Boxoffice-March.06.1948

Im /'cauon ucuiAe.
m
YEAR'S
PRODUCT SHOWS RISE;
COLOR, REISSUES IN A BOOST
Page 10
SURVEY ON ADMISSION PRICES;
EAST, WEST COAST GET TOPS
COVER STORY: 'Pet and Pup' Show
—In the Showmandiser Section
lONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION
tht Sectional Htm Pagts of All Editions

w
THE DICKEY BIRD
TELLS YOU WHY
THREE DARING
DAUGHTERS' IS
FOR YOU!
"It was terrific at Capitol, N. Y., second
best in 12 months — topped
only by 'Hucksters.' It's doing
great in all openings, too! Buffalo,
,_
Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, C^ ^
New Orleans, Toledo rate with top
M-G-M hits of the year!"
•
"It's something absolutely new, novel and different
in screen musicals. Not in many years an
entertainment so sparkling with charm, excitement
and melody!"
"Technicolor at its best . . . revealing the lavishness
aboard a luxury liner . . . the spectacle of
exciting night club life . . . the exciting escapades
of three mischievous daughters who try
to block the romance of their beautiful, young,
flirtatious, divorcee mother."
"A cast with unusual appeal. A New JEANETTE
MacDONALD in better voice than ever. JOSE
ITURBI in a real-life role, wait till you hear
his boogie-woogie. JANE POWELL, rising
young movie star, of radio and record fame . . .
and many more."
"Bubbling with songs— 12 to be exact and including
the newest hit of the airwaves—The
Dickey Bird Song. That's me folks!"
M-G-M's TECHNICOLOR MUSICAL!
THREE DARING
DAUGHTERS''
JEANETTE """"'
JOSE
MacDONALD ITURBI
•
JANE POWELL
wilh
Edward ARNOLD • Harry DAVENPORT
Colo, by TECHNICOLOR
"Jimmy Fidt
gave it top
rating on hi
nationwide
broadcast!'*
i
FRED M. WILCOX
JOE PASTERNAK

A TERRIFIC TECHNICOLOR TRADE SHOW!
po yourself a favor by seeing now what is destined to be one of the
greatest musicals of our time. Nothing quite like it! A rare combination
of story and music, romance and fun. A BIG one for everyone!
*^^
*|#^^
ALBANY—THUR. 3/11—8 P.M.
20lh-Fox Scraen Room, 1052 Broodwo
ATLANTA THUR. 3/11—10 A.M.
20lh-Fox Screen Room, 197 Wollon St., N.W.
BOSTON—THUR. 3/11—10 A.M.
M-G-M Screen Room, 46 Church Slr**l
BUFFALO—THUR. 3/11—2 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 290 Franklin SIrael
CHARLOTTE—THUR. 3/11—1:30 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 308 South Church SIrael
CHICAGO—THUR. 3/11—2 P.M.
H. C. Igel's Screen Room, 1301 South Woboih Ava.
CINCINNATI—THUR. 3/11—8 P.M.
RKO Screen Room, 16 East Sixth Street
CLEVELAND-THUR. 3/11—1 P.M.
20lh-Fox Screen Room, 2219 Payna Avanua
DALLAS—THUR. 3/11—2:30 P.M.
20th-Fox Scraen Room, 1803 Wood Street
DES MOINES—THUR. 3/11—1 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1300 High Street
INDIANAPOLIS—THUR. 3/11—2 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 326 North Illinois Sfraal
KANSAS CITY—THUR. 3/1 1—1:30 PJA.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1720 Wyandotte St.
MEMPHIS—THUR. 3/11—
20th-Fox Screen Room, 151 Vonc
MILWAUKEE—THUR. 3/11—1:30 P.M.
Worner Screen Room, 212 W. Wisconsin Ava.
MINNEAPOLIS-THUR. 3/11—2 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1015 Currie Avan
NEW HAVEN—THUR. 3/11—2 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 40 Whitinq Street
NEW ORLEANS—THUR. 3/11— 1:30 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 200 South Liberty SI.
NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY—Previously Tradeshown
M-G-M Scraen Room, 630 Ninth Avenue
OKLAHOMA CITY—THUR. 3/11— 1 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 10 North Lea Street
WALTER HUSTON
FRANK MORGAN
BUTCH JENKINS
MARILYN MAXWELL
AGNES MOOREHEAD
SELEHA ROVLE
„ >\^ by EUCENt ONSIll 1 HEIIO COtOWtN HA«ER PICURE
HARRY WARREN
RALPH BLANE
o,....wROUBENMAMOULIAN
ARTHUR FRFFR
OMAHA—THUR. 3/1 1—1:30 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room. 1502 Davenport St.
PHILADELPHIA—THUR. 3/11—11 A.M.
M-G-M Screen Room, 1233 Summer Street
PITTSBURGH—THUR. 3/11—2 P.M.
M-G-M Screen Room, 1623 Blvd. of Allies
ST. LOUIS—THUR. 3/11—1 P.M.
S'Renco Art Theatre, 3143 Olive Street
SALT LAKE CITY—THUR. 3/11—1 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 216 East First Street. So.
SAN FRANCISCO—THUR. 3/11— 1:30 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 245 Hyde Street
SEATTLE—THUR. 3/11—1 P.M.
Jewel Box Preview Theatre, 2318 Second Avanua
WASHINGTON—THUR. 3/11—1 P.M.
20th-Fox Scraen Room, 932 New Jersey, N.W.

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ROBERT ALDA'S.Z.SML -
Directed by
Produced by
JAMESV.KERN
WILLIAM JACOBS

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PaSLISHO IN
NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR
Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial OHices: 9 Rockefeller Plcea, New York 20.
N. Y. Raymond Levy, General Manager; James M
Jerauld, Editor; Chester Friedman, Editor Showmandiser
Section; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representative
Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-5372. Cable
address: BOXOFFICE, New York."
Central Oliices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
A, 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Section.
Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Offices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28. Calil. Ivan Spear, Manager. Telephone GLad-
Etone 1186.
Washington Offices: 302-303 International Bldg., 13!S
F St., N. W. Lee L. Garling, Manager. Telephone
NAtional 3482. Filmrow; 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara
London Offices: 136 Wordour St.. John Sullivan, Manager.
Telephone Gerrard 3934-5-6.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1. Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; Morris Schlozman, Business Manager.
Telephone CHestnut 7777-78.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in as section November a of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section oi BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY—21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BIRMINGHAM—The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON—Frances W. Harding, 20 Piedmont St., Lib,
9314. Home: Com. 4700.
BUFFALO— 157 Audubon Drive, Snyder, Jim Schroder.
CHARLOTTE—216 W. 4th, Paulme Grillith.
CHICAGO—332 S. Michigan, Jonas Perlberg, WA-4575.
CINCINNATI— 1634 Central Parkway, Lillian Seltzer.
CLEVELAND—Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS—4525 Holland, V. W. Crisp, 18-9780.
'
DENVER— 1645 Lalayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES— Register & Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT— 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
HARTFORD— 109 Westborne, Allen Widem.
HARRISBURG, JA.—The Telegraph, Lois Fegan.
INDIANAPOLIS—Rt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
MIAMI—66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Harwood.
2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow. '
MEMPHIS—707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5452.
MILWAUKEE—529 N. 13th, J. R. Gahagan, MA-0297.
MINNEAPOLIS—29 Washington. Ave. So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN—42 Church St., Gertrude Lander.
NEWARK, N. J.—207 Sumner, Sara Carleton.
NEW ORLEANS—218 So. Uberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 5812.
OKLAHOMA CITY— 125 NW 15th St., Polly Trindle.
OMAHA—Omahg World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA—4901 Spruce St., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH—86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith.
PORTLAND, ORE.—David C. Kahn, 823 S. E. Ash St.
RICHMOND—Grand Theatre, Sam PuUiam.
ST. LOUIS—5149 Rosa, David Barrett, FL-3727.
SALT LAKE CITY—Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO—333 Blum St., L. J. B. Ketner.
SAN FRANCISCO—25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdway 3-4612.
SEATTLE—928 N. 84th St., WiUard Elsey.
TOLEDO-^330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY—The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL-^330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Carmichael.
Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN— 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO—242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER-^ 11 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA—938 Island Highway, Alec Merrimon.
WINNIPEG—The Tribune, Ben Lepkin.
Member Aodit Bureau of Circulations
Entcrad as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
OXOFFICE
TEAMWORK WILL TRIUMPH!
by many hands pulling together, there is this statement:
"Teamwork will triumph. To quote an old proverb, 'Whe
was ever honey made with one bee in the hive?' Objectivt
in this world and in this business can be attained only 1:
cooperation—teamwork. The principle, the practice, of pullir
together can assure victory to you in this and future cat
paigns."
Occupying half the large front page of the Fox West Coa
Theatres house organ, this message is used to inspire mai
agers and executives in that circuit's current business driv
as well as for others to come. We pick it up and carry it
our readers, hoping that it will inspire them also—to get t
gether and work together for the common good. We mec
exhibitor, producer and distributor.
It's an old story with us—this trying to talk some sem
into the heads of the disruptive elements within this busine?
who are self-seeking. But it's ever new, so long as there is tl
need, which seems to be as great, if not greater, today wh«
not only the various branches of this business, but the se'
ments of each as well, keep pulling further and further apa:
For the past year or more the industry has been on a sc
of reconversion program, getting back to the normal from tl
stratospheric heights it reached during the war years. Tl
transition called for understanding cooperation all up at
down the line. But instead there seemed to be an excessi^
amount of recrimination and distrust. There is no one pa
ticular element more to blame than the others. All have bet
at fault. Each has tried to go it alone; as though nothing mc
tered but his group's or company's interests. When, as a mo
ter of fact and truth, all are intervowen into the pattern thi
goes to make up this business. No branch can independent
stand off the others, for all are interdependent.
The distrust has some basis, because of the evidei
that come to the surface that seem to justify it. But the
dustry itself is bigger than the individual cases that throw >w.l'
bad light on it, from time to time.
It seems such a simple thing to realize that picture-makd
picture-distributor and picture-exhibitor are all in one boat
gether. That they cannot be separated. That each needs tl
other. Yet the way they carry on, the way each disregan
the other's problems—the way they all disregard even the
Sectional Edition, $2.00 per year; National Edition. J7.50
Vol. 52
MARCH
No. 18
1948

J
I
fl.
S,
''
'
^^
, against
' Paraphrasing
'C^ndiistti
common problems—has caused a complicated, unwieldy obstruction
to the industry's over-all progress.
Not only in the readjustment which economic conditions
call for, but even when things are going along on an even
keel, is it necessary lor the various branches of this industry
* to understandingly work together. There is no set rule as to
how this might be accomplished, unless it be the rule of
"give-and-take"—with the addition
, of some self-restraint
that credo of seeking "all that the traffic will bear and
f;ilet the devil take the hindmost."
y
It's about time that maker, buyer and seller of pictures
'realize that together they are the motion picture industry; that
together they serve the public—and one another; that the
success of each is tied up in the success of all. That they can
;o I
uc
move faster and go farther when all are going in the same
i,P direction.
,1:
* *
2 Prayer Praises Pictures
There is inspiration in the prayer delivered by the Rev.
F. F. Moore at the opening of a theatre at Waverly, Tenn. It
'*" points up the many fine things for which the motion picture
'"
stands and its accomplishments in the pubHc interest. The
'text in full, published on page 19 of this issue, is recommended
V
I
reading for all in this business. And there is a suggestion that
it might be adapted, quite helpfully, in the work of building
better pubhc relations.
"Yes, Everybody But
^
Schnozzle Durante's famous line, "Every-
^'
body IS in the act," when it comes to using films as patron-
* ^ '
lures. For instance: In New Jersey a chain of grocery stores
is putting on 16mm film shows for children so their parents
'" may shop in the meanwhile. Around the country bars and
'"
grills also are operating 16mm units as business-getters. And
° " ' traveling units long have used film shows as tieins with mer-
* chants of every description.
'"
Strange how alluring the film is in these instances, while
theatres showing the far superior regular film product seem
to be feeling the need for something else as "bait."
Everybody seems to be merchandising films—everybody,
that is, except the film merchants themselves.
V^Cvw /O'hJyt^r/UU^
'Pc(UcSc

HOPES HIGH, THEN BOG DOWN
IN BRITISH TAX CONVERSATIONS
U.S. Is Insistent Upon
Getting a Substantial
Return of Receipts
LONDON—Negotiations for a settlement of
the Anglo-American film impasse brought on
by the 75 per cent import tax got under way
here last Monday with a flourish and then
began to show signs of bogging down by
Thursday.
At that point, the Americans were still insisting
they were not going to pay the tax,
that they had to have a substantial percentage
of their receipts for transfer to this country,
and that whatever funds were to be
blocked in England would be eligible for investment
there or for purchase of exportable
goods.
BRITISH FOR SOME COMPROMISE
British exhibitors and leading distributors
were for some form of compromise to prevent
theatres from going into bankruptcy when
they run out of film, but there were rumors
of a division of sentiment in government
circles, with Sir Stafford Cripps insisting on
no compromise.
With the first session was a top level conference
at the Board of Trade with Eric Johnston,
MPAA head: Allen Dulles, MPAA counsel;
Lewis O. Douglas, American ambassador;
Joyce O'Hara, executive assistant to Johnston;
F. W. Allport of the MPAA, and James
A. Mulvey, president of Samuel Goldwyn
Productions, sitting on the U.S. side of the
table and Ernest Bevin. British foreign mininster:
Sir Stafford Cripps, chancellor of the
exchequer, and Harold Wilson, president of
the Board of Trade, representing the British
government.
Mulvey was present as a representative of
the Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers.
The following day the negotiations were
taken over by committees, with Johnston,
Dulles and Mulvey and Allport doing most
of the talking for the Americans and Wilson
sitting in for the British.
LUNCH WITH U.S. OFFICIALS
Johnston took time out to meet the heads
of American companies in
Great Britain and
to have lunch with J. Arthur Rank, Nate J.
Blumberg, Joseph H. Seidelman, J. Cheever
Cowdin and Charles Prutzman of Universal-
International, who were here for discussion
of a new distribution deal with Rank.
Johnston and other members of his party
and Ambassador Douglas let it be known that
they had Friday reservations for a quick trip
back to the United States. This may have
been to create the impression they expected
a quick end to the conferences.
On the British side, window dressing appeared,
apparently to convince the public the
government was getting tough.
Tom O'Brien, MP and general secretary of
the NATKE as well as a leader in the Labor
party, publicly congratulated Foreign Secretary
Bevin and asked him to "strain every
effort" to prevent a breakdown.
Almost immediately, an unnamed spokesman,
presumably Sir Stafford Cripps, stated
Rank's 40 Features for '48
Reach Production Top
NEW YORK—Most British studios, with
the exception of those controlled by American
companies, are working at capacity, and it
is doubtful if the industry can increase production
over the 1948 level, according to
George Archibald, managing director of Independent
Producers, Ltd., Rank production
unit.
The Rank units will turn out 40 features
this year, an increase of 12 over 1947, Archibald
said. He doesn't believe this can be
stepped up any more unless more studio
space is available. Towar-d this end, Ai-chibald
sees little chance that the British government
will gi-ant construction permits to
the industry within the next few years.
Archibald arrived from England Wednesday
(3). He plans to visit U-I and Eagle
Lion exchanges and study reaction to Rank
product. He will map releasing plans on new
British, films with executives of both companies.
He will return to England on the
27th.
Archibald said the present budget of $36,-
000,000-$40,000,000 plarmed for Rank films
during 1948 is two and one-haJf times larger
than the 1946 production budget. He denied
reports that Rank was hmiting film budgets.
We do not intend to cut the quality of films,
he stated.
Archibald contends the British industi'y
cannot survive without making a number
of big productions. He also feels the British
industry cannot succeed in the American
market, if films are slanted toward American
audiences. "When tliis is done, the film seems
always to strike a false note," he declared.
Concerning a speedup in shooting schedules,
Ai-ohibald said the Gainsborough and
Denham studios in England have managed
to cut shooting time. His own group, which
films at Pinewood, has not been as successful.
All Rank units axe attempting to cut
shooting time by rehearsing casts for longer
takes, however.
emphatically that the government could not
drop the tax. This was followed by gene^pl
acceptance of a story that Bevin and Cripps,
the latter, the great exponent of austerity, had
split on the issue, because it had reached
the stage where international relations were
involved.
Mono French Deal in Work
PARIS—William Satori, Monogram continental
European representative, has arrived
here to arrange a new releasing deal
with the company distributor in France,
Interfrance Films, S.A.R.L. Before arriving
in Paris, Satori visited Brussels and Copenhagen
to set up Monogram 16mm release.
Korda Gets $1,500,000
Advance From 20th-Fox
London— Sir Alexander Korda has rereceived
an advance payment of $1,500,000
from 20th Century-Fox for the first three
pictures to be released by the American
company under their recent distribution
deal. This represents the largest lump
sum payment in dollars to be received by
a British film company.
The pictures covered by the payment
are "An Ideal Husband," "Anna Karenina"
and "Mine Own Executioner."
"Husband" is being released in the U.S.
this month by 20th-Fox. The other two
films are scheduled for release during
1948.
At present Archibald's Independent Producers,
Ltd., has three fUms in cutting
"Oliver Twist," "The Red Shoes" in Technicolor
and "Esther Waters." Three others axe
filming. These are: "Dulcimer Street," "The
Blue Lagoon" in Technicolor and a film based
on the H. G. Wells novel, "The Passionate
Friends."
These six will be released this year.
Also on the schedule at Pinewood are:
"Once a Jolly Swagman," "All Over the
Town" and "Fair Stood the Wind for Prance."
Archibald said that British producers find
they can recoup about 60 per cent of the
negative cost on big budget fUms on the domestic
market.
Concerning the U.S. ban on film sihipments,
he believes British theatres can continue
operating for six months with reissues if
there is no tax settlement.
Archibald intends to visit the Cleveland,
Buffalo, Albany, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia
and Washington exchange teiTitories before
returning to England.
U.S.-Sponsored Films Get
An Okay for Foreign Use
WASHINGTON—The House approved an
amendment Thursday paving the way for
distribution in foreign theatres of films
sponsored by the United States information
services. Tlie amendment, offered by Rep.
Karl Stefan (R. Neb.i was adopted unanimously
by the House which considered an
appropriation for the information program.
Stefan said the distribution of films abroad
had been limited to small clubs. The amendment
offers "far-reaching" distribution scope
for films. The theatres could be paid to
show U.S. films under the program, he said.
BOXOFHCE : : March 6, 1948

COURT SEES VTTER DISREGARD'
FOR TERMS OF CHICAGO DECREE
'Do It the Way I Advise/
Judge Igoe Suggests in
Interpreting Orders
By JONAS PERLBERG
Chicago Bureau. Boxoffice
CHICAGO — Judge Michael L. Igoe of
federal district court, who is liearing the
petition of Jackson Park Theatre owners to
cite defendants in the Chicago antitrust
suit for alleged violation of the decree he
handed down gave every indication this
week that he is considerably irked by the
actions of the defendants.
In an outburst during the hearing on
Tuesday, he declared that the proceedings
so far "clearly indicated an absolute disregard"
for provisions of the decree.
"The difficulty with the whole proceeding,"
he said, "is that you gentlemen did not go
any place to find out what the decree meant.
You just went ahead and advised your clients
what you thought it meant. Now you are
trying to justify what you thought it meant."
FOLLOWS ATTORNEY'S STATEMENT
Judge Igoe's outburst came after Ed Johnston,
counsel for Paramount, informed the
coui-t that he had advised his clients regarding
the meaning of the decree in reference
to the roadshowing of "Unconquered."
When the attorney pointed out that defendants
could have brought in a petition
for interpretation of the decree, the judge
declared that "is exactly what they are doing
now, after all the trouble has been
brought down on your heads."
"You go ahead and do it the way I advise
you to," 'he said. "The decree is pretty plain.
A lot of this evidence clearly indicates an
utter disregard of the decree and everything
it stands for."
Johnston denied that his clients had been
advised to proceed with intention of violating
the decree.
Judge Igoe's startling comments, however,
were interpreted by some as an ominous
warning on how he intends to rule on the
petition for the citations.
On the stand during the week's hearings
was Jack Donahue, Paramount's central division
manager, who defended clearances on
"Where There's Life," "Road to Rio" and
"Golden Earrings" as essential to prevent
chaos in bookings in some 15,000 theatres in
the coimtry.
FILM TO NET 8-9 MILLION
In accounting for the roadshow status of
"Unconquered." he disclosed that Paramount
will garner between eight and nine million
dollars on the picture. He said that the original
production cost was $4,500,000, and that
the print cost was $800,000 and advertising
upwards of $900,000.
Donahue said that although there were no
fixed admission prices in Paramount's contract
for the picture, the company "suggested"
advanced admission prices, averaging $1.20 on
Final
Judge Still
Arguments Find
Caustic
CHICAGO—Summation of arguments
in the Jackson Park contempt case began
Thursday.
Thomas McConnell, counsel for the
Jackson Park Theatre, lashed out at the
defendants, contending that they had
not at any time tried to comply with
the provisions of the decree. He reviewed
the charges against Paramount,
Balaban & Katz, 20th Century-Fox,
Loew's, Warners and RKO and declared
that by their action it is shown that
"we are dealing with national, not local
conspiracy."
He softened, however, when he said
that RKO had tried to comply with the
decree, and that the only complaint was
that the company imposed clearance
on the picture "Tycoon."
Ed Johnston. Paramount and B&K
counsel, denied chai-ges made against
his clients as to double featuring, clearances,
advanced admission prices and
the withdrawal of the picture "Unconquered"
from the Chicago area. He read
into the record various opinions in an
attempt to show that the contempt
charges could only be civil in that no
agent of the government was involved
that would make it criminal.
Judge Michael Igoe interjected: "Apparently
your position is that if conspiracy
is broken up, that element of evil
can be continued individually, wliich
was quite apparent from the final evidence."
The judge also asked what provision
of the decree did not apply to
"Unconquered" and Johnston replied
that the section on waiting time did not.
Otto Koegel, counsel for 20th-Fox,
speaking in behalf of that company, said
that if there was a violation of the decree
it was nonintentional and that any
acts, if the court construed them as
wrongful, would be corrected immediately.
He said that if the 20th-Fox
zoning plan for bidding on films was declared
unlawful, it would be dropped immediately.
a roadshow basis. The film is being released
nationally for general run April 9.
John Balaban. secretary-treasurer of the
B&K circuit, testified that it was the decree
which forced the company to cut short the
run of "Unconquered" at the United Artists
Theatre. The picture was pulled on December
2. Judge Igoe's decree went into effect on
November 19.
Balaban said he had been too busy with
Near East relief and his television station to
notice whether he was in contempt of court
on the "Unconquered" booking. He knew
that the United Arti.sts Theatre was charging
$1.20 for tlie picture, but explained that
the theatre had to pay Paramount 60 per
cent rental which necessitated
price.
the Increased
He told the court that he did not realize
B&K had booked "Where There's Life" with
provision for a 21-day clearance period between
the end of the Loop run and release
to outlying theatres. The picture ended its
run at the Chicago Theatre December 4 and
did not become available to neighborhoods
until December 25. Balaban said the first he
knew of the forbidden 21-day clearance provision
in the contract was when the Jackson
Park contempt petition was filed in January.
COSTON TAKES THE STAND
Another witness during the hearing was
James Coston, Warner Bros. Theatres zone
manager, who took the stand to deny any
allegation that he had threatened Eagle Lion
that if the Jackson Park Theatre played EL's
"Lost Honeymoon" it would not have been
booked into WB houses. He said that the
reason the picture was pulled from the Avalon
Theatre was to clear for other product.
The film has since played Warner theatres.
He also denied that the company had participated
in any clearance or zoning agreements
with distributors. He said there was no
agreement on admissions with Balaban &
Katz theatres.
Sam Gorelick, RKO district manager, was
on the stand to tell of the system of zones
worked out for the selling of films.
Cooper, Paramount Settle
Ownership of Theatres
NEW YORK—Paramount has ended its
long drawn-out controversies with the Cooper
Foundation through a cash payment by the
Cooper group, the amount of which has not
been disclosed. Under the terms of the agreement
Paramount drops its claims for one-half
interest in the Stewart and Nebraska theatres
in Lincoln, Neb., in the Ute Trail and
Tompkins theatres, Colorado Springs; in the
Main and Uptown theatres, Pueblo: in the
Sterling and Park theatres, Greeley, and in
the Cooper and Joy theatres. Grand Junction.
Also Paramount has sold to the Cooper
Foundation its one-half interest in the corporation
operating the Lincoln Theatre,
Lincoln, Neb., and six theatres in Oklahoma
City.
MPF Trustees Meeting
Is Postponed to April
NEW YORK—The scheduled meeting of
the board of trustees of the Motion Picture
Foundation has been postponed from March
16-18 to April. A definite date will be set
shortly. The postponement was made public
by E. V. Richards jr.. president of the
Foundation.
Richards said the session had been postponed
because the board of directors of TOA
is meeting on the coast March 9, 10.
BOXOFFICE : : March 6, 1948

; March
UP;
YEAR'S TOTAL PRODUCT IS
COLOR. REISSUES IN A BOOST
Estimate Increase of 16
Releases for 1947-48
Over Last Season
By DORIS SULTAN
NEW YORK—Color films and reissues
from 11 major distributors for tlie first six
months of the current season show a sharp
rise over the first half of 1946-47. Releases
in Technicolor. Cinecolor and Republic's
new Trucolor hiked the color film lineup
by seven for the six-month period. Reissues
increased eight over the first half
of last season.
Westerns, including the Gene Autry and
Roy Rogers starrers, dropped from a total
of 32 in the first half of 1946-47 to 19 for
the six months just ended. This is a decrease
of 13. British films remained at
four.
197 FEATURES IN RELEASE
The 11 companies rolled up a total of 197
feature releases during the first half of the
current season, an mcrease of 18 over the
product lineup during the first six months
of 1946-47. Releases last season added up to
384, with distributors stepping up output
during the latter half of 1946-47 to 205.
If the companies maintain current schedules,
releases for this season will give exhibitors
approximately 400 features through
August of this year. This is an increase of
about 16.
Four distributors contributed to the increase
in releases during the first half of
the current season. EL jumped its releases
over PRC output during the six months from
16 to 26: Monogram had three additional
features; U-I hiked the total from eight during
the first half of last season to 14; Warners
jumped from 13 to 16.
A comparison of the color releases during
the six months shows five companies with
increases in color product. Coliunbia had
three, compared to one the first half of last
season: EL had two. compared to none from
PRC; RKO had five, compared to two; U-I
had two, with none the first half of last
season; MGM had one more Technicolor release.
ADD REISSUES TO LIST
Three companies that did not relelase any
reissues during the first half of last season
did offer reissues during the six months
just ended. EL had two, RKO had three,
and 20th-Fox had six. Monogram and Warners
had two and four, respectively, representing
increases.
The company showing the biggest drop in
western releases in the first half of the
1947-48 season is Republic, with four, compared
to 11 westerns, including the Roy
Rogers starrers, released during the first half
of 1946-47. Columbia westerns dropped from
seven to four. UA had none during the six
months just ended, compared to two the
half of last season.
first
Several distributors began stepping up
release schedules early in 1948. Twentieth-
Fox UA, and Universal-International began
Dramas, Melodramas
Top New Lineup
New York—Dramas, melodramas and
comedies, in that order, will dominate
the second half of the 1947-48 release
season, according to incomplete schedules
from 10 companies. To date 65 dramas,
23 melodramas and 18 comedies have
been scheduled for the last six months
of the current release season. Outdoor
spectacles and musicals follow with 14
a.nd 11, respectively.
Here is a breakdown of pictures by
types on the basis of available release
information:
Columbia—8 dramas, 3 westerns, 1
comedy, 2 musicals.
Eagle Lion—13 dramas. 1 western, 3
comedies, 1 musical, 8 melodramas, 6
outdoor spectacles, 2 films with historical
themes.
MGM—5 dramas, 1 comedy, 1 musical.
Monogram— (From Allied Artists) 1
drama, 1 western, 1 musical, 1 melodrama,
1 outdoor spectacle.
Paramount— 1 drama, 2 comedies, 1
musical, 6 melodramas, 2 outdoor spectacles.
20th-Fox—10 dramas. 2 comedies, 1
musical, 2 melodramas, 1 outdoor spectacle,
2 documentary dramas.
UA—5 dramas, several westerns, 4
comedies, 1 outdoor spectacle.
U-I—8 dramas, 1 western, 2 comedies,
3 musicals, 4 melodramas.
Warners—10 dramas, 2 comedies, 1
musical, 1 outdoor spectacle.
planning releases on the basis of the calendar
year. Twentieth-Fox started off the
1948 calendar year by releasing seven big
budget pictures in January and February.
Early in January UA set nine features for
1948. U-I promised at least 24 features during
the calendar year.
Here are the release schedules for the second
half of 1947-48 season by company. Some
distributors have not set definite release
plans through spring:
Columbia originally set a minimum of
27 for the season. Twenty-eight were released
thi-ough February. At least 13 more
will be released between March and August.
Scheduled are "The Return of the Whists-,"
"Adventure in Silverado," "West of Sonora,"
"The Sign of the Ram," "The Lady From
Shanghai," "The Black An'ow," "The Mating
of Millie," "Let's Fall in Love," "The
Return of October," "Tlie Gallant Blade,"
"The Man From Colorado," "The Puller
Brush Man" and two Gene Autry productions.
Eagle Lion originally planned 27 releases
during all of 1947-48 seasons, twenty-six
were released through February. At this
rate EL will double its schedule. Thirtyfour
more features and four westerns are
currently in release or to be released soon.
Included are "Northwest Stampede," "The
Noose Hangs High," "Ruthless," "Raw Deal,"
"Mickey," "Man From Texas," "The Spiritualist,"
"Hollow Triumph," "Let's Live a
Little," "The Blank Wall," "The Bastille,"
"Lady Pirate." "Tulsa," "The October
Man," "Gas House Kids in Hollywood," "The
Enchanted 'Valley," "Close-Up," "Assigned
to Danger," "Kenny," "Sons of the Musketeers,"
"Career in Manhattan." "Montana,"
"Prince 'Valiant," "Beggar's Choice," "Draw
Sabres," "Pride of New York," "New Girl
in Town," "The Cobra Strikes," "The Hypo
Murder Case," "Rampage," "Jungle Girl,"
"Catch Me Before I Kill," "Matteawan,"
plus four Eddie Dean westerns.
MGM plans about 33 for the season.
Through February 16 were released. Set
from March through April are "Three Daring
Daughters," "Alias a Gentleman," "B.
F.'s Daughter," "The Bride Goes Wild." Also
planned for the current season are "State of
the Union," "The Search" and "Piccadilly
Incident."
55 FILMS FOR MONOGRAM
Monogram planned 55 for the season, including
seven from Allied Artists. Through
February 23 features were released. Those
due from Allied Artists include "Song of My
Heart," "Pan Handle," "The Hunted," "Smart
Woman," "Tenderfoot."
Paramount may deliver about 24 by the
end of the season. Eleven were released
through February. Twelve more released
have been set from March through early
July. In this group is "Caged Fury," "Saigon,"
"Unconquered," "Mr. Reckless," "The
Big Clock," "The 'Sainted' Sisters," "Speed
to Spare," "Hazard," "Shaggy," "Hatter's
Castle," "Waterfront at Midnight," "The
Emperor Waltz."
RKO promised a minimum of 36 films for
1947-48. Through February 17 were dehvered.
The schedule for the second half of
the season includes 13 additional films.
These are: "Western Heritage," "I Remember
Mama," "Mystery in Mexico," "Arizona
Ranger," "Tarzan and the Mermaids,"
"Miracle of the Bells," "Fort Apache," "Berlin
Express," "Fighting Father Dunn," "Your
Red Wagon," "Melody Time," "The Return
of the Bad Men." "The Velvet Touch."
Republic announced 47 features. For the
first half of 1947-48 were delivered.
SCHEDULE FOR 20TH-FOX
Twentieth-Fox set 48 for the 1948 calendar
year. Twenty-one were delivered from September
through February. Tentatively set
for March through August are 18 additional
releases: "Gentleman's Agreement," "Tlie
Challenge," "Half Past Midnight," "Let's
Live Again," "Gay Duelist." "Sitting Pretty,"
"Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" "Anna Karenina,"
"13 Lead Soldiers." "Fury at
Furnace Creek," "The Iron Curtain," "Green
Grass of Wyoming," "Escape," "Deep Waters,"
"Street With No Name," "Bonnie Prince
Charlie," "For Fear of Little Men," "Give
My Regards to Broadway."
United Artists is expected to deliver more
(Continued on page 11
10 BOXOFFICE
:
6. 1948

: March
UA Will Release Six The Television Front:
Filmed in England
NEW YORK—The United Artists
board of
directors has approved a deal to release six
pictures to be produced in England by Artists
Alliance, Mary Pickford-Lester Cowan
producing unit. These films are "entirely
apart" from another plan for production in
Britain recently approved by the board, according
to Arthur W. Kelly, executive vicepresident
of UA.
This plan was brought back from England
by Kelly early this year. It calls for production
of five pictures yearly in England for
seven years at a cost of $1,000,000 each with
British backing. Kelly said there have been
no further developments on this producing
arrangement. No pictures have been set to
date.
The Pickford-Cowan films will have all-
American casts. The first will feature the
Marx Brothers,
Four other deals were approved by the directors:
UA will put up $150,000 for a 25 per
cent interest in "Innocent Affair," starring
Madeleine Carroll and Fred MacMui-ray: UA
will release "A Man Scans His Past," to be
produced for Elie Rothschild by Leopold
Schlossberg in Canada : UA will release "Little
Shepherd of Kingdom Come," Technicolor
production from Dink Templeton; UA will
release "Confessions of a Communist," to be
produced by A. Edward Sutherland.
Product
Lineup
(Continued from page 10)
than 22 this season. Eleven were
through February. At least eleven more will
be released in the second half of the season.
In the group are: "Man of Evil," "Lafftime,"
"Arch of Triumph," "Atlantis," "They
Passed This Way," "So This Is New York,"
"Texas, Brooklyn and Heaven," "The Pitfall,"
"Mad Wednesday," "Outpost in Morocco,"
plus several Hopalong Cassidy westerns.
Universal-International for the entire release
season running through August, about
32 films will be delivered. For the first half
14 were released. Eighteen more are set
from March through August. In the group
are: "Black Bart." "The Naked City,"
"Double Life," "Casbah," "Jassy," "All My
Sons," "Ai-e You With It," "Another Part
of the Forest," "Letter from an Unknown
Woman," "River Lady," "White Unicorn,"
"Brain of Frankenstein," "Up in Central
Park," "Man Eaters of Kumaon." "Race,"
"Ma and Pa."
Warners probably will deliver 30 during the
current release season: Sixteen were released
during the first six months. Fourteen more
are scheduled for the second half. Included
are "I Became a Criminal," "Robin Hood,"
"April Showers," "To the Victor," "Winter
Meeting," "Valley of the Giants," "The
Fighting 69th," "Woman in White," "Silver
River," "Wallflower," "Romance on the High
Seas," "God's Counti-y and the Woman,"
"Key Largo," "Life With Father."
SG Adds Two Reissues
HOLLYWOOD—Screen Guild has added
two reissues, "Forbidden Music" and "Flirting
With Pate," to its 1948 release program.
"Music" stars Jimmy Durante and "Fate"
is a Joe E. Brown comedy.
BOXOFHCE :
Theatre and Radio Spar
OnWho Pays for What?'
NEW YORK—The television and film industries
are sparring like a couple of lightweights
trying to find out the weak points.
Blows are light and fast with plenty of footwork,
but nothing that looks like a good solid
sock as yet.
That sock may come in the next few weeks.
NBC and CBS have been warning all and
sundry on then- television screens that no
admission can be charged for seeing the programs.
There is nothing new about this;
they b^an warning several years ago when
the Scophony apparatus was demonstrated in
the New Yorker Theatre. Then it was merely
an academic legal move. Lawyers sent
letters to Scophony and the theatre management
warning that the television broadcasters
had property rights in their programs
and they would protect them in court.
They may have them, but the courts have
not decided the problem.
WATCHFUL ATTITUDE TAKEN
Developments have reached the point where
something may happen soon, but who will
take the first crack on the chin and pay the
bill?
Exhibitors on both coasts w

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: March
Clearance Setup in Dallas
Hit in $1200.000 Suit
DALLAS—R. J. O'Donnell, general manager
of Interstate Theatres, Inc., denied
categorically that his company had ever entered
into agreement with any film distributor
for the fixing of admission prices when he
appeared as a witness in the $1,200,000 antitrust
suit brought by B. R. McLendon against
Interstate, Robb & Rowley and a large number
of major distributors. O'Donnell also
denied that his circuit made special agreements
with McLendon over the availability
of films for the latter's Casa Linda and
Beverly Hills theatres in Dallas.
ON SAME BASIS AS OTHERS
McLendon's theatres received films on the
same basis that other operators received them.
O'Donnell testified. The availability is based
upon several factors, however, and the price
charged is one of them,
O'Donnell's denial came after a vigorous
direct examination by McLendon's attorney,
Dick Holt, who introduced a flood of contracts
and agreements tending to show that both
McLendon and the public suffered under
the alleged monopolistic setup of distributing
films in Dallas.
J. B. Underwood, southwest division manager
for Columbia Pictures, Inc., conceded
that the admission price was one factor in
the film rentals set by his company, but he
denied that Columbia forced any operator to
charge a certain price. The amount of the
admission, he testified, was also one of the
factors in arriving at the availability of films.
The higher admission price in downtown first
run theatres was protected, he said.
"The purpose of the whole thing, then, is
to get more people to come to the downtown
theatres where you will get more from the
showing of your films?" Underwood was
asked by counsel for McLendon.
"That's not our program, but that's the
way it works out," he answered.
OFFER NUMEROUS DOCUMENTS
Interstate offered in evidence nimierous
contracts between Columbia and exhibitors
tending to show that the operators were not
obligated to show more than a limited number
of pictures What had been given first
run in the downtown theatres.
McLendon is seeking treble damages for
a $400,000 loss incurred in the disposition of
his Beverly Hills Theatre, which, he alleges,
was forced to accept 45-day clearance on
films after they were shown in downtown
and some other neighborhood theatres.
Dick Holt, counsel for McLendon, in a preliminary
argument to Judge Atwell, said the
alleged monopoly forced the public to attend
the higher-priced downtown theatres or wait
until the films were available to the neighborhood
theatres, including that operated by
McLendon,
The plaintiffs announced they would present
proof of discrimination in the clearance
of the films.
Delay 'Victor' Screenings
NEW YORK—The national trade showing
of Warners' "To the 'Victor," co-.staiTing Dennis
Morgan and 'Viveca Lindfors, has been
changed from March 15 to March 29. The
national release date will be April 10.
Sorrell Denies Charge
He Is a Communist
WASHINGTON—Herbert K. Sorrell,
head of the Conference of Studio Unions,
characterized an alleged membership
card in the Communist party said to
have been issued to him under the name
"Herbert Stewart" as a "fake" at the
He
house hearing on studio labor strife.
signed his name to prove the signatui-es
differed.
Meanwhile as Sorrell vented bitterness
against rival studio labor leaders,
Chairman Carroll D. Keams of the
house labor and education subcommittee
said he would ask Westbrook Pegler,
tell columnist, to what he knows about
Hollywood labor troubles.
In his testimony, the CSU chief said
that Disney helped make "Communists"
by paying too Uttle. SorreU helped lead
the strike against the Disney studios in
1941. He said that the AFL screen cartoonists
guild and the lATSE helped
scuttle the strike.
The committee remained unconvinced,
despite the flow of testimony from Matthew
Levy, counsel for the lATSE, and
Roy Brewer, lATSE representative in
Hollywood, that Communism was a basic
problem in settlement of studio labor
troubles. Congressman Kearns pointed
out that the discussions always return
to the old AFL directive which was supposed
to solve the jurisdictional strife.
Quarrels over jurisdictional matters
within the AFL seemed to be the basic
problem, Congressman Thomas Owens
'Red River' Awarded to UA
By Arbitration Board
NEW YORK—Monterey Productions wiU
have to deliver "Red River" to United Artists
under the terms of an arbitration award
made by a three-man panel at the headquarters
of the American Arbitration Ass'n
March 3.
The decision of the three arbitrators was
unanimous. The panel consisted of William
Zimmerman, RKO sales executive, impartial
arbitrator; Abe Bienstock, representing UA,
and Charles Abramson, representing Monterey.
The arbitration proceedings grew oat
of dispute between UA and Monterey over
the delivei-y of the Howard Hawks production.
UA had claimed that Monterey was
refusing to fulfill its contract obligations in
failing to deliver the film. Monterey has
claimed that the picture has not been reaxly
for delivery.
Meanwhile depositions in the scheduled
counter suit filed by WUliam Cagney in California
against UA were taken Thursday (4i.
Oagney's counter-suit contests a suit filed by
UA in New York supreme coiu-t to force delivery
of "Time of Your Life." Cagney's
counter-suit will be tried March 15.
EL Seeks to Increase
Accounts Per Film
NEW YORK—Eagle Lion will work for a
minimum of 12,000 domestic accounts on
every American-made release and 10,000 on
every British-made release, according to William
J. Heineman, recently appointed vicepresident
in charge of distribution.
In the past the average number of accounts
on EL U.S. product has been about
8,500, and "much less" for British-made J.
Arthur Rank films, Heineman said.
The average number of accounts reported
by one of the five majors for its pictures is
about 12,000, but top musicals go as high as
14,000 or 15,000 accounts.
Eagle Lion branch managers and salesmen
are being instructed to "poll" exhibitors in
their territories as to what stories and stars
wUl draw the most customers. These "polls"
will be informal. The branch sales personnel
will question the exhibitors on futm-e productions
and possible casts being considered
by Eagle Lion. The salesmen will pass on
their information to the district managers
who will forward the reports to the home
office. There will then be consultations between
production and sales executives as to
future courses of
action.
Mochrie, Back From Coast,
Sees a Record RKO Year
NEW YORK — RKO anticipates
a record
sales year on the basis of its product lineup,
according to Robert Mochrie, vice-president
in charge of distribution. Mochrie made this
statement during the week after his return
from a studio visit. He said the spring and
summer release lineup offers more quality
pictures than the company has released to
date in a similar period.
"With such product, produced under the
supervision of Dore Schary, plus weU organized
selling effort, we expect to roll up
business on a greater scale than ever before,"
he declared.
Mochrie listed forthcoming pictures he reviewed
during his coast stay, including "Joan
of Arc," starring Ingrid Bergman; "Berlin
Express;" "The 'Velvet Touch," produced by
Independent Artists; "Melody Time," Walt
Disney production.
Mochrie said "I Remember Mama" will
open at the Radio City Music Hall March 11.
"The Miracle of the Bells" will open at the
Rivoli March 16.
Claim 66% Fan Magazine
Readers Are in 83 Cities
NEW YORK—Sixty-six per cent of the
readers of 12 screen fan magazines is concentrated
in 83 key cities, according to results
of a survey made by the Ass'n of Screen
Magazine Publishers. Inc., and released by
the Monroe Greenthal Advertising Co.
The 66 per cent figure indicates that 13,-
250,000 of a total of 20,000,000 readers is concentrated
in the areas where film companies
get most of their revenue.
The 12 magazines represented in the survey
are: Motion Picture, Movie Story, Modem
Screen, Stories, Screen Photoplay, Movie
Movie Stars' Pai'ade, Movieland, Screen
Life,
Guide, Screenland, Silver Screen and Movie
Show.
14
BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948

The Leading Figure In The Industry Leads The
Industry In Academy Award Nominations!
est Motion Picture of tlie Year
'GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT" -"MIRACLE ON 34th STREET"
Best performance by an Actor
Best performance by an Actress
Best performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Best performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Achievement in Directing
Best Written Screenplay
Best Original
Motion Picture Story
Best Achievement in Film Editing
Best Achievement in Black-and-White Art Direction
Best Scoring of a Musical Picture
Best Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture
Best Original Song
Best Cinematography, Black and White
Best Cinematography, Color

East and West Coasts Pay
Top Admission Scales
By NATHAN COHEN
A survey of motion picture theatre admissions
in key runs reveals that, on the
whole, patrons on the east and west coasts
pay more for their film entertainment
than those elsewhere in the country, and
that the lowest admissions are paid in
the midwest and south. The study was
made in 32 of the 92 cities with 100,000
population or more, and was undertaken
in cooperation with the corps of BOX-
OFTUCE field representatives.
Filmgoers in Seattle, Portland. San Francisco,
Boston. Miami and Philadelphia, for
example, pay more for their tickets than
those in Kansas City. Dallas, Atlanta, Fort
Wayne, Cincinnati and Tulsa. Prices range
from a first run low of 50 cents in Birmingham,
where the admissions scale has not
changed since 1934. to a high of $1.20 for loge
seats at the Lincoln Theatre in Miami
Beach. Average for the 32 cities is 68 cents.
Top admissions, as was expected, go to
theatres in cities with populations of a half
million or more with the scale falling—as a
general rule—as the population drops. There
is no general pattern on admission schedules
on a population basis, however. Unusually low
ticket costs turned up in several top bracket
cities and exceptionally high prices popped
up in the smaller cities group. The study included
eight cities with 500,000 population or
more, 13 cities with populations from 250,-
000 to 500,000, and 11 cities in the 100,000-
250.000 class.
In the eight top metropolitan centers
Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston,
Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit and Milwaukee
the survey shows that the average evening
admission price is 82 cents. Chicago gets
the top price, 98 cents, and the price is constant,
matinee and evening. Neighborhoods
playing day and date with Loop theatres get
the same price. Detroit's first runs charge
95 cents, and Philadelphia's key theatres get
94 cents but the Philadelphia price includes
one of the top tax highs in the country, a
10 per cent municipal tax in addition to- the
20 per cent federal levy.
Patrons in Buffalo get the ticket bargain
among the major cities. Top prices here are
40 cents matinees and 60 cents evenings,
weekdays, with the scale rising to the 50-70-
cent level on weekends and holidays. In
Baltimore, there's a 65-cent evening scale
and a 44-cent matinee at all downtown first
runs, although the Hippodrome (Rappaports)
Survey of 32 cities reveals
first run prices range from
50 cents to $1.20, witfi no
set pattern for determining
cost of theatre ticket.
gets 70 cents for a stage and screen program
and Warners hikes its customary 65-
cent ticket to 70 cents for weekends and
holidays.
When the scales for cities under a half
it million population are studied, becomes
apparent that exhibitors have yet to adopt
a uniformity of admission prices. In the
24 cities surveyed in this group, the prices
ranged from 50 cents to 85 cents, with the
average 65.5 cents. Wichita, Kas., gets 75
cents for first runs, but Kansas City, Mo.,
sets its key run scale at 65 cents. Miami
prices range from 85 cents to $1.20. but
Atlanta has an evening top of 60 cents.
In the Miami area, the Wometco circuit
has a scale of 74 cents daytime and $1 evenings
at the Lincoln Theatte, with the loge
at $1.20. At other first runs, however, Miami
residents attending the Wometco and Paramount
houses pay 70 cents for matinees and
85 cents evenings.
Of the 32 cities surveyed, theatres in approximately
one-third of them have a state

;
I
while
I
population
,
its
'
85
or local tax to pay in addition to the federal
admissions levy. In addition to the 10 peicent
lug in Philadelphia. Cleveland and Chicago
have a 3 per cent admissions tax; Qallas
exhibitors pay one cent for each 10 cents
over 50 cents; in Richmond it is 5 per cent
of all admissions over 20 cents; Baltimore
theatres pay a gross receipts tax of one-half
of one per cent; and the two Kansas Citys,
New Haven, Tulsa and Birmingham have a
2 per cent sales tax.
Children's prices vary considerably. Except
for Texas, where the price has been
standarized at 9 cents, day or night, the old
10-cent admission for children is no longer
the universal practice except in isolated
neighborhood situations. In Chicago, first
runs get 30 cents for matinees and 50 cents
for evenings. A 35-cent scale prevails in
Boston, Detroit and Baltimore. Cincinnati
runs get 30 cents, as does Newark where
first
the weekend and holiday scale boosts the
cost to youngsters to 35 cents.
MEET TEEN-AGE PROBLEM
In Fall River, Mass., the theatres have no
evening scale for children posted. The law
does not permit children in theatres at night,
unless accompanied by their parents. Then
they pay the regular adult admission cost.
The adult price for children also prevails on
Sundays and holidays—even at the neighborhoods.
This is probably as tough a
situation for children as there is in the
country—as there is close supervision by
authorities, in cooperation with exhibitors,
over juvenile theatre attendance. This is
particularly true in watching attendance
during school hours.
The survey also reveals that exhibitors in
some sections are making an effort to meet
the problem of the teen-ager, who, in a
number of instances, have protested having
to pay adult prices. In Wichita, a student
price of 50 cents prevails—a 25-cent discount
on the evening scale—and tickets are sold
through the schools. A teen-age scale is in
effect in Duluth, following a movement instituted
by the Minnesota Amusement Co. to
recognize the special needs of the 12 to 18-
year olds. The price is 35 cents, a 15-cent
cut under the adult scale. In Houston, neighborhoods,
in many instances, offer a teenage
price of 20 cents on Wednesdays and
Thursdays.
It is also revealed that some cities follow
the practice of offering balcony seats at
bargain rates. It is not too prevalent, but
the practice does show up. The Malco circuit
in Memphis sells its first-run balcony
seats for 50 cents, which is 10 cents below
scale. Neighborhoods in Birmingham have
a 25-cent balcony charge. RKO Proctor's
in Newark has this arrangement, with the
upper tiers selling at 15 cents under the
regular 85-cent rate, and Warners in Baltimore
makes its balcony seats available at
60 cents, 10 cents under the evening scale.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRICES VARY
As for prices charged by neighborhoods and
subsequent runs, no pattern of admissions
is evident in the study. They vary city by
city. Chicago neighborhoods get 72 cents
Cleveland, sixth largest city, with a
nearing the million mark, sells
neighborhood films at an average of 45
cents. Top neighborhood price reported was
cents, for a Sunday performance at the
newly remodeled Locust in PhUadelphia.
Do^^-n in San Antonio, a number of subsequents
are listing 17 cents as the evening
^ admission price. That's the low in 32 cities.
iefs Streamline Trailers,
Exhibitor Group Suggests
NEW YORK—Recommendations for improving
trailers as an advertising medium
have been sent to leading affiliated and independent
circuits and major distributors by
Leonard Goldenson, president of Paramount
Theatres Service Corp. The 15-point program
for trailers was worked out by an industry
trailer committee at a recent meeting
in New York.
The conunitte comprises officials of Paramount
affiliates, representing about 2,460
houses, and heads of several circuits in metropolitan
New York, representing about 350
houses.
Here are the recommendations:
1. Trailers should be shorter.
2. A special short trailer is needed for multiple
change houses.
3. Trailers should arouse immediate interest.
4. Trailers should minimize superlatives.
5. Trailers should minimize stereotyped material.
the
6. Music in trailers should set a mood.
7. Trailers should not reveal too much of
plot.
8. They should not use critics' comments.
9. They should omit company advertising
and not tie
in more than one picture.
10. Trailers should not publicize directors of
films.
11. Use of costumes should be avoided
wherever po.ssible.
12. Trailers for Briti.sh films should use an
American commentator.
13. Trailers on controversial films should
emphasize the entertainment, not the preachment.
14. The manager's endorsement of the film
should not be used too freely.
15. Trailers should be a custom buUt ticket
selling medium.
The committee working on the recommendations
included Edward H, Hyman, chairman;
Earl Hudson, United Detroit Theatres;
Charles Winchell, Minne.sota Amusement Co.;
Dick Kennedy, Wilby-Kincey; BUI Hollander,
Balaban & Katz; Leon Netter, Robert Weltman,
Paramount, plus representatives of the
Fabian, Rinzler, Century and Rugoff and
Becker circuits in New York,
Goldenson said the suggestions were compiled
because exhibitors feel trailer producers
"have gotten too far away from the theatre
boxoffice and have lost track of the basic
function of a trailer and the type of content
necessary."
New Ascap Rate Forms Being Printed,
Exhibitors to Get Them March 15
NEW YORK — Ascap application forms
containing the new licensing fee schedule
for a revised rate schedule, effective March
15. At a meeting held here March 1, the
members expressed their disappointment over
are now in the hands of the printers, and
are expected to be mailed to theatre owners the postponement of congressional hearings
before March 15. That is the date the new on the Lewis bill which would amend the
rates will
copyright law by making the producers, instead
go into effect.
Ascap officials do not think that any of
of the exhibitors, pay the public per-
forming rights fees of music on sound
the society's theatre customers will refuse
The hearing has been postponed from
to sign the new applications. In the event tracks.
the applications fail to reach the theatres March 1 to 22.
by March 15, contracts wiU be made retroactive
to that date.
Members of the New Jersey unit had hoped
from to receive guidance these hearings as
The new schedule, which was agreed upon what action they should take on the new
to
contracts. after long negotiations between representa-
Meanwhile the members voted
tives of the TOA and Ascap, covers a tenyear
period and provides for increases for
theatres over 500 seats only. These increases
range from 2'2 cents per seat for theatres up
to 799 seats, to increases up to 5 cents per
seat for theatres with more than 1,599 seats.
The TOA has advised its members to accept
the new agreement, and many regional
organizations and individual members have
already indicated that they will.
The executive board of Allied voted to
make a more thorough study of the new rates
dui'ing its recent session in WasJiington.
N. J. Allied in No Hurry
To Sign Ascap Pacts
NEW YORK—Members of the Allied Theatre
Owners of New Jersey are in no rush
to sign the new Ascap contracts providing
to back the proposal. The National Allied
board of directors had already come out in
favor of the
Three Quarterly Dividends
Are Declared by 20th-Fox
NEW YORK—Tire board of dii'ectors of
20th-Fox Film Corp. has declared a quarterly
dividend of 50 cents per share on outstanding
common stock of the corporation
and a dividend of 37'- cents per share on
outstanding convertible preferred stock. Both
dividends are payable March 31, 1948 to
stockholders of record March 10.
The board also declared a quarterly dividend
of $1.12 '2 a share on outstanding prior
preferred stock. This is payable March 15,
1948, to stockholders of record March 10.
BOXOFnCE :: March 6, 1948

: March
^Jften

. Named
: March
. . . Such
$61108,975 Suit Filed
By 'Unfriendly Ten'
HOLLYWOOD—Those writers, directors
and producers labeled as •imfriendly" witnesses
and indicted for Congressional contempt
when they refused to answer the socalled
"$64 question" before Rep. J. Parnell
Thomas and his house un-American activities
comimittee have finally decided to reply
—with a $61,108,975 damage suit.
The stratospheric action was filed in superior
court against virtually the entire industry
by Lester Cole, Ring Lardner jr., Dalton
Trumbo, Alvah Bessie, Samuel Ornitz.
Albert Maltz, John Howard Lawson, Edward
Dmytryk, Herbert Biberman and Adrian
Scott. The voluminous complaint makes three
major charges:
CHARGES ARE LISTED
1. The studios are guilty of "malicious interference"
with their individual employment
and with their right to maintain political
beliefs.
2. The studios violated sections of the California
state labor code which forbids an employer
to discriminate because of political
affiliations.
3. The studios entered into a "con.spiracy"
to "blacklist" the plaintiffs when the Motion
Pictui'e Ass'n of America and the Society of
Independent Motion Picture Producers adopted
a resolution last November barring from
employment anyone who refused to tell Congress
whether he is or ever has been a Communist
party member.
The action was filed by Attorneys Robert
W. Kenny, Ben Margolis, Bartley C. Crum
and Charles J. Katz, who appeared as counsel
for the "unfriendly ten" during the
Thomas corrunittee hearings.
Each of the plaintiffs demands about
$2,000,000 actual and $4,000,000 punitive damages,
basing the claims on individual earnings
and on whether the petitioners were
working with or without written contracts.
They also demand an injunction "perpetually
restraining and enjoining" the defendants
from "maintaining any blacklist or policy
of blacklisting or discriminating against
plaintiffs with respect to employment in the
motion picture industry."
DEFENDANTS NAMED
as defendants, in addition to the
MPAA and the SIMPP, were LoeWs, 20th
Centui-y-Fox. Paramount, Columbia, RKO
Radio, Warners, Republic, Samuel Goldwyn,
Hal Roach and Universal-International.
Individual defendants named were Eric
Johnston, Donald Nelson, Nicholas M.
Schenck, Louis B. Mayer, Spyros P. Skouras,
James K. McGuinness, E. J. Mannix, Joseph
M. Schenck, William C. Michel, Barney Balaban,
Y. Frank Freeman, Henry Ginsberg,
Harry and Jack Cohn, Ben B. Kahane, N.
Peter Rathvon, Dore Schary, Ned Depinet,
Leon Goldberg, Harry and Jack Warner,
Herbert J. Yates and Walter Wanger.
Attorney Margolis made it clear in a statement
to BOXOPFICE that the action is entirely
separate from civil suits previously
filed by Trumbo, Cole, Lardner, Dmytryk and
Scott against MGM, 20th Century-Fox and
RKO Radio, charging breach of contract because
of their discharge from studio positions.
Althoug-h the four scenarists labeled among
the industry's "unfriendly ten" will receive
BOXOFFICE :
Here's a Minister With Something
Good to Say of Films- In Prayer
Filmrow in Memphis is still talking
about the prayer which the
Rev. F. F. Moore, pastor of the
Methodist church at Waverly. Tenn.,
delivered at the recent opening of
the Mi-De-Ga Theatre there by Nathan
Flcxer. Leonard Shea, branch
manager. Eagle Lion, was so impressed
he is having covies of the
prayer printed tvhich he plans to
distribute throughout the United
States. The prayer folloivs:
"Our Father, We come to invoke Thy
blessings upon this gathering of citizens
who are here for the opening of this
splendid institution. We pray that Thou
wilt rest Thy blessings upon the owner
of this theatre. We give Thee thanks
for all of the tireless effort which has
been put forth to make possible such
an institution for the benefit of the
people of this area. Thy blessings be
upon his family. Bless the people of
our town and of our nation in these
days of restlessness and uncertainty.
"We thank Thee for the technological
advances which make possible entertai:mient
for the common man. Most
of us who are here are caught in the
monotony of a work-a-day world. Our
lives are filled with mundane things,
so that we need this medium of escape
from the hard, difficult places of life
to recreate ourselves. To some of us
this offers our only means of recreation.
"We thank Thee for the movie screen
no official help from the Screen Writers Guild
in their trials on charges of contempt of
Congress, the "blacklist" as applied to them
and other industi'y workers by the producers
on ideological and political grounds will be
fought to the limit.
That was the substance of a declaration
by Thurman Ai'nold, one-time trust-buster
who has been retained by the SWG to assist
the WTiters—Trumbo, Cole, Lardner jr. and
Scott—in their respective civil actions against
their former studio employers, who discharged
them following their indictments. Arnold
will represent the SWG in its appearance as
"amicus curiae" in those cases.
Arnold specified he will not appear in the
congressional contempt proceedings, but emphasized
that the alleged "blacklist," as
promulgated in a statement of industry policy
by Eric Jolmston, is "intolerable."
The program, he said, constitutes an "industry
court which determines the fitness
of every wi-iter to have his work produced.
a court cannot be tolerated in any
industry involving freedom of expression."
He charged the producers' action was "lai-gely
dominated by feai-" and reiterated that
the film makers individually have the right
to hire and fire "as they see fit," but that
when such action is taken as part of a unified
plan the situation becomes "intolerable."
Arnold was here for a weekend stay to confer
with President Sheridan Gibney of the
SWG. Gibney pointed out that Arnold's fees
which has made of us world travelers.
Most of us will never see the palms on
a Pacific island or know how people
live in the great metropolitan centers
of the world. We will never see what
life is like in China or in Poland. We
will never walk the streets of London
or rub shoulders with Fiji islanders.
But through travelogue, we are made
aware of the nature of our world and
our society. The hopes of a peaceful
world rest upon an understanding of
the people of our world and this is'
means to that understanding.
"We thank Thee for this medium of
teaching. That which we read may be
little understood, but not that which
we see. Many of us with limited education
have had opened to us vast vistas
of new information of which we had
never dreamed. Grant us wi.sdom to use
this mode of entertainment and education
wisely. May we have insight so as
to separate truth from farce. Enable us
to be wise enough to see that farce can
be used in such fashion as to teach
and to demonstrate the right.
"Give courage to the leaders of the
industry so that they may face squarely
the issues of life. Help them to know
their responsibility to society. Grant,
we pray Thee, to the motion picture industry
a serLse of its responsibility to
foster clean living, since it is such a
powerful instrument in the formation
of character. May it glorify the good
rather than the evil."
and other costs will be met through "voluntary"
contributions from high-salaried members
of the writers' organization. There will,
he said, be no membership assessment.
U-I and Stars Are Sued
Over Rights to Novel
HOLLYWOOD—Damages of $1,000,000 are
sought in a superior court action filed by
Charles K. Feldman Group Productions
against Joan Fontaine, Burt Lancaster. Universal-International
and others pertaining to
the film rights to the Gerald Butler novel.
"Kiss the Blood Off My Hands." Lancaster
and Miss Fontaine are to co-star in the film
version for U-I release. Feldman contends
the defendants conspii-ed to deprive him of
film rights to the book. He demands an injunction,
an accounting and a "quiet title."
Czech Reds Pull U.S. Film
PRAGUE—"This Land Is Mine," American
film dealing with underground resi.stance to
German occupation, has been withdrawn after
a one-day run at the Cinema Freedom
Theatre here. "Love Letters," starring Joseph
Cotten was substituted. In the U.S., Charles
Laughton, star of "Tliis Land," said the move
did not surprise him, since the film strongly
occupation "of any kind."
6, 1948 19

ANYTHING
mm YOUR Bi
^^^^^^si^i

THE MATTERl:>.
HNESS THAT A
COLUMBIA PICTURES
Susan
Peters
IHc Sfgi Of o«»w'
Tie Ram ^,x|
CO -starring
ALEXANDER PHYLLIS PEGGY ANN
KNOX • THAXTER • GARNER
RON DAME MAY ALLENE
RANOELL • WHITTY • ROBERTS
>?(P^^i^^^_
\
1^
Screenplay by Charles Bennett • Based upon the novel by Margaret Ferguson (^
cTiiDPcc . Dr,.H..rQH h» ipuiwf: ritMMlNn

. . Screen
. . "Night
. . Madeleine
. . Marie
: March
.
^Mfw^Md ^efoont
Seven New Story Properties
Purchased During Week
Writers and the agents who purvey thenbrain-children
to the studios had good reason
to be wearing broad smiles during the
period, wherein a healthy total of seven properties
were acquired by the film makers.
MGM went for "Act of Violence," an
original by Collier Young, purchasing it
from the company formerly headed by the
late Mark Hellinger. It will be produced
by William Wright from a script now being
prepared by Robert L. Richards . . . "September."
an original screenplay by Robert
Thoeren from an idea by Fritz Rotter, went
to Hal Wallis as an addition to his independent
schedule for Paramount release.
The story concerns a woman pianist who forsakes
love for a career . . . Radio writer
Aleen Leslie sold an original, "Turn of the
Century," to Columbia, where it will be produced
as a musical by Burt Kelly . . . Jerry
Gruskin's original comedy about a girl who
is rescued from a watery grave by an underseas
scientist, "The Octopus and Miss Smith,"
went to Warners, where it is being scripted
by Harry Kurnitz. He is also set to produce
rights were acquired by
Harry Sherman to a series of western stories
by W. C. Tuttle, featuring two cowpoke
characters. "Hashknife" and "Sleepy," for
independent production, possibly through
Enterprise . Cry," a novel by William
L. Stuart, was picked up by Frank
Rosenberg's Colony Pictures, to be filmed
PS a semidocumentary. He has set no release
... To Eagle Lion went "I Married a
Communist," by George W. George and
George P. Slavin, which is also slated for
documentary film treatment under the guidance
of Producer Aubrey Schenck.
Screen Guild Adds Eight
To Release Schedule
Screen Guild Productions added eight subjects
to its 1948 distribution schedule by acquiring
two reissues and setting up a production
deal for a half-dozen sagebrushers
co-staning Lash LaRue and Al St. John,
who were riding the PRC range until recently.
The reissues are "Forbidden Music,"
with Jimmy Durante, and a Joe E. Brown
comedy, "Flirting With Fate." The LaRue-
St. John westerns will be turned out by Ron
Ormond.
Three More Independents
To Release Through EL
Whether the master-minds of Eagle Lion
are deliberately pointing in that direction
it or not, to if begins look as the company's
1948 will output reach astronomical proportions,
at least as to quantity, judging by
the number of distribution deals it has been
setting up of late with various independent
film-making units. Latest to announce
plans for production unier the EL banner:
William Moss Pictures, Inc., to make thi-ee
films annually, the first to be "Judgment in
the Wilderness," a Cinecolor outdoor drama
based on an original by Morton Grant. Moss
—who recently turned out two "Kilroy" subjects
co-starring Jackie Cooper and Jackie
22
By
IVAN SPEAR
Coogan for Monogram—has charted a May
starting date.
John Sutherland Productions, which signed
a two-picture commitment and scheduled
"Lady at Midnight," from a story by Richard
Sale, as its initialer, to go before the
cameras immediately. Sherman Scott will
direct.
Additionally, EL has priority on United
California Productions' next film, "That's
Hollywood," described as the story of Robert
Cummings' screen career to date. United's
first, is "Let's Live a Little," now in work
for EL release with Cummings and Hedy
Lamarr as the co-stars. Cummings is developing
"That's Hollywood" and will have
the topline in the subject.
Bing Crosby and Four Sons
Signed for Disney Film
The latest Crosby film venture is somewhat
more than a mere casting commitment
—it's practically a merger. Der Bingle has
signed to narrate and sing three songs in
Walt Disney's new animation-and-live-action
feature, "Two Fabulous Characters"
and going with liim in the package are his
four sons, Philip, Gary. Dennis and Lindsay.
They'll make their acting debut in the subject,
which RKO Radio will release.
Three Players Terminate
Their Studio Contracts
A rash of terminations-by-mutual-agreement
of player-studio commitments broke
out during the period. Lloyd Nolan checks
out of 20th Century-Fox, after an eight-year
association, when he completes "The Street
With No Name;" Ellen Drew secured a release
from the balance of her Columbia
ticket; and Richard Hart and MGM called
it quits. All announced plans to free lance in
the future Carroll will resume
her film career in "An Innocent
.
Af-
fair," co-starring with Fred MacMurray in
the James Nasser production for United
Audrey Long replaced Anne
Artists .
Gwynne in Monogram's "Stage Struck," with
PLAY IT LIKE THIS—Suggests Director
Steve Sekeley (right) as he explains
a scene in "Hollow Triunph" to Paul
Henreid, co-starring with Joan Bennett
in the Eagle Lion drama. Henreid is also
producing the film, marking his debut in
that category.
P. J. Wolfson Planning
Shakespeare Biography
Old Will Shakespeare, who has had a
hand in many a Hollywood opus (with
and without screen credit), is coming
into his own at last. A film version of
the life and works of the Bard of Avon
is in preparation as an independent
venture by P. J. Wolfson, former Paramount
writer-producer, for an as-yet undesignated
release.
Wolfson intends to get under way
with the offering early next year, shooting
it
both in England and the U.S.,
on a high-budget scale. He has not yet
lined up a cast.
Conrad Nagel and Ralph Byrd also joining
the cast . . . Lon McCallister, Julie London
and AUene Roberts are toplined in Sol Lesser's
new one for UA, "Girl Shy" . . . MGM
handed Frank Morgan a role in "The Story
of Monty Stratton," upcoming Van Johnson
starrer. At the same studio Tom Drake was
set to portray Richard Rodgers, the tunesmith,
in "Words and Music."
RKO Promotes Jack Gross
To Schary's Assistant
Intending to keep a sharp eye on production
costs, RKO Radio has elevated Jack
Gross, for five years an executive producer,
to a new post as assistant to Dore Schary,
wherein he will devote his energies to a
"pre-filming analysis" of budgets, scripts and
acting commitments Quigley, west
coast as.sistant production to Joseph Bernhard,
president of Film Classics, has replaced
Phil Krasne as FC's production contact . .
Michael F. Johnson, who for 15 years served
in various production capacities with a number
of British studios joined Jerry Fairbanks
as studio manager . . . Added to the executive
lineup of R. B. Roberts Productions as
secretary-treasurer and general manager is
Martin Jurow, formerly a partner in the
James Saphier agency.
Writing-Producing Chore
For Seton Miller at WB
"Fighter Squadron," a story of World War
II aviation, will be written and produced at
Warners by Seton I. Miller. On the same
lot Delmer Davies was assigned the writingdirecting
chore on "The Turquoise" . . . Paramount
handed the producer-director assignment
on "Look Homeward, Angel," the
Thomas Wolfe novel, to William Wyler . .
Over Eagle Lion way, Leonard Picker and
Chuck Reisner were set to produce and direct,
respectively. "Born to Fight," prize ring
drama featuring Scott Brady.
Descendant of Hamilton
Plans Historical Films
So great has interest become in the independent
film-making field that even Alexander
Hamilton is going to take a whirl at
it. Not the first U.S. secretary of the treasuary,
but a great-great grandson, bearing the
same name and associated in the organization
of Americana Productions with Jess
Smith.
The new outfit projects a series of films
based on U.S. history, and plans to gun the
first,
as yet untitled, in June.
BOXOFFICE
:
6, 1948

, New
I
: March
1 3)
Foreign Heads Hear
About Export Rules
NEW YORK-^Heads of foreign departments
of the MPAA member companies have
been briefed on the new Department of Commerce
regulations covering U.S. exports to
Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. The
new regulations, which went into effect
March 1. cover film and film equipment as
well as many other commodities.
Details of the new rules were explained by
Nathan D. Golden, chief of the fihn unit of
the Department of Commerce.
Golden pointed out that film and equipment
exports must be shipped under a consolidated
license. This type of hcense, he
said, peiTnits the American shipper to send
his goods to anybody within a designated area
in the territories covered by the new regulations.
However, certain conditions have to
be met. The shipper must submit an estimate
of the amount of goods he plans to
send abroad within the next 90 days, but
exportei-s of film and film equipment will be
able to submit estimates for a four-month
period ending July 1.
In addition to all of Europe, including the
British Isles and Iceland, the areas covered
by the new regulations are: Asiatic Russia,
Asiatic Turkey, Spanish possessions in Africa
and tlie Spanish islands in the Mediterranean.
The new license regulations, first announced
January 16, are the result of congressional
action taken last November to control the
export of American commodities.
Paramount Video Hearing
Is Postponed to May 10
WASHINGTON—The FCC has postponed
hearings on applications by Paramount affiliates
for television stations and on Paramount's
interest in Allen B. Du Mont Labiiratories
from March 1 to May 10. The hearing
in Washington was postponed after the
FCC decided to hold field investigations of
the applications for television stations.
Tlae field hearings wUl be held in Detroit,
March 15-17: Cleveland, March 18-24; San
Francisco, April 5-9: Dallas, April 13-16: Boston,
April 26-May 7.
Menjou to Anti-Red Group
WASHINGTON — Adolphe Menjou, motion
picture star, is one of 14 distinguished
Americans who have joined the Committee
to Stop World Communism. Arthur Bliss
Lane, co-chairman of the committee, announced.
The objective of the committee is
the preservation of American security and
the restoration of freedom and democracy
in Europe, said Lane, former ambassador to
Poland.
Train Has a Theatre
PHILADELPHIA—The Pennsylvania railroad
has a new all-coach streamliner with a
theatre showing newsreels continuously and
a children's playroom. The new train is in
i service on the Jefferson run that operates
r between New York. Philadelphia and St.
Louis.
BOXOFnCE :
6, 1948
7iJa4j^ui^t

SKy/lOemBUSmss formno 0, wmei
1
"One of those bright pieces of
entertainment which comes along
all too infrequently . . . provides
nothing but amusement and
laughs." —M. P. Herald
"Audiences looking for laughs
will find them in abundance . . .
entertainment that should result
in popular and profitable boxoffice."
—Boxofflce
"Should gaily make the bigmoney
grade . . . loaded with
everything the target demands."
—Film Daily
"There can be no question of the
picture's performance at the boxoffice
... A fast-paced, volatile
"Howls interspersed with constant
chuckles . . . Apparently
and highly amusing example of
headed for top-money brackets
how to entertain the public."
. . . good songs and strong exploitation
possibilities."
-M. P. Daily
"The family aura of this comedy — Showmen's Trade Review
should help . . . Should do okay
"Cantor-Davis team hits comedy
at boxoffice." — Variefy
stride . . . bright boxoffice prospects
. . . one laugh sequence
after the other."
—Hollywood Reporter
"Chock full of the good old kind
of comedy which audiences go
for in droves . . . slick entertainment."
—Daily Variety a

% Cleveland, Boston, Cincinnati,
Kansas City, Chicago, Minneapolis,
San Francisco, Springfield (Mass.),
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids

: March
^

: March
1 1 greater
.
. .2:30
Local Amusement Tax
Urged by Professor
HARRISBURG. PA.—Carl H. Chatters,
professor of muncipial aciministration and
finance. Northwestern university, urges municipalities
to adopt amusement taxes to Increase
revenues and to avoid local sales and
income levies. The Pennsylvania internal
affairs department's monthly bulletin published
these recommendations.
'The amusement tax is an ideal local tax,"
Chatters said in pointing out possible sources
of revenue for meeting inflated costs of local
goveniment-s. The yield from an amusement
tax can be "substantial," he said, noting that
federal income from this som'ce is more than
$400,000,000 annually. "Local sales taxes are
not generally feasible and can be used best
when collected as part of a state tax," he
added. "Both local income and local sales
taxes are strong medicine and should be used
only when carefully prescribed."
Most local government bodies in Pennsylvania
have the power under a 1947 law to tax
almost anything not taxed by the state. Many
have levied amusement taxes and some have
passed income taxes. The "tax expert" also
recommends 1 share of the state
gasoline taxes, (2i graduated license fees so
that large businesses pay more than the
small, (3i charge other municipalities on the
same basis as citizens for services rendered,
(4) get maximum revenue from use of idle
funds and rental of city properties. Chatters
warned, however, that all cities differ and
require varied methods of financing.
Creative Ideas Save Production Costs,
Says President of Screen Plays, Inc.
NEW YORK — With production costs
mounting steadily, Hollywood is fast becoming
a "creative idea world," with saving
becoming a byword among the younger producers,
according to Stanley Kramer, president
and executive producer of Screen Plays,
Inc. The company's first picture, "So This
Is New York," comedian
starring radio
Henry Morgan, will be released by United
Artists this spring.
The group that formed Screen Plays is
composed of Kramer, George Glass, vicepresident
and director publicity
of advertising,
and exploitation, and three writers
and two directors. Kramer and his group
intend to produce three more pictures in the
next two years and, although each of the
writers and directors may not work on all
the pictures, all seven will participate in the
profits. Among the scripts already prepared
for filming are an adaptation of Taylor Caldwell's
novel, "The Wide House," a Ring
Lardner story, "Champion," and a Carl Foreman
original based on the life of Adah
Menken, the first chorus girl. In addition,
Kramer has options on the majority of
Ring Lardner's many magazine stories and
he will probably make another picture starring
Morgan.
Production budgets on the Screen Plays
pictures will range from $850,000 minimum to
$1,300,000 top. The figure is increased if a
top-ranking star or director is signed for
the picture. Kramer believes that a twoweek
rehearsal period for the players prior
to the actual shooting of a picture means
a big saving in time and money. However,
it is difficult for independent producers to
secure production loans on anything but the
actual shooting period of a picture, he said.
Director Alfred Hitchcock recently employed
the two-week rehearsal period for his first
Transatlantic Pictures film, "Rope," and
completed the picture in 34 days shooting
time.
Kramer believes that creative effort In
production technique can cut down on the
picture's cost without impairing its quality.
As an instance, an important scene in "So
This Is New York." which shows the principal
characters walking along Broadway in
the 1919-20 period would have cost $31,500
to reproduce storefronts and restaurants.
By filming just the characters' feet, in the
footwear of this period, walking past the
name plates on the Broadway sidewalks, the
entire one and one-half minute sequence was
filmed for only $2,100.
To Show 'Winter Meeting'
NEW YORK—"Winter Meeting," starring
Bette Davis, will be tradeshown in all Warner
Bros, exchanges March 29. Janis Paige
and James Davis are featured.
PARAMOUNT
TRADE SHOW
Monday, March 15th
PAULETTEGODDARD
MACDONALD CAREY
HAZARD^
with
Fred Clark • Stanley Clements
Frank Faylen • Maxie Rosenbloom
.c.d by MEL EPSTEIN
GEORGE AAARSHALL
CITY ^ PLACE
ALBANY
FOX PROJ. ROOM, 1052 Broadway
ATLANTA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 154 Walton St., N.W. . .
BOSTON
PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 58 Berkeley Street
BUFFALO
PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 464 Franklin Street
CHARLOTTE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 305 So. Church Street . .
CHICAGO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1 306 So. Michigan Ave. .
CINCINNATI PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1214 Central Parkway .
CLEVELAND PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1735 E. 23rd Street
DALLAS
PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 41 2 So. Harwood Street
DENVER
PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2100 Stout Street
DES MOINES PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1125 High Street
DETROIT PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 479 Ledyard Avenue . .
INDIANAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 116 W. Michigan Street.
JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA THEATRES SCREEN ROOM, 128 E. Forsythe S
KANSAS CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1800 Wyandotte St
LOS ANGELES BOULEVARD THEATRE, Washington & Vermont Sts. . .
MEMPHIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 362 So. Second Street . .
MILWAUKEE: PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1121 N. Eighth Street . . .
MINNEAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1201 Currie Avenue
NEW HAVEN PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 82 Slate Street
NEW ORLEANS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 215 So. Liberty St
NEW YORK CITY FOX PROJ. ROOM, 345 West 44th Street
OKLAHOMA CITY. . .PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 701 W. Grand Ave. . . .
OMAHA
PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1704 Davenport St
PHILADELPHIA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 248 No. 12th Street
PITTSBURGH PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1727 Blvd. of Allies
PORTLAND PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 909 No. West 19th Ave.
ST. LOUIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2949 Olive St
SALT LAKE CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 270 E. 1st South St
SAN FRANCISCO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 205 Golden Gate Ave.
SEATTLE
PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2330 First Avenue
WASHINGTON PARAMOUNT fROJ. ROOM, 306 H Street, N.W
TIME
8 P.M.
.2:30 P.M.
.2.30 P.M.
....n A.M.
.1.30 P.M.
..1:30 P.M.
.2:30 P.M.
....2 P.M.
.2.30 P.M.
.3:30 P.M.
.12:45 P.M.
2 PM.
.10:30 A.M.
....a P.M.
.2:30 P.M.
..7:30 P.M.
P.M.
....2 P.M.
..1:30 P.M.
2 P.M.
70 A.M.
.2.30 P.M.
7 P.M.
2 P.M.
2 P.M.
2 P.M.
...77 A.M.
.7.30 P.M.
.1:30 P.M.
...2 P.M.
.2:30 P.M.
BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948 27

isjhe picture
or all
of theatres
and all kinds
of audiences!
TOP BUSINESS... WORLD PREMIERE.. ORPHEUM-ESQUIRE
IN
SAN FRANCISCO
vjinmX'^
TOP BUSINESS AT THE FOX, DETROIT
TOP BUSINESS
aw^
AT THE RKO PALACE. CHICAGO
TOPPED "EGG AND I" AND BROKE ALL HOUSE RECORDS
AT THE CAPITOL THEATRE. ASHLAND. KY.

