 

RKO exploiteer, went to town on the advance 

campaign for "Joan of Arc." One-sheets and 

A RESEARCH BUREAU 

for MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS 



. 



5-14-49 

Gentlemen: . 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU to receive inlormation regularly, as 

released, on the following subjects lor Theatre Planning: 

D Acoustics 

n Air Conditioning 

Architectural Service 

n "Black" Lighting 


D Carpets 

n Coin Machines 

n Other 

Theatre 

Addres.s 

Subjects 


Decorating 

D Drink Dispensers 

D Drive-In Equipment 

n Lighting Fixtures 


n Projectors 

n Projection Lamps 

n Seating 


n Sound Equipment 

Television 

Seating 

D Theatre Fronts 

n 'Vending Equipment 

Capacity 

window cards saturated the city as did special 

window displays in department stores. 

Screenings for top pressmen rated large full 

pages In color and reviews which were tops. 

A special showing was given for Archbishop 

Duke and his clergy who recommended 

"Joan." The picture opened May 9 at the 

Strand at roadshow prices . . . Miss Chetik is 

managing and booking two Vancouver theatres, 

the Bay and York. There are only 

two women theatre managers in Vancouver. 

Jimmy Davie, RKO manager, is covering the 

territory In. an English automobile and has 

returned from, a trip of the interior, covering 

2,000 miles . Oullahan installed 

Foto-Nite In four Famous Players Theatres, 

the Dominion and Atlas in Victoria and the 

Alma and Kerrisdale in Vancouver. The 

chain is operating Foto-Nite in nine theatres 

in Vancouver. Oullahan retm'ned to Toronto 

but will be back to cover the three 

prairie provinces where Foto-Nite is not operating. 

For Ignoring a court order that he was to 

play only 16mm films supplied by General 

Films of Regina, Glenn Voss, exhibitor at 

Forestburg, Alta., was fined $50 by Judge 

McLaurin in Edmonton. Voss formerly was 

fined $3,000 for breach of contract against 

General Films for showing pictures in towns 

not approved by the company and for not 

making proper boxoffice statements . . The 

. 

premiere of "Concert Magic" will be sponsored 

by the women's committee of the Vancouver 

Symphony society at the Studio Theatre 

Monday (16) at 8:30 p. m. After the premiere, 

performances will be given at 2, 6 and 

8:30 p. m. each day at increased admissions. 

Prices will uange from 50 cents to $1. 

Guy Patrick, who has been with Evergreen 

Theati-es at Portland and Seattle, has been 

appointed manager of the Vancouver auditorium 

near Stanley park. The house will be 

used for concerts, recitals and symphonies, 

which formerly played motion picture theatres. 

Many new improvements are being 

made to the auditorium, costing $35,000. Patrick 

is well known in sports circles here and 

is one of the Patrick brothers who operate 

hockey teams in the national league in the 

States . . . Richard S. Lambert, manager for 

JARO 16mm who leaves for the Winnipeg 

branch soon, is away with his successor Dave 

Gillifillan covering the territory and introducing 

him to the 16mm exhibitors. 

U.S. Dollars Allocated 

For Video in Canada 

MONTREAL—Second quarter allocations of 

U.S. dollars to Canadian radio manufacturers 

who have asked additional American 

funds for television needs, wiU represent a 

25 per cent increase in the allotments for 

the current year. The Radio Manufactiu-ers 

Ass'n of Canada asked the funds for video 

and the Foreign Exchange Control board 

granted a 25 per cent increase for 1949. The 

extra U.S. funds will be available in three 

installments, covering the second, third and 

fourth quarters of the year. 

City 

State.. 

Signed. 




STANDEE SPEAKERS 

FOR FHONT SECTION AND REAR RAMPS 

FOR TRUCKS AND OVERFLOW 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO. '"ITX"" 

118 

BOXOFFICE :: May 14, 1949

. . . George 

. . Nothing 

'Enchanlmeni' Leads 

Vancouver Grosses 

VANCOUVER—The first full season of 

diive-in competition got under way here with 

the outdoor spots drawing good patronage in 

fair weather. It was a poor week downtown 

as daylight saving time went into effect. Best 

of the crop was "Enchantment" at the Capitol. 


Capitol—Enchantment (RKO) Good 

Cinema—Canadian Padlic (20th-Fox): A Man 

About the House (20ih-Fox) Poor 

Orpheum—The Sun Comes Up (MGM) 

Fail 

Paradise— Gaslight Follies (Alliance) Fair 

Plaza-For the Love ol Mary (U-I); Himfire 

(SO) 

Average 

State— Girl Number 217 (Artkmo) Fan 

Strand-Mother Is a Freshman (20th-Fox), 

2nd wk --.Fa", 

Studio—The Lost One (Col), 4th wlc 

Good 

Vogue—Rogues' Regiment (U-I), 2nd wk Moderate 

'Ball Game' Continues 

Fourth Week in Toronto 

TORONTO—"Take Me Out to the Ball 

Game" continued at Loew's for a fourth week. 

The only other holdovers were "My Dream 

Is Yours" at the University and Eglinton 

and "Tulsa" at the Odeon Toronto, both for 

a second week. The big opposition for the 

week was the baseball at Maple Leaf stadium 

and the final ice show of the season 

at the Gardens. No less than eight reissues 

were being showni at leading theatres. 

Bihmore—Stagecoach (UA), The Long Voyage 

Home (UA). reissues 90 

Donlorlh—Barbory Coast (UA), reissue, plus stage 

show 100 

Fairlawn—The Swordsman (Col); She Wouldn't 

Say Yes (Col), reissue 95 

Humber-Arrowsmith (UA), reissue, plus stage 

show 95 

Hyland—Miranda (EL), Turnabout (UA), reissue... 90 

Imperial—Bride of Vengeance (Para) 115 

Loew's—Take Me Out to the Ball Game (MGM), 

4th wk. . 

90 

Odeon Toronto-Tulsa (EL), 2nd wk 90 

Sheas—Alias Nick Heal (Para) 115 

Tivoli—A Song Is Bora (RKO): Thunder in the 

Pines (SO) 

- 100 

University—My Dream Is Yours (WB), 2nd wk 90 

Eglinton—My Dream Is Yours (WB), 2nd wk 90. 

Uptown—Ma ond Pa Kettle (U-I) 10b 

Victoria—My Ovra True Love (Para); Geronimo 

(Para), reissue 95 

"Canadian Pacific' Tops 

For Calgar-y Patrons 

CALGARY—Theatre grosses here are taking 

a normal .slide downwards with the departure 

of cold weather. The dent has not 

been serious but there has been a decided 

dip. Calgarians overlooked much of the fanciful 

happenings in "Canadian Pacific," took 

in good part the Hollywood fiction and enjoyed 

it as an outdoor drama, with a familiar 

background. 

Capitol-Canadian Pacihc (20lh-Fox) Very good 

Grand—You Gotta Stay Happy (U-I) 

Good 

Palace—Down to the Sea in Ships (20th-Fox)....Good 

Alphonse Ouimet Named 

As CBC Representative 

MONTREAL—Alphonse Ouimet, assistant 

chief engineer for CBC, has been appointed 

television coordinator and regional representative 

for Newfoundland by Dr. Augustin 

Frigon, CBC general manager. William F. 

Calgay, former general manager of the 

Broadcasting Corp. of Newfoundland which 

was taken over by the CBC under the terms 

of the imion, was named regional representative. 

Calgay has been in radio work in 

St. John's since 1925. Ouimet has been assistant 

chief engineer since 1941 and has 

been doing television research since 1932. 

Canadian-U. S. Border 

Subject of Short 

Montreal—Thdsc famous "three thousand 

miles of unilefenried frontier," between 

Canada and the I'nited States, so 

d-ear to the hearts of politicians and 

after-dinner speakers, are the theme of 

the latest short subject produced by Associated 

Screen Studios here. 

"Borderline Cases" is a picture of unusual 

and highly amusing situations. 

There is the case of the international 

golf ball, where the tee is in Canada 

and the green is 125 yards away in the 

United States, yet it takes little more 

than an hour to get there, and the letter 

which travels two hundred miles to get 

to the next block. There are Canadian 

children born in the States who can 

claim dual citizenship, and cows which 

eat American grass all day, and give good 

Canadian milk at night. 

These and many more "Borderline 

Cases" add up to the ten minutes of 

lighthearted entertainment along the "undefended 

frontier." Directed by Gordon 

Sparling, this short has been released 

through Empire-Universal, 

ST. JOHN 

•The simultaneous screening hookup between 

the Casino and Garrick, Halifax, both in 

the Odeon lineup, will prevail indefinitely. 

The final half of each week the same boxoffice 

rates will be in effect at each theatre, 

10 and 25 cents for afternoons, 15, 34 and 

37 cents at nights . . . When objection was 

raised by ministers of the district to a midnight 

show starting at 12;05 a. m. Monday, 

Manager Syd Wyman canceled the program 

at the Community in Yarmouth, and shouldered 

the cost of the advertising. 

An open air theatre will be built for the 

Halifax bicentenary celebration at the Citadel 

instead of in the public gardens. The cost will 

be about $8,000 and indications are that the 

theatre will be left intact for succeeding 

summer seasons. It will be the scene of an 

operetta, a pageant, several concerts, a grand 

opera production, band concerts and an all- 

Negro choir recital. Admission for the 

operetta will be increased slightly above the 

rates originally set. 

. . . 

For a Saturday morning show, the Strand, 

which has been offering all-cartoon and 

all-comedy bills, presented "Anne of Green 

Gables." The choice was based on a preference 

expressed by a recently founded 

children's film library. The Saturday prices 

are 10 cents for kids and 30 cents for adults 

The Armview, Halifax, which eliminated 

afternoon shows during the winter, restored 

them for "The Bishop's Wife" and "I Walk 

Alone" and for "Henry 'V," 

Hume Cronyn, London, Ont., screen and 

stage actor, is returning to Wedgeport, N, S., 

tuna fishing center, for another whirl at the 

sea giants. In 1948 he fished for one day, 

and had no luck. This season he plans to 

stay several days . further has 

developed in connection with a project to 

establish a drive-in at Ketepec near here 

Mabee, local contractor, is reported 

seeking control of the Coldbrook racetrack, 

a potential drive-in location. 

New Odeon in Ottawa 

Will Open on May 20 

OTTAWA—The opening of the new Odeon 

Theatre was held over for one week to May 

20, it was announced by Archie Laurie after 

arrival from the head Odeon office to Toronto, 

Delay in completion of construction 

details caused postponement. 

The last previous opening of a first run 

house was the Nelson, now a Fox theatre, 

which opened two years ago. 

J. E. Watier has opened his 499-seat Crown 

Theatre in Harriston, Ont. The house is the 

second there, the other being National Theatre 

Services' 324-seat Roxy, 

The Capitol in Oxford, N. S., has been reopened 

by Bob Pulton after months of extensive 

alterations. Formerly a 16mm situation, 

the theatre is the only one in the town, 

British Properties has announced plans for 

a $1,500,000 project in Vancouver, which will 

cover 11':; acres and contain a theatre. Also 

included in the structm-e will be a supermarket, 

an arena, a restaurant, a five-andten 

store and parking space for 700 cars. 

M. P. Dalseg, operator of the 318-seat Mayfair, 

the only theatre in Sioux Lookout, Ont., 

has purchased a site for the construction of 

another theatre there. He has agreed to retm-n 

the site to the town if construction is 

not started before the end of the year. 

H. Ochs, who has built several drive-in theatres 

in Ontario, has announced that the 

Ochs Management Company will build another 

one near Belleville, Ont, 

Royal Regiment Sponsors 

'Scott' Quebec Premiere 

MONTREAL—The Royal Montreal Regiment 

sponsored the Quebec premiere of the 

British film "Scott of the Antarctic" at the 

Avenue Theatre. More than 1,000 troops 

from Montreal units attended, including 350 

officers and men of the sponsoring unit, accompanied 

by a brass band and drums. 

Sir Alexander Clutterbuck, British High 

Commissioner to Canada, was among the distinguished 

guests entertained at the armory 

prior to the showing. 

It was the first time that a Montreal military 

unit had sponsored a film showing since 

the Royal Canadian Engineers were connected 

with the Arnheim film. 

The foyer of the theatre featured a display 

of Arctic clothing and equipment and pictures 

of the expedition which are remaining 

on view during the public showings of the 

film. 

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. , The 

TORONTO 

Two veteran projectionists, both in the 

booth of the Capitol at London for more 

than a quarter of a centiu'y, were inducted 

into the Famous Players' 25-Year club at 

a dinner in Hotel London with Dan Krendel 

from Toronto officiating. The new members 

are Harry McLean and William Newman, 

both of whom received the 25-year jewels, 

certificates and gold watches. McLean has 

served at the theatre from the day of its 

opening in March 1920. Among those at the 

dinner were Mayor R. A. Dennis and city 

clerk Reg Cooper, Manager W. K. Ti'udell 

of the Capitol, their wives and guests. 

The appointment of George H. Beeston of 

Toronto as a dii-ector of United Amusement 

Corp., a Famous Players' affiliate in Montreal, 

lends support to the report that Paul 

L. Nathanson, former president of Canadian 

Odeon, is at peace with Famous Players 

Canadian Corp. Beeston resigned as a director 

of Odeon Theatres when Nathanson 

left that organization some time ago. 

L. M. Devaney, general manager of RKO 

Distributing Corp. of Canada, returned here 

after a coast-to-coast tour of exchanges . . . 

In taking over the premiership of Ontario, 

Leslie M. Frost has retained the portfolio 

of provincial treasurer and will continue to 

exercise control of censorship and the licensing 

of theatres in Ontario. 

While Duke Alden was performing on the 

stage of the Odeon Danforth here, a thief 

gained entrance to the dressing rooms by 

means of a ladder and stole the trousers 

and money of the actor. The incident gave 

good publicity to the new combination policy 

of the theatre . 

Community at 

Hamilton, a 20th Century unit, was reopened 

May 9 after being closed for extensive alterations. 

The theatre formerly was teamed 

with the Granada. 

H. C. D. Main, president of the Motion 

Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario, performed 

a nice job as master of ceremonies 

at the reopening of the Jewel at Cannington 

following many alterations by owner Angus 

Jewell. The speakers included chief inspector 

Dan McPhee of the Ontario theatres 

inspection branch. Deputy Reeve H. Wilson, 

Arch H. Jolley (executive secretary of the 

MPTA), and Lionel Lester of National Booking 

Service. Toronto. Other guests included 

Douglas Wark, owner of the Bluebird at 

Burk's Fall; Bob Ferguson of Gaumont- 

Kalee, Toronto, and T. E. Elliott of the Ontario 

government. A reception was held after 

the performance at the home of Mr. and 

Mrs. Jewell. 

William P. Covert, lATSE vice-president 

and organizer of Canada's projectionists 

union, will attend the annual labor sessions 

at Geneva, Switzerland, beginning June 3. 

He will sail on the Aquitania May 17 . . . 

Federal health agencies in Canada and the 

U.S. will join forces in the production of a 

motion picture which will tell the people 

of both countries the facts about cancer research. 

. . . Jean 

"The Guinea Pig," an English film distributed 

in Canada by International Film 

Distributors, was to follow "Concert Magic" 

into the new Towne Cinema 

Parker and Scott McKay, Hollywood film 

stars, are appearing in the stage production 

of "Born Yesterday" at the Royal Alexandra, 

Toronto's only legitimate theatre . . . William 

J. Burke, manager of Famous Players 

Capitol Theatre in Brantford, also will take 

over the managership of the Brant, the 

theatre he managed prior to his recent promotion. 

Al Smith, who succeeded Bm-ke 

at the Brant, becomes manager of the 

Famous Drive-In at Chippewa. 

Three Hollywood Eagle Lion films, "Tulsa," 

"Reign of Terror" and "The Big Cat," distributed 

irt Canada by International Film 

Distributors, are booked for the Odeon, which 

has been playing British films almost exclusively 

Granada International Films, 

. . . Ltd., has been set up to handle foreign 

language films, formerly released by Astral. 

. . . National 

It's another girl in the family of Al Perly, 

manager of the Biltmore Theatre 

Theatres has transferred Al Perkins 

from Chesley to Burlington . . Senator 

. 

Paul E. Poirier, government official from 

Quebec and independent film producer, visited 

Warner Bros, in Hollywood and was the 

guest of Jane Wyman and Dennis Morgan 

on the set of "The Octopus and Mrs. Smith," 

At the end of the 18th week of the RKO 

sales drive, the Montreal branch, with M. L. 

Devaney managing, led the Canadian di- 

vision. St. John was in second place . . . 

Ray Lewis of Alliance Films was the only 

Canadian present when Screencraft's Jack 

Berkson held a meeting in New York recently 

to discuss production and distribution 

plans 

which recently moved to spacious new quarters 

in the Odeon building, is vacating them 

shortly. Temporary offices will be at President 

Sam Fingold's suburban estate . . . 

Frank Fisher, Eagle Lion manager, was busy 

with the Rotary club ice show which stars 

Canada's own Barbara Ann Scott. 

Screen Plays Completes 'Home of Brave in 60 Days 

From Eastern Edition 

NEW YORK—"Home of the Brave," the 

first feature dealing with Negro race prejudice, 

was completed by Screen Plays, Inc., 

in a record time of 60 days, from the start 

of rehearsals to when the picture was in the 

can. according to Stanley Kramer, president 

of the company. The picture, which will open 

in New York in May and be generally released 

by United Artists in June, will thus 

be out far ahead of Darryl F. Zanuck's 

"Pinky," Louis DeRochemont's "Lost Boundaries" 

and the MGM film, "Intruder in 

the Dust," all of which are still in production 

and deal with a similar racial theme. 

The pictiu-e was actually in production 

for two weeks before the deal for the story 

property was closed. Although the film is 

based on the stage play of the same name, 

the leading character has been switched from 

a Jewish boy to a Negro, and James Edwards, 

colored actor who is featured, came 

and left the studio each day by the rear door 

to forestall any questioning from outsiders. 

Eventually almost 600 studio workers, technicians 

and others were in on the secret of 

the picture, but no publicity about its theme 

reached outsiders until it was almost completed. 

The six actors in the cast were sworn 

not to tell their agents. 

Two weeks before actual shooting, every 

single set was built and the actors rehearsed 

and prepared with makeup and costumes. 

Because of this, the actual shooting took 

only 18 days inside the studio with another 

six days used for shooting on a jungle set. 

Dimitri Tiomkin prepared the musical score 

during the rehearsal period so that the entire 

scoring was completed nine days after 

shooting was finished. Cutting was also done 

while the picture was in work so that the 

film was completely cut and edited five days 

after it was finished. Total cost was just 

over $500,000. 

The national advertising budget will be 

between $200,000 and $250,000, which includes 

spotting in leading Negro, literary and 

adult magazines, many of them not used 

regularly for film advertising. The cast is 

virtually unknown and includes, in addition 

to Edwards, Stanley Ridges, the best known 

name: Douglas Dick, who was seen in "Rope" 

and "The Accused," Frank Lovejoy and Jeff 

Corey. There is no romantic interest and 

no women in the cast. Kramer expects it to 

play almost every situation in the south and 

may even use tents, if the use of theatres 

is denied. 

Kramer, who also produced "Champion," 

which United Artists is releasing in May, 

will produce two more features for UA diu-- 

ing 1949. One is "High Noon," a western 

for which he hopes to secure Kirk Douglas 

for the lead, and a story about paraplegics, 

tentatively titled "The Courage of Ten." As 

in producing "Home of the Brave" and 

"Champion," Kramer expects to continue the 

method of longer rehearsal periods and 

shorter shooting periods and to keep production 

costs within a $600,000 budget for 

each feature. 

In regard to television, Kramer believes 

that the film business will "get a shot in 

the arm" from the new medium. He expects 

to be Ln New York for several weeks working 

on the opening of "Home of the Brave" in 

New York and other key cities. 