UNIVERSAL- INTERNATIONAL presents
^
YVONNE De CARLO
DAN OURYEA
JEFFREY LYNN^A
PERCY KILBRIDE
•
Screenplay by LUC! WARD, JACK NATTEFORD and WILLIAM BOWERS Directed by GEORGE SHERMAN
•
Original Story by Luci Ward and Jack Natteford Produced by LEONARD GOLDSTEIN

. . . Warner
. . Arthur
: March
FROM THE FILES O
J
JNSANE competition in theatre building is
the industry's worst evil, according to Sidney
R. Kent, vice-president and general
manager of Paramount, in a comniittee hearing
in Washington. He suggested selling of
pictures on a percentage basis as one way out
of the industry's many difficulties.
.
Mayor Jimmie Walker of New York is
reported to have turned down the presidency
of the Stanley Co. of America, a leading
film circuit. The salary was said to have'
been $125,000 . . . Universal is sending out ten
roadshow companies >with "Uncle Tom's
Cabin" Lake has been selected
to play title role in the picture based on
the
the popular comic strip. "Harold Teen" . . .
The Drama League of America is seeking a
fund of $L000,000 with which to save the
spoken drama from extinction by the films.
The league reports there are now only 40
theatres in the U.S. devoted exclusively to
legitimate plays and musical comedy. In
1910 there were 1.500 outside the metropolitan
centers. .
Charles Ray is reported to be living in
New York in poverty. At one time he had a
fortune estimated at a million dollars. Ray
blames casting in the wrong kind of roles
Bros, have started on the first
picture to be made entirely with Vitaphone.
There will be 50 speaking parts.
TBA Asks Hearing on Bill
To Share Band With FM
WASHINGTON—The Television Broadcasters
Ass'n has filed a petition with Rep.
Charles Wolverton, chairman of the house
interstate and foreign commerce committee,
seeking a hearing of opponents to a proposed
bill to assign part of the 50 megacycle band
now used by television to frequency modulation.
The TBA petition was filed by Thad H.
Brown jr.. Washington representative. The
petition points out that the house committee
already has conducted a hearing on the bill,
introduced by Representative Lemke of North
Dakota, but only proponents of the bill were
heard at that time.
Clifford Ruf fner Dies
NEW YORK—Clifford H. Ruffner. 71. associated
with the advertising department of
Eastman Kodak Co. for more than 40 years
before his retirement in March 1947. died
February 20. Ruffner joined Kodak in 1901
as a salesman traveling through the northwest
and Pacific coast territory when it was
sparsely settled.
Palmer, WB Auditor, Dies
WASHINGTON— Funeral services for Ray
Palmer, traveling auditor for Warner Bros.
since 1921. were held here February 28.
Palmer, who died in Atlanta February 26,
leaves a wife, daughter ond son.
(Film Daily said it first— about Paramount's new hit)
BOXOFFICE
:
6, 1948 I

DeVry Adapts 16mm
For Big Theatres
PORT MONMOUTH, N.
J.—A 16mm projector,
manufactured by the DeVry Corp. of
Chicago for use by the special services of
the army, can be used to show pictures effectively
on the screens of big theatres, according
to Edward K. Kaprellan, chief of the
photographic branch of the army signal
corps laboratories.
A new lens with a longer focal length has
been developed by DeVry to overcome the
problem of getting enough light in the 16mm
projectors to show pictures on big screens
suitable for 35mm film, according to Kaprelian.
The projector has also overcome
••jumping" and allows the film to run at high
speed through the projector without producing
a blurred image on the screen.
The model for the army is similar to one
that will soon be placed on the market for
the pliotographic industry, according to a
DeVry representative here.
Rank Denies Filming Off; Promises 40
LONDON Cliiirges by British fihn employes
and some theatremcn that production
is lagging at the Rank Organization studios
were flatly denied by J. Arthur Rank,
who declared his studios would turn out 40
pictures during 1948. Rank pointed out that
the original production estimate for this year
was 38, and he intends to increase this.
To indicate the increase in production over
the past two years. Rank cited figures. He
said 19 films were planned and delivered in
1946; 28 films in 1947.
Concerning a statement by the Film Industry
Employes Council that only one picture
is in work at the Pinewood studios, Rank
said this Is inaccurate. He declared: "It is
not necessary for a camera to be turning before
a film can be reckoned as '"in production."
The planning of shooting schedules
the building and striking of sets . . . are
integral parts of film production."
He listed five films in work at Pinewood—
••Dulcimer Street," now shooting: "The Passionate
Friends," to begin shooting within a
ClfflRinfi
HfllLSf

Kroger Babb (standing) co-prodjcer and owner of •Mom
and Dad the year s outstandino hoxofficc grosser, chats with
none other than Mom and Dad^Lois Austin and George
Eldridge who played the trtle roles in Hygienic's famous
delinquency story
Show business isn't
. . . just rusty!
dead
Petita Miss Alyce Wical receives a birthday present from
Hygienic Productions, presented by office supervisor Jacli
Crouthers. at one of the company's monthly birthday parties
for employes. The "IVIom and Dad" company is strong on
goodwill among its more than 250 employes, who are
effectionately referred to always as "chairwarmers" and
Allied Artists prexy, Steve Broidy (left), with R. Kenneth
Kerr, Lancaster, Ohio newspaper man named by Forbes
magazine as "one of America's 50 outstanding young business
executives last year," and Mrs. W. Bernard Herman, of Toronto,
Ontario, wife of prominent Canadian barister, "look on" at
party in Holly\vood where company's employes
were handed $111,111.11 in bonuses and prizes for
last year's fine work.
Hygienic's "dynamiters"—our road agents—have been assembled here in
Wilmington (OHIO—thai is) this week for a bi-monthly meeting. Wish you could
have been here with 'em to absorb some o{ their enthusiasm, ideas and pep. One
agent even suggested we write this ADitorial and use as a caption. "Is Show
Business Dead?"
The agents from every section of the U. S. were here. They all brought the
same reports: Daily grosses on regular programs are off 10 to 50 per cent but
"Mom and Dad" with the proper exploitation efforts continues to set just as
phenomenal new boxoffice records as it did during the height of the wartime
entertainment boom.
But the agents warn us some exhibitors are getting pretty moody—are rapidly
losing heart. They told of exhibitors who almost got cold feet and weren't going
to play "Mom and Dad" when the agent laid out our exploitation campaign and
estimated its cost.
Last December at our convention in Hollywood a couple of our agents spent
so much time talking with those west coast "gloom-spreaders" around the hotel
lobby they got cold feet, too. This was going to be a tough yecrr, they decided.
We decided right then was the time to retire them and replace 'em writh new redblooded
showmen who would see to it that "Mom and Dad" got thorough and
complete campaigns. It proved a good move.
The theme of that December convention was "The Best Is Yet to Come." Our
1948 playing time with "Mom and Dad" is by far the greatest yet—and today's
grosser, are the most phenomenal of the picture's history. The theme is proving
itself every dcry. somewhere, in some way.
For this March agents meeting we decided to prove to the fellows "Show
business isn't dead!" To do it, we cooked up a trick idea last January. We planned
a series of benefit shows here in Wilmington (pop>. 10,000) for the first Thursday
night—each month—this year. We wanted to aid local community-charity funds
and at the some time see for ourselves what results could be had with a few
twists of showmanship. Phil Chakeres (what a guy) gave us his big Murphy
theatre (1,000 seats) for the experiment first Thursday night, each month.
Most local charity drives—Red Cross, Conununity Chest, March of Dimes, etc.,
raise from $2,500 to 510,000. We went off the deep end at the start, announcing we
intended to gross $25,000 with 11 benefit shows. Without showmanship, we know
in small towns boxoffice admissions cannot be successfully raised. Local price
top is 50 cents, including tax. We went for $1 plus—$1.20. We eliminated balcony
and children's prices, too—all seats, all shows buck-twenty. That, we figured,
should "bankrupt" any idea. Someone said there are few new pictures—and fewer
good ones. Sooooo. we announced there would be no movie—just stage. We
advertised a two-hour stage program with a band, some acts and amateurs. "What
band, what acis?" was the question they asked. "Can't be announced in advance,"
we replied. The whole show had to be "kept a secret." The public was asked to
buy "a pig in a poke.' We turned on the full-steam and put the tickets on sale.
It required four dctvs to sell 1,000 ducats and our February 5th show was sold
out 11 days in advance. That night hundreds without tickets came by anyway and
battled to get in—what to see, thev didn't know! We geared uo for two nerformcmces
on March 4th. These 2,000 ducats were sold out a week ahead. Thursday
night our agents "saw it with their own eves." We were more than doubling
admission . . . permitting no balcony or children's orices . . . using no picture
. . . selling no names or famous stars—and the public was knockin' the doors
down. Now they all agree that "show business isn't dead"—it's just a bit rusty!

CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Edjtor
SECTION
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
Frank Shaffer forwards a recent
editorial which appeared in the
Staunton, Va.. Evening Leader. In
it the WTiter laments the growing
favcr of singing cowboys who have
replaced in popularity the traditional
stern-visaged, hard-hitting,
hard-riding, two-fisted, two-gun
heroes of the horse operas.
Nowadays, continues the writer,
cowboys must sing and serenade
their true loves soulfully, tenderly,
to the accompaniment of guitars.
Oh, he sighs, for the days of Bill
Hart, Tim McCoy, George O'Brien
and Tom Mix.
What the editor of the Evening
Leader has apparently missed is
that the new outdoor heroes have
brought improved production standards
to our horse operas along with
their crooning. Also, it is much
easier to promote a star who has attained
some fame as a radio and
recording artist.
During our own exhibition days,
we recall when Bob Steele had n«
peer among the rough-and-tumble,
rootin' tootin' cowboys. Bob could
GOtdraw at the boxoffice any of the
singing cowboys who were just becoming
popular with the western
fans, just as he could outdraw any
bad,man on the screen.
We also recall quite vividly how,
in one of his best thrillers. Bob had
to jump his white horse across a
ravine while trying to head off a
band of rustlers. The faithful animal
was just not up to it and carried
his master to the bottom of the
chasm in as nasty a fall as Hollywood
could conjure.
Breathlessly waiting to see if the
hero had survived, the audience, the
theatre staff, and undoubtedly Bob
Steele himself were amazed at what
followed. The camera slowly shifted
to where horse and rider were struggling
to their feet, only the white
charger had. miraculously changed
into a horse of another color.
If there are any appreciable number
of horse opera fans who feel that
the glamor which our current fancypants
heroes inject into these productions
does not compensate for the
lusty action of the old days, they
may at least be certain that when
Roy Rogers starts on a manhunt
with Trigger, that Trigger is going
(Continued on next page)
Pei 'n
Pup Parade Peps
Kid and Adult Interest
(Photos on cover)
Pet shows long have been in favor with
theatremen as an effective means of popularizing
the theatre with juvenile audiences.
Doubtless, during the next tew months every
variety of this promotion will be given an
airing by managers who previously have
enjoyed success with them, and by many
exhibitors who sense the need for such a
hypo just as the weather begins to tm-n
favorable for outdoor diversions by the
youngsters.
In Norwalk, Ohio, George Cameron, manager
of the Norwalk Theatre, introduced a
version of the kiddy pet show which he calls
a Pet 'n' Pup parade. The stunt had the
added support of service and patriotic organizations
and gathered sufficient national
attention to attract the cameras from two
newsreel companies.
This year, Cameron is already planning
a repeat performance and invitations to give
the event coverage already have been sent
to national magazines, the newsreels and
the television station located in Cleveland.
Radio Audience Competes
For 'Swordsman' Cash
A contest staged by WJBK focused extra
attention on the engagement of "The Swordsman"
at the United Artists Theatre in Detroit.
The tieup was arranged by Marie Meyer
of the UDT publicity staff with Bob Anthony's
Square Block Junior program.
Radio listeners were invited to submit a
of pictures in which Larry Parks, star of
list
"The Swordsman" previously appeared. A
$25 cash prize and a few theatre tickets
made up the come-on. with hundreds of
motion picture fans contributing. The high
enti-y listed 20 titles of pictui'es in which
Parks has made an appearance.
Dance Contest Staged
For 'Earth' in Cardiff
A dancing contest staged by Manager A. J.
Brown in conjunction with "Dowii to Earth"
at the Empire in Cardiff, 'Wales, drew strong
newspaper support.
Brown invited dancing students to compete
on the theatre stage for prizes. Eliminations
were held during the first four days of the
picture's engagement, vrith the grand finals
on the last night of the show.
—397—
The Pet 'n' Pup parade, which last year
attracted more than 400 entries, bids fair
to eclipse itself this year and holds promise
of becoming a regular annual event in Norwalk.
Once Cameron had the mayor of Norwalk
lined up to lead the procession, it was
a simple task to get police aid, a suitable
escort and local bands pledged to cooperate.
The parade forms at the edge of the business
district, heads for the high school playground
where the judging takes place, and
proceeds thence to the theatre stage where
the prizes are awarded.
Civic organizations are contacted for
funds which pay for the admission of all
entrants to the theatre. Every merchant in
Norwalk donated a prize and last year more
than 400 gifts were awarded to a happy
group of youngsters.
Cameron's stunt seems to offer great possibilities
with but little work on the part
of the theatre manager and sounds like a
surefire method of winning patronage and
goodwill among both youngsters and adults.
Surprise Nights Tempt
Patrons in Portland
Frank Pratt, manager of the Paramount in
is Portland, Ore., offering his patrons a
"surprise night" one Friday night each
month. No hint is given of what the show
will be; patrons are merely advised to be in
their seats by 8:15 to catch the show. Usually
it is a preview of a major coming attraction
or an outstanding stage show.
Pratt recently put on a highly successful
campaign on "Call Northside 777." Telephone
message slips advising an unnamed person
to call NOrthside 777 immediately for an
urgent message were spread in buses, department
stores, taxis, restaurants and every
place where they might be picked up.
Sets Co-Op Ads
Two large co-op display ads which helped
exploit "You Were Meant For Me" ahd
another co-op on "Good News" were promoted
by Edward DiResta. manager of the
Rialto, Amsterdam, N. Y.
33

Defies Superstition
With Jinx Preview
On Friday 13th
Dwight Seymom-, manager of the Ai-bor
Theatre. Nebraska City, capitahzed on the
fact that "The Man Who Dared" opened on
Friday the 13th of Febniai-y, and used the
lobby to exploit the superstitions of patrons.
On one side of the lobby were a ladder, a
broken mirror, a caged black cat, an open
umbrella, a hat hung from the ceiling and
a boom tied in with copy daring patrons to
break the old superstitions.
Seymour opened the picture at a jinx midnight
preview on February 13. He used a
large banner 26 feet long over the entrance
doors announcing the special performance.
One thousand handbills were distributed to
school chUdren. in cars and in stores prior
to opening. The handbills had trick copy
annoimcing the jinx preview, with a scene
cut. In the upper comer a black spot was
imprinted instructing recipients to blow on
the spot and cautioning them that if the
spot tiu-ned green, they were too weak to attend
the Friday the 13th jinx preview. An
advance trailer helped to exploit the program.
To ballyhoo "Magic Town," dated as a
Valentine day attraction, Seymour had an
attractive young woman dressed in evening
gown handing small envelopes containing
candy hearts to every patron leaving the
theatre. This was done for a week prior to
opening. Imprint on the outside of the envelope
called attention to the playdates and
included a two-column ad cut from "Magic
Town."
Ljundy Ljuitard
(Continued from preceding pagei
to last throughout the picture and not suddenly
materialize into a red stallion.
On the other hand, maybe the exhibitor
should play up this controversy in a new version
of the battle of the cowboys. Redblooded,
he-man versus dude crooner, Rogers
versus Hart, Kitter versus McCoy, Hoot Gibson
vesrus Gene Autry. With a bit of prospecting,
Mr. Exhibitor might strike fresh pay
dirt.
Co-Op on 'lush. Rose'
An attractive full-page newspaper co-op
ad was promoted by Joe Burns, manager of
the Van Wert Theatre, Van Wert, Ohio, to
launch "My Wild Irish Rose." Bums contacted
11 local merchants w^ho agreed to run
advertisements tied in with Irish quotations
and slogans, leaving enough space for a
3-coIiunn, 10-ihch illustration of his attraction
in the center of the page and a banner
streamer reading: "Values for a Wild Irish
Rose."
Windows Blast 'Secret'
Arnold Gates, manager of the Stillman in
Cleveland, arranged a series of nine window
displays on "Secret Beyond the Door.
Stillman played up the fact that it was the
picture's first Cleveland showing.
Ritz Film Replaces
Nature's Wonders
On Taxi Bumpers
Residents of Tallahassee, Fla., where siuto
bumper strips, except those extoUing the
city's natiu-al beauties, have been seldom
used, had an opportunity to see a motion
picture advertised through this medium
because James MacDannold, manager of the
Ritz there, had the initiative to sell the
idea to the operators of all local cabs. Mac-
Dannold introduced the innovation in his
campaign on "My Wild Irish Rose."
The Mystery Time radio show also helped
to exploit the picture. MacDannold contacted
the program director of WRHP,
which features a daily program called the
Tallahassee Bandstand. On this show a
tune was played, and the first person to
call
the station and correctly name the title,
the vocalist or the orchestra was given a
pass to see "My Wild Irish Rose." Many of
the mystery tunes played were selections
from the musical score of that pictm-e.
The theatre received a minimum of four
daily annomicements in return for the few
passes given away. The station director reported
that he was flooded daily with phone
calls from listeners trying to identify the
tunes, with special interest displayed by
Florida university students.
Permission was received from the city
manager and the chief of police to mount
loudspeakers on the marquee of the Ritz
so outstanding musical selections from the
pictm-e could be broadcast to
passersby.
Spring Draws On
Loew Theatres throughout the nation have taken the offensive
against the calendar by promoting the early spring
arrival of a new crop ol film attractions. At right, Lou Cohen,
manager of the Poll, Hartford, has trellis effect surrounding
lobby panels. Below at lell: In Indianapolis, manager Boyd
Sparrow gives his entire lobby some real spring almosphere,
while at right, Abe Ludacer, manager of the Valentine in
Toledo, uses a 24-sheet board to explain the "new look" to
curious patrons. Trailers and ad slugs are being used to
put over the idea.
—398— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Mar

I of
f
Safety Council Okays
Placards on Poles
In 'Milly' Tieup
Through a tieup arranged by Bob Hynes,
manager of the Missouri Theatre in St.
Joseph, the Safety council approved the
placement of 750 "Don't Be a Mitty" cards on
light and phone poles and traffic stanchions,
urging pedestrians and motorists to use care
when crossing streets and driving. The cards
were put up ten days in advance by local
Boy Scouts.
Hynes promoted 3.000 ''Don't Be a Mitty"
safety pamphlets from the Kansas City
Safety council, restamped them "St. Joseph
Safety council" and had them distributed in
his own community.
One hundred "How to dream the Mitty
way" booklets were placed in all St. Joseph
hotels, librai'ies, doctors' offices, beauty parlors,
etc., well in advance.
Envelopes were imprinted with copy: "These
envelopes contain dream powder. Don't be
a Mitty. Do your dreaming at night." Additional
gag copy included the playdates. Five
thousand of these envelopes were distributed
by ushers throughout the shopping center a
week in advance. Hynes mounted two sixsheets
on the theatre marquee, using them
as an advance ballyhoo as well as during the
current engagement.
Exchange window cards were imprinted
with theatre copy and placed in 100 selected
locations within the 35-mlle radius of St.
Joseph. Eight window tieups were promoted,
and special art and publicity stories were
landed in the Shopper and the Stockyards
Journal, reaching all home owners on rural
and urban routes.
Poster Cutouts Provide
Extra Marquee Service
Lester M. Fagg, manager of the Roxy in
Tacoma, Wash., passes along an idea to
BOXOFFICE readers which has proved very
effective for him.
Fagg searches through the press sheets for
posters which can be cut out and used in
lobby displays, serving double duty dui-ing
the engagement of the picture by incoi-porating
them as part of the marquee attraction
sign. The Roxy marquee, fortunately, is 35
feet long and about five feet high so that
even 24-sheet cutouts frequently tie in nicely
with the regular letters.
Fagg reports that the posters ai-e pasted
to regular beaverboard, cut out and strengthened
with 1x2 strips of firring. A light coat
of varnish serves to protect the display
against the elements.
They are easily suspended, made a part
of the attraction sign, and illuminated by
goose-necked spotlights rigged above the top
the marquee.
Observes Scouf Weelr
W. Ray McCormack. manager of the Elco
Theatre, Elkhart, Ind., gave 100 per cent
cooperation to the recent Boy Scout anniversary
celebration by running a trailer in
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Mar. 6, 1948
Penny Wise Earns
Prestige Rise
K. B. Buffington, manager of the Palace
in Weatherford, Tex,, believes it is the
little things which build goodwill on a
big scale.
Three months ago parking meters were
installed downtown in Weatherford.
Every day, Buffington pockets about a
dollar in pennies and makes the rounds,
bailing out overtime parkers. Even the
local policemen have become so familiar
with the Palace manager doing his good
deed that they permit him to precede
them along the block to avoid handing
out parking tickets.
Buffington does not claim any credit
nor does he leave any card to identify his
good Samaritan deed. However, in a
town of 10,000 it doesn't take long for
word to spread, and the fact that the theatreman
was not expecting any credit or
reward for his helpfulness has already
increased his personal prestige and that
of the theatre among the townspeople.
Buffington believes that by getting out
on the street and circulating more often,
he is able to keep a better perspective
on his own theatre operation.
Irish Songs Played
In Lobby for 'Rose'
Several interesting promotions used by
Mike Piccirillo, manager of Loew's Dyckman
in New York, helped sell "My Wild Irish
Rose" and attracted attention to the theatre
generally.
In the lobby, set up on a small table, was
a globe of the world which was split in two,
one half of which was filled with strips of
song titles from the picture, and a still of
Dennis Morgan. A card read, "Have a look
at the man who filled the world with wonderful
Irisih songs." The ot)her half of the globe
was filled with stage money, with a card
reading: "A world full of money couldn't
buy a better picture t)han ..."
Records of Irish melodies were played in
the lobby for two weeks in advance of playdate.
The recorder was enclosed in a wooden
picket fence which was decorated with wild
Irish roses, scene and star stills, and playdate
signs.
For outdoor ballyhoo, a 28x44 card made up
to simulate a house pass, was set up on a busy
street corner, with the following copy: "Don't
destroy me. I'm a pass to Loew''s Dyckman.
Carry this pass to the theatre without mutilating
it and you will be admitted as a guest
"
of the management to see . . .
Theatre Aids Boy Scouts
Observe Anniversary
Mutual cooperation extended by Len
Utecht, manager of the Lake Theatre, Oak
Park, 111., with the Boy Scout observance
of anniversary week resulted in an attractive
exhibit in the Lake lobby which attracted
many parents and well-wishers of that or-
tribute to the youth organization and permitting
Scout troops to exhibit tent and
ganization.
A camp setting was erected with material
camping equipment in the lobby. The front supphed by local troops. With Boy Scouts
page of the Elco's 5,000 weekly programs on hand to demonstrate the equipment, the
was also dedicated to a message of good exhibit attracted new faces to the Lake with
notable results at the theatre boxoffice.
wishes to the movement.
—sea-
Bob Taylor Fan Club
Formed to Assist
'High Wair Run
A highlight of the campaign for "High
Wall" at the Palace in Meriden, Conn., was
the formation of a Robert Taylor Fan club.
MoUie Stickles, manager, and assistant Lou
Jaffa collaborated on details of the promotion,
which included a large display in the
theatre lobby two weeks prior to the opening,
the distribution of 3,000 Fan club heralds, a
tieup with WMMW for eight gratis announcements
on its Ladies Hour program, the placement
of 25 di.splay cards in stores on the
main shopping street, and special art and
story breaks in the Meriden Journal.
The Fan club was tied in with St. Valentine's
day since the opening coincided with
that annual observance. The heralds offered
free membership to all Meriden girls who
submitted an original Valentine greeting
card expressing their personal sentiments to
Robert Taylor. Cash prizes of $20 and 25
free theatre admissions were offered for the
best entries submitted.
A thousand napkins with theatre imprint
were placed in downtown restaurants, a
beauty co-op ad was promoted from a local
charm salon, and window displays were set
in several prominent locations.
Promotes Birthday Cake
In conjunction with a circuit celebration
of Donald Duck's birthday, Harold Murphy,
manager of Evergreen's Liberty in Olympia,
Wash., promoted a birthday cake from a
local baker which was the center of attention
during a special Saturday morning
matinee. Five Donald Duck cartoons plus
the regular feature attractions helped to draw
a capacity audience.
Mrs.
Jay Has Her Say
Ther-tre patrons are so likely to complain
when something does not strike
them right and so infrequently take the
trouble to express their appreciation for
the service, comfort and entertainment
which the theatre provides that Milan
Steele, who operates the Kitz in Pawnee,
Okla.. was recently surprised to find the
following letter in the mail:
"Dear
Sir:
"It's probably customary to accept
public courtesies without any word of
r.ppreciation.
"Maybe so, but I do want to thank
you for my copy of 'Shows of the Month.'
I found in my door this morning.
"Thanks.
"Mrs. Cecil Jay."
Steele responded by voicing his own
appreciation, amplified by the fact that
the monthly calendar of his bookings is
expensive and he had considered
dropping them as a matter of economy.
Two tickets to the Ritz were enclosed in
the letter, and the Pawnee showman is
now convinced that his advertising has a
useful and helpful influence in prompting
his shows.
35

Lobby Displays
Exploitation of coming and current shows through
art occupies a prominent portion of the theatreman's
time schedule. Pictured here are some recent lobby
ideas and a simple but dramatic theatre front easily
adapted in any situation.
m

. .
Tom Mix Kiddy Parly
And $300 in Prizes
Attract iOOO
Bus Waitees Serenaded
With 'Carnegie' Music
A four-page program prepared by Mark
Allen, manager of the Austin. Kew Gardens,
N. Y., to sell "Carnegie Hall" was mailed to
1,700 persons on the theatre mailing list.
Allen listed the musical compositions heard
in the film and used New York newspaper
critics' quotes to point up the picture's entertainment
value.
A special lobby setpiece was displayed, listing
the musical artists playing in the picture.
A novel window tieup, adjacent to the subway
and bus terminal, included an automatic
record playing device which was hooked up
to a loudspeaker so that people waiting for
buses during rush hours could enjoy the
music from "Carnegie Hall." Signs called
attention to the playdates.
Free Horseback Rides
For Children Focus
Eyes on 'Stallion'
A theatre party for children which turned
in a record-breaking advance sale of 4,000
tickets the day before the party was scheduled
at Loew's in Rochester, N. Y., was arranged
by Manager Lester Pollock.
The party was arranged in conjunction
with Tom Mix-Ralston Straight Shooters
radio program, heard daily in Rochester over
WEVT. Noah's Ark stores provided $300 in
prizes in addition to gifts for each child
who attended. The large selection of gifts,
which included bicycles, basketballs, roller
skates, etc., were given away through lucky
number drau-ings.
WEVT announced the party during the
Tom Mix broadcast every day for two weeks
in advance. Twenty free spot announcements
were broadcast daily during the same
period. Five hundred cards bearing imprints
on the party were distributed to grocery
stores.
The show also was played up in newspaper
ads of the theatre and the cooperating merchants.
Every boy and girl who attended the
party received a toy parachute.
Pollock arranged for the Rochester Royals,
champion professional basketball team, to
give an exhibition of trick and fancy shots
on tihe theatre stage.
All prizes were placed on exhibition in the
lobby two weeks in advance.
Horses and Women Plug
That's My Man' at Rialto
A simple but attractive lobby display helped
exploit "That's My Man" for D. M. Dillenbeck,
manager of the Rialto, Bushnell, 111.
Against a white background an illustration
of a horse's head was placed at the top, with
the catchline "Fast horses and beautiful
women." 'Within the outline of a horseshoe,
sketched below, stills were pasted to the
board. Additional copy, title and star heads
out the display.
Home Fashions Display
Tom Grace, manager of the Eastwood, East
Hartford, Conn., arranged a full window display
highlighting home fashions to exploit
"Blondie's Anniversary." The store also
plugged the picture inside the premises.
Co-Ops and Jingle Contest
Activate 'Sleep, My Love'
Matt Saunders, manager of Loew's Poll.
Bridgeport, Conn., tied up with a local beauty
parlor for a 3-column by 10-inch display ad
in connection with "Sleep, My Love." The ad,
which ran in the Sunday Post and Sunday
Herald, featured a large cut of Claudette
Colbert with title, cast and playdates.
Saunders also arranged for a jingle writing
contest in the Post, featuring a two-column
scene cut from the film production, and drew
wide response.
John DiBenedetto, assistant to Saunders,
tied up with a local florist for another co-op
which also featured a two-column scene cut
from the production and prominent credits.
.lillliillliliii
Earle M. Holden, manager oi the Center
in Hickory, N. C, has a novel way ot
bringing special news clips of the news
reel to the attention of special groups.
A stock of postal cards, imprinted as
above, are kept on hand. As soon as
Holden receives his newsreel synopsis
sheet, it is culled for items which he
believes might be of special interest
locally. Cards are then addressed to
individuals, organizations, groups or
places of business. For example, a if
reel contains shots pertaining to aviation,
cards are addressed to persons at
the local airport, flying school, etc.
BOXOFFICE Showrmahdiser Mar. 1948 —401—
Diggmg deep into his bag of exploitation
tricks, Louis Nye, manager of the Hoosier,
Whiting, Ind., came up with strong ballyhoo
for "Red Stallion."
One of the features was a sports matinee
for youngsters on Saturday afternoon. Nye
promoted many prizes from a local merchant
and awarded them to children who participated
in stage activities
such as dart throwing
at balloons, a yo-yo contest, etc.
Two thousand cards were distributed and
3,000 small dodgers with the announcement,
"Racing tonight . . . $25,000 handicap .
See 'Red Stallion' at the Hoosier," were
handed out.
Under the windshield wipers of cars
throughout Whiting, colored tags were placed
with the imprint: "Summons. You have violated
no law but are hereby invited to see
Red Stallion.' " Playdates followed.
Two cowboys were engaged to ride horses
and instructed to give all children free rides
on horseback. The kids were closely attended
by the cowboys to prevent accidents.
Another ballyhoo which attracted attention
employed two cowboys, carrying banners
on their backs, engaged in horseshoe pitching
contests on busy street comers. Passersby
were then invited to try for a ringer,
and successful throwers received a pass to
see "Red Stallion."
Magazine Selection Aids
St Louis 'Timberlane'
Russel Bovim, manager of the State, St.
Louis, capitalized on the fact that Cosmopolitan
magazine recently designated "Cass
Timberlane" as the "picture of the month."
He promoted a deal with the local news
distributor in which window cards were imprinted
with the announcement of the magazine
award, a scene cut from the picture
and theatre playdates. The cards were displayed
at all St. Louis newstands prior to
the State opening and during the current
engagement.
Guess Bricks in Building
Tying up with the Hartford Times, Fred
Greenway staged a newspaper contest for
"High Wall" in which readers were Invited
to guess the number of bricks used in
building
a local structure. Tickets to the Poll
Palace were offered to those coming nearest
to 'the correct ai

. . consequently
If you can help me to recover the missing numbers I surely would appreciate it . . .
. . which
i
"We Practically LIVE
By BOXOFFICE-'
EVERSON, WASH.
BOXOFFICE,
825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1. Mc.
Gentlemen:
WE PRACTICALLY UVE by BOXOFFICE—in fact we lind the Picture Guide section
indispensable to carrying on our busine:s—small town and rural patronage. Our
patrons are very choosey about their pictures and we have to know what kind of pictures
we are booking for exhibition. Your reviews are always
•
words reliable.
accurate and fair, in other
Can you tell me— is there any way in which I can recover missing PG pages?
We changed theatres a while back and in the moving process -I didn't get around to tearing
out the PG section of several issues .
is not good busi-
on several pictures and have to practically do "blind booking" .
ness for us.
we find ourselves in the dark
the list appears below.
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. HAROLD WESTON, Owners
'The capitaif^ and underscorings are the Weston's.
More Exhibitors Read BOXOFFICE
Than Any Other Film Trade Paper

Pass Bill for Control
Of Child Patronage
ALBANY—Town boards are given the same
authority to control theatre attendance by
children as is now enjoyed by incorporated
cities and villages in a bill passed unanimously
by the legislature and sent to Gov.
Thomas Dewey for his signature.
The measure authorizes town boards to
pass ordinances licensing motion picture theatres
for the admission of children between 8
and 16 years of age, unaccompanied by a
pai'ent, guardian or other adult person, where
the theatre provides a matron. It was drafted
to correct inequalities which now exist where
two theatres situated in the same populated
area face different treatment because one
is in an incorporated locality and the other
is not.
Senator William S. Hults jr., co-sponsor
of the measure with Assemblywoman Genesa
M. Strong, said the bill is needed to cover
several situations on Long Island, where
there are several large unincorporated villages.
Incorporated commimities have had
authority to regulate theatre attendance by
children since 1937.
The local ordinances may specify theJiumber
of attendants theatres shall provide.
Matrons' licenses, to be paid by the management,
are not to be more than $2. The law
does not permit theatre attendance by childi'en
during school hours or after 6 p. m.
Harvey English to Operate
New Theatre in CaHcoon
ALBANY—Harvey English expects to assume
operation by July 1 of the 500-seat
theatre which Fred Stark is building in
Calicoon. English, who conducts a dozen
film houses in the Albany, Buffalo, New
York and Philadelphia territories, has leased
the Calicoon situation from Stark, onetime
Liberty exhibitor. Calicoon is a town
of approximately 1,000, with a large summer
population. It has one theatre. now.
English, mayor of Hancock, revealed during
a visit here that he would sell several
of the present string if he could get the
right price. He reported that "business has
been off considerably, due to the tough
winter we experienced and to the fact people
do not have the money to spend."
Brooklyn Senator Seeks
iO-Cent Tax on $1 Ticket
ALBANY—A tax of ten cents on admissions
over $1
in New York City is one of the
special imposts which would be permissible
under terms of a bill introduced by Senator
P. G. Moritt, Brooklyn Democrat. Passage
of the mea.sure is doubtful. Senator Moritt
fathered a similar bill last year.
MPAA Awaits Approval
On Plan for Annex
Washington—The IMPA.\ is awaiting
approval of a plan to build an annex to
its present headquarters on 16th and
Eye Streets. The project is being considered
by the District Fine Arts Commission.
The district zoning board already
has reviewed the building plans.
The MPAA intends to construct a projection
room adjoining its present building.
Later on new offices will be added.
PCA Hears John Lardner
At Film Division Meet
NEW YORK— John Lardner, newspaper
and magazine writer, addressed the PCA
Film Division meeting held imder the chairmanship
of John T. McManus. newly elected
president, at Holland House, March 1.
First rushes of the films taken at the
Wallace Golden Gate ballroom meeting by
a group of producers, directors and cameramen
working with members of the Film
Division workshop were shown. Recordings
of the Wallace speech and of Paul Robeson
singing the campaign song, "Fresh Breeze
Blowing," were played. The membership
also heard a complete report on Film Division
activities of
the past year and the projected
program for the coming year.
Al Sherman Lining Up Deal
For Sponsored Film Plan
WASHINGTON—Al Sherman, president of
Sherman Plan, Inc..^ new system for distributing
sponsored films to theatres, is lining
up a local independent circuit and is planning
talks with circuit heads in New York. Sherman's
plan is copyrighted.
It involves formation of a preview committee
composed of leading exhibitors in
various exchange areas who will approve
sponsored films for theatrical showing.
New York Booth Men
Reach Agreement
NEW YORK—Informal agreement on
terms of a new contract between theatre circuits
and Local 306 of the operators union
was reached in the early hours of Friday
morning after a day of sabotage in theatres.
Films were run upside down and sound apparatus
failed. Some houses were closed for
several hours.
The argument was with RKO, Warners and
United Artists Theatres Corp. The agreement
calls for a 15 per cent wage increa.se,
provides for vacations, covers use of substitutes
and includes a clause requiring the
same wages for operators in leased theatres
as are paid in owned houses.
Two membership meetings were held during
the past week. A meeting also was held between
union representatives and those of theatre
management at the Waldorf Astoria
March 4. There had been talk that a strike
would begin in 120 theatres March 7 or 8
unless the union got what it wanted.
The operators have been working under
the terms of the old contract which expired
last August. Negotiations have been under
way since May 1947. They have been broken
off and resumed several times. Richard F.
Walsh, president of the lATSE has stepped
in twice to prevent a strike.
Max Herschmann Directs
Filmack Eastern Sales
NEW YORK—Appointment of Max Herschmann
as eastern sales manager of the
Filmack Ti-ailer Co. was announced by Irving
Mack, general sales manager. Herschmann,
a veteran trailer executive, will work from
the newly opened New York studio of
Filmack at 245 West 55th St. Full laboratory
facilities are available at the studio for the
making of trailers of all types.
Mulvey to Head Drive
NEW YORK—James A. Mulvey, president
of Samuel Goldwyn Prod., will be chairman
of the Catholic charities drive for Brooklyn
and Long Island. Others on the committee
are Edward C. Dowden and John Murphy of
LoeWs, Charles McDonald of RKO, Samuel
Rinzler of the Randforce circuit. Fred
Schwartz of Century circuit, and Walter F. J.
Higgins of the Associated Prudential Theatres.
HOSPITAL BENEFIT PL.^NNEKS—.Arrangements for a joint concert to be given by
the Choral Society of the Paramount Pictures club and the St. John's University glee
club at Town Hall, May 19, were set at a recent meeting in New York. Proceeds will
go to the New York Foundling hospital. Left to right, Charles M. Reagan, Paramount
vice-president in charge of distribution; Father Robert Rivard, conductor of the university
glee club; Father J. P. Kelly, assistant chaplain for the hospital; Monroe Goodman,
presrdent of the Paramount Pictures club; Monsignor John Reilly, chaplain of
the hospital; Agnes Mengel Grew, founder of the Paramunt choral group, and Robert
J. O'Brien, secretary of Paramount.
BOXOFFICE : : March 6, 1948

. . Joseph
. . Thomas
. . John
. . . Clement
. . Jeremy
GKKET SIR PHILIP A. WARTER—Warner Bros, home office executives gathered
in the Empire suite of the Waldorf-Astoria In New York to
at a luncheon Tuesday (2)
meet Sir Philip A. Warter, chairman and director of Associated British Pictures, Ltd.,
an associate corporation of Warner Bros. Seen in the photo, left to right: Mort Blumenstock,
W. S. McDonald, Stanleigh P. Friedman, Robert Perkins, Karl MacDonald,
Samuel Carlisle, John J. Glynn, Ben Kalmenson, G. R. Keyser, Jack L. Warner jr.,
Herman Starr, Harold S. Bareford, Joseph Hummel, Samuel Schneider, Sir Philip,
Max Milder and Harry Kalmine. Sir PhiUp and Lady Warter left for Los Angeles at
the weekend to meet Harry M. and Jack L. Warner.
B RO A D W Ay
Tames E. Perkins, managing director for Paramount
in Great Britain, and Max Milder,
temporary
ganization
headquarters
office until
at
March
the
10,
Rank
when
Or-
J.
Arthur Rank is due from England. Fields
president of Warner Bros. Int'l., sailed Friday
for England. Perkins spent two months will divide his time between Gotham and the
in coast.
the U.S. conferring with company heads
here and on the coast . . . Paul N. Lazarus jr.,
UA advertising and publicity director, is In
Hollywood for a three-week stay . . . Margaret
Leczer, secretary to William F. Rodgers,
MOM vice-president and general sales manager,
is vacationing in Miami . B.
Howell has been named head of publicity
and public relations for Chappell & Co.,
music publishers.
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
lOE
HORNSTEINJnc.
630 Ninth Ave.. New York City
Cecil Barker, assistant to David O. Selznick,
here for conferences with Selznick and
is
Neil Agnew, president of SRO, and Laudy
Lawi-ence, vice-president in charge of foreign
distribution. Release plans will be discussed
S. Crystal, Paramount International
theatre department head, left for
Lima, Peru, during the week to attend the
opening of the Tacna Theatre there.
Norman Taurog and Bennett Compton left
for the MGM studio to begin new directorial June Lockhart will head west to discuss
assignments .
Hummel, Warner her next film assignment with EL
First Run Exclusively
studio
NEW YORK—Brandt Theatres is converting
its 900-seat Pix Theatre on 42nd Street
general manager for Europe, and C. J. Van heads when her cuiTent play, "For Love or
Neir'Eastman Kodak controller, sailed for Money," goes on tour May 30 . . . Selig J.
to a first run foreign film house. It will be
England on the S.S. America . M. Seligman of Paramount is planning an April
the first house In the Brandt circuit to be
Whittaker, RKO vice-president and William wedding with Muriel Bienstock of Jackson
devoted exclusively to first run foreign pictures.
To date the Pix has been a subsequent
Fadiman. left for the coast. Paul Hollister Heights . . . David D. Home of Monogram
returned from the RKO studio . . . Max Weinberg,
MGM eastern shorts representative, the Caribbean and South America . . . B. G.
International Is touring company offices in
rtm.
The Apollo, another Brandt house, has
visited Chicago.
Kranze, vice-president and general sales
been combining one foreign and one U.S.
manager of Film Classics, is visiting the San
George Archibald, managing director of
film on a double feature program for several
Francisco exchange . Gury hfjfe
Independent Producers, Ltd., one of the Rank
years. The circuit occasionally shows foreign
been elected a vice-president of Donahue &
producing units, and Sid Field, British stage
films In various houses throughout the city.
Coe. He will direct copy . . . Oscar Doob is
comedian, arrived on the Queen Mary during
the week. Archibald Intends to spend a Boucher of the Motion Picture Theatre
The Pix will play French and Italian prodback
from a Havana vacation . . . Frank
month here with his wife. He will set up Owners of Washington was here for talks
with Robert Coyne at TOA headquarters.
ROADSHOW PROJECTION
THE HARVEY WILLIAM CO.
C. J. Latta, Warner Albany zone manager,
was in town for a few days . . . Evelyn l^s
Jones, for the past five years manager of
the contract and traffic division of the
Donahue & Coe radio department, has been
named time buyer for the agency . . . Fred
Zinneman, director of "The Search" (MGM)
arrived in town for the opening of the film
at the Victoria Theatre.
'Floss' to Follow 'Song'
NEW YORK—"The Mill on the Floss,"
English Films reissue, will open at the Park
Theatre following the run of "Song of My
Heart."
Notables Turn Out
For 'Naked City'
NEW YORK—Leaders in the newspaper,
stage, screen and radio fields attended the
benefit opening of "The Naked City" (U-I)
at the Capitol Theatre, Wednesday (3). The
opening was a tribute to the late Mark Hellinger,
who produced the film. The event
was sponsored by the Mark Hellinger Memorial
fund, which is part of the entertainment
division of the New York Heart campaign.
All proceeds from the opening will go
to the heart campaign.
The "Naked City" screening was preceded
by a stage show featuring film, variety and
radio stars. The opening was covered by
radio and television.
Guests at the benefit received copies of
a 140-page bound volume of tributes to Hellinger.
His friends in the entertainment and
newspaper worlds contributed articles lauding
the late writer and film producer. Film
companies, stars, film executives, restaurateurs
ran tributes to Hellinger. "Weegee."
the PM photographer who complied the book
on which "The Naked City" was based, contributed
still photographs.
Thfe book includes contributions from Ed
Sullivan. Ben Hecht, Hi Phillips, Russell
Patterson, Arthur "Bugs" Baer. Igor Cassinl,
Milton Caniff, Louis Sobel, Paul Gallico, Earl
Wilson, Walter Winchell, Faith Baldwin,
Irving Hoffman, Jimmy Cannon. Louis
Bromfield. George Dixon, Rube Goldberg,
Grantland Rice. Bill Corum, Bob Considine,
Hedda Hopper, Quentin Reynolds. Leonard
Lyons, Prank Graham, Budd Schulberg, Abel
Green, Henry McLemore, Billy Rose, Ted
Husing, Frank Scully, Nick Kenny. John
McNulty. Jlmmie Fidler, Louella Parsons
and others.
Pix to Show Foreign Films
Goldenson Heads Drive
NEW YORK—Leonard Goldenson will be
chairman of the amusement division of the
1948 fund raising campaign of the Boy Scouts
of America. The goal is $1,000,000. Other
amusement division chairmen are: legitimate
and theatrical equipment and suppliers.
Krimsky to Public Relations Firm
NEW YORK—John Krimsky has joined the
Institute of Public Relations. Inc., in an executive
capacity. He recently returned from
Hollywood where he was manager of the motion
picture division for Buchanan & Co.
advertising agency. Prior to his service with
SHAEP in World War n, Krimsky was engaged
in promotional work In the motion picture
industry.
40
BOXOFFICE
: : March 6, 1948

: March
. . . Arthur
. . Bernard
. . Jerry
UOPWA Maps Fight
For 25% Boost
NEW YORK—Tlie United Office & Professional
Workers of America, CIO, will
fight
for 25 per cent wage increases during 1948,
according to a report presented to 500 union
delegates attending the seventh constitutional
convention March 1-5 at the Hotel St. George.
Brooklyn. The UOPWA includes 3,500 film
industry workers, members of SOPEG and
SPG. Total UOPWA membership is said to
be 70,000 employes of banking, insurance,
radio and Wall Street firms in addition to
the white collar motion picture workers.
Meanwhile the 20th-Fox unit of SPG has
received wage increases ranging from $5.50
to $20.00 per week as a result of arbitration
conducted by the American Arbitration Ass'n.
All other film companies except Eagle Lion
will soon enter into arbitration proceedings
over the wage demands made by their SPG
units. Management and the union are now
selecting
arbitrators.
Jules Lapidus Son to Wed
Miss Lois Elaine Liff
NEW YORK—Dr. and Mrs, Albert A. Liff
have announced the engagement of their
daughter, Lois Elaine,
to Lawrence Herbert
Lapidus. son of Jules
Lapidus, eastern sales
^^^^ manager for Warners,
^^" and Mrs. Lapidus of
Mount Vernon.
in her jimior year at
Barnard collegeu
Lois Elaine Liff Lawrence Lapidus Is
attending Pennsylvania state college.
Along New York's Film
QHARLES BOASBERG, north-south division
manager for RKO, and assistant
By WALTER WALDMAN
Carl Peppercorn conducted a meeting at the
New York exchange March 2 to discuss the
Ned Depinet drive, which has passed the
halfway mark. Exchange staffers present
were Len Gruenberg, district manager; Phil
Hodes, branch manager; Lou Kutinsky,
Charles Penseer, Herman Silverman and John
Dacey, salesmen; Jack De Wald, accountant;
Bill Hartman, office manager, and Sy Kaplan,
Max PoUnsky and Jean Sleigh, bookers.
Gruenberg expects to saU for Bermuda
March 25 for a ten-day vacation .
Harry Margolis, booker, has been appointed
MGM shorts subjects supervisor for the second
shorts subjects sales drive. The leading
shorts subjects supervisor for each MGM
division annually wins a trip to Hollywood.
Last Year Ed Richter, head booker, was the
lucky guy
. . . Bea Friedman, assistant MGM
cashier, is back at her desk after a two-week
cruise to the West Indies.
Spring is just around the corner, according
to the members of the Motion Picture Bookers
club. Plans were discussed at the weekly
meeting at the Hotel Taft March 1 for the
organization of a softball team. Max Fried
was named a committee of one to start the
ball rolling . . . Mrs. E. Knickerbocker invited
Flimrow salesmen and bookers to the
opening of her recently acquired Dover Theatre,
Dover Plains, N. Y.
Miss Liff is a graduate
of the Fieldston
Harry Fuchs of the Skouras publicity department
school. She attended
is getting used to work again after
the University of
a six-month absence. He has been back at
Rochester and is now
the job two weeks and is just beginning to
catch up with his correspondence . . . Sam
Lefkowitz, eastern district manager for Warners,
ran into a snowstorm his second day
back from a five-week vacation in Florida
Row
Weinberg, WB office manager,
will return from Miami March 8 . . . The
combination of snow and rain March 2 was
too much for the weatherproofing of several
New Jersey theatres. Water seeped through
the roofs, causing carpet and seat damage.
The weather also kept customers at home.
Dan Halpern, former WB booker, became
father of a baby girl . . . Albert MacKenna
paid one of his infrequent visits to Pilmrow
March 2. He operates the Albermac Theatre,
Pawling, N. Y. . . . Oscar A. Doob, John
Murphy and Dan Terrell of Loew's have
returned from their travels. Doob had vacationed
in Havana and Murphy and Terrell
spent a week visiting Loew's theatres through
the south . ICranze, general sales
manager for Film Classics, is visiting exhibitors
and company personnel in and aroimd
San Francisco . . . Seymour Florin, 20th-Fox
branch manager, is on his vacation.
Harold Postman, assistant to Alan F.
Cummings, head of MGM exchange operations,
returned from a three-week tour of
the southern exchanges . . . Vaudeville will
be resumed at the St. James Theatre, Asbury
Park, March 11. Stage shows were dropped
two months ago as a result of the severe
snowstorms . Segal, former assistant
manager of the Mayfair Theatre. Asbury
Park, has been appointed manager of the
Lyric, also of Asbmy Park. Segal succeeded
Jack Thompson, who resigned.
Hickey to Confer in N.Y.
NEW YORK—Duke Hickey, community
relations division field coordinator for the
MPAA, has returned to the New York office
for department conferences. This is his first
trip here in more than four years.
N.Y. Cinema Lodge Honors
Javits and Hazel Scott
NEW YORK—Rep. Jacob K. Javits of Mew
York and Hazel Scott, pianist, were honored
by the Cinema Lodge of the B'nai B'rith at
the Hotel Astor. Tuesday (March 2i. Representative
Javits received a Cinema Lodge
"Honor Scroll" from Robert M. Weitman,
president of the lodge, for his outstanding
Americanism. Miss Scott was cited for her
contributions to the American democratic
way of life.
Representative Javits addressed the group.
He said "the ultimate test of success of our
constitutional democracy will come in the
way in which we treat our minorities in the
next decade." He discussed the problem of
displaced persons in Europe.
Weill Named UA Director
NEW YORK — Harold Weill has been
elected a member of the United Artists board
of directors. He will fill the vacancy left by
the resignation of Ai-nold Grant several
months ago, and will represent Mary Pickford.
Grant. Miss Pickford's attorney, had
been one of the four directors representing
her on the UA board. Weill, also an attorney,
is a member of the law firm of Leon, Weill
and Mahony.
NEW
YORK
PHONE
PLAZA
7-3809
YORK
WEST
55 STREET
Yes, our New York City Branch
at 245 WEST 55TH STREET
is now in full swing and
ready to serve you.
Send your next special announcement
trailer order to Filmack . .
and see why exhibitors all over
the country get their trailers
Los Angeles
1574 W.Wosh.,
ington st
]
BOXOFHCE :
6, 1948

3rd
: March
'
Film Cenler Building
Acquired by Reade
NEW YORK-The 13-story Film Center
Bldg 630 Ninth Ave., has been bought by
Walter Reade Jr. Enterprises for investment
purposes. The company, headed by Walter
Reade jr., bought the stock of the Film Center
Bldg. Corp., subject to a mortgage of
about si. 700,000. The building is assessed at
$1,800,000.
Reade has already assigned the contract
for the stock to a syndicate which will operate
the building. Daniel A. Brener and Edward
Lewis, brokers in the sale, will manage
the pioperty for the new owners.
There were reports in the last few weeks
that the building had been sold to a syndicate
headed by Joseph Harris of Realart
Pictures. Inc. Harris said that he had been
negotiating for the building, which he wanted
for investment purposes and as headquarters
for his film interests. These negotiations
were broken off about one week before the
Reade deal was made.
Reade eventually may take office space in
the building for his various enterprises, which
include a 40-house ciixuit and considerable
real estate in New Jersey and New York.
The Film Center Bldg. has been a headquarters
for New York exchanges, equipment
dealers and trailer services since December
1928. It now includes among its tenants
NSS, MGM, RKO, Columbia, U-I, United
Artists, Monogram, Eagle Lion and Republic.
'Naked City' Benefit Nets
$180,000 for Heart Fund
NEW YORK—A benefit premiere of
Mark
Hellinger's "The Naked City" at Capitol Theatre
Wednesday night (March 3) rolled up a
gross of $150,000 at $5 per seat and this was
increased $30,000 by presentation of a check
from the Skouras Theatres Corp. The
Skouras check was a result of a campaign in
the theatres.
All the money" goes to the New York Heart
Ass'n's drive to collect $500,000.
Milton Berle was master of ceremonies.
Among the well known performers who appeared
were: Bill Robinson, Harry Richman.
Morton Downey, Jane Kean, Louis Prima, the
Golden Gate quartet and Horace Heidt and
his
orche.stra.
Publicists With 20th-Fox
Granted Wage Hikes
NEW YORK—The American Arbitration
Ass'n has awarded wage increases and has
set a new minimum wage scale for publicists
employed at 20th-Fox. The decision settled
a wage dispute between the company and the
Screen Publicists Guild, Local 114, UOPWA,
CIO.
The wage increases included a $20 weekly
pay hike for senior publicists, $15 for pubheists,
$10 for associate publicists and $5.50
for apprentices. The new minimum wage
scale grants $125 weekly to senior publicists,
$87.50 to publicists, $62.50 to associate publicists
and $40 to apprentices. The new
salary scale is retroactive to Sept. 27, 1947.
A union demand for salary hikes for publicists
employed at Warners also will be
settled by arbitration. Both the union and
Warners have named their representatives.
The award in the negotiations between the
union and 20th-Fox was handed down after
a two-day hearing at arbitration headquarters.
The decision was made by a board
consisting of Prof. Harry Shulman of Yale
University Law school, Aaron Schneider,
regional director of the UOPWA, and Norman
Steinberg, attorney associated with 20th-
Fox.
Salary Increases Granted
To 1,100 Film Employes
NEW YORK — About 1,100 home office
workers at Loew's and RKO, members of the
Screen Office and Professional Employes
guild, have been granted salary increases by
'he American Arbitration Ass'n. Awards for
workers at Columbia, UA, 20th-Fox, Paramount
and National Screen are pending. The
SOPEG represents 3,000 employes at the
home office here.
Salary boosts ranging from $5 to $10 weekly
were awarded to 600 white coUar workers at
RKO. About 500 workers at Loew's received
wage hikes of from $5 to $12 weekly. The increases
are retroactive to Sept. 27, 1947.
The arbitrator in the Loew's case was
Sidney A. Wolff. Dean John T. Madden represented
Loew's; Albert Shepard of the Book
and Magazine guild of the United Office and
Pi-ofessional Workers of America represented
the SOPEG. The arbitrator in the RKO
negotiations was Isadore Broadwin. RKO
was represented by Wilbur England.
The union originally asked for an increase
of $10 weekly or 30 per cent, whichever was
higher.
'Pearl' Leads B'way
During Slow Week
NEW YORK—Leading the first runs during
a generally slow week was "The Pearl,"
which finished a strong second week.
It was a week of holdovers on Broadway,
with "Road to Rio" at the Paramount, "Three
Daring Daughters" at the Capitol," "Call
Northside 777" at the Roxy, "To the Ends
of the Earth" at the Rivoli, and "A Double
Life" at the Music Hall doing above average
business.
New arrivals toward the end of the week
included "Black Bart" at the Winter Garden;
"Song of My Heart" at the Park Avenue, and
"The Naked City," Capitol. "The Naked City"
opened its regular run March 4 after a special
benefit showing the previous night sponsored
by the Mark Hellinger memorial fund. Proceeds
went to the New York Heart Ass'n.
(Average Is 100)
Astor—The Bishop's Wile (RKO), 12th wk 93
Capilol—Three Daring Daughters (MGM),
Cnler1on^feep,°My LoveTuAiVM" wk::;:.:; tO
Globe—Body and Soul (UA), 17th wk. i4
.
Loews S.ate-KiUer McCoy (MGM), 3rd wk to
Maytair—Gentleman's Agreement ('.tOth-Fox)
pJia«^' You Knew "Susie (RKO):'" 2rid^wk:.;;;; :::::: as
Park Avenue—Holiday Camp lU-1), 6th wk.
(6 days) ,
Paramount—Road lo Rio i : - plus stage
Rad.o'^C.ty Music Hij!! -A Double Lile""(U-l).
plus stage show, 2nd wk U^
gl?^r?ri?e ^hf^e'^^rth (coi):3rd wk:::::::18^
Roxy-Call Northside 777 (20th-Fox), plus
stage show, 2nd wk ^.
HO
Strand—My Girl Tisa (WB), plus stage show.
Sutton-The Pearl (RKO), 2nd wk..
.125
Cross (SG) 2nd v,k 9b
Victor.a-The Burning
Warner-A Miracle Can Happen (UA) 4th wk bb
Wmter Garden—lossy (UA), 2nd wk. (6 days) 82
Huge Philadelphia Opening
For "Gentleman's Agreement'
PHILADELPHIA— All the news this week
is "Gentleman's Agreement," opening at
the Fox. The combination of a topflight
film, popular stars, the Academy Award publicity,
and a thorough job of exploitation
done by the local group, is paying off at the
boxoffice. Other openers, "A Double Life,"
at the Boyd; "Out of the Blue" at the Stanton,
and "My Girl Tisa" at the Mastbaum,
are not making too spectacular a splash.
Most of the other first run houses had holdovers,
and the grosses show it,
Aldine-Black Narcissus (U-I), 2nd wk 9b
Boyd-A Double Liie (Ul) /,.,„;
Arcadia-Treaure ol Sierra Madre (WB), oj 2nd
^^^
Eae—ffigh Vail (MGM) , wk. ..^:." 90
Erlanger—Cass Timberlane (MGM), bth
Fo'i-Gentleman's Agreement (20th:Fo°x)°..-. '280
Goldman-II Winter Comes (MGM), 3rd wk 00
Karlton-The Bishop's Wile (RKO). 3rd wk 150
Keith—You Were Meant for Me (20th-Fox).
^^^
::::"
Maslba^My Girl Tisa (WB):::^.::::::.^::::::::" 95
Pix—The Outlaw (UA) 2nd run, 5th wk 100
Stanley—A Miracle Con Happen (UA), 2nd wk 9b
Stanton-Out ol the Blue (EL) 100
^^
^^^
42
AT "BELLS' SCREENING—This happy quartet appeared at RKO's New York
trade screening of "The Miracle of the Bells." Left to right: Israel Zatkin, Lane
Theatres; Phil Hodes, RKO's New York exchange manager; Irving Dashkin, Savoy
Theatres, and Irving Rcnner, Endicott circuit.
'Susie' and 'Bishop's Wife'
Catching Trade in Baltimore
BALTIMORE—With a week of weak pictures
and two holdovers, bulk of the trade
went to "If You Knew Susie" and one of the
holdovers, "The Bishop's Wife." "Intriguehad
an average week and the others were
way below par.
'00
Century-Intrigue (UA) ,-
Hippodrome— If You Knew Susie
(RKO). plus stage show if
Keiths-la sy (U-I) §5
mHJ
., j
New—Call Northside 777 (20th-Fox), .^rd -.-.k.
Mayfair-Frieda (U-I) -^^--^
Stanley—Intermezzo (SRO), reissue
Town-The Bishop's Wife (RKO), 2nd wk
a/
HO
BOXOFFICE
:
6, 1948

I
some
! Crashers
: March
• , . Twentieth-Fox
, , . Monogram
. . Charles
. , The
. , Rita
. . Filmi-ow
. . Morris
WASHINGTON
fjoward Minsky, accompanied by his assistant
Nat Rosen, visited the 20th-Fox exihiinge
to hold a series of sales conferences
with District Manager Glenn Norris, Branch
Manager Gordon Contee and the sales staff
had Uiree pictures playing
on P street this week, "Call Northside
777" at Loews Palace. "The Tender Years"
at the Capitol and "You Were Meant For
Me" on a moveover at the Columbia,
The Carver Theatre in Alexandria is now
open
. . . Warners lost a print of "The Wild
Irish Rose" in the fn-e at the Mecca Theatre,
Chase City, Va,
, was shocked
by the sudden death of Ray Palmer, Warner
auditor, in Atlanta, Death was due to heart
trouble
, Sidney Lusts are sojourning
in Florida
, Mader, Monogram biller,
and her navy hubby are visiting their folks
in New Orleans
, . . Little Barbara, daughter
ot Bill Hoyle, District Theatres publicity chief,
is recovering from a seige of pneumonia.
AID BROTHERHOOD WEEK—Variety
Club Tent 11 paid tribute to Brotheriiood
week at a luncheon at the Statler hotel
in Washington February 25. In the top
photo are honored guests Eric Johnston
(left) of the MPAA and Drew Pearson,
columnist, who spoke on "The Dignity of
Man." Seen in the rear is Frank Boucher,
chief barker of the Washington
tent. Directly above is Fred Kogod
(right) , chairman of the Variety Club
welfare committee, presenting a check
for S250 to .Alfred McGarraghty (left)
as the club's contribution to Brotherhood
week. Looking on is Mrs. Frank Linzel
of the Washington Round Table, National
Conference of Christians and Jews.
Are Troublesome
ALBANY—Crashers are proving trouble
at the Strand. Assistant Manager Ted
Freidman caught four girls, about 17 years
old, opening exit doors to permit the entry
of boys. A few nights later. Manager Al
LaFlamme, acting on a tip from a patron,
discovered a group of yoimg boys who had
sneaked into the balcony via an exit door.
'Relentless' in New York
NEW YORK—"Relentless," Columbia picture
in Technicolor stan-ing Robert Young
and Marguerite Chapman, opened at the
Criterion March 6.
Reg^ U. S. Pat. Off.
ATTENDANCE BOOSTER
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ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
In the absence of President Agnes Turne.',
Vice-President Bill Fisher presided at a meet-'
ing of the FB local this week . , , Albertha
McConnell, Lust circuit, spent Monday nig-ht
with the Ira Sichelmans . . . Millie Layden,
20th-Pox secretary and her hxisband celebrated
their first wedding armiversary on
March 1.
Harry Cohen, formerly with Metro, is now
with E, H. Brient and Sons, Inc, handling
RCA equipment . Mechanic, New
Theatre, Baltimore, has gone to Miami Beach
to visit brother Bill and his family . . , Mrs.
Marie Cannon. Loew's Capitol, is in Doctors
hospital , . . Bernice Kahn, Republic Pictiu-es,-
announced her engagement to Fred
Rosenstock.
Helen Inglee, for the past seven years confined
to Will Rogers Memorial, died Monday
of a lung hemorrhage. Before her illness
she was an inspector at 20th-Fox , , . Al Benson,
Paramotmt branch manager, was a home
office visitor . . . Mai-garet Stant. United
Artists, was sick several days , . . Bill Michelson,
20th-Fox exploiteer, spent several days
in Norfolk. Richmond, and Roanoke, setting
campaigns for "Gentleman's Agreement."
Out-of-town exhibitors seen on P^mrow
were Julian Gordon, Grayson Sandy, T. E.
Wilson, Maurice Hendricks, J. E. Connellee
jr., Lieut, Johnson of the Fifth naval command,
C. Weaver. Morris Oletsky. Barry Goldman.
Julius Levine. Jack Levine. Joe Baer
and L. Cohen.
Elmore Heins is mighty proud of his son
Robert, who was graduated from Princeton
imiversity recently . , . Variety ladies had a
big tui-nout at their Wednesday luncheon
star Johnny Mack Brown
made a personal appearance at the Academy
Theatre in Lynchburg. Va. This was the
beginning of a six-week personal appearance
tour . Starrett, Columbia cowboy
star, is also making a personal appearance
tour through this territory.
"Voice ol Theatre Speakers"
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
Combination ramp identificalit
and drivewa'y flood light

. . Larry
. . Dora
. . The
. .
. . . Henry
. . . Mr.
. . Tommy
. . BaiTy
. . Mrs.
: March
PHILADELPHIA
pxcitement is brewing over the premiere of
"The Miracle of the Bells," which comes
off Mai-ch 26 at the Earle Theatre. Ev Callow,
Warner exploitation chief, said Jesse
Lasky, producer of the film, and several of
the stars are expected in town to participate
in the accompanying festivities . . . The Arcadia
was registered recently under the Pennsylvania
Fictitious Names act . . . The Castor
Theatre was added to the Ellis circuit officially
as of February 22.
The Elm Theatre in Camden, recently remodeled,
is now under new management. In
an open letter to residents of the section,
published in the Camden papers. Gene Edwards,
the new manager, set forth the policy
for dii-ection of the theatre: Cleanliness at
all times, a quiet theatre will be maintained,
and the theatre will provide a variety program
to please the varied tastes of its patrons.
Si Shaltz, head of Adelphia Associates,
leaves this week for a ten-day stay in Palm
Beach .
Graver, Warner Bros, district
manager, got a plug from Babe Rutih m
this week's issue of the Saturday Evening
Post. Graver is mentioned in the Bambino's
memoirs, since he was secretary of the Red
Sox when the Babe pitched for the club.
Maury Passero, press agent for "Panic," the
French film, slated as the next attraction at
the Princess, was married Saturday to singer
Maralyn Towne . Fox previewed "Sitting
Pretty" one night last week . . . Local
newspapermen are expressing great interest
in "Call Northside 777," which is supposed
to give an accurate picture of their profession.
Dan Katlin of the Music Hall in Lansdale
was in Temple hospital for an operation . . .
Dorothy Wilson, U-I telephone operator, was
.sick. Also ill were Peggy Johnson, Warner
clerk, and Jerry Levey and Elaine Gerber,
both of Columbia. Returned following an
illness was Lee Matela, of Columbia . . .
Condolences are extended to Betty Hubbai-d,
RKO, whose brother died, and to Bob Anderberg,
of the Rich-Art sign shop, who lost his
mother.
The Variety Club is working on plans for a
camp for underprivileged boys, wtiich the
club will operate ... Eli M. Orowitz, for eight
years with the Savar Amusement Co., in
Camden, is now general manager and treasurer
of the Peggy O'Neill mail order house
in that city . . . Joyce Robbins, secretary to
the Universal -International office manager,
resigned . Medora is new at RKO .
Thieves at the Bromley Theatre last week
were unsuccessful in an attempt to smash
the safe, but looted two vending madiines of
$66, according to Manager Patrick Nataro.
The Allcntown amusement tax went into
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them
METRO PREMIUM CO.
now oliers
BEAUTYWARE PREMIUMS
Gills ol ovorpowering Boxoifice Appeal
334 W. 44tli SI. COLumbus 5-1952 New York
257 No. 13tK St. RITtenhouse 6-7994 Philadelphia, Pa.
PRESENT POLIO CHECKS—KB circuit
and the Little Theatre in Washington
took up a total of $2,668.25 for the
March of Dimes. Above, Frank M.
Boucher, general manager of K-B (left),
and Victor Orsinger of the Little (right)
present their poUo collection checks to
Edgar Morris, District of Columbia chairman
for the MOD drive.
effect this week, causing an eight percent rise
in admission prices. In some cases, in order
to bring the admission price to an even
figure, the established admission fees have
been raised, but the rise is a fraction of or
just a penny.
The MPAA's Children's Film library is
going full blast on its campaign to enlist exhibitor
support to use the library facilities to
find films suitable for children's diet. Mrs.
Marie Dawson, head of the library, will can-y
her message to the Motion Picture Preview
group, at its March 3 meeting.
The lost-and-found department of this
column has reported from time to time on
such unusual items found in theatres, like
false teeth and crutches. But this is probably
the best yet. A woman patron of the
Orpheum called Lee Kline, manager, who
said, yes, her skirt had been found by the
cleaning
women.
One U Stock Profit Suit
Dismissed, 2nd Upheld
NEW YORK—Federal Judge Simon H.
Rivkind has granted a motion by five Universal
directors to dismiss the suit brought
by Stephen Truncale, minority stockholder,
charging them with questionable stock option
deals. Judge Rivkind ruled that Truncale
was not a stockholder in the company
at the time the deals in question were
consummated.
However, Judge Rivkind granted WilUam
Freiday, an intervenor, permission to taKe
over as plaintiff in the suit because he Ead
owned Universal stock longer than Truncale.
The .suit asks for an accounting of profits
allegedly participated in by the Universal
directors.
Island Booking Trial
Adjourned to March 8
NEW YORK—Hearings in the conspiracy
ca.se filed by Island Theatre Circuit Coitj.
against Liggett-Steiffel Booking Service have
been adjourned until March 8 because of illness
of Aaron Steuer, New York supreme
court.
BALTIMORE
T^oug Connelly, who has been operating in
the Elkton armory foui- days a week since
his house burned down, has broken ground
for a new building in Elkton . Goldman,
back in town from his New York trip,
celebrates 'his birthday March 11 . . . Harry
and Marie Welch of the Mayfair are getting
ready for a California vacation . . . Mr. and
Mrs. Sol Klein celebrated their 16th wedding
anniversary.
Permit to build a theatre in the 5400 block,
Reisterstown road, was referred back to committee
when the ordinance came up before
the city council . . . Mr. and Mrs. Hem-y Sauber.
Cameo Theatre, are celebrating the arrival
of a daughter, Nanette . Jack
Taylor, wife of the owner of the Charles
Theatre in La Plata, is the new chairman of
the First District unit, ladies auxiliary. Physicians
Memorial hospital . . . Charles Starrett,
Columbia cowboy star, has been making
personal appearances around the state with
his troupe.
Bill Michalson, 20th-Fox ejcploiteer, was
working on "An Ideal Husband" at New Theatre
.. . The Waldorf Theatre, Waldorf, has
been completely redecorated by the Paramount
Decorating Co. . . . Pearl Gimbel, secretary
to Bill Saxton, Loew's, is preparing
for her man'iage to Milt Kessler . . . Sam
Mellits, Mellits circuit with headquarters in
Denton, Md., was in town visiting relatives
Dusman, Dusman Theatre Supplies,
made a swing thi-ough the eastern
shore territory . . . Bill Buck, Rising Sun,
Md., held a roller skating party last week.
Morris Mechanic, New Theatre, flew to
Florida to spend two weeks in the sun and
for a visit with his favorite niece and nephew
and Mrs. Jack Whittle, Avenue
Theatre, are spending four weeks in the
Bahamas . Tomlin, stewat-d at
the Variety Club for eight years, resigned
... Vic Flashman, nephew of Al and Harry
Vogelstein, was married last week to Aileen
Lyons, niece of Ben Lyons and Bebe Daniels.
They spent their, honeymoon in New York.
Joe Katzoff, National Screen Service, celebrates
his birthday March 10 . . . The Regent
Theatre is recarpeting, among other improvements
. . . Bill Myers, Echo and De Luxe,
is listed as the No. 1 fan for the Bullets
basketball team.
Out-of-town guests at tlie Variety Club
last week included Mr. and Mrs. Marty Kuttner
of Colimibia, Mr. and Mrs. Danny Rosenthal
of Eagle Lion and Mi', and Mrs. Ira
Sichelman of 20th Century-Fox ... A general
meeting of the Variety Club has been
called for 8 p. m., March 16.
$100,000 Fire Razes Mecca,
Only House in Chase City
CHASE CITY, VA.—The 750-seat Mecca
was destroyed by fire early February 25. The
cinder block and brick building was razed
despite the efforts of a volunteer fire department.
Damage loss was estimated at
$100,000. It was the only theatre in the city.
loins Warner Tub Thumpers
MUt Harker has joined the Warner studio
publicity staff headed by Alex Evelove.
Harker formerly was the Los Angeles bureau
manager for International News Service.
BOXOmCE :
6, 1948

. . . The
: March
. . Ben
. . Ray
. . HaiTy
. .
. .
l"i'!>
ALBANY
Ciiul J. UUman, general manager for Fabian
Theatres upstate, is industry chairman
in the Albany area for the Red Cross
drive. Theatres are showing the Red Cross
short starring Gregory Peck but audience
collections are not being made generally, Ii
is reported, however, that some small town
houses may pass the basket as they did in
1947. Pledge cards have been distributed \o
personnel of theatres and exchanges.
Harry Lamont made a trip to New York to
confer with officials of TOA prior to a meeting
of the Theatre Owners of the Albany
Exchange Area, which was scheduled for
March 5. On the agenda was the election of
directors, to round out the list necessary for
the selection of officers. Lamont, who with
Leonard L. Rosenthal attended the national
TOA conference in Chicago several months
ago, was named temporary chairman at a
meeting in December. Owners of approximately
60 theatres had pledged themselves
to join the local unit at the last count.
Booking: of "Panic" by Fabian's Grand, at
65 cents top, marked the first foreign language
film played there in some time. It was
reported a two-week run might be scheduled
Colonial booked its second consecutive
English double bill, consisting of "The Captive
Heart" and "The Tawny Pipit."
"Pirates of Monterey" and "Captain Boycott"
comprised the second U-I bill at the
Ritz under the new first rtm policy. The latest
Deanna Durbin picture will follow, and then
a British-made Warner release, "I Became a
Criminal," will come in with "The Exile" .
Johnny Kelsey of the Leland was re-elected
president of the Albany projectionists' union
and Greg Fisher of the Grand was named
business agent.
Eleanor Paradeis of Pam-O-Films, Buffalo,
handling Screen Guild releases, and
.
Arthur Greenblatt, Screen Guild sales executive
from New York, huddled in Gloversville,
with George Lynch, chief buyer for the
Schine circuit Smith, Screen Guild
representative, a retm-n trip from Toronto,
on
called on exhibitors in Syracuse .
Names of Chief Barker HaiTy Lamont and
Leo Rosen were inadvertently omitted from
tne list of those attending the Variety Club
farev^ell dinner for Dick Hayes, long-time
Paramoimt salesman Hellman,
veteran Albany exhibitor, was reported to
have come thi-ough a gallstone operation
nicely. It was performed at Doctors hospital
in New York.
Exhibitors on Filmrow Monday included
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Dop, operating in four
upstate towns; Jules Perlinutter, Schenectady;
Frank Wieting, Cobleskill, and Morris
Slotnick, Utica . Smith, Warner manager,
drove to Oneida for a meeting with Sid
Kallet of Kallet Theatres; to Utica for huddles
with Harold Lewis of the Lincoln and
Morris Slotnick of the James, and to Binghampton
to see Norm Pearlman. He reports
that Mrs. Smith, who had been seriously ill,
is now able to go outdoors.
Johnny Gardner, owner of the Colony,
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Carpet
JOE HORNSTEIN has it!
BOXOFFICE :
DICK HAYES HONORED — Variety
Club of Albany gave a testimonial dinner
for Diclc Hayes, who resigned as salesman
for Paramount Pictures in Albany
after an affiliation of 22 Approximately
years.
75 attended the affair. Seen in
the picture, left to right: Saul Ullman,
Fabian Theatres; Harry Lamont, chief
ba.rker; Hayes; C. J. Latta, Warner Bros.
Theatres; and Eugene Vogel, Universal.
Schenectady, was due back from an automobile
trip to California . . . Fred Sliter,
20th-Fox salesman, writes from Hot Springs,
Ark., that he "is sweating it out" for three
weeks in the baths.
Keyes Perrin spent a few days with his
parents. Mi-, and Mrs. Oscar J. Perrin. Keyes
works on a Saturday night radio program with
Al Schacht, baseball clown, announces Mutual
network programs for Sumner Welles and
Fulton Lewis, and does several shows of his
own. His father manages the Ritz.
N.J. Allied Plans
Decree Committee
NEW YORK—The Allied Theatre Owners
of New Jersey will set up a committee to
watch for and report on violations of the
antitrust decree once it is made final by
the supreme court. This move was decided
upon by the members at a meeting here
March 1.
Edward Lachman, president, took a vote
on this question after he presented a report
on the recent meeting in Washington
of the Allied board of directors. The establishment
of such committees by regional
units was one of the recommendations made
by the national board. Allied Independent
Theatre Owners of Kansas-Missouri has already
established a committee to keep tabs
on decree violations. Other regional units
are expected to follow suit in the near future.
Other matters discussed at the March 1
meeting of the New Jersey group were: the
New Jersey tax situation and news that the
New Jersey State Alcoholic Beverage Control
has advised tavern owners against showing
16mm films.
A proposed vote on the Motion Picture
Foundation has been postponed until the
next meeting of the imit late in March.
Lachman explained that a number of executives
and members were unable to attend the
March 1 meeting, so it was thought best to
postpone any action on the Foundation.
Renovated Paramount
Opens in Rochester
HOCHESTER, N. Y.—One of Rochester's
favorite theatres had a new name and a
brand new lobby March 3.
The Century Theatre, under Paramoimt
iii:m:i"cniriit -ince last year, has become the
I'l -tn.iiir llicMtre, with a new mai-quee
•'!
'
'inipletely remodeled at a cost
ii\ .Mill,. SI, ,11, mill. The work was done by Stewart
and Beimett, contractors, according to
a de.sign by Michael J. DeAngelis, Rochester
a'chitect, with results so pleasing to Paramount
that DeAngelis has been commissioned
to redesign another Paramount house in
Philadelphia.
Color .scheme of the new lobby is coral,
buff and grey, with the .same hues in the
heavy Mohawk carpet. Cathode indirect
comes from above the new floating
lighting
ceiling and from concealed lights in two
columns and an ornamental light of stainless
steel. Concealed heat sources replace the
old exposed radiators. Mirrors are freely
used to increase the width of the lobby. Several
deep cases for three-dimensional displays
on coming attractions line the lobby.
From the more convenient boxoffice under
the triangular marquee to the modernly
equipped and newly designed lavatories and
powder rooms and the check room where patrons
may leave packages, the new lobby is
gracefully designed for customer comfort.
Only the lobby was closed dimng the remodeling
job, patrons using a side entrance
while work was in prepress. The auditorium
was redecorated and new seats installed some
months ago.
A gala opening was staged Wednesday by
Paratnoimt's City Manager James Eshelman
and Arthur Krolick, manager of the theatre.
Paramount officials from New York attended
the affair.
Distributors Win Motion
In New York Fraud Case
NEW YORK—Paramount Pictures. Inc.,
20th Century-Fox Film Corp, and Warner
Bros Pictures Distributing Corp. have been
granted a motion to modify demands made
by Jesse L. Stern, Abram H. Levy and their
corporations for detailed bills of particulars
of the distributors' action for alleged fraudulent
under reporting. The exhibitor defendants
operate the Parkwest and Washington
theatres in Manhattan and the Howard
Theatre in Brooklyn. Justice Pecora rendered
the decision in New York supreme
court February 26.
The court held that the distributors were
not required to furnish copies or contents
of statements made by the defendants showing
that they knew that the reports of gross
admission receipts were a material factor in
determining flat rentals. The court ruling
also held that the distributors need not
furnish copies of statements of receipts made
by the exhibitors. The court also struck
out the defendants' demand for a statement
of the law providing that the exhibitors are
required to preserve their records and their
demands for copies of the license agreements—except
for specimens.
These decisions by Justice Pecora establish
a precedent respecting demands of bills
of particulars customarily made by exhibitors
answering fraud complaints, according
to Phillips, Nizer. Benjamin & Krim, attorneys
for the distributor plaintiffs.
6, 1948 45

: March
US. Seeks Information Film Fund Actors, Writers Seek
WASHINGTON—The State department
wants to spend $4,800,000 for the motion
picture part of the U.S. information program
in fiscal 1949. The house appropriations
committee after studying the request in executive
sessions, approved most of the request.
Following the passage of the Mundt bill,
authorizing an expanded information program,
the State department asked an additional
$34,378,000.
The film fimds would pay for 50 original
documentary reels made by the motion pic-
Expect Large Attendance
At Television Institute
NEW YORK—Between 500 and 1,000 television,
radio, advertising, film, newspaper,
school and hotel executives and tradeshow,
to be held at the Hotel New York, April
19-21. The event is sponsored by Televiser
Magazine.
Eleven panels will meet during the threeday
conference: studio production, station
operation, remotes and special events, network
operations, advertising and sponsors,
films for television, theatre and hotel television,
receivers and antennas, training
panel, demonstration panel, television film
coordinating committee. Panel speakers and
chairmen will be announced shortly.
Televiser has reserved more than 70 display
booths on the mezzanine floor of the
hotel for displays of films, film cameras,
studio equipment, lighting equipment, lenses
and television receivers. Receiver dealers in
the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
areas will be invited to the tradeshow.
Heineman Shifts Southwest
Eagle Lion Selling Area
NEW YORK—William J. Heineman, Eagle
Lion vice-president in charge of distribution,
has shifted his divisional setup so that Clair
HUgers, southwestern district manager, will
supei-vise a new area to include Oklahoma
City, Dallas, St. Louis, Des Moines and
Omaha. The new district will be called the
southwestern-central district.
Heineman said this was pa.rt of a plan to
realign existing districts and sales department
assignments and to re-zone existing
sales districts.
At the same time he said that Clarence
B. Wilson has been named as a salesman in
the Dallas exchange.
Under the new setup Grover Parsons'
southern territory will include New Orleans,
Atlanta. Charlotte and Memphis.
Lipton's Sets Ad Tieups
On 20th-Fox, WB Films
NEW YORK—Lipton's Tea has made national
advertising tieups with 20th-Fox on
"Sitting Pretty" and Warner Bros, on "Johnny
Belinda."
Forty of the leading newspapers will carry
"Sitting Pi-etty" ads during April, when the
picture is in national release. Pour-color advertisements
on Jane Wyman, star of
"Johnny Belinda," will appear In Ladies
Home Journal, McCall's, Woman's Home
Companion, This Week, Parade, Country
Gentleman, Progressive Farmer and Southern
Agriculturist. This is one of a series of ad
campaigns planned on Warner product.
ture industry, 60 reels acquired and adapted,
and 2,200 reels to be made in 20 foreign
languages, and 32,000 reels of exhibitor
prints. Some 10,000,000 persons monthly
would see the films. Other uses for the
funds would be to acquire 170 new 16mm
projectors and 68 mobile units.
There would be motion picture officers in
Europe, the Near and Middle East, China,
Philippine Islands and Siam to develop exhibitor
circuits for the showing of the films.
Salt Lake City Gets Lead
In Ned Depinet Drive
NEW YORK—The RKO Radio Salt Lake
City branch headed by G. Davison was in
the lead at the end of the tenth week of
the Ned Depinet drive. This was the halfway
mark.
Sioux Falls, Oklahoma City and Denver
followed in that order.
Toronto, with Jack Bernstein as manager,
held first place in Canada, followed by St.
John and Calgary.
The western division, headed by Walter E.
Branson, was in the divisional lead, with
eastern division (Nat Levy) second, and
north-south (Charles Boasberg) third. In the
district division Rocky Mountain, in charge
of Al Kolitz, was out front, followed by
Canadian and southwestern.
Depinet Drive Captains
Visiting RKO Branches
NEW YORK—The three captains of the
RKO 1948 Ned Depinet drive and their lieutenants
are continuing their trips to the
company exchanges during the final phase
of the drive.
Walter E. Branson, accompanied by Sid
Kramer, will conduct meetings in Chicago,
Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Nat Levy, accompanied
by his assistant, Frank Drumm,
will conduct meetings in Washington and
Philadelphia. Charles Boasberg and his assistant,
Carl Peppercorn, conducted a meeting
at the New York exchange March 2
following a trip throughout the south and
southwest.
WB-Savings Bonds Tieup
NEW YORK—A poster showing scenes
from "My Girl Tisa," United States production
for Warner Bros, release, has been sent
to schools and educational institutions all
over the U.S. to stimulate the savings bond
program of the U.S. Treasury department.
It is estimated that the "Tisa" posters" will
be distributed to at least 35,000 educational
institutions under the aegis of Jarvis M.
Morse, director of the savings bond education
section.
Schlaifer Meets Exhibitors
NEW YORK—Charles Schlaifer, director
of advertising, publicity and radio for 20th-
Fox, held a series of meetings with exhibitors
on his way back from the coast for discussion
of campaigns on "Gentleman's Agreement."
First among these was in Salt Lake
City, followed by Omaha.
Help for Writers
NEW YORK—An organization to combat
national and state loyalty investigations and
what the leaders call other forms of censorship
and suppression of artistic freedoms
was formed by a group of actors, dramatists
and wi-iters at a meeting at the Savoy-Plaza
hotel February 24. Among the actions taken
by the 200 attending the rally was a vote
to support, financially and morally, the ten
Hollywood writers charged by the house
committee with contempt.
The meeting made tentative plans to stage
a rally in Madison Square Garden in about
three weeks to raise funds for the assistance
of writers now facing court charges.
Among those who spoke at the meeting
were Christopher LaFarge, who presided as
chairman; John Garfield, Aline MacMahon
and Morris Carnovsky, actors; Donald Ogden
Stewart, Edna Ferber, John Lardner,
John Hersey and Ai-nold Perl, writers; Hudson
Walker, president of the American Federation
of Arts, and Howard Taubman, music
critic of the New York Times. Canada Lee,
Negro actor who is featured in "Body and
Soul," said that the Thomas committee had
condemned the picture as subversive. Lee
declared that this, plus the decision not to
film a picture based on the life of Jackie
Robinson, Brooklyn baseball player, was a
"blow to all Negroes in the acting profession."
The meeting was called by a sponsoring
committee composed of Moss Hart, Walter
Huston, Arthur Garfield Hays, James Thurber,
Oscar Hammerstein II, Cheryl Crawford,
Leon Kroll, Norman Rockwell and
LaFarge.
A continuations committee met February
26 to discuss plans aimed to bring the various
entertainment unions into the organization.
These include Actors Equity, Screen
Guild, American Guild of Musical Artists
and American Federation of Radio Artists.
Live Talent Will Offset
Competition: Finston
NEW YORK—First run showcases should
turn to live talent as an extra audience lure
to counteract the draw of home television
receivers, according to Nathaniel Finston,
president of Symphony Films, producer of
"Song of My Heart." Finston made this state^
ment shortly after his arrival from the coast
He feels neighborhood houses will be able
to offset home television competition by installing
receivers in theatre lounges, but that
first runs must offer live talent. Finston
vaudeville returning.
The producer also predicted that admissions
will be forced to come down as television com
petition increases.
Symphony was organized recently by Fin
ston and Barney Glazer. Both had been con-;
nected in the past with Paramount an(J
MGM. "Song of My Heart," which deals
with the life and music of Tchaikovsky, is'
their first joint offering. Allied Artists
handling release through Monogram.
Finston plans tlu-ee additional films based;
on the lives of famous composers. One featuring
the music of Stephen Foster may
into production by midsummer. Release
these pictures has not been set to date.
BOXOFnCE :
6, 19

m^LT^QW
NEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CEIMTER
(Hollywood Office—Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear, Wester7i Manager) f
Directors to Negotiate
New Wage Conf ract
HOLLYWOOD — A round-table session
with producers will be called shortly by the
Screen Directors guild to open negotiations
for a new contract, supplanting the current
basic pact which expires in midmonth. The
terminating commitment was signed in 1939.
Although not officially outlined, the SDG's
demands were expected to include a new
set of wage scales for freelance film pilots,
elimination of layoff provisions in term contracts,
revision of loanout scales, and clauses
covering the right to terminate term tickets.
The demands, as drafted by a basic agreement
committee, will be submitted to the
SDG at a general membership meeting before
a definite conference date with the producers
is sought.
Jack Gross Will Analyze
RKO Production Costs
HOLLYWOOD — Further exemplification
of the film colony trend toward production
i' economies came with the elevation by RKO
j Radio of Jack Gross to a position in which
1 he will supply a pre-filming analysis of
1
production costs to Dore Schary, studio chief.
The appointment is in line with studio policy
to eliminate all possible waste. For five
years an executive producer. Gross now joins
a "production cabinet" comprising J. J.
Nolan, Edgar Peterson, William Fadiman
and Leon Goldberg.
New Boxoffice Calculator
Devised by Burton Jones
LOS ANGELES—A new exhibitor's item
for the rapid calculation of boxoffice statements,
invoices, percentages, pay rolls and
other matters has been devised by Burton
Jones, operator of the Helix in La Mesa,
Calif. The 50-page manual, titled "Ready
Reckoner," is being distributed for Jones by
National Screen Service.
Star to Film Own Story
HOLLYWOOD—"That's Hollywood," film
version of Robert Cummings' screen career,
will be next on the United California Productions
schedule, with Cummings now developing
his origin?!. He will star in the
subject. The outfit's first offering, "Let's
Live a Little," is now before the cameras
with Cummings and Hedy Lamarr as stars,
with Eagle Lion set to release.
NLRB Dismisses Charges
Of Carpenters Against lA
HOLLYWOOD—Because of "insufficient
evidence," the regional office of the National
Labor Relations board dismissed 20 complaints
filed against the lATSE by the striking
studio carpenters.
Also junked was a petition
filed on behalf of 20 rank-and-file
studio employes which urged use of the Taft-
Hartley law to break the jurisdictional stalemate.
The carpenters' complaints charged the lA
was responsible for the present strike, had
discriminated against individual workers, had
set up discriminatory initiation fees and dues
and was guilty of "feather-bedding." Howard
LeBaron, regional NLRB director, set a tenday
deadline in which the petitioners may
appeal the decision.
Gov. Warren Pushes
Bill for Fast Time
LOS ANGELES — California's recordshattering
dry spell is emerging as another
potential headache for showmen throughout
the state. Gov. Earl Warren has introduced
an emergency measure in the legislature at
Sacramento calling for an emergency daylight
savings program to conserve dwindling
power resources due to the shortage of water.
If passed, the measure would call for clocks
to be moved ahead one hour, starting immediately,
the new time to continue for one
year unless terminated before that time
by state proclamation.
Exhibitors, who have consistently been
against daylight savings in the past, concede
generally in this instance, however, that the
action is a necessary one, although they are
convinced that it will result in a slash in
boxoffice takes. The change would extend
daylight hours into the early evening, when
theatre patronage is usually at its highest
level.
Paramount Buys Rights
To 'Look Homeward'
HOLL'YWOOD—Paramount has acquired
screen rights, a shooting script and 20,000
feet of background material on "Look Homeward,
Angel," the Thomas Wolfe novel. The
deal was made with Rudy Monter and Arthur
Ripley, who bought the book in 1944 for production.
William Wyler will produce and
direct.
Monter and Ripley intended the project
originally for independent production. Observers
held their decision to sell to Paramount
probably stemmed from casting difficulties.
Stars Go to Missouri,
Texas for Premieres
HOLL'YWOOD-Twentieth Century-Fox'r
"Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" was slated for
world premiere treatment March 10 ir
Sedalia, Mo. Lon McCallister, who has the
topline, planed to that locality to attend
accompanied by Colleen Townsend, studic
contract player. Following the Sedalia debut
the feature was set for 150 day-date openings
in six states.
Stars of Monogram-Allied Artists' "Panhandle"
embarked on a trek to Dallas,
Houston. San Antonio and Fort Worth in
connection with openings of the film following
its world premiere March 2 in Amarillo,
Tex. The group, accompanied by President
Steve Broidy, includes Rod Cameron, Cathy
Downs, Anne Gwynne, Blake Edwards, Producer
John Champion, Gale Storm, Roddj'
McDowall, Fi-eddie Stewart and "Cannonball"
Taylor.
Five Crosbys Have Roles
In New Disney Feature
HOLLYWOOD—Marking their first fea
ture film appearance, the four Crosby children—Philip,
Gary, Dennis and Lindsaywill
appear with their crooning father in
a new Walt Disney feature-length animation-and-live-action
vehicle, "Two Fabulous
Characters." The junior Crosbys will have
acting roles and Bing will narrate and sing
three numbers.
The Disney picture will combine two
stories—Washington Irvlng's "Legend of
Sleepy Hollow" and Kenneth Grahame's
"The Wind In the Willows." It is for RKO
release.
Academy Ballots Out
HOLLYWOOD—Approximately 1.933 final
ballots for the forthcoming Academy awards
have been placed in the mail and Jean Hersholt.
Academy president, set March 13 as
the deadline for their return. Tlie tally will
be audited by Pi-ice & Waterhouse, public
accountants. The presentations will be made
March 20 at the Shrine auditorium.
Forms Relioious Film TTnit
HOLL'YWOOD—With plans to produr-e f
series of religious films in Italy, Jesus Pro
ductions. Inc., has been in'-ornorated ir
Sacramento by Lpdy Maria Korda. formewife
of Sir Alexander Korda. and one-tlm'
star of British and American films. As
sociated with her In the company are A. J
Roche and Hallle M. Daniel.
BOXOFTTCE :: March 6, 1948
47

lor
'
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Blurbers
Warners
BILL PEIRCE JR. checked out o( Transallantic Prouclions
following the completion ol Alfred Hitchock's
"Rope, which he served as public re-
"
gions chief.
Briefies
Metro
Pete Smith started shooting his new short subject.
"Pest Control," starring Dave O'Brien. The onereeler
is being megged by David Barclay.
short subjects sei
Paramount
Cleffers
Columbia
"Superman," serial The score for produced
Sam Katzman. will
nposed by MISCH^^
BAKALEINIKOFF.
Independent
lUAN DUVAL and VICTOR GRANIODOS were
signed to write the score for Film Classics' "Blonde
Ice."
Metro
ROBERT ALTON has been assigned as director of
musical numbers for "Words and Music," Technicolor
story of Rodgers and Hart.
Paramount
FREDERICK HOLLANDER was set to compose the
musical score for "A Foreign Affair," the Jean
Arthur, Marlene Dietrich and John Lund starrer.
RKO Radio
EMIL NEWMAN was chosen to direct HUGO
FHIEDHOFER'S score for Sierra Pictures' "loan of
Arc."
Universal-International
Four musical directors w
chores on current and forthc
FRANK SKINNER, composer and "
.Saxon Charm," nd Costello
JcTo^fir'Th'e
"Abbott
Meet Frankenand
"Washingto EDGAR FAIRCHILD,
3irl";
conductor for Deanna Durbin's song numbers in
"Wdshington Girl"; LEITH STEVENS, musica
rector for "Larceny" and "The Wonderful Race
at Rimrock." and MIKLOS ROZSA, composer and
conductor for "Roaues' Regiment" and "Kiss the
Blood Off My Hands."
Meggers
Eagle _le Lion
'Born to Fight,'
fight ring, will roll with LEONARD PICKER producing
and CHARLES RIESNER directing. Scott
Brady plays the lead
Paramount
Producer of the film version of Edna Lee's novel,
"Web of Days," will be ENDRE BOHEM. Paulette
RKO Radio
WILLIAM DIETERLE was handed the director post
for Robert Sparks' production of "Weep No More."
starring Joseph Gotten.
Warners
"
DELMER DAVES will direct "The Turquoise, film
version of the Anya Seton novel, to be produced
by Henry Blanke Doves will also prepare the
screenplay.
Options
Columbia
SAM LEVENE drew a top spot in "Winner Take
Nothing," joining Cameron Mitchell, who olays the
pivotal part. Richard Quine and William Asher
produce and direct. HENRY O'NEILL joined the cast
to portray an amiable drunk.
GLORIA JEAN was inked for the top spot in
Producer Sam Katzman's new musical, "Sweetheart
of the Blues," which Arthur Dreifuss will direct
A suDDortina SDOt in "Rusty Takes a Walk" went
to PEGGY MOFFETT. Co-featured in the film are
Ted Donaldson and Sharyn Moffett.
STEWART HARJ makes his film debut in the
romdntic lead of "Texas Sandman," action musicol
to be produced by Colbert Clark with the Hoosier
Hot Shots heading the cast.
Eagle Lion
A feature role in the Paul Henreid starrer, "Hollow
Triumph," goes to BENNY RUBIN
Independent
Producer Sig Noufeld has awarded the starring
FRANCES' RAFFERTY. The screen "adaptatio"°of
Douglas Carter's novel has a carnival background.
GENE RAYMOND joined the 'Sofia" cast, which
toplines Patricia Morison, Sigrid Gurie and Mischa
Auer under John Reinhordt's direction. To be made
in Mexico City, the film will be produced by Reinhardt
and Robert Presnell sr. for Film Classics re-
Metro
FRANK MORGAN was set to join Van lohnson in
"The Story of Monty Siratton," which will be directed
by Roy Rowland with Idck Cummings pro-
WINIFRED HARRIS drew a character role in
"luha Misbehaves." Joining the roster are HENRY
STEPHENSON and AUBREY MATHER. Greer Garson
and Walter Pidgeon are starred Everett Riskin's
in
production.
lANET LEIGH was selected for a lead role in
"Words and Music." oortraving Dorothv Rodgers,
wife of composer Richard Rodgers. TOM D^AKF
drew the role of Richatd Rodgers and Arthur Freed
IS producing. VERA-ELLEN was signed also in this
Mickey Rooney starrer which Norman Taurog will
is direct. The production a fitmusical based on
of the song-team Rodgers and Hart.
is Joining "The Three Musketeers" cast RICHARD
RTAPLEY. Pandro S. Berman's production toplines
Monogram
JOHN GAILAIIDKT, WANDA McKAY CHART-'-,
TDOWBRIDOE. NINA BRYANT and SELMER lACK-
SON were listed as additional castings for "Stage
S*nick," starrina Kane Richmond ond Audrev Lona.
"William Nigh is th» director and Jeffrey Bernerd
the producer RALPH BYRD was sianed for the
in re-
heavy role "Stage Struck" AUDREY LONG
places Anne Gwynne in the femme lead. Mis*^
Gwynne was forced to withdraw becouse of another
commitment. CONRAD NAGEL hds been signed
for a starring spot
Paramount
A Brorrdwav veteran, MARY YOUNG, was signed
for the "Abinail. Dear Heart" cast. Mitchell Leisen
is directina for Richard Moibaum, the producer.
An addi'ion to ""The Great Gatsbv" company is
PSHBY SUH.TVAN. who takes tl too supportim role.
HOWARD DA SILVA has been booked for an important
part in this lilmization of F. Scot Fitzner^ld's
novel, wh'ch Elliott Nugent will dip
Producer Richard Mo
Nine-year-nid I ARRY OLSEN was sianed lor "Isn't
It Romantic?" Dariiel Dare i': producing the romantic
comedv with Norman Z. McLeod directina
At^N DORAN drew a featured role in the Hal
Walhs-A"ato!e Litvak production, "Sorry, Wrong
pears in "Abiaoil, Dear Heart," currently before
the cameras with Claude Rains, Manda Hendrix
and Macdonold Carev starred.
A ve

I :OHN
, Friedman
: March
and
MANN, camera; EARL SITAR, sound, and BILL
.'lUSTIN, cutter.
Paramount
The cinematogropher assignment lor "Isn't It
°~-^antic?" went to LIONEL LINDON.
he services ol WALLY WESTMORE, head of the
.^up department, have been extended for three
Galsby"
Republic
MACBURNIE drew the photography as-
U signment for "The ThriU Man "
20th Century-Fox
Ccrmeraman ARTHUR E, ARLING was signed to
Universal-International
RUSSELL METTY was signed by Harold Hechtas
comeramcm for "Kiss the
Warners
The art directorship on "Silver Lining" wa
iigned to [OHN HUGHES
Title Changes
Eagle Lion
New lag lor "Blood on the Snow
CITY.
Monogram
"
Allied Artists' "The Tenderfoot
as THE DUDE GOES WEST,
Screen Guild
Edward Small's "Red Salute" is I
20th Century-Fox
"Symphony Story" is now UNFAITHFULLY YOURS
Universal-International
ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN
was set as the new title for "The Brain of Frankenstein."
Schary Collects Honors
For Humanitarianism
HOLLYWOOD—Dore Schary, RKO production
chief, added two more awards to
his ah-eady crowded shelf when he was
named the recipient of kudos from the One
World award committee and from the
northern California division of the American
Jewish Congress. The One World tribute
was presented Schary by Jacques Perrand,
executive secretary, for his production ,-^f
"Crossfire" and other films "advancing One
World's concepts." The official presentation
will be made Schary in New York April 27
at ceremonies in Carnegie Hall.
The studio topper trekked to San Francisco
to receive the AJC's award, for which
he was named recipient because of his "contributions
to films."
Susan Peters, Columbia actress, was the
guest of paraplegic veterans of Birmingham
general hospital at a dinner meeting which
was followed by a special screening of her
new .starring picture, "The Sign of the Ram."
Due here shortly from London is Joseph
Friedman, British manager for Columbia
. and co-chairman of the command perform-
!ance committee which staged an all-star
show in the British capital last November.
is bringing with him silver medallions
to be presented to the Hollj-wood
H
players who participated in the performance.
The presentations will be made to Bob Hope,
Robert Montgomery, Loretta Young, Alexis
Smith and Craig Stevens, with a special
medallion to go to Samuel Goldwyn, whose
"The Bishop's Wife" was the Command Performance
screen attraction.
BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948
is
THESE days of near-hysterical econo-
in film advertising and promotion
MNmies
—and at a time when such ticket-selling
activities should be intensified rather than
curtailed—noteworthy and laudatory is the
handsome brochure published and distributed
by the Selznick Releasing Organization and
dedicated principally to David O. Selznick's
"Intermezzo," about to be reissued.
A 32-page affair, obviously patterned after
the Life Magazine format and liberally illustrated,
it was designed as a mailing-piece
to stimulate exhibitor interest in the Ingrid
Bergman-Leslie Howard film and was sent
to virtually every showman in the nation.
The slick editing job contains page after
page of description of that picture, its stars
and its story; a recapitulation of David O.
Selznick's production achievements, coupled
with a full-page portrait of the filmmaker;
and a summary of his past record from 1933
to the present. Additionally, the brochure
presents a photograph-and-word description
of the Selznick talent roster; a chatty
film gossip column, labeled "Personal Appearance,"
with emphasis, of course, on
Selznick players and product; and a wellcomposed
"Letters" department.
The emphasis is not entirely on "Intermezzo,"
since the two current SRO releases,
"Duel in the Sun" and "The Paradine Case,"
and an upcoming -entry, "Portrait of Jennie,"
are also given considerable editorial
attention.
Obviously DOS is one magi of production
and distribution who refuses to adhere to
that archaic tenet of show business, "When
business is bad, fire the bill-poster." In fact,
he seems to be giving the bill-poster more
work—and if others among the trade's brass
hats followed his example, there would be
less wailing about declining grosses; very
possibly there'd be fewer declining grosses
about which to wail.
Previewed recently on the same day were
Sol Wurtzel's "Half Fast Midnight" (20th
Century-Fox) and Paramount's "The Big
Clock."
How chronological can a day be?
Praise Pundit Perry Lieber tinkles the
welkin with an item informing that, "By
injecting helium into soap hubbies, RKO's
trick department has come up with a new
process enabling the foam to rise to a
height of ten feet and more."
Nat James, one of Lieber's glib assistants,
has been making foam rise higher than that
for lo ! these many years—and without benefit
of
helium.
Edmund O'Brien Freelance
HOLLYWOOD—Another actor hit the freelance
trail when Edmond O'Brien secured a
release from the balance of his Universal-
International ticket, effective when he completes
his role in "The Judge's Wife."
"FOURTEEN BULLFIGHTERS
BEGIN WORK IN 'CARMEN' "
—Lou Smith Headlinr.
The publicity department's manpower was
simultaneously depleted.
Punsters cannot overlook the fact that two
pictures being prepared at RKO Radio are
"
titled "Mr. Whiskers "The Great Man's
Whiskers." To make it a logical threesome,
the studio should schedule a film version
of "The Barber of Seville."
Not cast so far: Monty WooUey or Louise
Beavers. Nor has the studio blurbery succeeded
in perfecting a tleup with the Gillette
safety-razor outfit.
Cinemactor Robert Young's first productional
venture—for Columbia release—was
"Relentless." Eagle Lion has one on the
fire y-clept "Ruthless."
If one paid attention to the cries echoing
from Hollywood's wailing wall, it might be
suggested that next in the cycle be called
"Hopeless."
And those same wailing wall habitues
should pause and give a passing thought to
a projected venture by Producer Robert
Frost, "Shed No Tears."
Always in step with the times, Howard
Strickling's Rover Boys in Mighty Leo's
blurbery freighted the mails with a yarn
about a banquet scene in "The Three Musketeers,"
citing such luscious items on the
menu as three stuffed pigs, two sides of
beef, three dozen rabbits, three dozen chickens
and two dozen pheasants.
The sequence will be a great hit In hungry
Europe.
Bill Hebert, space-snatcher-in-chief for
Producer Samuel Goldwyn, comes up with a
publicity idea sufficiently meritorious to rate
a pa.ssing paean. He arranged a special
"press conference" at the Carthay Circle,
when "The Bishop's Wife" was playing there,
and invited junior reporters from all Los
Angeles high school publications to interview
Loretta Young. The aspiring journalists
were supplied with special press passes,
facilities for photographers, and refreshments
—soft, of course. The best interview and
the best editorial on any subject dealing
with films won their respective writers a
portable typewriter.
But Blurbing Bill fell down on an opportunity
of a lifetime. During the current run
of "The Bishop's Wife" at San Francisco's
Golden Gate Theatre, he was unsuccessful
in his efforts to have the showcase's name
changed to the Goldwyn Gate.
Fairbanks Signs Manager
HOLL'YWOOD—Jerry Fairbanks has signed
Michael F. Johnson as studio manager. Johnson
recently came to the U.S. from Britain,
where for 15 years he served in various
capacities with major English and Anglo-
American film companies.

: March
Z^cjec44tiae.
West: Argyle Nelson, production manager
for SRO, returned from Sweden, where he
checked on studio facilities preparatory to
launching production there of "A Doll's
House." Another SRO visitor is Jenia Reissar,
European talent head, who is huddling
with studio toppers anent castings for>that
picture.
West: Paul Raibourn, Paramount vicepresident;
Stanley Shuford. advertising manager;
Ben Washer, New York publicity chief;
Sid Mesibow, assistant exploitation manager;
Rudy Mpntgelas. Paramount account executive
with the Buchanan agency; and others
are due in early next week from Manhattan.
They will confer with studio chiefs concerning
campaigns for several forthcoming
West: James R. Grainger. Republic sales
chief, planed in from Gotham for several
weeks of studio conferences with President
Herbert Yates and other company brass.
West: N. Peter Rathvon, RKO Radio
president, in from four-week stay in New
a
York and Washington. Another studio arrival
was William Pereira, producer, returning
from London, where he set up plans for
British filming of "The Captain Was a Lady"
in association with J. Arthur Rank. He was
generous in his praise of English production
techniques and the industry's manpower
and skill.
East: Spyros Skouras, president of 20th
Century-Fox, returned to New York after a
brief stay at the studio, during which he
gandered new product and huddled with
Darryl F. Zanuck and Joseph M. Schenck.
East: Morton A. Spring, Loew's Intema-
-lonal Corp. vice-president, back to his eastern
office after two weeks of production
huddles at Metro.
East: Albert Margolies, public relations
director for Transatlantic Pictures, the Alfred
Hitchcock-Sidney Bernstein unit which
1.'. producing two films for Warner release.
Margolies headed for New York, accompanied
by Joan Chandler, leading lady in Transatlantic's
"Rope," to tee off a publicity and
exploitation
campaign.
West: Gregor Rabinovitch, Columbia producer,
arrived from Italy for conferences
with company officials regarding future filmmaking
activity in that country. He recently
completed "The Eternal Melody" In Rome.
West: Neil Agnew, president of SRO, came
In from New York to confer with studio officials
and architects who are laying out
plans for the new home office headquarters
to be constructed In Beverly Hills.
East: Edward A. Golden, United Artists
producer, checks out for Gotham next week
for huddles with UA officials on advertising
schedules for his new picture, now before
the cameras.
'^nJCUfei^/U
East: Producer-Director Frank Capra will
check out early next month to attend special
trade showings of "State of the Union," which
he made for Metro release, in important distribution
centers, including Chicago, New
York, Philadelphia and other key areas. He
is making the trip at the request of William
F. Rodgers, Metro distribution chief.
South: Robert L. Lippert, Screen Guild distribution
chief, checked in from San Francisco
for home office sessions. Returning
from the east was F. A. Bateman, general
sales manager. Who attended a board of directors
meeting in Chicago and held sales
huddles in Nashville, New Orleans and Dallas.
East: William Fadiman, executive aide to
Dore Schary at RKO, left for New York for
a two-week survey of current plays and conferences
with homeoffice officials. He is in
charge of stories and writers.
East: Alfred Hitchcock and Sidney L. Bernstein,
partners in Transatlantic Pictures, will
head for England late in April to prepare for
the filming of their second subject for Warner
release. The property wiU hit the cameras
in June with Ingrid Bergman in the
starring spot. Checking out for New York
after a Warner studio visit was Norman
Moray, short subjects sales chief, who conferred
with Harry and Jack Warner and Gordon
HoUingshead, shorts production supervisor,
on the 1948-49 program.
PCC Reserves Used to Put
Third Appeal Over Quota
HOLLYWOOD—Even though the Permanent
Charities committee's recent third annual
United Appeal drive failed to reach the
allotted quota of $1,312,190, that amount will
be paid to 193 specified charitable agencies
to fulfill the industry's commitment 100 per
cent, it was revealed by Edward Arnold, campaign
chairman.
Tabulation of contributions at the final
report meeting disclosed the goal was only
90 per cent reached, but the PCC directorate
immediately authorized the transfer of the
balance from reserve funds in order to put
the campaign over the top. The reserves
had been tabled last year when they were
rejected by the Red Cross and the National
Foundation for Infantile Paralysis following
the second annual United Appeal. The
fourth yearly drive, Arnold said, will begin
early next fall.
Two-Reeler Being Edited
For Florida Railroad
HOLLYWOOD—After previewing the film
in Tampa, Fla.. for officials of the Seaboard
Airline railroad, Carl Dudley, head of Dudley
Pictures Corp., returned to complete final
editing of "New Horizons," a two-reel 16mm
subject in color, turned out for that firm.
The reel traces the resources, industrial
growth, vacation spots and other attractions
of Florida and the southeastern U.S.
Jerry Fairbanks Productions began camera
work on "Power of Flight." sponsored film for
Eastern Airlines, with Barbara Wooddell and
James Bannon topping the cast.
Filmiles By-Passed
In Tenny Bed Quiz
HOLLYWOOD—Motion pictures were almost
completely by-passed in the recently
concluded Red quiz conducted locally by
State Senator Jack Tenney and his California
committee on un-Americanism.
Tenney's investigation was devoted primarily
to the legitimate stage and included
an examination of several personalities identified
with the Actors Laboratory, including
Rose Hobart, J. Edward Bromberg and
Roman Bohnen. None gave a direct answer
to the question as to whether they were
members of the Communist party.
In another phase of the probe, the committee
queried Florence Eldridge, actress-wife of
Fredric March, who denied any Communist
affiliation. Ira Gershwin, lyric writer, entered
a similar denial.
Although Tenney made no official pronouncement
when the hearings were concluded,
it was generally believed no further
effort would be made by his group, at this
time at least, to look more closely into the
political beliefs and ideologies of studio executives
and workers.
PCCITO Supports Lewis Bill
LOS ANGELES— Support of the Lewis bill,
to outlaw payment of theatre fees to .^scap,
is urged by the Pacific Coast Conference of
Independent Theatre Owners, which dispatched
a telegram to Rep. Earl R. Lewis
endorsing his proposed legislation and
pledging cooperation in seeking
its
of the measure by Congress.
To Film Life of Bard
HOLLWOOD — To the list of upcoming
biographical films is added '"The Life of William
Shakespeare," which P. J. Wolfson,
former Paramount producer-WTiter. plans to
turn out independently for an unannounced
release. It will hit the cameras early next
year. Filming will be done in both the U.S.
and England.
Lloyd Nolan to Freelance
HOLL"YWOOD — Terminating an eightyear
association. Lloyd Nolan has secured a
release from the balance of his 20th-Fox
acting ticket and will freelance following
completion of his current chore in "The
Street With No Name."
EL Lines Up 'Judgment'
HOLL'YWOOD—Eagle Lion added another
property to its release schedule by arranging
to distribute "Judgment in the Wilderness,"
to be produced by William Moss Pictures, Inc.
Based on an original by Morton Grant,
"Judgment" is slated to roll in May.
Ellen Drew to Freelance
HOLLYWOOD — Planning to freelance,
Ellen Drew has secured a release from the
balance of her Columbia acting ticket. Her
last assignment was in the Glenn Ford
starrer. "The Man Prom Colorado." not yet
released.
50
BOXOFnCE :
6. 1948

Fox Intermountain
Powwow Next Week
DENVER—Fox Intermountain Theatres
will hold its spring convention March
15-17 at the division offices. The delegation
from the division offices will be headed by
Frank H. Ricketson jr., president, and Robert
Selig, his assistant. Matters affecting theatre
operation will be given a thorough going-over.
The convention will be hosts to a party
from National Theatres, of which Fox Intermountain
is an affiliate. Those expected from
the Los Angeles offices of National Theatres
are Charles P. Skouras, president: Henry Cox,
treasurer: Ed Zabel, film buyer: John Bertero,
legal department: Andy Krappman,
mercliandise department: Irving Epstein, insurance
department, and Tom Page, assistant
to Skouras.
, The opening day will be given over to the
visiting executives, while the following two
days will be devoted to discussions of divisional
problems.
The social side of the meeting tentatively
includes a dinner-dance on Tuesday night,
and events for the managers' wives.
District and theatre managers attending
will be:
Montana district—Hall Baetz, district manager:
Don Sheedy, Billings: William Powers,
Butte: Irving Simpson, Caldwell: Will Steege,
Great Falls: Dan Driscoll, Helena: Vern
Fletcher, Idaho Falls: Jack Casey, Lewistown:
Frank Larson, Missoula: Virgil Odell,
Nampa: Ted Kirkmeyer, Ogden: Robert Anderson,
Pocatello.
Northern district—Ray Davis, district manager:
Jim Hughes, Alliance: Wilbur Williams.
Boulder: Jack McGee, Cheyenne: Robert
Pennock, Fort Collins: Wilford Williams,
Kemmerer: Tom Brennan, Laramie: Don
Smith, Longmont: Ray Search, McCook: A. C.
Stalcup, North Platte: Marvin Skinner, Rawlins:
Russell Berry, Rock Springs: Les Newkirk,
Sheridan: Elmer Haines, Sidney: Chet
Miller, Sterling.
Southern district—Harold Rice, district
manager: Harvey Gollogher, Canon City:
Keith May, Delta: Jack Kramer, Durango:
Elmer Snyder, Florence: Bernard Chancellor,
Hot Springs: Dick Conley, La Junta: Henry
Westerfeld, Las Cruces: Mike Zaiesny, Las
Vegas Robert Nelson. Leadville: Ed Nelson,
Montrose: Harold McCormick, Trinidad: Don
Campbell, Walsenburg.
Denver district—Harry Huffman, district
manager: Robert Bothwell, Aladdin: Ralph
Lee, Bluebird: Bernie Hynes. Denver: Helen
SpiUer, Esquire: Virgil Campbell, Isis: John
Denman, Mayan: H. A. Goodridge, Ogden:
Ralph Batschelet, Paramount: Jack Copeland.
Rialto: Frank Culp, Tabor: Robert Lotito,
Webber: Andrew Sutherland, Fox,
Aurora.
Local Conductor's Short
Premiered in Portland
PORTLAND— J. J. Parker's Broadway and
United Ai-tists theatres offered a world premier
showing last Saturday of the Werner
Janssen musical short, "Fingal's Cave." The
Broadway featured a Governor's day ceremony
on stage, marked by the personal appearances
of Oregon's Governor John H.
Hall: Werner Janssen, local symphony conductor,
and his wife, and Ann Harding, screen
actress. The program was broadcast over
station KEX.
At Denver Screen Club Stag
Dinner
'hoto of the head table at the annual Sportsmen's stag dinner and party, given
b.\ the Rocky Mountain Screen ciub at the clubroom.s in Denver. More than 70 sat
down to dinner of antelope, wild rice, and all the trimmings. Horseracing films, with
guests betting just like at a racetrack, featured the evening, along with several reels
of film taken of wild life in Colorado, shown by Earl Scanlan, local bond dealer,
who makes amateur films his hobby.
Seated it the table clockwise, are Kibby Gart, sporting goods dealer; unidentified
gncst; Ralph Batschelet, manager of the Paramount Theatre; Robert C. Hill. Columbia
manager and president of the club; John O'Donnell, Denver chief of police;
Kenneth MacKaig, United Artists manager and secretary of the club, and Cleland
N. Feast, Colorado state game and fish commissioner.
The committee that put the party over in such fine style consisted of MacKaig.
Batschelet and Tom Bailey. Film Classics exchange manager.
Gallery for Utah's Artists
Incorporated Into Theatre
KAYS'WLLE, UTAH—The new Kaysville
Theatre Bldg., which has been under construction
for nearly three years, is expected
to be opened for occupancy next March.
The theatre, being run by Cliff Ross of
Miu-ray, is already completed.
The building, one of the most modern of
its type in the state, houses five stores in
addition to the theatre. The lobby of the
theatre will serve as an art gallery for Utah
artists, and will be under the direction of
LeConte Stewart of the University of Utah
art department, who expects to attract many
top showings to the Kaysville galleries.
In addition to the theatre the building
will house a handicraft and book shop, a
ladies' style shop, a department store, a
radio and appliance firm and a drug store
and soda fountain.
The theatre is completely air conditioned
and has a seating capacity of 550. Its concrete
floors are covered with carpeting.
Ready to Start Work Soon
On Clovis Theatre Project
CLOVIS, N. M.—Reconstruction of the
Mesa Theatre is expected to start here shortly
and E. R. Hardwick said he hoped to have
the job completed in 100 working days. Jack
Corgan, Dallas theatre architect, was in
town to confer with Hardwick on the plans
and to prepare for the letting of contracts.
Hardwick said everything in the building will
be new. There will be 784 seats, arranged in
a stadium-type auditorium. There will be
four large rest rooms, two for colored patrons
and two for white, and the auditoriiun
will be redesigned to improve the acoustics.
Tlie front will be all tile below the marquee.
Above the marquee will be a vertical name
sign.
Larry Parks Loses
His Contract Suit
LOS ANGELES—Larry Parks lost his suit
to break his contract with Columbia Pictures.
Judge William C. Mathes ruled Parks
waited too long before trying to break a
seven-year contract signed Sept. 28, 1945.
But he added there was "coercion" in getting
Parks to sign the pact and that the actor
"knew he couldn't get the lead in 'The Jolson
Story' unless he signed."
RKO Signs H. C. Potter
HOLLYWOOD—H. C. Potter joined the
RKO directorial roster on a long-term contract.
He recently completed "Mr. Blandings
Builds His Dream Hoase," Cary Grant
starrer, produced by RKO for distribution by
the Selznick Releasing Organization.
Sutherland-EL Pact
HOLLYWOOD — A two-picture
distribution
deal with Eagle Lion has been set by
John Sutherland Productions, Inc., with the
initialer, "Lady at Midnight." slated to roll
early this month. Sherman Scott will direct
from an original .screenplay by Richard Sale.
loins R. B. Roberts
HOLLYWOOD — Joining R. B. Roberts
Productions as secretary-treasurer and general
manager is Martin Jurow, formerly associated
with the James Saphier agency.
Plan New Waldport Theatre
WALDPORT, ORE.—E. A. and L. E. Tedraw,
owners of the Waldport Theatre, have
announced that plans are being prepared
for a new theatre they will build here.
BOXOFFICE : : March 6, 1948 H 51

. . Lon
. .
. . . Charles
. . William
. . Bob
. .
LOS ANGELES
Qharles P. Skouras, president of Fox West
Coast, was in San Francisco for a regional
meeting . . . District Manager Bemy
Wolfe of National Screen Service headed for
Dallas . . . Pat Patterson of Astor was in
town en route to San Francisco following a
trip to Gotham . . . Also in from New York
was Nat Sanders, head of English Films .
Betsy Bogart, booker at the Warner exchange
for 30 years, retired three years a30
to take an extended tour of the U.S. Back
home following her three-year junket, she
now resides at 150 North Coronado and
would like to hear from her many friends
along the Row.
Dave Cantor, RKO exploitation chief, returned
from San Francisco following his activities
in setting up the opening of "If You
Knew Susie" at the Golden Gate . . . Booking
and buying chores brought Carl and
Ford Bratcher of the Del Rio in Riverside,
and George Page, Fairoaks, Arroyo Grande,
to the Row . Hoss, U-I salesman, is
back on the job after a two-week illness . . .
Al Taylor's secretary, Betty De Brown, left
her desk at the Paramount exchange for a
brief Palm Springs vacation . . . Selznick
Releasing Organization is readying to move
to new headquarters at Doheny and Wilshire
in Beverly Hills.
The Desert and L. A. Theatres in Lincoln
Acres near San Diego have been added to the
Cooperative Theatres lineup by Roy Dixon . . .
Elmer Sedin, RKO home office accountant.
NOW
VACUUM PACKED IN 10-LB. CANS
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has been checking the local office's ledgers
. . . Charles Feldman, U-I division manager,
left on a sales trip with Foster Blake,
district
chief.
Walter Branson, RKO western sales chief,
accompanied by Sid Ki-amer, is conducting a
midwest tour of exchanges on behalf of the
current Ned Depinet drive. First stop will be
Chicago, to be followed by Milwaukee and
surrounding territory . . . B. G. Kranze,
worldwide sales chief for Film Classics,
checked out for San Francisco where he will
confer with his local manager.
To New York went Film Classics'
director
of advertising and publicity, Al Zimbalist.
While in Hollywood he will set up national
publicity campaigns for "Money Madness,"
"Devil's Cargo," "The Argyle Secrets" and
"Blonde Ice" . . . G. Ralph Branton, executive
of Tri-States Theatres, Des Moines, and
Mrs. Branton were recent visitors at Paramount
studios . . . Ebba Blackwood, receptionist
at RKO, and G. T. Alexander were
married in Las Vegas on February 20 . . .
Funeral services for William James Edwards
sr., 82, long-time exhibitor, were held March 2.
Edwards, father of James Edwards jr., independent
circuit operator, died February 28
Al Gorrel, formerly with Universal-International
in Seattle, is taking over the Los
Angeles and San Francisco territories for
English Films.
The La Tosca has been taken over from A.
Roc'hlin by Frank Mednick. operator of the
Trojan. Mednick came here in 1940 from
Casper, Wyo. . . . Visitors included Earl Calvert,
in from Lompoc, with his house manager,
Jimmy Mason: Harry Denny, city manager
for Fox West Coast in San Bernardino,
and Lou Maren, UA exploiteer . . . Earl Collins,
Republic's coast division chief, headed
for
Salt Lake City.
FOR THE BEST IN
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Los Angeles Office Now Open
1574 W. WASHINGTON BLVD.
staff additions at the Manley popcorn
machine office include Ray SurwiUno, office
manager, Robert Reischling, concession
supervisor, and Harold Tafford . Dunnigan
of Blythe is preparing for the opening
of his new Hub Theatre, and will have Monogram
stars in attendance.
In on the Row from Long Beach was Milt
Arthur, head man at the Southside Theatre
. . . Jack Clark, Ventura theatreman, was
also on the Row for business confabs . . .
Jerry Thomas, son of Producer Harry Thomas,
is the father of a baby girl, born February
19 . . . Also on the cigar-passing list was
Screen Guild's salesman Stoney Goode,
whose wife gave birth to a boy.
Harvey Goldman closed his Princess Theatre
here while it undergoes renovation .
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Emanuel and their
daughter Bessie were recent visitors. Emanuel
owns the Sutter Theatre in San Francisco
Shapiro of the Essaness theatre
circuit of Chicago stopped by to see friends
on the Row.
B. L. Kroehler, president of the Kroehler
push-back seat organization, was a visitor
from his home in Illinois . . . Steve Chorak
opened his new 650-seat theatre in Puente
pendent circuit operator, died February 28.
February 19 . Heineman, Eagle
Lion vice-president, and his assistant, Jack
Schlaefer, were Row visitors.
Natalie Wineburg is the new secretary to
Screen Guild's office manager. Frank Schindler
. . . From Chicago came Nathan Soland,
vice-president of Mercury film laboratories,
to give the local offices the once-over.
New Culver City Ozoner
CULVER CITY, CALIF.—A new drive-in
wUl be built at 5250 SepiUveda Blvd. for the
LaVere Co. of Los Angeles. Plans provide
for an asbestos-sheet covered screen tower,
with built-in neon decorations, office, projection
building, snack bar, rest rooms, etc.,
and a fence of steel and sheet-asbestos. Cost
is estimated at $70,000.
Theatre to Sunnymount
LOS GATOS, CALIF.—Sunnymount Theatres.
Inc., will operate the theatre which
J. O. Myers will build here in connection
with his 1,000 homes development on Union
avenue, it was announced by Don Brown,
manager of the Los Gatos Theatre.
Charter Santa Rosa Airer
SACRAMENTO. CALIF.— Articles of incorporation
have been filed with the secretary
of state by the Santa Rosa Drive-In
Theatre. Directors are Leslie M. Kessler
of Berkeley and Albert H. Kessler and H.
Rosener of Oakland.
Revamp Benicia Auditorium
BENICIA, CALIF.—James Lemos is rearranging
the seating in his Victory Theatre
here, eliminating the two aisles in favor
of one down the center and installing a
stadium-type layout to increase capacity.
Reg U, S Pat Oil
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BOXOFFICE : : March 6, 1948

: March
'Northside' Scores 190
For Los Angeles High
LOS ANGELES—Among three new openings
in local first riur situations "Call Northside
777." in its initial stanza in four daydate
houses, topped the week's takes with
a hefty 190. The period found business somewhat
spotty, with "The Outlaw." in the
second week of a return engagement, carding
a 165 and "Black Bart" rating 130 to
finish with place and show money, respectively.
(Average Is 100)
Belmonl, Culver, El Rey, Orpheum, Vogue—
For You I Die (FC); Women in the Night (FC) ^JO
Carthay, Palace—The Sign ol the Ram (Col)
2nd wk 100
Chinese, Loyola, Stale, Ucloivn- Call Northside
777 (20,h-Fox), Let's Live Again (20th-Fox) ISO
Guild, Culver, Ins, Ritz, Studio City. United
Artists—Black Bart (U-1) 130
Downtown, Hollywood Paromounts—Albuquerque
(Para); Caged Fury (Para), 2nd wk 75
Egyptian, Los Angeles, Wilshire—High Wall
(MGM), 2nd wk ?0
Four Star—Mourning Becomes Electra (RKO),
10th wk,, roadshow ICO
Four Music Halls-The Outlaw (UA), .:nd run 165
Pontages, HiUslreet—Night Song (RKO), The
Woman From Tangier (Col), 2nd wk 90
Warners Downtown, HoUvwood, Wiltern-The
Voice of the Turtle (WB), 2iid wk 110
'Black Bart' and "Double Life'
High San Francisco Scorers
SAN FRANCISCO—"Black Bart." coupled
with "Bmy Me Dead" at the Esquire and
Orpheum. pulled down top honors with 200.
followed closely by "A Double Life" at the
United Artists. Other high scorers were "The
Voice of the Turtle" on a double bill at the
Fox. "If You Knew- Susie" with a stage show
at the Golden Gate, and "Albuquerque" and
"Big Town After Dark" at the Paramount.
"Gentleman's Agreement" continued strong
in its fifth week at the United Nations.
Esquire and Orpheum—Black Bo (U-I);
Voice of the Turtle (WB),
Alwrays Together (WB)
Golden Gate— If You Knew Susie (RKO),
plus stage show
Paramount—Albuquerque (Para), Big Tc
Alter Dark (Para)
St. Francis-T-Men (EL), 3rd wk
State—Treasure of Sierra Madra (WB),
4th d, t. wk
United Artists—A Double Life (Ul)
United Nations—Gentleman's Agreement
(20th-Fox), 5th wk
Warfield—If Winter Comes (MGM).
Slippy McGee (Rep)
Portland Grosses Improve;
"Northside/ "Turtle' Lead
PORTLAND—A couple of heralded newcomers
took boxoffice honors among the first
run houses this week. "Call Northside 777"
giving the Paramount an outstanding week
and "The 'Voice of the Turtle" doing the
same for the Oriental and Orpheiun. Grosses
were up generally among the showcases, due
in part to a break in the unpleasant weather
of the past weeks.
Broadway—Sleep, My Love (UA), The
(Rep)
Guild—The Senator Was Indiscreet (U-I);
The Hat Box Mystery (SG), 2nd d, t wk
Maylair—My Girl Tisa (WB), San " Antonio
(WB), refssue
Music Box—You We
Moment
for Me COlh-Fo
wk Lost (U-I). t. 4th d. 90
Oriental and Orpheum—The Voice of the Turtle
(WB): Whispering City lEL, 120
Paramount— Call Northside 777 ::-h-Fox):
Ho-es Are Red :::- F--: 125
Playhouse— Relenlle.ss Cc, Mary Lou (Col),
2nd d. t. V.-,: 100
United Artists-High Wall (MGMj 75
Snow Slows Denver Gate
But All Houses Fare Well
DENVER—Business at Denver first nms
would have been better but for a snow Sunday
night and all day Monday. "Albuquer-
que" is getting a second week at least at the
Denham after a fine first seven days.
Aladdin—The Voice of the Turtle (WB); Perilous
Waters (Mono), 3rd wk d. t
Dunham—Albuquerque (Para)
200
150
^"'^ Webber— Call Northside 777
^''".X'',''-,.'^"''""*^
(20,h-Fox); Heading lor Heaven (E:L) 13'/
Orpheum— Night Song (RKO);
Bush Pilot (SO)
Colu
(UA)
Proceeds of Hub Opening
Given to Closed Hospital
BLYTHE. CALIF.— All proceeds from a
three-day grand opening of his new Hub
Theatre hej-e March 4-6 were turned over to
the local hospital by Dick Simmons, owneroperator
of the house. The institution had
been closed for more than a year due to
lack of money.
Simmons' initial booking was Metro's "Three
Daring Daughters." He lined up Janet Leigh.
Marshall Thompson. Barry Nelson and Marcia
Van Dyke. Metro contract players, to
make personal appearances.
Theatre to House Concerts
SPOKANE. WASH.—The Garland Theatre
will sponsor four pop concerts by Spokane's
Philharmonic orchestra. The concerts will
be March 23. April 5. April 19 and another in
May. the date to be decided later. C. F,
Frank Harris originated the idea of these
concerts and solicited the aid of Harold P.
Whelan, conductor of the Philharmonic and
his musicians. Han-is plans to take only
enough of the proceeds to enable him to pay
his overhead and Whelan and his musicians
will take the boxoffice proceeds. In order to
provide ample room for the orchestra, Harris
has arranged to have the stage extended.
Exchange Theatres
WOODBURN, ORE. — Operation of the
Bungalow Theatre here was taken over
Februai-y 15 by the new owner, Irving Westenskow.
who sold his theatre in Montesano.
Wash., to the former Bungalow owner. Peter
Koppinger. 'Westenskow^ purchased property
here for construction of a new 500-seat house
before buying the Bungalow and says he will
operate both houses when he gets the new
one built.
Hawthorne House Reopens
HAWTHORNE, CALIF.—Redecorated and
re-equipped from front to back, the old Rex
Theatre has reopened here under its new
name, the Cal. E. S. "Ned" Calvi, operator
of the theatre for the last ten years, installed
new booth equipment and a new screen, new
seats, and redecorated throughout.
To Film State's Beauty
PORTIjAND—Preliminary work is under
way for the production of a motion picture of
Oregon's scenic attractions and natural resources.
The picture, when completed, will
be made available for showing through
schools, colleges, and the armed forces, as
well as scientific and techlncal societies.
Recarpet in Tigard, Ore.
PORTLAND — Theatre Utilities Service
Coi-p. recently completed the recarpeting of
the Joy Theatre in
Tigard. Ore.

: March
Says Showmanship in Australia Runs
From Very Good to Extremely Poor
By WILLIAM A. BEECHAM
Australian Bureau, Boxoffice
PERTH, W. A.— It would seem that two
Australian film trade publications are waging
a war regarding the question o£ theatre
showmanship in Australia. One insists that
Australian showmanship is as high as any
in the world, while the other is certain that
iL is at a low ebb. An outside observer might
be pardoned (after more than a quarter of
a century of observation i for coming to the
conclusion that both publications are right,
and both are wrong.
In many cases, in both large and small
cinemas, the showmanship displayed (and
this covers the general running of the theatre
is of a very high order, and patrons must
1
feel to some extent that it is a pleasure to
pay their money at the boxoffice. But in
some theatres (again both large and small)
the word "showmanship" does not mean a
thing. Staffs are ill-trained and even discourteous,
the plant is woefully out-of-date,
and a general attitude of "take it or leave it"
is very apparent. The contrast between the
efficient and the inefficient houses is very
great, and unfortunately the proprietors of
the inefficient theatres do great harm to the
industry as a whole.
Maj. R. P. Baker, managing director of
Ealing Studios and associated companies,
was recently given a luncheon at the Adelphi
hotel, Perth. Speaking on the success of the
Australian production, "The Overlanders,"
he said: "It has been listed as one of the
ten best films of the year in America and
we hope to get many dollars from there. It
is doing big business in the English and
American zones of Germany, but we cannot
get our money from there. It is a success
in Italy, but the lira is frozen; similarly is
popular in France, but not only is the franc
devalued, but we cannot get our money from
there either. Still, a profit has been made,
even though it will be some time before we
receive the cash."
Custard pie nights are proving extremely
popular around the Melbourne suburbs, the
idea being put over by Hoyts Theatres, Ltd.
Program consists of a feature film and six
old-time silent slapstick comedies, each with
a gag soundtrack added. Succe.ss will probably
lead to the same type of shows being
tried
in other centers.
Films have recently been made of the
much-publicized Braund treatment of cancer,
and these are proving an attraction
wherever shown. The whole business continues
to be front page news, ,and the Cinesound
special, "Can Braund Cure Cancer?"
when first screened at a Sydney theatrette,
had to be repeated three times to enable all
those who turned up to see it.
His Majesty's Theatre, Perth, which for
some long time past has been a secondrelease
cinema under the Fuller banner, has
now been taken over by a company headed
by J. Moss, of the Mayfair Theatrette, and
after being redecorated it will open with
vaudeville and musical comedies.
In the Sydney central police court recently,
Stanley Hammond was charged with having
falsely obtained the sum of 1,000 pounds
($4,800 at pan from Victor August Edmonds,
of Melbourne. Evidence disclosed that Hammond
assured Edmonds that he had an offer
for the engagement of screen comedians
Laurel and Ha,rdy in Australia. Case remains
part heard.
Wolfe Cohen, vice-president of Warner
Bros. Pictures International Corp., who last
visited Australia about three years ago, is
expected in Sydney early in April. Cohen
intends to spend about four weeks touring
the commonwealth, visiting the company's
branches. He will then go on to New Zealand.
Film star Jane Barrett, here from Britain
for "The Blue Lagoon," and husband Hans
Helwig have both been inmates of Sydney
hospitals. Miss Barrett suffered from infected
insect bites, and Helwig had a nasty
time with meningitis. Both are now once
again back in circulation.
A 16mm film of the British royal wedding
has been secured by the education department
of Western Australia, and this will be
shown to all school children throughout the
state. But as it will be some time before
this film arrives from England, the department
has arranged that, where a film of the
wedding is being screening at a theatre matinee,
sanction will be given to the attendance
of the school children during school
hours.
We regret to record the death of Charles
Chuter, who until quite recently was Queensland
films commissioner. Indeed, only a
month ago the film industry feted him. Funeral
was large and impressive, many cabinet
members attending. Chuter leaves a wife
and family.
Dan Duryea to Salt Lake
For 'Black Bart' Opening
SALT LAKE CITY— Dan Duryea, star of
"Black Bart," will make a personal appearance
on the stage of the Utah Theatre here
in connection with opening of the picture.
His visit is being arranged, however, by a
local department store, which is bringing
him here for store appearances during the
city's spring fashion show.
Duryea will arrive here Monday and meet
the press that day at a special luncheon.
After that, he will make appearances at the
store and the following day will appear at
the store again and make an appearance on
the stage of the Utah. Wednesday the star
and his company will tour the city.
Approve West Point Permit
WEST POINT, CALIF.—Approval has been
granted by the office of the housing expediter
in Washington for construction of a 300-seat
prefabricated theatre here, according to Wes
Taylor, manager of the San Andreas Theatre.
He said construction would start at once.
'Northside' Does Well
In First Seattle Week
SEATTLE—Opening one day after its
world premiere in Chicago, "Call Noithside
777" started drawing at the Fifth Avenue and
racked up a solid 134 in its first week. Sterling's
moveover house, the Roosevelt, and the
neighborhood UptowTi, tried something different
by playing "Shoe-Shine" day and date
and did average business.
(Average Is 100)
Blue Mouse—Tycoon (RKO). Dick Tracy Meats
Gruesome (RKO), 2nd d. t. wk 85
Filth Avenue—Call Northside 777 (20th-Fox),
The Lone Wolf in London (Col) 134
Liberty—To the Ends oi the Earth (Col)
Blondie's Anniversary (Col), 2nd v^k 145
Music Box—Treasure oi Sierra Madre (WB),
4th d t wk 90
Music Hall— Cass Timberlane (MGM), 4th wk IbO
Paramount—The Mark of Zorro (20th-Fox),
Drums Along the Mohawk (20h-Fox), reissues... 70
Orpheum—T-Men (EL); Pacific Adventure (Col).... 85
Palomar—Out oi the Blue (EL);
The Trespasser (Rep) 75
Roosevelt and Uptown—Shoe-Shine (Lopert) 100
Griffith Circuit Lights Up
Theatre in Kermit, N. M.
KERMIT, N. M.—The Kermit Theatre,
newest unit in the Griffith circuit, opened
here February 17 with the showing of "Tycoon."
Opening of the theatre culminated
long efforts of the Chamber of Commerce
to bring a theatre to town. Kenneth Blackledge
of Lubbock, Tex., district manager for
Griffith Theatres, was here for the premiere
showing. The house is being managed by
Tom Moorehead. It is built of masonry, has
acoustical plaster in the auditorium, a tile
lounge and rest rooms, and smoking and cry
rooms, and has completely new equipment.
Children's Shows Expand
ALBUQUERQUE, N. M.—Success of the
first PTA-sponsored show at the downtown
Kimo and Sunshine theatres led George
Tucker, city manager here for the Interstate
circuit, to expand the Children's Film
Library offerings to two neighborhood
houses. The pictures are now being shown
at the Yucca and Lobo as well as the downtown
places.
Exchanges Raise Pay
SALT LAKE CITY—Exchange employes
in Salt Lake City offices have been given
new contracts providing for 15 per cent
wage increases, effective March 1. Bert
Fisher, formerly head shipper for Paramount,
resigned as vice-president of the
back office workers. He was replaced by
Ed Vranizan of National Screen.
Buys Hall in Deary. Ida.
DEARY, IDAHO—The old Legion hall
here has been purchased by Walter S. Campbell
of Genesee and is being refitted for the
showing of motion pictures. Campbell
operates houses in Genesee, Lapwai, Asotin,
Peck and Emida.
Books Films for Guam
SAN FRANCISCO — Ed Rowden of the
Rowden Theatre Service has closed a deal
to supply Brown-Pacific-Maxon in Guam with
a complete show each week for their four
theatres in Guam.
BOXOFFICE
:
6, 1948

. . Frank
: March
. . Bruce
. . Ray
. . Fay
. . H.
DENVER
Dobert Selig, assistant to the president of
Fox Intermountain Theatres, has been
named chairman of Denver's Army day celebration
April 10 . Marsliall. Columbia
salesman, is the daddy of a baby boy,
Culver Marshall, born at Pi-esbyterian hospital.
Mrs. Marshall was a booker at Universal
at the time of their mai-riage,
Howard Metzgar, resigned 20th-Fox salesman,
has been named local manager for Embas.sy
Pictures, which opened a Denver office
at 925 Twenty-first St. The Denver
Shipping and Inspection Center will distribute
the film . . . Robert Martin, manager
of the Liberty. Pagosa Springs, retui'ned from
a two-month vacation In California.
Dick Lutz, National Theatre Supply salesman,
flew to Ogden on btisiness . . . Kate
Willis, 79, wife of E. J. Willis, Atlas Theatres
auditor, died here after a long illness. Funeral
services were in Denver, with biu-ial in Pueblo,
Colo. . . . H. E. Kelly, owner of the Mancos,
Mancos, Colo., is using the Elks hall
until he can get another building put up to
replace the theatre, recently destroyed by fire.
Chick Kelloff has closed the La Plaza, Antonito,
for a month for remodeling . . . Walter
Branson, western division manager of
RKO, and Sid Kramer, assistant to Han-y
Michaelson, head of short subjects, were here
for a sales meeting attended by Al Kolitz, district
manager; Joe Emerson, branch manager;
Quenton Horn, office manager, and
Davis, northem
fche Denver salesmen district manager for Fox Intermountain,
.
and Christine Ford were married.
Elmer Snyder, manager of the Rialto, Florence,
Colo., went to the St. Joseph hospital
there for an appendectomy . Esmond
Hardin has given his Civic, formerly the
Star, Hay Springs, Neb., a grand reopening
after having installed new projection and
sound . Childs. president of Selected
Pictures exchanges, who was discharged
from the hospital after a week there because
of a fall, was taken back to the hospital after
he ran a temperature . Gardner installed
new Motiographs in his Star. Cm-tis.
Neb., with Ted Knox doing the Installing.
Beverly Miller, Eagle Lion district manager,
was in Denver before going on to Salt Lake
City. On his way back to his Kansas City
headquarters he again stopped over . . . Bryan
Foy. in charge of production for Eagle Lion,
was in Canon City making arrangeemnts to
make a picture based on the latest of the
prison breaks at the Colorado State penitentiary
. . . Frank Culp. Tabor manager,
went to Florida on vacation.
Theatre folk on Filmrow: Mr. and Mrs.
Fred Hall, Akron; Mr. and Mrs. George
Hodge, Lamar; Mr. and Mi-s. Fred Lind,
Rifle; L. M. Scheidegger, Seibert; Max Campbell
and Robert Schmitt, Trenton, Neb.; Tom
Knight, Riverton, Wyo.; Dorrance Schmidt,
Bridgeport, Neb.; Dave Warnock, Johnstown,
and Frank Whalen, Deertrail.
Heating, Air Conditioning Installed
PLEASANTON, CALIF.—A new heating
and air conditioning system has been installed
in the Roxy, according to Gordon
Shirley, manager.
BOXOFFICE :
6. 1948
CHECK FOR MOD—Entire proceeds of
one night's performance at the Starlite
Theatre in Belmont, Calif., were turned
over to the March of Dimes fund. Only
the federal tax was deducted from the
gross. Claude J. Hirschey (left), treasurer
of the San Mateo county chapter of
the National Foundation for Infantile
Paralysis, is shown receiving a check from
James B. Howell jr. and Irwin B. Mc-
Monagle of the StarUte Theatre Corp.
3 Pet. Tax in Eugene
May Get Court Test
EUGENE, ORE.—Despite protests on the
part of local theatre owners, led by Ted R.
Gamble of Portland, president of the Theatre
Owners of America, the Eugene city
council passed an ordinance calling for a 3
per cent admission tax. The ordinance,
which goes into effect this month, is expected
to raise $30,000 annually for operation
of the city's parks and playgrounds.
Gamble told the council that the theatre
owners' national organization is conducting
a drive to repeal or have set aside all municipal
taxes of this nature. Harold Wyatt,
city manager of the Evergreen Theatres,
said local theatre interests are consulting
their attorneys with the aim of circulating
referendum petitions to bring the controversy
before the city voters at the coming
May elections. It is also possible. Wyatt
said, that the tax will be contested in the
courts.
Milton Samis of San Jose
Drowns Near Las Vegas
SAN JOSE. CALIF.—Milton F. Samis. 55.
operator of the Hester Theatre here, drowned
February 20 while fishing at Willow Beach.
35 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nev.
The boat from which Samis was fishing
apparently overturned and he was last seen
thrashing in rapids off Willow Beach. A
search for the body was unsuccessful. Samis
suffered a breakdown about six weeks before
his death and had been vacationing In Las
Vegas.
He recently announced plans to establish
a new downtown theatre here in partnersliip
with Jay McCabe, manager of the Civic
auditorium.
Branson Resumes Tour
NEW YORK—Walter E. Branson, RKO
western division manager, has resumed his
tour of the company exchanges on behalf
of the current Ned Depinet drive. Accompanied
by Sid Kramer, assistant to Harry
Michalson, short subjects sales manager,
Branson will conduct meetings in Chicago,
Portland, Seattle, San Franci.sco and Los
Angeles.
SALT LAKE CITY
^^arren Butler and his Lyric Theatre obtained
more un.sought front-page space
111 the local press last week than he ever
could have hoped to purchase. A woman
climbed to the top of the Lyric sign, 60 feet
above the ground. She threatened to jump
and then lost her nerve. Firemen reached
her side and rescused her after she had
been perched atop the sign for 20 minutes.
One afternoon paper gave the event three,
three-column pictures, covering threequarters
of page one, with the big Lyric sign
prominent in nearly every picture . . . Another
paper gave it a three-column on page one
and the morning paper the next morning
gave it a three-column inside.
The mother of Helen GaiTity, publicity
representative for Intermountain Theatres,
died after a lengthy illness . . . The picket
placed in front of RKO by Irving Gillman
and his United Intermountain Theatres returned
after a one-day absence due to 111-
Al Knox and his wife noted their silver
wedding anniversary this week . . . Joe
Nercisian of Associated celebrated his 52nd
birthday last Monday, and Wednesday ne
and Mrs. Nercisian noted their wedding anniversary
. . . Jesse Chinich of Intermountain
and Mrs. Chinich became parents of a son
Leap Year day, February 29 . . . The HoUoy
Theatre at Adrain, Ore., opened March 3.
Paul Holloy is manager.
National Screen Conducts
Sales Session in Dallas
DALLAS—A National Screen Service regional
sales meeting was conducted here by
Herman Robbins. president; George F. Dembow,
vice-president in charge of sales, and
William B. Brenner, vice-president in charge
of service, who arrived from New York.
Burton E. Robbins, son of the president, and
attached to the home office, accompanied
that group.
Others here were district managers Bernard
Wolfe, of the west coast, and Charles
Lester of Atlanta, and branch managers Ben
Ashe, Los Angeles; Jack Marpole, San Francisco;
Jack Flannery, Seattle; Fred Weiman,
Salt Lake; Gilbert Clark, Oklahoma City:
Al Rosenthal, Memphis; J. L. Boyer, New
Orleans, and F. W. "Doc" Allen. Dallas.
Spokane Orpheum Holds
Folk Dances on Stage
SPOKANE. WASH.—In cooperation with
the city park department, the Orpheum
Theatre put on a program of cowboy and
early American folk dances on its stage Friday
night. Twenty adult dancers showed up
and put on two 20-minute programs during
the evening. James Keef, theatre manager,
Invited members of the city council to attend
the performances.
Empire Theatrical Consultants
Exclusive distributors (or Poblocki & Sons Pretiesioned
Tllealrcs. Fronts. Boxofficcs. Poster
Cases, etc. 323 to 689 scat houses. Immediate
925 21st St. TAbor 4962 Denver, Colo.