The film will open at the "Victoria Theatre 

here early in May. It will follow 

"Joan of Arc," now in its 23rd week, 

which will probably complete a six-month 

run. The "Brave" terms call for a $100,000 

rental guarantee to the producer, who will 

get 90 per cent of the weekly gross after 

$7,000 in basic operating costs is collected 

by Maurice Maurer, operator of the 'Victoria. 

The producer pays for all advertising. 

Screen Plays' "Champion," also released 

by United Artists, is in its second week at 

the Globe and is expected to play through 

May. 

UA has assembled a publicity imit for 

concentration on "The Brave," according to 

Howard Le Sieur, director of advertising and 

publicity. Added to Al Tamarin's home office 

press staff for the picture are Joseph 

Wolhandler, general coverage: George Nelson 

and Phil Cowan, organizational contact, 

and Neil Scott, special handling. 


Boston Teni to Give 

Award to Joe Cifre 

from New England Edition 

BOSTON—The Great Heart award, presented 

annually by the local Variety Club, 

this year will be given to Joe Cifre. former 

chief barker, for "doing the greatest amount 

of good to the greatest number of people," 

according to E. Harold Stoneman. chief 

barker. A dinner honoring Cifre is being 

planned, the time and place to be made 

known later. Arthur Lockwood. TOA president, 

has been appointed chairman for the 

event. 

During his term as chief barker, Cifre conceived 

one of the most successful fund-raising 

projects ever sponsored by the local tent. 

With the help of George Schwartz, he perfected 

organization of the Jimmie fund, 

which last year brought nearly $250,000 to 

the Children's Cancer Research Foundation 

of the Children's hospital. He also obtained 

the cooperation of the Boston Braves baseball 

club and Ralph Edwards, Truth or Consequences 

master of ceremonies, in a Children's 

hospital project. 

Cifre several years ago conceived Films for 

Shutins, out of which came the method of 

showing motion pictures on the ceilings of 

hospital rooms for patients who were forced 

to lie constantly on their backs. 

Learning the film business under the instruction 

of his father, the late M. S. Cifre, 

pioneer nickelodeon operator here, Cifre 

worked in the booths of several early theatres 

and became a member of the local projectionists 

union in 1911. He was president 

of the organization in 1917. Later he entered 

the equipment field, working as a 

salesman until he organized his own company, 

Joe Cifre, Inc., in 1935. 

In addition to his Variety Club activities, 

Cifre is a life member of the projectionists 

union and of the Masonic lodge. In addition 

to the local Chamber of Commerce, he belongs 

to the Society of Motion Picture Engineers 

and the Theatre Equipment Dealers 

Ass'n. 

Priest River Log Drive 

To Be Filmed by Viking 

From Western Edition 

SPOKANE—This year's Priest river log 

drive is to be filmed in color by Viking 

Pictures, Inc., according to G. S. Barron of 

Spokane, general manager of the Diamond 

Match Co.'s Inland Empire facilities. The 

log drive is expected to get under way the 

latter part of this month. 

Sullivan C. Richardson of Chicago, president 

of Viking Pictures, is due here soon to 

make final arrangements for the filming. 

Barron said his company is unable to do 

anything about the drive until Priest lake 

ice thaws and there is enough water to float 

the logs. 

The logs will be floated down the river to 

Albeni Falls near Newport, and to the company's 

mill near Cusick. The drive from the 

lake to Cusick is approximately 110 miles. 

Eighteen top river drivers will participate in 

the drive. 

To Stage Square Dances 

Frances Grant will stage the square dances 

for "Mrs. Mike" for United Artists release. 

MONTREAL 

/Canadian Motion Picture Pioneers of Quebee 

held their annual luncheon and cocktail 

party in the Britanny room of the Mount 

Royal hotel and the annual dinner in Ruby 

Foo's. At the head table at the luncheon 

were E. Ouimet, W. J. Singleton, W. Lester, 

M. de Roussy, George Ganetakos, H. Vance, 

R. Valle, T. Trow and O. R. Hanson. At 

dinner the same guests were at the head 

table wuth the addition of Messrs. Bourassa, 

Fitzgibbons, Mavety, Beaulieu, Norrish and 

Gagnon. W. Lester welcomed the Pioneers 

and visitors and Ganetakos welcomed the 

guests from the exchanges. Brief addresses 

were given by Beaulieu and Hanson and by 

I. Sourkes. P. Maurice had charge of the 

door prizes and entertainment. 

The Warner staff gave a party at the exchange 

to celebrate the attainment by two 

employes of a quarter century of service, 

Marian Burton, revisor, and Romeo Chevalier, 

shipper, both of whom were presented a 

well-filled purse . . . LaScala, the first foreign 

film theatre in Montreal, was opened 

Saturday evening with the Italian picture, 

"When Love Calls," distributed by Alliance 

Films. The new theatre, a replica of the 

Scala in Naples, is ow^êd by Messrs. Berardinucci 

and B. Celsi, co-owners of LaScala 

Amusement, Inc. 

Ted Atkinson, manager of Cardinal Films, 

amiounces that his company will release the 

French version of "Jamaica Inn," starring 

Charles Laughton, and also a film by Roberto 

Rossellini entitled "Paisan" which has 

been playing to packed houses in New York 

City . . . Edgar Hamel of Foto-Nite is opening 

the deal in the Auditorium owned by 

F. St. Laurent at Rimouski, where M. Hamel 

will spend a fortnight. 

H. Harnick, general sales manager for 

Columbia, Toronto, was here on bu-siness . . . 

Engagement is announced of Ruby Lemire, 

secretary of W. Elman, district manager for 

Columbia; George Koppelman, salesman for 

International Film Distributors, has returned 

to Montreal after spending three months in 

the Toronto office. 

S. Morgan-Powell, well-known critic of the 

Montreal Star, declares the ballet film, "The 

Red Shoes," premiered in Canada simultaneously 

at the Snowdon and the Outremont. 

United Amusement Corp. theatres, 

"represents a new and important departure 

in the motion picture art—the fusion of the 

enchantment of ballet with the magic of the 

motion pictiue camera." 

The presentation of 'Madame de Pompadour" 

at His Majesty's marked the beginning 

of a movement which it is hoped will result 

in the establishment of a permanent operetta 

company in Montreal . . . The Quebec 

Federation of Home and School Ass'n will 

ask the provincial government to authorize 

special showings of films in motion picture 

theatres for children under 16. 

The Film Exchange Bowling league closed 

its season with a buffet dance at the Rialto 

hall May 6. Jeanne Paquin, sales manager 

for J. Arthur Rank-Hanson 16mm, was organizer 

of the festivities, at which silver 

cups were given to the winners. The highest 

average for women went to Pat Parker, 

stenographer at Empire-Universal; the highest 

single to Pauline Seguin, revisor at Sovereign 

Films, and the highest triple to Shirley 

Toft, cashier at Paramount. The highest 

average for men went to Irving Goldsmith, 

booker at General Theatres; the highest single 

to Herman Vosberg, booker at IFD, and 

the highest triple to Romeo Chevalier, shipper 

at Warners. 

An Important 'T' Left Out 

TORONTO—The marquee sign on the 

Forum on Mount Pleasant road caused mixed 

merriment and amazement when an important 

"t" was left out of the announcement of 

"Oliver Twist." The letters one day read 

as follows: "OUver Twist, Dicken's Immoral 

Classic." Next day the "Immoral" became 

"Immortal." 

Five Are Rated Adult 

TORONTO—Only five features were given 

the grading of adult entertainment during 

the past month by the Ontario board of moving 

picture censors. The titles are "Knock 

on Any Door," "Bride of Vengeance," "Once 

Upon a Dream," "Too Late for Tears" and 

"Good Time Girl." In the previous month 

the board rated eight features as "adult." 

To Produce 'Strange Convoy' 

Jack Gross will produce "Strange Convoy,' 

western story by Tom Blackburn for RKO. 

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FIRST RUN REPORTS 

This chart shows the records made by 

key cities 

pictures in five or more of the 21 

checked. As new runs are reported, ratings 

are added and averages revised.

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

ABOUT 

PICTURES 

Just as the Barometer page shows first run reports on current pictures, this 

department is devoted for the most part to reports on subsequent runs, made 

by exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new, two stars means the exhibitor 

has been writing in for six months or longer, and a three-star contributor 

is a regular of one year or more, who receives a token of our appreciation. All 

exhibitors welcome. 

ASTOR 

Sunset Carson Rides Again (Astor)—Sunset 

Carson, Al Terry, Pat Sterling. This is 

just another western. The photography and 

sound were not too good. Played Thurs., Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Good.—Terry Axley, New Theatre, 

England, Ark. Rural and small town 

patronage. • * • 

Whit© Stallion (Astor)—Ken Maynard, Eddie 

Dean, Rocky Cameron. This is a corny 

western with a good title, so I doubled this 

with "Isle of Destiny" to good business. 

Played Tues., Wed.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, 

Rivesville, W. Va. Small town patronage. 

COLUMBIA 

Fuller Brush Man, The (Col)—Red Skelton, 

Janet Blair, Don McGuire. This is Red's besi 

show—everyone spoke well about it. The 

radio part sure had them in the aisles. I had 

several people come back the second night. 

More of Red's shows and the theatres will be 

out of the "redl" Played Mon., Tues. Weather; 

Clear.—Kenneth Clem, Earle Theatre, Taneytown, 

Md. Small town 

* 

patronage. 

Key Witness (Col)—John Beal, Trudy Marshall, 

Jimmy Lloyd. This is okay for a double 

bill—on the lower half. No action—it moves 

too slow. Played Fri., Sat.—Ray S. Hanson, 

Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Small town patronage. 

, 

* 

Return of October, The (Col)—Glenn Ford, 

Terry Moore, Albert Sharpe. This didn't sell 

out but we did nice Mon., Tues. business with 

it. — Harland Rankin, Beau Theatre, Belle 

River, Ont. General patronage. 

* * • 

Sign of the Rom, The (Col)—Susan Peters, 

Alexander Knox, Phyllis Thaxter. This drew 

and people liked it. I hope we have more 

pictures with Susan Peters in, although I 

know her type of acting will naturally be 

limited. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold. 

-^Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, 

Ohio. Small town patronage. * * * 

Strawberry Roan, The (Col)—Gene Autry, 

Gloria Henry, Jack Holt. This is another good 

western. It is the first Autry in color that I 

have shown but it won't be my last. Business 

has been off here but several good pictures 

like this one and I will be back to normal. 

I like Gloria Henry very much. I think 

she is going places. Played Saturday. 

Weather: Clear.—Kenneth Clem, Earle Theatre, 

Taneytown, Md. Small town patronage. 

* 

Thunderhoof (Col) — Preston Foster, Mary 

Stuart, William Bishop. Here is a story which 

contains three persons and a horse. Columbia 

shouldn't ask so much money for a piclure 

which has nothing to it. Used it in 

place of a western and the public was disappointed. 

Not enough action, and sepiatone 

is distasteful to many. Just a fair piece of 

film for a bottom half only. Doubled with 

"Hills of Home" (MGM). Plaved Fri., Sat. 

Weather: Rain and warm.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy 

Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Subsequent run patronage. 

* 

EAGLE LION 

In This Comer (EL)—Scott Brady, Anabel 

Shaw, Jimmy Millican. Scott Brady was- fine 

in "Canon City" but the director certainly 

didn't take care of him in this show. All of 

the acting was amateurish and the comments 

were uniformly bad. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Good.—Hobart H. Gates, Garlock 

Theatre, Custer, S. D. Small town patronage. 

* * * 

Man From Texas (EL)—James Craig, Lynn 

Bari, Johnny Johnston. This is a good action 

show with lots of shooting and fighting. Used 

with "Wild Beauty" (U-I) on a western double 

bill. It does some business. Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Fair.—Ray S. Hanson, Fox 

Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Small town patronage. 

* 

Red Stallion, The (EL)—Ted Donaldson, 

Robert Paige, Noreen Nash. Are you in a 

small town? Then play this picture. It has 

everything—action, comedy and a few tears. 

The little dog stole the picture. The color 

is very good and the trailer on this is excellent. 

Old or not, this still packs them in—young 

or old. Played Thurs., Fri. Weather: Rain 

the first night, second night,, clear.—Kenneth 

Clem, Earle Theatre, Taneytown, Md. Small 

* 

town patronage. 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

Date With Judy. A (MGM)-Wallace Beery, 

Jane Powell, Elizabeth Taylor. Here is a picture 

that has everything a small town can 

ask for. Technicolor, a little corn and good 

music. We bought it flat and figure it drew 

slightly better than average. Give us more 

like this, MGMl Played Sun., Mon. Weather: 

Cold.—Dakota Theatre, Wishek, N. D. Rural 

* 

and small town patronage. 

OEaster Parade (MGM) — Judy Garland, 

Fred Astaire, Peter Lawford. I saved this 

one to play on Easter Sunday. Something 

happened some place because it did not go 

over well at all. It has wonderful color, 

stars, story and music. Garland and Astaire 

doing the "Couple of Swells" scene was 

worth the price of admission. Evidently 

everyone was tired out from hunting Easter 

eggs, because business was only average. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.—Fred G. 

Weppler, Colonial Theatre, Colfax, 111. Small 

* 

town and rural patronage. 

Hills of Home (MGM) — Edmund Gwenn, 

Donald Crisp, Janet Leigh. Also a Lassie hit, 

and well received, but we should have had 

better business. I guess it's the spring fever 

Throws a Straight Ball 

For 'Stratton Story' 

QRDINARILY we prefer to use only 

reports which are made after an 

exhibitor has shown a picture, but this 

one is from a new contributor, James F. 

Steppello, manager of the James at 

Utica, N. Y., who was much impressed by 

a picture at a trade showing: 

"This is my first inning- in EHHS as 

It is seldom I pitch for a picture, but I 

am throwing a straight one right across 

the plate, so you can connect for a hit 

and bat 1000 . . . 'The Stratton Story' 

will be a home run in every situation. 

I was so engrossed that I was surprised 

to find the running time was two hours 

and 27 minutes. It didn't seem longer 

than an hour—that's how interesting the 

picture was ... So I say again, don't 

strike out—book it today. Don't let it pass 

you and later find you are put out by it." 

Columbia's Little Films 

Help Small Situations 

IT HAD TO BE YOU (Col)—Ginger 

Rogers, Cornel Wilde, Percy Waram. This 

was a very good little comedy that did 

well by us. Columbia comes out with 

some of these little pictures that do the 

trick in our small situations. Played 

Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.—H. J. 

McFall, Lyric, Russell, Man. Rural and 

small town. * 

with our patrons. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Fair.—Harland Rankin, Erie Theatre, Wheatley, 

Ont. General patronage. 

* • • 


Donald Crisp, Janet Leigh. Lassie is as grea' 

as ever, and brought them in for Easter and 

the day after—but most of them were disappointed. 

The Scottish "burr" is too hard to 

understand. Business grand, anyway. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Warm.—Mrs. 

Pat Murphy, Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex. 

Oil field patronage. * * * 


Donald Crisp, Janet Leigh. A good family 

picture to a satisfactory business. The Scottish 

accent is a little hard to understand. 

Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Not good. 

—R. V. Fletcher, Lyric Theatre, Hartington, 

Neb. Small town patronage. * * * 

If Winter Comes (MGM)—Walter Pidgeon, 

Deborah Kerr, Angela Lansbury. This show 

isn't so bad as some would have you believe 

It just doesn't do any business. Excellent 

acting and a good story but a slow mover. 

Played Tuesday.—Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, 

Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town 

patronage. 

Julia Misbehaves (MGM)— Greer Garson, 

Walter Pidgeon, Pelec Lawford. This one 

cost too much and the profits were slight. 

However, Miss Garson and Mr. Pidgeon are 

still tops and they play comedy as well as 

drama, it seems. This is a fine show, if you 

can buy it right. Our people liked it. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Fine.—R. E. Halstead, 

Tri-Town Theatre, Lindstrom, Minn. Rural 

and small town patronage. 

« * 

Julia Misbehaves (MGM)—Greer Garson, 

Walter Pidgeon, Peter Lawford. This is an 

excellent comedy and we showed a good net 

profit because we bought it at a figure which 

was fair to Metro and ourselves. The picture 

is worth your best playing time but is not 

worth percentage in a small town. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: fair.—Earl A. London, 

State Theatre, Olivet, Mich. Small town, 

rural and college patronage. 

Night at the Opera, A (MGM)—Reissue. 

Marx Bros., Kitty Carlisle. I presume it was 

worth while bringing back this reissue just 

to hear the kids roar—but the adults just 

didn't come out for it. Played Fri., Sat 


Theatre, Custer, S. D. Small town patronit 

* * 

age. 

Night at the Opera, A (MGM)—Reissue, 

Marx Bros., Kitty Carlisle. When I was sold 

this picture, I did not think it was an old reissue, 

not being in theatre work 40 years ago 

(that must have been when this picture was 

put out for use). The sound was bad and so 

was business. Don't play it— it won't do you 

any good. Our business was off 50 per cent. 

P'oyed Sun,, Mon. Weather: Cool. — Johnny 

Kime, State Theatre, Roseboro, N. C, Rural 

patronage. 

Pirate, The (MGM)—Judy Garland, Gene 

Kellv, Walter Slezak. This is not for small 

towns. About half the audience walked out, 

and the remaining half booed and hissed. It 

was undoubtedly the worst musical we have 

BOXOFHCE BookinGuide May 14, 1949

ever shown. Too bad to waste that wonderful 

talent on a picture like this.—Marcella Smith, 

Vinton Theatre, McArlhur, Ohio. Small town 

patronage. * * * 

i^^Talce Me Out to the Ball Game (MGM)— 

Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams, Gene Kelly. 

This is another winner from Leo—grand entertainment 

all the way through. Business 

was above average and everyone had a good 

time. The color and cast were excellent. 

Played Wed. through Sat. Weather; Excellent.—A. 

E. Shepard jr., Essex Square Theatre, 

* 

Clinton, Conn. General patronage. 

WToke Me Out to the Ball Game (MGM)— 

Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams, Gene Kelly 

If the crackpot who wrote the article on our 

industry in Fortune could see this, I think he 

would have to admit that for a business whose 

obituary he wrote, there's a lot of life in it yefl 

Here is wonderful entertainment for everyone. 

Esther is as lovely as ever yet she 

swings a bat and fields a grounder in a 

most convincing manner. I apologize to Sinatra 

for the mean things I have said. He 

turns in a wonderful performance. The newcomer 

who clowns with him and Gene Kelly 

are out of this world. I haVen't got it bought, 

but if Metro makes a few more like this, we'll 

all be back in business. I saw this at a 

screening and am anxious to play it.—R. C. 

Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural 


Three Daring Daughters (MGM)—Jeanette 

MacDonald, Jose Iturbi, Jane Powell. Only 

two things kept them away from this one 

the trailer, wherein Jeanette MacDonald hit 

high C above high C, and the show itself 

which is far too high class for the farmers in 

this community. It sure is costing me money 

to "educate" my rural patrons to the better 

things in life! These playdates were wasted. 

Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fine.— I. Roche, 

Vernon Theatre, Vernon, Fla. Small town 

and rural patronage. * * * 

WThree Musketeers, The (MGM) — Lana 

Turner, Gene Kelly, June Allyson. This picture 

was playing day and date with me in 

three other theatres and it surprised me how 

well the draw was. Color and costumes were 

of the finest. Some comment on Gene Kelly, 

a song and dance man, in his lead role. 

Most people thought another lead man would 

have been better. All in all, this, is a fine 

epic enjoyed by 95 per cent of those in attendance. 

It's been a pleasure, Leo. Played 

Sat. (preview), Sun., Mon. Weather: Cloudy 

and cool.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita, 

* 

Kas. Subsequent run patronage. 

Words and Music (MGM) — Perry Como, 

Judy Garland, Lena Home. This is not good, 

though it was a percentage picture^—but not 

to the exhibitor. It grossed very poorly at 

the boxoffice and was badly allocated. Regardless 

of the cast and the color, it was 

never better than a B picture. It is dishonest 

on the part of the film company and the exhibitor 

to try to make people believe that it 

is a big picture just because it has Technicolor 

and a lot of big names that are not 

necessary and do not add to the picture. We 

had a lot of walkouts. What does this mean? 

It's not good entertainment. Played Thurs., 

Sat. Weather: Splendid.—M. W. Mattecheck, 

Mack Theatre, McMinnville, Ore. City and 

rural patronage. * * * 

MONOGRAM 

Bad Boy (Mono)—Lloyd Nolan, Jane Wyatt, 

Audie Murphy. This was a good show for 

my situation and Allied Artists is doing all 

right for my money. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Good.—Terry Axley, New Theatre, 

England, Ark. Rural and small town patronage. 

* * * 

Crashing Through (Mono) — Whip Wilson, 

Andy Clyde, Christine Larson. Monogram's 

new western star in his first picture was a h;t 

in my situation. He uses the whip to delight 

and thrill your western fans, and as an added 

feature he also sings. I believe this series 

of westerns will go over in any western-loving 

situation. I'm eagerly awaiting his next 

one to be released. Business above average 

for this time of year. Played — Friday only. 

Weather: Fair and warm. "Art" V. Phillips, 

Haymond Theatre, Cromona, Ky. Mining and 

small town patronage. * * 

Fighting Mad (Mono)— Leon Errol, Joe Kirkwood, 

Elyse Knox. Poor attendance. Joe 

Palooka is not popular here. However, the 

figures in the picture were pretty good and 

those that came seemed to like it—particularly, 

the men patrons. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Fair.—Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn 

Theatre, Linn, Mo. Small town patronage. * 

Rocky (Mono) — Roddy MacDowall, Edgar, 

Barrier, Nita Hunter. This is truly a grand 

family picture. It is laugh-loaded, and has 

a cast of youngsters that turn in stellar performances. 

It is short, but with a few shorts 

you can use it on your best time. The story 

is fine. You'll be proud to stand in your lobby 

at the spill. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: 

Rain and snow.—R. C. Walker, Uintah Theatre, 

Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. * * * 

16 Fathoms Deep (Mono)—Lon Chaney jr., 

Arthur Lake, Tanis Chandler. A very interesting 

picture of sponge divers, done in the 

new Ansco color. This should improve in* 

time and I hope it will be better than Trucolor. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cloudy 

and cool.—John G. Anderson, Raymond Theatre, 

City Island, N. Y. Community patronage. 

* * * 

PARAMOUNT 

Alias Nick Heal (Para)—Ray Milland, Audrey 

Totter, Thomas Mitchell. This one 

flopped in all three of our situations. Our 

patrons just won't buy these fantasies—the 

first chunk of brass in Paramount's Gold Rush 

of 1949. My advice is to forget it unless you 

have a liking for red ink. Played Sun., Mon., 

Tues. Weather: Excellent.—A. E. Shepard jr., 

Essex Square, Deep River and Clinton theatres, 

' 

Clinton, Conn. General patronage. * 

Beyond Glory (Para)—Alan Ladd, Donna 

Reed, Tom Neal. The few that ventured out 

in the rain came to see Alan Ladd but they 

went away disappointed. Very poor entertainment. 

We just about broke even on it. 

We need more pictures like "Dear Ruth" for 

the small town. Played Tues., Wed.—E. C. 

Holt, Freeburn Theatre, Freeburn, Ky. Mining 

and small town patronage. * * * 

Emperor Waltz, The (Para)—Bing Crosby, 

Joan Fontaine, Roland Culver. This was surely 

a slap at one's intelligence. After seeing 

the picture, I knew the answer as to why they 

didn't come. And on top of this, Paramount 

sells it as something super. Played Tues., 

Wed., Thurs.-Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, 

Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. * * * 

Foreign Affair, A (Para)—Jean Arthur, Marlene 

Dietrich, John Lund. This is a furtny affair 

the advertising said. I didn't even smile 

when I saw the boxoffice returns. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Warm.—Mrs. Pat W. 

Murphy, Queen Theatre, HoUiday, Tex. Oil 

field patronage. * * * 

'Sainted' Sisters, The (Para)—Veronica 

Lake, Joan Caulfield, Barry Fitzgerald. How 

did I ever hate that gal, Veronica? Since she 

has put her hair back, she gets better in 

every picture. Caulfield has been one of my 

favorites, but I think Veronica stole the show 

in this one. It's good, clean comedy that 

sends them away feeling like they had been 

entertained. Business was above average 

for midweek. The second night gained two 

dollars, which is a miracle. Don't pass this 

one up. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair. 

—R. C. Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. 

Rural patronage. * • • 

RKO RADIO 

Bambi (RKO)—Reissue. Disney feature 

cartoon which is a top notch reissue that did 

fair business on a double bill. I expected 

more adults to attend. Too bad there isn't 

some way to recommend this feature highly 

for the whole family to see. Played Tues., 

Wed. Weather: Warm.—Ralph Raspa, State 

Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. 

Blood on the Moon (RKO)—Robert Mitchum, 

Barbara Bel Geddes, Robert Preston. This 

is one of the best westerns I've played, with 

lots of action. This Mitchum can act. You 

won't miss on this and it is good for Sunday. 

Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Cold and 

stormy.—Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, 

Minn. Rural and small town patronage. * 

Every Girl Should Get Married (RKO)—Gary 

Grant, Betsy Drake, Diana Lynn. A romantic 

comedy that will get by with the majority 

light, but good mass entertainment. Played 

Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Not good.—R. V. 

Fletcher, Lyric Theatre, Hartington, Neb. 

Small town patronage. « • • 

Fighting Father Dunne (RKO)—Pat O'Brien, 

Darryl Hickman, Myrna Dell. I advised 

RKO this picture wouldn't make film rental 

in a Protestant town and it didn't. The week 

before running it, however, an "alleged" 

evangelist created prejudice, and this is a 

good picture that drew favorable comments 

from practically every patron that saw it. It 

has comedy, action, stars and a humanitarian 

story befitting Brotherhood Week. If anyon.e 

thinks producers would, if they could, belittle 

any religious faith, I ask them to turn to page 

78-79 of BOXOFFICE BAROMETER (National 

Screen Council Roster) and see the barrage 

of opposition they would receive from leaders 

in social, civic and educational organizations. 

I'm sorry I didn't run this educational, entertaining 

picture free, so everyone could 

have seen it. Played Wed. and Saturday. 

Weather: Bad.—J. C. Van House, Sun Theatre, 

Kenesaw, Neb. Small town and rural 

patronage. • • • 

Good Sam (RKO)—Gary Cooper, Ann Sheridan, 

Ray Collins. This is very good. Enjoyed 

by all who saw it and the laughs were 

plentiful. Not much business, but no fault 

of the picture. It's fine. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Stormy.—Mrs. Pat Murphy, Queen 

Theatre, Holliday, Tex. Oil field patronage. 

* • * 

Nan Leslie, 

Indian Agent (RKO)—Tim Holt, 

Noah Beery jr. This is an entertaining western 

which brought them in on Fri., Sat. and 

showed a profit.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount 

Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town 


Melody Time (RKO)—Disney feature cartoon 

with Roy Rogers, Sons of the Pioneers, 

Ethel Smith. Cartoons are for kids only and 

nearly all of Disney's are too long—that is, 

the features. Many walkouts on this one. 

Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Good.—Terry 

Axley, New Theatre, England, Ark. Rural 

and small town patronage. » • * 

Out of the Past (RKO)—Robert Mitchum, 

Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas. This has many 

strikes against us. Adult entertainment pictures 

in a Catholic town are dynamite. Robert 

Mitchum did the rest. Played Wed., Thurs. 

—Harland Rankin, Erie Theatre, Wheatley, 

Ont. General patronage. * * * 

Song Is Bom, A (RKO)—Danny Kaye, Virginia 

Mayo, Benny Goodman. I prayed that 

no one would walk out on the first two reels 

(the prayer was answered), and after the 

first two, the pace is quickened. Some good 

comedy is added and finally it ends in a 

grand laugh riot. This is Kaye's poorest, 

though, in my opinion. Business was off 

way off for this change. Had some complaints, 

but not many. It is not too bad but 

musicals don't go here. Played Sun., Mon., 

(Continued on page 12) 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 14, 1949

TURE CHART 

release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running time, as 

iurnished by home office oi distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended. 

R—is review date. PG—is Picture Guide page number. Symbol tS indicates BOXOFFICE 

Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol © indicates color photography. 

1 JULY 10

i 

I 

I 

PTEMBER 4 

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES 

'J I 

Wesurn 982 (116) Drama 916 [lel (76) Western 903 (91) Drama 128 ^ (70) Spec-Act 104 [Y] (68) Drama 113 (56) Western 165 

[y] 

^ 

STRAWBERRY GENTLEMAN FROM BLACK EAGLE, THE WALK A CROOKED TRIPLE THREAT SURRENDER. DEAR EL DORADO PASS RUSTY LEADS THE 

lOAN 

NOWHERE 

STORY OF A HORSE MILE 

Richard Oane 

Gloria Jean 

Charles Starrett 

WAY 

A.itry 

W.irner Baxter 

William BLshop 

Dennis O'Keefe 

Gloria Henry 

David Street 

Smiley Bumette 

Ted Donaldson 

I!—Sept. 

inn 

Kay liaker 

Virginia Patton 

11—PO-968 R—Set. 9—PG-975 Don McGuire 

Elena Verdugo 

Sharyii Moffett 

Henry 

Luis Van Rooten 

Gordon Jones 

(62) .\C1-Mu3 954 

It—Oct. 9—PO-975 Steve Darrell 

John Lltel 

23J 

. lolt 

It—Oct. 2—l'C-973 R—Sept. 4—PG-9e5 

It— Dec. 11—PO-993 .\nn Doran 

SINGIN' SPURS 

R—Oct. 16—PQ-977 

Jar. C—PO-907 

lloosier Hotshols 

»8) Muslul 901 

I AM 

lli; 

FEATURE CHART 


I 

OCTOBER 30 

(98) Drama 129 

©THE LOVES OF 

CARMEN 

KiU Haywouii 

K—Aug. 21—PG-961 

(79) Super West 130 

©THE UNTAMED 

BREED 

R—Oct. 23—PC-979 

^ 

Reissues 

(119) Adv. 738 

COUNT OF MONTE 

CRISTO 

Robert Dunat 

g 

(102) Adv. 739 

SON OF MONTE 

CRISTO 

Louis Hay ward 

^ 

(71) Docun 905 

©THE SECRET UND 

Commentators 

Robert Montgomery 

Robert Taylor 

Van Hefllu 

R—Aug. 28—PO-963 

^ 

(57) Western 4764 

OUTUW BRAND 

Jimmy VValiely 

Cbristlne Larson 

NOVEMBER 6 j NOVEMBER 13 

[12] (96) Comedy 904 

NO MINOR VICES 

Dana Andrews 

Ulll Palmer 

Jane Wyatt 

Louis Jourdan 

R—Oct. 9—PQ-9T6 

(65) Western 

Ul 475! 

GUNNING FOR JUSTICE 

Johimy Mack Brown 

Evelyn Finley 

Itaymond H^ttoo 

NOVEMBER 20 NOVEMBER 27| DECEMBER 4 

In] (75) Drama 119 [i|] (66) Drama Hi 

LEATHER GLOVES RACING LUCK 

Cameron Mitchell 

Gloria Henry 

Virginia Grey 

Stanley Clements 

Jane Nigh 

David Bruce 

Sam Levene 

If—Nov. 6—PG-98! 

©THE GALLANT BLADE 

R—Nov. 13—PG-985 

Larry Parks 

It—Oct. 23—PG-979 

(u] (85) Comedy 907 (73) Act-Dr 90S (SO) Drama 910 

LErS LIVE A LITTLE MILLION DOLLAR HE WALKED BY NIGHT 

Hedy Lamarr 

WEEKEND 

Richard Basebart 

Robert Cummings 

Gene Raymond 

Scott Brady 

Anna Sten 

Stephanie PauU 

Koy Roberts 

Robert Sbayne 

Francis Lederer 

Whit BisseU 

R—«ct. 30—Pa-981 Patricia Shay R—Nov. 13—PG-986 

R—Oct. 16—PG-977 

(89) CoiB-Fontasy 131 

©THE RETURN OF 

OCTOBER 

Glenn F''ord 

[2] (54) Western 

QUICK THE ON . 

TRIGGER 

It—Oct. 23—PG-979 Charles Starrett 

(81) M'drama 132 Smiley Bumette 

Helen Parrish 

m 

DECEMBER 11 DECEMBER 18 

167 (99) Drama 133 

©THE MAN FROM 

COLORADO 

Glenn Ford 

William Holden 

Ellen Drew 

R—Nov. 20—PG-98 

(73) Outd'r-Dr Ul 

JUNGLE JIM 

Johnny Weissmuller 

R— Dec. 25— P(3-99T 

[le] (61) Mus-West 15' 

SMOKY MOUNTAIN , 

' 

MELODY 

R—Jan. 29—PQ-1008 

[u] (71) M'drani 9U 

[is] (60) Drama 9( 

PAROLE, INC. THE STRANGE 

.Michael O'Shea 

MRS. CRANE 

Turhan Bey 

Marjorle Lord 

BveljTi Ankers 

Robert Shayne 

Michael Whalen 

Ruth Brady 

R-ân. 15—PG-1003 Pierre Watkin 

R—Oct. 30—PG-981 

Reissue 

(125) Drama 906 

|lo] (97) Drama 909 

[3] (117) M'drama 907 

y©THE THREE 

©HILLS OF HOME 

MUSKETEERS SAN FRANCISCO 

(Also DANGER IN 

Lana Turner 

Jeannette MacDonald THE HILLS) 

Gene Kelly 

(10] (96) Comedy 908 R—Oct. 9—PG-976 

June Allyson 

A NIGHT AT THE 

Van Heflin 

OPERA 

R—Oct. 16—PO-978 Marx Brothers 

[21] (56) Western 4768 ^ (80) Cost-Dr 4725 [5] (55) Western 4851 

(12] (66) Comedy 480!' 

COURTIN' TROUBLE KIDNAPPED 

HIDDEN DANGER JIGGS AND MAGGIE 

Jimmy Wakely 

Roddy McDowall 

Johnny Mack Brown 

N COURT 

Cannonball" Taylor Sue England 

Raymond Hatton R—Dec. 4—PG-991 

Dan O'HerUhy 

Roland Wtaters 

R—Sept. 18—PG-9 

Group 2 

Special 

|4] (92) Gutd'r-Dr 906 

[e] (110) Mus-Com 952 

STATION WEST 0A SONG IS BORN 

Dick Powell 

Itanny Kaje 

Jane Greer 

Virginia Mayo 

Agnes Moorebead 

Steve Cochran 

Burl Ives 

Kyther Dale 

R—Sept. 4—PG-966 K—Aug. 28—I'G-ilM 

|4] (6U) M'drama 713 

CODE OF SCOTLAND 

YARD 

It—Sept. 

Reissue 

^ 

18—PG-9;U 

(37) Oiitd-r-Mus 871 

SHINE ON HARVEST 

MOON 

g 

(UU) Western 4807 (GO) Westerji 

J] 4808 

MARK OF THE LASH DEAD MAN'S GOLD 

Lash LaKue 

Lash LaKiie 

Fuzzy St. John 

|25] (69) Docum 4803 

SOS SUBMARINE 

R—Oct. l(i—PG-977 

(95) .M'drama 841 

CRY OF THE CITY 

Victor Mature 

Richard Conte 

Fred Clark 

Shelley 'Winters 

R—Sept. 29—Pa-972 

[5] (83) Drama 4804 

SEALED VERDICT 

Ray MUlaiid 

Florence Marly 

Broderick Oawford 

John Holt 

K—Sept. 11—PG-967 

[T] (8U) Drama 720 

ANGEL ON THE 

AMAZON 

li— Dec. 25—PG-998 

[5] (66) Western 861 

bUNDOWN 

IN 

SANTA FE 

A llan "Rocky" Lane 

3] (94) Comedy 595 

MY DEAR SECRETARY 

Laraine Day 

Kirk Douglas 

Keenan Wyrm 

Helen Walker 

Rudy VaUee 

B—Sept. 11—PO-868 

(19| (101) Comedy 4805 

MISS TATLOCK'S 

MILLIONS 

John Lund 

Wanda Hendrlx 

Barry Fitzgerald 

Monty WooUey 

R—Sept. 18—PQ-970 

|15| (67) Outd'r-Mus 734 

©GRAND CANYON 

TRAIL 

Roy Rogers 

Jane Frazee 

R—Nov. 27—PG-989 

(95) Drama 844 (98) Com-Dr 845 (87) Western 846 (70) Drama 848 (105)Com-Fantasy850 (100) Western 8) 

ROAD HOUSE ©WHEN MY BABY BELLE STARR'S JUNGLE PATROL UNFAITHFULLY YELLOW SKY 

j 

Ida Lupino 

SMILES AT ME DAUGHTER 

Kristine Miller 

YOURS 

Gregory Peck 

Cornel Wllde 

Betty Grable 

Rod Camerori 

Mickey Knox 

Rex Harrison 

Anne Baxter 

Richard Wldmark Dan Dailey 

li—Oct. 30—PG-982 Arthur Franz 

Linda Darnell 

Rlch.'U'd Wldmark 

Celeste Holm 

Gene Reynolds 

Barbara Lawrenet 

Jack 

Robert Arthur 

Oakie 

(65) Drama 847 

R—Oct. 2—Pa-974 

R—Sept. 

June Havoc 

BUNGALOW 

25—PG-972 Rudy Vallee R—Nov. 27—PG-990 

13 

R—Oct. 

R—Nov. 13—PQ-986 Tom 

9—PG-976 

Conway 

^ 

(70) Drams 593 

HIGH FURY 

.Madeleine Carroll 

Ian Hunter 

.Michael Rennie 

B—Nov. 13-PO-985 

Group 3 

|2i| (88) West-Dr 909 

BLOOD ON THE MOON 

Robert Mitchum 

Barbara Bel Geddes 

Robert Preston 

Walter Brennan 

K—Nov. 13—PG-985 

^ 

[3] (60) Drama 4806 

DISASTER 

Richard Denning 

Trudy MarshaU 

Will Wright 

Jack Lambert 

R—Oct. 23—PG-980 

(60) Western 862 jT] (87) Outd'r-Dr 721 

(60) 

RENEGADES OF ©THE PLUNDERERS [U 

Mys-Dr 801 Reissue 

jl5] (67) Mus-West 

HOMICIDE FOR 

SONORA 

Rod Cameron 

THREE 

(7 

Audrey Long 

IN OLD CALIENTE 

Allan "Rocky" Lane llona Massey 

Warren Douglas 

Roy Rogers 

Reissue 

R—Nov. 6—PG-982 

Grant Withers 

Mary Hart 

g (72) Comedy 8601 Reissue 

R— Dec. 4—PG-992 George "Gabby" Hayei 

SCATTERBRAIN 

Ho] (68) Comedy 8602 

Judy Canova 

YOKEL BOY 

|9] (84) Western 4806 

LAST OF THE WILD 

|22] (93) Drama 4805 

THE MOZART STORY 

Hans Holt 

HORSES 

Winnie Markus 

James Ellison 

Irene von :uie 

Meydendorff 

Fr.^zee 

R—Nov. 27—PG-990 

Mary Beth Hughes 

H—Dec. 18—PO-996 

Group 3 

\n\ (64) Western 910 

INDIAN AGENT 

Tim Holt 

Noah Beery jr. 