!
I r
. . Following
. . The
. . The
: March
SAN FRANCISCO
lyjanager Mark Ailing of the Golden Gate
Theatre announced the temporary discontinuance
of vaudeville at the RKO Golden
Gate, effective March 3. That day the theatre
opened with "The Bishop's Wife." Occasional
vaudeville is contemplated for the
future, but only in connection with "big
name" personalities.
Robert L. Lippert of the Lippert circuit
denied a rumor that the Royal in Sanger
would be sold. "We want to emphatically
deny this vicious rumor as being unfounded
and untrue," he announced in Sanger. Lippert
purchased the theatre shortly after the
outbreak of the war. R. P. Corbin is resident
manager.
Frank Maun, owner of two theatres in
Marysville, has purchased lot in Danville
a
on which to erect a new theatre . . . Reports
are that the Rex Theatre Corp. will establish
a newsreel theatre in Alameda.
Ned Steele jr. of the Gem Theatre in
Colusa is the father of an infant son . . .
Ray Syufy of the Rita Theatre in Vallejo,
was on the Row. Also in town were Dan
Tocchinl of the El Rey in Sebastopol and
Bill Peters of the El Rey in Manteca.
Victor Moore, film comedian, and the
Curran Theatre were named defendants m
a $6,473 damage suit filed in superior court
by Elizabeth Robb of Piedmont. She said
she was injured when "a crowd of patrons
rendered boisterous and exuberant by the
two-hour performance of the defendant
Victor Moore" rushed out and knocked down
^^C E N T U R Y"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
San Francisco 2, Calif.
Phone Underbill 7571
METRO PREMIUM CO.
now oilers
BEAUTYWARE PREMIUMS
and trampled her . his radio
broadcast from the St. Mary's college campus.
Bob Hope presented a two-hour show under
the auspices of St. Mary's at the Orinda
where B. B. Randall is manager.
Sid Klein of the Arena in Riverside is a
man with a heart. All his correspondence is
stamped with the green stamps of the Help
Crippled Children campaign spirits
of Doris Soravilla. cashier at the Alexandria,
are not so high these days. Frank Duino,
staff artist for San Francisco Theatres,
stepped into the foyer of the Alexandria to
arrange his lobby display and overheard
an urchin ask his mother, "Mommie, why's
girl all that alone in the glass closet?" Unable
to forego an object lesson in discipline,
the harassed parent told the child: "That
girl's been bad. She's locked in there by
herself every day!"
Dorothy Haley stayed away from work for
one day due to a cold . . . Publicist Leo Longo
of RKO is in the dog house. Has no respect
for members of the Fourth Estate in that
he forgets appointments . . . The Saturday
night shows at 11:30 at the Orpheum in San
Francisco have more than tripled the theatre's
midnight show business. Don Anderson,
21-year-old organist, is the lad who leads
and plays for the community sings . . . RKO
tradeshowed the Jesse Lasky production,
"The Miracle of the Bells," at the Alhambra
March 1 and the acclaim was great satisfaction
for the RKO boys.
.
Eugene Poplack has transferred his managerial
duties from the Esquire to the United
Ai-tists Theatre here and Ken Means moved
from the UA to the Esquire opening
of "Black Bart" at the Orpheum and the
Esquire, accompanied by personal appearances
of Dan Duryea, Jeffrey Lynn and
Yvonne De Carlo, gave the theatres an opening
day gross approaching the record set
by "The Egg and I" . . . "If You Knew Susie '
at the Golden Gate had a record opening
day with star Eddie Cantor on the stage and,
without Cantor on the stage, the theatre had
a record Sunday. The attraction came very
close to the record set by Danny Kaye's personal
appearance.
A dozen patrons interrupted a holdup at
the Uptown here last week, but only temporarily.
The robber occasionally stepped
aside to permit ticket sales. Then he walked
up to the boxoffice and said to the two girls
in the booth: "My wife is sick and I have
Gills ol overpt
to have $60 bucks. If you don't give it to
242 Hyde Si. GRays
me, I'll shoot both of you." They gave him
a few greenbacks and he left.
^
COMPLETELY NEW
'^'^
AND MODERN
SHOWIN(
New Slyling, Nen Comforl and Diirabilily
!! I
HEYWOOD-WAKEFIELD THEATRE CHAIRS
^ J I
Pacific Coast Distributon

. . . Jean
, . Arthm-
. . Amato's
. . Anthony
: March
. . H.
. . Fred
. . Moz
. . . The
. . Universal
. . Merriman
PORTLAND
t> H. Lange, head man of the local RKO exchange,
was host to Irving Lessor of the
Hollywood offices. Discussion dealt mainly
with booking arrangements of RKO anu
Lessor pictures . . . Local Evergreen bosMs
are making ready to leave for Seattle nrxi
week for meetings with Charles Skouras.
president of National Theatres
. . . A. M.
Dunlop, supervisor of the J. J. Parker outstate
theatres, recently returned from a
trip to Pendleton, where he reviewed the
Parker interests.
Screen star Larry Parks was a Portland
visitor this week. Accompanied by his wife,
actress Betty Garrett, he spent two weeks at
Timberline lodge and followed with a stop
over at Oswego, Ore., where his wife's aunt
lives. Although it was his first northwestern
visit. Park claims the local skiing as the best
anyplace . "Dagwood" Lake paid
the Rose City a call, bringing actor Rodney
Bell to promote a show to benefit the Sandy
hospital fund. They hope to raise $125,000
. . . Garry Moore also stopped off in Portland
last week.
Jack Kloepper, Film Clossic's district
manager,
was to be married this weekend in
Seattle . . . M. Ki-ause of the New York of-
fice of FC was due in town this week for
a business confab Buries, Monogram
manager, was in eastern Oregon contacting
exhibitors Lake, executive with
the J. J. Parker theatres, and his partner
knocked off the consolation prize in the
recent Ocegon state badminton tourney.
Lake, by the way, is considered one of the
west's outstanding authorities on taxation
and offers a course on the subject at Multnomah
college.
Russ Phalen, secretary of the Portland
Theatrical Federation, was down with a cold,
but latest reports have him back on his feet
Alter reported from Bob Anderson's
downtown Newsreel house that the
short, "China Fights Hunger," caused unusual
local comment. Reason was that the
screen flashed a local milling concern's name
on bags of flour .sent to China to alleviate
hunger. Company executives were called in
and an on-the-spot promotion deal was
cooked up . Supper club opened
this week over the Broadway Theatre.
William Katsky, former assistant manager
of Vancouver's Castle and Kiggens, took the
Orpheum's assistant job left vacant when
Sterling Orick left . . . Grover H. Handley,
manager of the Broadway, announced that
his ultramodern refreshment bar w'ill open
soon.
Sam Miller, Eagle Lion district manager,
visited the local exchange this week. EL
BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948
CONFER ON EL SALES POLICIES—Eagle Lion conducted its first west coast
meeting for branch and district sales managers at the Eagle Lion studio. It was
a three-day huddle in which company executives sat in. Shown at the gathering
are, left to right, seated,: Herman Beiersdorf, western sales manager; Harold Dunn,
circuit sales manager; Bryan Foy, vice-president in charge of production; Arthur B.
ICrim, president; and Max E. Youngstein, vice-president in charge of advertising,
p'lblicity and exploitation. Standing, Frank Soule, supervisor of exchanges; C. T.
Charack, Los Angeles manager; Arthur M. Jolley, Salt Lake City manager; Martin
R. Austin, Denver manager; Sam Milner, San Francisco district manager; Ralph
Amacher, Portland manager; Wallace Rucker, Seattle manager, and Del Goodman,
Los Angeles district manager.
Screen Service stayed over at Depoe bay, enjoying
the beach sunshine and water. Salesman
Peter Thorn of RKO went skiing on
Mount Hood.
Estelle Pendelton was happily welcomed
back to the Hamerick-Evergreen main office
after a six-week illness. Estelle had an operation
. exchange's assistant
booker, Lowell Puis, and branch manager's
secretary Frances Parcher announced their
engagement over the weekend.
Basil Bashor, owner of the Liberty and
Kelso theatres in Kelso, Wash., recently returned
from a prolonged motor trip through
Wyoming. Greatly enjoying his trip, he reported
that the heavy snows didn't bother
him. He took a great many photos which he
recently displayed with pride on Filmrow.
Ray Henderson, operator of the Rialto Theatre
in Albany, Ore., was here this week
looking at book pictures . . . T. Schwartz of
the Los Angeles Maharam Fabrics Corp. al.so
visited . . . H. S. McLeod of Theatre Utilities
Service Co. returned from a tour of Washington
.
Holtz, Screen Adette
boss, returned from New York.
Eagle Lion's new office is finally completed
Oriental Theatre has a new assistant
manager, Dicky Willis. He moved up from
the Columbia exchange and replaced Robert
Butts jr., who took a job in Vancouver, Wash.,
as assistant manager of the Kiggins and Castle
theatres.
Dickson Group Leads
LOS ANGELES—Dick Dickson's southern
plans an "open house" at its new offices
soon . . . Jack Flannery, branch manager of
National Screen Service, was in from Seattle
California district of Fox West Coast continued
in first place in the tenth week of the
for a few days . Danz of Sterling
Theatres was another Filmrow visitor from
circuit's Back-to-Work drive, with Dick
up north.
Spier's northern California forces in the
cellar spot. The tenth stanza was named
Washington's birthday gave Filmrow an
George Bowser week in honor of FWC's general
manager.
extra long weekend and many took full
advantage of the time off to have fun and
frolic at some of the northwest's prime vacation
spots . . . Helen Frydendall of the Republic
exchange and Miss Mapes of United Merrill White has signed with Windsor Pi-o-
Signs With Windsor
Artists took a trip to Timberline lodge in the ductions to .serve as a production associate
mountains . Ellis of National and as film editor in a supervising capacity.
Kiddy Show, 23 Years Old,
Moves to Its New Home
From Souths
Edil
DALLAS—The oldest radio-theatre kiddy
club in Texas, and perhaps in the nation,
moved recently from the Melba Theatre to
the Palace, where its scope will be enlarged.
The show originated in the Old Mill Theatre
on Elm Street 23 years ago. It was the first
stepping stone for Dallas' Linda Darnell,
who now is making history for her home
city and the industry. The star, then a little
under teen-age, came to the theatre with her
mother and took the top prize for her song
and dance act.
The show has been an established thing
at the Melba for 15 years. Frequent stage
.shows there caused some confusion in the
programming, however, and that is why it is
being moved. Besides, the Palace stage and
seating capacity are larger.
Child performers, from about 5 to 15, put
on song and dance numbers starting at 9:30
each Saturday morning. Judges award cash
prizes and wares of the radio sponsor. A
feature picture follows, and the house is
cleared about noon, in ample time for the
day's regular performance.
The kiddy club was conceived by James O.
Cherry, now city manager for Interstate circuit,
and John Thorwald, then manager of
radio station WRR. In recent years the club
has been managed by Roy Newman of the
WRR .staff, who produces the .show and
serves as emcee. Newman said the club is
just a side line with him, as he spends most
of his time with other WRR accounts, tout
that he gets much pleasure from working
with the youngsters.
lor Qmck AclionI
THEATRE
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO,
Portland 5. Oregon

. . . Jeanette
. . . Murray
: March
J.J.RosenfieldBids
For Atomic Center
SPOKANE. WASH.—J. J. Rosenfield has
entered a bid to operate the new 1,500-seat
theatre in North Richland, which is controlled
by the atomic energy commission and
General Electric. Rosenfield owns the Post
here and Lyric in Salt Lake City, is a partner
with H. D. McBride in the Granada
here, and handles the Kennewick and Walla
Walla drive-ins for AUiance Theatre Corp.
SPOKANE, WASH — J. J. Rosenfield.
Washington circuit operator, has sold his
interest in the Autovue drive-in theatre,
which opened last June, to his partner, R. S.
Strawick. and Cy Young, former Warner
salesman. Rosenfield joined in the project
after Strawick had started to build and
sold out in order to devote more time to his
other theatre interests.
Actress Jane Powell Sings
With Portland Symphony
PORTLAND—Jane Powell, former Portland
student and now a film player, was
guest soloist at a special concert of allrequest
niunbers which the Portland Symphony
orchestra presented March 5. The concert
is being played for the purpose of building
up the symphony's maintenance fund.
Plans Kiddy Show
TULARE, CALIF.—In cooperation with
the PTA and American Ass'n of University
Women, Manager Lawrence Pilegard of the
Tulare Theatre is trying to work out Saturday
programs that will be particularly attractive
to children. He arranged with representatives
of the two organizations to
check his bookings and to nominate pictures
deemed most suitable for Saturday
showing. Where Saturday bookings are not
suitable for children, Pilegard said, a special
film will be brought in for children and
.shown Saturday afternoon only.
Golden Gate Opens Drive-In
SAN FRANCISCO-The Stadium Auto
Movie opened February 12 in San Leandro.
It is a unit of the Golden State circuit. Jim
Reed is manager.
SEATTLE
Tn advance of the National Theatres spring
drive. Evergreen circuit will hold a general
meeting at the 01>TTipic hotel March 12
MacDonald probably will make
her retm-n to this town on both stage and
screen. She is set for a concert at the Moore
April 11 just about the time her picture,
"Three Daring Daughters." will be released
Lafayette, 20th-Fox exploiteer,
is rasslin' with paint in his basement.
a . .
Ray Coach of the Admiral held a highly
successful "Kids' Valentine Show," which
. featured sketching contest Murt
Makins. manager of the Admiral in Bremerton,
worked four years on a magazine sales
crew before entering show business . . . Chris
Casper at the Blue Mouse did all right with
an all-Negro screen program last Saturday
at midnight. Top feature was "Sepia Cinderella"
. . . John O'Connor, assistant at the
Music Hall, was late to work last week when
his apartment house elevator got stuck between
floors . . . Frank L. Newman sr.. Evergreen
president, has arrived back from Palm
Springs.
Robbery in Hillsboro, Ore.
Nets More Than $2,000
HILLSBORO, ORE. — The Hill Tlieatre
was robbed of $1,783 in cash and $225 in
checks last week. Orange Phelps, owner,
said the money was the Hill receipts over
the weekend and one day's receipts of the
Venetian Theatre, which he also owns. The
robbery was discovered by A. J. Foelker, Hill
florist, who shares the theatre telephone. He
found the wall safe opened when he entered
the theatre ticket office to use the telephone.
Burdick Installs Seats
MOORCROFT, WYO.—Installation of new
seats at the Avon Theatre has been completed,
according to Frank Burdick, ownermanager.
He bought the house a few weeks
ago.
Takes Expensive Nap
ALBUQUERQUE, N. M.—Seeing a show
may be much more expensive than he bargained
for to Milton C. Roberts. He put up a
reward of $25 for the hat which was taken
from him when he fell asleep at the Rio.
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Paramount Houses Book
Goldwyn Film in L. A.
LOS ANGELES—"The Bishop's Wife,"
which wound up an eight-week roadshow
engagement recently at the Carthay Circle,
will reopen at regular prices March 25 at
the Paramount Downtown and Hollywood
theatres. It is the first time a Goldwyn
film has played those houses since the producer
effected release through RKO Radio
some years ago. Normally his films book
locally into RKO's Hillstreet and Pantages.
Parkin Springville, Utah,
Opened by J. F. Schow
SPRINGVILLE, UTAH—J. F. Schow put
into operation the Park Theatre here February
18. He leased the old Ritz Theatre and
completely remodeled it, putting in a new
cement floor, modern heating and cooling
system, carpeting and cry room.
'Time' No Clue, He Says
EPHRATA, WASH.—Participating in a
panel discu.ssion of motion pictures at a recent
session of the PTA, John Lee, manager
of the Marjo Theatre, said that pictures
panned by Time magazine are the ones that
usually do good business here and, invariably,
the ones that magazine rates highly are poor
money makers. Foreign films do not succeed
in Ephrata. he added. Lee said he planned
to start children's matinees, consisting of a
western and serials, on Saturdays. Other
speakers at the session, all of them discussing
motion pictures and their effect on children
and the community, were a high school
teacher, student, minister and other representative
citizens.
To Build at Palmdale
PALMDALE, CALIF.—Plans have been
completed by architect S. Charles Lee of
Los Angeles for construction of a theatre
building at 990 Sierra highway here for
Smith & Chaffin, Los Angeles. The stucco
building will be two stories in height and
will contain 8.200 square feet of floor space.
Plans call for an aluminum roof. The cost
is estimated at $75,000.
Bird Exhibit in Lobby
TORONTO—For the showing of the British
film, "Tawny Pipit," the theme of which
is a pair of birds in wartime. Manager
Yvonne Taylor arranged an art gallery in
the lobby of the International Cinema, which
consists of pictures of birds in flight and in
their nests. Scheduled for early showing at
the International Cinema are a number of
foreign features including "Beauty and the
Beast" and "Man About Town" from France
and "The Pearl" from Mexico.
Approve Olympia Permit
OLYMPIA, WASH.—Federal authorization
has been given for construction of a 1,100-
seat theatre here for operation by the Evergreen
circuit, according to Thomas L. O'Leary,
Olympia lawyer. Evergreen Theatres is giving
up its operation of the Liberty March 1
and will have no showcase here until the
new theatre is opened.
BOXOrnCE
:
6, 1948

V. U. Young Stricken
Ai Home in Florida
INDIANAPOLIS—V. U. Young, pioneer
motion picture theatre operator here, died
at his home in Miami Beach last week.
He was 70 years old, and returned to
Florida recently after an operation at the
Mayo clinic in Rochester,
president of the Y&W Management
Minn.
Corp.,
He was
operators of 27 theatres in Indiana, with offices
in Indianapolis. He began his career
in the entertainment business in 1907 at
Gary, Ind., formerly his home, and had retired
about five years ago.
Survivors include the wife, a daughter,
Mrs. Roy Clore of Gary: one son Robert of
Indianapolis, and three brothers.
Kato Film Delivery Trucks
Start Running in Kentucky
INDIANAPOLIS—The Kato Theatre Service,
operated by Andy Anderson. Kentucky
exhibitor, is now picking up film at local
exchanges and making door deliveiy in remote
parts of Kentucky served from Indianapolis.
Before the organization of this
sei-vice, exhibitors had to rely on express delivery,
which was vei-y unsatisfactoi-y. Trucks
pick up and deliver thi-ee days each week.
Indiana ATO to Convene
At French Lick July 26
INDIANAPOLIS—The midsununer meeting
of the ATO of Indiana will be held at
French Lick hotel, French Lick, Ind., July 26
aiiu 28, it was announced by William Carroll,
executive secretarj'.
Charles A. Mast Dies
ST. LOUIS—Charles A. Mast, who joined
the St. Louis Theatrical Brotherhood Sept.
8, 1892, and who worked for various times
in practically every theatre in St. Louis, died
of the infirmities of age February 24. He
was born July 28, 1869. His most recent employment
was at the Grand Opera House
early in 1945,
Joe Burke Redecorates
BATAVIA, ILL.—The Capitol Theatre
closed for three days recently to permit the
completion of a redecoration project. Joe
Burke, who has operated the theatre for 21
years, said the theatre has been given new
carpets and furniture, except for theatre
seats, which were renovated: the walls have
been redecorated, and the exterior repaired
and improved. The work cost between $5,000
and $6,000. Roses were given to all the
women patrons when the theatre reopened
with "Golden Earrings."
Plan Soo Renovation
SAULT STE. MARIE. MICH. — The Soo
Amusement Co. has plans to redecorate the
Soo Theatre and remodel the Temple this
spring, according to Joseph DePaul. manager.
The marquee on the old Colonial
Theatre here was recently removed and it
is likely the property will be converted
to other than theatre use.
BOXOFFICE : : March 6, 1948
Bottler Suggests Coin
Between Dime, Nickel
MILWAUKEE—Here's a new thought for
theatre operators who sell -soft drinks.
A new 7';; cent "convenience" coin was
advocated here last week by Edward W.
Mehren, president of the Squirt Bottling
Co.. Beverly Hills. Calif. Speaking before
the 33rd annual convention of the Wisconsin
Bottlers of Carbonated -Beverages, Mehren
said:
"It is evident the nickel has become a
dodo in the soft drink industry. We cannot
junk millions of dollars worth of bottles to
change sizes in tune with changing nickel
value. So. the price must go up. And the
next convenient coin is a dime.
"We need a new convenient coin, a coin
of les.ser value than a dime, to save people
money, to give us greater production, and
to give thousands of bottlers a profit they
need to stay in business."
Mehren asserted the use of a 7'-: cent coin
would make raising the price of nickel .soft
drinks to 7'j cents feasible, because the
industry has become strong on one-coin
sales.
Navy Cites Bryn Griffiths
For Photography in Battle
MILWAUKEE—Bryn Griffiths, former Pox
Wisconsin public relations director and theatre
manager, received a belated war honor
last week when the navy announced that he
is among a group of men to receive the
presidential unit citation.
The citation was awarded to inembers of
the crew of the USS Lunga Point, aircraft
carrier on which Griffiths served for two
years during World War II. The carrier
participated in the Leyte, Iwo Jima, Luzon,
Okinaw^a and Third Fleet operations against
Japan.
Stage Show Is Cancelled
In Dispute With Union
INDIANAPOLIS—The Circle Theatre last
week canceled a stage show because of a
dispute with the American Federation of
Musicians. AFL. over hiring of standby musicians.
The theatre has not hired standby
musicians since the Taft-Hartley act became
a law. The show was to consist of Harry
Cool's orchestra, the Harmonicats and other
acts. "If You Knew Susie" was substituted
for
the stage attraction.
Fred Reeth Vacationing
MADISON—Fi-ed Reeth. manager of the
Capitol, and Mi-s. Reeth left February 27
for a four week's vacation trip to the west
coast. They will visit relatives in California
and will also visit Hollywood studios. Tlie
trip is being made by automobile. Ray
Rackow. manager of a Warner house in
Sheboygan and former manager of the
Majestic here, is managing the Capitol during
Reeth's absence.
Crack Theatre Safe
INDIANAPOLIS—Yeggs roUed a heavy safe
from the office of the Rivoli Theatre and
hammered it open in an aisle. The strong
box was destroyed and two days' receipts
were taken. The loss w^as not estimated by
Walter Pursley, manager.
Variety Club to Benefit
From Ansell Picture
ST. LOUIS- Receipts from the local premiere
of the An.sell Bros, production, "Woman
in the Night," will be turned over to
the heart fund of the Variety Club, according
to Tommy James, chief barker.
The picture will open the night of March
30 in the Fanchon & Marco Fox Theatre.
James al.so disclo.sed plans for a series
of midnight shows to be held in local theaties
to help boost the charity fund. The
first of these will be at the Esquire Theatre.
Joe Smith, booker of floor shows here, will
supply the talent.
Another money-raising venture of the
local tent will be a hor.se show here in the
spring. Club leaders hope to net from $3.-
000 to $5,000 through this promotion.
Between 30 and 50 new members are to
be initiated into the club at the March
meeting. A guest at the last session was
Gordon Halloran, former chief barker of the
Des Moines Variety Club, who recently came
here as succes.sor to B. B. Reingold as manager
of 20th-Fox exchange.
Gordon Craddock Joins EL
As Indianapolis Manager
INDIANAPOLIS—Gordon C. Craddock has
been named Indianapolis branch manager for
Eagle Lion by William J. Heineman. vicepresident
in charge of distribution. Craddock
has held various sales posts with Universal,
including branch manager in Indianapolis
and Portland and home office sales
executive.
Drive-In Plans Rebuffed
CHICAGO — Efforts of a group of Chicagoans
to force the village of Skokie. suburb
north of here, to issue a permit for construction
of a drive-in theatre have been
rebuffed in court. Judge Paul McWilliams
of Litchfield. 111., sitting in superior court,
ruled that there was some doubt that the
Chlcagoans had complied with an ordinance
requiring them to submit plans and specifications
to the village and for that reason he
ruled the village need not issue a permit.
Promotions in Jefferson City
JEFFERSON CITY—A shift of managers
of two of the local theatres in the Durwood
was announced by Arnold Gould, city
circuit
manager. Howard Griffen. who has been
manager of the Roxy, has been promoted to
manager of the larger State. He succeeds
Robert Howard who is returning to his home
in Phoenix, Ariz. Raymond Spencer, who
has been assistant manager of the Roxy.
has been upped to manager for that house.
Albyn England Dies
GARY. IND.—Albyn England, manager of
the Gary Theatre and advertising manager
in this district for the Y&W Management
Corp.. died here recently of a heart attack.
He was 47 years old. Before entering service
England was city manager for Y&W in
Richmond. Ind. He came to Gary three
years ago. Surviving are his wife and three
brothers.

eissue
, '
Chicago's 'Norlhside'
Big as Loop Pacer
CHICAGO—Springlike weather and crowds
of visitors for Washington's birthday helped
average and "Relentless," doubled with "You
^jy(,j^ g^^s May 30. got under way February
spark business downtown with four new attractions
bowing in.
Were Meant for Me" at the Strand, neared
gg following a two-day meeting here of 50
par. "The Voice of the Tiu-tle" at the Warner
^n^nagers and home office executives,
At the Chicago "Call Northside 777." with
shoved above average and "Ride the Pmk
p^..^^ money for the recent showmanship
a great buildup in the dailies, got off to a
Horse," bowing late in the week at the
gg^^pajgn .j^as distributed at the meeting by
big start. "The Voice of the Turtle" opened to
Towne, started well. jack Rose. More than $2,000 was split among
very good crowds at the Roosevelt. "I Know
Alhambra-The Bishop's Wile (RKO), 3rd d I,
^^is winners, major prizes going to Edward
Where I'm Going" at the RKO Grand, and
"How Green Was My Valley" at United Artists
did around average. "Shoe-Shine" at the
^, of the Lido, Maywood: Louis Nye of the
PaTace-A\buqSerque°(pSr''ar Womm. From Brown of the Gayety, Chicago; Leo Haney
Tangier (Col)
^
World Playhouse is still the outstanding hold-
"'Thow"^'^''.^°°°'"" ' Hoosier. Whiting, Ind.. and Art Wartha.
Strand—Relentless (Col), You Were Meant
^^ district manager.
Towne-Rife''h'e°PinkHorse\u-n ::::::::.:: lOO A review of the past year and a refresher
Warner-The Voice of the Turtle (WB); ^^^ session which included a cover-to-cover
over, with "Desire Me" at the Moni-oe the
runnerup.
The Oriental continued with "Sleep. My
Love" plus a stage show headed by Buddy
Lester and the Pied Pipers for a fine third
week. The State-Lake's '"To the Ends of the
Earth." plus a stage show headed by Marion
Hutton and Dean Murphy had a nice second
week. "Tlie Bi-shop's Wife" at the Woods and
"Gentleman's Agreement" at the Apollo were
still
boxoffice.
(Average is 100)
Apollo-Genlleman-s Agreement (20th-Fox) ,
.
Chicdgo— Call Norlhside 777 (20th-Fox) 120
Garnck—Captain From Castile (20th-Fox)i
Key Witness (Col), 2nd d run 90
I
Grand— I Know Where I'm Going (U-I) SO
La Salle—Betrayed (Mono), reissue; High
Tide (Mono) 90
Monroe—Deiire Me (MOM), 2nd wk 120
Oriental—Sleep, My Love (UA), plus stage
show, 3rd wk 100
Palace— If You Knew Susie (RfCOl, 2nd wk 90
Riallo—Green Hell (Realart); Lady From
Cheyenne (RealoYt), reissues 100
.
Roosevell-The Voice of the Turtle (WB) 120
State-Lake—To the Ends oi the Earth (Col), plus
stage show 2nd wk - 100
United Arlists-How Green Was My Valley
(20th-Fox), 2nd wk 90
,
Woods—The Bishoo's Wife (RKO), 7th wk 115
World Playhouse—Shoe-Shine (Loperl), 3rd wk IZb
'The Voice of the Turtle,' 'Northside'
Good Milwaukee Grossers
MILWAUKEE—Several days of mild weather
brought out patrons even though Lent
some patronage away.
anfi;led
"Call Northside 777" at the Wisconsin
^_^
still applied the brakes and the Shrine circus
TUf--!- PnCP OnPIIC
pulled far over par and "The Bishop's Wife." iViailla CX nOaC U[JClid
in its third week on an Alhambra moveover.
again jumped above average
ton and his band on the Riverside
Duke Elling
stage,
J ' T\
\hnWm?inSnin UriVG
•
Ol&U WlUaildllip 1/1 iVC
augmented by "The Gangster." drew average CHICAGO—The 1948 Soaring Showmangrosses.
"Albuquerque" at the Palace hit
^^^^^ ^^.^^^ ^j jj^g Manta & Rose circuit,
wfsroim-Cau''Nor°hside' 777 (20th-Fox)- resume of the Manager's Manual which includes
every phase of exhibition, mainte-
Glamour Girl (Col) ""
nance, exploitation, business administration,
Indianapolis Grosses Zoom etc., was held. Alex Manta concluded the
With 'Timberlane,' 'Turtle' two-day business meeting with a talk whose
INDIANAPOLIS—Grosses zoomed upward theme was "Thought put into action is the
at the first run houses last week as strong ^gg^ definition, and incidentally the shortest
new attractions and favorable weather com- j^j. showmanship."
bined to make one of the best sessions m
recent months. "Cass Timberlane" almost
doubled average at Loew's and "The Voice
PJqj^s DrQWIl lOT DriVe-Ill
tTo.T'"' ^^' "'' ^' ''' ''"'' Of 600 Cars at Herrin. 111.
Circle-The Voice of the Turtle (WB); Perilous HERRIN, ILL.-Plans have been com-
^^
Waters (Mono) ^ . ,^„ ^0 g^ j^^. ^ ^qq jq 600-car dnve-m to be
constructed on Route 148, about^
lS:^-^;^ir^bI^

St. Louis Anticipates
Surge by Television
ST. LOUIS—Television competition for
motion picture theatres in the St. Louis area
assumes more threatening proportions almost
week by week.
Up to this time the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
television station, an adjunct of KSD,
has been the only televisor here, but there
has been filed with the FCC applications for
permits to operate several other stations.
KWGD of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat is
the most recent applicant yet. Other applications
from the area are those of WEW,
owned and operated by St. Louis university;
KWK, owned by Thomas Patrick, Inc., the
local Mutual outlet, and the New England
Television Co. of Pall River, Mass.
Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. and the
American Telephone & Telegraph Co. have
taken steps to increase their facilities for
handling television. Already a coaxial hookup
betvTeen St. Louis and Chicago via Evansville,
Ind., has been completed and another
line from St. Louis to Memphis is now under
construction. This apparently will make possible
some attempt at network televising
by early summer.
CHICAGO
Would Exempt Safety Film
From Storage Regulations
CHICAGO—Alderman Alban Weber has
started action in the city council to exempt
retailers, schools, churches and individuals
having more than 2.000 feet of 8mm and
16mm safety film from obtaining a special
license and abiding by strict precautions in
handling the films. A resolution to amend
such an ordinance is pending before the
licensing committee.
His action followed filing of a suit in
superior court for an injunction to restrain
the city from enforcing the ordinance. The
lawyers content that the council erred in
failing to provide a clause for home movie
fans, photographic shops and educational
institutions ownmg or showing only safety
films. They maintain the law was designed
to affect users of celluloid film, which bursts
into flames on contact with fire or excessive
heat.
ESfe-Size Photo as Clown
At Bier of 'Ginger' Gilard
CHICAGO—Gus "Ginger" Gilard, veteran
projectionist at the B&K Lakeside Theatre,
died last week. Near his coffin in the chapel
stood a life-size photo of Gus in a clown
costume, which is the way he was most
familiar to many Balaban & Katz employes.
Gus became a circus clown in 1909 and in
more recent years, while working at the
Lakeside, returned to his first love by entertaining
at parties on his days off. Ill at
the time, Gus was on hand at the B&K
children's Christmas party last December
to greet the boys and girls as they entered.
METRO PREMIUM CO. |

NEW ALL-IN-ONE DRINK DISPENSER
MAKES SERVING SOFT DRINKS EASY
IN
MOVIE HOUSES
The bottle bugaboo and the high cost
of installing carbonating units has
caused many theatre operators to
abandon the idea of serving soft drinks
in their houses. With the All-In-One
drinli dispenser, this problem is solved
once and for all. It makes soft drink
sales in theatres not only practical but
profitable as well. AU-In-One dispensers
are available as ice cooled or mechanically
refrigerated units. All units feature
famous Multiplex faucets and
Temprite carbonators.
Tol-Pak

. . Eugene
: March
. .
in the 20th-Fox building, having recovered
from an attack of gall bladder trouble.
Max A. Davis, a former St. Louis furniture
dealer, died in Houston of a heart attack.
He was an uncle of Louis Davis, who
operates the Vernon. Mount Vernon, Ind.,
and Maiu-ie Davis of the Will Rogers. St.
Louis . Abelin. 23, trer.surer of
Fox Theatre, is recovering at Barnes hospital
from a bullet w'ound received February
15th in an attempted holdup at his office,
William "Red" McKenzie, 49, pioneer jazz
band leader and recording artist who started
his musical career while a bellboy at the
Claridge hotel here in 1919, died of a liver
ailment in New- York City recently. He appeared
at various St. Louis theatres during
his career . . . Harold Postman, assistant to
Alan F. Cummings, in charge of MGM exchange
operations, was a recent visitor. His
schedule also included visits to Kansas City
nnd New Orleans . . . John B. Giachetto of
the Fi-isina Amusement Co., Springfield, has
resumed his duties after being home with
a heavy cold.
Sol Francis, district manager for Monoyram,
arrived recently on a tour of his district
. . . "Paghacci" is being shown nightly
at the St. Louis Music university. Free
tickets are being distributed thi-ough the
school. The run to end March 6. The
is
hall is just around the corner from the
Shenandoah Theatre.
Most Patrons 19-Year-Olds
Says Public Relations Chief
BEAVER DAM. WIS.—The largest theatre
audience comes from the 19-year-old
group, and this is the group producers
naturally try to please, according to Estelle
Steinbach, public relations director for Fox
Wisconsin. Speaking at a PTA meeting on
motion pictures here February 19. Miss Steinbach
said only 19 per cent of the audience
is made up of the age group under' 12.
C. Lorbeck, district supervisor of Fox Wisconsin,
and F. J. Bickler, manager of the
local Odeon, also spoke briefly. It was announced
that the Odeon will present special
matinees for children Saturday afternoons,
to continue as long as patronage
warrants.
Pressnel in Mount Vernon
MOUNT VERNON, ILL.—Dave Pressnel ;s
the new manager of the Fox Midwest Plaza
here. He formerly was assistant manager
under C. C. Murray at the Lincoln in Springfield.
He was succeeded at the Lincoln by
Donald Foss, former chief of staff.
KEEP YOUR HOUSE 15 DEGREES COOLER IN SUMMER
Insulate with success, save up to
40% on fuel, 30% or the cost of
electricity for Cooling system.
Arthur Benjamin Brenton, manager of
BRENTON CO., INSULATION-ROOFING
6525 S. Harvard Ave., Chicago 21, III.
Authorized Applicator oi
Baldwin-Hill Mineral Wool
Natural water repellant, fireproof material
For free estimate, phone: WENworth 4277
BOXOFHCE :
6, 1948
from the BoxoFFicE Files
(Twenty Years Ago)
in the U.S. and Canada a motion picture
theatre, with from 3,000 to 5,000 projection
machines being required. Later, when labor
becomes firmly entrenched in the exhibition
field, the production and distribution of pictures
for display in the labor theatres will
be given serious consideration,
Harry Redmon, managing director and
part owner of the new Majestic Theatre
on CoUinsville avenue near Missouri avenue,
East St. Louis, now under construction, announces
that the $1,000,000 pictine palace
will open this week. Harry Hynes, formerly
manager of the St. Louis Film exchange,
is now handling St. Louis city sales for
Universal.
Chester Graber of the Miners Theatre,
ColUnsville, 111., and Nat Steinberg, president
of Premier Pictures Corp., have become
inventors. They have patented the Lin-D-
Bow tie, which is tied up with aviation,
being shaped like the propeller of an airplane.
More Playgrounds Seen
As No. 1 Chicago Need
CHICAGO—Chicago ought to have fewer
blood and thunder comic books and objectionable
motion pictures and more playgrounds,
according to first retm-ns from
questionnaires sent Parent-Teacher Ass'n
groups by the Juvenile Protective Ass'n.
The association, which sent out approximately
2,000 questionnaires last fall, reports
that over 1,000 have been returned. Both
parents and teachers thought the need for
playgrounds the most important step in combating
juvenile delinquency. Also high up
on the list of corrective measures were suggestions
that the comic books be cleaned up,
with the accent taken off crime. A surprising
niunber of parents also registered
objections to motion pictures, complaining
specifically about crime films and films in
which sex was overstressed or handled in
blunt fashion.
Harris Dudelsoii Heads
Cleveland UA Branch
CLEVELAND—Harris Dudelson. until re-
Biler . . .
.
O. HURLEY has purchased the Joyland
J^ cnlly division manager for Screen Classics,
Theatre in Bloomfield, Mo., from John
last week moved into
The Wilson, St. Louis, is now
the local United Artists
under the management of C. A. Zuehkle.
exchange as manager.
B. Castelli formerly operated this house This post has
W. C. Calhoun is reported to have purchased
been officially "to
the Princess, Franklin, 111., from H. L. Hamilton.
let" for the past six
months. The appointment
Mrs. Louise Hamilton is opening a
new theatre in Franklin to be known as the
was made by
Moe Dudelson, district
New Palace . . . C. C. Cravens has transferred
the Rex, Lilbourne, Mo., and the Lyric,
manager, who also
Portageville, Mo., to L. B, Cravens . . . L.
announced the resignation
Remey is the new district manager for Fox
of Joe Krenitz
in the St. Louis territory.
as salesman covering
the Toledo area. Har-
Coal miners and operators in southern Harris Dudelson j-jg Dudelson is well
known in this territory, having at one time
Illinois have failed to reach a .satisfactory
been United Artists branch manager in Cincinnati.
settlement, so motion picture exhibitors in the territory are all set for a gloomy
He also was manager in St. Louis
season ahead after a very unprofitable winter. at one time. He joined Albert Dezel about
a year ago, serving at first as district manager,
Organized labor, it has been learned in
and later as division manager. He
made frequent trips to Cleveland in both
St. Louis from a soiu-ce high in the councils
of the American Federation of Labor, plans capacities.
to organize in every branch of the motion
picture industry, including production and
distribution. Organized labor contemplates
making every labor temple and meeting hall
Fox Wisconsin Reopens
Rialto in Marinette
MARINETTE. "WIS.—The Rialto Theatre
has been reopened here by Fox Wisconsin
circuit after a $45,000 overiiaul. The house
was almost completely done over. It has 600
new seats, new carpets, new projection, heating
and ventilating equipment, a new screen
and a new vending stand. The interior was
redecorated. Charles Nelson is manager.
Fire Ruins Ace Theatre;
Loss Exceeds $15,000
PIPER CITY, ILL. — The 214-.seat Ace
Theatre here was destroyed by fire February
22. Damage was estimated by Manager E. O.
Quick as between $15,000 and $20,000.
For Greater Profits
Manleq
Supplies
Manley's Supreme Popcorn
$13.00 per Cwt.
Manley's Cocoanut Oil
40c per Lb.
In 50-Pound Cans
F. O. B. St. Louis Warehouse
R. D. VON ENGELN
Monley Representative
Eastern Missouri -Southern Dlinois
3138 OLIVE STREET
ST. LOUIS 3, MO. NEwstead 7G44

. . . George
. . Art
. . Carol
. . Arthur
. . . And
. . . Nathan
MILWAUKEE
jl^braham Melcher, 76 died here recently.
Melcher. who operated a theatre at
Omaha several years ago. was the father of
Harry Melcher. Eskin Theatres executive
. . . F. J. McWilliams of the Home and
Portage, Portage. Wisconsin, is in Florida
Langheinrich of the Burleigh
became a grandfather recently.
Sig Goldberg of the Hollywood, Wausau,
and Harold Pearson, ITO of Wisconsin and
Upper Michigan field man, attended that
national Allied board conclave in Washington
Stanisch, Wisconsin manager,
stressing courtesy above else at the
is all
Incidentally. Gloria Smith, that new
theatre.
easy-to-look-at Wisconsin usherette, cour-
is
tesy
personified.
The friendly feud between Stanisch and
John Brunette, Palace manager, in the courtesy
department, reached a new high last
week. Stanisch required Brunette to display
a court order before entering the Wisconsin
... A fire at the Vernon. Viroqua,
temporarily shuttered the house. Repairs are
under way . Hammer is back at her
Columbia post following an illness.
Bill Young, SRO manager, plans installing
a mobile telephone in his car . . . Paramounc
tradescreened "Sainted Sisters" . . . The new
U-I building should be ready for occupancy
by late April or May . Adams is a
new MGM student salesman . . . Max Mazui-,
Film Classics manager, was a Chicago caller.
Eskin Theatres acquired the Midway,
Prairie du Chien, and the Fenway, Fennimore,
from William Charboneau . . . Rosemary
Fusso, secretary to John G. Kemptgen.
MGM manager, will say "I Do" May 1 . . .
That 20th-Fox sneak preview of "Sitting
Pretty," with Clifton Web as the baby sitter,
drew boffo laughs at the Wisconsin.
Joe' Woodward, 20th-Pox manager, and
Lou Elman, RKO manager, were discussing
"Northside 777" Elman expressed the view
that the hero of the piece, failed to show
appreciation for his mother's many years of
floor scrubbing. Said Woodward, "Well! He
bought her a new scrub bucket and mop
didn't he?"
Jules Gerelick, Paramount salesman, resigned
to enter the automobile business at
Omaha. The exchange gave a farewell party
and the Reel-fellows club staged another at
the Shorecrest. The salesman and managers,
about 40 attending, presented Gerelick
a traveling bag autographed by Dave
Chapman, Columbia salesman, in pink ink.
Max Wicsner of the Alamo and Mozart returned
to Mount Sinai hospital here for a
checkup . . . The Row water supply was cut
off for one day recently. RKO played good
Samaritan to thirsty people, with Walter
Blaney RKO office manager providing the
"cokes" ... At West Salem, Wis., Sunday
church services were held at the Salem
Rey. U, S, Pal. Oil.
ATTENDANCE BOOSTER
For Inlormalion, Writo, Wire or Phone
FOTO-PAY-DAY, INC.
161 W. Wisconsin Avo. Milwaukee 3. Wis.
through courtesy of
the fuel shortage.
the management during
Booking on the Row: Ray Lenz, Pastime,
Horicon; Frank Eckhart, Jefferson, Jefferson:
Harold Hamley, Victor, Hartland: W. C.
Fisuher, Oampo, Campbellsport; Eddie
Moyle and Johnny Schuyler. Delft circuit,
Marquette; Billy Pierce of the Savoy, and
Ed Johnson, Roosevelt, Milwaukee; Joe
Malits, Eighth Street; Sid Margoles, Regal,
and Barney Sherman, Douglas, Racine;
Larry Kelley, Majestic, Cudahy; Nick Berg,
State, Sheboygan; Nick Johnson of the
Strand, and Bob Guiterman. Capitol, and
Mikadow. Manitowoc; Clem Kramer, Fern,
Atlas and Mars, Milwaukee; J. Juell, Garden,
South Milwaukee; Nick Michael, Main
Street, Racine; Louis Machat. Kino, Milwaukee;
Erv Koenigsreiter, Greendale,,
Greendale; James Boden, Garden, South
Milwaukee; Joe McMahon, Eskin Theatres,
Milwaukee; Lon Husten, Troy, East Ti-oy.
Rosemary Crawford, a local Pat Stevens
graduate who now is secretary to Kay
Thompson, is scheduled to visit Florida,
Paris and Hollyw'ood this year, with a possible
screen test in the offing . . . N. Provencher.
UA salesman, welcomed those two
spring days with another racetrack ensemble
George Edgerton, 20th-Fox
. . . salesman, says he actually received a piece
of butter with toast at a Row eat«ry last
week. Milwaukee Journal photographers
captured the event for "things that can't
happen, but did."
Dave Goldman, U-I salesman says he
passed more new cars in Wisconsin than
there are candidates for mayor of Milwaukee
Joe Reynolds, Oriental manager, has
been seeking a new Pontiac for two years
Marcus. Warner manager, contacted
state exhibitors.
Jack Lenehan, Paramount booker, finally
found a barber that cuts hair quietly the
way Jack desires the job done . . . Elsie
Seidl, MGM staffer is wearing those "new
look" gla.sses with radar lenses.
In the recent front office Local F27 election,
Ray Shulz, 20th-Fox booker, was reelected
business agent. Others named; President,
Jake Kaiser, Warner booker; secretary,
Mildred Ritchter, Warner booker's secretary;
treasurer, Persus Naab of Paramount . . .
Smiling faces among Row personnel are due
to the recent 15 per cent raise announced for
both F and B union locals, retroactive to
Dec. 1. 1947.
Art Krass, Republic salesman, bought a new
car. The next day out in the territory, Krass
was involved in a smashup that virtually
pulverized the machine. Returning to R4Hwaukee
by train for another vehicle, Krass
relayed the story to his family. Fortunately
Krass was not greatly injured, but his little
daughter, overlooking the fact, said: "But
daddy I never had a ride in your new car!"
Orphans See 'Saint'
FORT WAYNE—The orphans of Fort
Wayne's three homes were guests of the
Quimby Theatres at the recent showing of
"Citizen Saint" in Quimby Auditorium. The
children were from St. Vincent's villa, the
Reformed Orphans home and the Allen
County Children's home.
Jack Kirsch Names
Cross Drive Aides
CHICAGO—Committeemen in the amusements
and recreation division of the 1948
Red Cross drive met last week in the American
Institute of Banking quarters to go
over their plans with Jack Kirsch, president
of Allied Theatres of Illinois and chairman
of the division.
Kirsch has named the following committees
to assist him:
Circuit theatres, Edwin Silverman, Arthur'
Schoenstadt, James E. Coston, Elmer Balaban,
John Balaban, Prank Smith and Harry
Turrell.
Independent theatres. Jack Rose, Harold
GoUos, Charles Lindau, Howard Lubliner
and Sinuel Roberts.
Distributors, W. E. Banford, T. R. Gilliam
and J. H. Stevens.
Theatrical agents and entertainment,
Charles Hogan.
Music publishers and representatives, Jerry
Baxter.
Producers and studios, Harris Silverberg.
Unions, E. J. Atkinson, Thomas J. Burke,
Edward Donovan, Clarence Jallas, Frank
Gorey and Sam Lamasky.
Legitimate theatres, Herbert Rles.
Holiywood Films Rapped
By High School Girls
ST. LOUIS—Hollywood was taken to task
for the quality of its motion pictures by
four seniors of St. Alphonsus high school
who participated in the Junior Town Meeting
of the Air sponsored by the St. Louis
Star-Times. Speaking on ""youth's Challenge
to the Movies," the girls criticized pictures
for their "fantastic plots," typing of
stars, glorification of crime and overemphasis
on sex.
FORT WAYNE
peter G. Mailers of Mailers Theatres found
a way to beat the cold wave that swept
the middle west recently. He went to Tulsa,
Okla., to attend the wedding of a nephew.
Holy week services at noon during the
week preceding Easter will again be held In
downtown Fort Wayne theatres. Two services
are held each day, one by churches of
the Missom-i Lutheran Synod and the other
by members of the Associated Churches of
Fort Wayne, a group of the major Protestant
denominations.
Work has started on a large tract of
ground along State Road 3, just north of
the California road, on a drive-in theatre
being constructed by Auto Theatres, Inc.,
at a cost of $80,000. Horace Shock, Lima,
Oliio, recently purchased the site. The corporation
was formed to operate this theatre
and possibly another one to be built
outside the city.
"Henry V" played three days at the
Quimby Auditorium, recently, showing twice
daily. Attendance was uniformly good, officials
of Quimby Theatres reported.
BOXOFTICE : : March 6, 1948

: March
. . Mrs.
. . The
. . William
. . George
. , Herman
. . The
. . Mrs.
Video in Milwaukee
Off lo Fast Siarl
MILWAUKEE— After only ten weeks of
the impression that she had summoned aid
through a call button.
Theatre for Monticello, Wis.
Studied by Businessmen
MONTICELLO, WIS. — Tentative plans
for a new theatre here was discussed re-
interest.
Plan Video in Madison
MADISON—Application for a permit to
operate a television station here has been
made by the Badger Broadcasting Co.,
operators station WIBA. If the permit is
of
cently at a meeting of the Commercial club.
J. R.
The
Boyce
club's board
has
of directors was to name
reopened his Strand Theatre
in Warsaw, Ind., after
committees
being closed
to study the matter and several
weeks by an epidemic of
make
further plans.
diphtheria in
the city . Isis, Lyons, Ind., is closed
and all contracts have been canceled. Notice
of
Collects
the closing
$33.45 for MOD
was given out by Eddie
Omstein, who operates the RivoH in Marengo
JUNEAU, WIS.—The Juno Theatre here
. . . Mi-s. Grace Holt, who operates the
opened just a few weeks ago, but its collection
of donations for the infantile paida
after an extended vacation with her hus-
Hamilton, Indianapolis, returned from Florralysis
drive totaled $33.45 in the short time band . Nellie Hensley. Monogram
the collections were made. Manager Carl F. cashier, spent a weekend in St. Louis visiting
Neitzel received a letter from Mrs. Walter her father.
Hauser, local campaign chairman, expressing
thanks and appreciation for the theatre's
granted, the new station may become the
third television outlet in Wisconsin. WTMJ-
TV is in operation in Milwaukee and another
'station is being planned there.
Harvey Cocks, Grandfather
FORT WAYNE—Tlie birth of a son to Mr.
and Mrs. Jack McCormick, 3703 Shady Court,
has been announced. Mrs. McCormick is the
former Jane Cocks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Harvey Cocks. Cocks is manager of Quimby
Theatres.
Don Pearson to Galva, Dl.
GALVA, ILL.—Don H. Pearson of Mexico,
Mo., is the new manager of the Galva Theatre.
It had been handled by William D.
Schneider of Amboy since the first of the
year when Marchesi Bros, assumed control of
the
house.
i [ BOXOFnCE :
6, 1948
INDIANAPOL IS
Roger Scherer, manager of the Wayne, Fort
Wayne, is doing one excellent job in supervising
the remodeling of his theatre. He
has been working nights and Simdays and
it has enabled him to move up his formal
opening date about two weeks . Russell
Bleeke, wife of the office manager at
Republic, retm-ned from an extended vacation
in Florida . McGovern, who
operates the Ritz, Loogootee. Ind., was a
visitor.
Carl Kemp, manager of Eagle Lion, spent
most of last week calling on exhibitors in
southern Indiana and Louisville . . . H. L.
Hancock, salesman at 20th-Fox, has gone to
Florida for a two-week vacation.
Edwin Brauer, Republic manager and an
advanced pupil in horticulture, having taken
a course from Chris Harm, husband of the
operator of the Zionville Theatre, is forcing
the season. On Sunday last, Brauer took
down his storm windows, seeded his lawn,
raked all the leaves from his tulip beds and
began to trim his shrubbery. Asked why, he
replied that spring was just around the corner.
Spring weather arrives here about the
last week in April.
Mr. and Mrs. Claud McKean celebrated
their 30th wedding anniversary Febi-uary 21
at home with friends and relatives. Luncheon
and refreshments were served and the
guests lingered until the early hours Sunday
morning. McKean is manager of the
Warner exchange.
Henry Billiett of Wanee Resigns
WANEE, ILL.—Henry Billiett has resigned
as assistant manager of the local theatre.
He had served here for a year under the
Norton brothers.
Three Theatres Loom
.
i.s
.
gam Shapin, home office representative, was In Radius of 20 Miles
at the Warners exchange .
directors of the ATO of
board
Indiana met
BEAVER DAM, WIS.—The opening of
of television operations in Milwaukee, a survey
March 2 in the
three
Hotel new theatres within a radius of 20 miles
Antlers . . Al Borkenstein,
who operates
was a possibility in Dodge county last week.
the Wells Theatre,
indicates over 1,300 television sets in-
stalled in this area. Of these, 75 per cent
are in homes. The Milwaukee Journal Fort
station,
WTMJ-TV, is operating on a five-day who never saw snow. He and is
Wayne, has a visitor from
One new theatre has already been opened
California
arrived
doing a very nice business.
when
This is the
Fort
week and has purchased a mobile Wayne had television
eight inches of snow and
Juno Theatre in Jimeau, operated
in the
by Carl F.
formerly midst of one of the winter's worst blizzards.
Neitzel, operator of a theatre at
truck for better coverage of special
programs
Hartland. Neitzel remodeled a building he
planned for September.
Ralph Fisher converted the upper floor of purchased in the downtown section to give
his theatre, the Maumee, into a seven-room Juneau its first theatre in many years,
events. Broadcasts of network
streamlined apartment and quit worrying A second theatre project is now under
about the housing problem
Bandit Frightened Away
Mailers,
.son of Pete Mailers of the Mailers cir-
formed Hustisford Amusement Corp., made
way at Hustisford, where the newly
cuit, is
In Second Holdup Attempt
getting top marks at Indiana U, up of local businessmen, is building a $100,-
where he is studying law . Morgan
and his family seem to be rushing the foot quonset building and will have a seat-
000 theatre. Tlie new showhouse is a 100x40-
SPRINGFIELD—A revolver-wielding banbit
ing capacity expected that the
seized $190 from the cashier's window at season. Last Sunday they took in the sights
of 500. It is
completed
the Strand, a Kerasotes house, one night of Brown county, Ind. Herman said he has theatre will be by the end of
seen the hills in all their summer glory, but March.
last week but lost his nerve in a similar
never saw them in winter covered with snow. A third project is being considered by the
robbery attempt at the Roxy, operated by
the Frisina Amusement Co., about 35 minutes
\olunteer fire department at Clyman, just
later, when the cashier, Genevieve
a short distance from both Juneau and
Buguveskie, stalled him long enough to give
Hustisford. The department last week sent
a special committee to Hustisford to inspect
the building under construction there, and
it was to inspect several other nearby theatres
before offering recommendations.
Diorama Contest Winners
Named by Fox Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE—In the Fox Wisconsin
diorama contest, Francis Bickler, manager
of the Odeon in Beaver Dam, w^as the state
winner and Al Camillo of the Dow-ner was
the Milwaukee winner. John Isley. Strand,
was runnerup in Milwaukee, ancf Carl Doty,
Allis, West Allis, copped third Milwaukee
prize. The dioramas were developed by the
managers to give a third dimension appearance
to their lobby displays.
Form Brook, Ind., Group
BROOK, IND.—One hundred and fifteen
stockholders in the community organization
interested in erecting a theatre here met
recently and elected Raymond Barten, Dr.
E. W. Pippenger, Burford Lyons, Tyrus Conn
and Harry Lawrence directors. Due to a
lack of materials, plans for a new theatre
here have been retarded for three or four
years. It is expected that action will take
place soon, however. The directors have
made several trips to inspect various types
of theatres before deciding on final
the one here.
plans for
Photoplay Reseated
CLAY CITY, IND.—New upholstered red
leather seats have been installed in the
Photoplay Theatre here by Damon Frank,
the new owner.
Leo Cantor Hospitalized
INDIANAPOLIS—Leo Cantor of Cantor
Amusements is a patient at the Kahler hospital,
Rochester, Minn.
Raise for Row Employes
INDIANAPOLIS—A 15 per cent increase
salaries was granted all local F35 mem-
in
bers, retroactive to Dec. 1. 1947.

: March
St. Louis Old-Timers Recall Days
When $15 Bought Film for a Week
Pioneers of l!ic motion picture industry in the St. Louis area were guests at a dinner
given by the St. Louis Variety Club recently. Top photo, left to right in the
back: John Rees, Wellsville, Mo.; Joe Litvag of the Apollo Theatre, St. Louis; Louis
Kerasotes, Springfield; John Karzis, who gave St. Louis its first permanent motion
picture house, the World's Dream, early in 1906; Gus Kerasotes, Springfield, and
Harry Kahan, lilm delivery service operator the last 32 years.
Bottom photo: Joe Smith, booking agent and veteran circus and vaudeville performer
who played most of the St. Louis theatres 40 years ago; Sam Levin, co-owner
of the Esquire and Norside, St. Louis, and chairman of the Variety entertainment
committee; Tommy James, chief barker, who opened the first tent shows in St.
Louis; Fred Wchrenberg, king for the day. Theatre Owners of America chairman,
who opened the first film house in St. Louis in 1906; Mrs. Bessie Schulter, owner
of the Columbia and Roxy theatres, St. Louis, who was queen for the day, and (head
shown in corner) John Rees.
By DAVE BARRETT
ST. LOUIS—Veterans of the motion picture
industry in the St. Louis territory
turned time backward at the Variety Club's
luncheon last week to regale the youngsters
present with their tales of 16-ounce beers
for five cents, with free lunch on the side;
tent show cashiers who fired the cannon
ball stoves and swept the snow off the tent
as part of their nightly routine; comedians
rolling 'em In the aisles for $3 a night, and
the days when a
week's supply of film could
be had for $15.
Mrs. Bessie Schulter, owner of the Columbia
Theatre and other St. Louis houses,
as queen of the day, was the only woman
veteran in attendance.
Fred 'Wehrenberg, who started his exhibition
career in 1906 with a theatre as
an adjunct of his neighborhood grocery and
tavern, was king for the day. His co-king
the day, Barney Rosenthal, manager for
for
Monogram, was unable to attend, since he
was released from the Jewish hospital on
that day after a three-week illness.
At the head table, in addition to Queen
Bessie and King Fred were Tommy James,
who started with a tent show at 16th and
Chestnut streets about 1914, currently the
chief barker of the Variety Club; John Rees,
Wellsville, Mo.; Joe Litvag, owner of the
Apollo, St. Louis: Louis and Gus Kerasotes,
Springfield; John Karzin, who gave St.
Louis its first permanent motion picture
house, the 'World's Dream, back in 1906, and
now retired from the business; Harry Kahan,
who has been delivering films for 32 years
and still giving service; Sam Levin, who is
interested in the Esquire, Norside, Lexington
and Palm theatres, and Joe Smith,
veteran circus and vaudeville performance
and currently booking floor show acts.
Smith got a real hand when he announced
that he would supply acts free for contemplated
midnight performances in various
theatres to raise money for the Variety
Club's heart fund.
Other old-timers in attendance, included
Fred Keller, who as manager of O. T.
Crawford's film exchange sold Fred Wehrenberg
a two-piece Edison projection machine
for $140 and, as Fred put it: "I
thought he was robbing me." Keller is now
in the insurance and advertising fields but
confessed that he still has a warm spot in
his heart for pictures.
Joe Gallagher, city registrar, a member
of the old Knickerbocker Four, who was on
the bill when Wehrenberg opened his Best
Theatre, the first permanent theatre in
south St. Louis, also was there. He and Bud
Ward and Jimmy Brown sang a number of
old songs in the style popular with the
nickelodeon and tent show audiences.
Christ Zotos recalled that he bought the
World's Dream from John Karzin about
1908 and a year later took over the Retina,
which he sold to Tommy James a short time
afterward. Zotos then bought the old Pathe
Theatre and two years later had the old
Family Theatre. He went to Greece in 1919
but returned to St. Louis and the film exhibition
field in 1920. He now runs the
Roosevelt.
Mrs. Schulter told of her start as a 15-
year-old girl as inspector for the William
H. Swanson exchange at $6 week. She
a
worked nights as cashier for Harry Koplar's
Montgomery Tent show. Wehrenberg recalled
the first night he met Bess when
she reported the night's receipts as "not so
good, only $18," to Han-y Koplar as they
were seated on a bench in the tent. She
told of standing in the snow to sell tickets
and of firing the four cannon stoves prior
to the start of the night's show in the winter
time.
MIKE NASH MISSES PARTY
In 1920 when she was a booker for Universal
she entered the exhibition field as a
co-owner with Joe Litvag in the Ashland
Theatre. The theatre had 800 seats and the
adjoining airdome seated 1,200 on benches.
In the summer, when it rained, it was a real
problem to get the 1,200 persons from the
airdome into the 800-seat theatre, she recalled.
Their scale was 10 and 15 cents and
later went to 11 and 17 cents when the first
federal tax was imposed. Special pictures
rated a 20-cent admission. She built the
Columbia Theatre in 1926.
Harry Nash, who runs a theatre in California,
Mo., took a bow for his father, Mike
Nash, who was a pioneer here and who m
recent years had operated the King Bee
on Jefferson avenue. Mike had a number
of teeth extracted and couldn't be on hand,
so sent his son to pinch hit for him.
B. N. Lueken of the Macklind Theatre
brought regards from his father, now 89 years
old, who was also a pioneer here. Young Lueken
told of sitting on the floor to run handoperated
projectors at the Macklind, which
was opened in February 29, 1920. His father,
he said, purchased a hall interest in the
old Family Theatre for $50, the principal
assets being two projectors and two cannon
ball stoves.
Sol Hankin, veteran film exchange manager
and salesman, recalled an early booking
deal with Gus Kerasotes in Springfield.
Gus refused Hankin a 50-50 deal on a Jesse
James picture. So Sol rented his house for
three days for $120 and then promptly
kicked the admission to 20 cents, after ballyhooing
the picture with lots of paper and
large space in the paper. Gus thought Sol
was trying to ruin him, doubling his admission
scale. Hankin left town with a
profit of $1,000 or $1,200 for the run.
FATHER SOLD SCENERY
Dick VoUand pinch hit for his father, who
sold scenery for most of the early picture
houses of St. Louis. Lester Bena, Warner
Bros, manager, was another young veteran
who took a bow. Lester started as an usher
and singer at the first of a series of Merry
Widow theatres in the 1400-1500 block on
Chouteau avenue.
Messages of regret for their inability to
attend were received from Charles Skouras,
president of National Theatres: Harry C.
Arthur of Fanchon & Marco, and Harry
Miller of Festus, Mo. Several other oldtimers
in the territory also had to sidetrack
plans to attend at the last minute for
various causes, including John Marlowe of
Herrin. 111.: I. W. Rodgers of Cairo, 111.,
and Dominic Frisina and J. Giachetto,
Frisins Amusement Co., Springfield, 111.
Harry Hynes suggested that the old-timers
gathering be made an annual feature of
is Variety Club. It very probable this will
62 BOXOFFICE ;
be
done.
6, 1948

Co-Op Delivery Plan
Formed by Allied
KANSAS CITY—A Kansas-Missouri Allied
committee has formed the nucleus of a
cooperative film delivery system built around
trunk terminals in Wichita and Salina and
feeder points at El Dorado, Hays and
Topeka in Kansas. Other feeder points are
to be established. Contact already has been
made with trucking firms to haul the film.
Jack Stewart, general manager of Allied,
said that even though the committee to investigate
the film delivery situation had
been in operation only one week, many exhibitors
in the territory have expressed a
desire to "get in on the deal."
"Response from Kansas exhibitors will
determine the outcome of the cooperative
proposal." Stewart said. "Those who ha\e
expressed their interest so far are financially
able to support such a program."
The corrmiittee, consisting of W. B. Adams
of El Dorado, Bill Blair of Osborne, Kas., and
Louis Sosna of Moberly, Mo., reported to
Stewart that the program virtually is set for
operation except for the number of signed
participants. Pinal arrangements, according
to Stewart, should be made within a week
or two.
Film Delivery in Kansas City
To Ask for Rate Revision
KANSAS CITY—Exhibitors Film Delivery
announced Tuesday that it would petition
the Interstate Commerce commission for
a revision in rates and the elimination of a
lot shipment delivery or "pickup" charge to
exhibitors. Earl Jameson of the delivery
firm said that action on the petition would
take "at least 30 days" and that if a hearing
proved necessary, there could be no estimate
as to when an ICC decision would be handed
down.
Pushes Children's Show
VINTON, IOWA—Ernest Krammerer, manager
of the Palace here, is urging parents to
again send their children to Saturday matinees.
"For some time now," he said, "murder,
crime and other films undesirable for
citizens of the future have been omitted
from the Saturday afternoon showings. The
worst the kids will run into will be a rousing
western which kids used to enjoy when Tom
Mix was in flower."
Cill T IOK BOB—Bob Hynes, manager
of the .Missouri Theatre in St, Joseph
for the Dubinsky circuit of Kansas City,
receives an IVIGM Photo of the Month
award from Mayor Burton Allison of St.
Joseph in the mayor's office. Hynes received
a pen and pencil set for having
the most photos in the contest during
1947. The mayor is at left with Bernie
Evens, MGM exploiteer, in the center,
RKO Applies to Court
For Permit to Build
MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA—RKO has been
compelled to apply to the U.S. district court
in the District of Columbia for pel-mission to
replace the Capitol Theatre, which was destroyed
by fire here nearly two years ago.
The housing expediter offered two reasons
for refusing RKO permission to build a new
1,100-seat theatre here. First, it is asserted
by the expediter, RKO waited too long after
the fire to file its application, and second,
the request was opposed by the department
of justice.
"The department of justice," the authority
continued "is now engaged in efforts to discourage
larger theatre holdings by companies
also involved in the production of motion
Cass Theatre in Omaha
Closed by Authorities
OMAHA—The Omaha fire
department has
closed the Cass Theatre here as a "fire
hazard" and the building in which it is
housed was closed for lodging by the health
department as a "health hazard."
Stars to Visit Sedalia
In'ScuddaHool'Bow
SEDALIA, MO.—The premiere of "Scudda
Hoo! Scudda Hay!" will be held here next
Wednesday (lOi and will feature appearances
by Lon McCallister, star of the film, Coleen
Townsend, who has a role in the Technicolor
film and a principal part In "Walls of
Jericho." and Betty Ann Lynn of Kansas
City, who is featured in "Sitting Pretty,"
The stars will arrive Wednesday morning
and will participate in a mule show and a
parade and will make personal appearances
at the Fox and Liberty theatres. A blue
jeans contest will be held in which a Queen
of the Jeans will
the Sedalia area.
be chosen from entrants in
The queen and the stars will return to
Kansas City for personal appearances at the
Tower and Uptown theatres there the following
day.
36 Prints in Iowa Sector
For 'Scudda Hoo!' Dates
DES MOINES—Thirty-six prints of "Scudda
Hoo! Scudda Hay!" are being readied for
a special Iowa opening March 11. Walter
Hoffman, 20th-Fox exploiteer, is here laying
plans for the opening, which will take place
simultaneously here and in 35 other Iowa
towns. Within two weeks later, Hoffman
said, he expects the picture to show in 250
Iowa towns.
Edward Shafton Resigns
As R. D. Goldberg Officer
OMAHA—Edward Shafton, general manager
for the R. D. Goldberg Theatre Enterprises,
has resigned, effective March 6. Shafton
joined the Goldberg circuit at the end
of the war. He spent four years in the army's
counter intelligence department. Shafton
probably will devote full time to his law practice.
Al Anson Convalescing
DULUTH—Al Anson, Duluth, northwest
district manager of the Minnesota Amusement
Co., is convalescing in St. Mary's hospital
from a major operation.
CARPETS
ENTRANCE MATS
Alexander Smith-
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Colors - Lettering - Designs
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Masland Wilton - Red - Green - Black
R. D. MANN CARPET CO.
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Hood Asphalt Tile
American Rubber Tile
Linoleum.
BOXOFnCE : : March 6, 1948 MW 63

. .
. . Mrs.
DBS MOINES
JJliglble bachelors on Filmrow for Leap year
gals: Jim McCann, 20th-Fox office manager:
Carl Olsen, EL salesman: Mayo Beatty,
Monogram manager: Bob Newman, NSS of-
tie with a hula dancer painted upon it; E.
W. Kerr. Denver, a red wool shirt.
Fern Bitting, inspector at Warners, returned
to work after suffering with an in-
fected finger. Mrs. Eleanor Yaryan. who replaced
Fern will remain for a few weeks
Helen Surber, booking clerk at
Warners, had to be shoveled out of her home
at Johnson station after the heavy snow,
and arrived at work at 10 o'clock.
C. J. Feldman, Universal division manager.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY'S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High SI. Des Moines. Iowa
Where FUmrow Friends Gather"
Open Doily at 4 p. m.
was at the local exchange . . . Paul Leatherby.
salesman, for Columbia, is back after a
venture in business for himself . . . Edna
Weiner, 20th-Fox bookkeeper, has received
a diamond from Harold Burnstein, who is
employed at Helzberg's jewelry store.
MEirie Frye, Tri-States merchandising department
head, is back at work after a bout
fice manager; Dallas Kessler, NSS booker;
Gerd Prankel,
with the flu . . .
NSS
Ralph Pielow jr., 20th-Fox
shipper: Stanley Sodirberg,
Columbia, and Ralph
manager, needs an apartment for his wife
Harper, bookkeeper
and 5-year-old son . Marie Butcher,
at Tri-States.
contract clerk at MGM, is walking to work
Ralph Branton, Tri-States, returned from following sale of the family car . . . George
his vacation in California . . . E. W. Kerr,
Hart, district manager for the E. W. Kerr
Denver, has taken over the Grand and circuit, has moved to Knoxville, Iowa.
Marion theatres in Knoxville, Iowa .
What the well-dressed man is wearing on
the Row: Fred D. Ai-mington. MGM, green
Antone Berggren Is Dead;
Popcorn Company Head
OMAHA—Antone Berggren, 71, president
of the Midwest Popcorn Co., become fatally
ill here February 28 as he was about to leave
a taxicab to enter the Medical Arts Bldg. for
an eye checkup. Death came from a heart
ailment. Survivors include his wife and four
sons, two of whom i William B. and James L.i
were associated with him in the popcorn
firm. Another associate, Vice-President Lee
Coffee, died unexpectedly several weeks ago.
imm
'Walk Alone/ 'Bishop'
High in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY—Business downtown continued
slow with only the first week of top
product drawing above normal. "The Bishop's
Wife" on a double bill at the Orpheum managed
to shove its way to 130 on the barometer
clock, but "Call Northside 777" hovered near
the average mark all week. "The Bishop" was
held for an additional session but "Northside"
moved out at the end of its seven-day stretch.
"Cass Timberlane" drew average crowds during
its second and final week at the Midland,
and "I Walk Alone" at the Paramount
did somewhat better.
(Averaae Is 100)
Esquire—Shoot to Kill (SG); Road to the
Big House (SG) 75
Midland—Cass Timberlane (MGM), 2nd v,-k. 100
Orpheum^The Bishop's Wile (RKO),
Desperate (RKO) .. 130
Paramount— I Walk Alone (Para) 130
Roxy—Topper (Recrlart), Turnabout (Realart),
Tov Fan -Call Northside 777
Grosses Fatten in Omaha;
'T-Men,' 'Castile' Heavy
OMAHA—Theatre managers here had few
complaints this week. Best boxoffice pull
was "Captain from Castile" at the Paramount,
with "T-Men" and "Linda Be Good," the
Orpfteum double bUl a close second.
Omaha Sleep, My Love (UA), Secret Mission
d. (ENG), 2nd wk 100
t
Paramount—Captain From Castile (20th-Fox).. 130
Orpheum-T-Men (EL); Linda Be Good (EL) 125
RKO-Brondeis- li You Knew Susie (RKO),
Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (RKO) 105
State—The Gangster (AA-Mono); Merton ot the
Movies (MGM), 2nd wk 100
Town—Cheyenne Takes Over (EL), High School
(WB);
We Have Been Appointed
Iowa Distributors
CRETORS
for
POPCORN MACHINES
Hollywood Model No. 48 Giant Model No. 41 Cadet Model
Prices Quoted on Request
We Sell Popcorn Supplies ""
CORN — BAGS — BOXES — SALT — KETTLE CLEANER
LIQUID AND SOLID COCOANUT SEASONING
DES MOINES THEATRE SUPPLY CO
1121 High Street Phone 3-G520 Des Moines, lo'wa
BOXOFFICE :: March 6, 1948

. . Don
. . Rodney
: March
. . Leo
j
. . . The
. . . Commonwealth
. . . The
. . Rube
. . The
KANSAS CITY
in last week . . .
gen Marcus, Columbia district manager, ;-eturned
from a district managers meeting
New York Mis. Sophie
Pisanos, former secretary and cashier at
Film Classics, gave birth to a boy, named
Mrs. Les Durland, wife of the FC
Jeffrey . . .
manager, is now up and around with aid
of a cane. She injured her ankle in a fall
recently . . Julian King of King Enterprises
and Screen Guild VK'as in town.
Herman Beiersdorf, Eagle Lion western
.sales manager, and Claire Hilgers, district
manager with headquarters in Dallas, were
expected during the week at the local exchange
. Walker, Warner exploiteer,
wa.s a father again Tuesday. This time it
was a boy . Bush. 20th-Fox exploitation
manager, and Sy Freedman, area
publicist, were in making final plans for the
"Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" premiere at
Sedalia next week.
Mrs. Norris Cresswell is helping her husband
at the Selected Pictures exchange . .
Glenn Neeley, one-time exhibitor at Arma,
Kas., who has been in New Mexico, was a
Filmrow visitor . . . Charles Meeker of Everton
and Miller, and T. C. KUlebrew of the
Rialto and Grand in Siloam Springs also
were on the Row. A. E. Garansson was a
visitor at the exchanges . McCarthy,
one-time Fox Midwest film buyer, was a
visitor . . . Virginia Gaylord's sister Harriet
Webber, whose husband formerly was in exhibition
in this area, has orders to sail for
Japan March 21. She will join her husband
there.
Isis had a 50-piece marine corps
band on the stage last Thui-sday night. Burl
Ives, radio singer of American folk music,
.
broadcast from the stage of the Rockhlll Friday
night Melcher of Poppers
Supply, who short his vacation to fly to
cut
his father's funeral in Milwaukee, had difficulty
in getting back to Kansas City this
w^eek due to bad weather.
The Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen
will have a luncheon Monday in room
3C at Hotel Phillips to formulate further
plans for the proposed Movie ball in May
plans to open the new-
Norton in Norton, Kas., about the middle of
the month. The house will be a 700-seater
and is being built at a cost of about $100,000
local U-I exchange has been absorbed
by the western district, comprising
Los Angeles, Denver, Salt Lake City, Des
Moines and Omaha. Jack Langan remains
here as branch manager.
Howard Jameyson, Fox Midwest district
manager, conferred with managers in his
territory in Wichita this week . front
office employes union will have a buffet
supper and party following a meeting at
Warner Bros. March 12. Committee for the
affair includes George Regan, 20th-Fox;
Woody Walker, MGM; Amy Armstrong, U-I:
Chuck Purduski, Columbia, and Hildred
Grob and Harriette Hull of National Screen.
Occasion is a celebration of the recent raise
effective March 5. It will be the first party
of its kind in the history of the four-yearold
local.
The Southtown played "The Years Between"
and "Caravan" first run last week
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
Your Deal Handled Personally
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We Cover the U. S. Markel
Arthur Leak
Theatre Sales Exclusively
3422 Eininore Dallas 10. Tc
Phone T3-2026
Reported Ritz Sale Unconfirmed
DESHLER, NEB.—Lester Butcher of the
Ritz Theatre here has received no information
regarding the reported sale of the Ritz
building to Joe Chantry, co-owner of Golden
Dough Enterprises, Omaha. Dutcher has not
sold the theatre, nor has any intention to
do so.
J^^
OIITIKIIIII
mum EDiiiP«Ei\T
Theatre supply dealers:
Write, wire or call for
Satisiaction — Always
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L. J. KIMBRIEL, Manager
Phone GRand 28B4
S 115 W. 18lh Kansas City 8, Mo.
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BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948 65

MINNEAPOLIS
11 be Kaplan, Northwest Variety Club treasurer,
in an interview over radio station
WDGY told of the Lakers' basketball game
at the Auditorium here March 14 for the
benefit of the club's University of Minnesota
hospital fund. He explained that the club
already has raised $300,000 for the hospital
and turned it over to the university, but that
additional sums are needed. Construction of
the 80-bed hospital will start in April, he
said. The club was host at a luncheon for
sports writers, who heard LeRoy J. Miller
and Ted Bolnick explain the benefit, and
who promised their full cooperation in helping
to make it a success.
Branch managers nere were guests of the
University of Minnesota at a campus luncheon,
where their help was solicited for the
(1

: March
Cleveland Lays Plan
To Curb Delinquency
CLEVELAND — To curb juvenile delinquency
and vandalism in public places, an
extensive program of parental education is
under way. Media to be used will include
radio, newspapers, screens and special programs
conducted by educational and civic
organizations.
This widespread campaign to educate
parents in ways of curbing the youth of
Cleveland has been adopted by the department
of juvenile delinquency of the police department,
in cooperation with Councilman Mary
Sotak, who agreed to withdraw support of
the curfew ordinance she recently introduced
in city council.
At a meeting in the auditorium of the
Cleveland board of education, representatives
of the school board, PTA, Catholic
schools. Motion Picture council of greater
Cleveland and Cleveland Cinema club met
with Capt. Arthur Roth of the juvenile delinquency
department of the police department
and Inspector Flanagan to lay the
foundation of a program. Also present were
Dick Wright, assistant zone manager of
Warner Theatres: Orville Crouch. Loew
iiuision manager; Max Mink, RKO city manager:
Ernest Schwartz, president of the
Cleveland Motion Pictirre Exhibitors Ass'n.,
and a group of independent theatre managers.
Ernest Schwartz convinced Councilman
Sotak that her proposed curfew ordinance,
restricting the hours at which children should
be admitted to theatres without being accompanied
by an adult, was unenforcible
without parental cooperation, that it placed
unwarranted burden on the theatre manager
and that, even if it were practical, it
presented unlimited opportunities for undesirable
adults to pick up children hanging
around theatre boxoffices just waiting for
.an opportunity to get an adult escort.
At subsequent meetings a definite program
will be annoimced and responsibility for its
being carried out will be delegated to leaders
in the field of education and civic interests.
Allied Holds Slim Lead
In Detroit Pin League
DETROIT—Allied retained its lead in the
Film Bowling league last week, with Monogram
a close second. Also in the top four
245: C. Sherman. 244, and S. Small, 242.
Other high scores were: D. Frill 230: M.
Bernbaum 224: W. Goi-yl 209, and E. Alexander
206.
Vogue Wins Decision
CINCINNATI—Anthony B. Dunlap, arbiter
in a dispute between Herman Hunt and
Maurice Chase, and Loew's, Inc., has stated
that there is no competition between the
Vogue, owned by Hunt and Chase, and
local
the Emery Reading. The Vogue therefore
is entitled to play day and date with the
Emery, according to Dunlop's decision.
BOXOFnCE :
6. 1948
Harris Dudelson Heads
Cleveland UA Branch
CLEVELAND-Harris Dudcl.son, until recently
division manager for Screen Classics,
last week moved into
the local United Artists
exchange as manager.
This post has
been officially "to
let" for the past six
months. The appointment
was made by
Moe Dudelson, district
manager, who also
announced the resignation
of Joe Krenitz
as salesman covering
the Toledo area. Harris
Duaelson well Harris Dudelson
is
known in this ten-itory, having at one time
been United Artists branch manager in Cincinnati.
He also was manager in St. Louis
at one time. He joined Albert Dezel about
a year ago, serving at first as district manager,
and later as division manager. He
made frequent trips to Cleveland in both
capacities.
George Sallows Profiting
From Children's Shows
MOR.GANTOWN, W. VA.—George Sallows
has been very successful with a two-hour
Saturday morning Cracker Jack radio show
and cartoon carnival, co-sponsored by WAJR
and Coca-Cola. The broadcast goes on the
air from the stage of the Metropolitan at
10 a. m., and for 30 minutes there are prizes
for all contestants and a big grand prize for
solving the cracker jack riddle. Last Saturday's
big award was a $65 bicycle. Many
tickets for the kiddy show, at 25 cents, with
all taxes included, are sold in advance. Sallows
reports, and this keeps the waiting line
moving more rapidly.
New Cleveland Code
May Limit Marquees
CLEVELAND—Theatre owners of greater
Cleveland were all upset last week when
word got around that a revision of the loca.i
building code now under way, would includs
the elimination of all marquees, theatre and
otherwise.
A visit to the office of William Gulon.
building inspector, revealed that the rumoi
was entirely false. However, in the revision
proposed by Emile Zende, city expert now in
consultation with the building department,
all horizontal signs above the marquee will
be limited to five feet, provided the marquee
extends over the sidewalk. Where the building
sets back and the marquee does not cover
the walking area, no such restrictions are
Ernest Schwartz, president of the Cleveland
Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'n, says
that a five-foot horizontal limitation would
work a hardship on theatres, as the averagf
.space used over the marquee for advertising
purposes is eleven feet. Further meetings
will be held before any measures are definitely
adopted.
Zende does not propose any limitations to
the height of vertical marquee signs.
Kato Film Delivery Trucks
Start Running in Kentucky
INDIANAPOLIS—The Kato Theatre Service,
operated by Andy Anderson, Kentucky
exhibitor, is now picking up film at local
exchanges and making door delivery in remote
parts of the Kentucky served from Indianapolis.
Before the organization of the
service, exhibitors had to rely on express delivery,
which was very unsatisfactory. Trucks
pick up and deliver three days each week.
Being Chief Barker, Leo Haenlein Finds,
Is Just Doin What Comes Naturally
COLUMBUS—Leo Haenlein finds himself
in a congenial situation. He has just gotten
into stride as chief barker of the Columbus
Variety Club. His business of creating fun
for patrons of Zoo park, which he operates
during the spring and summer, is not too
cession at Olentangy Park, now the site of
an apartment and residential development
in Clintonville.
"The park then was a pleasant trolley car
ride for our patrons," said Haenlein. "People
didn't have cars and they appreciated the
cooling breezes of the open-air street cars
and the picnic grounds atmosphere of the
park."
The Haenleins prospered with the penny
arcade and during World War I they opened
an arcade in Chillicothe near Camp Sherman.
Other arcades also were operated In
Dayton and in downtown Columbus. W. J.
ME
and J. W. Dusenbury. owners of Olentangy
Park, decided to dispose of the property in
1923 and the two Haenleins were happy to
take it
over.
In the years that followed, the nation was
getting on wheels and the park's patrons
soon weren't content to limit their amusement-seeking
to a nearby park. When the
Haenleins were offered a good proposition
from a developer of multiple housing 1937.
different from his avocation of helping his
fellow barkers, their wives and guests have
are Republic and Quality. High scores
were: Team, RKO 2.633: Republic 2,573, and fun in the clubrooms of this second oldest
Cooperative 2,558. High game. Theatrical, Variety tent in the country.
968: Co-Operative. 939, and RKO, 939. High With his brother Elmer, the new chief they sold the amusement center.
individual, J. Pavella, 657: W. Goryl. 617. barker has been connected with amusement
and S. Small. 616. High game, J. Pavella,
parks and allied entertainment since 1905.
Leo Haenlein and Jacob F. Luft, perennial
treasurer of the Variety Club, have been
It was in that year that the young Haenlein
lifelong friends and it was a personal satisfaction
brothers obtained the penny arcade con-
to the latter that Haenlein was
chosen chief barker. "Jake," as he is known
to everyone, was a grammar-school mate of
the new chief barker in the old Fourth Street
school. This year, as in too many previous
years to count, the two went on Valentine's
day to the home of Miss Alvina Turkopp,
their teacher, and solemnly presented her
with Valentines. Miss Turkopp is now over
80 but she still looks forward to these visits
of her "boys."
It is this same sentiment that makes the
new chief barker at his happiest when he's
playing ho.st.
71

. . . William
. . Alice
. . Bert
. . Milton
. . Eddie
. . Ned
. . Jack
. .
: March
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS I DETROIT
The Showmen 's Drug Store
'
*
Drugs
Cosmetics
Piescriplion
Personal Service irom Two Showmen
MAX BERNBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist
Manager
Phone CLidord 1527, CUiiord 3B94
Distributors
Michigan
for the Gtale ol
RITJGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
lOS Michigan St.. N. W.. Grand Rapids 2. Mich.
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance
/^*^
Our Specialty
y^Worstman

: March
Big Cleveland Coin
Taken by Reissues
CLEVELAND—Majority of the downtown
houses went over the line to a better than
average gross last week, with "Bambi" at the
Allen way out front. This reissue played to
capacity matinees and good evening attendance,
finishing its one-week downtown run
with a score of 130. Another reissue bill. "The
Bride of Frankenstein" and "The Son of
Frankenstein." had 'em standing in line at
the Ohio, crowding the lobby and filling the
auditorium. Of the new pictures shown,
"Ttaee Daring Daughters" was far in the
lead. The return engagement of "Henry V"
at advanced prices at the Low-er Mall had
gratifying results. "Treasure of Sierra Madre"
lield strong in its fourth and last week on
the Main Stem.
(Average Is 100)
Alien—Bambi (RKO), reissue 130
Dnie—Voice of the Turtle (WB), 2nd wk 12
L^ke—Treasu Sierra Madri (WB), 4tl
Lower Mall—Henry V (UA), return run at ad-
Ohio—Son ol Frankenstein (Dezel), Bride oi
Frankenstein (Dezel), reissues 1S5
Prlace—Night Song (RKO) 95
?vte—Three Daring Daughters (MGM) 116
Shllmcn—I Walk Alone (Para), 2nd d t dw 100
Second Week of 'Bishop's Wife'
Stronger Than the Opener
PITTSBURGH—"The Bishop's -Wife," in
a successful exhibition at the Fulton, turned
In a better gross for its second week than
for the initial period, which was something
new in the theatre's record. "Cass Timberlane,"
after two good weeks in Loew's Penn,
was a strong attraction when moved over to
Loew's Ritz. "A Woman's 'Vengeance" flopped
at the J. P. Harris and was pulled after four
days.
Fulton—The Bishop's Wife (RKO), 2nd wk 140
Harris A Woman's Vengeance (U-I), 4 days
Penn—High Wall (MGM)
f^5
85
Ritz—Cass Timberlane (MGM), 3rd d t wk 130
Senator—North Star (SR), Turnabout (SR),
reissues, 4 days 70
Se-a'or-You Were Meant lor Me (', t Ih-Fox)
2nd d. wk t 90
80
Stanley—The Voice oi the Turtle (WB), 2nd wk
Warner—The Fugitive (RKO), 2nd wk 80
Chain Gang (WB); A Slight Case oi Murder
(WB), reissues 90
Cinema—The King's Jester (Superlilm) 80
Adams—Cass Timberlane (MGM) 150
Broadway Capitol— I Am a Fugitive From a
Downtown—Gone With the Wind (MGM) reissue,
2nd wk , 75
Palms-State—Relentless (Col);
in the Knockout (Mono), 2r
United Artists—Bambi (RKO),
Slippy McGee (Rep)
Oweqo Joins GTS
DETROIT—The Owego Theatre in Mancelona,
operated by Cecil C. Noecker, has
joined General Theatre Service of Detroit,
according to Carl 'W. Buermele, general
manager.
City Buys Parking Sites
ANN ARBOR, MICH.—The city council
has decided to buy outright three of five
proposed parking lot properties. One of
these is the Majestic Theatre and site.
Juvenile Film Tastes Today Follow
Those Generation Ago, Poll Shows
CLEVELAND-Omar Ranney, drama and
motion picture editor of the Press, is conducting
a survey of the motion picture tastes
of the children of all ages attending the
Lakewood schools. Lakewood is one of the
exclusive residential suburbs of Cleveland,
and as such is typical of the children coming
from the better homes.
Outstanding result of the poll, conducted
with the assistance of the Lakewood board
of education, is that the children, 1948 style,
are no different from their parents, their
grandparents or their great grandparents.
They want their heroes brave, strong and
winners. Alan Ladd best exemplifies this
combination of virtues today, just as the
Rover Boys, Dick Ti-acy et al, satisfied and
stimulated the previous generations of youth.
From the fourth through the 12th grades,
Ladd had no close competitors. Roy Rogers
comes closest to being one. Bob Hope listed
high in this age group. But as the grades
and ages advanced, Bing Crosby nosed out
Hope in popularity rating.
THOSE NOT SO POPULAR
Among the not-so-popular film stars with
the youth of Lakewood are Frank Sinatra
and Van Johnson.
As is to be expected, there is a great divergence
of opinion between the boys and
girls of school age as to who are the best
screen stars. The little girls—those in the
4th, 5th and 6th grades—are still strong
for Shirley Temple and Margaret O'Brien.
The boys like Abbott and Costello, Jeanne
Grain, Guy Madison, Dana Andrews and
Larry Parks. But get into the senior high
grades and the leader, by many lengths, is
Lana Tui-ner.
Girls, according to the Ranney survey, especially
in the Junior high group, like
movies better than the boys. They like
action westerns, without music; they do not
like horror pictures; they can go for some
screen romance, but the boys of this age
definitely want none of this love stuff. The
'
'Timberlane' Outstanding
In Poor Detroit Session
and
DETROIT—Business generally far below
par last week, with a couple of outstanding
girls boys
mal stories.
animal. They
agree, however, in liking ani-
And the horse is their favorite
quote "Flicka" as a type of
exceptions, notably "Cass Timberlane." Major
entertainment they would like to have repeated.
competition was offered by the Sonja
Henie ice show at Olympia and Frankie Laine
in person at the Bowery.
ALL-TIME BEST*
Like many of their elders, they think
"Gone With the 'Wind" the top picture of
all times. They like it better than any of
the newer pictures. In that they also emu-
DOXOFFICE :
6, 1948
late their elders, as is attested by the fact
that it is grossing more on its fifth repeat
than on any of its previous popular priced
runs.
"The Jolson Story" and "The Yearling"
were heavy favorites with the Senior high
group, but neither could approach the
popularity of GWTW. Some of the other
pictures which rated high among the teenagers
were "Pride of the Yankees," iwith
the boys), "Margie" (with the girls), "Great
Expectations," "I Wonder Who's Kissing
Her Now," "Fantasia," (with the girls),
"Best Years of Our Llives," "Northwest
Passage," "Going My Way," "Lassie Come
Home," "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
and "Bambi."
Ranney reports that "it was interesting
in tabulating the results of the poll to see
ho.v the film interests of children change
through the successive age groups. The boys
started out in the fourth grade by giving
western the most votes, seconded by
comedies. This lineup continued until the
seventh grade when the boys gave comedies
top position and westerns second.
"In tha ninth grade it was comedies first
and mysteries second. Comedies still held
top position in the 11th grade but musicals
replaced mysteries as runnersup. Then in
the 12th grade, the boys put musicals first
and comedies second.
"The girls began in the fourth grade with
comedies first and westerns second. In the
sixth grade a growing interest in musicals
was evidenced and their preference wascomedies
fii-st and musicals second."
In the seventh grade it was musicals first
and comedies second. In the ninth grade
mysteries replaced comedies in second
position and in the tenth grade screen
romance went into second place, with
musicals still in first.
Among the things that these children
do not want are: Not so many drinking
scenes, and not so much glamor. The girls
especially ask for pictures depicting the
average home life. How this lines up with
their voting Lana Turner their favorite
actress is one of the irreconcilables of
youth.
SHOW FEATURES SERIALLY
The young persons of Cleveland are probably
better qualified to judge motion pictures
than their like in other large cities.
This is because a majority of the public
schools show movies daily during the noon
movie hour. It is the practice locally for the
schools to show selected features serially;
that is, two reels are shown daily during
the lunch period. If the picture is too long
to complete within the five-day period, it
is held over through the following week
until it is completed. If it is too short to fill
the five-day period, the incompleted time Is
completed with shorts.
Some schools have junior motion picture
council groups to discuss pictures critically
with the aid of adult leadership. The
neighborhood theatres are vei-y conscious
of their juvenile patrons and have carefully
selected programs over the weekends,
especially on Saturday. The opinion of
these children is not haphazard. They have
a critical consciousness and their voices
should be heard.
Magazine Subscriptions-
The Ideal Gift
nplete periodical service—
and general magazii
J. NAZAR, 1009 Fox
Detroit 1. Mich.
PERYL'S
COSTUMES
UNIFORMS for Entire Theatre Staff.
Special Costumes for Al] Occasions, Acts and
Special Shows
Peryl LaMarr, Prop. 3737 Woodward
Phone: TEmple 2-3948 Detroit 1. Mich.

: March
Vandergrift, Pa., Prepares to Levy
10 Per Cent Tax on Amusements
VANDERGRIFT, PA. — Eventual adoption
of a 10 per cent amusement tax. a new
$3 per capita tax and coin-machine fees,
rather than a one-half of 1 per cent wage
tax appeared likely following a meeting of
the borough council. Appropriate ordinances
likely will be adopted at the March meeting.
9:30 p. m. He appeared before council at
its January meeting and the town fathers
voted to take no definite action until the
February session. At their meeting this week
the members voted to allow the residents to
make the decision.
PITTSBURGH—Amendments to exempt
the payment of amusement taxes on children
under 12 and disabled veterans, under
certain conditions, have been submitted to
the city council. One proposed change would
exempt payment of the tax by children under
12 when they are admitted to any place
of amusement for 10 cents or. less. Another
amendment would exempt payment of the
tax by disabled veterans admitted free of
charge to any place of amusement.
BUTLER, PA. — This city's 5 per cent
amusement tax will become effective April
1. It was passed unanimously by the council
and is being advertised for 30 days. The
city expects approximately $25,000 yearly
from the levy. The five per cent rate is a
compromise measure. Council earlier indicated
a 6 per cent levy and theatre owners
wanted the tax held to 4 per cent. Admissions
on all shows and athletic games will be
affected.
SEWARD, PA.—When the council enacted
a 4 per cent amusement tax several weeks
ago, special permission was granted for the
Sunday opening of the Seward Theatre.
Such permit is illegal and council has withdrawn
the special license. Sunday film exhibitions
in Pennsylvania are legalized only
by local option under prescribed conditions.
The local amusement tax is effective April
PITTSBURGH—Pennsylvania boxing promoters
probably are correct in their cry that
PARSONS, W. VA.—Citizens of Parsons their form of amusement is hit hardest of
all, this being due to the extra 5 per cent
will vote during the summer on whether
they want Sunday shows. The question is an collected by the state. Federal tax is 20 per
outgrowth of a request to the council from cent and city tax is 10 per cent. Total taxation
Keith Chambers, local exhibitor, for the
is 35 per cent. Tax applies regardless
of whether the proceeds go to promoters right to have motion pictures Sunday afternoon
or
from 1 until 6 p. m., and again after to
charity.
LEWISTOWN, PA. — Overriding all opposition
on the part of the local amusement
interests. Chamber of Commerce tax study
committee, CIO, etc., the borough council
passed a revenue deficit budget and a 10
per cent amusement tax.
UNIONTOWN, PA.—An amusement tax
at the rate of one cent for each 25c or fraction
thereof of the established price has been
enacted by Uniontown city council. Amusement
establishments also are hit under a
new mercantile licensing ordinance.
ordinances are effective April 1.
The new
MONONGAHELA. PA.—The new tax package—an
ordinance imposing mercantile and
amusement levies and providing for a $3 head
tax—was enacted into law by city council on
unanimous approval.
MASONTOWN, PA.—Council is enacting a
10 per cent amusement tax.
CLARION, PA.—Under enactment here is
new 10 per cent amusement tax.
Cleveland Sales Meet
CLEVELAND—Earl Sweigert. Paramount
eastern division sales manager, presided over
a three-day local exchange sales conference
recently. District Manager Harry H. Goldstein
and local manager ,Saul Frif ield assisted.
Sweigert went to Philadeluhia from here
thence to Cincinnati and Detroit.
READY TO SERVE YOU
COMPLETE EQIIPMEW tor THEATRES and DRIVE-I^S
Immediate Delivery .. LOWEST PRICES
CENTURY PROJECTORS AND SOUND SYSTEMS Including the Great New
24-HOUR PROJECTION AND SOUND SERVICE
Write lor
Free Literature
THEATRE EQUJPME«IT COHPAM
AL BOUDOURIS
Manager
Stage Show Zooms
Grosses at Albee
CINCINNATI—The return of vaudeville for
one week at the Albee proved to be a spring
tonic to an ailing boxoffice, as is evidenced
by the results listed below. "Gentleman's
Agreement" was also unusually productive
in its second week at the Grand, and was
held another week. Other grosses were fair.
Only "Night Song" remained for an extended
run.
(Average Is 100)
Albee The Fabulous Texan (Rep), plus stage
show 220
Capitol—Tenth Avenue Angel (MGM) 90
Grand Gentleman's Agreement (20th-Fox),
t 2nd wk d 180
Keilh s—My Girl 65
Tisa (WB)
Lyric—The Voice oi the Turtle (WB). 3rd
d t wk 4 days; Bambi (RKO), reissue, 3 days..l20
Palace—Night Song (RKO) 110
Shubert— II You Knew Susie (RKO), 2nd d. t. wk 90
States Case for Critics
Of Popcorn in Theatres
SPRINGFIELD— Sale of popcorn In local
theatres has come in for criticism from
Martha Enoch, local theatregoer who wrote a
letter to the editor of the Springfield Daily
News on the subject. She termed the
"crunchy presence of an obnoxious odor of
fresh popcorn in the theatres as quite disconcerting."
Miss Enoch said: "Even the essence of
sweet, freshly popped corn seems to be out
of its elements in a darkened auditorium,
which primarily is for the purpose of displaying
motion pictures for the entertainment
of the public."
Then she raised two questions:
"Do the citizens of this city attend the theatres
to see a picture or because they are
hungry? Is it necessary for the theatre
owners to supplement their income with the
sale of popcorn 'to make ends meet?' "
Miss Enoch further declared, "I am sure
there are other moviegoers who feel as I do
and would welcome the banishment of the
sale of popcorn in our theatres. Cockroaches
run themselves ragged chasing kernels
about the floor and on the seats."
Dorothy Cozine Dayton's
Only Woman Manager
DAYTON—To Mrs. Dorothy Cozine falls
the distinction of being the only woman theatre
manager here. And it all started seven
years ago when a friend told her the Rialto
was in need of a cashier. Dorothy applied,
and remained with
was accepted for the job,
the organization during the war.
Two years ago Mrs. Cozine was assigned
the managership on the merit of her proficiency
and loyalty to the theatre during
the five years she served as cashier. Earlier
she had served as assistant manager of the
Ohio Theatre.
"Some day I hope to own a theatre," declares
Mrs. Cozine.
Mrs. Cozine's daughter Joyce is a senior
at Dayton Kiser high school.
Hi Hat House Burns
HI HAT, KY.—The Hi Theatre, owned by
Harmon Snyder, burned to the ground last
Wednesday (25). Fortunately the fire occurred
before the doors had opened for the
evening performance. There were no fatalities.
Snyder also owns the Ligon in Ligon
and the Weeksbury in Weeksbury.
BOXOFHCE :
6, 1948

: March
. . Pour
. . Robert
head
. . Marty
. . The
. . . Nat
. . For
Regional Supervisor
Named by Typhoon
NEW YORK—Martin Janasik has been
appointed regional director for the central
states area by the Typhoon Air Conditioning
Co. of Brooklyn, it was announced by Don
V. Petrone. sales manager. Formerly with
the Chrysler Air Temp organization. Janasik
will make his headquarters in Detroit, from
where he will supervise Typhoon representation
in Michigan. Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky,
and western Pennsylvania.
SPRINGFIELD
Phil Chakeres, president of Chakeres Theatres,
and Mrs. Chakeres have gone to Miami
Beach to stay in their winter home until
April or May . passes to the State
are given away daily during the 15-minute
organ program OUie Nicklas. manager,
plays over WWSO. Nicklas plays "mystery
tunes" and listeners are invited to call or
write the radio station to tell what he is
playing. The program, broadcast from the
State, is used to promote the current picture
at the State.
Woody Owens, manager of the Majestic,
planned a midnight cartoon jamboree for
February 28. During the "two hours of fun"
he planned to show 20 cartoons. Tickets were
sold in advance at 55 cents . F.
Terry, former program director, has been
named assistant manager of WIZE. Robert
G. Christol. who came here after theatrical
work in Cleveland and New York, is the
new program director.
Three per cent admissions taxes collected
by the city of Springfield during December
totaled $3,168.69, showing a drop of $130.44
from the November total. Twenty-nine organizations
have registered as taxable during
1948. Forty-five groups were registered
for taxes in 1947.
More Films for Talking Pictures
CLEVELAND—B. W. Payne jr., Ohio manager
for Modern Talking Pictures, announces
the arrival of eight new subjects to his library,
now consisting of 60 sponsored subjects.
He has on hand ten prints of each
subject, all of which are available to schools,
churches, clubs and groups free of charge.
In addition to the film, Payne supplies free
projection service, including a projector and
an operator.
fiuSAeirMAKEs
Yes. our New York Cily Bran
cri 245 WEST 55TH STREET
is now in full swing and
ready to serve you.
'
N EW Send your next special anneun
YORK BienI trailer order to nimack .
PHONE and see why exhibitors all om
PLAZA the eonntry get their trailers
7-3809 irea ns.
NEW YORK
t
245 WIST
55 rr«irr
BOXOFFICE :
CLEVELAND
p
Leonard Halper. head of the Warner construction
and maintenance department
the Ohio zone, and his wife celebrated
in
their 25th wedding anniversary. Several
hundred friends, including practically the
entire Warner Theatres personnel, attended
the "open house" at their home . . . Ray
Brown, Warner Theatres southern Ohio district
manager, at City is hospital, Springfield,
convalescing from a attack pneumonia.
of
George Settos, who recently bought the
Lyric in Lima and the building of which the
theatre is a part, has remodeled the theatre
and renamed it the Ranger ... It is
reported that the Rayland Drive-In Theatre.
Rayland, Ohio, operated by Herbert
Ochs and John Gardner, will reopen for the
season March 27. This is the earliest drivein
opening announcement to date.
"Gentleman's Agreement" had the bigge.st
opening at Warners' Hippodrome of any picture
in many moons, according to Warner
officials. This in spite of the fact that there
was a pouring rain all day. The picture had
been extensively exploited both by Harry
Weiss, 20th-Fox publicity director, who held
a series of 12 screenings for specially selected
groups, and by J. Knox Strachan, publicity
director for Warner Theatres, who arranged
for the distribution of bookmarks throughout
the Cleveland public library system and
display windows at book stores.
The Variety Club, under the leadership of
Chief Barker Milton A. Mooney, has installed
Max Rieger, well known restaurateur, as
steward, and he is accepting reservations for
daily luncheon . . . F. H. Hathaway, with theatres
in Struthers, Canfield and Campbell,
is reported building a drive-in between
Conneaut and Ashtabula.
Paul Badger is back in town as an exhibi-
tor. Formerly of the Rex, he has been devoting
his time to a chemical company which
he owns. Last week he purchased the former
Waldorf Theatre, renamed the Ace by Sol
Korman, who sold it to Badger. This leaves
Korman. Detroit exhibitor, with only one
Max Lefkowiches
local house, the King
I of the Community circuit! left)
Nate
for a belated Florida vacation
Schultz, Monogram franchise owner, and
Mrs. Schultz are back from the Florida playgrounds
wearing the latest style in sunburns.
Lester Zucker, U-I manager, and Alex
Schimel, salesman, covered the Toledo area
together last week . Seed, formerly
with United Artists and Eagle Lion, has resigned
from the Realart sales force . . .
Keith's East 105th Street Theatre will reinstate
vaudeville for a series of special stage
attractions starting March 10, with Sid
Andorn of WGAR as master of ceremonies.
The bill will feature two weekly winners on
Andorn's Audition Ambition programs. Four
other acts will join the wonners. Not since
1931 has the theatre played vaudeville.
Mrs. Milton A. Mooney is temporary chairman
of a group of wives of Variety Club
board members who are forming a Variety
Club women's auxiliary. Working with Mrs.
Mooney, wife of the chief barker are Mrs.
Nat Barach as first vice-president; Mrs.
Oscar Ruby, second vice-president; Mrs. William
S. Shartin, treasurer, and Mrs. Lou
Marx, recording secretary. A series of afternoon
entertainments is being planned.
Manny Stutz, Realart franchise owner, and
his wife are enjoying a vacation in Martinsville,
Ind. . . . J. E. Fontaine, SRO division
manager, and J. J. Oulahan, district manager,
were here tor a brief conference with
Leonard Mishkind, local sales representative,
and Sol Gordon, salesman-booker ... J. J.
Houlihan, Republic manager, supervised a
series of invitational screenings of the allbnd
feature, "Bill and Coo."
.
Madeleine Fain, daughter of Ben Fain,
owner of the Milo Theatre in partnership
with Charles Gottlob, is engaged to man-y
Stanley Roberts the second time
within a year, Louis Roth, manager of the
Western Union office in the Film Bldg., was
told to "stick 'em up." Two holdup men who
entered the office and demanded the cash
box were scared away, however, before they
could accomplish their purpose. The office
is opposite from the central police station.
Leroy Kendis of Associated circuit, laid up
with a recurrent back ailment, was hobbling
around with the aid of a cane. Next move
to correct the trouble will be an operation
Wolf, Warner Ohio zone manager,
and wife have returned from their annual
family reunion in Texas, where. Wolf reports,
they encountered snowy weather while
the Cleveland weather was balmy . . . Mrs.
S. A. Gerson reports that she has sold her
motel just outside Los Angeles and is living
in a small apartment until she decides on
just which coast she will make her home.
All Hygienic booking agents, advance men
and field representatives numbering some
50 men, met in Wilmington, Ohio, home office
of the organization, in the first of a
series of quarterly gatherings, for the purpose
of discussing exhibition and exploitation
problems for "Mom and Dad" on an international
basis. Kroger Babb, Hygienic president,
conducted the meetings.
New Sound at Port Huron
PORT HURON, MICH.—Voice of the Theatre
horns have been installed in the three
Butterfield theatres here, the Desmond,
Majestic and Family. C. A. Dailey is manager
of the Desmond and James S. Helsdon
manages the Family and Majestic.
METRO PREMIUM CO.
BEAUTYWARE PREMIUMS
Gifts of overpowering Boxofiice Appeal
1705 E. 21st St. Film BldJ.
CHerry 613S Cleveland. 0.
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO., INC.
M. H. rarrcHLE
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
6, 1948 75

: .t
. . . Jack
hore
..rvice
. . Harry
. . Playhouse
. .
. . . Orchestra
. . Mathilda
. . James
. . Werner
. . . Frank
. . The
. . John
. . The
: March
. .
PITTSBURGH
nnthony Weyrauch, veteran Filmiow shipper,
will be a grandpop this spring. His
son James and wife are expecting . . . Dr.
H. C. Winslow, Meadville physician, theatre
and radio station owner, is vacationing in
Florida . . . Joseph Kosco, Brockway exhibitor,
and family have returned from a vacation
in the south.
Louis Averbaeh, newly appointed assistant
division manager for Paramount, spent last
;
weeker after enjoying his initial week
•'
on I"', job . . . Jack Servies, National
T! . district supervisor, was here
:.:e: -iig with Newt Williams, manager .
Filmrow Bowling league plans a special
roller skating party at Navari's Flamingo,
East Liberty .
Minsky Kalmine,
head of the national Warner circuit and former
local zone manager, was here last weekend
. . . Abe Weiner, Monogram manager,
announces a special drive April 2-July 2.
Charles E. Warner, Clarksburg, W. Va., was
a Filmrow visitor . . . Gabe Rubin of the
Art Cinema was in New York on business
Balmer, .son of James G. Balmer,
Harris executive, is manager of the Gardens,
succeeding Howard Adelsberger, who resigned
due to illness.
John Jaffurs jr., Glassport exhibitor, and
his bride, have returned from New York
where they spent their honeymoon . . . The
new picture being produced by Bert M. Stearn
and Harry Hendel for Screen Guild release
has a jungle backgroiuid. Hendel is in Los
Angeles working on this production.
South Hills Theatre, Dormont, operated by
the Warner circuit for a score of years, reverts
to the Harris interests May 1 . . . Jim
Alexander of the Alexander Theatre Supply
has been very active in the YMCA membership
campaign . production of
"All My Sons" will open March 12 . . . Columbia
is not replacing Sidney Goldberg for
the present, his West Virginia area being
covered by Jack Judd and Leo Isaacs, main
line and north area sales representatives.
Andy Battiston flew to Chicago in connection
with the opening of "Citizen Saint" in
the Studebaker Theatre March 13 . . . Bert
M. Stern departed March 5 for a week's busi-
WE PREFER
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character of any Premium Concern offering
to solicit your neighborhood merchants
on giveaways.
Too bad we have to make this sugges-
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1325 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago 5, HI.
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Speed-O-Bikes * Radio Phonograph
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Items at No Cost to the Exhibitor.
Wlile. pvi PaiticuloAi.
ness trip to Hollywood . "Fuzzy"
Lund, circuit exhibitor, sold his Twin Gables
night club.
Fred A. Beedle, Allied MPTO board chairman,
staged a general membership meeting
March 5 instead of calling only directors of
the association. The Ascap situation, government
suit and other matters were to be discussed
. Kiel, Allied MPTO's assistant
secretary, who resided in Brentwood
for a number of years, now has a residence
in Arlington Heights . . . Israel Roth, city
exhibitor, is up and around and looking in
good health after an illness.
I. Elmer Ecker reports that dozens of local
barkers will attend the April 12-17 convention
of Variety Clubs Intern.nional in Miami
Beach . M. Totman, publicity director
Warner Theatres in the zone,
for
spoke on "Promotion" before the Etna
Chamber of Commerce.
The Film Council of Allegheny county has
been organized under direction of Dr. Herbert
T. Olander, professor of visual eiucaticn
at the University of Pittsburgh, of
persons interested in the showing of 16mm
A $200,000 improvement program is announced
for the Fulton this summer. Included
will be reseating, redecorating and
installation of a cooling system. The Shea
operated house will be closed during most
of June and July. John D. Walsh, Fulton
manager, has rented a house in Newport,
R. I., for the summer ... An animal act
from Hollywood is being booked in the area
bookings at theatres in the
tristate district in recent months have not
met with success.
. . . Margaret
George Comuntzis, veteran Morgantown
exhibitor and restaurant operator, is back
from a vacation in New Orleans
Miller, former switchboard operator at
Paramount who resigned after a score of
years, has joined the film inspection staff
at UA.
Maurice Fruhlinger, Baltimore exhibitor,
was a Filmrow visitor in company with John
Lengyel, local projectionist ... A favorite
show in Clarksburg, W. Va., the Elk's Minstrels,
will be revived at the Robinson Grand
there March 10-11. Tickets are $2 . . . The
Penn, Ambridge, used a ten-inch display in
the Daily Citizen to advertise the newsreel
.subject, "Cinderella Romance," the Winthrop
Rockefeller-Barbara Sears newlyweds.
The John D. (Fulton) Walsh juniors and
the William J. (Ascap) O'Brien juniors were
hosts at the family night party in the Variety
Club February 27 . . . Tom McCleary, R^A
ciistiict manager, was here from Detroit . . .
Ray Laux of the Warner Mount Oliver is
the new assistant manager at the downtown
Warner, and his brother Jim, who managed
the circuit's Whitehall, now is at the
Memorial, replacing temporarily the ailing
Lou Fordan.
Charles Argentine reported that the stork
hovered over the Keith, Burgettstown, one
night recently and almost dropped a little
bundle from heaven in Lana's lap. (The
Keith was screening "Green Dolphin
Street."! The young woman from Avella,
who figured her days too few, received
ministrations from a local medic, and
promptly hurried home to her own fireside
where the blessed event took place.
Malcolm MacMillan, who has been in the
radio business in Scranton for a year or
so, rejoined the local Altec organization .
Bill Serrao, New Kensington-Arnold exhibitor,
is vacationing in Florida for a month
. . . Bill Graham, projectionist at the Rialto,
broke his eye glasses and was getting ready
to depart from his home to have them replaced
when he fell down a flight of stairs
and broke his collar bone. He is in South
Side hospital . . . Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Mc-
Gillick, Coraopolis exhibitors, after vacationing
in Florida, were expected back this
week.
Theodore Gri:nce, president of Outdoor
Theatres, Inc., has enrolled the Super Castle
drive-in. New Castle, with Co-operative Theatre
Service . . . C. W. Dickinson, Brownville
exhibitor, is motoring through the south
and southwest, headed for Mexico . . . Aaron
Rosenzweig resigned as salesman for Eagle
Lion . . . Joseph Parrell and Edward J.
Mulcahy's new Fairview drive-in, St. Marys,
Pa., will be represented by Co-operative Theatre
Service.
C. C. Kellenberg, 20th-Pox manager, is
back on the job having recuperated from an
illness. Mrs. Kellenberg has lost her parents
during recent weeks, her father having died
less than a month after the death of her
mother . . . Betty Kearns McConnell was
absent from the MGM office for several days
due to the death of her mother-in-law.
John J. Maloney, MGM central division
manager, was called to an executive session
in Los Angeles . E. Stahl, Homestead
exhibitor, is proceeding with construction
of his new commercial building in Homestead.
Later lie and his son John S. Stahl
plan to construct a new theatre building
there. John A. Reilly, manager of the Mervis
circuit's Rialto, set this week aside for
teeth
extraction.
William Brooks, Paramount booker, has
assumed city sales duties, succeeding Louis
Averbach, who was promoted to Philadelphia
as assistant mideast division manager. A.
Harry Passarell, office manager, is assuming
additional duties as booking manager.
.
Welden Waters, 20th-Fox manager, was
called to Wilkes-Barre last week due to the
sudden death of his father State,
Altoona, used a full page ad "Body and
on
Soul" in the Tribune, which carried a hearty
recommendation of Jack Day, manager . . .
August F. Joerger and William J. Betz have
registered the Hillmount Amusement Co.,
Pittsburgh . David Hadburgs of the
Hazelwood are vacationing in Miami Beach
. . . Sylvia Linder of Jimmy Totman's publicity
department at Warner circuit headquarters
is departing for a vacation in
Florida . . . Larry Lapidus, Penn State student
and son of Jules Lapidus, Warner
eastern-Canaaian sales manager, and Lois
Liff, New York City, are engaged.
T ou Hanna has been named film buyerbooker
for the Butler drive-in, Butler,
and the Skyline drive-in. New Castle, the
appointment having been made by R. O.
Fredley, representing the outdoor theatres
Michael, until recently with the
army in the Pacific, will assist his mother,
Mrs. Martha Michael, in management of
BOXOFHCE :
6, 1948

. . The
. . . Ike
. . George
. . Sunset
: March
. . Allied
. . The
.
. . . William
. . Joe
. .
the Rex. Next fall, he plans to enter college.
Glenn Carruthers, Grove City exhibitor,
reports that community's sesquicentennial
will be an event of next August . . . Larry
Lowstetter. Meyersdale exhibitor, has sold
"Miss Economy." his race honse . . . Lee Conrad
put on a stage show at the Park, Meadville,
which featured the three Kress sisters
of Meadville, former Rockettes who have
made three USO overseas tours . . M. A.
.
Silvers, Warner circuit zone manager, is
active again after being down with virus X.
John Perry, Belle Vernon exhibitor and
liotel man, was active at the state restaurant
owners' convention here, as was Jack Mapel,
Point Marion theatre owner-restaurateur
Hi-Way Theatre, summer playhouse,
will present eight plays in the Ebensburg-
Cambria high school auditorium June 26 to
August 21. Warners' Harris in Donora, is
advertising for musicians and entertainers
Browarsky, local exhibitor, has been
\acationing in Florida . MPTO directors
were in session March 5 at headquarters
. Jaffee of the Casino
has been taking the" baths at Hot Springs.
Junior Miss America contest, scheduled
for May, has been set back to September,
according to the Pittsburgh Junior Chamber
of Commerce ... An Equity summer
theatre will open at Colonial Manor near
Irwin in June with Carl Low and Clay
Flagg producing, and Paul Foley directing
. . . P. D. "Dinty" Moore, Warner manager,
would like to take his vacation to "bake
out" a lingering cold but he can't get away
from the office.
The M. A. Rosenbergs. McKee.s Rocks exhibitors,
have returned from their vacation
in Florida . Drive-In at Meadowbrook,
W. Va., has installed pipes for in-acar
speaker field stands and the former
screen structure is
screen.
being replaced by a larger
Mrs. Ray Hickman Elected
To Late Husband's Posts
CLEVELAND—Mrs. Ray C. Hickman has
been elected vice-president and secretary
of the Washington Theatre Co.. to fill the
offices held by her late husband. John
Woodard, Dover, Ohio, has been named to
succeed Hickman on the board of directors.
Steve Broidy to Visit
PITTSBURGH—Exhibitor friends of
Steve
Broidy, president of Monogram and Allied
Artists, will greet him here next Thursday
111). Broidy will stop here en route to New
York from Amarillo, Tex., where he attended
the premiere of AA's "Panhandle," sepia tone
western thriller starring Rod Cameron. "Panhandle,"
will open locally in the Fulton at
an early date.
Fined for Obscene Show
GREENSBURG, PA.—Charged with giving
and permitting the exhibition of an obscene
show and obscene pictures, Tom R. Kamerer,
Charles Kisner and Sam W. Betters were
fined $100 and costs by Judge Edward G.
Bauer. State police pressed charges following
a raid on a North Huntingdon township
tavern last June 22.
•BOXOFFICE :
Quiz Show Takes to Air
From National. Louisville
LOUISVILLE SomclhinK new in quiz
shows has reached Louisville by way of the
National Theaatre. Sponsored by a local
ice cream manufacturer, the show is called
"Heaa of the Family." The initial program
was presented to the theatre audience
Wednesday night, February 25, and was
broadcast over station WHAS. The program
i.s of the audience participation type with
prizes awarded to the winners. The show is
scheduled as a weekly affair and is to continue
for an indefinite run. The National
is herded by Vance Schwartz and is managed
by Jimmy Robertson.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
(Twenty Years Ago)
E. FONTAINE has returned to Cleveland
J
as manager of the Paramount exchange.
He has been in Pittsburgh for Paramount.
H. Brauer and Harry Dodge succeeded him
in Cleveland. Brauer is now in Columbus,
and Dodge has gone in the advertising business.
Harry Goldstein, Albany manager, has
become Pittsburgh manager. K. G. Robinson,
salesman from Boston, has taken over the
Albany exhange.
Fines are being paid weekly by three motion
picture theatre managers in Dover, Ohio.
This has been going on all winter. Every
Sunday the proprietors of the Ohio, Webber
and Pike theatres are arrested for infraction
of the law. pay a fine of $15.45 ani then go
back to their shows.
Reade's Hippodrome in Cleveland has inaugurated
a bargain matinee policy of all
seats in the house at 25 cents till 5 p. m. .
J. C. Hudges of Hillsboro, Ohio, has purchased
the theatre in Leesburg from H. L. Wiggins
of Hillsboro. H. W. Byrd of the Forum Tlieatre
has a lease on this house . Playhouse,
at Jackson. Ohio, has been sold by
O. J. Welsh to Harold Priest. Joseph and
Robert Stern, operators of the Marlow, Grand,
Eastern and Lyric at Ironton, are planning
the erection of a new theatre in Jackson at a
cost of $60,000. It will be across from the
Cambria hotel.
The Troy Amusement Co. has opened its
new $100,000 theatre in Troy, Ohio, the Mayflower.
It is a two-story playhouse in the
Georgian style . . . A. G. Longbrake, formerly
m?nager of the Band Box Theatre in Springfield,
has been transferred to the Regent in
the same capacity . . . Phil Charnas, manager
cf the Bucyrus Theatres Co., has announced
plans to erect a new theatre in Bucyrus.
George Shenker has sold the Cozy Theatre
in Lorain. Ohio, to the Interstate Theatres.
Inc. This was the last of a chain of houses
in Lorain owned by Shenker. Sam T. Read
is
managing the Cozy.
. .
Richard Weil, formerly in charge of
publicity for Progress Pictures Corp., has
been heard from. He is with Educational
Films on the west coast and agrees with
Arthur Brisbane that there's nothing like
California . "The Jazz Singer" blazed a Out of
nev." trail in Columbus, now in its eighth
week at the Grand, a history-making engagement.
COLUMBUS
prcd Astaire was to look at his proposed
dance studios on East Broad street . . .
John B. Brobst of the Ohio, known as Benny
to his Loew's co-workers, was given a pin
by Manager Walter Kessler, signifying completion
of a score of years as electrician
at the Ohio and Broad E. Brown,
stage and screen star and native of Holgate,
was invited to be a gue.st at the Variety Club
membership dinner held during his local
appearance in "Harvey" at the Hartman.
Charles Koch, operator at the Southern
for 17 years, is taking a three or four-week
vacation in California. Bert Fletcher, his
fellow operator, just returned from a
holiday
in Mexico. Tom Johnston is subbing for
Koch ... J. Real Neth is recovering at his
home from an illness which has kept him
from his desk for several weeks.
A cashier and usher at Neth's Eastern
were held up by two bandits who threatened
them and then fled with $170 in cash.
Florence H3ll. cashier and Lewis Hagen,
usher, were in the boxoffice when one of
the gunmen drew a pistol from under his
jacket and ordered: "Give us all the money
you got. We mean business." J. A. "Jimmy"
Tallman, manager, told police Miss Hall gave
the gunman all the money in the booth.
Lou Holleb, Robert Nelson, John Bracroft
and Leo Haenlein of the Variety Club landed
in the Dispatch as some of the bachelor
targets for the Leap Year party held last
Saturday in the clubrooms. They were pictured
with a local model and one of the 20
from a New York modeling school who picked
the most eligible bachelor at the party .
The sophomore class of Capitol university
here presented "Knickerbocker Holiday," the
old Nel-son Eddy film, on the campus for
35 cents, "including refreshments." Show
held one performance only on Saturday
night. Other campus organizations are
planning similar film shows.
Thertres are fating other forms of competidon,
too. First boxing bill in some years
w.^'s held last week at Memorial hal! with
3,462 patrons paying $14,723. An ice rink
large enough to permit hockey games is
under consideration in the Ohio State university
district. The rink, to cost $100,000.
would permit skating nine months a year
Perry, known along the Rialto
as "Jiggs." was killed when he walked into
a house trailer while crossing a downtown
street. Jiggs was a ballyhoo man who worked
street stunts for all downtown theatres at
one time or another.
. . Harold
The Variety Club will take over the first
night's sale of tickets for "The Skating
Vanities of 1948." which will be staged here
starting April 27. Portion of the proceeds
will go into the heart fund . . . Patricia
"Pat" Moore was chosen "Miss Loew Springtime"
to symbolize Loew's Springtime Hit
Parade now being celebrated at the Ohio
and Broad. She is a local model .
painter, reports a first
Martindrle. Loew's
sign of spring—he caught a two-foot blacksnake
in his back yard.
Gory Category
Eagle Lion will make its film title. "Blood
on the Snow." less sanguine and call it
"Canon City" instead.
6. 1948 77

. .
. . Added
. . Leo
. . Mary
: March
LOUISVILLE
IJenry Keiss, executive of Amusement Enterprises,
is in Miami on vacation .
Also planning to take in the Florida sunshine
was Fred Dolle of the Fourth Avenue
Amusement Co., who was scheduled to leave
this week for St. Petersburg . . . Louis
Steuerle, former owner of the Broadway, who
went into retirement some time back
couldn't stand to be idle, and is now handling
the 'affairs of tiie Towers. He replaced
Hughy Bernard, who resigned.
K. R. McAllister is planning to open the
Theat.air Drive-In, Jeffersonville, Ind., at
the first indication of summer. Every effort
is being made to complete the restaurant
now under construction for use in conjunction
with the concessions of the Theatair,
as well as for the regular transit trade. Due
to it's location on a main highway, the
restaurant will remain open the year aroimd.
Robert Harned, co-owner with McAllister in
the Theatair, also owns the Empire, Sellersburg,
Ind.
The new Valley Theatre, TaylorsvUle, Ky.,
which is virtually completed, was partially
flooded during the recent high waters. The
damage, however, was reported as being
slight and it is not expected to interfere with
the contemplated opening date. The "Valley
is owned by Morris Smith and Clark Bennett.
William "Bill" Blank, new resident manager
of the Switow Amusement Co. in Seymour,
Ind., was formerly with Alliance Theatres.
Fox circuit, and Paramount. He replaced
George Jaeggers, who returned to
Switow's Elks Theatre, New Albany, Ind.,
replacing C. Hedden, who in turn was transferred
to the Cozy Theatre, Louisville.
A. N. Miles of the Eminence Theatre,
Eminence, Ky., left for a tour to Natchez.
Miss., where he intended to film the annual
garden pilgrimage. From Natchez he
planned to go on to New Orleans for a short
stay. Miles has the distinction of having
made a 2>i; hour film of local interest, which
was run as a special show in his Eminence
Theatre, with regular admission prices prevailing.
The volume of business at the showing
so far exceeded expectations that it
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LOSE BROTHERS
204-20G E. Jefferson Street
Louisville, Kentucky
was necessary to have a second showing for
those unable to get in.
In attendance at the Kentucky-Temple
basketball game recently were Gene Lutes,
Chakeres Kentucky manager in Frankfort;
George Bauers. Chakeres Theatres. Spring-
field, Ohio, and Oscar Hopper of the Arista
Theatre. Lebanon, Ky. . to the list
of local theatres running Saturday matinee
cartoon shows for the kiddies is the Airway,
managed by "Vernon Powell Electric
Automaticket machines have been purchased
by the Switow Amusement Co. for the Grand,
New Albany, and the Indiana, "Washington,
Ind. Purchase was made through the Falls
City Theatre Equipment Co.
Erwin W. Rau, mayor of Leitchfield and
owner of the Alice Theatre there, donated
ultra-violet germ-killing lights to the first
grade classroom attended by Kentucky's
famous Lashley quads. Mayor Rau's son
David is also a member the class . . Mr.
of .
and Mrs. Louis Koppel announced the engagement
of their daughter Elaine to Edward
S. Saag, son of Mr. and Mrs. David
Saag, owners of the Hi-Land Theatre,
Louisville. The wedding will take place June
1 in Adath Israel temple.
"Cass Timberlane" earned a second week
Loew's and "The "Voice of the Turtle"
at
held over at the Mary Anderson. Following
a two weeks run of the stage show. "Hollywood
on Ice." the National returned to pictures
only, bringing in "Black Narcissus"
and "Something in the "Wind." Also back
in the double feature class was the Strand,
with "The Tender Years" and "Dangerous
Years." "I Walk Alone" opened at the
Rialto. The Scoop had "The Seventh "Veil"
and the Brown played two reissues. "Pittsburgh"
and "Green Hell."
Recent visitors here were A. N. Miles,
Eminence. Ky.; Homer 'Wirth. Crane, Ind.;
Lewis Baker, "West Point, Ky.; M. H. Sparks,
Edmonton. Ky.; Robert Enoch. Elizabethtown.
Ky.; C. O. Humston. Lawrenceburg.
Ky., and Luther Knitley, Knifley, Ky.
H. A. Fitch, who formerly operated the
Fitch-Provo circuit in Kentucky, is now
operating
W. H.
the
Blank
Erin
is the city manager of the
Switow theatres in Seymour, Ind., which
. . .
include the Majestic, "Vondee and Little
The Rialto. Marengo, Ind., which has been
operating only .six days a week, is now running
seven days with regular matinees. The
Rialto is controlled by E. L. Ornstein Theatres.
In addition to the regular 35mm theatre
exhibitors, much concern over the censorship
bill recently introduced to the Kentucky
legislatiu-e is being shown by the 16mm distributors
and roadshowmen. The national
association has requested members to take
'
whatever action they deem suitable to sifow
their opposition to the passage of such a
bill.
. . . Shortly
"Henry V" has been booked for a return
engagement at the Scoop from March 11
through March 17. "While the prices will be
somewhat lower than for the original run,
they will still be tilted at $1.80 tops for
the evening performances and 90 cents for
the matinees. For the evenings and Sunday
matinee seats will be reserved
before Joe E. Brown opens at the Memorial
Auditorium in "Harvey," the Strand will play
his "Tender Years" on its screen.
CINCINNATI
rivin L. Doll and Max Milbauer of the Belmont
Auto Theatre in Dayton, visited
exchanges in preparation for their opening
in March. Also in town were Deane Dennis
of the Xenia Auto In, Xenia. and Ray Stout.
Melody Drive-In, Springfield . . . The girls
in the RKO office surprised Lillian Seltzer,
BOXOFFICE correspondent, with a shower
at the "Variety Club February 24. Manager
Stanley Jacques was the only male present.
Rita lori, cashier at Eagle Lion, and
Lawrence Lalmiann of Lahmann Trucking
Service were married Saturday in Price Hill
. . . Ira Epstein, "Warner publicity representative,
was confined to his home for several
days due to a severe cold . . . Conversion of
the hemp plant on the Winchester Pike, 12
miles out of Lexington, Ky., into a factory
site and drive-in theatre was announced
by W. B. Brown of Lexington. Warren
Shafer of that city, who operates a chain
of theatres in Kentucky and West Virginia,
contracted with Brown _ for about 46 acres
adjoining the plant, and' on this tract plans
the construction of a drive-in.
Correction on date of the installation of
officers dinner by the Cinema club: The
affair will take place Monday night, March
29, at the Netherland Plaza hotel . . . N. M.
Burris of Lewisburg and Mrs. Burris are
spending a vacation in Florida . . . New
drive-ins are under construction near Eastou,
Miamisburg. Troy. Chillicothe. and Lancaster.
Willis/m Chancellor of the Ritz at Arcanum
is recovering from a recent heart ailment
. . . Mrs. J. T. Gates of West Alexandria left
for Florida for an indefinite stay to regain
her health . Adler. home office representative
for United Artists, is visiting the
local exchange after an absence of several
years.
J. Real Neth, owner of theatres in Columbus,
was confined to bed due to illness,
but is on the mend. It is reported that Fred
Helwig of the Mountain State circuit in West
Virginia has sold his Powellton in Powellton,
W. Va., to Stanley Clemens . Long,
former secretary to Harris Dudelson at
Screen Guild, now is with Theatre Owners
Corp.. as secretary to Rex Carr.
Marvin Samuelson of the Warner zone office.
Cleveland, was in the city last week.
He plans to become a benedict in June, or
sooner, if he is able to locate suitable quarters
in which to house his bride . . . Jack
Furrer. West Virginia salesman for RKO. is
proud of the good record his son Martin has
made with the Montgomery Ward Co., for
whom he manages the Charleston store.
Young Furrer has been summoned to New
York for special conferences with executives
of the company, and a promotion is
undoubtedly in the offing . . . W. B. Urling,
Alpine circuit, and Mrs. Urling have been
enjoying a vacation in Florida the past three
weeks.
The new automobile of Charles Schroeder,
Warner West Virginia salesman, was demolished
last week when it jumped over an
embankment near Page. W. Va., and turned
over several times. Schroeder, fortunately,
escaped with only some minor bumps and
is scratches, but, of course, bemoaning the
loss
of the car.
78
BOXOFFICE
:
6, 1948

: March
Committeemen Named
By Variety Teni 31
NEW HAVEN—Arthui- Greenfield, property
master of the Variety Club of Connecticut,
Tent 31, announced the new committees
is chairman of the births, anniversaries, etc.,
committee, acting with Bernard W. Levy, and
George Reif. Ben Simon, 20th-Fox manager,
heads the membership committee, assisted
by Henry Germaine, Lou Cohen, Edward
Fitzpatrick, William Vuono, Morris Jacobson,
and Robert Elliano. Harry F. Shaw,
Loew Poll division manager, is chairman of
the entertainment and special events committee,
with Ben Segal manager of the Shubert,
New Haven legit theatre, as co-chairman,
and William Brown, Morris Podoloff,
Ed Schweitzer, Rudy Frank, James Milne,
William Vuono, Sid Kleper and George Weber
as committeemen.
TO DRAFT BYLAWS
jr., Harry Rosenblatt, Tim O'Toole, Ben Simon,
Harry Lavietes, Maurice Bailey, Carl
Goe, Ben Segal and Hugh Maguire.
Barkers are asked to make early reservations
for the Variety Clubs International convention
at the Roney Plaza hotel, Miami
Beach, April 12-17. Lou Brown heads the
"On to Miami" convention committee.
Ex-Vaudevillian Working
Back Into Show Business
BOSTON— George F. Brown, who once
smiled and bowed at theatregoers from behind
the footlights, Is
once again smiling
and bowing to theatre
patrons, but in a dif-
for 1948, appointed by Barney Pitkin, chief
barker. The organization, comparatively new
ferent way. His profession
in this state, has dedicated itself to increased
activity in many directions. Members
died with the
passing of vaudeville
invited to contact committee chairmen
with all helpful ideas for the furtherance of
and he is. getting back
into show business
group's program.
Maurice Bailey, of the Bailey circuit. New
way, as
Haven, is chairman of the welfare committee, doorman at the Astor,
assisted by I. H. Levine,
top
Edward Levy,
house
A.
of B&Q Associates.
J.
hard
the
now the
Mattes, L. S. Ginsburg, William Brown, Morris
Jacobson and Michael Tomasino.
Bernard Stewart,
manager of the Astor, George F. Brown
ALL ASPECTS COVERED
says he is about ready to step up to an assistant
manager's job.
The ways, means and finance committee
A native Bo.stonian. "Brownie" got his
is headed by George H. Wilkinson jr., of the
Wilkinson, Wallingford, with Harry Lavietes .start in vaudeville here doing song and
of the Pequot, New Haven, as co-chairman,
and Al Pickus, Edward J. Peskay, Leo Schuman
dance routines and impersonations.
his vivid memories is a benefit show
One of
given
and John Perakos assisting. The tickets here for the Theatrical Mechanics Ass'n, in
and testimonials committee consists of which he sang with a quartet. He says an
Harry Rosenblatt, Metro exchange manager, unknown youngster by the name of Al Jolson
and Sam Germaine. Maurice Shulman, Sam stopped that show with his singing of "My
Rosen, Jack Fishman, Leo Ricci, Samuel Rosary."
Bailey, John Pavone and Lou Phillips. On Brown played Fox and Loew time, later
house and building committee Hugh A. Magujre,
RKO office manager and head booker,
joined A. B. Marcus and then the Bob Ott
musical comedy company at the time Ray
serves as chairman, with Tim O'TooIe, Columbia
Bolger was breaking in. For five years Brown
exchange manager, as co-chairman,
was straight man to Mike Sachs in burlesque.
and Jerry Lewis, William J. Hutchins, Frank
After leaving vaudeville he became man-
Meadow, and Morton Katz.
Carl Goe, Warner Bros, exchange manager,
ager of a small resort hotel in Newport,
then joined Confidential Reports. Sam
Cohen and Pete Lavesque, managers of the
B&Q house in Quincy, urged him to get in
touch with circuit headquarters for a permanent
position. Stewart got him just in
time for the world premiere of "The Fugitive"
which opened the Astor. "I needed
somebody with tact, class and diplomacy,"
said Stewart, "and Brownie fits the bill."
Ernest Emerling to Speak
At Newspaper Meeting
SPRINGFIELD—Ernest Emerling of New
York, director of advertising and publicity
of the 139 Loew's theatres in the United
Luncheon and speakers will be in charge States, will speak at the New England Newspaper
Advertising Executives Ass'n conven-
of Dr. J. B. Fishman. head of Fishman Theatres,
as chairman, and Herman M. Levy, tion at the Hotel Kimball here March 9 on
MPTOA counsel, co-chairman, R. W. Davis, -Motion Picture Theatre Advertising." He
John A. Brown, and Milton Hyams. Working
with publicity and trade papers, as well ness, the peculiarities of theatre advertis-
outlined the problems of the picture busi-
as radio are Lou Brown. Loew Poll publicity ing, adherence to advertising code, the matter
of rates and free publicity, how the ad-
chief, as chairman, and Robert F. Kaufmann,
Rudy Frank, James Milne and Franklin Ferguson.
Bylaws will be drafted by Herman M. of keeping amusement pages clean.
vertising dollar is spent and the importance
Levy and Maxwell Alderman, Allied Theatres
of Connecticut secretary, as co-chairmen, 28 years, of which 18 were spent in the New
Emerling has been associated with Loew's
and Sherman Rosenberg. George Comden, York advertising department. Pi-ior to that
and Phil Sherman.
he was city manager and manager in various
The new board of governors, consisting of Loew houses throughout the country.
chairmen of committees and officers of the
club, includes Barney Pitkin, Harry F. Shaw.
Dr. J. B. Fishman, Lou Brown, Herman M.
Boost Theatre Ad Rates
Levy, Maxwell Alderman, Arthur Greenfield,
William Brown, George H. Wilkinson WATERBURY. CONN. — Theatre space
rates jumped on the Republican-American,
morning and evening papers, from $1.95 to
$2.10 an incli as of March 1. following similar
moves in several parts of the state. Only
town to limit use of space because of lack of
newsprint now is Bridgeport, where limit is
20 inches per day, and space is not cumulative.
2,000 Attend Funeral
Oi Fred J. Greene, 46
WOONSOCKET, R. I.—Two thousand
mourners attended the funeral .service of
Fred J. Greene. Woonsocket exhibitor, who
died suddenly Saturday morning, February
21, while at his desk at the Bijou Theatre.
He was 46 years old.
Every theatre owner of Rhode Island was
present at the services, as well as representatives
from the Knights of Columbus, the
Lions, Rotary and other civic and .social organizations.
Many came from Boston's Filmrow.
Friends and exhibitors traveled many
miles to pay silent tribute to "the most beloved
New Englander in show business."
A great civic leader, Greene was responsive
to all worthy cau.ses, using his theatres, the
Park and the Bijou, to further and promote
civic drives, including the Red Cro.ss, Community
Fund, March of Dimes, Cancer Research
and other humanitarian projects
sponsored by the city and by the industry.
At the time of his death he was president of
the Woonsocket Chamber of Commerce, a
director of the Woonsocket Trust Co. and a
director of the Rotary club. He was a past
president of the Lions and was an active
member of Independent Exhibitors. Inc., of
New England and the Independent Theatre
Owners of Rhode Island.
Last year he was presented the "Swell
Guy" award given annually by the Variety
Club of New England.
He was a graduate of Pi-ovidence college
and a director of Hill college of Woonsocket,
a business school. He is survived by his wife,
the former Alice Comior. and three small
children; a sister, who flew from California
for the services; a brother. Gregory Greene,
sports editor of the Woonsocket Call, and
another brother. Leo, captain of the Woonsocket
police, who is seriously ill in a hospital.
Independent Theatre Owners of Rhode Island
had planned to give Greene a huge testimonial
dinner this spring.
Golden Wedding Marked
By Joseph Mekelburgs
BOSTON—A golden wedding anniversary
was celebrated by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
Mekelburg February 22 when 100 friends attended
a dinner at the Hotel Somerset to
honor the happy couple.
Seated at the anniversary table with the
Mekelburgs were their son Alan, his wife
and daughter, who came on from Portland,
Ore., for the event; their daughter. Mrs. Isaac
Schwartz of New Bedford, her husband and
daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Josephs.
Josephs, a film salesman for Bay State
Films, was an usher at the wedding 50 years
ago.
Joseph Mekelburg is the manager of the
Roxbury. Roxbury, and has been in the filiiji
business for many years. He has sold film
for Metro. UA. Warner's and other exchanges
and is one of the oldest industryites in point
of service in the territory.
Vote for 'Mom and Dad'
FRANKLIN. N. H.—Tlie mayor and city
council voted in favor of allowing Hygienic
Productions' "Mom and Dad" to be shown at
the Capitol Theatre. The council-mayor
meeting vote followed a preview of the film
by the council.
BOXOFFICE :
6. 1948
79