Richard Martin 

Nan Leslie 

R—Nov. 13--PG-985 

[?] (62) Act-Dr 4809 

THUNDER IN THE 

PINES 

[u] (62) Outd'r-Dr 4810 

SHEP COMES HOME 

Robert Lowery 

Margia Dean 

B—Jan. 8—PQ-1001 

^ 

(ioj (86) Comedy 599 (83) Drama 5 

JUST WILLIAM'S LUCK SIREN OF ATLANTIS 

Leslie Bradley 

Maria Montez 

Garry Marsh 

Jean-Pierre Aumont 

Jane Welsh 


William Graham R—Dec. 25—P0-9i 

R—Dec. 18—Pa-098 

79) Drama 681 

KISS THE BLOOD 

OFF MY HANDS (Also 

THE UNAFRAID) 

Burt Lancaster 

Joan Fontaine 

Robert Newton 

R—Uct. 16—PG-978 

(86) M'drama 682 

(112) Drama 

ROGUES' REGIMENT DULCIMER STREET 

Dick Powell 

Richard Attenborough 

Marta Toren 

Alastair Sim 

Vincent Price 

Fay Compton 

Stephen McNally 

Stephen Murray 

B—Oct 9—PO-976 

(77) Mus-Com 683 

THE COUNTESS OF 

MONTE CRISTO 

Sonja Uenle 

Olga S:ui Juan 

Michael Kirby 

R—Nov. 6—PO-984 

(77) Comedy ( 

MEXICAN HAYRIDE 

Bud Abbott 

Lou Costello 

Virginia Grey 

Luba Malina 

R—Dec. 11—PG-994 

[13] (97) Comedy 805 

JUNE BRIDE 

Bette Davis 

Robert Montgomery 

Bainter 

l''ay 

Betty Lynn 

Tom Tully 

R—Oct. 2.3— PG-979 

(94) Drama 806 

I?] 

©FIGHTER SOUADRON 

Edmond O'Brien 

Robert Stack 

John Rodney 

Henry Hull 

Tom D'Andrea 

R—Nov. 27—PO-989 

Reissues 

[n] (97) Drama 807 

ANGELS WITH DIRTY 

FACES 

Cagney-O'Brien 

[nj (95) Drama 80S 

THEY DRIVE BY 

NIGHT 

It 

SS; 

k 

k 

(117) Drama 105 

THE PARADINE CASE 

O Gregory Peck 

Valli eg 

t/J Ann Todd 

Ethel Barrymore 

R-ân. 3—P0-888 

(86) Drama 

PORTRAIT OF JENNIE 

Jennifer Jones 

Joseph (>)tten 

Ethel Barrymore 

Lillian Oista 

E-ân. 1—PO-9B9 

&9 

(89) Drama 

£ng. Films 

SHOWTIME 

Rûne 12—PG-942 

(72} Musical 

Bell 

CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE 

R— Aug. 14—Pn-9HI) 

(83) Comedy 

Dlst. Films 

QUIET WEEKEND 

B—Oct. 2—PO-973 

(62) Drama 

Viro, Inc. 

STREET 

R—Jan. 

CORNER 

1—PG-999 

(90) Documentary 

Oxford Films 

WHAT'S ON YOUR 

MIND? 

R—.Ian. 8—PG-1002 

(58) Docum-Dr 

MPSC 

PREJUDICE 

R—Mar.'^12—PO-lOlg 

(76) Rellg-Dr 

Rudolph Cai 

WITH YOU 

R—Mar. 26—PG-10 

(111) Rel-Dr. 

Hallmark 

©THE LAWTON ST 

R—Apr. »—PO-lQg 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 14, 1949

iCEMBER 25 

es) Comedy 107 

(DIES SECRET 

, Sltiglpton 

Ijikf 

lec. 4— 1'0-991 

ir 


JANUARY 1 

JANUARY 8 JANUARY 15 I JANUARY 

22 

(791 Drama 135 1751 Drama 1361 (79) Wi'Stern 181 

SHOCKPROOF 

THE DARK PAST LOADED PISTOLS 

t'ornel Wilde 

William Hulden 

(iene Autry 

l'atrlcl:i Killeht 

Nina Koch 

Champion 

John Baratrey 

Leo J. Cobb 

Barbara Britton 

R—Jan. 15—PG-IIKO .Vdele Jergen^ 

auU Willi 

It—Jan. 1—PG-ICOO R-ân. 8—PG-1001 

JANUARY 29 FEBRUARY 5 

FEATURE CHART 

FEBRUARY 12 

[3] (50) Western 166 Ji^ (61) Musical 114 

CHALLENGE OF THE LADIES OF THE 

RANGE 

CHORUS 


Adele Jergens 

Smiley Burnette 

Marilyn Monroe 

Paula Kay 

Rand Brooks 

R—Jan. 22—Pa-1005 

(82) Com-Dr 912 

(19] 

AN OLD-FASHIONED 

GIRL 

Gloria Jean 

Jimmy Lydon 

Frances Rafferty 

John Hubbard 

R—Dec. 18—PO-996 

(61) Drama 4823 

feathered 

;rpent 

Id winters 

ly Jons 

\ Forman 

(inC) Drama 911 

IJI] (88) Drama 912 (100) Musical 913 

|28] 

©3 GODFATHERS PICCADILLY INCIDENT ©THE KISSING 

John Wayne 

Anna Neai;le 

BANDIT 

ILirry Carey jr. 

Michael Wilding 

Frank Sinatra 

I'i'dro Armendarlz 

Reginald Owen 

Kathryn Grayson 

Ward Bond 

Michael Laurence 

Cyd Cliarlsse 

K—Dec. 4—PG-BM R—Feb. 7—PG-897 

J. Carrol Nalsh 

R—Nov. 20—PO-988 

[f] (81) Drama AA12 m (06) Comedy 4727 

[9] (57) Western 4841 ra (74) Western AAll 51 (67) M'drama 4829 Sa (66) Western 4861 

STRIKE IT RICH TROUBLE MAKERS CRASHING THRU BAD MEN OF 

INCIDENT 

GUN RUNNER 

Rod Cameron 

Leo Gorcey 

Whip Wilson 

TOMBSTONE 

Warren Douglas 

Jimmy Wakely 

Bonn a Granville 

Boviery Boys 

.\ndy Clyde 

Harry Sullivan 

.lane Frazee 

Cannonball Taylor 

K—Nov. 27— l'G-989 

Miu-iorle Reynolds 

Hubert Osterloh 

Noel Nelll 

R—Dec. 18—PO-995 Joyce Compton 

R-ân. 1—Pa-999 

(119) Musical 910 

|3]] 

QWORDS AND MUSIC 

Judy Garland 

(Jene Kelly 

Mickey Itooney 

K— Dec. 11—ra-994 

[n] (82) Drama 914 

ACT OF VIOLENCE 

Van Henin 

Robert Rjan 

Janet Leigh 

Mary Astor 

R—Dec. 25—PO-997 

8(91) Comedy 4807 

JIE PALEFACE 

I Kussell 

ft Armstrong 

Lltel 

Jet 23—PC-980 

(14] (100) Drama 4808 

THE ACCUSED 

liorelta Young 

Robert Cummlngs 

Wendell Corey 

Sam Jaffc 

R_Nov. 20—PO-987 

[28] (67) Drama 

DYNAMITE 

William Gargar 

Virginia Welles 

Richard Crane 

Irilng Bacon 

H—Nov. 20—PG- 

4809 m (84) Drama 4810 

MY OWN TRUE LOVE 

Phyllis Calvert 

Melvyn Douglas 

Wanda Hendrli 

Blnnle Barnes 

R—Dec 11—PO-994 

Special 

p3 

Group 4 

Group 4 

Reissues 

(85) Comedy 908 

m (82) Fantasy 91) (62) Western 915 (.S21 Comedy 992 

RY GIRL SHOULD UOTHE BOY WITH GUN SMUGGLERS O©S0 DEAR TO MY ^ (94) Drama 

Group 4 

912 

(82) Drama 914 

HEART 

LAST DAYS OF 

TARZAN'S MAGIC 

£ MARRIED 

Tim Holt 

GREEN HAIR 

POMPEII 

FOUNTAIN 

Itk'hnrd Martin 

Burl Ives 

Grant 

Preston Foster 

Lex Barker 

I'll O'Brien 

Heiilah Bondl 

it Tone 

Martha Hyer 

Robert RyiD 

y Drake 

Gary Gray 

Bobby DriscoU ^ (93) Drama 913 

Brenda Joyce 

R-Oan. 22—PG-1005 

Deui fltockttell 

Nov. 20—Pa-C87 

li—Jan. 1—PG-lOnO Luana Patten 

SHE 

R— Noi. 20— PU-987 

R— Dec, 11—PG-993 Randolph Scott 

ra (67) Ould'r-Miis 841 rg] (57) M'drama 802 

ra (60) Western 863 Reissues 

[7] (56) Western 8705 

[g] (69) M'drama 804 

©THE FAR FRONTIER ROSE OF THE YUKON 

SHERIFF OF WICHITA RS (58) Western 873 GREAT STAGECOACH DAUGHTER OF THE 

Koy Rogers 

Steve Brodle 

Allan Lane 

FRONTIER PONY ROBBERY 

JUNGLE 

ryn 

\ndy Define 

Myrna Dell 

Lyn Wilde 

EXPRESS 

(50) Western 8701 R—Mar. 19—PG-1020 

R—Jan. 29—PO-IOOT William Wright 

Eddie Waller 

Roy Rogers 

SAN ANTONIO KID Reissue 

^ 

R—Jan. 29—PG-1007 

R—Mar. 5—PO-1015 

pfl (56) Western 8702 m (55) Western 8704 ryi (55) Western 8703 

CHEYENNE WILDCAT SHERIFF OF LAS VIGILANTES OF 

VEGAS 

DODGE CITY 

(00) Western 4811 

[^ (60) Western 4812 

ra (58) Drama 4813 

f NTIER REVENGE OUTLAW COUNTRY 

HIGHWAY 13 

LeRue 

Lash Laltue 

Robert Lowery 

ly SI. John 


Pamela Blake 

.Michael Whalen 

Dan Seymour 

R—Jan. 1—PO-IOOO 

S^) Drama 851 

(108) Dram.i 901 

UBLE PREFERRED 

OTHE SNAKE PIT 

;y Knudsen 

niim de Havlllana 

Russell 

Leo Genn 

les 

1 Roberts " 

Mark Stevens 

Celeste Holm 

Glenn Langan 

R_Nov. 13—PG-986 

Reissues 

m (121) Drama 598 

GUEST IN THE HOUSE 

Anne Ba.\ter 

[T| (91) Drama 597 

LADY OF BURLESQUE 

Barbara Stanwyck 

(82) Comedy 902 Reissues 

(102) Drama 903 (103) Drama 906 (94) Comedy 907 

THAT WONDERFUL 

(94) Drama 949 THIS WAS A WOMAN A LETTER TO THREE CHICKEN EVERY 

URGE 

JOHNNY APOLLO 

SUNDAY 

Sonla Dresdel 

WIVES 

yrone Power 

Tyrone Power 

Barbara White 

Dan Dailey 

Jeanne Craln 

Dorothy Lamour 

dene Tlerney 

Walter Fitzgerald 

Celeste Holm 

Linda Darnell 

Reginald Gardiner 

(761 Drama 950 Cyril Raymond 

CoUeen Townsend 

Ann Sothern 

Arleen Whalen SHOW THEM NO R—Jan. 8—PG-1002 

Alan Young 

Kirk Douglas 

R—Dec. 18—PG-996 

R—Nov. 27—PO-990 MERCY 

R— Dec. 11—PG-993 

Cesar Romero 

|2i] (60) Drami SOD sa (99) Drama 601 

VALIANT HOMBRE THE LUCKY STIFF 

Duncan Renaldo 

Dorothy Lamour 

1^0 Carrillo 

Brian Donlevy 

John Lltel 

Claire Trevor 

Barbara Bllllngsley R—Jan. 29—PG-1008 

R—Jan. g—PO-lOOl 

Pi 

76) Adv-Dr 635 (1001 Cnmedv 685 

;H CHRISTMAS YOU GOTTA STAY 

M Ba/ferty 

HAPPY 

.'n Grieve 

Joan Fontaine 

1 Fernside 

Jimmy Stewart 

(y Vardley 

Eddie Albert 

Roland Young 

R—Nov. 6—PG-984 

(90) Drama 686 

AN ACT OF MURDER 

Fredrlc March 

Bdmond O'Brien 

Florence BSdrldge 

Geraldine Brooks 

R—Sept. 4—PO-965 

(94) Drama 687 jig] (87) Drama 688 

THE FIGHTING CRISS CROSS 

O'FLYNN 

Burt Lancaster 

Douglas Fairbanks jr. Yvonne DeCarlo 

Helena Carter 

Dan Duryea 

Richard Greene 


R—Jan. 15—PO-1004 R—Jan. 22—PG-1005 

(75) Drama 809 m (90) Musical 810 

: DECISION OF ©ONE SUNDAY 

HRISTOPHER BLAKE AFTERNOON 

els Smith 

Dennis Morgan 

ert Douglas 

Dorothy Malone 

il KeUaway 

Don DcFore 

Donaldson 

J.inls Paige 

•Dec. 4—P(5-992 R—Dec. 18—PG-995 

.3 

Dec. (66) Drama 736 

Dec. (74) Drama 1366 

THE SCARl-ET CLAW 

S 

(A 

Basil Rathbone 

o 

LOST IDENTITY 

Ray Milland 

Sally Bilers 

J;ui. (86) Comedy 1144 

IN THE NAVY 

Abbott and Costello 

Dick Powell 

J.an. (77) Comedy 1245 

WHO DONE IT? 

Abbott and Costello 

Ijs] (91) Drama 811 

WHIPLASH 

Dane CHark 

Alexis Smith 

Zachary Scott 

Eve Arden 

R— Dec. 25—PO-998 

Jan. (78) Drama 372 Feb. (81) Drama 783 

STATE POLICE THE INVISIBLE RAY 

William Lundigan 

Boris Karloff 

Constance Moore 

Beta Lugosi 

Feb. (73) Drama 1107 

Jan. (64) Drama 882 THE INVISIBLE 

ARMORED CAR 

WOMAN 

Cesar Romero 

Virginia Bruce 

Robert Wilcox 

Maria Montez 

(110) M'drama 812 

|29) 

©ADVENTURES OF 

DON JUAN 

Brrol Flynn 

Vlveca Lindfors 

Robert Dougias 

.\lan Hale 

R— Dec. 25—Pa998 

Feb (74) Drama 1303 

MR. BIG 

Donald O'Connor 

Gloria Jean 

Feb (65) Musical 134 

GIVE OUT SISTERS 

Dan Dailey 

Donald O'Connor 

Mar. (96) Musical 878 

YOU'RE A 

SWEETHEART 

Alice Faye 

George Murphy 

Mar. (85) Musical 795 

THREE SMART GIRLS 

Peanna Durbln 

Ray Milland 

|l2] (86) Drama 813 

FLAXY MARTIN 

Virginia Mayo 

Zachary Scott 


Tom D' Andrea 

R—Jan. 22—PG-1006 

Apr. (64) Drama 1058 

SKI PATROL 

PhUip Dom 

Lull Desto 

Apr. (58) Drama 1184 

NORTH OF THE 

KLONDIKE 

Broderick Crawford 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 14, 1949 

Bi

, 

FEATURE CHART 


PfEBRUARY 19 

[is] {Hi) Drama 919 (59) Western 953 [2] (85) Drama 925 Reissue 

[ie] (76) Comedy 923 (88) Drama 941 

©BLANCHE FURY ©RIDE. RYDER, RIDE 3RED STALLION IN [g] (171) Drama 985 

IT 

MIRANDA 

ALWAYS RAINS ON 

Valerie Hobson 

Jim Bannon 

THE ROCKIES SINCE YOU WENT 

SUNDAY 

Glynis Johns 

Slewart Granger 

Little Blown Jug 

Arthur Franz 

Google Withers 

AWAY 

Griffith Jones 

.lack 

Waller Fitzgerald R—Mar. 12— PG-1017 Jean Heather 

Warner 

Claudette Colbert 

Google Withers 

It—Sept. 18— i'0-969 

.iobn 

Jim Davis 


.lohn McCallum 

McCallum 

Red Stallion 

It—Mar. 12—PO-1017 

Shirley Temple 

It—Jan. 15—PG-1003 

R—Mar. 19—PG-1019 Joseph Cotten 

^ 

(111) Drama 915 

25] (93) Drama 916 [T] (98) Mystery 917 

COMMAND DECISION 3THE SUN COMES UP THE BRIBE 

Clark Gable 

leannelte MacDonald Robert Taylor 

Walter Pidgeon 

Lloyd Nolan 

\va Gardner 

Van Johnson 

(âude Jarman jr. 

Charles Laughton 

Brian Donlevy 

Lewis Stone 

John Hodiak 

H—Dec. 25—PG-997 Lassie 

R— Feb. 12—PO-1010 

R—Jan. 8—PG-1002 

[13] (64) Comedy 4830 22] (87) Drama AA15 

HENRY. THE 

BAD BOY 

RAINMAKER 

Lloyd Nolan 

William Tracy 

li—Jan. 22—PG-1006 

Raymond Walburn 

Walter Catlett 

1^ (54) Western 4852 

Mary Stuart 

LAW OF THE WEST 

R-ân. 29t-PO-1007 Johnny Mack Brown 

[is] (88) Western 4811 

©WHISPERING SMITH 

Alan Ladd 


Donald Crisp 

Brenda Marshall 

R—Dec. 11—PG-994 

Group 5 

Group 5 

(85) Drama 916 (60) Western 919 

A WOMAN'S SECRET BROTHERS IN THE 

Maureen O'Hara 

SADDLE 

Melvyn Douglas 

Tim Holt 

Gloria Orahame 

Itlchard Martin 

li—Feb. 12—PG-1099 Steve Brodie 

R—Mar. 5—PG1015 

[15] (72) Mus-Com 8804 

JAMBOREE 

[is] (67) Miis-West 8803 

NIGHT TRAIN TO 

MEMPHIS 

^ (70) Mus-West 8801 

SING. NEIGHBOR. 

SING 

FEBRUARY 26 

(»1) Orama 137 (77) Dr.ima 138 [3] (59) Mystery 122 

[10] (66) Comedy 108 1^ (68) Mus-Com 116 (78) Western 182 (100) Drama 141 [s] (68) Drama U2 

SLIGHTLY FRENCH SONG OF INDIA -- BOSTON BLACKIE'S BLONDIE'S BIG DEAL MANHATTAN ANGEL ©THE BIG SOMBRERO KNOCK ON ANY DOOR RUSTY SAVES A LIFE 

Dorothy Lamouf 

li_Kcb. 26— l'G-1014 CHINESE VENTURE Penny 

Gene Autry 

Humphrey Boyarl 

Singleton 

Gloria Jean 

I'ed Donahlôii 

Don Ameche 

(95) Drama 139 

Chester Morris 

Arthur Lake 

Champion 

Juiin Derek 

Ross Ford 

I!—Apr. 2:;— PG-1029 ,J 

J;mis Carter 

THE AFFAIRS OF A Maylia 

Larry Simms 

It— Apr. 16—PG- 1627^ George Macready 

Patricia White 

WUlard Parker 

Allene Roberts 

[s] (56) Western 16;' 

Richard Lane 

Marjorie Kent R—Nov. 

It—Feb. 12— I'G-1010 ROGUE 

20—PG-988 (78) Western 140 

li—Feb. 

.lean Pierre Aumonl II—.Mar. 26—Pa-1021 R—Mar. 26—PG-1021 

26—PG-1013 DESERT VIGILANTE I 

THE WALKING HILLS 


1 

I!—Feb. 19—PG-1012 

Randolph Scott 

It—Apr. 23—PG-1029 

Unia Rabies 

H 

Reissue 

ra (58) Western 874 

SAGA OF DEATH 

VALLEY 

MARCH 5 

[T] (93) Drama 4812 

ALIAS NICK BEAL 

Audrey Totter 

Thomas Mitchell 

George Macready 

R—Jan. 22—PG-1002 

[Tj (106) Drama 803 

WAKE OF THE RED 

WITCH 

John Wayne 

itoy Rogers 

Gail Russell 

^ (69) Mus-West 8802 Adele Mara 

Gig 

0, MY DARLING 

Young 

R—Jan. 8—PG-lOOl 

CLEMENTINE 

^ (81) West-Dr 

jT] (60) Western 4816 

SHOT JESSE JAMES SON OF BILLY THE 


KID 

Barbara Brltton 

L.ash LaRue 

John Ireland 


Reed Hadley 

R—Feb. 12—PG-1009 

MARCH 12 

• 

[^ (66) Drama 4803 [13] (64) Western 4862 |2o| (71) Drama 4806 

[2] (110) Drama 4826 (55) Western 485J 

Ul 

JOE PALOOKA IN THE GUN LAW JUSTICE BOMBA, THE JUNGLE TEMPTATION 

TRAILS END 

BIG FIGHT 

Jimmy Wakely 

BOY 

HARBOR 

.lohnny Mack Brown 

Joe Kirkwood 

[15] (105) Drama AA13 .lohnny Sheffield 

SImone Simon 

Max Terhune 

\ 

Peggy Ann Garner R—Mar. 19—PG-1020 Kay Motley 

Leon Errol 

MY BROTHER R—Mar. 6—PG-1018 

Keith Richards 

R—Feb. 26—PO-1014 JONATHAN 

.Michael Denison 

R—Apr. 16—PG-1027 

I- 

Special 

Group 6 

Group 5 

Spec al 

Group 6 

(102) Drama 953 (94) Drama 921 (631 M'llrama 918 Reissue 

(72) Drama 

ENCHANTMENT THE GREEN PROMISE THE CLAY PIGEON (128) Drams 95* THE SET-UP 

David Niven 

llobert Paige 

Bill Williams 

PRIDE OF THE 

Robert Ryan 

Teresa Wright 

Marguerite Chapman Cinbara Hale 

YANKEES 

Audrey Totter 

Evelyn Keys 

Walter Brennan 

Richard Quine 

Gary Cooper 

George Tobia.« 

Farley Granger 

It—Mar. 12—PG-1017 Richard Loo 

Teresa Wrlehi 

Alan Baxter 

R— Dec. 11—PG-993 

I!—Feb. 19—PG-1012 

It—Mar. 26-PG 022 

[uj (67) Drama 4817 

RIMFIRE 

James Mllllcan 

-Mary Beth Hughes 

Reed Hadley 

R—Apr. 2—PO-1024-A 

MARCH 19 

^ 

^ 

MARCH 26 

APRIL 2 

(Tj (103) Comedy 4815 

©EL PASO 

Inhn Payne 

liatl Russell 

Sterling Hayden 

George "Gabby" Hayes 

R- Mar 12—PO-1018 

(61) Drama 806 

[U [i6| (59) Drama 809 

[28] (89) Drama 805 I29] (60) Western 864 (60) Western 83] 

[|] 

HIDEOUT 

DUKE OF CHICAGO ©THE RED PONY DEATH VALLEY PRINCE OF THE 

Adrian Booth 

Tom Brown 

Myrna l.oy 

GUNFIGHTERS 

PLAINS 

Lloyd Bridges 

Audrey Long 

IJobert .Mileluini R—Apr. 23-PG-19S8 .Monte Hale 

Ray Collins 

R—Apr. 2— PG-1024-A Louis Calhern 

Reissue 

Shirley Davis 

Sheila Ryan 

( . . ) Western 808 Peter .Miles 

[15] rn (59) Western 875 R—Apr. 23—PG-1030 

R—Apr. 9—PG-1025 

CASTAWAY 

R—Feb. 19—PG-1011 RANGER AND THE 

LADY 

[2] (60) Western 4815 

SON OF A BAD MAN 

Lash LaRue 


APRIL 9 

[e] (SO) Drama 911 

BROKEN JOURNEY 

Phyllis Calvert 

Margot Graham' 

.lames Donald 

Francis L. Sullivan 

(79) Drama 919 rn (93) Musical 921 fTT] (88) Drama 91g 

FORCE OF EVIL ©TAKE ME OUT TO CAUGHT 

lohn Garfield 

THE BALL GAME James Masor 

Beatrice Pearson 

Frank Sinatra 

fiarbara Bei Oeddes 

Thomas Gomez 

Esther Williams 

Robert Ryan 

Marie Windsor 

Gene Kelly 

Curt Bois 

R—Jan. 1— PG-!i!i;< Betty Garrett R—Feb. 19—PG-1012 

It—Mai 12—PO-lOn 

m 

(93) Drama 909 

A MAN ABOUT THE 

Reissue 

(ilS) M'dr.imi 948 

THIS IS MY AFFAIR HOUSE 

Robert T.iylor 

Kieron Moore 

Barbara Sllinwyok 

Margaret Johnston 

Victor Mcl.aglcn 

Dulcie Gray 

Guy Middleton 

R—Jan. 29—PO-1008 

(120) Drama 910 (69) Comedy 912 (81) Comedy 9U 

DOWN TO THE SEA IN MISS MINK OF 1949 ©MOTHER IS A 

SHIPS 

Jimmy Lydon 

FRESHMAN 

Lionel Barrymore 

Lois CoUler 

Loretta Young 

Richard Widmark 

Van Johnson 

Dean Stockwell 

Rudy Vallee 

R—Feb. 19—PG-1012 

Barbara Lawrence 

R—Mar. 5—PG-lOlfl 

Reissues 

(77) Drama 951 

HANGOVER SQUARE 

George Sanders 

(84) Drama 

THE LODGER 

Merle Oberon 

(97) Drama 

©CANADIAN PACIFIC 1 

Randolph Scott 

Jane Wyatt 

J. Carrol Nalsh 

952 Victor Jory 

R—Feb. 26— PO- 1013 

(83) Drama 602 

COVER-UP 

William Bendls 


Barbara Brltton 

Art Baker 

R—Feb. 26—PO-1014 

(71) Act-Dr 603 

JIGSAW 

Francbot Tone 

Jean Wallace 

Marc Lawrence 

Myron McCormick 

R—Mar. 19— PG-1019 

[T| (111) Drama 60! 

IMPACT 

Brian Donlevy 

BUa Raines 

Helen Walker 

R—Mar. 26— PG-1021 

(90) Comedy 689 

FAMILY HONEYMOON 

Claudette Colbert 

Fred MacMurray 

Kila Johnson 

William Daniels 

R—Dec. 18—PQ-995 

[20] (87) Comedy 690 

(82) Drama 691 

THE LIFE OF RILEY ©RED CANYON 

William Bendlx 

Ann Blyth 

Rosi'mary DeCamp George Brent 

James Gteason 

Howard DiiH 

Beulah Bondi 

Edgar Buchanan 

li—Feb. 12—PG-lOOsI R—Feb. 12— I'O-IOOS 

(96) Comedy 814 

[l9J 

JOHN LOVES MARY 

Ronald Reagiu) 

Jack Carson 

Wayne Morris 

Edward Arnold 

R—Jiui. 29—PG-1008 

[l2| (88) Drama 815 

©SOUTH OF ST. LOUIS 

Joel McCrea 

Alexis Smith 

Zachary Scott 


ge] (87) Comedy 816 

[T| (T7) Drama 817 

A KISS IN THE DARK HOMICIDE 

David Niven 

Robert Douglas 

.lane Wvman 

Helen Westcott 

Victor Moore 

Robert Alda 

Waj-ne Morris 

Monte Blue 

R—Mar. 5—PG-1016 R—Mar. 12—PG-1«18 

Reissues 

[9] (134) Drama 81 

SERGEANT YORK 

Gary Cooper 

rj] (77) Drama 81 

CASTLE ON THE 

HUDSON 

If 8) Drama 

(81) Drama 

g 2L Uiî-ina Infl 

Creative 

fR O'BLIND DESIRE FRANCOIS VILLON 

» o It— ,ii,iy 17—pa-96a R— Aug. 14—PO-960 

U E. CJO) Comedy 

(105) Drama 

K ? 

Sirltzky-Inn 

Films Infl 

O S PORTRAIT OF SYMPHONIE 

[T ^ INNOCENCE 

PASTORALE 

""^ R—July 24—PO-954 R—Sept. 25—PG-972 

(105) Drama 

Azteca Films 

LA MORENA DE Ml 

COPLA 

R—Aug. 28—PG-963 

(96) Drama 

Artkino 

MURDERERS AMONG 

US 

(92) Drama 

Siiperfilm 

THE LOVES OF DON 

JUAN 

R—Oct. 

2—PG-974 

(75) Comedy 

Snperfilm 

THE MERRY CHASE 

R—Oct. 2—PG-974 

(92) M'drama 

Gramercy 

MARRIAGE IN THE 

SHADOWS 

li-Oct. 2—PG-973 

(83) Mus-Dr 

Clasa-Mohme 

LA BARCA DE ORO 

R—Oct. 2—PG-973 

(65) Drama (87) Drama 

Liipert Discina Int'l 

WHERE WORDS FAIL RUY BLAS 

R_ Oct, 9—PG-976 R—Oct. 23—PO-980 

(105) M'drama 

Superfllm 

WHEN LOVE CALLS 

R— Oct. 16—PG-978 

(98) Musical 

Chisa-Mohme 

LA REINA DEL 

TROPICO 

(102) Drama 

Film Right Infl (100) Drama 

BACK STREETS OF Films Infl 

PARIS 

WOMAN HUNT 

R—Oct, 30— PG-9S1 R— Nov. 6—PG-n84 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide May 14. 1949

J. 

^PRIL 16 


i) Act-Mu3 152 

J 

25 (CO) Drama 101 (85) Drama 142 (106) Drama 143 (72) Drama 

H( IN SAN ANTONE THE MUTINEERS THE UNDERCOVER WE WERE STRANGERS THE LOST TRIBE 

lioivcurf 

Inn Hall 

MAN 


Johnny Weissmiiller 

1:1 ine Tômaa 

tlleiin 

Vdele JerRens 

Pord 

John Garfield 

Myrna Dell 

Ceoree llreves 

Nina Foeh 

Pedro Armendarlz 

Elena Verdugo 

Modernalrea 

It—Apr. 23—PG-1029 James Whitmore 

Gilbert Roland 

ly r—PO-1031 

Barry Kelley 

It—May 7—PG-1033 

It—Mar. 2C— PO-1021 

J.I 

Hi 

APRIL 23 

APRIL 30 

MAY 7 

MAY 14 

MAY 21 

144 

[ill (..) Western 

LARAMIE 


(70) Western 

RIDERS OF THE 

WHISTLING PINES 

Gine Aulry 

MAY 28 

|6] (79) Musical 

MAKE BELIEVE 

BALLROOM 

Jerome Cuurlland 

Ruth Warrick 

Frankie Lalne 

King Cole Trio 

FEATURE CHART 

IUNE4 1 

88) S-Western 927 

-SA 

;lea3e 

Haywvd 

|t Preston 

Armendarli 

. 26—PC-1022 

^ (111) liraraa 

5SC0TT OF THE 

ANTARCTIC 

John Mills 

Derek Itond 

Warrender 

lliirold 

lames It. Justice 

It—Apr. 10— I'G-1028 

920 158) Western 954 

©ROLL, THUNDER. 

ROLL 

(lied Itydcr No. 2) 

.Mm B:mnon 

Little Brown Jug 

Emmett Lynn 

Marin Sails 

(75) Drama 928 (70) .Mus-Com 930 

©THE BIG CAT SHAMROCK HILL 

Lon McCallistcr 

I'eegy Ryan 

Pepgy Ann Garner 

Itay McDonald 


Trudy .Marshall 

Forrest Tucker 

Rick Vallin 

R—May 7—PG-1033 

|121) Drama 922 

LE WOMEN 

Allyson 

Lawford 

ifft O'Brien 

El|)elh Ttylor 

tb 

26—PG-IOH 

^ (85) Drama 924 

BIG JACK 

.Marjorie Main 

Wallace Beery 

Richard Conte 

Edward Arnold , 

H—Apr. 9—PC-1025 

[13] (109) Drama 925 

©THE BARKLEYS 

BROADWAY 

OF 

Fred Asiaire 

Ginger Rogers 

O.scar Leviuit 

Uillie Burke 

It—Apr, 18—PG- 1028 

|7] ( ) Drama 923 

THE GREAT SINNER 

(ircgory Peck 

.Vva (Gardner 

Walter Huston 

77) M'drama 4804 

(nl (69) Comedy 4816 

J 

h CLIPPER 

Mc-liovtall 

FIGHTING FOOLS 

Loo Gorcey 

Verdugo 

Bowery Boys 

kd Winters 

Vallln 

(arch 19—PC-1020 

0« 

9) remedy 920 

ENTURE IN 

tlTIMORE 

Young 

ey Temple 

Aear 

lar. 28—PO-1022 

(60) Drams 810 

ETS OF SAN 

tANCISCO 

rt Armstrong 

Clarke 

Grey 

llay T— PG-1034 

^ 

(107) Fantasy 4814 

©A CONNECTICUT 

YANKEE IN KING 

ARTHUR'S COURT 

Blng Crosby 

Itlionda Fleming 

William Bendlx 

Sir Cedrlc Hardvvlcke 

It-Feb. 26—PG-1013 

Group 6 

(80) Western 923 

RUSTLERS 

Tim Holt 

Richard Martin 

Martha Flyer 

Steve Brodle 

It—Mar. 26— PG-1022 

^ 

[T| (78) Western AA14 

STAMPEDE 

Rod Cameron 

R- Apr. 30—PG-1031 

jlj (6-1) Drama 4824 

SKY 'dragon 

Itoland Winters 

|T| (95) Drama 4816 

BRIDE OF VENGEANCE 

Puulette Goddard 

John Lund 

.Macdonald Carey 

.Mbert Dekker 

It-Apr. 2—PG-1023-A 

(75) Drama 

THE WINDOW 

Bobby Drlscoll 

Barbara Hale 

(80) Drama 806 Reissue 

©THE UST BANDIT 

[T] (58) Western 876 

William Elliott COLORADO 

WEST 

.\drian Booth 

Roy Rogers 

.Monte Hale 

R—Feb. 19-PG-lOIl 

(60) Western 

U] 

865 Paul Hurst 

|9] (67) Outd'r-Mus 842 FRONTIER INVESTI 

©SUSANNA PASS GATOR 

Roy Rogers 

go{ ( . . ) Drama 4818 

OMOO-OMOO 

Iton Itandell 

Pedro DeCordobi 

Allan "Rocky" Lane 

Eddy Waller 

925 

[g] (60) Western 852 

LAW OF THE GOLDEN 

|l|] ( . . 

) Western 4863 

ACROSS THE RIO 

GRANDE 

Jimmy Wakely 

Cannonbifll Taylor 

Reno Browne 

|7] (92) Western 4813 

©STREETS OF LAREDO 

WiUlau Holdcn 

WUIiam Bendlx 

llacdonald Carey 

.Mona Freeman 

R—Feb. 12—PQ-IOIO 

|29] (67) Western 4810 

MISSISSIPPI RHYTHM 

Jimniie Davis 

Lee "Lasses" White 

James Flavin 

Reissues 

( . . ) Cartoon 

DUMBO 

( . . ) Cartoon 

SALUDOS AMIGOS 

1) Drama 905 

HEATED THE LAW 

rimnay 

Brndle 

rt n.sterloh 

iiira 

Jan. 

Bllllngsley 

115—PG-1004 

(83) Comedy 913 (79) Drama 914 (64) Western 915 

MR. BELVEDERE THE FAN 

TUCSON 

GOES TO COLLEGE Je;ume Craln 

Jimmy Lydon 

Clifton Webb 

Madeleine Carroll 

Penny Edwards 

Shh-ley Temple 

George Sanders 

Charles KusseU 

Tom Drake 

Richard Greene 

Alar Young 

It—Apt. 9—PG-1026 

R—Apr. 9—PO-1026 

(88) Drama 904 

THE FORBIDDEN 

STREET 

Dana ;\ndrews 

.Maureen O'llara 

Dame Sybil Tliorndlkc 

Diane Hart 

It—May 7—PG-1034 

|2a| (89) Drama 609 

THE CROOKED WAY 

John Payne 

Ellen Drew 

Sonny Tnfts 

[2] (92) Drama 607 

OUTPOST N MOROCCO 

George Raft 

Marie Windsor 

Akim Tamlroff 

.lohn Lltel 

R—Apr. 2—PG-1024-A 

|20| (100) Drama 608 m (79) Adv-Com 610 

CHAMPION 

AFRICA SCREAMS 

KJrk DougljLS 

Bud Abbott 

Mjirilyn Ma.\\vell 

Lou Costello 

Arthur Kennedy 

Clyde Beatty 

' 

Ruth Roman 

Frank Buck 

R—Mar. 19—PG-1019 B—May 7—PQ-1033 

76) Comrdy 692 

AND PA KETTLE 

lorle Main 

:y Kilbride 

tard Long 

Randall 

Apr. 2—PG-1024-A 

(91) Drama 694 

CITY ACROSS THE 

RIVER 


Sue England 

Peter Fernandez 

Thelma Rltter 

R—Mar. 5—PG-1015 

(69) Drama 695 

ARCTIC MANHUNT 

Mikel Conrad 

Carol Thurston 

Waily Cassell 

(90) Drama 693 

THE LADY GAMBLES 

Barbara Stanwyck 



(101) Mus-Com 820 

Y DREAM IS YOURS 

Carson 

ta Day 

Bowman 

Arden 

Iphe Menjou 

Mar. 19—PG-10ii 

Ijl 

(94) Drama 821 

FLAMINGO ROAD 

Joan Cr.iwford 

Sydney Grecnstreet 

Zacbary Scott 

Gladys George 

R—Apr. 9— PO-1025 

54] (84) Drama 822 

NIGHT UNTO NIGHT 

Ronald Reagan 

Viveca Lindfors 

Broderick Cr.awford 

Rosemary Decamp 

It-Apr. 16—PG-1028 

2s\ (77) Drama 

THE YOUNGER 

BROTHERS 

Wayne 

Morris 

Janis Paige 

Bruce Bennett 

Gerjildlne Brooks 

R—May 7—PG-1033 

823 

, (103) Draina (130) Drama VM, M'drama Vo^ 

 

Mil«r»i.u1!"'° '^''°" ^''"^'^J' I"'"' 

r..,„ E*GLE WITH TWO 

O !;*';*

SHORTS CHART 

title. 

First dale is national release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE.' 

Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFHCE review: tt Very Good! 

+ Good, =t Fair, - Poor. = Very Poor. © Indicates color photography. 

Prod. No. 

Columbia 

Title Rel. Date Ratinn Rev'd 

+

4- 

SHORTS CHART 


Pro d. No. Title Rel. Date Ratina Rw'd 

• . 

DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE 

1949 SERIES 

9901 Satisfied Saurians (9) Mar. 

FEMININE WORLD 

+ 3-12 

1949 SERIES 

9601 Talented Beauties (Vy»yan 

Donner) (. .) June 

MARCH OF TIME 

Vol. 14. No. U The Case of Mis. 

Conrad (18) July ft 7-10 

Vol. 14, No. 13 White Collar Girls 

(17) Auj. -( 8- 7 

Vol. 14. No. 14 Life With Grandpa 

(19) Sept. H 9-18 

Vol. 14. for 

Germany (19) Oct. 

No. 15 Battle 

H 10-16 

Vol. 14, No. 16 America's New Air 

Power (19) No». 

Vol. 14. No. 17 Answer to Stalin 

(19) Nov. + 12- 4 

Vol. 14. No. 18 Watchdogs of the 

Mail (IS) Dec. + 1-1 

1949 SERIES 

Jan. Vol. 15, No. 1 On Stage (IS) H 1-29 

(IS) Feb. 

Vol. 15, No. 2 Asia's New Voice 

H 3-5 

Vol. 15, No. 3 Wish You Were Here 

(17) Mar. + 3-26 

Vol. 15, No. 4 Report on the Atom 

(20) Apr. -f 4-30 

MOVIETONE ADVENTURES 

9204 Majesty of Yellowstone 

(9) July H 6-5 

8256 ©Riddle of Rhodesia (S). July + 814 

8257 ©Bermuda (8) Aug. -)- 8-14 

8-14 

1-8 

©Desert Lights (8) Aug. 8258 

8259OP0'trait of the West (8) Oct. 8260 ©Way of the Padres (8) • Dec. . + 2-12 

1949 SERIES 

9251 ©Landscape of the Norse 

(8) Jan. + 3-12 

9252 Quaint Quebec (8) April 

9253 Golden Transvaal (..)... May 

9254 Maine Sail (..) August 

MOVIETONE SPECIALTY 

8801 Symphony of a City (11). Sept. -t- 

10-23 

1949 SERIES 

9801 Struggle for Survival (9). Feb. H 3-12 

9802 The Hunter ( . ) Aggust 

. 