. . . From
. . One
. . Mrs.
: March
BOSTON
.
. . Collections
features . . .
At Universal Joe Kelly, fonner booker, has
Qhanges in management at M&P Theatres been shifted to the Maine ten-itoiy as salesman.
include the appointment of Joseph Lourie
He is the son of the late Bill Kelly,
U-I manager who died in 1942. Harold Harris
at the Oriental in Mattapan. He came from the Strand in Dorchester and replaced has been moved from the shipping room to
his brother Albert, who resigned to
replace Kelly in the booking department.
take over
the Adams in Dorchester, which he recently Matt Moriarty. also a booker, is expected to
purchased. Marvin Huban has gone into the go on the road shortly. Ken Mayer, former
Strand from the Codman Square in Dorchester,
Maine salesman, has been given the New
and Louis Kenney has stepped into Hampshire and Vermont sector.
the Codman from the Field's Corner Theatre.
In the latter spot. Saverio Romano is the
Lester Hughes, owner of the Nordica, Freeport,
Me., was recently elected vice-presi-
new manager, coming in from the Upham's
Corner Theatre. Albert Kaye, substitute
dent of the Chamber of Commerce of
manager in District B, is now manager of the Freeport Ethel Germaine, wife of
Regent in Norfolk Downs Harry Germaine, head of Price Premiums
.
here, died at her home following a hospitalization
totaling $216 at the
Strand Theatre in
at the Massachusetts General hos-
Westboro, Mass., were pital. Burial was in New Haven.
recently turned over
Joseph Levine of
by Manager Paul
Embassy Pictures has
acquired
Barker to Postmaster
"My Man Godfrey" for reissue.
''^ f^^MMM Charles H. McDonald,
Embassy also has lined up six Abbott and
comedies and Deanna Durbin
chairman of the March
Costello six
Harry "Zippie" Goldman, partner
of Dimes campaign
committee.
in Embassy, and Mrs. Goldman, left for
Florida spend a month.
to
Mrs. Leona Davidson
is the new bookkeeper
E. M. Loew volunteered to be "host of the
with Film Clas- month" at a Variety Club party March 27 at
Henry Sperling
the club's headquarters in the Hotel Statler.
Central. Manville,
Loew is making arrangements for the entertainment
Paul Barker sic . . .
of the
of members and their guests. This
R. I., bought his young son Albert into
affair will be the first of a series of monthly
the district during the boy's school vacation
the Rifkin circuit comes word of
parties at which a prominent member will
be the host.
the promotion to manager of the Strand,
Springfield, of Michael McAndrew, who received
his training at the Suffolk, Holyoke.
under Paul Kessler . of the largest
turnouts in many months showed up at the
trade screening of Universal's "The Naked
City."
Every seat was taken.
Elinor McKoan, secretary to Samuel Pinanski
of M&P, and Shirley McMillan, secretary
to Marion Coles, spent a week's vacation
in North Conway, N. H., skiing ... In
connection with its national playdate and
sales drive. Screen Guild is conducting a local
campaign honoring BUI Cuddy's 30th anniversary
in the show business drive. Cuddy is a
New England salesman. Al Swerdlove is directing
the drive with Cuddy handling the
METRO PREMIUM CO.
now oflers
BEAUTYWARE PREMIUMS
Gifts of overpowering Boxoffice Appeal
47 Church St. Liberty 4088 Boston, Mass.
five New England states and Hymie Levine
in charge of the Connecticut territory.
Western Mass. Collects
$3,837 for Polio Fund
SPRINGFIELD—The March of Dimes fund
received a healthy injection recently when
Harry Smith, representing Western Massachusetts
Theatres, presented to Postmaster
Thomas J. Ashe, county polio chairman, a
check for $3,837.75, a compilation of the
contributions received in the organization's
houses throughout western Massachusetts.
The breakdown of the individual theatre
contributions was as follows:
Paramount in Springfield, $1,153.89;
Broadway in Springfield, $220.05; Rivoli in
Chicopee, $211.94; Bijou in Holyoke, $221.17;
Strand in 'Westfield, $274.95; Victory in
Holyoke, $1,187.36, and Strand in Holyoke,
$568.40.
it umU fUiAf. dio4de4td6, ta cohAmU
Stocked With All
Necessary Repair
and Replacement
Parts for Any
Sound System.
"Ask any
exhibitor using
our service"
Sound-
£nqins.txinc^St
HAROLD DAVIDSON
Will Direct the Score
Emil Newman will direct the musical score
written by Hugo Friedhofer for "Joan of
Arc." This is being made by Sierra Pictures
and released by RKO.
Now
with
Expanding
Additional
personnel to cover
a Larger Service
Area.
Many theatres
under our
maintenance
Committees Named
For Hub Allied Meet
BOSTON—W. Leslie Bendslev and 'Walter
E. Mitchell, chairmen of the 20th anniversary
convention of Independent Exhibitors of New
England, have announced the following committees:
Reservations—W. E. Mitchell. Dominic TurtuiTo
and Joseph Mathieu.
Finances—W. L. Bendslev, Francis Perry,
John Anthony and Ernest Ziu-etti.
Year book—James Guarino, Julian Rifkin
and David Hodgdon.
Display booths—Samuel Resnik, Leonard
Richter and Melvin Safner.
Entertainment—Mrs. Katharine Avery,
Marie Bi-uno, Mrs. M. E. Buckley, Mrs. Rose
Fasano and Mrs. Ella Mills.
Publicity—Leonard Goldberg, Theodore
Rosenblatt and Nonnan Glassman.
Program—Nathan Yamins, Herman Rifkin
and Warren Nichols.
Business meetings—Arthur Howard, Nathan
Yamins and Francis Lydon.
Gifts and prizes—Mam-ice Safner, Julius
Meyer and Henry Sperling.
Committee on attendance—Massachusetts,
Daniel Murphy and Harry Mamas; Vermont,
J. W. Bird, and Andrew Tegu; Maine, Marshall
Carlton and Harold Young; New Hampshire,
Leon Bolduc and George Pike; Rhode
Island, Joseph Carollo and Meyer Stanzler;
Connecticut. Maxwell Alderman and Dr, J. B.
Fishman.
Reservations for both display booths and
hotel accommodations are being received at
Independent Exhibitors offices at 36 Melrose
St. and indications are that a huge gathering
will attend the convention scheduled for
May 4, 5 at Hotel Somerset.
This convention will mark the 20th anniversary
of the foi-ming of the unit, which
has been an active branch of National Allied.
Exhibitors are urged by Ray E. Feeley,
business manager, to send in their requests
for hotel accommodations, as there is a limited
amount of space available at the hotel.
Several outstanding personalities of the
industry and many local civic leaders have
accepted invitations to attend the convention.
Two Ask $80,000 Based
On Falls in Theatres
BRIDGEPORT — In negligence actions
brought in superior court here two complainants
claimed aggregate damages of $80,000
for injuries alleged to have been received
in falls on theatre properties.
Mable G. Hilton, New Canaan, claims damages
of $50,000 against the Playhouse of
New Canaan, Inc., and the Associated Prudential
Theatres, Inc., charging that she sustained
a hip fracture the night of March 21,
1947, when she fell on a step while leaving
the Playhouse by a side exit.
Damages of $30,000 are sought by Margaret
Kocsis of Norwalk against the Connecticut
Theatrical Corp., Hartford, for injuries
claimed to have been received April
8, 1947 in a fall in the Palace. South Norwalk.
Anthony Lokot Named Manager
HARTFORD—Anthony Lokot of Hartford
has been named manager of the Ridgefield
Theatre, Ridgefield. Conn., replacing Eugene
R. Alden who has joined the per.sonnel staff
of Prudential Playhouses.
BOXOFFICE
:
6. 1948

: March
. . . Edwin
. . Henry
. . Mr.
Paramount Promotes
Kane to Division Job
BOSTON—Charles M. Reas
dent in chai-ge of distributuni
Pictures. announced
the promotion of Albert
M. Kane to assistant
division manager
of the eastern division,
making him an
aide to Hugh Owen,
eastern -southern division
manager.
Kane has been dis-
-prt'si
trict manager of the
Boston exchange since
1944. He started with
the company 23 years
Albert M. Kane
ago and has served as
assistant chief accountant, assistant booker,
chief accountant, booking manager, salesman.
sales manager, branch manager and district
manager in that order. Born in Brighton
and now residing in Belmont, he was graduated
from the Brighton high school. Bentley
accounting school and Suffolk law
school. He served with the infantry in World
War I and is a member of the Lieut. Mac-
Auley post. American Legion. His memberships
in other clubs include the Exchange
drives and other industry benefits.
The position taken by Kane is newly created.
As the news of the promotion became
known, hundreds of congratulatoi-y messages
were received by Kane.
Two Germaine Children
Perish in Home Fire
PITTSFIELD, MASS.—Tragedy overtook
Germaine Gei-maine. manager of the Palace
Theatre here, and his wife when two of thei;-
children, age one and three, respectivley,
were burned to death in a fire at the Germaine
home on the outskirts of the city.
Kay Beth, who was one year old the day
to burn rubbish, returned about five
minutes later and found the house in flames.
Benjamin Bates, 30, of Pittsfield, entered
a window of the five-room cottage and carried
the little girl out. He said he also could
hear the boy crying but was unable to
discover where he was.
Kay Beth had a State police inhalatcr
applied to her for more than an hour before
she was pronounced dead.
Three other Germaine children—Eugene,
9, John, 7, and Mark, 5—were in the Palace
with their father attending a Saturday
morning children's show.
Gets Low Car License Number
HARTFORD—Fred Greenway, Palace man
ager, has obtained 1948 license number FHfor
his motor car.
FALL RIVER
pile Embassy here has been leased to the
Rialto Amusement Co, . . . Under the
terms agreed on by William C. Purcell,
builder, the Rialto company takes immediate
possession, with William S. Canning,
general manager of I he Yamins houses here,
in charge. John McAvoy is the manager.
The theatre occupies the site of the former
First Christian church. It is reported it
will be occupied by the New Yorkers, a stock
company, this summer.
A few weeks ago, the management of the
Embassy placed a request blank in the local
newspaper on which it asked theatregoers
to write out the name of a film they had enjoyed
and would like to see again. Tlic
management reported, under the caption cf
"Command Performance," that the public
response was unprecedented. Hundreds of
filled-in blanks were mailed in and the
Embassy office literally was deluged with
telephone requests for favorite films. The
Embassy bookings were canceled and popular
favorites substituted. "The Lost Week-End"
with 862 votes headed the list of productions
Fall Riverites demanded to see again. Others
were "Casablanca," "When Irish Eyes Are
Smiling," "Follow the Fleet" and "Laura."
on the screens.
Mary Quigley has resigned as candy girl
at the Academy to accept another position
Stephenson is the new projectionist
at the Academy, replacing James Garvey
who is now at the Embassy . and
Mrs. Harry Zeitz of the Zeitz Theatres plan
to attend the Variety Club convention in
Miami Beach in April. There they will meet
their son Robert, who will be enjoying a
midterm vacation from the University of
Georgia.
NEWHAMPSHIRE
BOXOFFICE :
persons who want to attend shows have solved
of the blaze, and Gary, three, were in a
the baby-sitter problem in Sandwich.
cottage-type structure on Pontoosuc Lake
about 11 a. m. when a fire, apparently caused When a minstrel show was staged, a preview
was held, at which girls who were to
by the explosion of an oil heater attached to
the kitchen stove, raced through Mrs.
care for children of couples attending the
it.
regular
Germaine, who had gone to a nearby dump
show the following night, were admitted
free ... A total of $180.70 was collected
at the Somersworth Theatre during
the March of Dimes campaign. In Farmington.
the Strand patrons contributed $160.
John T. Dallas, retired Episcopal bishop
of New Hampshire, has established a "hideout"
home in Lee, where he has a tiny chapel
with hand-worked candles on the altar. The
candles are sent to him every year by Charles
Starrett, Massachusetts-born western film
star, whom the former bishop confirmed in
his boyhood.
Art Rothefel, son of the famous "Roxy" of
New York theatrical fame a generation ago.
has become manager of WFEA in Manchester,
where he formerly was program director
of WKBR . Myers, superintendent
of the Dover Film Corp.. was one of
the speakers at an institute on industrial relations
held in Dover.
Long Holiday Brings
Big Boston Grosses
BOSTON— The long holiday weekend pulled
packed houses in most downtown spots. A
Sunday morning snowstorm seemed an ill
omen but fortunately skies cleared in time
for a good Sunday night and a smash
Monday.
Loew's State and Orpheum held over with
"Three Daring Daughters" and at the Metropolitan
"Saigon" nearly reached the holdover
figure but was replaced the la.st moment
with "Call Northside 777." "Night Song" at
the Memorial, which opened on the holiday,
had a fancy first four days. "The Voice of
the Turtle" at the Paramount and Fenway,
in a moveover from the Met, was also stanch.
At the Astor, where "The Bishop's Wife"
completed its ninth week, business showed
one of the best weekends since its opening.
(Average is 100)
Astor—The Bishop's Wile (RKO), 9lh wk
Bostori— I Love Trouble (Col), plus stage show
Exeter Street—The Upturned Glass (U-I): One of
Our Aircrait Is Missing (SR)
(Tri 2nd
-Night Song (RKO); Fighting Mad
-Saigon (Parr Let's Live Again
(20lh-Fox)
Parornount and Fenwav—The Voice of the
Turtle (WB): The Challenge (2nth Fox)
State and Orpheum—Three Daring Daughters
(MGM); Wreck of the Hesperus (Col)
Timberlane' High With 125
In Good New Haven Stanza
NEW HAVEN—The public school holiday
of a week and good billings brought business
up above several figures for some of the
downtowns. "Gentleman's Agreement" stayed
a third week at the College and "Cass Tim-
L-erlane" went to the Bijou for its second
week instead of in the usual Poli-to-College
pattern. At the Paramount "Saigon" and
"Gas House Kids in Hollywood" also were
second week tenants. Unprecedented lines
waited at the Bijou matinees for "Bambi."
Bijou-Bambi (RKO), reissue; On the Old
Spanish Trail (Rep) 115
College—Gentleman's Agreement (20th-Fox),
Philo Vance's Secret Mission (EL), 2nd wk 110
Loew Poll—Cass Timberlane (MGMl,
Campus Honeymoon (Rep) 12b
Paramount—Saiqon (Para); Gas House Eids in
Hollywood (EL) 110
Roger Sherman—The Voice of the Turtle (WB);
Adventures of Don Coyote (UA) 100
Better Weather Lifts
Grosses at Hartford
HARTFORD—With improved weather, the
first runs took in healthier grosses. Openings
included "Call Northside 777" and "Intrigue."
AUyn—Saigon (Para); Campus Honeymoon
(Rep), 2nd wk 120
E. M, Loews—Relentless (Col); Two Blondes and
a Redhead (Col), 2nd wk 90
Loew's Poll—Call Northside 777 (20th Fox);
Half Past Midnight (20th-rox) 140
Palace—Cass Timberlane (MGM);
Devil Ship (Col), 2nd wk 100
Regal—The Voice of the Turtle (WB), 2nd wk 110
State—Song of the Drifter (Mono),
plus stage show 100
,
Strand-Intrigue (UA); Captain Boycott (U-I) 90
Seek 'Screening' Group
NAUGATUCK. CONN.—Ralph Pa.sho of the
Salem Theatre held an infonnal meeting in
his office with the heads of the Naugatuck
Parent-Teachers Ass'n in response to a suggestion
made by the Rev. Willard B. Soper
of the Congregational chm-ch at a recent
forum that a committee of PTA men and
women and other community groups be organized
for the purpose of ".screening" motion
pictures and other entertainment.
6, 1948 81
130

. . Manager
. . William
. . Fitchburg
. . Helen
. . Two
WORCESTER
IJaroId H. Maloney, manager of Loews Poll,
has installed a "musical bar" on the
mezzanine, from which he plays records of
music from his films . . . With "The Gangster"
playing at the Plymouth unmolested,
the police apparently have dropped their
long-standing ban against gangster pictures.
Thom Conroy of the Playhouse has gone
to Hollywood where he is learning film technique
under Producer Hal Wallis and Director
Anatole Litvak during production of
"Sorry, Wrong Number" .
Walker's
family here received word from her in Hollywood
that she has amicably departed from
20th-Fox becau.se of a disagreement over
terms of a new contract, and will free-lance.
Edward Aseltine has resigned from the
Modern in Marlboro and Bradford Cutler jr.
has joined the theatre . . . A:-t Mooney, the
band leader, was in town . young
men received long prison terms when foimd
guilty of breaking into the Capitol and
stealing a small amount of money. A break
at the Plymouth also was laid to one of
them.
A Sunday Telegraim columnist says, "Lawson
Daniels, manager of the Royal, gets to
look more and more like his dad, Elmer
1 Capitol) Daniels" . Bob Portle
of the Elm Street reports a holdover on "You
Were Meant for Me" . Erwin of
the Playhouse was married in San Gabriel
Mission, Calif., to Frances MacLachlan.
Muiray Guralnick, formerly of the Plymouth,
has joined Gene Krupa's orchestra on
tour . . . Leo Lajoie, manager of the Capitol,
screening "I Walk Alone," observed that three
of the leads played here separately as unknowns.
Bin-t Lancaster was a vaudeville
acrobat, Lizabeth Scott did walkons in
"Hellzapoppin" and Wendell Corey was in
stock.
The Modern in Marlboro has organized a
Booster club among children, awarding 25
free admissions each Saturday and a free
birthday admission . city officials
are endeavoring to obtain a municipal
parking lot in the theatre district . . . The
daddy of all doormen here is Bill Humphrey,
who has been collecting tickets at the Royal
for 26 years.
Robert Drouin has resigned as doorman at
the Marlboro in that city . . . June Raymond,
Worcester showgirl at the Copacabana in
Miami, tiu-ned down a bid from George
Jessel to go to Hollywood for film tests. He
said he was impressed by her similarity to
Amy in "Little Women."

: March
!."!'A"*Ll".t.''!?"
Sold by Max Brock
LAWTON, OKLA.—Max Brock, vice-president
of Theatre Owners of Oklahoma, Inc.,
has sold his interest in the Lawton. Palace,
Dome and Murray theatres here to Mrs.
Margaret Day who owned the other half interest
in the operations. Brock retained his
half interest in the theatre properties.
Mrs. Day pm-chased Brock's half interest
in the houses for herself and her grand,son,
Joe Tiu-ner, and she is expected to return
to active participation in the operations
with Turner. She retired about two years
ago, letting her grandson assume her interest.
Brock started in the show business 23
years ago as a salesman of short subjects.
He quit and went into partnership with
Harry Williams and Mrs. Day. When Williams
retired a few years ago, he sold to
Brock, giving the latter half interest.
The four houses have a total of about
4,000 seats.
Brock, within the next few weeks, is opening
a community center theatre, named the
Vaska. The theatre, surrounded by business
rental space, is of a very modern structm-e.
Brock also has various other realty interests,
but the Vaska will be his only theatre
interest. Max Brock jr. will manage this
new house when it opens. Brock sr. also devotes
much of his time the development
to
of stock on his large ranch near Lawton.
Plan New Orleans Bow
Of 'Mom and Dad' Soon
NEW ORLEANS—Kroger Babb, president
of Hygienic Productions, producer-distributor
of "Mom and Dad," stopped here for
conferences with the Joy Houck circuit, arranging
an early date for the film's first run
in New Orleans. "Mom and Dad" recently
won a district court decision here and was
given a "green light" for local exhibition.
Babb stopped here, en route to his Wilmington,
Ohio, offices, coming up by plane
from Mexico City. He was completing a
four-week trip which carried him through
southern states, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil,
Colombia, 'Venezuela and other South American
coimtries. Jack Lament of Mexico City,
who Is in charge of "Mom and Dad" distribution
in Mexico, South and Latin America,
accompanied the Ohio showman on the
southern part of his trip.
Babb said Hygienic's next production, an
alcohol story, "One Too Many," was now in
its final draft and would be ready for
Hollywood production in a few weeks.
Griffith Circuit Lights Up
Theatre in Kermit, N. M.
KERMIT, N. M.—The Kermit Theatre,
newest unit in the Griffith circuit, opened
here February 17 with the showing of "Tycoon."
Opening of the theatre culminated
long efforts of the Chamber of Commerce to
bring a theatre to town. Kenneth Blackledge
of Lubbock, Tex., district manager for
Griffith Theatres, was here for the premiere
showing. The house is being managed by
Tom Moorehead. It is built of masonry,
has acoustical plaster in the auditorium, a
tile lounge and rest rooms, and smoking and
cry rooms, and has completely new equipment.
BOXOFFICE
:
Small Town Clearance
Is Issue in Teague Case
DALLAS—The first theatre arbitration
hearing here in two years was completed in
three and one-half hours Friday last week
1 27 1 in the AAA office in the Texas State
Bank Bldg.
W. B. "Bill" Henderson, operator of the
Lee in Teague. asked for a reduction of his
60-day second run availability and for a division
of first run pictures. He named the
J. G. Long circuit, operating the Star Theatre,
as interested party. Henderson's complaint
was brought against the Big Five exchanges.
Paramount. MGM, Warners, 20th
Century-Fox and RKO.
Webster Atwell, the arbiter, is a son of
federal Judge William H. Atwell, who this
week was hearing the B. R. McLendon damage
suit against two circuits and several distributors.
Only one attorney appeared at the Henderson
hearing. R. E. Nickerson of New York,
who came here to represent 20th-'Fox at the
McLendon trial, killed two birds on the trip
by appearing at the Henderson arbitration.
Other representatives were Leroy Bickel, manager
of the MGM exchange: H. L. Beecroft,
manager for 20th-Fox: Roy Litsey, office
manager at Warners, and Douglas Detsch, office
manager at RKO.
Paramount effected an agreement with
Henderson in advance of the hearing and,
with all parties agreeing, the arbiter dropped
this case.
Henderson said that shortly after he opened
the Lee early last year 'he began to feel "the
pressure." He said Long's Star was charging
40 and 10 cents and that he was charging
35 and 10. He recited a continuous program
of price cuts by the Star, showing of top
films on double bills, use of lotteries at the
Star which the county attorney stopped, and
numerous other practices he claimed were
unfair.
IS
Henderson said he was forced to reduce
admission prices, and later, in order to obtain
any top product at all, he was obliged
to accept a distributor suggestion that he
bid for pictures, though he opposed this practice.
As a result MGM sold ten pictures to
Henderson while 14 went to the Star, but
he received practically no first runs from
20th-Pox and RKO, all going to the Star.
He said Warners sold him a number of second
run films but declined to offer first runs
on a bidding plan.
Henderson said 60-day clearance on second
run was too long and thought 14 days
would be fair. He submitted newspaper ads
by the Star and other exhibits in support
of all claims.
Photographs were offered to show the Lee
was the best equipped, appointed and best
operated house of the two, and this was supported
by a petition signed by local citizens.
The petition asked the film companies to
supply pictiu-es to the Lee in keeping with its
first class operation. It bore between 400
and 500 names.
Bickel testified MGM sold films to the Lee
with no clearance, and asked that the chai-ges
against MGM be dropped. The arbiter and
Henderson agreed to exciLse -MGM on clearance
but held the company on availability.
Nickerson of 20th-Fox said the arbiter was
empowered to change the 60 days clearance
if he saw fit, but that he had no right to
consider product division
as the Lee was not
in existence when the decree became effective.
Beecroft said 20th-Fox offered Henderson the
opportunity to bid on its pictm-es. He insisted
the print question would make it poor business
to allow shorter clearance in Teague;
that the Teague clearance was similar to
that in other tovras of its size. Detsch of
Warners said Long was the established satisfactory
customer.
PROJECTION and
SOUND EQUIPMENT
STANDARD THE WORLD OVER
for
DRIVE-INS as well as the REGULAR INDOOR
THEATRES
SOUTHWESTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
2010 Jackson St.
DALLAS 1, TEXAS
Tel: Central 8579
6, 1948 SW
1416 Main St.
HOUSTON 2, TEXAS
Tel: Capitol 9906

, .
. .
: March
OKLAHOMA CITY
tlenry S. Grlffing, executive vice-president
of Griffith Theatres, was renamed to the
board of trustees for Casady Hall, new Oklahoma
City country day school for junior
high schools boys and girls, which opened
last autumn under the sponsorship of the
Oklahoma Protestant Episcopal church.
Business in local theatres was generally
better since the snowstorms . . . John Monroe,
Griffith manager at Cuero, Tex., has
been re-elected secretary-treasurer for the
second year of the Cuero Youth program .
Abe Rosewall, Griffith manager, Vinita, has
been named chairman of the planning committee
for the Craig county Red Cross chap-
The John Monroes of Cuero, Tex,, are parents
of a daughter born February 25 . . ,
Morgan Duval of Duncan was chairman of
the fund drive for the Boy Scouts . , . Joe
Delorio, manager at Mangum, celebrated his
birthday recently.
Alec Templeton will appear in a solo concert
at the Municipal auditorium on March
7 . . . Diana Barrymore was here two days as
///an^M~The Popcorn
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That Serves EVERYBODY EVERYDAY
iP^
(IIITIKKII!
302 S. Harwood St.
m Wcarner
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Dallas, Texas C-753G & R-3854
THEATRE
EQIIPJIE^T
Theatre supply dealers:
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OUR BUSINESS IS
SERVICE
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IIIIIVE-I^ TIIEATIIE
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It is our business to see that your business runs smootlily
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A top crew of trained repairmen are at your service .
and a complete supply of theatre necessities is on hand
at all times.
Call us whenever you nee'd speedy service or supplies
of any kind!
OKLflHOmn THEflfRE SUPPLV
J. BLOON PEEK
Telephone 7-8691
62S West Grand A»f
City 2,
BOXOFFICE
:
6, 1948

. . . Mary
. . . The
. . Screen
the star of "Joan of Lorraine" at the Home
Theatre. The Criterion March 1 started an
added feature, an organ concert and community
sing program at 6:15 nightly with
Dean Murdock at the organ and Don Este.s
leading the singing. Dee Fuller is manager
Martin will be here in "Annie Get
Your Gun" for five days starting April ?"
Midwest has moved its opening tim,j
up one hour, to 10:45 a. m.
C. F. Hudson, manager of the May Theatre
here, has replaced Taylor Jouce as manager
of the Chickasha Griffith operations.
Jouce resigned. A manager for the May here
will be named later. Other Griffith changes
include the transfer of Cecil Hudson, former
assistant at Pampa, Tex., to the management
of the Rialto in Oklahoma City. He
succeeded Wesley White who resigned. Gilbert
Rounsaville, assistant at Okmulgee, was
transferred to Bartlesville to be Manager
Bill
Turk's assistant.
Lawrence Wells, assistant manager for
Griffith in Vinita, will be in charge of the
Hobart situation for a few weeks while C. B.
Akers, partner-manager, is on leave of absence
. bills: "Three Daring Daughters"
opened Tuesday (2) at the Criterion;
"Relentless" opened the following day at the
Center; "The Voice of the Turtle" moved
into the Midwest on Wednesday; "Panhandle"
started at the Warner on Thursday "Treasure
of Sierra Madre" went on the screen at the
Home on Wednesday.
f—
I
Charles W. "BiU" Weaver, son of C. H.
"Buck" Weaver, Paramount branch manager,
was graduated from the University of
Texas last month and is now an announcer
! MR.
1
for radio station KEYS in Corpus Christi,
Tex. Young Weaver attended North Texas
Agriculture college for two years and spent
a year and a half at the Pasadena Playhouse
in California before going into service.
He spent two years in Africa and
France, and on his return to this country
attended Southern Methodist university for
a time before transferring to Texas U. He
is married and has a child . . . "Buck"
Weaver jr., another son of the Pai'amount
manager, is in Will Rogers veterans hospital
here with a case of arthritis. He was manager
of the Odom Drive-In last year and
hopes to be able to get back on the job for
the
new season.
The Vic, a C&R operation, has gone back
to a double bill policy after another try at
English pictures. This change in policy was
made the weekend of February 21 . . . The
Uptown has a new, large graded parking lot
adjoining the theatre block for its patrons.
Republic Executives Close
Deals With Three Circuits
DALLAS — James R. Grainger, executive
vice-president of Republic, and W. L. Titus
jr., southern division manager, were here from
New York to assist N. G. Colquhoun in closing
three of the principal circuits. After several
days of joint sales work, it turned out that
Jefferson Amusement Co., Robb & Rowley
Theatres and the J. G. Long circuit will play
Republic's 1947-48 product in all of their
towns. Grainger left for the west coast and
Titus returned to New York.
EXHIBITOR:
200 Exhibitors Guests
Oill-I Dallas Office
DALLAS - J. A. "Jimmie" Prltchard,
branch manager for Universal-International,
celebrated Dallas' lead in the nationwide
Constellation drive by hosting 200 theatremen
of this area at an old-fashioned feast In
a meeting hall off Gaston avenue.
Many of the circuit men from the top
dowfi and some independents met with the
genial U-I manager and F. T. Murry of New
York, who is in charge of exchange operations.
A wide variety of food and refreshments
were distributed under supervision of
Office Manager Walter Armbruster, who
seemed to have acquired the know-how for
such things when he was a first lieutenant
in the army.
The drive ends May 1 and Dallas seems
to be in a good position for taking first prize.
Pritchard was transferred here from Oklahoma
City over a year ago to succeed E. S.
"Dutch" Olsmith, who is on sick leave. The
new manager, with years of experience in
other places, fitted into the changed scheme
of things readily, as is indicated by his firstplace
standing in the drive.
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
Your Deal Handled PersonallT]
27 years experience
We Cover the U. S. Market
Arthur Leak
Theatre Sales Exclusively
3422 Kinmore Dallas 10, Texas
Phone T3-2026

Pre-Easter Drop Hits
First Runs in Dallas
DALLAS—The expected pre-Easter slump
was felt at all downtown first runs with only
one picture doing an average business. No
other reason but Lenten observance was given
for the slump.
(Average Is 100)
Cupilol—Billy the Kid Outlawed (EL); Biol Squod
-
Gamble (Col); False Colors (UA), reissue 75
Majestic— 1 Walk Alone (Fara) ii
100
Mfrlba—Tycoon (RKO), 2nd wk
90
Indiscreet (U-L) Palace—The Senator Was
Rialtc^-Public Cowboy No. 1 (Hep); Woman From
Tangier (Col); split with A Gentleman After
Dark (EL); South of Pago Pago (EL, reissues... 90
Telenews— Intermezzo (ShO) 8b
Tower—Love From a Stranger (EL) 75
National Screen Conducts
Sales Session in Dallas
DALLAS—A National Screen Service regional
sales meeting was conducted here by
Herman Robbins, president; George F. Dembow,
vice-president in charge of sales, and
William B. Brenner, vice-president in charge
of service, who arrived from New Yorli.
Burton E. Robbins, son of the president, and
attached to the home office, accompanied
that group.
Others here were district managers Bernard
Wolfe, of the west coast, and Charles
Lester of Atlanta, and branch managers
Ben Ashe, Los Angeles; Jack Marpole, San
Francisco; Jack Flannery, Seattle; Fred Weiman,
Salt Lake; Gilbert Clark, Oklahoma
City; Al Rosenthal, Memphis; J. L. Boyer,
New Orleans, and F. W. "Doc" Allen, Dallas.
One evening's entertainment was provided
at the Cipango club, and all meetings were
held in an exclusive suite at the DaUas Athletic
club. Hotel accommodations were not
to be had but Robbins and Dembow were
fortunate in obtaining an oil millionaire's
suite at the club for two nights.
After discussing the new sales plans and
ideas, Robbins indicated he was sniffing a
favorite food odor and remembered he always
ate barbecue sandwiches while visiting
Filmrow. He then remembered he always
Shoemaker's barbecue stand on Jackson
visited
street. He took the whole group to
Shoe's new place on Young street for 50
sandwiches.
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
Your Deal Handled Personally
27 years experience
We cover the U. S. Market
Arthur Leak
Theatre Sales Exclusively
"
' '
3422 Kinmo
THEATRE SEAT
Metro's "Words and Music"
Metro has assigned Dave Friedman to be
unit manager on "Words and Music" and
Robert Webb for casting director.

. .
. .
Big Amarillo Doings
For 'Panhandle' Bow
AMARILLO. TEX.— Amarillo turned out .1
huge crowd Wednesday night for the world
premiere of the Allied Artists picture, "Panhandle."
at the Paramount.
Steve Broidy. president of Monogram and
Allied Artists, arrived with stars of the film-
Rod Cameron, Gale Storm, Roddy McDowall.
Max Terhune. and Producer J. C. Champion.
William O'Donnell. Frank Starz aiid Conrad
Brady from Interstate circuit headquarters
in Dallas participated and Lloyd Rust and
Ed Blumenthal of the Monogram exchange
also came in from Dallas.
A junior cowboy contest, a west Texas
barbecue at the Herring hotel, a band from
the Amarillo college, police escorts, and presence
of city officials added color to the premiere
festivity. Jack King, Interstate city
manager, made the arrangements.
The Dallas visitors left next day to be on
hand for the opening at the Majestic there,
which preceded key city showings in other
Texas cities.
DALLAS
IJoward Hiegcl, manager of the Avon Theatre
was absent from that job during
last illness and burial of his grandfather,
the
Joseph L. Hiegel. A partner,
Frank
Merrill, ran the house in his absence .
Ed Euler, employe of Southwestern Theatre
Equipment Co., flew around in off hours in
a private plane looking for his airport. He
finally located it. He has been flying since
his recent discharge from the army.
B. A. Weller, who put in the first independent
theatre at Brownwood since sound
came along, the Texas, was here taking care
of his house requirements for some time to
come. He rarely makes the long trip here,
preferring to make his deals with film and
equipment men who travel . . . Debbs Hale,
Jefferson Amusement Co. booker, had his
appendix removed and was sent home in the
modern manner even before this notice could
be printed.
George Mitchell, v/ho has worked for the
Eddie Joseph Theatres in Austin for some
time, was here on vacation after ending that
connection. He plans to rest up for some
time before taking another assignment .
Wallace Blankenship, who operates the Panhandle
circuit, with headquarters in Lubbock,
was in town on retui-n home from a long
rest in Houston. New Orleans and Miami.
Mrs. Peggy Harris, a National Theatre
Supply secretary for seven years on February
24, is said to hold a record among
women of that office for continuous service.
She was secretary to the late J. I.
who gave her the job.
Roberts,
John Franconl returned from Kansas City,
where he attended a banquet marking the retirement
of three old acquaintances, O. K.
Mason, vice-president of the Commonwealth
circuit; Ward E. Scott, 20th-Fox district
manager, and Ray M. Copeland, Paramount
branch manager. Franconi served in the
Kansas City territory during his long film
career.
REMOOELING-DECORATING
LUPE
ROMERO
Lafayetis DALLAS 4. TEX. T-0060
Westerns-Features-Serials
Tower Pictures Co
HAHOLD SCHWAHZ
302I/t 3. Haiweod St. C—T3»7
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
THE NEW
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JOSEPHINE THEATRE. San Antonio. Texas
CINE PLAZA THEATRE (2.500 seats). Juarez, Mexico
TOWER THEATRE. Itasca. Texas
QUEEN THEATRE. Mart. Texas
VILLAGE THEATRE. Greggton. Texas
DRIVE-IN SAN PEDRO. San Antonio. Texas
CHANGE OF OLD TO NEW
MISSION THEATRE. Dalhart. Texas
PALACE THEATRE. Childress. Texas
MELBA THEATRE. Dallas. Texas
PLAZA THEATRE. Boerne. Texas
MoTioGRAPH
ALL OPEN WITH THE NEW
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DISTRIBUTED
BY
ODERn THEATRE
m EQUIPmEHT CO.
214 South St. Paul Street Phone Riverside 5009 Dallas 1, Texas
Lot
BOXOFFICE : : March 6, 1948

: March
|/,i
Housfon Tent Preparing to Select
Charitable Project to Support
ities, R. J. O'Donneil, national chief barker
and Col. William McGraw, executive director,
outlined charitable activities being carried
on by the Dallas tent and by tents over
the nation.
"Look about you," O'Donneil said, "there
are opportunities everywhere to lend a helping
hand to some underprivileged children.
You will find the truest measure of personal
happiness in giving from the heart."
The state tent now supports the Copperas
Grove Boys Ranch and aids in supporting another.
I
John Paul Goodwin, chief barker of the Houston branch of the Variety Club of
Texas, oversees two young women from Houston as they pin floral boutonnieres on two
members of the Dallas tent before they attend the special "side show" presented for
the visiting Dallas barkers by the Houston branch. Left to right: Goodwin, Val
Flower, "Doc" Allen of Dallas. Henrietta Hilscher and Chief Barker Julius Schepps
of
Dallas.
HOUSTON—The Houston Variety Club ii
studying several charitable projects from
which it will chose one for sponsorship. The
135 members already are planning to give
a benefit show featuring motion picture and
radio entertainers to raise funds for the
project.
This was disclosed by Chief Barker John
Paul Goodwin at the two-day meeting here
of barkers of the local tent and the Variety
Club of Texas, of which the Houston club
is a branch.
The visit of the Dallas delegation marked
the formal opening of the Houston club's new
quarters in the Texas State hotel. At a banquet
in the Rice hotel climaxing the festiv-
NEW ORLEANS
pill Shields, salesman for RKO, has been
appointed local manager tor Selznick Releasing
Organization . . . Joseph Beregi,
Emery C. Beregi and Nicholas L. Erdey, operators
of the Fox Theatre, Livingston, La.,
were Pilmrow visitors. Booking for this
house is handled by Broggi Booking Co.
Wednesd,ay (25)
was quite an eventful day
in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Auslet of
Dixie Films. On that day Mrs. Auslet celebrated
her birthday, and she and Mr. Auslet
celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
The Auslets were guests at a surprise party
arranged by personnel of Dixie Films, and
attended by the entire third floor of the Film
Bldg. and a number of persons from other
offices on the Row. Cecile Robbins, head
inspector, composed a poem for the occasion
. . . Mr. and Mrs. Auslet were called to Tliibo-
Griggs
Seating
Is
Better!
Illustrated is Model
IGMBW — newest
member of the
Griggs line of comfortable
theatre seats. This chair may be
had in any one of several color schemes
and with a choice of end designs.
There's a dealer near you-
Write today for full details.
GRIGGS C^cj^ulpment Compani^ BOX 630 BELTON, TEXAS
MANUFACTURERS OF COMFORTABLE SEATING FOR ALL OCCASIONS
BOXOFFICE
;
6, 1948
i

. . . Exhibitors
. . Joy
: March
. .
daux. La., by the death of their aunt, Mrs.
Paul Auslet.
A tradescreening of "The Miracle of the
Bells" was held at the Circle March 1 . . .
The Nila in New Iberia, operated by Lee
Fung, did not close on March 1 as previously
announced it would. Due to a revision of
plan, the theatre will continue to operate as
before . . . Mississippi exhibitors on the Rowlast
week included Arthur Lehman, who with
his brother was here from Jackson, and Pic
Moseley, from Picayune . . . Out-of-town
Louisiana exhibitors in town were T. L. Mc-
Elroy, Shreveport; Roy L. Saxon, Franklinton;
Roy Pfeiffer, Baton Rouge; Don George.
Alexandria, and Phillip and Warren Salles,
Covington.
Visitors to the local Altec office were C. J.
Zern and George Wiltse of the Dallas office
Poster Service has an elaborate
new sign above its entrance . . . Bill
Cobb. EPS president was on a trip through
the territory this week.
Filmrow visitors included George French,
Mendenhall, Miss.; A. W. Vowell, Taylorsville,
Miss.; Bill Jenkins, De Ridder, La.; W. Morehead,
Dlo, Miss.; and J. O'Quinn, Welsh, La.
. . . Jack Pope of the Joy circuit was a visitor
from Rayville, La. . . . Leon Felder, Altec
sound engineer, returned from Alexandria,
La . Houck. president and general manager
of the Joy circuit, returned from a business
trip to Texas.
Bob KeUy, Screen Guild, left for Slidell,
La., and a trip through eastern Louisiana . . .
HOUSTON
Y'le Tower Theatre wa.s reopened at 6:30
p. m. Febi-uary 27 after a complete job
of remodeling and renovation. The cost, said
Manager Russel Rindy, was $50,000. The
opening attraction was "Killer McCoy" .
Ralph T. Dodge, manager of the Uptown, has
opened the Nut Hut. an auxiliary nut and
popcorn stand, featuring all kinds of nuts,
popcorn, apples, etc. . . . Al Lever, city manager
for Interstate Theatres, has announced
that "Harvey," Mary Chase's Pulitzer prizewinning
comedy, will be brought to Houston
for five performances at the Music Hall April
8-10. Joe E. Brown will play the starring
role.
F. M. Fletcher, manager of the Iris, reports
Frankie Mota is back with the theatre as
chief of staff. Before entering the service,
Frankie was with the Iris for 11 years. He
recently returned from overseas duty . . . The
concert of Ezio Pinza, bass baritone of the
Metropolitan Opera, was regarded as an outstanding
vocal event of the cm-rent season.
Other celebrities due this month are Nelson
Eddy at the City Auditorium March 11 and
James Melton March 18 . . . Anne Edwards.
Houston singer and actress, has signed a contract
with the Indianapolis Theatre Ass'n.
Inc.. to play leading roles in forthcoming
operetta productions.
Ben Donaldson, west Texas showman, has
returned to his home state after ten years
in Kansas. He resigned late last
manager of the Star Theatre, owned by W. A.
Snell and F. L. Lane at Hays, Kas. Last
September he came to Galnsville. Tex., as
manager of the L. C. Dennis theatre and In
December was tran-sferred to Houston. He
is now manager of the Avalon of O. K.
Theatres.
WE PREFER
That you investigate thoroughly the
character ol any Premium Concern olfering
to solicit your neighborhood mer
chants on giveaways.
Too bad we have to make this suggestion.
NATIONAL THEATRE ADVERTISING CO.
Max 4 loe Berenson
1325 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago S, 111.
15 Years of Successful Operation
Speed-O-Bikes * Radio Phonograph
Combinations * 3-Pc. Luggage Sets
Bicycles * Hobby Horses and Other
Items at No Cost to the Exhibitor.
WnUe fjO^
PoAticula/ii
BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948

. . Gordon
, BOXOFFICE
: March
. .
. .
SAN A N T O N I
pirst runs: •'High Wall" at the Aztec, "The
Bishop's Wife" at the Majestic, "Swell Guy"
at the Empire and "The Perfect Marriage"
at the Texas .
Dunlap, manager
here for Clasa-Mohme. has been appointed
a subcommittee chairman by the Chamber
of Commerce to handle Latin-American news
for
publications.
A free kiddy show was offered Saturday
morning at the Majestic in which the Drome
miniature racing car was demonstrated on
the stag in a tieup with the Evening News
O
and Morning Express. The program included
"Sunset Pass," and a cartoon . . .
Little Thomas Ritter made his first stage
appearance here recently when his father
Tex, the western film star, carried him out
and introduced the infant to the audience
at the Texas.
W. D. Glasscock has changed the name of
his Cascade in Boerne to the Plaza. Located
30 miles from here the house recently installed
new Motiograph projectors and sound.
Henry Sorenson of Modern Theatre Equipment
Co., Dallas, made the installation.
Exhibitors in town to book Mexican pic-
tures were John Flache, Alameda, Lamesa,
and W. W. Youngblood, Texas, Poth
R. A. Calderon, secretary-treasurer of
Azteca Films, Los Angeles, has returned to
Jewel
the west coast headquarters
Truex, former assistant manager for Clasa-
Mohme here, has been appointed manager
of the Azteca POm exchange here. He succeeds
the late
Albert Coppel.
Dave Younger, Brownsville, was in town
booking Spanish product. Jimmy Wakely of
Hollywood was in town for the premiere of
"Panhandle" at the Majestic . . . Ai-nulfo
here, was in
Arias, Azteca representative
Weslaco on business last week. J. Truex,
new office manager for the same company,
has returned from a business trip to Los
Angeles.
"DID YOU KNOW"
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for approximately $250. This work is done by an A-1 mechanic, Mr. Otto
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we could not afford to guarantee them. We will furnish a loan
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Wenzel Pro 4 Projection Machines
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RECORD LEDGERS
FILM CABINETS
SAND URNS, MOPS, ETC.
Most Anything lor the Theatre
\ HERBER BROTHERS
"Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years"
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1, TEXAS
Gidney Tailey, owner and operator of the
new Hi-Ho, neighborhood house here, has
been showing pictures that cater mostly to
school children.
EL PASO
The engagement of Helen "Sammie" Brosnohan
and Louis Vaughan, assistant
manager of the Pershing, has been announced
here. Both Miss Brosnohan and
Vaughan attend the College of Mines, and
will graduate at the end of the present term.
They plan to be married in late March .
Jimmie Brooks, Pershing doorman, returned
from Dallas, where he took examinations for
entrance into the navy. He leaves in September
to begin a three-year hitch.
Quintan Lacy, advance man for "Henry V,"
arrived three days ahead of the film, which
was shown at the Pershing March 2-4 at
roadshow prices. The picture w?s plugged
through window cards, newspaper advertising,
and local schools, where the educational
merits of the picture, literary as well
as historical, were stressed.
The Boy Scouts were treated to a benefit
show at the Wigwam recently in appreciation
of the fine work they did in collecting
March of Dimes contributions . . . Hazel
Harrison of Howard university concert pianist,
played February 29 in a concert sponsored
by the Community Council of Organizations
... A piano quartet made up of
Adam Garner, Vladimir Padwa, Frank Mittler,
and Edward Edson will appear at Liberty
hall March 8 . . . The El Paso Symphony
presented an all-Beethoven concert March 4.
Sheriff Falby invited law enforcement officers
and members of civic organizations to
see the film "Drunk Driving" at the Plaza.
The picture was shown through the courtesy
of John Pazton.
Rip Payne Holds Luncheon
To Start Red Cross Drive
DALLAS—A kickoff Red Cross drive
luncheon was held in the Variety Club rooms
by about 60 film and theatremen with Rip
Payne, amusements section chairman, presiding.
John Adams of Interstate, Don
Douglas of Robb & Rowley and Don Dickson
of the Haskell will assist Payne. The drive
is to end before theatres start solicitations
for funds to bring the battleship Texas back
lionie.
:
6, 1948

: March
Auburn Studies Tax;
750-Seater Planned
AUBURN. ALA.—Just as the city council
announced it was considering adoption of an
amusement tax, a local firm announced plans
for construction of a new theatre and cafe
at a cost of more than $100,000.
Robert Sims, president of the Auburn Theatre
Co., announced plans for the 750-seat
theatre, w-ith an adjoining cafe. Other officers
of the firm are Walter Gilbert, vicepresident
and Charles A. Flowers, secretarytreasurer.
The building has been designed by Paul
W. Hofferbert, Gadsden. Batson & Cook is
the contractor. It is hoped to have the theatre
ready in six months.
On March 10. the city council will meet
to determine public sentiment on the amusement
tax. Proceeds of the tax. if imposed,
would be used for school improvements.
Top Officials to Attend
Birmingham Party
BIRMINGHAM—International officers will
be honor guests when MPMO Local 236 celebrates
its 36th birthday here March 21.
Ralph A. Root sr.. business agent for the
union, said that Richard F. Walsh, international
president, and William P. Raoul,
secretary-treasurer, would come here from
New York for the event. Also expected to
attend are three international representatives,
A. S. Johnstone, New Orleans: John N.
Spearing. Jacksonville, Fla.. and Eddie Miller,
Houston. Tex.
Invitations have been extended to Big Five
representatives in Atlanta. Nashville. Chattanooga,
KnoxviUe and Memphis, as well as
members of locals in nearby Alabama cities.
Twigg Theatre Destroyed
JEFFERSONVILLE, GA.—The entire business
section of Jeffersonville was threatened
February 23 by a fire which originated in
the T\^'igg Theatre. Mrs. Josh Wimberly. wife
of the manager, said none of the 35 persons
in the theatre was injured. However, more
than an horn- was required to bring the blaze
under control and additional fire fighting
equipment was called from Dublin and
Macon. The fire threatened an adjoining
bank and a large cotton warehouse. Mrs.
Wimberly was unable to make an estimate of
fire
losses.
Name Kiddy Shows
MEMPHIS—Kiddy matinees annoimced by
Better Films council for this week include:
Rosemary Theatre, "Copacabana" and "Trail
to San Antone"; Peabody, "High Conquest"
and "Susie Steps Out." and Airways Theatre.
"Blondie's Anniversary" and "Trail to San
Antone."
EXTRA ATTRACTION—A nice
for eoing to the Star Theatre in Fort
Walton, Fla., is that you are greeted there
by this beautiful young manager. She is
17 -year-old Marcelene Kelly, a postgraduate
student at the Fort Walton high
school. She has been managing the theatre
for a year and is very good at it, too,
says the theatre owner, Neal Robinson.
Free Shows for Children
Stir Interest in Red Cross
TUSCALOOSA, ALA.—Foiu' theatres in the
Tuscaloosa district gave a free show Saturday.
February 28, for school children to
create interest in the Red Cross drive.
The shows were presented for students of
the thii-d thj-ough ninth grades at the Bama
and Diamond theatres in Tuscaloosa, the Alberta
City Theatre in Alberta City, and the
Disney in Northport. Children were eligible
to attend if they wrote a thente of 40 or 50
words on "Why We Should Give to Red Cross."
B&L COATED
Court Rules Theatre
Can Alter Entrance
BIRMINGHAM— U.S. District Judge Clarence
Mullins has ruled that the city's action
in revoking a permit for converting the Birmingham
Theatre into an all-Negro house Is
nuU and void.
Judge Mullins said that the action of the
city commission in denying the permit
when the Panta Theatre Corp. qualified
by law was unconstitutional. Judge Mullins
read from a U.S. supreme court zoning
case to support his ruling that the city action
was taken ".solely because of color."
The city had expressed fear that peace
would be disturbed by "the co-mingllng of
whites and Negroes in large numbers in that
area."
However, there are no immediate plans for
the actual conversion of the house. A. H.
Borisky, president of Southeast Amusement
Enterprises Corp,, explained that he wanted
a court ruling so that he could be guided
in the future. Borisky leased the theatre
from Panta Theatre Corp.
The Birmingham is located at 17th street
and Third avenue in the downtown district.
The theatre had proposed to close its present
Third avenue entrance for whites, and use
the 17th street entrance for Negroes exclusively.
L. W. McClintock Leaves
For Rest in California
MEMPHIS— L.
W. McClintock, manager at
Paramount, left March 3 with Mrs. McClintock
for Ukiah. Calif., his home town, for a
rest of several weeks. McClintock recently
suffered a heart attack. He is on leave of
absence from Paramount. After several weeks
in Ukiah, Mr. and Mrs. McClintock plan a
torn- of the Pacific northwest and the Dakotas.
Tom Bridge, sales manager of the Dallas
district office, is here as acting branch manager.
HIGH SPEED LENSES
afford maximum light transmission.
Let us demonstrate how
they improve your projection.
Wounded Manager Recovering
GADSDEN, ALA.—Benton Pierce jr., 29,
manager of the Gadsden Theatre who was
seriously wounded in a recent holdup attempt,
has been taken from Holy Name of
Jesus hospital to his home, according to D. B.
Dixon of Crescent Amusement Co. He plans
a trip to Florida soon to recuperate and
hopes to be back at work within another
month.
ATLANTA, GA.
•Erpry thing tor the theatre except film"
BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948 SE

. . . Jackie
. . Betty
. . Francis
. . The
. . Manager
. . The
. . The
MEMPHIS
T^avid Flexer, head of Flexer Theatres and
chief barker of the Variety Club, is home
after six weeks in New York on business.
Flexer is currently engaged in making plans
for a nationwide chain of drive-ins . . .
Tommy Baldridge. free lance publicity man.
is home from Miami and Atlanta, where he
has been doing publicity work for United
Artists.
Flans for promoting the "spring parade
hits" of were discussed here with Loew's
Managers William Kemp of the State and
Cecil Vogel of the Palace by three Loew's
executives, John Murphy, who is in charge
of all Loew's theatres outside New York;
Allen Sparrow, southern division manager,
Atlanta; and Dan Terrell, assistant to
Ernest Emmerling, Loew's publicity director.
The Princess, Lightman "family" theatre
on Main street, is receiving minor face lifting
in the form of new attraction panels
around the old marquee. M. A. Lightman
jr. said repairs are also being made on some
of the Princess' concessions. "We are doing
a patchup job now," he said, "but as soon
as CAP restrictions on amusements are removed,
we intend to do extensive building
and remodeling on all of our theatres."
Ignition of accumulated butane gas in the
basement of Diane Theatre caused the explosion
February 24 which killed one man
and injured three other persons at Pocahontas,
Ark., J. M. Blair, chief boiler inspector
of the state labor department, reported
after an investigation. Three buildings
were demolished by the explosionincluding
the theatre. The explosion occured
when three men went in to look for
the escaping gas and one struck a match for
light.
'jm^jm.
M. A. Lightman, president of Malco Theatres,
and his family returned from an extended
vacation in Florida. With Lightman
for several weeks in various parts of Florida
were Mrs. Lightman, their daughter Jean
and Lightman's sister, Mrs. Herman Lubin
Tunstill, 4-year-old son of Jack
Tunstill, manager of the Malco, and Mrs.
Tunstill, had his tonsils removed last weekend.
Theatre attendance is hitting high again.
Loew's Palace held over "Cass Timberlane"
for a second week— the first holdover in some
time. Loew's State got off to a dandy start
with "The Fugitive." The Warner had a big
opening with "The Voice of the Turtle."
The Strand and Ritz had double features
and Ritz prepared for the March 5 opening
of "Shoe-Shine" . Joy Theatre, Blue
Mountain, Miss., closed for two weeks after
a fire, reopened March 1. George Donnell
is owner.
Fentress Offenheusel, assistant cashier at
Columbia, resigned to become cashier at
RKO . Brewer, stenographer at
Columbia, announced her engagement to
Bobby Hickey . Joe Simon of
the Ritz announced Charles Rice as his new
doorman, succeeding Tommy Regan, resigned.
.
The Better Films council picked "Life With
Father" as the outstanding picture released
during 1947. The council picks a picture
each month and from these 12 selects an
annual one Robinson, former
.
Nashville newspaperman who is now serving
as tour agent for Metropolitan, was in town.
He was working on plans for Metropolitan's
annual Memphis visit April 6 and 7 . . . The
Variety Club pitched a Leap Year dance
Saturday night club took occasion
last week, when Collier's magazine paid
tribute to the Variety Clubs International,
to mention local activities—which include
the Mothers Milk bank and the taking of
motion pictures and other entertairmient to
orphans and shut-ins Rev. Bron
Clifford, Baptist minister, who gave up a
contract with MGM as an actor for the
ministry, is preaching in Memphis.
Midsouth exhibitors booking on Filmrow
included Walter Lee, Forrest City; W. R.
Tutt, Tunica; Don Landers, Harrisburg; Mr.
and Mrs. W. C. Kroeger, Shannon; Charles
Collier, Shaw; Mrs. C. H. Collier, Drew; Bim
Jackson, Ruleville; Howard Langford, Marks;
P. E. Morris, Indianola; Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Patterson, Junction City, and Jack Stegar,
Tunica.
Also E. R. Cunningham, Holcomb; J. F.
Adams, Coldwater; W. R. Lee, Heber Springs;
Amelia Ellis, Mason; Pauline Morgan,
Mountain Home; J. Jackson Rhodes, West
Memphis; J. A. Owens, Amory; J. E. Singleton,
Tyronza, and Emma Cox, Osceola.
Tony Tedesco, salesman for United Artists,
has a new Chrysler . . . C. L. "Babe" Rounsaville,
Selznick representative, was in Dallas
. . . George Brannon, Dallas publicity man,
was at the Warner Bros, exchange . . . Tom
Bridge, Dallas, sales manager for Paramount
in this district, arrived to take over as acting
branch manager of Paramoimt's Memphis
exchange. He succeeds L. W. McClintock,
who has taken a leave of absence because of
ill health.
A farewell party was given at Variety
Club for Mr. and Mrs. McClintock February
27 before they left for Cahfomia. Employes
of Paramount and a small group of intimate
friends, including Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Wallace,
Mr. and Mrs. Alton Sims, Mr. and Mrs.
Elliott Johnson, Mi-, and Mrs. J. Jackson
Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Kroeger and Mr.
and Mrs. George Gaughan, attended. Mrs.
McClintock received flowers and McClintock
fishing equipment.

: March
. . . Doris
. . Mrs.
. . Hoke
Crescent Challenges
Heavy Decalur Tax
DECATUR, ALA.—Declaratory judgment
proceedings attacking Decatur's new increased
amusement tax—branded the highest
in the nation—has been filed in chancery
court here by Crescent Amusement Co. of
Nashville. The circuit operates the Capitol,
Roxy and Princess theatres.
The amusement tax, it is maintained, is
"arbitrary, unreasonable, discriminatory, illegal"
and in violation of the state and fedoral
constitutions, the 14th amendment to
the U. S. constitution and the statutes of
the state of Alabama.
FIXED BY ORDINANCE
City ordinances fix the amusement tax at
1 cent on each ticket of 15 cents or less, 2
cents on 16-20 cent admissions, 4 cents on
21-30 cents and 7 cents on admissions in excess
of 30 cents. This schedule was adopted
Sept. 22, 1947.
The new schedule supplanted one passed
by the city council in June 1941, fixing the
tax at 1 cent on admissions of 15 cents or
less and 2 cents on admissions in exce.ss of
15 cents.
These tax hikes, it is contended in the suit,
has caused the pri^alege or license tax on
motion picture shows to jump from $100 in
1940 to $17,000 in 1947 and approximately
$39,000 in 1948.
HAS MADE NO PAYMENT
Since the tax went into effect. Crescent
has filed tax statements but has made no
payment. Surety bond in the amount of
$25,000 was posted to guarantee tax payment
if the current suit is lost.
On 15 other foreign corporations doing
business in Decatur, according to the suit,
the 100 per cent valuations of real and personal
properties exceed $1,077,000, but the
total license taxes paid by them in 1947 was
only $3,429.80. Although the real and personal
properties of these 15 corporations together
are 17 times greater than that of
Crescent, according to the suit, the amusement
company's tax would be 11 times greater
than that exacted from the 15 corporations.
The theatres' license schedule is in "enormous
and shocking disparity to the business
license imposed by the city upon each of the
persons, firms and corporations conducting
such other business," Crescent charged.
National Screen Conducts
Sales Session in Dallas
DALLAS — A National Screen Service regional
sales meeting was conducted here by
Herman Robbins, president; George F. Dembow,
vice-president in charge of sales, and
William B. Brenner, vice-president in
charge
of service, who arrived from New 'York.
Burton E. Robbins, son of the president, and
attached to the home office, accompanied
that group.
Others here were district managers Bernard
'Wolfe, of the west coast, and Charles
Lester of Atlanta, and branch managers Ben
Ashe, Los Angeles; Jack Marpole, San Francisco;
Jack Flannery, Seattle; Fred Weiman.
Salt Lake; Gilbert Clark, Oklahoma City;
Al Rosenthal, Memphis; J. L. Boyer, New
Orleans, and F. 'W. "Doc" Allen. Dallas.
BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948
ATLANTA
Oteve Broidy, president ol Monogram Pictures,
was here for a conference with Babe
Cohen, local manager, and was guest of honor
at a luncheon given for the press and radio
and theatre people . . . J. H. Lutzer, Film
Classics southern district manager with headquarters
in Dallas, was another visitor, huddling
with Ralph McCoy, branch manager.
Mrs. Pearl Beaslcy, who has been with
Universal exchange 25 years, was honored by
employes at a party at the exchange and was
presented with a gold watch for her long
and faithful service . . . United Artists has
transferred Shag Jordan from the Termes-
•see territory to Georgia . Gewlnner,
publicity director for Georgia Theatres,
was ill in the hospital.
Vistitors on the Row included Sam Raine
of Bessemer, Ala.; P. L. Taylor of Columbus,
Ga.; Charlie Camp, former Filnu'ow employe
now at the naval air station in Jacksonville,
Fla.; O. C. Lam of Rome, Ga.; Mi-s. Wallace
Smith of Barnesville, Ga.; Jay Soloman ol
Chattanooga, Teim.; Mi-, and Mrs. Harry
Whitestone of Fair Mount, Ga.; L. L. Duncan
and Sidney Laird of the Al-Dun circuit of
West Point, Ga.; Charlie Hutchinson of Austell,
Ga.; Ed Duncan of the Duncan-Richard
Theatres in Carrollton, Ga.; 'W. 'W. Hammond
jr. of Fyffe, Ala.; Mi-, and Mrs. J. E. Jerrell
of Commerce, Ga., and Lawrence Buzbee of
Dadeville,
Ala.
Ray Palmer, traveling- auditor for 'Warner
Bros., died here February 26. Funeral services
were held in 'Washington where he lived
with his wife, daughter and son . . . Bob
Ingram, district manager for Columbia Pictures,
was in New 'York on business . . . Tom
Guinan of the Eagle Lion home office was
a visitor at the local exchange.
In order to comply with the fire safety law
and avoid the risk of losing its operating license,
the Cameo Theatre here has agreed
to install a sprinkler system at a cost of
about $10,000, together with a few other
minor changes.
Sunset Carson, Astor western star, made a
personal appearance at the East Point Theatre
along with the Sunset Rangers, cowboy
harmony group . C. Mason, formerly
with Columbia, has joined the Republic staff
Barber of FUm Classics spent a
week in her home town, Cartersville. Ga.
Benton Film Forwarding Co. of Atlanta
started handling the physical distribution of
Film Classics product March 1. This service
includes film inspection, shipping, mounting,
storage, etc. National Film Service, of which
Benton is a member, now handles Film Classics
distribution in 19 exchange centers.
Orders 'No Smoking' Signs
PENSACOLA—All theatres and 40 other
business firms here have been ordered by
Capt. R. G. 'Ward, chief of the bureau of fire
prevention, to display "no smoking" signs.
Joins Sowego Drive-In
PUTNE"Y, GA.—M. C. Dunford is a new
partner and manager of the Sowego Auto
Theatre, replacing J. C. McLellan.
cP^
OITIKIOR
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underground cable unsurpassed :
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93

. . . Actress
. . Gene
. . . The
. . Dropping
. . "Holiday
. . Henry
. . Spring
: March
MIAMI
John Pennekamp, associate editor of the
Miami Herald, printed a letter from Ed
Claughton, the theatre owTier, in answej- to
a recent column of his taking Claughton
to task for allegedly blocking the building
of a new railroad station here . .
Wometco
.
carried a special ad for its Saturday children's
shows at the Surf, Tower. Rosetta,
Parkway, Biltmore, Strand. Grove and Center.
Serials, westerns, cartoons and surprises
were featured.
The recent Hellinger Variety fund show
had an all-star cast including Milton Berle.
Phillip Turnipseed
CARPET LAYING CONTRACTOR
II you want it done right, let us sew and lay it tight
530 E. Cambridge Ave. COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA
Phone CAlhoun 3G42 (in suburban Atlanta)
WE PREFER
That you investigate thoroughly the
character of any Premium Concern offering
to solicit your neighborhood mer
chants on giveaways.
Too bad we have to make this suggestion.
NATIONAL THEATRE ADVERTISING CO.
Max & loe Berenson
1325 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago 5, 111.
15 Years ol Successful Operation
Speed-O-Bikes * RadioPhonograph
Combinations 3-Pc. Luggage Sets
*
Bicycles *
Hobby Horses and Other
Items at No Cost to the Exhibitor.
llJi-Ue ^ PaniiculaM.
Lucille Ball, Gracie Barrie, Gene Baylos.
Tony Martin. Joe E. Lewis. Harry Richman.
Sophie Tucker. Jackie Miles. Barry Gray.
Willie Howard, Martha Raye, Jan Murray,
the Vagabonds. Vivian Blaine and Desi Arnaz.
It was heralded as the "greatest showever
presented in Miami Beach." Papers
carried one column Individual ads by the
various stars appearing.
Wometco's downtown Capitol recently featured
two return showings on the same bill:
"The Grapes of Wrath" and "Tobacco Road"
"The Arch of Triumph." which world
premiered here at Paramount's Colony, was
in its .second week at advanced prices . . .
"Sitting Pi-etty."* which also had its world
premiere here recently, is taking the town by
storm and packing them in at every performance
at Wometco's Lincoln and Miami
Vivian Blaine sang for 150 Red
Cross campaign leaders at a dinner here to
launch the 1948 drive.
J. Richard Kennedy, author of the novel
and screenplay. "To the Ends of the Earth."
shown here recently, is vacationing in Miami
Beach. He spent more than two years writing
the book and plans to start on a new
script soon .
Autry, cowboy star,
was initiated into the Boys Club of Miami
during his recent visit here.
'Timberlane'SlillBig
In Atlanta Holdover
ATLANTA — "Ca.ss Timberlane" remained
strong in its second week at Loew's and patronage
was high at the Tower, where "Dragnet"
was accompanied by a stage show.
Otherwise the first run houses had an un-
.spectacular week.
(Av 100)
fox— Ti of Sierra Madre (WB)
s—Cass Timberlane (MGM), 2nd
Tiount—The Senator Was Indiscre
3—Relentless (Col)
—You Were Meant for Me (20thnd
d.
(SG), plus stage show
Miami Variety Nears
Charity Fund Goal
MIAMI—A thousand persons filled the
Lincoln Theatre for the world premiere of
"Sitting Pretty." enriching the coffers of
the
Variety Club's fund for children's charities.
The fund now stands at $40,000. leaving only
$10,000 to be raised to reach the pledged
quota.
Hundreds of people were gathered outside
the theatre to witness the "sidewalk show."
Searchlights gave the Hollywood touch. The
Greater Miami Boys' Drum and Bugle coips
provided plenty of oom-pah, and under the
marquee the Rudy Baiun trio heralded the
arrival of each notable with an appropriate
-^
chorus of a popular song.
Adding further color was "Silver Dollar"
Jake Schreiber, decked as an organ grinder,
complete with a flowing Sicilian mustache,
and a vivacious monkey cavorting atop the
hurdy-gurdy as Jake ground out tunes.
Barkers, including Paramoimt's George
Hoover and Wometco's Sonny Shepherd, enlivened
the scene as they alternately greeted
celebrities and hawked the last few remaining
seats for the show. An hom-'s stage show
preceded the presentation of "Sitting Pretty."
Manager Ed May made himself very popular
by providing baby-sitters for fii'st ten person
who telephoned for reserved tickets.
BIRMINGHAM
pd Cutcliffe. assistant to Paul Engler. head
of Jefferson Amusement Co., is reported
making progress toward recovery from a
heart attack suffered February 8 . . . Miriam
Jackson, daughter of J. A. Jackson, Empire
manager, spent a weekend with her parents.
She is a student at Alabama college. Montevallo.
Grouped arcund a table at John's restaurant
here one night recently were the following
out-of-town visitors: Ken Land. U-I: R. J.
"Hap" Barnes, Montgomery Drive-In operator;
Eddie Poster, RepubUc: Collier PhilUps,
UA; Jinimie Bello, Astor; Ben Jordan, Monogram:
Ben Butler, MGM, and Bud Chalmers,
Screen Guild .
mto town later
in the week was H. M. Addison. EL publicist.
"Carnegie Hall" drew good business at
the
Clover, Montgomery, at advanced prices recently.
The Empire Theatre here didn't do
so well with the film at regular admission
Clover also reported good business
on a roadshowing of "Henry V," as did the
Druid, Tuscaloosa.
Baimy weather the weekend of February 27
forced most local theatres to turn on their
air conditioning. Managers said it was the
earliest in recent years that cooling equipment
has been brought into use this early
"The Bishop's Wife" has been booked
for the Empire here starting April 4.
.
"You Were Meant for Me," a moveover
from the Alabama to the Lyric, was the only
film to remain on a downtown screen for a
second week on Ice." with a
cast of 110. booked for the Municipal
is
auditorium March 13-21. Saturday and Sunday
matinees are scheduled for the show,
which is sponsored by the Federated Women's
clubs.
Ralph A. Root sr., business agent for the
MPMO local, has returned from a three-day
visit to Memphis . Vick, Lyric projectionist,
was off more than a week because
of
illness.
Around
THE SUNSHINE STATE
By F. P. BRYAN
JACKSONVILLE — Horace Denning, district
manager for the Robinson Drive-In
circuit in Florida, reports construction has
started on a $150,000 airer on the Beach
road. It will be one of the finest in the
coiuitry.
Connee Boswell. the radio and film star,
recently completed an SRO engagement at
Jacksonville's finest night spot, the Peacock
club. Victor Lombard orchestra followed
her.
•Holiday on Ice" opened Friday
(5) at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville,
moving from Tampa . is certainly
in the air down here what with the major
league baseball clubs hard at muscle-limbering
exercises at their training camps. And
full the azaleas are In bloom, surely a wonderful
sight!
BOXOFFICE
:
6, 1948

: March
Power Shortage Eases
In Southern Ontario
TORONTO—The power shortage in
southern
Ontario has eased and the hydroelectric
commission reduced the number of blackouts
from three to two daily from Monday to Friday,
inclusive, commencing March 1. The
two blackout periods have been shortened,
one of them being in the mornings, so that
theatre performances are less disrupted.
At the same time, the cheering announcement
was made by Premier G. A, D/ew that
the 25-cycle current in the affected area i.s
to be changed to 60 cycles to conform with
the rest of the North American continent.
the cost of the switchover being estimated at
$191,000,000. The government will pay twothirds
of the cost of changing electrical
equipment of industrial users and the whole
cost for householders.
The change to 60-cycle current will not only
remove southern Ontario from its isolation
in respect to other parts of the country but
win bring improvement in projection for
the many theatres from Oshawa to Windsor.
Exhibitors will also be able to buy electrical
equipment without specifying that it is for
25 cycles, thus allowing freedom of purchase.
In future, too, power can be brought
in from any other service to relieve a local
shortage.
Hymie Singer Organizing
Foreign Picture Circuit
VANCOUVER—Hymie Singer, owner of the
State Theatre here and the Rio in Victoria.
is looking over theatres in Montreal, Toronto
and Hamilton with a view to setting up a Dominionwide
circuit of foreign film showcases.
He is said to be eyeing the possibilty of
houses in Winnipeg and Calgary, too.
FPC to Pay 25 Cents
TORONTO—Famous Players Canadian
has declared a dividend of 25 cents on each
of its common shares, payable March 27 to
stockholders of record March 12,
for the fh'st
quarter of 1948. This payment equals the
rate of dividend for the past two years. The
stock is currently selling on the stock exchanges
at $16, a slight decrease from last
year.
Tom Bowyer's Dad Dies
VANCOUVER—The father of Tom Bowyer,
head of Odeon Movie clubs in Canada, died
February 21 at his home here. He was 85
years old. Bowyer arrived from Toronto in
time to see his father before he died and
stayed here for several days afterward to
check the club situation in this area.
Radio Show Cited
VANCOUVER—The Harmony House radio
program, broadcast from the Orpheum stage
for the last five years, was selected by the
Vancouver Tourist Ass'n as the program that
did the most in 1947 to advertise Vancouver.
The program is produced by Fred MacDowell.
13c Consolidated Quarterly
MONTREAL — Directors of Consolidated
Theatres. Ltd., have declared initial
quarterly
dividend of 13 cents per share on class A,
payable March 1 to stockholders of record
February 18.
BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948
Touch of Hollywood
At Victoria's Odeon
Shown at the opening of the new Odeon in Victoria are Earl Havler, assistant
western supervisor; Howard Boothe. supervisor; Leonard VV. Brockington. Odeon
vice-president and director of theatres; Gccrge Peters, vice-president; Al Davidson,
manager of the new Odeon.
VICTORIA—With searchlights playing in
the sky and flags and strings of colored lights
decorating the streets, Odeon Theatres of
Canada opened its luxurious 1,550-seat Odeon
Theatre here February 27.
It was a gala occasion for the city and
prominent officials and citizens of Victoria
and other parts of the province turned out
for the opening, which also served as the
North American premiere for J. Arthur
Rank's "The Master of Bankdam." The aflair
was followed by a formal reception in
the
Empress hotel.
Officiating at the opening were Leonard
Brockington, chairman of the board of Odeon
Theatres; George Peters, circuit vice-president:
J. Howard Boothe, district manager for
British Columbia, and K. Earl Hayter, supervisor
of theatre operations for the Pacific
coast division. The theatre is being managed
by Al Davidson, who was transferred
from the Plaza.
Mayor Percy George spoke briefly on how
the new theatre will benefit Victoria. Cere-
Two Concerns Handle
EL Films in Canada
Toronto—Eagle Lion product is being
distributed in Canada by two separate
companies.
Eagle Lion Films of Canada, Ltd.,
which has its head offices here, handles
J. Arthur Rank's British films. Frank
H. Fisher is general manager of this
company, which is a member of the Rank
group that includes Odeon Theatres of
Canada, Gaumont-Kalee, Ltd., and other
Canadian enterprises headed by J. Earl
Lawson. Its product is distinguished by
the introductory, "J. Arthur Rank Presents
."
. .
The other company. International Film
Distributors, Ltd., distributes Eagle Lion
product which originates in Hollywood.
David Griesdorf, sales manager of the
now-extinct Producers Releasing Corp.,
is president and managing director of
International Films, which also has headquarters
here.
Executive personnel of 20th Century
Theatres here is associated with International.
Twentieth Century is linked
with Famous Players Canadian Corp.
monies were broadcast over station CJVI.
The theatre, designed by H. H. Simmonds,
Vancouver architect, in consultation with the
late Jay I. English of Toronto. One of its
plu.shiest -points is the carpeting, which extends
from wall to wall in the auditorium,
even under the seats, making the place as
nearly perfect acou.stically as is possible.
It fronts 30 feet on 'bfates street, Victoria's
second main artery, and extends through to
Johnson street. An immense glass roof,
whigh forms the canopy extends approximately
30 feet back from the street.
Glass doors lead from the outer lobby to the
vestibule, w-hich is paneled in walnut, and a
series of glass doors give entrance to the
foyer. On the main floor are a candy bar
and rest rooms. Check rooms are on both the
main floor and mezzanine.
The auditorium seats 962 on the main floor,
228 in the loges and 300 in the balcony.
The Odeon is the circuit's 31st theatre in
British Columbia and the third in Victoria.
It will be the circuit's showcase here and is
getting a top price of 75 cents.
With the transfer of Al Davidson to the
new- theatre, Odeon announced several other
changes in managers. Johnnie Stobbard of
the Rio in Vancouver was transferred to replace
Davidson at the Plaza, Tommy Backus
was moved from the Kmgsw-ay in Vancouver
to the Rio, Jimmy McGregor, former assistant
at the Plaza in Vancouver was shifted to
the Kingsway, and Jack Cooshek moved from
the Hastings to the Plaza.
Fitzgibbons in Newsreels
TORONTO—Current newsreels throughout
the Dominion include shots of J. J. Fitzgibbons,
president of Famous Players, and his
wife at Government house in Ottawa after
he had received the decoration of commander
of the Order of the British Empire in recognition
of his war services. He was chairman
of the National Motion Picture Theatres War
Services committee and an executive official
of various war loan drives.
Roadshow 'Shoe-Shine'
TORONTO — A Canadian premiere of
unique nature is that of "Shoe-Shine," the
Italian production, which is opening March
8 at the Royal Alexandra as a roadshow.
The dialog is in the Italian language but
English subtitles have been superimposed.