MOVIETONE MELODIES 

8101 Charlie Barnet and His Band 

() July 

MOVIETONE NEWS 

(Released Twice Weekly) 

SPORTS 

8304 Football Finesse (10) Sept. + 814 

8305 Olympic Water Wizards 

(9) Nov, 

8306 Yankee Ski-Doodle (9) Dec. -f 12-25 

1949 SERIES 

9301 Foaled for Fame (9) Feb. + 3-12 

9302 Neptune'i Playground 

(..) April 

Beauty . May 

9303 and the Blade (9) . 

9304 Future Champs (. .) July .... 

TERRYTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

8521 Mighty Mouse in the Witch's Cat 

(7) July ± 8-14 

8522 The Talking Magpies in Magpie 

Madness (7) July ± 8-14 

8523 Mighty Mouse in Love's Labor 

Won (7) Aug. + 8-14 

8524 The Hard Boiled Egg (7). Sept. -f 10-23 

8525 Mighty Mouse and the Mysterious 

Stranger (7) Oct, + 10-23 

8526 The Talking Magpies in Free 

Enterprise (7) Oct. -f 10-23 

8527 Mighty Mouse in Triple 

Trouble (7) Nov. + 2-12 

8528 Talking Magpies in Out Again, 

in Again (7) Nov, + 1-8 

8529 Mighty Mouse in the Magic 

Slippers (7) Dec. + 2-19 

8530 Talking Magpies in • 

Goony Golfers

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

ABOUT 

PICTURES 

(Continued from page 3) 

SCREEN GUILD 

Tues. 

Jungle 

Weather: Perfect —R. 

Goddess 

C. Walker, Uintah 

(SG) — George Reeves, 

Theatre, Fruifa, Colo. Rural patronage. • * * Ralph Byrd, Wanda McKay. This is an action 

show for the weekend crowd. It's the 

Variety Time (RKO) — Jack Paar, Edgar usual yarn with the usual good drawing 

Kennedy, Leon Errol. A conglomeration of power. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cool.— 

assorted hour acts. It may suit some patrons Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. 

but the master of ceremonies in the picture Va. Rural patronage. • 

* * * 

should be sent to the snake pit—he's thai bad. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair and warm. 

20th CENTURY-FOX 

—John G. Anderson, Raymond Theatre, City yApartmenl for Peggy 

Island, N. Y. Community patronage. * * * 

(20th-Fox)—Jeanne 

Grain, William Holden, Edmund Gwenn. I 

Velvet Touch, The (RKO)—Rosalind Russell, haven't sent any comments in a long time, as 

Leo Genn, Claire 

I 

Trevor. Rosalind Russell have been disgusted with the film companies 

trying to get all the money you take 

should remain in the comedy stories' as this 

one was a poor "special" from RKO. "Elephant 

Boy" (FC) held the business up as ture is okay—good cast, good acting, good 

in on sorry pictures. However, the above pic- 

well as could be expected with a drcfma, and 

color. Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Rain.— 

"The Velvet Touch" is a fine drama, but our Frank D. Fowler, Princess Theatre, Mocksville, 

N. C. Rural patronage. .* * 

public doesn't care for drama. Played Sat. 

(preview). Sun., Mon. Weather: Cloudy and 

CÂpartment for 

cool.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy 

Peggy (20th-Fox)—Jeanne 

Theatre, Wichita, Kas. 

* Grain, William 

Subsequent 

Holden, Edmund Gwenn. This 

run patronage. 

one didn't do us much good. It is a pretty 

good show with fine actors but it is too talky 

REPUBLIC 

and lacks action. Not enough happens. Some 

Eyes of Texas (Rep)—Roy Rogers, Lynn objected to the frank discussion of obstetrics. 

Roberts, Andy Devine. This is a weekend 

natural. We find westerns are generally 

popular and Rogers in one adds. Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Fair.—Harland Rankin, Beau 

Sam Has a Problem 

Theatre, Belle River, Ont. * * * 

On Comment Ethics 

Grand Canyon Trail (Rep)—Roy Rogers, 

CAM HOLMBERG of the Regal Theatre 

Jane Frazee, Andy Devine. Score par once 

again 

at Sturgis, Sask., 

for Rogers. These modernized westerns 

has a problem for 

seem to please both the public and the boxoffice. 

Trucolor improves with each release. "I would like to have the opinion of 

you: 

Coupled with this was "Jungle Woman" (FC), some exhibitors in this section on this 

a misleading title and advertising type of point. Recently I put in a bad comment 

picture. Both features satisfied, however, and on a picture that did not do well here 

the boxoffice pleased. Played Fri., Sat. and said that although we did not hear 

Weather: Clear and cool.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy many bad comments on this feature, that 

Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Subsequent run patronage. 

* I myself thought it smelled. Well, I received 

a letter from the producer saying 

Scatterbrain (Rep)—Reissue. Judy Canova, that I should not put in my opinion on 

Alan Mowbray. This is the best crowd we the pictures as the people said nothing 

have had in the middle of the week since we bad about the picture. Don't you think 

ran "He Walked by Night." It is a good 

it is perfectly all right for an exhibitor 

thing, too, because this will help pay some of 

to put in his say, too? . . . Don't ever 

the loss on some of the new pictures thai 

think I didn't write this 

won't draw well. It is too bad Judy Canova 

producer and tell 

is not making any new him 

pictures what I thought now.—L. 

about it." 

Brazil jr.. New Theatre, Bearden, Ark. Small 

town and rural patronage. * • • 

This isn't up to "Margie" and the departure of 

Sis Hopkins (Rep)—Reissue. Judy Canova, having a star "look pregnant" is a doubtful 

Bob Crosby, Charles Butterworth. Judy Canova boost to her popularity. Played Sun., Mon. 

is well liked here and drags them in. It is 

Weather: Snow on Easter.—R. E, Halstead, 

an old picture worth playing. Played Fri., 

Tri-Town Theatre, Lindstrom, Minn. Rural and 

Sat. Weather: Cold and stormy.—Ray S. small town patronage. * * * 

Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and 

* 

small town patronage. 

Chicken Every Sunday (20th-Fox) — Dan 

Dailey, Celeste Holm, Colleen Townsend. A 

Sis Hopkins (Rep)—Reissue. Judy Canova, good picture, with a lot of entertainment. It 

Bob Crosby, Charles Butterworth. Why didn't 

did not do the amount of business that we 

I use this on a weekend double bill? The expected. However, business is off right now. 

picture is excellent but it failed as a single Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good.—M. W. 

bill (it runs 100 minutes). It has comedy, Mattecheck, Mack Theatre, McMinnville, Ore. 

stars and music but the advertisement available 

for it must have done it more harm than 

City and rural patronage. * * * 

good, as is true for all the advertising on Deep Waters (20th-Fox) — Dana Andrews, 

Republic's reissues. This looks like if was Jean Peters, Cesar Romero. This is a fair 

made for the silent films long ago. Pep it family picture but we paid too much for it 

up, Republic. Your reissues deserve it. Played and consequently lost money on the run. Our 

Tues., Wed.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, people do not like sepiatone. 

Rivesville, W. Va. Small town patronage. * * * 

If a picture cannot 

be made in Technicolor, we prefer black 

and white rather than any of the other colors. 

Wyoming (Rep)—William Elliott, John Carroll, 

Vera Ralston. This picture took the same London, State Theatre, Olivet, Mich. Small 

Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair.—Earl A. 

as "The Fabulous Texan," and went over in 

* 

town, rural and college patronage. 

a terrific way. We hope here that Elliott and 

Carroll make more pictures like this one as Do You Love Me? (20th-Fox) —Maureen 

they are terrific together. They will take as O'Hara, Dick Haymes, Harry James and 

well as any big stars here. Play it, is our orchestra. This is a very good musical from 

advice. One patron said that the fight scene Fox and was well attended, considering that 

between Elliott and Albert Dekker was well all the roads were blocked, due to slides. 

worth the price of admission. Played Wed., Only one complaint to make—that the sound 

Thurs. Weather: Good.—Sam Holmberg, Regal on our print was very poor. 

Theatre, Sturgis, Bask. Rural patronage. * * * If Harry James 

had done more trumpet playing and less acting, 

it would have improved the show 100 

per cent. Played Mon. to Sat. Weather: Raining 

and sloppy roads.—Tom Hetherington, 

Musicland Theatre, Kaslo, B. C. Small town 

patronage. * 

Forever Amber (20th-Fox)—Linda Darnell, 

Cornel Wilde, Richard Greene. This is a 

great picture, though a little too long—two 

hours and 16 minutes. The production, color, 

etc. is tops. Many had read the book and 

came to see the picture. I had failed to show 

i; before at advanced prices. It gave me a 

nice profit on the engagement. Played Wed., 

Thurs. Weather: Cool.—E. M. Freiburger, 

Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small tovirn 

patronage. • * » 

Fury at Furnace Creek (20th-Fox)—Victor 

Mature, Coleen Gray, Glenn Longan. This is 

a very good western with plenty of action, 

which was enjoyed by above average attendance 

on Saturday. Weather: Mild.—J. E. 

Rougeau, Club Theatre, Seven Sisters Falls, 

Man. Small town and rural patronage. * * * 

Give My Regards to Broadway (20th-Fox) 

Dan Dailey, Charles Winninger, Nancy Guild. 

Dan Dailey is always a good draw here so 

we did nice business on this, but it is not 

up to "Mother Wore Tights." However, the 

color, print and rental were okay, so we came 

out all right. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: 

Fair and warm.—Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn 

Theatre, Linn, Mo. Rural and small town patronage. 

* 

Grapes of Wrath (20th-Fox)—Reissue. Henry 

Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine. This 

picture is an oldie but people broke their 

necks to come. This has been our biggest 

gross this year and it doesn't have to be in 

big figures to be that. Played Fri., Sat., and 

the home basketball team played out of town 

on Friday.—Dorothy Hickok (Mrs. Lewis), 

Dream Theatre, Effingham, Kas. Rural and 

small town patronage. * * * 

Letter to Three Wives, A (20th-Fox)—Jeanne 

Grain, Linda Darnell, Ann Sothern. This is a 

good one from Fox which did average business 

in all three of our theatres. Those who 

saw it, liked it, Ann Sothern was excellent, 

and the whole cast did a fine job. Played 

Wed. through Sat. Weather: Good.—A. E. 

Shepard jr.. Deep River Theatre, Clinton, Conn. 

* 

General patronage. 

Road House (20th-Fox)—Ida Lupino, Celeste 

Holm, Richard Widmark. This is a very good 

action picture which drew well and pleased, 

so we made a profit on it. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount 

Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. 

Road House (20th-Fox)—Ida Lupino, Celeste 

Holm, Richard Widmark. This is a good picture 

but the sound, wasn't too good on my 

print. The acting was very good and the new 

actor was excellent. This is a midweek picture. 

Played Wednesday. Weather: Rain- 

Kenneth Clem, Eorle Theatre, Taneytown, Md. 

Small town patronage. 

iJ^Snake Pit, The (20th-Fox)—Olivia DeHavilland, 

Mark Stevens, Leo Genn. Here is some 

of the finest acting yet seen. The picture 

holds your interest from beginning to end. 

A story that will shock many, and business 

was poor, due to the Easter holidays coming. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair and warm. 

—John G. Anderson, Raymond Theatre, City 

Island, N. Y. Community patronage. * * * 

Street With No Name, The (20th-Fox)—Mark 

Stevens, Richard Widmark, Barbara Lawrence. 

This is a good picture of its type but has no 

mass appeal. I enjoyed it myself but that 

doesn't count. There weren't enough like myself.—Harland 

Rankin, Erie Theatre, Wheatley, 

Ont. Small town patronage. * * * 

Street With No Name, The (20th-Fox)—Mark 

Stevens, Richard Widmark, Lloyd Nolan. Thip 

is a swell show, no foolin'. It is more FBI 

12 BOXOFHCE BookinGuide " May 14, 1949

. 

(Continued 

than gangster. Give it lots oi buildup, get 

em in, and it will please 100 per cent. Played 

Tues., Wed. Weather Okay.—Frank Sabin,, 

Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small town 

patronage. 

That Lady in Ermine {20lh-Fox)—Betty Grable, 

Douglas Fairbanks jr., Cesar Romero. 

I'm sorry we had to show this at this time. 

A hundred years, sooner or later, and we 

wouldn't have had to bother with it. It is beyond 

me why a company like Fox will waste 

top-notch players and perfectly good Technicolor 

lilm on a story like this. There is absolutely 

no sense to it and I am not alone in 

this conclusion, because walkouts are rare 

at our house but we had lots oi them on this 

lemon. Skip it, if you can, as it is poison to 

the regular customers—and they are the people 

that keep us in business. 'Weather: Very 

good. Roads good; competition, none.—R. W. 

Burgess, Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D. Rural 

and small town patronage. * * * 

13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox)—James Cagney, 

Annabella, Richard Conle. This is a 

very good mystery drama. Whenever it comes 

to putting out good entertainment, leave it 

to Fox. Everybody went out_ of the theatre 

well satisfied, with good remarks and no 

complaints. James Cagney's acting was 

superb and so was that of Annabella. Played 

Fri., Sat. Weather; Poor roads.—Tom Hetherington, 

Musicland Theatre, Kaslo, B. C. Small 

town patronage. 

* 

Walls of Jericho (20th-Fox)—Cornel Wilde, 

Linda Darnell, Anne Baxter. This picture had 

such a good story and was so well done 

that word-of-mouth advertising built up an 

average attendance in spite of disagreeable 

weather and impassable roads. Played Wed. 

and Sat.—J. C. Van House, Sun Theatre, 

Kenesaw, Neb. Small town and rural patronage. 

Walls of Jericho, The (20th-Fox)—Cornel 

Wilde, Linda Darnell, Anrte Baxter. This is 

not a bad picture, but it is too dramatic and 

not suitable for a small town. I wasted my 

screen time and took a small loss on this 

arty production. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: 

Cold,— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, 

Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. * * * 

Western Union (20th-Fox)—Reissue. Randolph 

Scott, Robert Young, Dean logger. In 

my opinion, this is one of the best western 

pictures ever to come out of Hollywood. Lots 

'of action and a few laughs moke this top 

notch of its type. Randolph Scott is always 

good in westerns and he is very popular here, 

so we had fair crowds at every performance. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Mild with muddy 

roads.—Tom Hetherington, Musicland Theatre, 

* 

Kaslo, B. C. Small town patronage. 

When My Baby Smiles at Me (20th-Fox)— 

Betty Grable, Don Dailey, Jack Oakie. This 

is a disappointing picture—altogether too 

much drinking, and the story left a dirty taste 

in the mouth and mind. Not an A picture. 

Played Sun., Tues. Weather: Good.—M. W. 

Mattecheck, Mack Theatre, McMinnville, Ore. 

Rural and city patronage. * • 

When My Baby Smiles at Me (20th-Fox)— 

Betty Grable, Dan Dailey, Jack Oakie. An 

entertaining hit from Fox. Grable seems to 

please most patrons and Dailey satisfies as a 

relatively new star. Technicolor added to a 

pleasant 100 minutes. Doubled with "One 

Touch of Venus" and generally pleased all 

who came. Fine for subsequents but I doubt 

if it will do much in rural areas. Played 

Sat. (preview), Sun., Mon. Weather: Cloudy 

and cold.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita, 

* 


Winner's Circle (20th-Fox) — Johnny Longden, 

Morgan Farley, Jean Willes. When you 

have seen the trailer, you have seen the entire 

picture. It may appeal to racing fans 

but drew a blank with us—the only poor 

picture we have had all winter. Doubled it 

with "Arthur Takes Over" and if this was 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 14, 1949 

longer, it would rate the best time. It is a 

good comedy that appeals to teen-agers. 

Played Wed., Sat. Weather: Clear with the 

roads open.—J. C. Van House, Sun Theatre, 

Kenesaw, Neb. Small town and rural patronage. 

* * * 

UNITED ARTISTS 

Arch of Triumph (UA) — Ingrid Bergman, 

Charles Boyer, Charles Laughton. We gave 

this one night only, because of the college, 

but lost money on it. Very poor small town 

material and not much purpose to the picture. 

No more like this for us. Played Thursday. 

Weather: Fair.—Earl A. London, State Theatre, 

Olivet, Mich. Small town, rural and college 

* 

patronage, 

Laiftime (UA)—( nere Comes Trouble" and 

'Who Killed Doc Robbin?"). If ever we had a 

wonderful weekend combination, we hit it 

with this. We played the two pictures together 

and without a doubt it gave us the 

highest weekend gross for 1949. If you are 

looking for something a litle different from 

dried-up westerns, then give this a try. We 

had many back the second night. Give us 

more of these, UAl Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Fair.—Walt Sayler, Dakota Theatre, Wishek, 

N. D. Rural and small town patronage, * 

My Dear Secretary (UA) — Laraine Day, 

Kirk Douglas, Keenan Wynn. This is extra 

good—a comedy picture that will keep them 

laughing from start to finish. Lots of good 

comments. Played Sat. (preview). Sun. 

Weather: Fair.—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre, 

Bearden, Ark. Small town patronage. * * * 

On Our Merry Way (UA)—Pauletfe Goddard. 

Burgess Meredith, James Stewart. This 

was one star-studded movie that lived up 

to my expectations. About three separate 

stories rolled up into one movie, which had 

something for every taste—music, drama, 

comedy. This proved to be more family entertainment 

than expected. Business above 

average for this time of year. No unfavorable 

comments. United Artists improving its product 

as the weeks roll by. — Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Fair and cool. "Art" V. Phillips, 

Haymond Theatre, Cromona, Ky. Mining and 

small town patronage. * * 

On Our Merry Way (UA)—Burgess 

Meredith, 

Paulelte Goddard, Fred MacMurray. 

Everyone was pleased with this one. It is a 

good comedy—something we need more of. 

Played Thurs., Fri. Weather: Cool.—Johnny 

Kime, State Theatre, Roseboro, N. C. Rural 


Pitiall (UA)—Dick Powell, Lizabeth Scott, 

Jane Wyatt. Dick Powell as a toughy rates 

' 

better than in musical comedies in which he 

was previously cast. Patrons were fairly well 

satisfied. The production isn't too much to 

brag about—have seen better. For the suspense 

program, 1 booked "Sorry, Wrong Number" 

(Para) as the top half. Played Sat. 

(preview). Sun., Mon. Weather: Cloudy and 

cold.—Jim Dunbar, RoxTy Theatre, Wichita, 

* 


Pitfall (UA)—Dick Powell, Lizabeth Scott, 

Jane Wyatt. This is a good show but I'm fed 

up with gangster stuff, and so are the parents. 

I bought too many. Played Tues., 

Exhibitor Pays Tribute 

To Wallace Beery 

Many exhibitors felt a personal loss in 

Wallace Beery's death, as is typified by 

this note from H. J. Partridge of the 

Lyceum at Gull Lake, Sask.: 

"Our patrons who are Beery's friends 

were all sorry to hear that one of the 

grand old guys of the screen had taken 

the long count. He will be remembered 

and respected for at least another 

decade." 

Wed.—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, 

Mont. Small town patronage. * * 

Pitfall (UA)—Dick Powell, Lizabeth Scott, 

Jane Wyatt. This is a good picture with a 

good story. We bought it right, and while 

bad roads kept them home, we were not sorry 

that we played it. I'd suggest midweek playing 

time. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Disagreeable.—Walt 

Sayler, Dakota Theatre. 

Wishek, N. D. Rural and small town patronage. 