. . Raoul
. . George
. . Norman
. . . George
. . . Harry
. . Graham
. . Eddy
. . Belle
. .
: March
MONTREAL
Q
Gaston Beaulieu, East Angus exhibitor,
owner of the Theatre Royal there and
ex-officer of the Canadian navy, is delighted
with his new career, and is exerting himself
to please clients with a varied program of
first class American and French pictures.
In his office is a unique photograph showing
his aunt, a very attractive woman, in the
company of Prime Minister W. L. Mackenzie
King. Beaulieu, who bought the Theatre
Royal shortly after leaving the navy a few
months ago, has a charming wife and two
children,
Francois Fortin is owner of the Beloeil
Theatre in the town of that name. It is under
the management of G. Choiniere, formerly
of the Caro in Windsor Mills , . Leo
Gagnon, owner of the Plaza, Ste. Anne de la
Parade, is planning improvements in the
theatre, which is playing both French and
English language films.
E. Tardiff, proprietor of the Weedon in
Weedon, Que., was compelled by an unusually
heavy snowfall to operate only Sundays,
but is looking forward to opening with two
programs a week. He is assisted in operating
the theatre by two sons who recently left
the army, and who learned to speak English
when overseas . Turcotte and his
partner Dr. Giguere, owners of the Cinema
de Levis, and residents of Ste. Marie de
Beauce, are spending considerable money on
improvements.
Arniand Gingras, manager of the Canada
Theatre, Levis, had a lot of booking forms
with him when he visited Filmrow, causing
an observer to remark, "It looks as if he is
booking some other theatres besides the Canada"
. Lafrance of the Rialto, Quebec
City, is another enterprising exhibitor who
is making alterations and improvements to
his
theatre,
Leo Archambault, manager of the Empire,
Quebec City, has been exploiting "The Prince
of Thieves," which did such good business it
was held over . Rajesky, booker
at RKO, will be married March 21 in Toronto
to Molly Weinberg of that city. They
will leave on a ten-day wedding trip to New
York.
John Ganetakos, managing director of
Confederation Amusements, is spending a few
weeks convalescing from his recent illness
at the Val David, Que., home of John Parker,
manager of the statistical department.
Germaine Daoust, manager of the new
Champlain at Cap de la Madeleine, has been
operating the theatre since its opening and
FOR SALE: THEATRE CHAmS
W* now have a
reconditioned iw) Theatre Chairs
Quantilios
1200 of a kind
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
irge stock ol excellent
Inquiries Respectlully Solicited
LA SALLE RECREATIONS LTD.
(Theatre Seating and Carpet Division)
IS doing a very good job . . . Arthur Hirsch,
Ijresident of Consolidated Theatres, will spend
a .six-week vacation in Florida . . . Charles
S. Chaplin, Toronto. Canadian General manager
for United Artists, visited Filmrow
here.
.
David Coplan, London, general manager in
England for United Artists, was a visitor
Koppelman, salesman for International
. . .
Films, was in Toronto Eloi
Cormier. Peerless Films, was in Sherbrooke
Kaufman, eastern division manager
of Cardinal Films, returned from St.
John, where he appointed David Brager as
salesman Mathews, Monogram
salesman in Toronto, will work at the local
office a few weeks.
Empire-Universal's French stenographer,
Robert E. Foucault, is leaving to join the
Abbott Laboratories in St. Laurent as accountant
. Yaworsky, on contract
work with MGM, is the father of a baby boy
. . . Pearl Louch, typist at MGM, became engaged
St. Valentine day . Corber.
assistant manager and booker at MGM, left
the hospital and is recuperating at home .
ArUne Reinhart, Eagle Lion-Monogram secretary
and stenographer, will be married in
June.
R. P. Robert, Granby, expects to open a
new theatre there as successor to the Palace
which was burned. The new building, which
cost approximately $1,250,000 and will house
a radio station, stores and offices, will open
around the end of March.
Niagara Peninsula Ass'n
Elects Manager Hudson
ST. CATHARINES—The Niagara Peninsula
Theatre Managers Ass'n, in its annual
meeting here, elected Manager Vern Hudson
of the local Capitol president, succeeding
Jack Allen, proprietor of the Tivoli at
Thorold. The new secretary is Dewey Mc-
Court, manager of the Brock at Niagara-onthe-Lake,
and the treasurer is Sid Burton
of the Strand, Port Colborne.
The association laid immediate plans for
organized opposition to the proposed renewal
of the amusement tax in Ontario by
the province or by the municipalities if and
when the federal tax of 20 per cent on theatre
grosses is dropped.
The following new members were welcomed:
C. D. Fleming, Imperial, Humberstone;
Mike Zahorchak, Drive-In Theatre,
St. Catharines, and Jack Whitfield, Capitol,
Niagara Falls.
Premiums Increasing
In Subsequent Runs
TORONTO—Premiums are making their
appearance at more theatre in Ontario at a
time when subsequent run situations are finding
attendance on the downgrade. First Tun
palaces are holding their own because many
people still have plenty of money, it is pointed
out, but the inflation and a lower income
trend for ordinary wage earners have combined
to hit the neighborhood houses.
Johnny Cohn of Toronto has signed on the
Nola and Rexy in Ottawa for tableware which
is being introduced as giveaways at both
suburban houses at the begimiing of March.
The Nelson at Ottawa introduced glassware
February 23 which is being offered the first
three days of the week plus a 5-cent service
charge for both matinee and evening performances.
VANCOUVER
Phe circuits are reported interested m
acquiring three of the independent houses
in this area, the Sam's Theatre in Mailiardville,
the Rex in downtown 'Vancouver and
the Edison in New Westminster . . . Paul
Hoefler, operator of Paul Hoefler Productions,
Hollywood, has completed a color film
for Trans-Canada Airlines which includes
shots of Banff and Lake Louise, Jasper, the
Columbia icefields and Waterton lakes.
A screening of "T-Men" was put on here
for members of the Vancouver and provincial
police departments, undercover agents
of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and
officials of the customs, treasury and narcotics
departments. The picture played at
the Orpheum this week . . . The new candy
bar in the lobby of the Dominion Theatre is
doing great business, according to Dave Borland,
manager.
Net proceeds of Basil Horsfall's production
of "A Night in Vienna" in Oliver, B. C, are
being presented to the Crippled Children's
hospital of Vancouver. Horsfall, a member
of Canadian Picture Pioneers and former film
exchange manager, is now musical director of
the Theatre Under the Stars here and is
touring all of western Canada, as far east as
Winnipeg, with "A Night in Vienna."
Sam Lambert, British Columbia manager
for Hanson IGrrun exchange, reports a growing
demand for narrow gauge product from
churches and other nontheatrical organizations
. . . Edmonton, fast-growing gateway
to the Arctic, now has a population of 110,-
000, making it the eighth largest city in the
Dominion. Vancouver's population has
jumped to more than 300,000.
Comedies appear to be the best drawing
pictures in Vancouver theatres these days,
with romance second, adventure stories third
and heavy drama fourth . . . Reis-sues seem
to have run out of appeal, and the major distributors
are offering very little in tliis category
today. However, there are plenty of
oldies being offered by the state rights distributors.
After a bit of historical research, we find
that "talking" films were seen and heard in
Vancouver as long ago as 1910. They played
the old National Theatre, now a large department
store, on the local skid road. The
talking part of the equipment consisted of a
gramaphone with an oversized horn which
was placed at the side of the stage. The
films were operas such as the "Chimes of
Normandy" and the musical records were
supposed to synchronize with the film. Sometimes
they did and sometimes they didn't,
which caused plenty of amusement to the
audiences, according to George Gerrard, projectionist,
who is still in the booth at the
Strand.
Michael Redgrave to Appear
TORONTO—Michael Redgrave, British film
star, is returning by air to Canada to appear
in a stage production of "Macbeth" which
soon will open a Canadian tour at London,
Ont., other engagements being at Toronto,
Ottawa and Montreal. The company, which
includes Flora Robson, will leave for New
York at the end of March for a projected
rim of eight weeks.
100 BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948

. . . The
: March
OTT AW A
The IGinm projection equipment in the Elgin
Dual Theatre was publicly used for the
first time February 29 when upwards of
1.000 guests, including the Catholic clergy,
attended two screenings of the color films
The Linden, owned by Casey Swedlove. is
the latest theatre in here to adopt a giveaway
policy, premiums of dinnerware being offered
for the first time March 1 for the first
three days of the w^eek. The Nelson, Rexy
and Nola have all added giveaways in recent
weeks and previously the Westboro had
offered them. The trend supports the claim
that Ottawa has become overseated in view
of postwar conditions.
At the 41st annual assembly of the Royal
Architectural Institute of Canada, tribute
was paid to the memory of Jay I. English,
tormer chief architect of Odeon Theatres of
Canada, who died in a drowning accident last
August . . . "Frieda," an Arthur Rank feature,
proved a hit at the Centre, where it was
held over for a second week by Manager Gord
Beavis.
Horse lovers turned out for a special program
at the Linden under the auspices of the
Ottawa Valley Pony club, an admission being
charged. The pictures dealt with horses
booking of "The Unfmished Dance"
at the Capitol was timed to precede the presentation
of a stage performance of the
Ottawa Ballet company for the one night of
March 3.
The Capitol, the largest theatre in Ottawa,
has started a weekly stage quiz under commercial
sponsorship. Prizes are offered . . .
Friends gave farewell party for John Kurk.
manager of the Imperial, prior to his marriage.
The feature of the stage was "Condemned
to Life," with the guest of honor in
the starring role. There was the presentation
of a piece of practical furniture to Kurk, who
is president of the Ottawa Theatre Managers
Ass'n in conjunction with the hearing of "The
Case of John Kurk" with the following cast:
Judge, Frank Paul, manager of the Victoria;
prosecutor, Casey Swedlove, Linden; clerk of
the court, Isser Singerman, Rideau; defense
attorney, Louis Gauthier, Cartier, and jury
foreman, Ernie Taylor.
'Gentleman'
Takes
Honors in Toronto
TORONTO—"Gentleman's Agreement" attracted
the most attention among first run
engagements during the past week, playing
to big crowds at the Tivoli and Eglington.
of the Marian congress in Ottawa last year. Only other new picture in town was "I Walk
Chief among the guests was Archbishop Alone" at the Imperial. There was a return
Alexandre Vachon of Ottawa. Ernie Warren,
manager, presented two releases of the
(Average is 100)
of winter for a day or two.
National Film board, "Listen to the Prairies" Capitol and Victoria-The Grapes ol Wrath (20lh-
Fox); Tobacco Road (lOth-Fox), reissues 90
and "Singing Pipes," both dealing with music, Eglinton and Tiv:.li Gentleman's Agreement
(20th-Fox) 120
in addition to the congress pictures.
Fairlawn—Whispering City (IX) VnJ wk lOi
Says Ban on U.S. Films
Aids British Production
HALIFAX, N. S.—Thomas R. Clark of
Gloucester. England, who has recently arrived
here to enter the contracting industry, says
the restrictions on American films is a blessing
to the British picture industry, and it is
taking full advantage of the benefits accruing
from the ban. He adds. "I believe the
British productions are more artistic than
the Hollywood variety and not so artificial."
He has worked briefly in British studios.
lib
Imperial— I Walk Alone IFura)
Loews— II Winter Comes (MGM), 2na wk 105
Sheas—Captain From Castile (20th Fox),
2nd wk 105
Uptown—The Senator Was Indiscreet (U I),
Weather Causes Boxoffice Droop;
'Jassy' Best Vancouver Newcomer
VANCOUVER—WeaUier didn't play ball
with the boxoffice and as a result grosses
generally dipped. "My Wild Irish Rose" did
well in its second week at the Capitol. "Jassy"
got away to a nice start at the Vogue, but
"T-Men" at the Orpheum never got in the
groove despite an excellent publicity campaign
and good notices.
Capitol—My Wild Irish Rose (WB),
2nd wk Very Good
Dominion—Glamour Girl (Col);
Nightmare Alley (20th-Fox), moveover Fair
International Cinema— Quiet Weekend (EL) Good
Orpheum—T-Men (IFD) ) Average
Paradise-The Flame (Rep). Joe Palooka
in the Knockout (Mono) Moderate
Park and Ploia-Pirates of Fair
Monterey (U-1)
Strand—The Tender Years (20th-Fox).
Average
reissue Blockheads (Ind),
Vogue—lossy (EL)
Good
Boxoffice Barometer Sinks
As Slorms Buffet Calgary
CALGARY—Another week of wintry, subzero
weather, with storms and snow fltirries
all week, forced a drop in the boxoffice
barometer. There were no special attractions
at the first runs to induce the venttiresome
to come out. However, "T-Men" at the Palace
did get off to a good start.
Capitol—Daisy Kenyon (20th-Fox) Fair
Grand—Her Husband's Affairs (Col) Fair
Palace—T-Men (IF) Good
No 'Eyes on Canada' Ban
OTTAWA—J. J. McCann. minister of national
revenue who has cabinet jurisdiction
over the National Film Board, denied in the
House of Commons that the NFB release.
"Eyes on Canada," had been banned in the
United States or other countries. His announcement
discounted a rumor that the picture
had been disapproved. The theme of the
film suggests the position of Canada, geographically
and otherwise, in the event of a
conflict between eastern and western powers.
Feaime to Be Started
Soon in Dominion
Toronto—Phil Rosen, Hollywood executive,
appeared at a press conference at
the King Edward hotel to unfold plans
for the production of a feature picture
in the Dominion which would meet the
wishes of the government for more filmmaking
in the country under the dollarsaving
import regulations.
Actual work is to get under way soon.
TORONTO
n t a meeting of the Toronto Variety tent
at Malloney's Art Gallery, Chief Barker
J. J. Fitzgibbons decorated Conny Smythe
with the Order of Human Being, first clas.;.
The award was made to Smythe in recognition
of his assistance to the club for crippled
children and adults. He is general manager
of the Maple Leaf Gardens. Assistant
Chief Barker Morris Stein of Famous Players
and Peter G. Campbell joined Fitzgibbons
in paying tribute to Smythe. Highlighting
the ceremony was the presentation of a
desk set to Smythe.
Manager Fred Leavens of the Circle enlivened
the atmosphere with the use of an
outdoor loudspeaker to promote the forthcoming
engagement of "Tlie Fiery Cross."
this stunt being something new for Toronto.
Leavens, who took over the Circle recently
after the departure of Ralph Wilson to Detroit,
has become a columnist, being the
editor of film column in both the North
a
Toronto Herald and the Leaside Advertiser
regarding the doings of theatres in the
north end.
Edward Farhood, formerly with theatres in
Montreal, has been appointed manager of
the 20th Century Grand at Sudbury . . . The
Kent, an independent house here, introduced
premiums in the form of dinnerware
for the first three days of the week starting
March 1. The service charge is ten cents.
Ray Lawson, Lieutenant-governor of Ontario,
Premier George Drew, Mayor E. H.
McCallum of Toronto, Lady Eaton, Lady
Kemp, and D. Roland Michener are among
the distinguished people who are patrons for
the North American premiere of "The October
Man" March 11 at the Fairlawn. The
performance is under the auspices of the
young men's section of the Board of Trade
. . . Arch H. Jolley, executive secretary of
the Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario,
has returned to his office after a spell
of sickness . . . Manager Mel Jolley of the
Marks in Oshawa (no relation to Arch) has
been elected president of the Junior Chamber
of Commerce in the nearby city.
The Odeon Palace in Hamilton dropped its
film policy for the night of February 25 when
a community concert was staged before a
capacity audience.
WINNIPEG
pamous Players has switched managers in
three neighborhood houses here. The
changes, announced by Harold Bishop. Manitoba
supervisor: Andy Ostrander has gone
from the Uptown to head the Tivoli: Dave
Robertson, former Tivoli manager, has taken
over the Osborne: Hilliard Gunn, formerly
at the Osborne, has been placed in charge of
the Uptown.
G. Moskal is opening a 35mm house in Elbow,
Sask. He has leased a hall from the
is town, replacing 16mm. Mokal also arranging
to open a 35mm house in Eyebrow,
Sask.. in a hall now being built and expected
to open April 4.
Title Change at 20th-Fox
"Symphony Story" will be released under
the title, "Unfaithfully "Vours."
BOXOFFICE
:
6, 1948
101

. . Every
. . Daniel
: March
Motion Pictures Hit
By Winnipeg Sources
WINNIPEG— Shan: attacks on motion pictures
were launched here last week from two
quarters, lashing out in particular at the
supposed effects on young people.
Mrs. G. R. Lennox, a former member of
the Manitoba censor board, warned a home
and school association meeting that certain
pictures have given children the impression
life consists of smoking cigarets and drinking
cocktails. She called the psychological effect
of these films on children a crime. Mrs. Lennox
blamed parents who let their children
go to the show without bothering to find out
about their plots or dialog.
She said films in Manitoba were classified
by the censor board as either "adult" or
"general" but that no provision is made for
the immature minds of children between
7 and 10 years of age. "Films classified as
'adult' are of no interest to the child." she
said. "Those classified as 'general' should be
considered by the parent before the child
is allowed to attend."
Parents choose their children's schools,
food and clothing, "but they do not always
see to the danger of not selecting proper
films for their children to attend," Mj-s. Lennox
pointed out. She deplored the growing
tendency of parents to park their children
in a movie whenever they had something
they wanted to do.
The other blast against pictures came from
the Rev. Wat.son Argue, pastor of Calvai-y
Temple, who denounced films, along with
dance halls, as "part of the devil's business."
CALGARY
•Phe Parnell brothers, operating theatres in
Blairmore, Bellevue and Coleman in the
Crow's Nest Pass, were in the city on business
pertaining to their theatre in Coleman,
which was destroyed recently by fire . . .
Booth Film Service, now located in a new
office in the basement of the Film Exchange
Bldg. annex, has been appointed representatives
for Granada 16mm film, a subsidiary
of H. J.
Allen.
While the winter season slowed down renovations,
there has been some activity this
month. The New Theatre in Edson is being
reseated. Refurnishing and reseating of the
Roxy in Stettler also is proceeding.
A weekend Chinook so cleared up the main
highways that mercantile and film salesmen
took to the road in all directions last week
, . , Reports from country points, meanwhile,
state that winter storms closed roads into
many country towns, limiting theatre attendance
to local residents and causing delay
in film deliveries.
Royal Shots to Hinterland
OTTAWA—After purchasing a number of
prints of the royal family on the South
African tour, the Imperial Order, Daughters
of the Empire, has bought similar prints from
the Gaumont-British color film of the royal
wedding, and made all available to the National
Film Board for distribution throughout
its rural circuit organization in the Dominion.
ST. JOHN
n fter deciding to boycott theatres that "persist
in showing objectionable movies, and
stores displaying and selling the same type
of books," the Halifax St. Thomas Aquinas
parish branch of the Catholic Women's
league urged the provincial CWL coimcil to
make the dual ban province-wide . . . The
Empire, Kentville, which is substituting for
the burned Capitol, is only about 100 yards
from the debris. It had been operating irregularly
in recent months.
George MacKenzie, projectionist at the
York in Hantsport, makes it a point to study
the reactions of the York patrons to films he
screens . item of equipment in the
Kentville fire department was used in the
fire in the Capitol, which lasted four hours
in a subzero temperature.
While John Fitzpatrick of Halifax was taking
a snooze at an army film show there, his
watch was stolen from a wrist ... At the
Halifax Capitol advance bookings were linked
up in an advertising bulletin as a panacea
for winter discomforts . Morgan,
35-year-old truck driver recently sent to
prison for two years after conviction for
throwing acid at girls, chiefly their legs, was
a member of a Sydney church choii'. Some
of the acid showering had been in theatres,
but chiefly in stores.
The stork is coming to the household of
Doug Williams, a member of the staff of the
Mayfair here, and Williams feels he may be
getting the bird for the last time. With this
addition, he will have eight offspring. Wallie
Himiby, chief projectionist at the Mayfair, is
also heading into parenthood—for the fourth
time. Franklin & Herschorn, amateur statisticians,
report every married employe of
the circuit has at least one child. When asked
what the name the eighth blessed event would
bring, Williams said, "Period."
Efforts to obtain a permit to build a theatre
in Rothesay, N. B., have failed so far-. The
committee governing this ritzy village, nine
miles east of here, have turned thumbs down
on a public picture center. The Community
Theatre, opened last sunmier. is about two
miles east.
High school pupils of Fredericton are seeking
a special reduced rate at the local theatres.
Children's matinees admissions here
have been increased from 12 to 14 cents, except
on Saturday, when the 12-cent fare
continues.
Art Fielding will retiu-n to Halifax following
the sale of his home at Ea,st Riverside,
eight miles east of here. He owns the Capitols
at Bridgewater and Digby, N. S., and has
a new theatre in the works at Bridgewater,
where his son Ron is manager. The senior
Fielding was general manager for SpeiTCer
chain for about a decade, and was on the
Spencer staff about 30 years. He originated
at Truro, N. S.
AH local theatres are donating free tickets
to student nurses. For a start, each house
will hand out 18 doubles. The action was
taken because of the low training pay at
hospitals.
Guests at a cocktail party held in Miami,
Fla„ for Gene Autry to signalize the premiere
of his first film for Columbia were
Joe and Mitch Franklin, father and son of
St. John. The latter will return to St. John
the last of February. While the Franklins
were partying with Autry, "Sioux City Sue,"
one of his final Republics, was being routed
through their theatre chain.
Bob Roddick, maritime chief for FPC,
went to bat for patronage, personally, in the
case of "Green Dolphin Street" at the Halifax
Capitol. He issued an advance boost for
the picture over his own name.
Sees Vast Video Web
Within Three Years
MONTREAL—Television will exist on a
coast-to-coast basis covering 36 American
states and two Canadian provinces within
the next thi-ee years. Such was the optimistic
outlook for this new medium predicted by
Eugene S. Thomas, president of the Advertising
Club of New York in addressing the
Montreal Advertising and Sales Executives
club. As sales manager of the Bamberger
Broadcasting Service, Thomas is directly connected
with television in New York.
At present, he said, there are 250,000 television
sets in use, a figure that is expected
to reach the million mark by Christmas.
There are actually 18 television stations
broadcasting regularly and plans are already
in progress to have 193 stations operating in
78 cities as soon as the factors of production
permit, he said.
The price of new sets now ranges from
$175 to $2,500, but Thomas said he believed
that eventually the price of an ordinary set
will fluctuate somewhere aromid $150.
Telecasting is particularly adapted to major
news events, films and plays, he explained.
All the baseball games in New
York will be telecast this season. He claimed
that in his New York home he saw Barbara
Ann Scott win the Olympic skating championship.
"Eventually, television will have a profound
influence in unifying the peoples of the
world." the speaker concluded.
Pioneer Executives Meet,
Plan Social Activities
TORONTO—J. Earl Lawson, president of
Odeon Theatres, was in the chair for the
first meeting of the 1948 executive of the
Canadian Picture Pioneers in his office here.
Preliminary arrangements were made for a
series of entertainments and social nights
to be climaxed by the Pioneers ball in the
autumn, which is expected to be a costume
affair.
The following standing committees were
appointed: Membership, Ben Cronk, L. M.
Devaney, Sam Sternberg and C. J. Appel;
entertainment, Len Bishop, Joseph Garbarino,
Walter Kennedy, Morris Doyle and
O. R. Hanson; publicity, C. J. Appel, A, J.
Laurie, Ben Cronk and Walter Kennedy;
sick committee, William Reeves and W. J.
O'Neill.
The benevolent fund trustees are Charlie
Mavety, Ray Lewis, O. R. Hanson and G. H.
Beeston. The solicitor is David Ongley.
J. J. Fitzgibbons was reappointed public relations
officer.
102 BOXOFFICE :
6, 1948

BookinGuidc
BOXOFFICE
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in five or more oi the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT OF THE WEEK
Cass Timberlane—
Kansas City 200
Indianapolis 190
Detroit 150
Computed in terms oi percentage in
relaUon to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.

EXHIBITOR HA& HI& bAT
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 mean 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.
COLUMBIA
Blonde From Brooklyn (Col)—Robert Stanton,
Lynn Merrick. A good little ieature that
failed to do business. The theatres in a nearby
city are giving me plenty of competition
a big double feature every day, and to get
there all you need to do is get on a bus and
pay seven cents. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Fair.— Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville,
• W. Va. Rural patronage. • »
Down to Earth (Col)—Rita Hayworth, Lorry
Parks, Marc Piatt. Some people expected
to see a picture of "The Jolson Story" caliber
—and were disappointed. But they did see
a pleasing Technicolor musical that was good
start to finish. entertainment from Some people
didn't like the fantastic story, most were
satisfied, and others said it was the best
Technicolor they had ever seen." Played Sun.,
Mon., Tues. Weather: Cold.—Carl E. Pehlman,
Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and
small town patronage. * * *
South of the Chisholm Trail (Col)—Charles
Starrett, Smiley Bumette, Nancy Saunders.
A fair western with the Durango Kid. This
had a little bit better story. Smiley gave a
few goo(l laughs. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Cold and rainy.—James E. Davis, Riglto Theatre.
Bennington, Okla. Rural and small town
patronage. * *
EAGLE LION
Green for Danger (EL)—Sally Gray, Trevor
Howard, Rosamund John. Too English
enough said. Played Wednesday. Weather:
Cold.—D. W. Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz.
Mining town patronage. * *
Railroaded (EL)—John Ireland, Sheila Ryan,
Hugh Beaumont. This is very good—better
than some of the so-called A murder pictures.
Don't be afraid to advertise this picture.
did
Snow and below freezing here.
better than average business.—L.
This
Brazil
jr.. New Theatre, Bearden, Ark. Rural patronage.
* * *
Red Stallion, The (EL)—Ted Donaldson,
Robert Paige, Noreen Nash. This picture really
drew them in. Not since I played "The Outlaw"
have I had such crowds. Everyone
thought it was grand. Give us more like it.
Played Sat., Sun. Weather: Fair.—T. M.
Patton, Scenic Theatre, Lexington, 111. Small
town patronage.
*
FILM CLASSICS
Heart of Arizona (FC)—Reissue. William
Boyd, Natalie Moorhead. Good western but
it doesn't matter what I play, business is off.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.-Ralph
Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va.
Rural patronage. * *
Patient Vanishes, The (FC)—James Mason,
Mary Clare, Margaret Vyner. Another English
picture that did not do anything in this
west suburban Chicago community. Comment
in general was poor, with a demand for better
grade pictures. Played in combination
with "Thief of Bagdad"—a reissue. Played
Thurs. through Sat. Weather: Very cold.—
L. C. Utecht, Lake Theatre, Oak Park,
Suburban patronage.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Fiesta (MGM) — Esther William, Akim
Tamiroff, Ricardo Montalban. A very pleasing
south-of-the-border Technicolor romance,
comedy and thrills of the bull ring. From my
personal viewpoint, think the dance sequences
with Ricardb Montalban I
and Cyd
Charisse stole the show. A suitable holiday
show which did average business. Played
Thurs., Fri- Weather: Cold and clear.—Carl
E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural
and small town patronage.
Green Dolphin Street (MGM)—Lana Turner,
Van Heflin, Donna Reed. Not a roadshow, by
any means, although we did not buy it that
way. It gave general satisfaction. The mechanics
very good. Played Sun. through Wed.
Weather: Cold.—M. W. Mattecheck, Mack
and Lark Theatres, McMinnville, Ore. Local
patronage.
Guniighlers (Col)—Randolph Scott, Barbara
Britton, Dorothy Hart. Good action
Living in a 6ig Way (MGM)—Gene Kelly,
picture.
We didn't do too badly, in spite of adverse
Marie McDonald, Charles Winninger. This
and
Snow,
weather.
wind,
Played Sat.,
cold.—Horland
Sun. Weather;
Rankin, Plaza
picture should please everyone it is clean
and wholesome, so you need not be afraid to
take the whole family. is one of the best
It
Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Small town patronage.
* * * I've played in a long time and 1 have had
some good ones. The scene where Gene
Kelly dances and plays with the children is
well worth the price of admission. The attendance
was not too good, perhaps due to
the fact that the picture is not highly advertised
and due also to the severely cold
weather. Played Sat.. Sun.—T. M. Patton,
He's Agitating Again
About Theatre Fires
BYE COVERSTON of the Cherokee
I Theatre at Southwest City, Mo., has
thrown his hat in the ring for exhibitorcontributors
with the followuig:
"Up until now I have been able to stay
away from your EXfflBITOR HAS HIS
SAY department. Being a small town exhibitor
with not much to say, I have refrained
from dusting off the keys. Now
I have decided to write a few, and if you
want them, more will be forthcoming.
(Send them along, Bye.)
"Some years ago you printed an article
for me on fire prevention and inflammable
film. From that article (occasioned by
a girl burning to death in a local theatre)
I received praise from all over the
world and was made an honorary member
of an operators' union in Pennsylvania.
Some little progress has been made
since then—more can be made.
"Now that the State Theatre at Columbus,
Kas., has burned to the grourrS"
twice in one year (something that
shouldn't happen to my worst competitor
and certainly not to a swell guy like Art
Pugh, the owner) I feel like taking up the
crusade again and lending my small voice
to start a flood of opinion (hat may lead
to means of stopping a lot of this unnecessary
loss to our industry. But I will
need help, lots of help, and I don't mean
money. What about it? What are you
willing to do to help, having as much to
lost as anyone else in the industry? Because
we each and everyone connected do
lose by every remote fire in some secluded
building, even if no lives are lost."
Disney Reissue Plays
16 Days in Oak Park
FANTASIA (RKO)—Reissue of Disney
feature. We played this to overflowing
crowds for over two weeks. Comment in
general was very good. The greatest draw
was due to the big exploitation campaign
two weeks in advance of exclusive suburban
showing. The theatre broke all
records and played to holdouts daily.
Music and art was the greatest pulling
power. Played 16 days in all. Single feature.
Weather: Cold and rain most of
the run.—L. C. Utecht, Lake Theatre,
Oak Park, 111. West suburban Chicago
patronage. *
Scenic Theatre, Lexington, 111. Small town
patronage.
Mighty McGurk, The (MGM) — Wallace
Beery, Dean Stockwell, Edward Arnold. This
story has a lot of appeal. Wallace Beery is
as good as ever. The boy and dog make it
what it is and it went over okay here. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.—R. W. Burgess,
Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D. Rural
and small town patronage.
*
i^YeorUng, The (MGM)—Gregory Peck, Jane
Wyman, Claude Jarman jr. My top in a poll
for the year's best ten, with Gregory Peck
an Academy Award winner. This story is
perfect. These good pictures are all too few,
so if you haven't got it, get it. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Cold and stormy.—E. J. Petersen,
Cozy Theatre, Jeffers, Minn. Rural and
small town patronage. * *
MONOGRAM
Eilroy Was Here (Mono)—Jackie Cooper,
Jackie Coogan, Wanda McKay. This is a fair
little comedy but as all had come out to see
Cisco, there weren't many remarks about the
Kilroy story. Played Sunday. Weather: Cold.
—D. W. Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz.
*
Mining town patronage.
PARAMOUNT
Blaze of Noon (Para)—Anne Baxter, William
Holden, Sonny Tufts. This was a good
picture that failed to draw. Played Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Cold.—Otto W. Chapek, Annex
Theatre, Anamoose, N. D. Rural and small
town patronage. * * *
UBlue Skies (Para)—Bing Crosby, Fred
is
Astaire, Joan Caulfield. Although this
it is rather old among the best of Technicolor
musicals and did above average business.
It proved to be a well received holiday attraction.
Played Thursday., Fri. Weather:
Clear and cold.—Carl 'E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre,
Edinburg, 111 Rural and small town
patronage.
Ladies' Man (Para)—Eddie Bracken, Cass
Daley, Virginia Welles. This is a swell picture.
If you haven't played it, do so. Eddie
Bracken should be seen in more pictures.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Rainy and cold.
—James E. Davis, Rialto Theatre, Bennington,
Okla. Rural and small town patronage. * *
Perfect Marriage, The (Para)—Loretta Young,
David Niven, Eddie Albert. The first night was
no good but the second night it really went
over big. Played Wednesday. Weather: Icy.
—Harland Rankin. Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On'.
Small town patronage.
Wild Harvest (Para)—Alan Ladd, Dorothy
Lamour, Robert Preston. We did a very good
business on this picture, just right for this
territory, and our farmers went for it in a big
way.. Lots of action they could understand
and enjoy. Plenty fast, with something doing
all the time and a very good cast. Get it and
tie up with the Massey Harris man. Played
Sun,. Mon., Tues. Weather: Fine.—Mayme P.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Mar. 6, 1948

: presume.
'
RKO RADIO
Banjo (RKO)—Sharyn Molfett, Jacqueline
White, Waller Reed, Doubled with "Thunder
Mountain" and it made a nice double bill.
The kids came 100 per cent to see the dog
story and the older ones had to come along.
Played Wednesday. Weather: Snow.—D. W.
Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining
town patronage. * *
Crossfire (RKO) — Robert Young, Robert
Mitchum, Gloria Grahame. We ployed this
on a Fri., Sat. but the extreme cold weather
was against us, as well as a local basketball
game. General comment among those few
who came was: "overrated." This race
oroblem doesn't seem so vital in these areas,
Perhaps it had too much buildup.
— R. E. Halstead, Tri-Town Theatre, Lindstrom,
'.Iinn. Rural and small town patronage.
It's a Wonderful Life (RKO)—James Stewart,
Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore. One of the
finest pictures ever to come out oi Hollywood.
The boxolfice didn't set any record but truly
a pleasure to run this. Business only fair.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather; Rain.—Terry
Axley, New Theatre, England, Ark. Rural and
small town patronage. * * '
Magic Town (RKO)—Jimmy Stewart, Jane
^'.^'man, Kent Smith. There is a lot of comdy
and swell entertainment in this picture
but it didn't draw like we expected. However,
.'.e didn't have much of a break in the
it weather. Buy. right and the picture will
liold up on your best time. I think we will
bring it back soon. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Stormy.—Moyme P. Musselman,
Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas. Small town patronage.
My Pal Wolf (RKO)—Jill Esmond, Sharyn
Moffett. Played on a single bill to weekend
business, fair results. It is with well worth
playing. Played Thurs., Fri., Sal. Weather:
Cold.—Harland Rankin, Beau Theatre, Belle
River, Ont. Small town patronage. * * *
USecret Life of Waller Milty, The (RKO)—
Danny Kaye, Virginia Mayo, Boris Karloff.
We have never had much luck with Danny
Kaye, but this one drew fairly well and
pleased more than any of the others. Comedy
is what we need to give this business
a shot in the arm. This is one of them.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.—Mayme P.
Musselman, Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas.
Small town patronage.
Trail Street (RKO)—Randolph Scott, Robert
Ryan, Anne Jeffreys. This is right down our
alley as our patrons like westerns and this
one was super, so we did okay in spite of
sub-zero temperatures. Randolph Scott, as
usual, was, good in the part of the U.S. marshal.
You can't go wrong on this. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold.—R. W.
Burgess, Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D.
and small town patronage.
REPUBUC
Rural
*
Dangers of the Canadian Mounted (Rep)
Serial. This action serial brings in enough
additional revenue to take care of film rental
on our Fri., Sat. change. Saturday night busi-
.ness is our bread-and-butter night and helps
to pay our losses on other nights. Plays each
Fri., Sat. night.—R. W. Hailey, Lott Theatre,
Lott, Tex. Rural patronage.
Heldorado (Rep)—Roy Rogers, Dale Evans,
George "Gabby" Hayes. This was a good
western but the print was so rotten that all
we had was breaks and the people ore still
wondering what the film was all about.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Cold.—Otto W.
Chapek, Annex Theatre, Anamoose, R ^D^
Rural and small town patronage.
BOXOFHCE BookinGuide Mar. 1948
Kelly,
Spoilers of the North (Rep)—Paul
Adrian Booth, Evelyn Ankers. We are gradually
spoiling up north here. With the business
so bad, we envy you southern exhibitors
whose business is average. Played Fri., .
Sot. Weather: Coldern hell.—Harland Rankin,
Joy Theatre, Bothv/ell, Onl. Small town
patronage. * * *
Petersen Looks Ahead
To Cantor's Next Film
20th CENTURY-FOX
SHOW BUSINESS (RKO)—Eddie Cantor,
George Murphy. I played this oldie
Boomerang (20th-Fox) — Dana Andrews, for a "co-op" free show. Not only is it
Jane Wyait, Lee J. Cobb. Here is the best good comedy, but it is good advertising
mystery show ever to hit this theatre. The if you intend to play "If You Knew Susie,"
people liked it because of its being a true since Cantor has been off the screen a
long time. Played Tuesday. Weather:
story. The actors were perfectly picked in
Good.— E. J. Petersen, Cozy Theatre,
this one and the court scene really brought
the show into a first-class entertainment. We Jeffcrs, Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
had the Royal Wedding on as a short and
• *
probably that brought
Fri., Sat. Weather: Snowy.—George
the crowds. Played
Mac-
Hantsport, N. S. Small
Kenzie, York Theatre,
town patronage.
Housekeeper's Daughter, The (UA)—Reissue.
*
Joan Bennett, Adolphe Menjou. This is
Foxes of Harrow, The (20th-Fox)—Rex Harrison,
a good reissue with plenty of comedy.
Bennett is one of the favorite movie
Joan
stars
Maureen O'Hara, Richard Haydn. Ex-
here. Good average draw. Played Mon., Tues.
cellently produced. Drama of life in and
New Orleans in the early days.
near
Good
—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre, Bearden, Ark.
audience reaction and good business. Rural patronage. * * *
Stanley Leay, Stanley Theatre, Galena, 111.
General patronage, • • Whistle Stop (UA)—George Raft, Ava Gardner,
'Victor McLagen. This was one of our
I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now (20th-Fox)
—June Haver, Mark Stevens, Martha Stewart.
first pictures with George Raft in it and it
didn't go very well—or maybe it was the snow
that kept the people home. The story itself
This picture is solid entertainment for our
family trade. June Haver and Mark Stevens was very good and all the actors portrayed
will be greater attractions here after their their parts very well. The only complaint is
that there were only few people to see it.
splendid performances in this outstanding
a
musical. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold Played Wed., Thurs. Weather; Heavy snowing.
and wet.—R. W. Hailey, Lott Theatre, Lott, —George MacKenzie, York Theatre, Hantsport,
N. S. Small town patronage.
Tex. Rural patronage. * *
*
Margie (20th-Fox) — Jeanne Grain, Glenn
Langan, Lynn Bori. Fox didn't pull any UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
bloomer on this one—entertainment for the Song of Scheherazade (U-1)—Yvonne De
whole family. It played to above average attendance
Carlo, Brian Donlevy, Jean Pierre Aumont.
and pleased 100 per cent. Played
Wednesday. Weather: Cold.— J. E. Rougeau,
The sound and print were all that could be
desired but this is too high class for a small
town situation, so in spite of the beautiful
Technicolor, I played to average business. Remove
the singing scenes and it might get by
Thinks Theatre Robbery
a small town. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Fine.— I. Roche, 'Vernon Theatre, 'Vernon, Fla.
*
Cut Down His Patronage Small town and rural patronage.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS (U-I)—John
Song of Scheherazade (U-I)—Yvonne De
Mills, Valerie Hobson, Bernard Miles.
This is another one of J. Arthur Rank's
productions and it is from the novel written
by Charles Dickens. We didn't get
Carlo, Brian Donlevy, Jean Pierre Aumont.
The name of this thing should be enough
to kill it. You can't pronounce it—you have
to sneeze it. Just another Universal flop.
the crowds that we should have. The
theatre was robbed over the weekend
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.—Bill
Leonard, Leonard Theatre, Cedarvale, Kas.
Small town and rural patronage. * * •
so maybe everybody was afraid to leave
his house. It is a very good picture
though. Played Mon., Tues. Weather:
Fine.—George MacKenzie, York
Temptation (U-I)—Merle Oberon, George
Theatre,
Brent,
Hantsport, N. S. Small town patronage.
Charles Korvin. Poor business and poor
* comments. We barely took in film rental for
two days. Skip it, by all means, if you operate
in a small town. Played Tues., Wed. Weather;
Fair and cold.—Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre,
South Berwick, Me. Small town patron-
Club Theatre, Seven Sisters Falls, Man. Small
town and rural patronage. * * *
age. * * *
Mother Wore Tights (20th-Fox)—Betty Grable,
Dan Dailey, Mona Freeman. Here is the
WARNER BROS.
kind of picture that a manager can show with
Cry Wolf (WB)—Errol Flynn, Barbara Stanwyck,
pride and stand in his lobby to receive the
many fine compliments from patrons as they
Richard Basehart. I wasn't expecting
too much but had many compliments on this
leave, after being completely entertained.
Business was swell. I paid a fair price for picture. I thought myself it was just average.
rental. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold Played Sat., Sun, Weather: Cold.—Otto W.
but clear.—A. L. Burke jr., Venita Theatre, Chapek, Annex Theatre, Anamoose, N. D.
Herculaneum, Mo. Small town patronage. * Rural and small town patronage. * * *
Swamp Water (20th-Fox)—Reissue. Walter One More Tomorrow (WB)—Ann Sheridan,
Brennan, Walter Huston, Anne Baxter. This Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson. I was mildly
is a very good reissue which pleased on
well as
surprised that this picture drew as
it did. Maybe they came to see Jack Carson
Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town and Dennis Morgan, or perhaps they get tired
many might have been
patronage. * * *
of so westerns, or it
I that the weather eased up a bit. think it
UNITED ARTISTS
was all three reasons put together. Anyway,
Carson and Morgan are liked here and I
Christmas Eve (UA)—George Raft, George could use more of their pictures. Played Wed.,
Brent, Joan Blondell. A rare combination of Thurs. Weather: Mild and warmer.— I Roche,
comedy, thrilling action and tear-jerking Vernon Theajre, 'Vernon, Fla. Small town
drama. Randolph Scott steals the show as and rural patronage.
a rural rodeo rider in the city. The strong
interestholding
Svring Styles (WB)—Short. A very good
cast brought in the customers and the
film pleased them. Played Sun., Mon.
musical. In fact, I am going to bring it back
Weather: Bad roads.—R. W. Hailey, Lott Thea-
later.—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre, Bearden^
Ark. Small town patronage.

FEATURE CHART

( .
ILY?
l
JULY 12
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
JULY 19
g(68) Urama 803
OF THE BEES QGUNFIGHTERS
Kandolpli Scutt
Barbara Britton
Bruce Cabot
li—June 14—PG-830
|18] (104) Mus-Dr 727
©FIESTA
Esther Williams
Ricardo Montalban
Mary Astor
Cyd Charlsse
R-^une 14- -PO-830
JULY 26
(68) Weslern 7;
J26]
GHOST TOWN RENE-
GADES
R—AUB.
9— PG-849
j^ (85) lir.cma IC
CARAVAN
it—Sept.
H
6—PG-8B3
Reprint
(103) Musical 723
THE GREAT WALTZ
AUGUST 2
|3b] (77) Urama
©LAST OF THE
REDMEN
R—Aug.
THE
2—PG-844
HUCKSTERS
AUGUST 9
[7] (09) Drama 8
THE SON OF RUSTY
Ted Donaldson
Stephen Dunne
Ann Doran
11—Aug, 16—PO-848
(106) Drama :
ROMANCE OF ROSY
RIDGE
Vim Johnson
Janet Leigh
Thomas Mitchell
R—.luly 5— PG-a36
AUGUST 16
[y]
(55) Weste
RIDERS OF TH
LONE STAR
Charles
Smiley
Virginia
Slarretl
Uurnette
Hunter
[y] (81) Drama 1
RED STALLION
Robert Paige
Noreen Nash
II—July 26—PO-841
AUGUST 23
^ (67) M.IS-W
SMOKY RIVER
SERENADE
g
FEATURE CHART
-Aug. 23— PG-850
(83) Comedy 7
GAS HOUSE KIDS I
HOLLYWOOD
Oirl "Alfalfa" Swltzer
lienny Bartlett
Rudy WIssler
Tommy Bund
R—Sept. 6—PG-863
AUGUST 30
^ (58) Mjslery
UlLO VANCE'S
SECRET MISSION
j
[19] (68) Comedy 6
KILROY WAS HERE
lackie Cooper
lackie Coogan
Wanda McKay
(!—July 5— PG-835
[i|] (95) Comedy 4616
DEAR RUTH
loan Caul Held
William Holden
Edward Arnold
Billy De Wolfe
It—May 31—PO-824
^ (63) Drama 4624
COVER BIG TOWN
'hilip Reed
Hilary Brooke
!—Mar. 1—PO-795
(106) Drama 4613
tiWELCOME STRANGER
Blng Crosby
Joan Caulfield
R—April 26-PG-814
^
(95) Drama 4617
©DESERT FURY
Lizabeth Scott
John Hodiak
Burt Lancaster
^
(67) M'drama 4625
JUNGLE FLIGHT
Robert Lowery
Ann Savage
Mary Hatcher
Olga San Juan
R—July 19—PG-840
(44) Mys-Com 4617
i
ir BOX MYSTERY
h Neal
):n Jenkins
IneU Blake
(Jan. 3—PO-888
3roup 6
(CO) Drama 7
OICK TRACY'S
DILEMMA
Ralph Byrd
Kuy Christopher
Ian Keith
R—May 24—PG-822
m (T5) Wester
©SPRINGTIME I
SIERRAS
THE
Roy Rogers-Jane Frazee
R—Aug. 2—PG-843
Tsl (71) Western 685
ROBINHOOD OF TEXAS
I!—Sept.
1.3— rn-8.5.';
Reissue
B] (65) Western HC12
BAR 20 JUSTICE
William Boyd
Russell Hayden
George Hayes
Group 6
(60) Western 73(
THUNDER MOUNTAIN
51] (67) Drama 6
BLACKMAIL
William Marshall
.Wele Mara
R—Aug. 16—PG-847
M (40) Mys-Com 4618
Case of the baby
SITTER
Fom Neal
Allen Jenkins
I'.amela Blake
THEY WON'T
ME
Robert Young
Susan Hayward
Rita
Johnson
Elliott
BELIEVE
[ ^2—PG-a43
IT] (71) Com-Dr 4702
KILLER DILL
Stuart Erwin
Anne Gwynne
Frank Albertson
R—May 17—PG-819
Group 1
(80) D
RIFF-RAFF
Group 1
(61) Western 8
UNDER THE TONTO
RIM
Tim Holt
Nan Leslie
R-^une 14^PG-829
g] (58) Western 667
MARSHAL OF CRIPPLE
CREEK
Allan Lane-BohV Blak
R—Aug. 23—PG-849
lis] (69) Drama 6
THE PRETENDER
R—Aug. 30—PG-851
Group 1
(68) Drama
SEVEN KEYS TO
BALDPATE
Phillip Terry
Group 1
(86) Drama 8 '
CROSSFIRE
Robert Young
Robert MItchum
Robert Ryan
Gloria Orahame
Sam Levene
K—June 28—PO-833
g
(64) Western 651
©ALONG THE OREGON
TRAIL
Miinle ll.ile
Adrian Booth
R—Sept. 13—PG-855
•(M) Drama 72
ET ME AT DAWN
tUsoi E;tbe
ltd Court
Irgarct Rutherford
(76) Drama 722
THE CRIMSON KEY
Kent Taylor
Doris Dowling
Itennis Hoey
Louise Currie
R—July 12—PG-838
(104) .Musical 72:
©I WONDER WHO'S
KISSING HER NOW
Mark Stevens
Martha Stewart
Reginald Gardiner
R—.Jtme 21—PCf-832
[19] (96) Drama
THE OTHER LOVE
Barbara Stanwyck
David Niven
R—Apr. 12— PG-810
li] (60) Western
HOPPY'S HOLIDAY
William Boyd
-iJidy Clyde
It—May 24— PG-821
f9] (133) Musical
CARNEGIE HALL
William
Prince
g (112) Comedies
©COMEDY CARNIVAL
9RUTE FORCE
Burt Lancaster
Hume Cronyn
R—June 28—PG-833
OSLAVE GIRL
Yvonne Dc Carlo
George Brent
R—.luly 26—PG-842
^
(108) Drama 624
POSSESSED
loan Crawford
V;m lien in
ll.iymnnd Mnssey
Ceraldine Brooks
R—June 7—PC- 835
Reissues
rin (81) Drama 6
MARKED WOMAN
Bette Dav1s-n, Bngnrt
[9] (87) Drama 6
DUST BE MY DESTII
John Garfield
Prisrilla Lane
[Te] (84) Drama 625
CRY WOLF
Krriil Flynn
Stanwyck
B.-irbara
Brooks
Geraliline
R—July 12—PG-837
Drama New Rel
( . . 1 Drama New
MONEY MADNESS
Iluah Beaumont
Frances Rafferty
ARGYLE SECRETS
William Garg.in
Marjorte Lord
. ) Drama New
DISCOVERY
Adm. R. E- B.vrd
DEVIL'S CARGO
Rochellc Hudson
(90) Drama New Rel
WOMEN IN THE NIGHT
Tala BIrell
William Henry
R—.Ian. 17—PO-891
(80) Drama New Rel
FOR YOU I DIE
Cathy Downs
R— Dec. -PC-88.'>
SPIRIT OF WEST
POINT
Blanchard-Davis
R—Oct. 11—PG-863
(95) Drama Reissue
CATHERINE THE GREAT
Douglas Fairbanks jr.
Elisabeth Bergner
(81) Drama Reissue
THE RETURN OF THE
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
(981 Drama Relssiir
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Merle Oberon
Leslie Howard
(124) Drama Reissue
THAT HAMILTON
WOMAN
Vivien Leigh
Laurence Olivier
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Mar. 6, 1948

EATURE CHART
SEPTEMBER 6 SEPTEMBER 13 SEPTEMBER
m (65) Mystery 821
BULLDOG DRUMMOND
STRIKES BACK
Hon Rindell
Gloria Henry
It—Aug. 2S—PG-850
m (87) Mystery 803
THE ARNELO AFFAIR
John Hodlak
George Murphy
Frances GIfford
R—Feb. 15—Pa-790
[e] (55) Drama
ROBIN HOOD OF
MONTEREY
Gilbert Koland
Evelyn Brent
Chrls-rin Martin
^
(86) Comedy 801
SONG OF THE THIN
MAN
William PoweU
Myrna Loy
Kcenan Wynn
R—Aug. 2—PO-844
^
(68) Drama 622 Allied Artists
NEWS HOUNDS 1^ (89) Outd'r-Dr AA2
Leo Gorcey
BLACK GOLD
Chlrstine Mclntyre Anthony Quinn
Bowery Boys R—June 28—PG-833
R^Iune 21—PG-831 ^ (69) Western 673
FLASHING GUNS
R—Jan. 31— PG-895
SEPTEMBER 27
|7) (68) Mus-Com 827
WHEN A GIRL'S
BEAUTIFUL
Adele Jergens
Marc Piatt
Patrica Whit«
Stephen Dunne
R—Sept. 27—PG-859
1^ (72) Drama 710
RAILROADED
lolin Ireland
K—Oct. 18—PG-866
(92) Drama 4701
ID
WILD HARVEST
Alan Ladd
Dorothy Lamour
Robert Preston
Lloyd Nolan
R—Aug. 9—PG-84B
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
OCTOBER 4
[4] (93) Com-Myst 802
GREEN FOR DANGER
Sallv Gray-Trevor Howard
R—Aug. 16—PO-848
[3] (118) Drama 802
©UNFINISHED DANCE
Margaret O'Brien
C>d Charisse
Karin Booth
R—Aug. 9—PO-846
(53) Western 685
[4]
RIDIN' DOWN THE
TRAIL
Jimmy Wakely
"Cannonball"
Beverly Johns
Taylor
OCTOBER 11
(y| (67) Drama 905
KEY WITNESS
John Beal
Trudy Marshall
Jimmy Uoyd
R—Sept. 6—PG-854
[u] (87) Comedy 801
OUT OF THE BLUE
Gtorge Brent
R—Sept. 6—PG-853
[n] (53) Western 755
RETURN OF THE LASH
Al "Lash" La Rue
R—Nov. 15—PO-873
[lO] (118) Drama 804
SONG OF LOVE
Katharine Hepburn
Paul Henreld
Robert Walker
R—July 26—Pa-841
In] (72) Drama 4701
HIGH TIDE
Don Castle
Anabel Shaw
Lee Tracy
R—Aug. 9—PQ-845
[lo| (67) M'drama 4702
©ADVENTURE ISLAND
Rory Calhoun
Rhonda Fleming
Paul Kelly
R—Aug. 23—PG-860
OCTOBER
[14] (55) Western 961
BUCKAROQ FROHA
POWDER RIVER
R—Nov. 15— PG-873
|16] (69) Comedy 911
BLONOIE IN THE
DOUGH
R—Sept. 27—PG-859
^
(68) Drama 803 (58) Western"
ID
BURY ME DEAD CHEYENNE TAKE
Mark Daniels
OVER
R—Oct. 11—PG-864 Al "Lash" La Rue
[is] (61) Western 756 g (58) Westwn
FIGHTING VIGIUNTES BUCK HILLS
Al "Lash" La Rue Eddie Dean
R—Nov. 29—PG-877
^
(82) Comedy 803
MERTON OF THE
MOVIES
Red Skelton
Virghila O'Brien
R—July 19—Pa-839
Reprint
(133) Drama 806
THE WOMEN
|J8] (72) Comedy 4702
JOE PALOOKA IN THE
KNOCKOUT
Joe Kirkwood jr
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R—Aug. 30— PG-851
OCTOBER 1\
K. Hay«orth-L. Parta
R—Aug. 8—PG-844
|3] (68) Musical
I
SWEET GENEVII
J. Porter-J. Lydon
R—Sept. 20—PG-'
ID (55) Drama :
PRAIRIE EXPRESS
Johnny Mack Brown
VU-ginia Belmont
Raymond Hatton
Group 1
(95) Comedy 801
OBACHELOR AND THE
BOBBY-SOXER
(!ary Grant
Myrna Ixiy
Shirley Temple
R—June 7—rG-82e
(97) Drama 8
THE LONG NIGHT
Henry Fonda
Barbara Bel Oeddes
Ann Dvorak
Vincent Price
R—June 7—PG-826
Special
(105) Comedy 851
y©SECRET LIFE OF
WALTER MITTY
Danny Kaye
Virginia Mayo
R—July 19—PG-840
Special
(73) Comedy 891
©FUN AND FANCY
FREE
Edgar Bergen
Dinah Shore
Luana Patten
R—Aug. 23—PO-849
Special
(103) Comedy
MAGIC TOWN
lames
Aug.
Stewart
30—PG-85B
107) Musical 724
©MOTHER WORE
TIGHTS
Betty Grable
Dan Dalley
Mona Freeman
R—Aug. 30—PG-852
[5] (102) Drama
LURED
George
Liiellle
Charles
R_Ju|,
Sanders
Ball
Cobum
19—pa-839
[s] (69) Drama 62
EXPOSED
Adele Mara
Robert Scott
B—Sept. 20—PG-857
^
(55) Drama S-1
RACKETEERS
Preston Foster
Melvyn Douglas
|l3| (74) Drama S-2
CALL IT MURDER
Humphrey Bogait
Richard Wllorf
(99) Drama 725
KISS OF DEATH
Victor Mature
Brian Donlevy
Coleen Gray
R—Aug. 16—PG-847
[l2| (93) Comedy
HEAVEN ONLY KNOWS
Robert (^immlngs
Brian Donlevy
Marjorle Reynolds
R—Aug. 2—PO-843
^
Herald (Negro)
(69) Mus-Com X-2
BOY, WHAT A GIRL!
Tim Moore
Elwood Smith
Sheila Quyse
Duke WUltam
B—Feb. 15—PG-790
Reissue
Reissue
(118) Drama 727 (90) Drama
HOW GREEN WAS MY SWAMP WATER
VALLEY
Walter Brennan
Walter Pidgeon
Walter Huston
(62) Drama 726 Anne Baxter
SECOND CHANCE
R—July 26—PG-842
(59) Western 751
U]
THE WILD FRONTIER
Allan "Rocky" Lane
Eddie Waller
Jack Holt
R—Oct. 11—PG-863
[n] (78) Drama 4704
THE BURNING CROSS
Hank Daniels
Virginia
R—July
Patton
26—PO-842
Reissues
m (119) Drama 729
FOXES OF HARROW
^ (93) D
THE MARK ZORRO
Rex Harrison
Maureen O'Hara
Power-Darnell
Richard Haydn
|lo] (103) Drama 741
Victor McLaglen DRUMS ALONG THE
Vanessa Brown
MOHAWK
R—Sept. 27—PG-859 Cnaudette Colbert
(89) Comedy
MAD WEDNESDAY
Harold Lloyd
Frances Ramsden
R—Feb. 22—PG-792
(123) Comedy
MONSIEUR VERDOUX
(Carles Chaplin
Martha Raye
R—Apr. 26—PG-813
ra (75) Outd'r-Mus 6
©ON THE OLD SPAN
ISH TRAIL
Roy Rogers
Tito Guizar
Jane Frazee
Andy Devlne
R_Nov. 1—PG-870
Herald
(Negro)
[is] (70) Musical X-:
SEPIA CINDERELLA
Billy Daniels
Sheila Guyse
Tondalayo
Ruble Blakey
R—Aug. 9—PG-845
(73) Drama 732
[JD
THE INVISIBLE WALL
R—Oct. 16—PG-866
[18) (111) Drama 730
NIGHTMARE ALLEY
Tyrone Power
Joan Blondell
R_Oct. 18—PG-8fi5
^
(71) Mys-Dr 4J
DRAGNET
Henry Wllcoxon
.Mary Brian
Vlrlgnia Dale
Douglass DumbrUle Ule!
R—July 12—PG-
g
Special
i
(140) Drama q
©FOREVER AMBEiC
Linda Darnell
Cornel Wilde
Richard Greene
R—Oct.
18—Pi
1
George Brent
Joan Blondell
Randolph Scott
R_Oov. 8—PO-873
SINGAPORE
Fred MacMurray
Ava Gardner
Richard Haydn
R—Aug. 16—PO-848
(98) Dra
FRIEDA
David
Glynls
Farrar
Johns
(101) Drama 625
RIDE THE PINK HORSE
Robert Montgomery
Wanda Hendrix
R—Sept. 20—PG-857
Vt78) Comedy 628
WISTFUL WIDOW OF
WAGON GAP
Abbott & Costello
Marjorle
Audrey
R—Oct.
M.iin
Young
4—PG-862
Dane Clark
Wayne Morris
R—Aug 2— Pfl-843
^
(118) Comedy 702
©LIFE WITH FATHER
William Powell
Irene Dunne
Blljabeth Taylor
^
(106) Drama 703
DARK PASSAGE
Humphrey Bogart
;—Sept.
6—PG-854
(71) Drama 704
\J]
BAD MEN OF MISSOURI
D Morgnn-J. Wyman
[T] (84) Drama 705
EACH DAWN I DIE
Cagney-Ii.ift
[li] (103) Drama 706
THE UNSUSPECTED
Joan Caulfleld
Claude Rains
Audrey Totter
Hurd Hatfield
R—Sept. 20—PG-S58
(140) Drama
_ ©DUEL IN THE SUN
O Jennifer Jones
PCj Gregory Peck
CO Joseph Gotten
Lionel Barrymnre
R^Ian. 11—PO-780
GIRL ON THE CANAL
R— Nov. 29— PG-877
(68) Docum-Dr
Eng. Films
(61) Docum-Dr
Eng. Films
CHILDREN ON TRIAL
R—Nov 29— PG-878
(80) Musical
Four Continents
SPRINGTIME
R—Feb. 14—PG-902
(85) Drama
Jewish NafI Fund
MY FATHER'S HOUSE
R—Oct. 4—PG-861
Sept. (85) Western 1208 Oct. (71) Myst-Dr :
LADY IN A JAM BLACK FRIDAY
Irene Dunne Boris Karloff
Ralph Bellamy Bela LugosI
Sept. (891 Western 1121 Oct. (72) Myst-Dr I
LADY FROM CHEYENNE THE BLACK CAT
Loretta Young Alan Ladd
Robert Preston Basil Rathbone
BOXOFFICE BookJnGuide :: Mar. 6, 1948

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGE
FEATURE CHART
.1

I
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
ROSE OF SANTA ROSA
lliiosier Hotshots
IMricla White
Edtiiirdo Noriega
K— Fan. 3—PG-888
R— Noi. 1— PG-869
SIX-GUN LAW
Starrett-Burnctte
R—Jan. 10—PG-890
(81) Drama 9
©THE SWORDSMAN
Larr.v Parks
R—Oct. 23— PG-867
^ (911 Drama 8
T-MEN
Dennis O'Keere
R— Dec. 20— PC-884
GLAIVIOUR GIRL
Virginia Grey
Michael Duane
Gene Knjpa's Orcb.
R—Jan. 3—PO-888
|i7| (71) Drama 810
HEADING FOR HEAVEN
Stuart Erwin
Glenda Farrell
IMARY LOU
Robert Loiiery
Joan Barton
Glenda Farrell
Frankie Carle
R—Jan. 31—PG-896
LOVE TROUBLE
P. Tone-J. Blair
R—Feb. 28—PG-905
(72)
im
Drama 933
PRINCE OF THIEVES
J. Hall-P. Morison
R—Dec. 6— PG-879
|H| (85) Drama 811
©THE SMUGGLERS
Michael Redgrave
R^lan. 17—PG-892
WRECK OF THE
HESPERUS
Willard Parker
Edgar Buchanan
Patricia WTiite
R—Feb. 14—PG-899
[7] (83) Drama 812
ADVENTURES OF
CASANOVA
Arturo de Cordova
Turhan Bey
Lucille Bremer
R—Feb. 28—PG-905
WOIVIAN FROM
TANGIER
Adele Jergens
Stephen Dunne
Michael Duane
B—Feb. 28—Pa-90
[nj (70) Drama
OPEN SECRET
.lohn Ireland
Jane Randolph
Roman Bohnen
R-^an. 24—PG-89;
'm
m
|2g] (95) Musical 810
©GOOD NEWS
June Allyson
Peter Lawford
Joan McCracken
R—Dec. 6—PO-87
[9] (119) Drama I
CASS TIMBERLANE
Spencer Tracy
Lana Turner
Zachary Scott
R—Nov. 8—PG-872
|17| (98) Drama 814
IF WINTER COMES
Walter PIdgeon
Deborah Kerr
Angela Lansbury
R—Dec. 27—PO-88B
[e] (99) Drama 8
HIGH WALL
Robert Taylor
Audrey Totter
Herbert Marshall
R—Dec. 20—PG-883
I27J
Reissue
(661 Drama 4706
BETRAYED
[3] (68) Drama 627
SMART POLITICS
Freddie Stewart
Noel Neill
[in] (66) Comedy 4704
JIGGS AND MAGGIE
IN SOCIETY
[it] (53) Musical 686
SONG OF THE DRIFTER
Jimmy Wakely
m
(58) Western 4751
OVERLAND TRAIL
Johnny Mack Brown
Raytnond Hatton
Virginia Belmont
[7] (75) Drama 4709
FIGHTING MAD
Joe Klrkwood jr.
Leon Errol
B—Feb. 7—PO-89:
[y]
(66) Drama
PERILOUS WATERS
Don Castle
Audrey Long
Peggy Knudson
|l|] (98) Drama 4708
1 WALK ALONE
Burt Lancaster
Llzabcth Scott
Wendell Corey
Kirk Douglas
R—Dec. 20—PG-883
Group 2
(114) Drama
SO WELL
REMEMBERED
in Mills
Martha Scott
;la Roc
Group 2
(102) Drama 806
NIGHT SONG
Merle Oberon
Dana Andrews
Ethel Barrymore
R—Nov. 15—PG-874
Reissue
0) Western
LAWLESS VALLEY
George O'Brien
Kay Sutton
Group 3
(91) Comedy 811
IF YOU KNEW SUSIE THE FUGITIVE
Eddie Cantor
Henry Fonda
Dolores Del Joan Davis
R—Feb. 7—PG-89T
Rio
R—Nov. 15—PG-87<
m (64) Com-Dr 701
MAIN STREET KID
Pearcc
[KJ] (72) Outd'r-Mus 644
©GAY RANCHERO
Roy Rogers
Tito Guizar
.\ndy Devine
R—Jan. 10—PO-88
(65) Drama 702
SLIPPY McGEE
Don Barry
Dale Evans
Tom Brown
r\ (61) Comedy 703
AMPUS HONEYMOON
Richard Crane
Lyn WUde
Lee WUde
Hal Hackett
Feb. 14—PO-899
(72) Drama 4706
ROAD TO THE BIG
HOUSE
[10] (80) Drama 4705
THE PRAIRIE
Lenore Aubert
Alan Baxter
Reissue
\f\ (70) Western HC14
N OLD MEXICO
fiiliam Boyd
Gabby Hayes
Russell Hayden
1^ (99) Drama 731
DAISY KENYON
Juan Crawford
ini Drama 801
©CAPTAIN FROM
CASTILE
Tyrone Power
lean Peters
Cesar Romero
Lee J. Cobb
John Sutton
R—Dec. 6—PG-880
1) Drama 803
THE TENDER YEARS
Joe E. Brown
Richard Lyon
Noreen Nash
Charles Drake
B—Dec. 6—PO-880
1) Musical 202
YOU WERE MEANT
FOR ME
inne Crain
Dan Dalley
Oscar Levant
B-^an. 24—PO-894
62) Drama
DANGEROUS YEARS
William Halop
Scotty Beckett
Richard Gaines
(97) Drams
SLEEP, MY LOVE
Claudette Colbert
Robert (Jjmmlngs
(90) Drama
MAN OF EVIL
1 Mason
Phyllis divert
R_Feb. 7—PO-898
(107) Comedy
A MIRACLE CAN
HAPPEN
.M!-Star Cast
R—Feb. 7—PO-898
-July
12— PG-838
(81) Drama
THE SENATOR WAS
DISCREET
William Powell
Ella Raines
\rleen V\'helan
It— Dec. 20—PG-883
(93) Drama
CAPTAIN BOYCOTT
Stewart Granger
Kathleen Ryan
Cecil Parker
Dec. 6—PG-8aO
ra (96) Drama
A WOMAN'S
VENGEANCE
Charles Boyer
.Km Blyth
Jessica Tandy
R—Dec 27—PG-88e
U_llec
!.!— P(;-8R2
^
(78) Drama 7
ALWAYS TOGETHER
Joyce Reynolds
Robert Hiitton
R—Dec. 20—PG 884
_
(126) Drama 714
TREASURE OF
SIERRA MADRE
Humphrey Bogart
Waller Huston
Holt
THE GREAT DAWN
U—Aug. 30— PO-852
(93) Drama
Lopert
SHOE-SHINE
R—Sept, 6— Pn-854
(105) Melodrama
LO QUE VA DE AYER
A HOY
R—Sept. 13—PG-85S
(81) Mu8-Dr
Superrilra
I LIVE AS I PLEASE
R—Sept 13—PG-8B6
(07) Com-Dr
Clasa-Mohme
GUADALAJARA PUES
R—Sept. 13—PG-856
(105) Drama
Superfilm
THE DEVIL'S ENVOYS
Arletfy
R—Sept.
20—PO-858
(101) Drama
Film fits. Infl
MARCO VISCONTI
R—Sept. 20—PG-858
(93) Comedy
NO BASTA SER
CHARRO
R—Sept.
27—PG-860
(95) Drama
Film Dist. Co.
SCHOOLGIRL DIARY
R—Oct. 11—PG-864
(100) Mus-Dr
Saturnia
FAREWELL, MY
BEAUTIFUL NAPLES
R—Oct. 18— pc-sne
(90) Drama
FUra Classics
FURIA
R—Oct. 18—PG-865
(91) Drama
Leo Cohn
THE BLUE VEIL
R—Oct. 25—PG-868
(97) Comedy
QUE VERDE ERA N
PADREI
R—Oct.
25—PO-868
BOXOmCE BookmGuide Mar. 6, 1948

'-1

REVIEW DI(jE>I
and Alphabetical Future Guide Index-
^
A
905 Advcnluies of Casanova (83) EL 2-28-4S +
B50 Adventure Island (67) Para g-23-47 +
893 Albuquerque (90) Para 1-24-48 -f
Alias 895 A Gentleman (78) 1-31-48 MGM -
906 All My Sons (94) U-l 2-28-48 ff
BSSAIonj the Oregon Trail (64) Rep..- 9-13-47 -f
884 Always Together (78) W8 12-20-47 ±
Anoels' Alley (67) 894 Mono 1-24-48 ±
904 Arch of Triumph (119) UA 2-21-48 -f
790Arnelo Affair, The (87) MGM 2-15-47 +
B
826 Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (95)
RKO 6- 7-47 tt
881 Bandits of Dark Canyon (59) Rep.. .12-13-47 -f
872 Beware of Pity (102) U-l 11- 8-47 +
903 B. F.'s Dauoliter (110) MGM 2-21-48 -f
904 Big Clock, The (93) Para. 2-21-48 +
Big After 875 Town Dark (69) Para 11-22-47 ±
Bill 887 and Coo (16) Rep 1- 3-47 +
875 Bishop's Wife. The (109) RKO 11-22-47 4+
Bart U-l 897 Black (SO) 2- 7-48 ±
900 Black Hills (60) EL 2-14-48 ±
833 Black Gold (91) Allied Artists.... 6-28-47 +
838 Black Narcissus (91) U-l
847 Blackmail (67) Rep g-16-47 ±
Blonde Savage (62) 864 EL 10-11-47 ±
in the 859Blondie Dough (69) Col 9-27-47 ±
885Blondie's Anniversary (67) Col 12-27-47 ±
848 Body and Soul (104) UA 8-16-47 H
Bowery Buckaroos (66) Mono
905 Bride Goes Wild. The (98) MGM.. 2-28-48 +
833 Brute Force (98) U-l 6-28-47 -f-
873 Buckaroo From Powder River (55)
Col U-15-47 ±
850 Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back (65)
Col 8-23-47 ±
842 Burning Cross, The (77) SG 7-26-47 -f
877 Bush Christmas (76) U-l 11-29-47 -|-
864 Bury Me Dead (66) EL 10-11-47 +
C
899 Caged Fury (60) Para 2-14-48 -f
894 Call Northside 777 (lU) 20-Fox. ,
.
1-24-48 +f
899 Campus Honeymoon (61) Rep 2-14-48 +
880 Captain Boycott (93) U-l 12-6-47 +
880 Captain From Castile (141) 20-Fox 12- 6-47 H
853 Caravan (84) EL 9- 6-47 -f-
797 Carnegie Hall (136) UA 3-8-47 ±
Case of the Baby Sitter (40) SG
872 Cass Timberlane (119) MGM 11- 8-47 ++
906 Challenge, The (68) 20-Fox 2-28-48 -f
877 Check Your Guns (55) EL 11-29-47 +
886
884 Chinese Ring, The (67) Mono 12-20-47
-f-
±
872 Christmas Eve (90) UA 11-8-47 +
881 Crime Doctor's Gamble. The (66) Col. 12-13-47 ±
838 Crimson Key (76) 20-Fox 7-12-47 ±
833 Crossfire (86) RKO 6-28-47 ++
837 Cry Wolf (83) WB 7-12-47 ±
819 Cynthia (98) MGM 5-17-47 ++
D
878 Daisy Kenyon (99) 20-Fox 11-29-47 ++
796 Danger Street (66) Para 3- 1-47 it
884 Dangerous Years (62) 20-Fox 12-20-47 -f
B54Dark Passage (106) WB 9- 6-47 -f-
724 Dear Ruth (95) Para. 5-31-47 -f
843 Deep Valley (106) WB 8-2-47 ++
844 Desert Fury (95) Para 8-2-47 +
896 Design for Death (48) RKO 1-31-48 -|-
860 Desire Me (91) MGM 9-27-47 +
820 Desperate (73) RKO 5-17-47 -f
879 Devil Ship (62) Col 12- 6-47 ±
861 Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (65) RKO 10- 4-47 -|-
822 Dick Tracy's Dilemma (60) RKO.. 5-24-47 ++
887 Double Life, A (103) U-l 1-3-48 -4
844 Down to Earth (101) Col 8- 2-47 4+
838 Dragnet (71) SG 7-12-47 ±
874 Driftwood (90) Rep 11-15-47 ±
E
871 Escape Me Never (104) WB U- 8-47 +
868 Exile. The (92) U-l 10-25-47 +
857 Exposed (59) Rep 9-20-47 —
F
873 Fabulous Texan, The (95) Rep 11-15-47 ++
830 Fiesta (104) MGM 6-14-47 898 Fighting Mad (75) Motio 2-7-48 +
•77 Fighting Vigilantes, Tli« (61) EL. ..U-29-47 ±