* 

Time of Your Lile (UA)—James Cagney, 

William Bendix, Wayne Morris. When I could 

keep my mind off the boxoffice, I got a bang 

out of this, for it is life as 1 see it all around 

me, but, boy, the few that came kicked like 

heck. Definitely not a picture for a small town, 

and especially not for a good Mormon town, 

as it all happens in a bar. There's no plot 

You could leave out a reel and no one would 

know it. It cost me better than 50 per cent 

and 1 thought I was buying it flat. It's utterly 

original and refreshingly different, but farmers 

don't go for this type at all. I wouldn't 

run it until they sued me. Played Sun., Mon. 

and then yanked it. Weather: Rain.—R. C. 

Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural 

patronage. 

* * * 

UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL 

Another Part of the Forest (UI)— Fredric 

March, Dan Duryea, Ann Blyth. Very good 

acting but they just don't go for heavy drama 

here. Too much hate in this picture for a 

person to go away feeling good. Give us 

more family pictures with a little comedy and 

love in them. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: 

Fair.—E. C. Holt, Freeburn Theatre, Freeburn, 

Ky. Mining and small town patronage. * * * 

Black Bart (U-I) — Yvonne DeCarlo, Dan 

Duryea, Jeffrey Lynn. Here is a western the 

Fri., Sat. folks will talk about' for a week. 

It has everything they ask for and more. The 

color was fine, sound perfect, the price right, 

and the crowd big. 'Nuf saidl Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Moderate and fair.-—Joe and 

Mildred Faith, Linn Theatre, Linn, Mo. Small 

* 

town and rural patronage. 

For the Love of Mary (U-I)—Deanna Durbin, 

Edmond O'Brien, Don Taylor. This is 

just a picture. The trailer is poor and the 

picture doesn't have good stars for my patrons 

Pass it up if you can. Played Wedne,sday 

only. Weather: Rain.—Kenneth Clem, 

Earle Theatre, Taneytown, Md. Small town 

* 

patronage. 

Larceny (U-I)—John Payne, Joan Caulfield, 

Dan Duryea. Just a small picture that did 

poorly at the boxoffice. We did not expect 

very much and got just what was expected. 

Played Sun., Tues. Weather: Good.—M. W. 

Mattecheck, Mack Theatre, McMinnville, Ore. 

City and rural patronage. 

• • • 

Man-Eater of Eumaon (U-I)—Sabu, Wendell 

Corey, Joanne Page. Jungle pictures seem to 

be the cry of the patrons and this one certainly 

satisfied, being billed with "Black 

Eagle" (Col). The story held the kids in their 

seats, and when a picture does that, it must 

be good. A good cast and plenty of action 

should make this one suitable for all situations. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Damp and 

cool.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita, 

* 


Red Ingle and His Natural Seven (U-I) 

Musical short. Why can't we have more 

funny ones like this instead of Tex Reneke 

or Fred Robbins, disk jockey, who are neither 

entertaining nor comical? Red Ingle is in the 

same category as Spike Jones, and people 

simply howled at him. Played Sun., Mon., 

Tues. Weather: Cold and damp.—R. W. Burgess, 

Roxy Theatre, McCluskey, N. D. Rural 

patronage. 

River Lady (U-I)— Yvonne DeCarlo, Rod' 

Cameron, Dan Duryea. This is an excellent 

on page 14) 

13 

\

' 

SHORTS REVIEWS 

Opinions on the Current Short Subjects- 

Goli Masters 

RS.O (Sportscope) 8 Mins. 

Good. Seven famous golfers demonstrate 

their techniques on various Hnks, showing 

triclc shots as well as their own ideas of howto 

grip and swing the clubs. They are Byron 

Nelson, Carey Middlecotf, Ben Hogan, Ed 

.Dudley, Joe Kirkwood, Dick Metz and Horton 

Smith. The film will prove informative both 

to duffers and all who want to improve their 

game. 

Pluto's Sweater 

RKO (Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins. 

Good. The climax of this film is good for a 

big laugh. All the dogs snicker at Pluto when 

he has to wear a sweater knitted by Minnie 

Mouse, and he hides out in a park, meanwhile 

trying to get rid of the sweater. After 

tieing himself into knots, he falls into a lake. 

Back at home, with the family cat laughing 

at him, it is found the sweater has shrunk 

to the cat's size and Plulo has the last laugh. 

Shush Money 

RKO (Screenliner) 8 Mins. 

Good. A very entertaining film about the 

trials of baby sitters and the families who 

employ 'them, with the gripes of both groups 

clearly presented. It shows a booking office 

set up in a high school, the examination of 

the qualifications of baby sitters and their 

training, and the problems posed by unruly 

juniors and thoughtless sitters. The matter' is 

factual and has much human interest. 

Winter Storage 

RKO (Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins. 

Very Good. Anyone who doesn't roar at 

this has a hopelessly sour disposition. Chip 

and Dale, the chipmunks, are busy storing 

acorns for the winter when Donald Duck begins 

planting acorns as a reforestration 

measure. As fast as he plants, they unearth 

the nuts. Donald stations himself with a 

Exhibitor Has His Say 

(Continued from page 13) 

Technicolor western with a good cast that 

pleased everyone. Fiod Cameron always 

draws a crowd. I bought it at a fair price 

and played to an average Sun., Mon. crowd. 

If we didn't have a few pictures like this, 

the small town exhibitors would have to go 

out of business. Weather: Cold.—E. C. Holt, 

Freeburn Theatre, Freeburn, Ky. Mining and 

small town patronage. • * * 

Rogues' Regiment (U-I)—Dick Powell, Marta 

Toren, Vincent Price. This is a good action 

show, with Powell in another tough part. It 

kept patrons on the edges of their seats. The 

draw, however, was below expectations. 

Foreign accents don't go well here. They 

want more laughs and folksy music. Played 

Sat. (preview). Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. 

William J. Harris, Crown Theatre, Lincoln, 

Ark. Small town patronage. * 

Tap Roots (U-D—Van Heflin, Susan Hayward, 

Boris Karloff. Beautiful scenery in 

Technicolor. The story and acting of the supporting 

actors seemed artificial. Results were 

poor at the boxoffice. Played Sun., Mon.— 

Norris Kemp, Pine Cone Theatre, Brookings, 

Ore. Small town and rural patronage. * * 

WARNER BROS. 

OJohnny Belinda (WB)—Jane Wyman, Lew 

Ayres, Charles Bickford. This picture is worth 

any playing time you give it. Swell acting 

from' beginning to end, and good comments 

from the cash customers. You don't have to 

hide in the both or boxoffice either when the 

people come out. Played Thurs., Fri.. Weather: 

hockey suck at the entrance lo the storehouse, 

but the chipmunks, also with' hockey sticks, 

prove he is a poor goaltender. 

He Was Her Man 

Warner Bros. (Blue Ribbon Hit Parade) 7 Mins. 

Good. Well drawn and amusing. 'Frankie 

Mouse has to sell apples on a sireet corner 

to support her lazy husband but adores him 

nevertheless. The purchasers are various animals 

and birds. However, when Johnny leaves 

her to take another female mouse to his lavorite 

poolroom, "Frankie" gives him a goingover. 

At the end Johnny sells the apples 

' 

and his wife loafs. 

High Diving Hare 

Warner Bros. (Bugs Bunny Special) 7 Mins. 

Good, Bugs Bunny is always funny and is 

in this, though the single gag in it is a little 

overplayed. Bugs is master of ceremonies of 

a variety show in a western. When he fails 

to produce a high-diver, a gun-toting citizen 

elects Bugs for the stunt. The citizen, however, 

IS repeatedly finessed into making the dive 

himself. 

Rubens 

Interiilm-Discina (Documentary) 45 Mins. 

' 

Good. Lovers of fine art will find this Paul 

Haesaerts-Henri Storck film, with excellent 

commentary and musical background, fully 

satisfying, but other folk wont consider it 

entertainment since it consists only of shots 

of the great Flemish painter's works and some 

clever diagramming illustrating his methods. 

It was sponsored jointly by the Belgian ministries 

of education and communications, and 

won two awards at the 1948 biennial Venice 

Film Festival. Interfilm-Discina, 250 West 57th 

St., are releasing it in a package deal that 

includes the feature, "Carnival in Flanders," 

shown here before the war. "Rubens" is also 

offered in 16mm for library, college and museum 

use. 

Fair. — Frank D. Fowler, Princess Theatre, 

Mocksville, N. C. Rural patronage. * * 

yjohnny Belinda (WB)—Jane Wyman, Lew 

Ayres, Charles Bickford. Good business, due 

to the Academy Award, but all the customers 

didn't seem to care for it. My opinion is that 

it is a splendid picture. Jane Wyman was 

superb in her role and the whole cast was 

carefully selected. Played Sun., Mon. 


Theatre, Custer, S. D. Small town patronage. 

* * * 

June Bride (WB)—Bette Davis, Robert Montgomery, 

Fay Bainter. I tried to tell my patrons 

that they'd enjoy this Bette Davis film 

if only they'd attend. Most of them wouldn't 

take a chance and missed a great comedy. 

Played Wed., Thurs.—James C. Balkcom jr.. 

Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small town patronage. 

* * * 

June Bride (WB)—Bette Davis, Robert Montgomery, 

Fay Bainter. Here is a good comedy 

for any theatre to play. Warner Bros, pictures 

are too high for my town, however. 

Played Thurs., Fri. Weather: Rain.—Frank D. 

Fowler, Princess Theatre, Mocksville, N. C. 

Rural patronage. * * 

Rope (WB) — James Stewart, John Dall, 

Joan Chandler. It's been a long time since 

we have had the mixed comments that this 

feature gave us. We advertised it "No grade 

school children allowed." We had an above 

average crowd and comments were very 

mixed. We did fine at the boxoffice and are 

not sorry we played it. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Okay.—Wall Sayler, Dakota Theatre, 

Wishek, N. D. Rural and small town 

patronage. * 

, 

In the Newsreels 

Movietone News, No. 36: Last of evacuees 

flee Shanghai as Reds close in; Loyalty day 

parade in New York; apple blossom fete in 

Virginia; new gambling casino in Berlin; aviation—new 

Martin Mauler; track—Penn relay.?; 

AAU gymnastics; water ski clowns. 

News of the Day, No. 270: Flight from Shanghai; 

the world sees a new kind of May day; 

Berlin gets gambling fever; navy introduces 

"Able Mabel"; track stars shine in Penn relays; 

water skinanigans. 

Paramount Iêws, No. 73>May day in the 

United States and abroad; running on water; 

zany skiers skip over the water; Shanghai 

the great exodus; blossom festival—Hope bobs 

for the apple. 

Universal News, No. 244: China war; Loyalty 

day; gymnastics; soccer cup finals; skiing 

water bugs. 

Warner Paths News, No. 75: Steve Early; 

Allied military governors; Princess Margaret; 

Shanghai evacuation; apple blossoms; DPs in 

America; AAU gymnastic championships; 

water skiing; do you remember—the New 

York World's Fair? 

Movietone News, No. 37: Russia agrees to 

end Berlin blockade; New York—Big Four 

meet; Berlin—barge canal dispute; General 

Clay bids his troops goodbye; Israel's firsl 

anniversary; Madame Pandit arrives; Colonel 

Demarest spends billions for army; Leo 

Durocher incident; high jumping; motorcycle 

hill climb. 

News of the Day, No. 271: Army bids farewell 

to General Clay as Soviet yields blockade; 

Queen Juliana's 40th birthday; Elizabeth 

and Philip honore

Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Public 

FEATURE REVIEWS 

It Happens Every Spring 

20lh-Fox (917) 87 Minutes ^Rel. 

Even were it less topical, this warm and wholesome comedy 

would be welcomed and profitably patronized by those 

seeking pure escapist entertainment. With the cry of "play 

ball" currently resounding throughout the land, its genesis 

in the notional game will add considerably to its over-all 

appeal. Nor will the film's attraction suffer through the 

presence in the topline of Ray Milland. Herein he undertakes 

a Harold Lloyd-ish role arid brings to it his characteristically 

fine-grained interpretation, that of a bashful 

chemistry professor who perfects a solution which repels 

wood. By applying the concoction to a baseball it makes the 

sphere impossible to hit and resultantly makes the prof the 

greatest pitcher of all times. Under the skillful direction of 

Floyd Bacon, Milland and an excellent supporting cast 

drain the refreshingly original yarn of a full measure of 

laughs—with a relieving thread of romance. 

Ray Milland, Jean Peters, Paul Douglas, Ed Begley, Ted de 

Corsia, Hay Collins, lessie Royce Landis. Alan Hale jr. 

F 

ixar 

The Window 

RKO Radio (925) 73 Minutes Rel. May '49 

Aesop's widely known lil' lad who specialized in crying 

"wolf" supplied the basic theme for this unusual and highly 

original thriller which certainly should prove an audience 

pleaser in all situations and will win screams of delight from 

the juveniles. In entertainment content and in length the 

film is constructed to give solid strength to either the upper 

or lower half of a double bill. The yarn treats with a lad 

with an over-active imagination who constantly is dreaming 

up wild stories. When he witnesses a tenement house 

murder no one will believe his report thereon and he comes 

nigh getting himself killed in his efforts to be heard. Ingratiating 

Moppet Bobby Driscoll carries the heavy end ol 

the acting chores and makes highly acceptable a part 

which might have gone overboard if entrusted to a less 

competent young trouper. Excellently directed by Ted 

Tetzlaff. 

F 

Barbara Hale, Bobby Driscoll, Arthur Kennedy, Paul Stewart, 

Ruth Roman, Anthony Ross. 

The Lady Gambles 

Drama 

Univ.-Int'l (693) 99 Minutes Rel. lune '49 

If the showmen who book it wisely place their exploitation 

bets, this engrossing preachment on the evils of promiscuous 

and excessive gambling can be parlayed into a substantial 

winner. Furthermore, the magnetism of the cast's topliners 

supplies a hefty stake to back up such exploitation. The 

story reveals what happens to an intelligent, sensitive wife 

when on a visit to Las Vegas she is bitten by the take-achance 

bug and becomes a confirmed player. Giving the 

yarn a secondary twist is a strong psychiatric angle which 

may or may not be considered an additional asset, depending 

upon individual tastes in screenfare. Performances are 

highly acceptable and the substantial production mountings 

are accorded added values, because many of the scenes 

were photographed against the interesting backgrounds of 

the popular Nevada resort. Directed by Michael Gordon. 

Barbara Stanwryck, Robert Preston, Stephen McNally, Edith 

Barrett, Elliott Sullivan, John Hoyt, Philip Van Zandt. 

Susanna Pass 

Republic (842) 67 Minutes 

F 

Musical Western , 

Rel. Apr. 29, '49 

Except for unavoidable comparisons with predecessors 

in the venerable series, a ditto mark should be all that is 

necessary to apprais^ a Roy Rogers starrer for that wide 

segment of exhibitors which regularly books them and which 

long since has become familiar with their commercial 

potentialities. For the purpose of such comparisons, let it 

be recorded that this is one of the least convincing of any 

in which the King of the Cowboys ever has appeared. In 

approaching the ticklish-at-all-times chore of blending a 

modern setting and musical interludes with the- action elements 

required .by sagebrush fans, the writers got themselves 

hopelessly lassoed by their own contrived situations 

and dialog. In other departments—Trucolor photography, 

rugged backgrounds, tunes, supporting cast, etc.—the film 

is up to standard. Directed by Âfilliam Witney. 

Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Estelita Rodriguez, Martin Carralaga, 

Robert Keane, Lucien Littlefield, Douglas Fowley. 

The Lost Tribe 

F 

Melodrama 

mrn 

(Trucolor) 

' 

^'"' 

Columbia (144) 72 Minutes Rel. May '49 

Johnny WeissmuUer in ordinary sport clothes still accomplishes 

many teats that became routine in his Tarzan roles; 

he wrestles a jungle cat, knifes a man-eating shark, and 

outwits a raging lion. Two beautiful women, one a native 

of the mythical country called Dzamm, vie for his attention 

but he is mostly concerned with preventing the diamond 

looting of his friends in Dzamm by unscrupulous white men. 

There are thrills galore, wild animal shots are such as to add 

to the suspense of the story, and while the gorillas are probably 

not real, they give a convincing performance as Jungle 

Jim's friends who drive the villains from peaceful Dzamm. ^». 

This is for those locations where jungle pictures increase 

| 

the attendance and where Johnny's name carries stellar 

weight. It has nothing new to offer but the old is dressed 

up impressively. William Berke directed. 

Johnny WeissmuUer, Myma Dell, Elena Verdugo, Joseph 

Vitale, Ralph Dunn, Paul Marion, Nelson Leigh. 

103B 

BOXOFHCE 

,ittr.i> 

1 s.ilt 

''ITlv 

The Judge Steps Out 

RKO Radio (924) 91 Minutes Rel. 

Comedy 

Those who seek action and/or an emotional jolt in their 

screenfare may vote this too leisurely paced and a bit too 

saccharine-sweet to warrant much enthusiasm. But there 

will be a certain albeit somewhat limited segment of 

audiences that will acclaim it for its wholesomeness and 

heart tugs. Whether they can be found in sufficient quantities 

to make the offering a successful top-side booking is 

doubtful, but the film's case in such situations will certainly 

be bolstered by the power of the two topliners. While that 

pair of troupers drain everything possible out of their individual 

and collective chores, their performances are far 

from their best, due to a meandering, cliche-ridden script 

and direction which fails to speed up the proceedings. Production 

values are sufficiently impressive to give the offering 

a high-budget aura. Directed by Boris Ingster. 

Alexander Knox, Ann Southern, George Tobias, Sharyn 

MoHett, Florence Bates, Frieda Inescort, Myma Dell. 

The Crooked Way 

F 

Drama 

United Artists (609) 89 Mjnutes Rel. Apr. 22, '49 

Attempting to parlay a radio play, "No Blade Too Sharp," 

into a feature-length film resulted in the creation of this 

mobster melodrama, which is so laden with inconsistencies 

that the more intelligent of spectators will find it difficult 

to accept. Those confirmed action addicts who relish their 

gangster fare oozing gore and are prepared to swap everything 

else for a bumper measure of hard-boiled heroics and 

slayings may think the offering to their liking, but it is 

doubtful that they can be recruited in sufficient numbers to 

make the picture a financial success in most situations. True, 

there are three fairly-well established names with which to 

bait the marquee but the perfomances, as is the case with 

Robert Floey's direction, are never able to overcome the 

handicaps of a ridiculously contrived screenplay. As concerns 

production values, photography and technical details, 

the feature is satisfactory. 

John Payne, Sonny Tufts, Ellen Drew, Rhys Williams, Percy 

Helton, John Doucette, Charlie Evans, Greta Granstedt. 

Shamrock Hill 

Eagle Lion (930) 72 Minutes Rel. May '49 

This has a happy-go-lucky strain running through like 

the Irish-American family around which the story is built, 

plus gay Irish tunes and dances. If its Irish flavor seems a 

bit synthetic to those who know something of true Irish 

culture, it is quite in keeping with typical Irish humor and 

stock characters which the stage has always used. Done 

with a broad brogue, the plot developes around young 

Eileen Rogan (Peggy Ryan) who enchants a group of youngsters 

by telling them old Irish legends about leprechaun.'^ 

and fairies, in the garden of an abandoned estate. A local 

"big-wig" wants the place for a television station and tries 

to force the girl and her story-hungry youngsters off, but she 

wins the sympathy of his lawyer and dual romances get 

crossed 'up but end happily. ITie leprechauns do a neat act. 

This is a program picture with light, entertaining qualities 

along simple lines. Arthur Dreifuss directed. 

Peggy Ryan, Ray McDonald, Trudy Marshall, Rick Vallin. 

John Litel, Mary Gordon, Tim Ryan. 

May 14, 1949 1035 

F

. . . Because 

.' 

. Grim, 

. 

. 

EXPLOITIPS 

Suggestions for Selling; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs 

SELLING ANGLES: 

"The Window" 

As an advance teaser, set up a compo-board "window" in 

the lobby, complete with a roller curtain on which is imprinted— 

"Pull up the shade for the thrill of your life!" Behind 

the curtain mount a group of stills from the picture. A 

variation of the same stunt might be carried out in store- 

Woolrich, noted author of suspense and mystery fiction. 

Make library and bookstore tieups on his literary output. ^^^^_ 

. . 

Here 

CATCHLINES: 

Stark Realism . 

Never-Relaxing Suspense . 

Is a Masterpiece of Spine-Tingling Anticipation of Inevitable 

Oncoming Danger and Disaster . . . The Story of a Lad 

Caught in a Web of Murder . . . Unable to Save Himself 

Nobody Will Bfelieve Him. 

Tommy Is a Teller of Fantastic Tales ... But Nothing His 

Imagination Could Conceive . . . Can Equal the True, 

Shocking Story He Saw Unfolded Through the Window . 

It's 

the Year's Top Spellbinder. 

-^ '

. L 

I ATZS: 10c per word minim iiTn Sl.OO, cash with copy. Four insertions lor price oi three. 

XOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to 

Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. • 

CUeRlOG 

HELP WANTED 

Wanted: iluuê manag(;r or experienced assistant 

il knOMS tlleaire operation, for .Norfoik and 

urLsmoutb, Virginia territory. Airmail special 

.livery qualirications and salary expected. Boxflre. 

A-3426. 

Wanted: Projectionists that know projection 

totti operation, located in Norfolk and Portsouth, 

Virt;inia. Airmail, special delivery qualication.s 

and salary expected. Boxoffice. A-3428. 

Experienced theatre raanai;er for theatres in 

harlotte and WashinKton area. Write details, 

sperience, relerences and salary expected in first 

iter. Uoxoflici-. A-:U:i6. 

POSITIONS 

WANTED 

Manager, all pli.u:es. Managed drl>eins înd 

.oicd houses, knous promotion, exploitation and 

IvesHays Married, two children, prefer small 

mil with avaliahle housing. Salary or percentage. 

oxofflee. A-:i424. 

Young, married m;uiager, seven years experincc. 

explolt-i. New York preferred. S. Greeneld. 

1208 So. Blvd.. Bronx, New York. 

Projectionist, capable, dependable, 20 years exerlencc. 

Compleie knowledge of sound, projectors, 

tc. Licensed Siiiijle. Go anjwherc. Kcferences. 

oxoffir,., \ :;i:!."i 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW 

S.O.S. features new eiiuipnient. With coopera 

ion of m:uiulacturers S.O.S. li.is a.ssembled latest 

ooth rciuipments for theatres and drive-ins at 

0% of market price! Time deals and trades, too! 

lieiit C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W 

Jnd St.. New York 111. 

S.O.S. catalog like money in bank. Get your 

ee copy and save plenty! Typical values: Blow. 

•s, from $127.80; Airwashers. $151.90 up. 

livhaust Fans. 10-lnch $10.78. 12-inch $13,75. 

(Mncli—$18.15; 24-lnch Air Circulator. $69,75; 

lira Cabinets. $3,50 section: rewind tables, 

59,95: Automatic enclosed rewinds, $69.50; 

haoKeovers, $39.95; Plastic Sound Screens. 39M;C 

fl,; beautiful Stage Settings, $277,50: Coin 

hangers. $149,50; liectlfler Bulbs. 6 amp., $2,95; 

5 amp,. $4.95, Dept C, SO.S. Cinema Supply 

orp., 602 W. 52nd St,, New York 19. 

Draperies, curtains, steel tracki, automatic cur- 

^^_. machines. Bend for dimenjlon form for 

uotatinns, Fred's Tlicatre Service, Vina, Ala. 

Nam tubing: Keplaeement tubes for your thei- 

•e at 50c per foot. new. Write tor deseriptire 

terature, Vogel Neon Mfg. Co., P. Box 3183, 

marlllo. Texas. 

Rainbow .Mist Spray Nozzles, about 4,000 left, 

losing out at 75c each. Size %", %", W 

Ipe; H4 gal. per minute. G. A. Peterson, 138V4 

. Main'st., Clinton, Mo. 

New complete equipment for outdoor and inoor 

theatres. IJiieen Feature Service, Inc.. Birilngham, 

Ala. 

Holmes Orlve-ln Ripiipment. heretofore unheard 

t prices. Write fnr literature. Cinema Pro- 

MMor Service. P, 0, Box 70:i, Charleston 23. 

V.i 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED 

Rebuilt like new hy SOS. Complete Dual 

ooth uiittits. Simplex from $995: DcVrv XI) 

ransportahle, $595; Holmes Educator, $695; 

implex SP. $995: many others, all .ivailable on 

ime payments. 1949 catalog ready. Dept. C. 

.OS. Cinema Silivply Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St.. 

'ew York 19. 

Bargain: Two Simplex machines. Wenzel sound. 

ew plailic screen, electric rewind, film eablneta, 

lectric change-over, etc Popcorn machines. 450 

lats. 222 AmarUlo Bldg. Amarille. Tex^ 

Complete theatre eqiiiiimi'iit, Lilie new Ceniries. 

complete booth, screen, seats; $2,995. 

Dossey. Colmesneil. Texas. 

Sell; Two Holmes projectors, complete with 

jund. 35mm. Used 60 days. Theatre closed, 

argain, Tom Williams. Exchange Bldg.. Birlingh.im. 

Ala. 

500 yards Crestwood carpeting, used, good conition 

Heasonable, Howard Theatre. 414 Howard 

ve.. New Haven. Cnnn, Telephone 8-7974, 

Pair Simplex portables. 35mm projectors, maganes, 

rectifiers, lamphouses. pedestals, amplifiers. 

1.000, Tom lleeii. Imniler, Mirh, 

STUDIO AND PRODUCTION 

EQUIPMENT 

Hundreds of brand new items featured in cata- 

)g Sturelab—sent free to Film Producers, Lab 

echnicians. Recording Engineers and Cine Men, 

(verytliiiig for studio, laboratoTy and cutting 

lom. New Nord 16mm Professional Camera, 

1,935; New IBmm Sound Printers, $685; new 

' 

7.5mm Tape Recorders, $1,500; Composite Sound 

loviola, $495; .\rrinex Newsreel Camera, 4 lenses, 

omplete, $795; MR 2000W Spots on stands, 

99.50: combination Reversal Processing machine. 

2.375: F/yemo Q turret camera. $695; stop 

atch film timer. $24.75; Neumade combination 

6/35mm Automatic Film Cleaner. $350 value, 

194,50: Giant Spotlite Tripods, 8 ft, high. $9.95: 

.irdweli lOOOW Floodlites. $111.75. Dept. C. 

J 

O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St., 

lew York 19. 

lOXOFFICE :: May 14, 1949 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

Complete drin-ln ih. ii, .Miuraent. featuring 

fully rebuilt and r.inuli.il n, \ r> .\UC projectors 

with solid adjust.ible bases, double bearing 

iiitermlttents, Uotary sound drums: Strong .Mogul 

lamps, Smm/7mm trim, 14" reHectors. Brand 

new Series II coated lenses, 4-bulb rectifiers. 

100-walt power amplifier, 250 General Electric 4" 

speakers, complete except for wiring, lUlly guaranteed 

for one year—an attractive and realistic 

value. $5,997. f.o.b. New York City. Write fm 

Bulletin 1'9415DI. Paromel Company. 475 Filth 

Ale.. New York 17. N. Y, 

S.O.S. is headquarters tor Drive-ins. Here's 

why Complete booth outfits, including high in. 

tensity arcs, amplification, $1,595 up. (Time 

deals invited) : new amplifiers, 75-watt. $295. 

150 watt. $450; Burial Cable. $58.30.M (delivered): 

In-car Speakers. $19,95 pair: illuminated 

entrance exit signs, $22.50; Standee Speakers, 

$18.50; Masonltc Marquee letters, 35c up. Write 

for 1949 catalog with special drive-ln section. 

Dept. 0. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 

52nd St.. New York 111. 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

Theatre For Sale; Selected listings in Oregon 

and Washington now available. Write for list. 

Tlieulre Kxchange Co.. Fine Arts Bldg,, Portland, 

Ore, 

Theatres For Sale: For choice selection of 

.Northwest Theatres, write Irv liowron. mgr.. Theatre 

Sales DivLilon, John L, Gray. Itealtor, 3418 

8- E Hawthorne Blvd . Portl.-uid 15. Oregon. 

Build double parking drlve-in theatres under 

rranchlae p-atmt No. 2,10J.T18. retsne N». 

23,766 and iniprovemenLs, pa»ent pending. Up 

to Sft per cent more seating capacity with little 

additiaoal cost. Louis Josserand. architect, 3908 

S Main SI,. Houston. Tex. 

For theatres, contact J. C Butler, ABC Broker 

Co., Bonded Brokers. Ore.. Ida.. Wa.sh., Board of 

Trade Bldg,. Portland, Ore. 

Theatre—Only one: 225 new Kroehler push-back 

seats, heart new nil field, owner ather interests; 

good lease, $60 monthly. Established 8 years. First 

$15,000 takes It. B. M. Oraybille, San Miguel, 

Calif 

Excellent 44D-ieat theatre with bowling alleys 

In b.iseraent. located In north-central state. Only 

theatre In town of 3,300, with nearest competition 

14 miles; $92,000, with $50,000 down, balance 

at 4%. Boxoffice. A-34I7. 

Theatre For Sale; Small town; large nir.-il trade; 

nearly new equipment: 240 veneer seats: $10,000 

or can finance, George Crooks. Browning. Mo 

For Sale: New California drive-in theatre. Surrounded 

by 150.000 population; 670 In-car speakers: 

250 car healers: large Simplex projection 

equipment: BO-font picture; grounds all "black 

top"; 50-foot high marquee. Due to business interests 

in the east, will sell at cost. Don't write 

unless you mean business. Not for lease. W. A. 

Tharp. 321 S, Indiana St Dunkirk. Ind, 

. 

Texas small town noncompetitive theatres, 

$4,000 up. Locations and descriptions on request. 

E. Montgomery. 400 N. Ashbel. Baytown. 

Texas. 

322-seat theatre and 38-acrp ranch, central 

California, no competition, year round good business 

In resort and rural patronage. $32,500 for 

the.atre lease and ranch, complete; a fair deal 

with quick payout, Boxoffice. A-3429, 

Absent owner leasing new building, equipment 

onlv theatre thriving Mississippi small town: 

$205 month. Five years. Option buy; $1,500 

advance rent required. State finances, qiiallfica 

linns. Boxoffice. A-3430, 

Western Maryland: three circuit houses, none 

competitive situations, good leases and equipment. 

Can be handled free and clear fnr $27,500. Operating 

on comfortable profit. Will furnish other 

information to Interested parties. Boxoffice. 

A-3431. 

Five-year lease on moderately new neighborhood 

building and equipment in Dallas. Kefrlger.ited 

air conditioning and 700 seats. Live show-man 

might secure by option. Present operator needs 

time for other Interests, Boxoffice. A-3437. 

For Sale; Canton, S, D,, two theatres. Must 

have $40,000 cash, no less. Terms on balance. 

A house, 500 seats. Including building. B house 

225 seats, equipment only. All upholstered seats. 

Western Electric equipment, Slmnlex machines, 

R, D, Nash. Farmers Market, 116 S, Phillips .\ve.. 

Sioux Palls. S. D. 

Small, neat, well equipped theatre in northeast 

Texas town, 1,400 population: 250 cushioned 

seats: balcony for colored; Simplex standard projectors 

and new Ballantyne sound; air conditioned 

no competition. Small down payment. Terms 

Write or call Royce Whltten. Paris. Tex. 

Parker Theatre, 60 miles from Pittsburgh 

Parkers Landing. Pa. 

Realizing importance good theatre, enterprising 

Illinois community, built slate's best, to sell on 

liberal terms to suitable priv.ite owner: $13,000 

down. State background. Boxoffice. A-3434. 

Central Iowa, settle estate. 45-f(iot building included. 

Same owner 17 years, $25,000. terms 

Leak. 1109 Orchard L.ane. Des Moines. Iowa 

Also eastern Iowa long established. Fine building 

included. $8,000 down. Fourteen others. 

THEATRES WANTED 

Sell your theatre privately. Confidential correspondence 

invited. Leak Iêatre Sales, 3422 

Kinmore, Dallas. 1100 Orctiard Lane, Des 

.Moines, Iowa, 

Want to lease or buy one or several theatres. 

Midwest, Independent operator. Confidential. Boxoffice, 

A-3415. 

Florida: lia*e several clients wanting good situations. 

-Must stand investigation. All information 

strictly confidential. Harry G. Elmore, Jr.. 

Uealtor. 942 Edgewood Ave.. Jacksonville, Kla. 

Theatre central or eastern Nebraska. No brokers. 

Over 400 seats, town 1,800 population or 

over, Kigid examination. Experienced. L. J. 

Burkltt. Sparta, Wis. 

Theatre wanted, at least 3.000 population. Prefer 

nnrth Florida or east Tennessee. Kil-balra. 

2415 Poplar St.. Cleveland. Tenn 

POPCORN 

II0US{ 

MACHINES 

Rebuilt Popcorn .Machine for sale. Fully guaranteed. 

Price from $160. Consolidated Confections. 

1314 S. Wabash. Clilcago 5. Ill 

Bargain prices In used and completely reconditioned 

popcorn machines, Blevins Popcorn Co., 

NasliviUe. Tenn. 

Burcli, .Miuiley, Cretors. Advance, all electric 

french fry types. 50 Hollywood type, theatre 

special elect lie poppers from $250. Karroelkorn 

E(|iiipment. 120 S. Ilalsted. Chicago 6. HI. 

Rebuilt popcorn macblnw. half price. Wrlt< 

for h^l, Drlve-ln poppers, bargain. Poppers Supply. 

Box 888. Atlanta, Oa 

Free oii-page 1949 catalog of Award-Winning 

Popcorn and Concession Equipment and Suiiplies 

Blevins Popcorn Co., Popcorn Village, Nashville 

Tenn. 

One new Snow Cuiie machine, $225. Jayhawi 

Popcorn Co,. Atchison, Kas, 

Star popcorn machines. All models. Popcorn 

supplies. Central Popcorn Supply Co,, 45 Arch 

St,. New Britain. Conn 

Sun-Pufft. Ilawkeye dime hot popcorn vendors. 

$57.50. Long-Eakins Rotary, peanut roasters, copper 

kettles. Northside Sales Co,. Indianola, Iowa 

POPCORN SUPPLIES 

Attractively printed popcorn cartons for sale. 

10c size, $6 M: 25c size, $17 50 M. Fabian 

Kontney. 609 N, Ashl.ind, Green Bay. Wis 

Bee-Hive Hybrid—better than ever for '49; in 

cartons, the Family-Size "Premiere" Is the latest 

thing. Blevins Popcorn Co., Popcorn Village, 

Nashville, Tenn. 

Popcorn, the cream of the Hybrid crop. Popcorn 

boxes, attractive glossy red 10c size. Special 

popcorn salt and butter flavored popcorn 

seasoning. Truly the tried and tested Ingredients 

for superbly perfect popcorn. For price list, 

write Super Pufft Popcorn Ltd.. 83 Duke St. 

Toronto. Ont. 

Hybrid popcorn of the finest quality, $6.76 per 

cwt. Write for quantity prices. Attention: Charles 

Jacobsen. Bos 444. Lake View, Iowa. Quirk El»- 

vators. Odeholt. Iowa, 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

Comic books again available as premiums, giveaways 

at your kiddy shows. Large variety latest 

48-page newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co.. 

412B Greenwich St.. New York City. 

Bingo with more action. $2.78 thousand cards 

Also other games. Novelty Games Co.. 14S4 Bedford 

Ave.. Brooklyn. N. Y. 

Theatre Managers: .Something new! Dartawaj 

A game of skill, legal in any state. Terms rea 

sonable. Pack your theatre. No theatre too big 

or too small. For Information, write or call 

llmmie Stepina. Aztec Theatre. Shawnee. Kas. 

Bingo die-cut cards. 76 or 100 numbers, $3 

per M. Bingo Screen Dial $30, Any dial to suit 

your condition. Premium Products, 354 W. 44th 

St.. N. V. 18, 

Ballyhoo with blowups, cutouts, black and white, 

sepia, tinted, mounted. Any size. Low prices. 

Twenty-four-hour service. Lincoln Reproductions. 

202 West W.iyne. Fort Wayne. Ind 

Play Dartaway. sensational new movie game. 

Pack your theatre with this new game of skill. 

Playing In over 100 theatres. Legal in any state. 

Give us a tri.il. Terms. Reasonable. Write Jlmmie 

Stepina. Shawnee. Kas Melrose 7631 

THEATRE TICKETS 

Prompt service. Special printed roll tickets. 

100,000, $2395; 10,000, $6.85; 2.000, $4.48. 

Each change in admission price. Including change 

in color, $3,00 extra. Double numbering extra. 

Shipping charges paid to 500 miles. Cash with 

order. Kansas City Ticket Co., Dept. 9. 1819 

Centr.al. Kansas City, Mo. 

SIGNS 

Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns. 

Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experience 

needed for expert work. Write for free samples. 

John Rain. B-1329. Central Ave., Chicago 

51, ni. 

Am CONDITIONING 

Heavy duty blowers, btll-bearlng equipped, 

15,000 cfm to 50,000 cfm. Air washers, ill 

sizes. Hydraulic drives, two and tour speed 

motor and controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers 

wanted. National Engineering and Mfg. Co., 519 

Wyandotte St., Kansas City, Mo. 

Complete air condltlonUig equipment; variable 

5 hp motor, 25,000 SFC fan; air washer, spray 

type, complete with recirculating pump: reasonable. 

Roxofllce. A-3088 

Complete packaged evaporative coolers ; 

air 

washers; blowers; air supply grilles. All sizes, 

prompt delivery. Alton Mfg. Co., 1112 lioss 

Ave,. Dallas. Tex, 

Air conditioning units, slightly used and reciinditioned. 

Five-ton Chryslers. $700; two 25-ton 

Frick.s. complete systems. $1,500; 48-lon Carrier, 

complete systems with evaporative condenser, 

$4,000. Many other big bargains. All equipment 

guaranteed. Send us your requirements. 

Jack Armstrong. 96-5 Ave.. Brooklyn, Sterling 

THEATRE SEATING 

Closing out chairs at cost. We need space for 

chairs recently acquired, 425 red plush fully upholstered 

back, boxspring, excellent condition, 

formerly $4.95, now $3,95: 239 reliuilt lleywood 

p,inel-baek, boxspring. formerly $5,95. now $4,95; 

200 American fully upholstered hack, spring edge 

s,at. formerly $6.50. now $5.50. Ask for Chair 

Bulletin 15. hept, C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply 

Corp., 602 W. 52nd St,. New York 19, 

Parts for all cbalrs. Send sample for quotation. 

Fensin Seating Co.. Chicago 8. 

Patch-0-Seat cement Patching cloth, solvent, 

etc. Fensin Seating Co.. Chicago 6. 

Tighten loose chairs with Permastone anchor 

cement. Fensin Seating Co.. Clilcago 6. 

Chair supplies. Everything for theatre cbalrs. 

Fensin Beating Co., Chicago 6. 

Used chairs, guaranteed good Advise quantity 

wanted. Photographs mailed with quotation. Fen- 

We told you about Chicago 

Now please cheeky^ 

sensational first engagement^ 

North, East, South or West 

/I^ROYIDENCE 

v^'MIAMI 

y'TUCSON 

y LOS ANGELES 

COLUMBIA PICTURES presents 

GLENN FORD 

>/CLEVELAND 

V'SAN FRANCISCO 

VISACRAMENTO 

vISEATTLE 

NINA FOCH 

James Whltmore • Barry Kelley 

Written for the Screen by Sydney Boehm 

Additionol Dialogue by Malvin Wold 

A ROBERT ROSSEN production 

Directed by JOSEPH H. LEWIS 

ylPRINGFIELO,Mass. 

4» d

Boxoffice-May.15.1949

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