M
92 Mad Wednesday (94) UA
51 Magic Town (103) RKO
93 Main Street Kid, Ttie (65) Rep..
,67 Man About Town (89) RKO
98 Man of Evil (90) UA
39 Marauders. The (100) UA
49 Marshall of Cripple Creek (58)
95 Mary Uu (66) Col 1-31-48 ± ±
35 Merlon of the Movies (S3) MGM.... 7-19-47 + ±
-f 98 Miracle Can Happen, A (107) UA.. 2- 7-48 ±
M Mr. Reckless (66) Para
13 Monsieur Verdoux (120) UA
Mother Wore Tipths (107) 20;Fox.
79 Mourning Becomes Electra (173)
RKO
»My Girl Tisa (95) WB
My Wild Irish Rose (101) WB...
.10-25-47
. 2- 7-48
. 7-19-47
. 8-23-47
2-21-48
4-26-47
8-30-47
.12- 6-47 + ±
1 II 1 I il II i"
6+
7-1- 1-
4-1- 7-
7+ 2-
2-f 3-
3+ 3-
5-f 3-
6-1- 6-
7-1- 3-
8-t-
2-
2+ 5-
9+ 4-
10-1- 1-
N
L )6 Naked City. The (96) U-l 1-31-48
,.,31 News Hounds (63) Mono 6-21-47
!,i76 Nicholas Nickleby (95) U-l 11-22-47
74 Night Sons (102) RKO 11-15-47
55 Nightmare Alley (111) 20-Fox 10-18-47
n North of the Border (40) SG 9-27-47
9 Northwest Outpost (91) Rep 5-17-47
6+ 1-
6-t- 3-
8+ 2-
1+ 1-
7-1- 5-
On the Old Spanish Trail (75) Rep. 11- 1-47
»3 Open Secret (70) EL 1-24-4S
aOreoon Trail Scouts (58) Ren 5-24-47
.0 Other Love, The (95) UA 4-12-47
>3 0ut of the Blue (84) EL 9- 6-47
S- -SOutof the Past (96) RKO 11-22-47
±6+5-
-f 10-1-
± 10-1- 2-
+ S+ 1-
14 Pacific Adventure (97) Col 6-28-47 ±
)S Panhandle (84) Allied Artists 1-31-48 +
Paradine Case, The (129) SRO.... 1- 3-48 +f
)3 Pearl. The (79) RKO 2-21-48 —
Perilous Waters (64) Mono
a Perils of Pauline (96) Para 5-24-47 +
Philo Vance's Secret Mission (58) EL
W Piccadilly Incident (87) MGM.... 2-7-48 ±
16 Pioneer Justice (56) EL 7- 5-47 —
of '6 Pirates Monterey (78) U-l 11-22-47 ±
H-
5 Possessed (108) WB 6- 7-47 ++
Prairie Express (55) Mono
Pretender, The (69) Rep 8-30-47 ±
.1
9 Prince of Thieves. The (72) Col.... 12- 6-47 +
IsRailrtaded (72) EL 10-18-47
' iRtd Stallion. The (81) EL 7-26-47
fZ Relentless (92) Col 1-17-4S
urn of Rin Tin Tin, The (67) EL 11- 8-47
iS Return of the Lash (53) EL 11-15-47
Return of the Whistler, The (63) Col
7 Ride the Pink Horse (101) U-l.... 9-20-47
Ridss of the Lone Star (54) Col
Ridin' Down the Trail (53) Mono.
9Riff-Raff (80) RKO 6-14-47
a Road to Rio (101) Para 11- S-47
9 Road to the Big House (74) SG....11- 1-47
Robin Hood of Monterey (55) Mono
5 Robin Hood of Texas (71) Rep 9-13-47
6 Romance of Rosy Ridge, The
(105) MGM 7- 5-47
7 Roosevelt Story, The (80) UA 7-12-47
8 Rose of Santa Rosa (65) Col 1- 3-48
2 Roses Are Red (67) 20-Fox 11- 8-47
7 Rustlers of Devil's Canyon (58) Rep. 7-12-47
L Saddle Pals (72) Rep 6-21-47
7 Saigon (95) Para 2- 7-48
2 Second Chance (62) 20-Fox 7-26-47
9 Secret Beyond the Door (98) U-l... 1-10-4S
(Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The
(105) RKO 7-19-47
J Senator Was Indiscreet, The (81) U-l 12-20-47
SSeven Keys to Baldpate (68) RKO.. 6- 7-47
(Shadow Valley (58) EL 12-6-47
3 Shepherd of the Valley (103) 20-Fox 6-14-47

'
'-
SHORTS REVIEWS
Tex Beneke and His
Orchestra
(Martin Block's Musical Merry-Go-Round)
MGM 10 Minutes
Good. Second in the new series is an informal
telling of a success story interspersed
with the playing of several of the most popular
Beneke and Glenn Miller records by Martin
Block. Beneke, a broad-shouldered, likable
guy, joined Glenn Miller's orchestra in the
early part of the war. When Miller was reported
missing v/hile entertaining the troops,
Beneke took over and brought Miller's musical
aggregation continued success.
Freddy Martin and His
Orchestra
Very good. First of a new series starring
America's No. 1 disk jockey is a lively and entertaining
short with both band and film star
value. Keenan Wynn, MGM comedy star,
comes in to interview Martin Block as he sits
at the turntable with a supply of records to
play. Freddy Martin is then seen as well as
heard playing "Cumana," "Tonight We Love,"
based on the Tchaikovsky concerto, and
"Come to the Mardi Gras."
Jungle Closeups
20th-Fox (Movietone Adventure) 8 Minutes
Very good. Movietone's long-range camera
gels some remarkable closeup views of South
Africa's wild life in its natural habitat in the
5,000,000-acre Kruger National Park in eastern
Transvaal. This short has the best shots of
giraffes, zebras, monkeys and lions seen in
recent years. Ed Thorgerson adds some
amusing narration.
Olympic Class
Swiss Cheese Family
Robinson
20th-Fox (Terryloon) 7 Minutes
Good. Mighty Mouse again comes to the
rescue of some unfortunate rodents in a novel
cartoon subject. The victims of a shipwreck
toss a bottle with a message into the sea.
They land on a desert island and are almost
devoured by cannibals before the message
reaches the mouse relaxing on the sands of
Miami Beach. Of course, he dashes to rescue
and vanquishes the cannibals.
Tex Beneke & Orchestra
Univ-Int'l (Name Band Musical) 15 Minutes
Good. A Number of old and new dance
favorites make this a pleasant short. There
is "Moonlight Serenade," long the identifying
theme of the late Glenn Miller, who formerly
headed the Beneke orchestra. In addition,
there are: "Over the Rainbow" from the
film "Wizard of Oz," "Too Late," "Sleepy Time
Gal," "Blue Is the Night" and "Kalamazoo."
Beneke and the Moonlight Serenciders handle
the vocals.
Opinions on the Current Short Subjeets-
Snow Capers
Univ-Int'l (Two-Reel Special) 19 Minutes
Good. A little late for the winter season
but still an interesting filler. There are striking
scenes of the Canadian Rockies around
Banff, Alberta, with beautiful shots of ski
experts speeding down the mountainsides.
There also are several scenes of midwinter
swimming in an outdoor pool heated by natural
springs. Mel Allen, radio sports announcer,
handles the narration.
A Feather in His Hare
Warner Bros. (Bugs Bunny Special) 7 Minutes
Hilarious. Bugs Bunny is in top form as he
tangles with a not-so-bright Indian intent on
capturing his scalp. Bugs is captured several
times, but the Indian doesn't give up easily.
He manages to lure Bugs into an improvised
tepee barber shop for the purpose of scalping
the rabbit. The carrot-munching rascal knocks
the Indian unconscious and places a bunch
of cigars in his fist. At the close the Indian
complains to Bugs that he is the last Mohican.
Bugs looks up to the sky to find a stork
delivering a baby Indian. This stork is followed
by a squadron of storks carrying miniature
Bugs Bunnies. They chorus, "What's up.
Pop?"
The Friendship Train
Warner Bros. (Documentary) 14 Minutes
Good. The foreword to the reel by Harry
Warner explains that the film was made as
a gesture of thanks to the millions of Americans
who contributed gifts to the Friendly
Food train. The film follows the course of the
train from its gala sendoff in Los Angeles,
eastward across the U.S. Contributions of
food are shown being piled into boxcars as
the train lengthens in its journey to New York.
Drew Pearson, originator of the Friendship
Food train idea, is depicted at various stops
the train makes, personally helping to load
the boxcars and thanking food contributors.
Dwight Weist and Andre Boruch are narrators.
20th-Fox (Movietone Sports Review) lOMins.
Good. A group of aqua queens demonstrate Teddy, the Rough Rider
that they have what it takes to achieve
Olympic class. The American girls, Ann
Warner Bros. (Technicolor Special) 20 Minutes
Curtis, Marilyn Sahner, Nancy Merki, Jeanne Good. Sidney Blackmer, who plays Theodore
Roosevelt in the film, "My Girl, Tisa,"
Wilson, Suzanne Zimmerman and Zoe Ann
Olson, work at making top speed swimming portrays the feature role of the Rough Rider
turns under the eye of coach Charlie Savage. in this rerelease. The film offers particular
Other athletic events narrated by Mel Allen appeal to civic and school groups. The short
are Robert Bennett of Brown university, for follows his career from 1895 when he became
track and field; Bob Fitch, discus thrower, police commissioner of New York City to his
and Dr. Steve Seymour of Los Angeles, javelin d'eath. There is a brief exciting scene of the
expert.
action in the Spanish-American War. Blackmer's
portrayal of Roosevelt is effective. His
speeches are a trifle over-long.
Thanks, America
Warner Bros. (Italian documentary) 27 Minutes
Interesting. Incum, Rome, newsreel producer
in Italy, has donated this documentary
account of the distribution of the Friendship
Food train gifts for showing in the U.S. to
Warners. Footage concentrates mainly on
shots of unloading of the food gifts and the
reactions of the Italians when they ore told
the food will go to children. Orson Wellse is
narrator. The film is particularly suited for
showing in Italian neighborhood houses.
What's Brewin Bruin?
Warner Bros. (Merrie Melody) 7 Minutes
Amusing. The bear family decides to go
to sleep for the winter. The baby bear is
built like Garantua and speaks in a manner
reminiscent of Finnegan on the "Duffy's Tavern"
radio show. Papa bear spends the winter
trying to stop a leak in the roof and attempting
to prevent the baby bear from
crushing him to death in his sleep. They
share the some bed. When papa finally is
prepared to get some sleep, spring downs.
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. IG: President describes '
reactionaries as "lloogie birds"; American ,;
flour arrives in China; helicopter tested; carni- i
val in Rio; films of "Tokyo Rose" who enter- 9
tained GIs in the Pacific; Ming leads a dog's 9
life; navy wrestling; U.S. Olympic star takes '1
ski jump. ^
News of the Day, No. 250: Democrats open %
presidential battle of 1948; starving China to- \
day; quintuplets for the Leos; baseball in the
|
air; one-man helicopter; carnival time in Rio.
Paramount News, No. 53: Joe Louis; Selassie
attends Epiphany rites; Mountbatten calls on
maharajah; fashions—spring and summer; political
fireworks begin; Red Cross trailer.
Universal News, No. 120: Truman keynotes
1948 campaign; U.S. food arrives in China;
spring rains flood Seville and other Spanish
towns; colorful carnival in Rio; hill-climbing
machine demonstrated at Seattle; billiard
champ shows amazing skill at Barcelona-
Gregory Peck appeals for Red Cross.
Warner Pathe News, No. 55: Demonstrate
plans for Turks; Mountbatten honored by
maharajah- Democrats at Jackson day dinner;
feeding China's needy; this was "Tokyo Rose";
canaries in melodrama; London art show.
• ^,
Movietone News, No. 17: Atom bomb kills
"
i
40, injures 100; United Nations faces a crisis;
'>':
first films aboard an illegal ship; Czecho-
Slovakia taken over by Communists; President ,
Truman's trip; General Eisenhower in civilian -;.
life; Los Angeles Freedom Train; 15 to I long jj
shot beats Assault. J
News of the Day, No. 251: The Palestine *
tragedy; explosion rocks Jerusalem; United 1
Nations crisis; the Hagonah ship drama; new |
look for General "Ike"; Czechoslovakians in •»!
chains. 5
Paramount News, No. 54: Communists con- sj
trol Czechoslovakia; Truman the tourist; Eisen-
|
hower in civilian clothes; Palestine and the s
United Nations.
Universal News, No. 121: United Nations -t
ponders Palestine crisis; bomb explosion in °
Jerusalem; refugee ship seized by British;
Truman tours the Caribbean; third pctrty candidate;
General "Ike" dons civilian clothes.
Warner Pathe News, No. 5B: U.S. rejects
force in Palestine; Henry Wallace and Senator
Taylor; Truman in the Caribbean; Eisenhower
dons civilian attire; long shot wins
Widc-ner cup race; Reds take over Czecho- ^
Slovakia; Great Americans—Sam Houston. m
Telenews Digest, No. 7: South boycotts Jack-l
son day dinner; Bulgarian exile tells of fightl
with communism; US. coins get treasuryl^
check: tea imports put to U.S. taste test; should:*
women be permitted to drink in bars alone?;-*
Latin-American nations join to fight delinquency;
the inauguration of President Ramon
;
Vallegos; Mexican rodeo shows off co-wboys i
and tractors: Czechoslovakian cavern will be- j'l
come national tourist spot; Samoan king pre- .1
fers to be GI soldier; facsimile broadcasting,
the women's world; Florida—the same old
'.
story; European wrestling championship; j
Celebes ox fighting.
All American news, VoL 6, No. 279: Howori
graduate is new Notre Dame librarian; NegroJ
minister elected head of Brooklyn church
federation: 4-year-old Dayton, Ohio, boy composes
and plays o-wn piano numbers: annual
sports festival in Congo is great demonstration
of skill; annual carnival held in New
Orleans.
All American News, Vol. 6, No. 280: Joe Louis
and wile Marva sail on Queen Mary for exhibition
tour of Europe; President speaks to-
Jefferson day dinner; Thomas family of Jack
sonville, Fla., rears triplets; Emperor Haile Se-jl
lassie and Marshal Montgomery revie-w
troops; All American news cameraman covers
President Truman's Caribbean journey.
}
12
BOXOrnCE BookinGuide :: Mar. 6, 1948,
J

II
i'^
Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! F
,""'"'
' ^ (Technjcolor)
20th-Fox (811) 98 Minutes Bel. Apr. '48
At first blush it would seem hardly likely that a story
in which the pivotal characters are a callow farm youth
and a team ol mules would hove much to ofier in the way
of diverting film entertairunent. In this instance, at least,
such a surmise is far from correct—for out of those elements!
plus a simple, homespun story. Technicolor photography and
a gold-plated cast, has been fashioned a straightforward
piece of entertainment that has undeniable charm, a refreshing
lack of sophistication, and all the earmarks of a
boxoffice winner. In atmosphere and plot technique the subject
is reminiscent of Charlie Ray's great silent-screen hits
and—once showmen surmount the hurdle of an awkward
title—should do top business, not only in first run spots but
also, and emphatically, in small town and rural communities
Directed by F. Hugh Herbert.
June Haver, Lou McCallister, Walter Brerman, Anne Revere,
Natalie Wood. Robert Karnes, Henry Hull, Tom TuUy.
The Sainted Sisters
Paramount (- 89 Minutes Rel.
That old one about the regeneration of a crook through the
influence exerted by more soulful companions is accorded
an intriguing new twist in this one, wherein the lawbreakers
are a couple of confidence gals on the lam after a $25,000
blackmail shakedown. The accent is on homespun comedy,
performances are generally good, and the marquee lure of
Barry Fitzgerald, Veronica Lake and Joan Caulfield should
be potent enough to draw the customers in satisfactory
quantities. It is Fitzgerald, a tombstone-carver for a smalltown
cemetery, who sets the girls on the straight-and-narrow
path after they moved into his home, intending to use it as
a hideout. Ultimately his integrity convinces them they must
pay the penalty, so they go back to New York and give
themselves up, planning to return when they have discharged
their debt to society. Directed by William Russell.
Veronica Lake, Joan Caulfield, Barry Fitzgerald, William
Demarest, George Reeves, Beulah Bondi.
Miracle of the Bells
RKO Radio (869) lis Minutes Rel.
Producers lesse L. Lasky and Walter MacEwen have a
solid hit in their film version ol the best-selling tome by
Hussell Janney—adroitly combining fact and fancy, realism
ana spiritual overtones, in a manner that can hardly fail to
striko a responsive chord in the hearts of all but the most
cynical audiences. Splendidly cast, ably directed by Irving
Pichel, Janney's sentimental tale of a priest, a pre.ss agent
and a famous film actress who returns in death to her birthplace,
a Pennsylvania coal town, is told largely in flashback.
Slow in getting under way, the tempo picks up rapidly
once the plot and characters have been established, and
the "miracle" referred to in the title is handled so deftly
that it provides a novel and heart-warming climax. Fred
IvIacMurray is the press agent, Valli the actress and, in an
unusual casting, Frank Sinatra portrays the priest.
Valli, Fred MacMurray, Frank Sinatra, Lee J. Cobb, Philip
Ahn, Dorothy Sebastian, Billy Wayne.
Strawberry Roan F
°"cT^o°orr
Columbia (
)
—
Minutes Rel.
There s a pot ol gold for all but de luxe houses at the foot
this rainbow-colored film. Combining a less routine kind
ol
of western action, ranch chores such as capturing and
breaking wild horses from the hills, with Autry's singing and
breath-taking scenery in Cinecolor, there is tense drama
in the plot. A ranch owner's love son causes for his blind
rage at the stallion which injures Joe when the boy tries to
break him. Autry hides with the horse in the hills and gentles
him so the boy will recover his spirit and ride again. Musical
numbers are patently dragged in and the "chase" element
is not overlooked; even birds-and-the-bees information
simply dramatized by the arrival of a foal. Small town audiences
and neighborhood houses will love all this which
augurs well for future Autry films under the Columbia banner.
John English directed.
Gene Autry, Gloria Henry, Jack Holt, Dick Jones, Pat Buttram.
Rufe Davis, John McGuire.
The Man From Texas b Phantom Valley
Eagle Lion (815) 71 Minutes ReL Mar. 6, Columbia (965) 53 Minutes Rel. Feb. 19, 48
This outdoor drama makes cagey use of the interest audiences
always have in daring American frontier bandits.
With a competent cast headed! by James Craig, this saga
of the El Paso Kid also shows what his unconventional means
of making a living meant to his wife and family. Loving him
and pleading with him to live a normal life of respectability,
this churchgoing woman always wanted a church ceremony
performed in addition to their hasty marriage by a justice
of peace, but a posse interferes. At times the Kid tries to go
straight, even legally borrowing money from a bank to go in
business. There is a whimsical, tongue-in-cheek quality to
much of the script which will delight sophisticated audiences
as well as action ones. The climax is really sensational, the
Kid saving the gold-laden train carrying him 1o prison from
the holdup gang that betrayed him. Leigh Jason directed.
James Craig, Lynn Ban, Johnnie Johnston, Una Merkel, Wally
Ford, Harry Davenport, Sara AUgood.
Tornado Range
Different from others of the Durango Kid series in little but
names and places, and perhaps in that the leader of the
outlaw gang turns out to be a woman. Ever since the murder
of one of the ranchers and the robbery of granger funds
he had withdrawn from the bank, a feud has been going
on which Charles Starrett in his twin-personality of Steve
Collins, government agent, and Durango Kid, outlaw, tries
to settle. Smiley Burnette rides about on his sway-backed,
ring-eyed white nag, cracks his jokes and sings his corny
tunes, with an occasional assist to the plot. Ozie Waters
and his Colorado Rangers give out with those western tunes
which have become routine for recent sagebrush dramas.
In spots where the series has drawn a following, this sagebrusher
should fill out a weekend action double bill. Directed
by Ray Nazarro.
Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, Virginia Hunter, Joel Friedkin,
Robert W. Filmer, Mikel Conrad, Zon Murray.
Oklahoma Badlands
Eagle Lion (854) 56 Minutes Rel. Feb. 21,
Eddie Dean's ingratiating personality and pleasing way
with a cowboy ballad are the outstanding features of a
formula western. It will do good business in western and
action houses only. Once again Roscoe Ates plays the stuttering
comedy relief and Jennifer Holt makes a decorative
heroine but George Chesebro, usually the villain, is on the
side of the law this time. There is plenty of gunplay and
cross-country riding as well as one rip-roaring fistic encounter.
Dean is assigned by the U.S. land office to protect
the interests of the homesteaders, who are moving west .
.
have open title. The ranchers warn Dean that they mean
to claim their government land to which the cattle ranchers
to stop the homesteader caravan from coming through.
When Dean convinces the ranchers that outlaws are stirring
up trouble, peace is assured. Directed by Ray Taylor.
Eddie Dean, Roscoe Ates, Jermiler Holt George Chesebro,
Brad Sloven, Terry Frost, Marshall Reed, Russell Arms.
i
nno
ROYOFPirtE / March
'48 Republic (753) 59 Minutes Rel. Feb. 22. '48
It's diificult to see how, in an hour's footage, there could
have been crammed more action, gunplay, fist-fights, runaway
stage coaches, cattle-rustling and other assorted
skulduggery. Latest in the series starring Allan "Rocky"
Lane, the sizzling pace marks it as a sure-fire entry in
action houses and should have the red-blooded juvenile fans
tearing up the seats. The ingredients are of the staple,
bread-and-butter variety: Cowardly cow-thieves; the brain
behind the gang; the comedy-relief ranch foreman; the beautiful
girl kidnapped by the crooks and rescued in time's nick.
With these items as the story framework. Lane ric'es into the
Iray, masquerading as a dude from the big city, and virtually
single-handed rounds up the rascals—disposing of
enough ammunition in the process to ventilate everybody
within miles. Directed by Yakima Canutt.
Allan "Rocky" Lane. Eddy Waller, Mildred Coles, Roy Barcroft,
Gene Stutenroth, Earle Hodgins, Dale Van Sickel.

. . . the
. . . Exploding
. . Your
. . Galloping
. . Allan
. .
. .
. .
. .
. . Tender,
. . Greater
. . And
. . He
. . Guns
. . They
. . She
. . She
. . Head
. . Made
. .
EXPLOITIPS Suggestions for Selling; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES: "Miracle of the Bells"
SELLING ANGLES:
"Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!"
The novel on which this is based hit the best-seller lists
and should be made the basis of special library and bookstore
displays. Secure the endorsements of religious and
civic groups after inviting representatives to a special
screening. Supply local religious and school publications
virith scene mats and stories. As giveaways use small
pieces of cardboard cut out in the shape of bells and hcrng
similar bell cutouts around the marquee. Scour newspaper
files for stories of modern "miracles" and blow them up for
lobby display.
CATCHLINES:
It's Heading Your Way . . . the Warmest, Humanest Movie
You've Ever Seen . Heart Will Be Wearing a Great
Big Smile . . . You'll Choke Up With Tears and Laughter
... at This Unforgettable Story.
Just Once in a Lifetime . . . the Screen Rises to Such
Triumph . . . You'll Want to See It Over and Over Again
Happiest, Heartiest, Warmest Hit Ever Filmed .
and a Human Story You'll Never Forget.
jat
in
Scour around among outlying farm communities for mule
teams and stage a contest to determine the most intelligent
and hard-working, offering a prize to the winning owner.
Point out in your advertising that the original by George
Agnew Chamberlain was serialized in the Country Gentleman,
condensed in the Readers' Digest and published as a
novel. A young man resembling Lon McCallister, astride
a mule, would make effective street ballyhoo. Conduct a
contest for the longest list of words that can be spelled from
the letters
in the title.
CATCHLINES:
A Heart-Warming Triangle ... a Boy, a Girl and His Mule
Team . Homespun Romance . . . the Story of a
Simple Farm Boy Who Knows There Ain't No Animal as
Smart as a Mule ... if He's Handled Right.
It's as Neighborly as the Family Next Door . . . the Tender,
Human Tale of a Love-Smitten Farm Boy . Over Heels
in Love With the Belle of the County ... It was Great as
a Book .
as a Movie.
SELLING ANGLES: "Strawberry Roan" SELLING ANGLES: "The Sainted Sisters"
CATCHLINES:
The Screen's Mightiest Drama of a Stallion Outlaw .
Four-Footed Fury and Two-Fisted Daring ... A Magnificent
Outlaw Stallion That Becomes a Legend of the West .
Gene Autry Defies a Gun-Crazed Posse to Win Justice for a
Great Horse.
Run a rocking-horse contest by having one on display in
the lobby and advertising it will be given away to the ticketholder
having the lucky number the night of the show opening.
Ask local shops to feature "Autry gloves," "Autry hats,"
"Autry boots." Get local music stores to display Gene Autry
platters and guitar exhibits. Use a horseshoe display in the
lobby—also a large still of the Strawberry Roan.
Both Branded Outlaws but a Kid's Life and a Girl's Happiness
Depend on Them . . . The Wild Horse Country Hurls
Aulry His Greatest Challenge . . . "Horses, Like People, Need
a Lot of Lovin' "... A Great Horse Story, a Great Heart
Story.
Tie the title in with a "sister act" display of women's and
girls' clothing, shoes, etc., with local merchants, illustrated
with stills of Veronica Lake and Joan Caulfield, who portray
sisters in the picture. Stage a "two-for-one-price" matinee for
sisters who can identify themselves as such. Use two attractive
blonde girls, who resemble each other, in street
ballyhoo. Stills of Barry Fitzgerald as a tombstone-carver
could be used in gag tieups.
CATCHLINES:
The Guy Was Amorous . Had Money to Spend .
He Thought the Sisters Were Honeys ... But He Changed
His Mind When He Discovered the Interlude Cost Him
Twenty-Five Grand .
All His lllu
You'll Love the Sainted Sisters . . . Who Were Too Generous
With Other People's Money . Had Plenty of
Ideas About Making a Living ... At the Expense of Somebody
Else . . . Until a Guy Without A Dime . Them
Realize Honesiy Pays Off.
SELLING ANGLES: "Phantom Valley" ^;-
Use still displays of the Durango Kid in striking poses, accompanied
by stills of Smiley as comedy relief. Ask local
owners of juke boxes to use Smiley records in their machines
and get displays of some in the music stores. Use a
newspaper or radio "Valley Quiz" asking for the names of
valleys famous for winter sports, little rainfall, world famous
power and irrigation, etc. Have a masked man or boy on
horseback ride the principal streets wearing a sign: "I'm
heading for Phantom Valley, State Theatre, Friday."
CATCHLINES:
Deadly Durango Shooting Up Bad Men, Songster Smiley
Cooking Up Laughs . . . Durango and Smiley Rout Rustlers
With Bullets and Song in Yippee Style . . . Roaring
Rhythm and Fast Action on the Old Cattle Range.
Song-Studded Thrills in Bandit Infested Hills . . . The West's
Big Tune, Action and Thrill Team . Hoofs, Blazing
Guns, Rollicking Tunes ... He Looked for the 'Woman
and Found Her the Leader of the Gang.
SELLING ANGLES:
'The Man From Texas"
Groundwork has been laid by the producers for advance
advertising in national magazines and with product tieups.
A true-false quiz contest about Texas will help to call
stills attention to the film as will from the picture decorating
the lobby. Radio spot announcements can whip up interest
in the thrilling aspects of the film and local bookstores using
window cards with displays of western books or those containing
the word Texas arouse interest. A lobby showcase
display of a train holdup will be worth the trouble of
assembling.
CATCHLINES:
He Didn't Say Much—His Guns Talked for Him . . . Shooting,
Looting, Loving—All in His Blood . Found What a
Thousand Bullets Missed—His Heart ... A Price on His
Head, a Woman in His Heart, Hot Guns in His Hands.
The Renegade Hero of a Lawless Era Texas Was His
.' . .
Country, Plenty Big, Plenty Rough, Plenty Tough . . . Half
Saint, Half Renegade, but All Man . Wanted a Church
Wedding and a Respected Place in the Community ... He
Got Money From a Bank—Once—by Signing a Note!
SELLING ANGLES: "Oklahoma Badlands" SELLING AN€n.ES: "Tornado Range"
If you haven't already done so, organize an Allan "Rocky"
Lane Fan club among your juvenile patrons and supply them
with inexpensive membership cards and badges. With local
merchants supplying prizes, stage a cowboy costume contest
for the kids at matinees. Arrange window displays of
western-type clothing and make the usual tieups with magazine
distributors on pulp western pubUcations. For lobby
display prepare a blown-up map of the Oklahoma badlands
country.
CATCHLINES:
It's Your Favorite New Western Hero . "Rockv"
Lane ... in Fierce, Furious Outdoor AdVenture ... a Six-
Shootin' Gang Buster ... Out to Corral Land-Lootin' Killers
... in a Flaming Showdown.
A Two-Fisted, Straight-Shooting Story of the Old West .
as Allan "Rocky" Lane Fights a Fearless Battle ... to Bring
Justice to the Bandit-Ridden Badlands . . . It's a Fast and
Furious Outdoor Thriller.
Arrange tieups with music shops and department stores
for window and counter displays of songs by Eddie Dean
and his Majestic recordings. Run a contest to discover the
boy or girl who has the best singing voice and let the opening
night audience be the judge. Make the winner honorary
president of a local Eddie Dean Fan Club. A man
wearing a cowboy outfit and riding a horse with a playdale
slung over the saddle will attract attention.
CATCHLINES:
Eddie Dean Has a New Gal, a New Horse and a Saddle-
Bag of New Songs . . . Eddie Is Hot on the Trail of the Outlaws
Who Ride Tornado Range . Blaze and Bullets
Fly As the Cattle Ranchers Claim Open Range.
Eddie Dean and His Horse, Copper, in a Tale of Rip-
Roaring Action . . . It's Action at Its Best as Eddie Dean
Battles the Outlaws Who Are Fighting the Homesteaders.

Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Publit
FEATURE REVIEWS
Holiday Camp
Univ-Int'l 97 Minutes
Drama
Rel. Fob. '47
Typically British in its atmosphere and characterizations,
yet a delightfully warm and entertaining tale ol working
people on a holiday. Because the all-English cast has scant
name value, the picture is best suited to art houses. However,
it rates extra selling as a dualler in neighborhood
spots, where average audiences will enjoy the down-toearth
humor. Director Ken Annikin skillfully employes the
"Grand Hotel" pattern to bring together the many sub-plots
in a rambling story which alternates between comedy and
dramatic sequences. While their accents seem too heavy
at the start, the British players have an acting field day with
their well-sustained characterizations. Flora' Robson gives
a moving portrayal of a lonely spinster. Jack Warner is
amusing as a family man and Esma Cannon makes an
engaging, man-chasing nitwit.
Flora Robson, Dennis Price, Hazel Court, lack Warner,
Kathleen Harrison, Jimmy Hanley. Esme Cannon.
Kings of the Olympics - Part 1 F
United Artists 60 Minutes Hel.-
With the sports writers stirring up interest in the Olympic
games to be held in London next July, this hour-long camera
record of the 1936 Berlin Olympics should prove timely.
During the next six months it will have boxolfice possibilities
as a second feature in regular situations or as a single feature
for newsreel theatres. Its appeal need not be restricted
to sports fans. There is artistic camera work and keen drama
for all in the foot races, jumping events, and water sports
shown here. Some of the U.S. athletes who made sports
history as participants in these events are Jesse Owens,
Ralph Metcalfe, Glenn Cunningham and Ken Carpenter. Narration
is well handled by Bill Slater. Joseph Lerner and
Max Rosenbaum are to be commended for their editing job
on the vast footage shot by 600 German cameramen. Part
II of the 1936 Olympics will be released after Part I has been
played off. It will include soccer, polo, bicycle races, the
decathlon and marathon.
Jenny Lamour A J^Z;.
The Fight Never Ends
F
Foremost Films 102 Minutes Hel.
A racy, realistic and suspensful murder mystery with a
backstage background which permits the logical introduction
of songs and specialties. One of the best of the Frenchlanguage
imports, it should do strong business in art houses.
The Parisian music hall atmosphere and sexy theme also
might be exploited in other metropolitan spots but it's
strictly adult fare and not for neighborhood audiences. The
English titles approach the risque, several of the characters
are degenerate and some of the situations are spicy, to say
the least. The songs, including the catchy "Dance Avec Moi,
ore delivered in spirited fashion by Suzy Delair, who gives
an excellent portrayal of an ambitious entertainer. Louis
Jouvet gives another outstanding performance as a calm
and cagy police inspector. Directed by Henri-Georges
Clouzot. Foremost Films is at 229 West 42nd St., N.Y.C.
Louis Jouvet, Suzy Delair, Bernard Blier, Simone Renant,
Charles DuUin, Rene Blancart.
A Lover's Return
A
Westport International 96 Minutes Rel.
A slow-moving and cynical tale of revenge and adolescent
love, this French-language film is adult fare. The names of
Louis Jouvet and Gaby Morlay aie familiar to art theatre
patrons and the film will do good business in sure-seaters.
Except where French-speaking patrons predominate, the
picture will hove little value generally. Jouvet gives one
of his customary suave portrayals of a middle-aged lover
and Miss Morlay contributes a sincere performance as a
matron who hopes to recapture the thrills of young love. But
it is Ludmila Tcherina who stands out for her beauty, her
capable acting and her hne dancing in the several ballet
sequences. These have been lavishly staged and well
photographed. A successful impresario returns to the town
where a shooting broke up his romance of 20 years before.
Directed by Christian Jaque.
Louis Jouvet, Gaby Morlay, Francois Perier, Ludmila
Tcherina, Jean Brochard, Marguerite Moreno.
Laugh, Pagliacci
Continental Films 89 Minutes Rel.
One of the better Italian-language films with some dramatic
acting and fine singing to offset the out-moded plot.
Beniamino Gigli's draw with opera lovers makes this surefire
in the art theatres and in a few metropolitan houses.
Public curiosity about 'Valli, currently starring in Selznick's
"The Paradine Case," also mokes it suitable for duals, especcially
in Italian neighborhoods. 'Valli looks lovely in period
costumes and gives an engaging performance as an unsophisticated
girl. Gigli's glorious voice is heard to advantage
in arias from "Pagliacci" but his acting and hefty
appearance leave something to be desired. However, Paolo
Hoerbiger gives a moving portrayal of a tragic old clovim,
the prototype of the character in the Leoncavallo opera. Directed
by Guiseppe Fatigati. Continental is at 1560 Broadway,
N.Y.C.
Alida Valli, Beniamino Gigli, Paolo Hoerbiger, Dagny Servaes,
Carlo Romano.
Alexander 70 Minutes Rel.
With Joe Louis, world heavyweight chomp, as the star,
this all-Negro film about juvenile delinquency in Harlem
should be able to boost grosses for Negro theatres down
south and for northern theatres catering to predominantly
Negro audiences. The Joe Louis reputation also should help
sell the picture as a Saturday children's show attraction.
Aside from Louis and the Mills Brothers, the picture has little
to offer except a peachy story about the evils of crime. The
acting and story leave much to be desired. As long as Louis
is kept busy on the screen and) is shown sparring in the
ring, it is doubtful whether the production shortcomings will
bother his many fans. There also is the chance that the film
may convince some potential reform school candidates that
crime doesn't pay. Joseph Lerner directed. Alexander Productions,
306 Lennox Ave., New York, N. Y.
Joe Louis, Ruby Dee, The Mills Brothers,
Fanny
Harrel Tillman.
Siritzsky International 126 Minutes Rel.-
The artistry of producer-writer Marcel Pagnol and the
superb acting ability of the late Raimu are combined in
an outstanding French language film. The popularity of
the character actor with art theatre patrons, plus the favorable
critical comjnent, will make this a strong draw in the
sure-seaters. The picture's illegitmacy theme and the twohour
running time make it unsuitable for dual showings in
neighborhood and subsequent runs. The story has a strong
emotional appeal, is filled with human interest andi contains
enough realistic dramatic and comedy touches for two
ordinary films. Raimu gives a deeply moving performance
of an anxious grandfather and Charpin splendidly alternates
the amusing and pathetic side of an excitable middle-aged
lover. Orane Demazis is fair. Directed by Marc AUegret, this
was originally filmed as port of a trilogy in 1937.
Raimu, Orane Demazis, Pierre Fresnay, Charpin. Alida
Rouffe.
Passionelle
A
Distinguished Films 81 Minutes Rel.
Marriage for convenience with sex on the side gets a
thorough goingover in this French film based on a novel by
Emile Zola. It is a picture for adult art and foreign-language
audiences who will not be shocked by its blunt treatment
of premarital relations. There is nothing idyllic about the
story of a small town family of French aristocrats. The practical-minded
mother arranges a "good" marriage for her
convent-educated daughter. The daughter, who has been
having an affair with her maid's son, balks at marrying
the man of her mother's choice. When her jealous lover
' '"", threatens to expose her, she murders him and calls in the
'.'"v to village postal clerk dispose of the body. This clerk has
long been in love with the girl, and therefore does as he is
asked. As a result he is accused of the murder, and "takes
the rap." Edmond Gieville directed.
Jacques Castel-
Odette Joyeaux, Alorme, Sylvie, Roger Blin,
lot, Raymond Galle.
March 6. 1948 909

EXPLOITIPS Suggestions for Selling; Adiines for Newspaper and Program'.

'
1 Cinespeclal
reorder
. I'ovvers.
' \iiiiiican
: March
'
!
I miles.
1 A-r,
Dept,
For Sale: 225-seat, first class, small tlie i
Bargain. Write Academy Theatres, 328 E. I
I St.,
. A-2!)7i;,
l,kTES: 10c per word, minimum Sl.OO. cash with copy. Four insertions for price of three.
[losing DATE: Monday noon preceding publication dale. Send copy and answers to
Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. •
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
n(j day for us. Must move surplus inven-
Anunoaii: 16mm outfits, $995; drive-ins.
I^Ary H.l. Arcsound complete outfits.
:>u mid Gd ampere high Intensity Imperial
!Mre generators, panel, ballasts, starters
' '.'i; complete rebuilt projection, sound
Simplex, Motiograph, Century,
ni all size theatres and drive-ins, $995
~ linniii Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd
^ N. Y.
THEATRES FOR SALE
Build double parking dine-in theatres under
franchise patent No. 2,102,;i8, reissue No. 22,756
and improvements. p.ileiu pendliit;. Up to JO',c
mure seating capacliy with little additional ci i
Louis '
Josserand, Architect, 6J8 M ^ M Hi

'
Comedy H,> of J
|i
History was made at
Loew's Yonkers Theatre when
an SRO Preview audience welcomed the comedy hit
that's headed for the box-office headlines! In a scientific
survey by the Motion Picture Research Bureau,
it registered the highest will recommend rating in
years. There are few real belly-laugh comedies on
the market. The public wants to laugh and here's
your chance to give them the funniest Film in 10 years!
/-ce.b, NORMAN TAUROr
--ducec/ b, WILLIAM H WR/GHT
*''''-o-GoUw
Picture

I
What an entertainment! A big
cast of talented showfolks!
Margaret O'Brien in her sunniest
and funniest role, laughing, singing,
clowning. She's terrific. At
its first Coast audience preview it
captivated a cheering audience.
of M-G-M's Big-Hearted
Drama with Songs
'BIG CITY"
Also Reprint of "DRUNK DRIVING'
A Crime Does Not Pay Short.
ALBANY—MON. 3/2J—8 P.M.
20«h-Fox Screen Room, 10S2 Broadway
ATLANTA—MON. 3/22—10 A.M.
20fh-Fox Screen Room, 197 Wallon SI., N.W.
BOSTON—MON. 3/22—10 A.M.
M-C-M Screen Room, 46 Church Street
BUFFALO—MON. 3/22—2 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 290 Fronklin Stre
CHARLOTTE—MON. 3/22— 1 30 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 308 South Church Street
CHICAGO—MON. 3/22—2 P.M.
H. C. Igel's Screen Room, 1301 South Wobos
CINCINNATI—MON. 3/22—8 P.M.
RKO Screen Room, 16 Eost Sixth Slre<
CLEVELAND—MON. 3/22—1 P.M.
20lh-Fox Screen Room, 2219 Poyne Avenue
DALLAS—MON. 3/22—2:30 P.M.
201h-Fox Screen Room, 1803 Wood Street
DENVER—MON. 3/22—2 P.M.
Paramount Screen Room, 2100 Stout Street
DES MOINES—MON. 3/22—1 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1300 High Street
DETROIT—MON. 3/22—1:30 P.M.
Max Blumenlhol's Screen Room, 2310 Cos
INDIANAPOLIS—MON. 3/22—2 P.M.
20fh-Fox Screen Room, 326 North Illinois Street
KANSAS CITY—MON. 3/22— 1:30 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1720 WyondoMe St.
LOS ANGELES—MON. 3/22—2:30 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2019 So. Vermont Ave
MEMPHIS—MON. 3/22—10 A.M.
20«h-Fox Screen Room, 151 Vance Ave
Starring
IMARGARET O'BRIEN ROBERT PRESTON
•
lANNY THOMAS • GEORGE MURPHY
•
KARIN BOOTH EDWARD ARNOLD
BUTCH JENKINS
And Introducing To The Screen
BETTY GARRETT and LOTTE LEHMANN
sen Play by Whitfield Cook and Anne Morrison Chopin • Additional Dialogue
Aben Kcndel • Based on a Story by Miklos Laszio • As Adapted by Nanette
Directed by NORMAN TAUROG
• Produced by JOE PASTERNAK
A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
mRA! SEE M-G-M's "DRUNK DRIVING"!
the suggestion of many of our customers we
et
e re-releasing the Crime Does Not Pay subject,
Drunk Driving." It is even more timely than
c/er now and all the tie-ups which made it
s great exploitation Short are again available
t) help bring in extra receipts.
MILWAUKEE—MON. 3/22—1:30 P.M.
Warner Screen Room, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
MINNEAPOLIS—MON. 3/22—2 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1015 Currie Aven
NEW HAVEN—MON. 3/22—2 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 40 Whiting Street
NEW ORLEANS—MON. 3/22— 1:30 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 200 South Liberty SI.
OMAHA—MON. 3/22—1:30 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1502 Davenport Si.
PHILADELPHIA-MON. 3/22—11 A.M.
M-G-M Screen Room, 1233 Summer Street
PITTSBURGH—MON. 3/22—2 P.M.
M-G-M Screen Room, 1623 Blvd. of Allies
PORTLAND—MON. 3/22—2 P.M.
B. F. Shearer Screen Room, 1947 N.W. Kearney St.
ST. LOUIS—MON. 3/22—1 P.M.
S'Renco Art Theatre, 3143 Olive Street
SALT LAKE CITY—MON. 3/22—1 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 216 East First Street, So.
SAN FRANCISCO—MON. 3/22— 1:30 P.M.
20lh-Fox Screen Room, 24S Hyde Street
SEATTLE—MON. 3/22—1 P.M.
Jewel Box Preview Theotre, 2318 Second Avenu
WASHINGTON—TUES. 3/23— 1 P.M.
20th-Fox Screen Room, 932 New Jersey, N.W.

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PUBLISHED IN
NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD
Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR
Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Offices: 9 Rockeieller Plaza, New York 20,
N. Y. Raymond Levy, General Manager,- James M.
Jerauld, Editor; Chester Friedman, Editor Shovirmandiser
Section; A. I. Blocker, Eastern Representative.
Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372. Cable
address: BOXOFriCE, New York.-
Central Offices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4. 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Section.
Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Offices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
22, Calif. Ivan Spear, Manager. Telephone GLadstone
1186.
WasUngton Offices: 302-303 International Bldg., 1319
r S; , N W. Lee L. Garling, Manager. Telephone
NAtional 3482. Filmrow: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara
London Offices: 136 Wardour St., John Sullivan, Manager.
Telephone Gerrard 3934-5-6.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; Morns Schlozman, Business Manager.
Telephone CHestnut 7777-78.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section BOXOFFICE;
of
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section of BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY-2I-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BIRMINGHAM-The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTCN—Frances W. Hardrng, 20 Piedmont St., Lib.
9814. Home: Com. 4700.
BUFFALO— 157 Audubon Drive, Snyder, Jim Schroder.
CHARLOTTE—216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO—332 S. Michigan, Jonas Perlberg,
WAB-4575.
CINCINNATI— 1634 Central Parkway, Lillian Seltz»r.
CLEVELAND-Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0045.
DALLAS-^525 Holland, V. W. Crisp, 18-9760.
DENVER— 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
D£S MOINES—Register 6 Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT— 1009 Fox Thecrtre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
HARTFORD— 109 Westborne, Allen Widem
HARRISBURG, PA—The Telegraph, Lois Fegan.
INDIANAPOLIS—Rt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeoux.
MIAMI—65 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Monton E Harwood.
2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS—707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462
MlLWAUKEE-529 N. 13th, J. R. Gahagan, MA-0297.
MlNNEAPOUS-29 Washington Ave. So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN—42 Church St., Gertrude Lander.
NEWARK, N. J.-207 Sumner, Sara Carleton
NEW ORLEANS—218 So. Uberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 5612.
OKLAHOMA CITY— 125 NW 15th St., Polly Trindle.
OMAHA—Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes
PHILADELPHIA-—1901 Spruce St., J. M. Mailer
PITTSBURGH—85 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith
PORTLAND, ORE.—David C. Kahn, 823 S. E. Ash St
RICHMOND—Grand Theatre, Sam PuUiam
ST. LOUIS—5149 Rosa, David Barrett, FL-3727
SALT LAKE CITY-Deseret News, Howard Pearson
SAN ANTONIO—333 Blum St., L. J. B. Ketner
SAN FRANCISCO-25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdway 3-4S12.
SEATTLE—928 N. 84th St., WiUard Elsey.
TOLEDO-^330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY—The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL—4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Rov'
Carmichael.
Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN— 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO—242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER^lll Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy
VICTORIA—938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman
WINNIPEG—The Tribune, Ben Lepkln.
Member Audit Bxjreau of Circulations
OXOFFICE
A DANGEROUS TREND
^^0
' # OT ONLY the dearth of quality product.1
but the waste of what little there is are two of the underlyingi
causes of the drop in theatre patronage. The peaks and the
valleys of theatre attendance are more accentuated now thani **'
at any time in the past decade or more. The very good pic
tures continue to do very good business, while the ordinary,jJ**
let alone poor, pictures do very badly. As a result,
theatre factotums, seeking to bolster patronage, are resorting **-
to the dual-billing of top product, thus shortening their sup-)
ply of drawing attractions which could do well singly or, at
least, supported by average secondary fare
For instance, as recently as last Saturday, the following
weekend bookings were advertised in a midwest city: "Cap-:
tain From Castile" and "Good News"; "Tycoon" and "The
Swordsman"; "Road to Rio" and "The Gangster"; "Road tc
Rio" and "Magic Town"; "Good News" and "The Other Love.'
With the latter two exceptions all the bookings were in a ma-;
jor circuit's theatres. In the first two instances, both features
were in Technicolor. With that in itself a drawing attraction,
why waste it? And why, on a weekend, run programs that
are four hours and ten minutes long! Where is that old show
manly technique of trying to get as many turnovers as poi
sible in each day's operation?
The records show that theatre attendance is off by
average of about 20 per cent. But that's still good as comi
pared to prewar times. And it's still good enough to warron;
exercise of judicious booking and merchandising to get thi
most out of each top attraction. Granting that the instance£[
above cited are double-feature situations, there seems to b(>jj|."
little justification for such extravagant waste of good product^,
And this is not restricted to a single area; it is a dangerous
trend that is spreading across the country.
It's easy to tell the other fellow what to do and to "operate'
a theatre, let alone a chain, from an editorial desk, but
wonder how much better it would be, not only for the presenB^we
but for the long pull, to put that extra cost of double-A-in«
into advertising, promotion and aggressive showmandising.
There's not much use talking about rounding out a gooe
feature offering with a program of good shorts, when the a{
filiated key houses don't even treat their own company';
product that way. But, with the call for a return of old-timf^Kjii
showmanship, tliat would seem to be part of the old operatii
that worked so well. It would, at least, be a relief to
monotony that has persisted for so long.
Distributors are emitting a cry in the wilderness for bette
showmanship, better programming, greater and better play "ai
ing of the vast quantities of unplayed good short subject?
when the several thousand key exhibition stands in whicl
they have interests, themselves fail to set the good exampk
These key houses create the pattern, which the subsequent
have no choice but to follow. So, as a poor practice become
•i=c
Ketlii
Entered as Second Cl«s matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
Sectional Edition, $2.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50
Vol. 52 No. 19
MARCH 13, 1948
1

—
idustry-wide. so could the implementation of good practices.
Ind they must start at the top.
I
\nother Look at Ascap
Allied Ass'n units freely admit that ii the Lewis bill, which
hey are backing, becomes law, thus requiring the American
iociety of Composers, Authors and Publishers to collect its
-lusic fees from producers, these fees will be passed on to
•xhibitors as a part of film rental. Of course there is the argument
that this will leave some room for negotiation, implying
hat such fees may be very small or even totally absorbed by
he producers. But, assuming that the very minimum charge
or such "music license" were only 50 cents per feature, the
tverage small theatre playing three changes of double bills
ler week would find itself paying a minimum of $150 per year,
'hen there are shorts, too; all of which have music in their
ound tracks.
Maybe the good bargainers among exhibitors could talk
ne salesman out of the music charges on the smaller pictures;
)ut it's a cinch the rates would be jacked up pretty high on
^e "specials," especially the big musicals. Of course, there
'»
the chance that as with sound, which distributors originally
!old separately, the fees assessed by Ascap might eventually
)e entirely absorbed by the producers. But that eventuality
oight be a long time in coming and the accrued costs to exlibitors
in the meanwhile could be monumental as compared
present Ascap rates. It seems like a pretty big risk for extibitors
to be taking.
There's another way of looking at the matter. Back in the
'(Id silent days, even the smallest of one-night operations re-
'[uired a piano player. Maybe the wage was only a dollar a
light and there was plenty of free music available. But even
hat minimum cost was more than the minimum license fee
tow assessed by Ascap.
We hold no brief for Ascap, having once been an exhibior.
But we always think it wise for one to count one's blessags—to
weigh the good against the bad. And in the case of
he music tax, with the rate scale fixed for a period of ten
^ears, we think the good far outweighs the bad.
There's another view to be considered. The various Allied
mits as well as those belonging to the Pacific Coast Conference
of Independent Theatre Owners and others committed
io fight Ascap have appropriated funds vnth which to support
heir actions. To make the job complete, time, thought and
sfiort will be consumed. For should the Lewis bill or any other
similar legislation be enacted into law, it will be challenged;
md that will call for still more time, thought, effort—and
noney.
We think there are better uses—and much better risks
o which exhibitors can put their hard-raised funds and ef-
\J^'V^J
'PuC^^caU
Bill to Repeal Ticket Tax
Introduced in House
Representative Landls of Indiana submits
legislation to drop wartime excise levies, including
admission taxes; goes to ways and
means committee for consideration.
$330,000 Antitrust Suit
Is Filed in Missouri
Cape Pictures. Inc., operating Esquire Theatre
in Cape Girardeau, Mo., sues distributors
and Fox Midwest for alleged conspiracy
to keep first run product from its house.
Ascap Six-Month Contract
Ofiered ITOA Plaintiffs
Pacts based on new rates agreed on by society
and ITOA to have 30-day cancellation
clause; payments to be held in escrow pending
outcome of antitrust suit against Ascap.
X
To Consider Test Suit
On Telecast Pickups
Independent and affiliated exhibitors to
meet March 17 in New York at invitation of
Colonial Corp. to determine theatre rights to
video programs.
Great Britain Film Bank
Is Undergoing Study
Harold Wilson, president of board of
*
trade,
discloses government plan while presenting
outline of film tax settlement to house of
commons; says will aid industry.
Rank Organization Formed
For Canada Distribution
J. Earl Lawson named president; aim to
coordinate activities of various J. Ai-thur
Rank companies in the Dominion; James A.
Cowan is director of advertising and publicity.
Technicolor 1947 Profit
Triples Previous Year
-X
Net of $1,422,752 is reported, an increase of
$986,584 over the net profit of $436,168 on
record for 1946; the 1947 net is equal to $1.55
a share, a gain of $1.07 over 1946.
Wage Dividend of $11,600,000
Paid by Eastman Kodak Co.
Sum goes to more than 49,300 employes in
the western hemisphere; last year $8,100,000
was paid to 48.800 workers; Rochester employes
receive 70 per cent.
Foreign Correspondents Pick
'Gentleman's Agreement'
Association in Hollywood selects 20th-Fox
film as best of 1947, and gives best acting
awards to Rosalind Russell and Ronald Colman;
Ella Kazan, best director.

: March
.*
THE COMPROMI^b
American companies will be allowed remittances of
$17,000,000 a year, and retain profits on British films shown in this country. A plan is
being prepared to determine how receipts remaining in Great Britain may be spent.
Export of new U.S. films to England begins April 1. Remittances to U.S. begin June 14.
BRITISH SITUATION SETTLED
AND BOTH SIDES ARE PLEASED
NEW YORK—American film exports to
Great Britain will be resumed April 1.
The British 75 per cent tax will be rescinded.
For the next two years American companies
will be allowed to remit $17,000,000
per year to this country and will be permitted
to retain the profits on British films
shown here.
The agreement is for four years and it
will be reviewed at the end of two years for
adjustment to any changes that may have
taken place in the condition of British
finances.
U.S. TO GET ABOUT $22,000,000
Depending upon how much profit is turned
in by British films here, the American industry
may be able to collect something less than
half of its estimated total of $48,000,000 from
the
British market.
All money over the $17,000,000 taken in in
England will be held there.
Last year earnings of British films in this
country were about $4,000,000. An optimistic
estimate for the year starting in June is $5,-
000,000. If this pans out, total income from
British market—the $17,000,000 remitted plus
the income from British films here—would
reach about $22,000,000.
Under the terms of the agreement the
money blocked in Great Britain can be used
in various ways. Distribution charges for
American pictures over there average about
25 per cent, so this would use up about $12,-
000,000 of the estimated blocked income. A
clause in the agreement will permit American
distributors to pay British talent hired over
there for American production out of such
funds. These funds also can be used for purchase
of scripts, production in England and
investment in film companies and theatres.
COMPANIES PLAN EXPANSION
Use of some funds may be allowed for investments
not directly coimected with the
film industry.
Details of these arrangements are still to
be worked out. Technical advisers will handle
these negotiations.
The agreement was formally signed Friday
morning.
A new quota law is now under consideration
by the house of lords and is nearing
enactment.
The British tax Is expected to go off April
1 and the arrangement for remittances will
start June 14, Exports of film will begin
from this country as soon as the tax goes
off.
The plan was agreed upon Wednesday
afternoon, March 10, at a conference of
'Democratic' Deal
"This is by no means a Johnston
agreement or a British agreement,
but a democratic
compromise,"
Eric
Johnston,
president of
the Motion
Picture Ass'n
of America,
declared in a
statement released
shortly
after the settlement
was
Eric Johnston
announced.
"Once again there will be a free
flow of films between the United
Stales and Great Britain and we
avoid the consequences of a dangerous
precedent."
Johnston also added that the
agreement will avoid any adverse
effects on British economy and
would keep Hollywood a flourishing
and going concern.
Discussing the compromise w^ith
BOXOFFICE over transatlantic
telephone, the MPAA president
said he was pleased to learn the
immediate reaction in the United
States was favorable.
American representatives headed by Eric
Johnston, MPAA president, and Harold Wilson,
president of the British Board of Ti-ade.
It was presented to the house of commons
by Wilson Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Parliamentary action was required in order
to rescind the tax.
^
In the meantime, the details were telephoned
to this country with instructions that
they should be kept secret until Wilson had
had time to present them to the house of
commons.
Francis Harmon, vice-president of the
MPAA, called a meeting of company heads
and foreign department executives at the
MPAA offices and the word spread like a
prairie fire. During the meeting calls were
made to executives in Florida and Hollywood
in order to test sentiment. It was generally
agreed that the settlement was a good compromise.
Newspaper men arrived at the MPAA offices
while the meeting was convening and
saw executives entering. Harmon blandly
denied any meeting was in progress and
ordered the heavily loaded coat racks in the
reception room taken into the board of
directors room.
From that time on Harmon could not be
reached. Even the Washington headquarters
of the MPAA received his orders for silence.
TO STIMULATE DISTRIBUTION
One effect of the agreement, it was agreed,
would be the stimulation of efforts to secure
distribution of British pictures here. With
only about a third of the total British revenue
reaching this country, the American distributors
will still be pinched, even though
the books show British deposits. The situation
is greatly eased, however, and all executives
agree that this settlement will have a
tendency to halt some of the restrictions in
other countries that began pihng up.
Barney Balaban, Paramount president, on
vacation in Florida said he was "delighted"
with the settlement, because the American
industry had suffered a 4.9 per cent decrease
in foreign revenue which had wiped out
profits. Further economies in production and
distribution costs will be made between now
and June 14 when the agreement goes into
effect, he said.
Arthur Loew, president of Loews International,
sounded the only critical note in the
chorus of satisfaction. He said there could
have been a more equitable remittance arrangement.
On the coast Floyd B. Odium, head of
Atlas Corp., said he was not going to express
any enthusiasm until he found out more
about the details. Sam Goldwyn said he
could not decide how satisfactory the deal
was until he fomid out more about it.
STRONG MARKET REACTION
The stock market reacted strongly to the
Thursday morning news flash from London.
Film stocks were strong. Eighteen thousand
shares of Paramount were sold and they went
up a point to 20':, Warner Bros, advanced
one-half point on sales of 10,900 shares, 20th-
Fox was up three-eighths to 21's, Loews up
Vi to n^i and RKO up 'i to 8''a.
At a press interview in London Friday
morning, Wilson said that American production
in Great Britain would increase and
Johnston optimistically indicated he hoped
American companies eventually would be able
to get most of their money out in some form.
A representative for MGM said his company
would start building new studios as soon as
possible and a Warner Bros, representative
said his company would extend its studio facilities
in England and rent space to others.
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948

: March
BACKGROUND
TO SETTLEMENT
THE
tax was imposed suddenly Aug. 7,
of the blow w-hen it fell.
Under the terms of the Britisli edict ;in
estimate of profits on each film was to be
made as the film arrived in port and thi.'^
money was to be paid in advance, with a
refund if the film failed to come up to estimates.
American distributors quickly estimated
that this would tie up about $25,000,-
000 without interest and that the reniaining
25 per cent of profits would be completely
eaten up by the costs of distribution.
It was the first time any such drastic attack
on an American export had been made
outside the Russian sphere of influence. Some
speculated that it was a deliberate attempt
to bar all American films from the British
market.
Apparently it was as much of a surprise to
J. Ai-thur Rank as it was to film men in the
U.S. He inmiediately promised a sharp increase
in British production to make up for
the prospective famine of films, but as of
Febniai-y 28 he had succeeded in adding only
two pictures to his proposed schedule of 38
and all the British studios controlled by
Americans were idle.
Also on that date there were 17 American
pictm-es left for release in England. All these
had been imported before the ban went into
effect. Ten of them were not top grade
product.
n CTUAL cash losses of American firms from
August 8 to the first week in March were
not large. Remittances were continued on
films which reached England prior to the
tax date and the total of payments for November.
December and January ran up to
about $12,000,000. a normal sum for a threemonth
period. This money came out of the
$3,000,000,000 U.S. loan upon which Great
Britain was drawing.
The exhaustion of this loan and the prospective
start of the Marshall plan seemed
to be coincidental.
Indirect effects of the tax were widespread.
Several other European countries took theiicue
from the British action and began to devise
restrictions of their owm, all based on
the explanation that they lacked dollar exchange.
The impression gained ground in
this country that this was part of a general
worldwide move to hurry the Marshall plan
into operation.
In England theatre business fell off as new
films failed to arrive. Production slipped.
Even J. Arthur Rank found it difficult to
get loans for production that obviously was
not going to get a warm reception over here
so long as the British exclusion continued.
He began reorganizing his complicated holdings
and induced the Odeon circiut to buy
his Cinema Finance Corp., a holding company.
In this comitry major producers went into
a panic much like the one which swept the
industry at the outbreak of World War II
Rank Is Here: He Believes
Settlement to Benefit All
1947. and shipment of American films
to Europe was stopped by the Motion
Picture Export Ass'n the following day.
For some weeks before the tax was imposed NEW YORK— J. Arthur Rank predicts
had been campaign
stated, was to secure more playing time for
there a in the British
press against American films, and the slogan
that the settlement of the British tax problem
and resumption of
British pictures here. He said there had been
a substantial Increase in bookings of British
of "food or films" was presented to the
film exports from this pictures and the number of imports had increased
British people by Sir Stafford Crrpps. but
country will benefit
from five in 1945 to 11 in 1946 and
this did not prepare either the British or
the industries of both
the American industry for the drastic nature
20 in 1947.
countries.
The increase was steady, he said, and he
"I felt from the beginning,"
intended to "have patience."
he s a i d,
Rank discussed the financial position of
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948
"that if
the leaders of
the American industry
would go to London
and sit down around
a table that something
satisfactory could be
worked out. I am a
J. Arthur Rank great believer in this
method of doing business,"
Rank's comments were made at a press
interview Thursday morning (11) in the
Sherry-Netherland hotel. He reached New
York the evening before on the Queen Elizabeth.
A daily newspaper correspondent read a
flash bulletin from London to him announcing
that an agreement had been reached.
He professed surprise, although it was known
at the time that a meeting of foreign department
heads and company presidents had
been held the previous night at the MPAA
for discussion of the terms of settlement, and
that the details had been telephoned to company
presidents in Florida and Hollywood
who were unable to be present.
Rank said frankly that there had not been
"a spectacular increase in production in
Great Britain in anticipation of a film
shortage." He had increased his own production
from 38 to 40 and some other producers
had expansion plans, he said.
There had been no actual shortage of
American films, he said, up to the time of
settlement, and the public had not shown
much interest in the problem.
Like the American companies, Rank said,
British producers had cut production costs
about 15 per cent in anticipation of revenue
One of the objects of his current trip, he
when everybody feared the complete loss of
the foreign market.
Wholesale economies were instituted in both
production and distribution departments.
The number of employes let out ran into
the thousands. Eric Johnston has said that
it was at first decided to impose top budgets
of $500,000 on pictures, but that later the
producers raised this to $1,000,000, so that
product would not obviously deteriorate.
Some of the major companies have indicated
in their amiual reports that they had
cut overhead to the point where they expected
to be able to get along without the
his companies in Great Britain. He said the
growth had been too .speedy and that his corporate
structure was now being simplified.
None of the individual companies have lost
money he said, and one of the purposes of
his current visit is to discuss with Spyros P.
Skouras, 20th Century Pox president, the
simplification of the 20th-Fox share of
Gaumont British Theatres. Twentieth-Fox
owns 47 per cent of Gaumont British through
a
holding company. Metropolis and Bradford
Ti-ust.
At present American newsreels are in a
state of agitation over the fact that Rank
has received exclu.sive rights to photograph
the Olympic games in England next summer.
He said that he would discuss this with the
American newsreel companies and try to work
out a satisfactory arrangement. He, like
others, had been offered the exclusive rights
at a price. He accepted the offer, he said, because
one of his companies intends to make
a feature next fall Including Olympic footage.
Whatever footage is included in the feature
he wants exclusively.
His plans for use of television in .some of
his British theatres, he said, were still indefinite
because the British Broadcastmg
system to date has granted him only experimental
licenses and these do not permit
showings before paid audiences. He hopes
to get this permission. If he does, he said,
he will put television into two theatres.
In reply to a question he said that in England,
at least, he did not feel television would
be theatre competition, because sporting
events which he wants for theatres take
place afternoons when theatres need a boxoffice
stimulus.
British income.
In recent weeks it had become apparent
that Great Britain and other European countries
had begun to realize that this country
was not going to toss Marshall plan fmids
aroimd like Lend-Lease and UNRRA, but intended
to use them where they would benefit
business in this country as well as In the
countries receiving them.
The State department took this stand some
time ago and all the congressional discussion
has indicated that there will be strings
on the spending.
About the same time that the British leaders
indicated they were in the mood for
further discussion of the tax, Denmark decided
to peiTnit the entry of 81 films from
this country in the next ten months.
Toward the end of February Mexico began
talking about imiwsition of an ad valorem
tax on American films. The MPEA immediately
asked for .state department intervention.
It thus became apparent that the state
department had decided to go into foreign
restrictions in a realistic way.

HUGE PUBLIC RELATIONS JOB
SET BY TOA
TO SELL FILMS IS
'Humanitarian Week' Also
Approved for a Single
Theatres Collection
LOS ANGELES—Approval of a largescale
public relations campaign to combat
the public's "depressive thinking" and inform
it of the great film entertainment
that will reach the screens during the next
two years was voted by TOA officers and
directors in the closing sessions of their
two-day meeting here. Pi-esident Ted Gamble
was appointed to spearhead the drive.
made necessary, he declared, to counteract
the impression that the British tax and
congressional investigations have disheartened
Hollywood and reacted unfavorably
as concerns the quality of upcoming
product.
ELABORATE CAMPAIGN PLANNED
The campaign may include preparation of
special trailers, tours of the film capital
by newspapermen, commentators and showmen
for a pre-release look at new pictures
and a "Motion Pictures' Greatest Year"
drive, Gamble said.
The board also took action on a number
of other important matters, besides picking
Chicago as the site for TOA's first annual
convention to be held late in September.
The directors discussed and outlined plans
for promoting a "Humanitarian Week," to
include theatre collections and with proceeds
to be used in charity activities. A
single united drive of this sort has been
suggested from time to time in the last year
by both individual theatre owners and exhibitor
groups, but no action had been
taken previously by a national organization.
The board also voted to sponsor a national
safety drive, similar to that initiated
by Fox West Coast Theatres, and which is
to be carried into a number of NT theatres
this year.
The matter of the Motion Picture Forum
was again discussed, and it was decided
to delay definite action on the project until
the supreme court hands down its decision
in the antitrust suit.
TELEVISION A NO. 1 PROBLEM
That television probably is the No. 1 problem
facing the nation's exhibitors was made
obvious by the amount of attention devoted
to that new entertairunent medium at the
two-day meeting.
After devoting to video the lion's share of
their discussions in the huddles, delegates to
the meetings concluded to refer the matter
to the group's television committee, headed
by E. V. Richards, New Orleans circuit operator,
with instructions to continue—on a greatly
accelerated scale—its investigation of video
and where, if at all, it may fit into the operation
of motion picture theatres.
It was pointed out that, with the exception
of action by showmen in the southern California
area, very little has been done by
circuits or theatre organizations to make definite
plans regarding the manner in which a
video-film exhibition liaison can be effected.
Consensus opinion among the delegates
Juvenile
Delinquency
Aid Is Endorsed
nAM
Tom Clark (C) is greeted at the
convention by Ted Gamble, TOA
president (R), and Charles Skouras,
who was named chairman of the
association's juvenile delinquency
committee.
HOLLYWOOD—A highlight of the
first day's TOA session, was the appearance
of Tom Clark, U.S. attorney
general, who flew in from Washington
to appeal for TOA support on behalf
of a campaign he is initiating to combat
rising juvenile delinquency, which
Clark indicated is growing at an alarming
rate. The TOA agreed to support
an active campaign in every community
throughout the U.S. and the executive
committee recommended that a
national committee be set up immediately
to set up machinery for implementing
the drive.
Clark submitted statistics pointing to
an increase of 27 per cent in juvenile
delinquency dimng the past year and
urged the assembled exhibitors to point
their campaign for an April start, since
that period has been designated "Youth
Month" by President Tnunan. TOA
will cooperate through the National
Conference for the Prevention and
Control of Juvenile Delinquency, established
by Clark in 1946. Supplementing
Clark's appeal for TOA assistance
was John W. Andrews, vicepresident
of the NCPCJD and a member
of the U.S. department of justice
who made the trip here with the attorney
general.
was that a five-point plan now imder consideration
between members of the Southern
California Theatre Owners Ass'n—a TOA unit
—and local television stations and advertising
agencies is possibly the most progressive
step so far taken. Details of that plan were
made familiar to the TOA officers and directorate
in a general meeting Tuesday
morning.
Also discussed were various legal
facets of
the relationship between exhibition and television,
including the important question as
to civil rights and how theatres will have to
be protected thereunder. This phase of the
problem was referred to TOA's general counsel,
Herman Levy, who opined that showmen
must proceed cautionsly—since no precedent
has yet been established, and the probability
is that the courts will have to pass judgment
on whether a theatre can pick up a
television Show and broadcast it to a paying
audience.
Second only to video in importance at the
meetings were discussions of 16mm competition
and taxation. On the former, and following
widespread talks, it was generally
agreed that theatres are already receiving
unfair competition from narrow-gauge prints.
The delegates went on record to approve the
showing of 16mm film in hospitals and
schools, but suggested that in the latter locations
the .subjects be limited to educational
or highly literary properties.
EXPRESS VIEWS ON 16MM
Otherwise, strong objections were voiced to
the indiscriminate display of 16mm prints,
most especially those reduced from 35mm
films which could be regarded as actual
booking material for theatres.
It was decided that TOA must do everything
possible to convince distributors and
producers that the continued distribution of
narrow-gauge celluloid not only offers unfair
competition to showmen but will, over a long
pull, work to the detriment of the producers
and distributors themselves.
Another development was the action of the
officers and board members in voting to recommend
to TOA members that they give full
support to the Motion Picture Foundation.
Ted Gamble, TOA president, outlined the
organization's firm stand on behalf of a concentrated
drive to reduce all excise taxes, if
necessary, and the federal amusement tax oni
theatre admissions in particular. Opining i
that it is "dangerous to wait," Gamble saidi
that despite the fact this is an election year,
TOA's legislative committee will seek ani
amendment to the Knutson tax bill to remove
the present wartime 20 per cent levy on
admissions. Although any tax measure is,
Gamble said, necessarily political, the matter
must be successfully fought now.
PROSPERITY SEEN FOR A WHILE
In a discussion of general business conditions,
the TOA leader told the delegates to
enjoy a fair measure of prosperity at least
for the next two or three years, and said he
did not view as particularly alarming the decrease
in theatre patronage noted in the
early months of 1948. There is little likelihood
of an economic depression, he contended,
unless the people themselves talk
their way into one.
Formal ratification of TOA's new 10-year
licensing agreement with Ascap was voted
by the attending officers and directors at
the first day's session, and it was unanimously
voted that the agreement be recommended
to all TOA members as a "fair deal." As.
previously recorded, the commitment will
save exhibitors an estimated $31,000,000 during
the next 10 years, according to Robert W.
Coyne, who presented the report on the subject.
It amounts to a 25 per cent increase in
fees as opposed to the original demands by
10
BOXOFFICE :
: March 13, 1948

: March
AMONG THE COUNTRY'S TOP EXHIBITORS AT THE TOA BOARD MEETING
TOP PANEL (Left to right) :1—Ted Gamble, TOA president, at right with S. H. Fabian, center, and Robert W. Coyne, TOA executive
director; 2—Morton Thalhimer, Richmond, Va.; Martin Mullin, Boston; Charles Skouras, Los Angeles; and Tom Friday, Scranton;
3—Max A. Connett, Newton, Miss., with W. F. Ruffin sr., Covington, Tenn.; 4—Harry Lowenstein, Ardmore, Okla., and Robert Livingston,
of Nebraska, register.
BOTTOM PANEL (Left to right): 1—Welcome from Charles Skouras (second from right) to Mack Jackson, Alabama; Ray Cooper,
San Francisco; Ben Strozier, Carolinas Assn; and Harr> Lowenstein, Oklahoma; 2—Lewen Pizor, Philadelphia, and Stanley Prenosil,
TOA's public relations chief, get convention greetings; 3—Robert W. Coyne. TOA executive; Herman Levy, TO.\ general counsel;
A. J. Brylawski, Washington, D. C, and Dee Masters, Los Angeles; 4—E. A. Pugh, Tom Friday of the Comerford circuit.
Ascaip, which Coyne declared would have
totaled approximately 300 per cent. The compromise
agreement prescribes that houses
with a seating capacity of 500 or less will pay
no increase, while the boost for larger theatres
will approximate 25 to 30 per cent.
Other first-day activities included:
Authorization for the legal
committee, under
Herman Levy, general counsel, to
anticipate
the forthcoming supreme court decision
on the government's antitrust case against
the major companies, in an effort to prepare
TOA members for any eventuality. Levy's
committee will endeavor to prepare advance
analyses covering as many phases of the an-
Board Actions:
1. Authorized a vast public relations
program to carry the message of good entertainment
to the public.
2. Outlined a "Humanitarian Week"
program, to include theatre collections.
3. Approved a national safety drive.
4. Endorsed and voted to join in a national
movement to combat juvenile delinquency.
5. Ratified the new Ascap ten-year licensing
agreement negotiated by a special
TOA committee.
6. Recommended to members that they
give full support to the Motion Picture
Foundation.
7. Voted to delay projecting plans for
a Motion Picture Forum until the decision
is handed down in the antitrust
suit.
8. Authorized its legislative committee
to seek an amendment to the Knudson
tax bill removing the wartime admissions
tax.
9. Decided to participate in program
supply entertainment for veterans
to
hospitals.
BOXOmCE :
13, 1948
ticipated decision as possible, and will also
take steps to seek modification of the U.S.
statutory court's original decree in the event
the supreme court should send the case back
to that lower tribimal.
Appointment of a committee to study
methods and recommend a course of action
in support of a proposal that theatres cooperate
in the film industry's program to continue
supplying entertainment in veterans
hospitals. Pleas for such support were presented
by Abe Lastfogel, George Murphy and
Y. Frank Freeman of the Hollywood Coordinating
Committee.
The two-day meeting culminated with a
formal dinner at the Ambassador hotel, where
the visitors were headquartered, Wednesday
evening, with Charles P. Skouras as the host
and George Jessel serving as master of ceremonies.
Other social highlights included a
cocktail party at which Skouras was the guest
of the assembled TOA ofifcers and directors.
Prom the financial point of view TOA is
in excellent condition. Charles P. Skom-as
told the assembled officers and directors when
he presented his treasurer's report. No policy
of establishing regular dues is contemplated,
at least for the present, since TOA's
special assessment at the rate of 10 cents
a seat per theatre will be ample to support
the organization.
Membership in TOA is approximately 3,500
theatres with a seating capacity of nearly
5.000,000, which will give TOA an annual income
of about $500,000, Skouras revealed.
Attending the two-day business meeting
were:
D. C; Max A. Connelt, Roxy Theatre, Newton, Miss.;
Roy Cooper, Golden State Theatre and Realty Co.,
San Francisco; S. H. Fabian, New York; Thomas
Friday, Comerford circuit, Scranton. Pa.
Ted R. Gamble, Capitol Theatre, Portland. Ore.;
Leonard Goldenson, New York; Russell Hordwicke,
Clovis, New Mexico; Milas L. Hurley, New Mexico
Theatre Cwners; Mack lackson, Alabama Theatre
Owners and Managers Ass'n, Alexander City, Alcr;
George Kerasotes, Pantheon Theatre, Springfield.
Harry Lament, Albany, New York; Herman M.
Levy, New Haven, Conn. Lightn Memphis,
Tenn.; Robert R. Livingston. Lincoln. Neb
Morris Loewenstefn, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Harry
Lowenstein, Ardmore, Okla.; Walter Morris, Tennessee
Theatre Owners Ass'n, Knoxville, Tenn.; M. "
Mullin, Boston; Claude Mundo, Little Rock; R.
O'Donnell, Dallas.
Lewin Pizor, United MPTC of Eastern Pennsylvania,
Southern New and Delaware, Jersey Philadelphia;
Albert Pickus, New Haven; Stanley W
Prenosil, New York; E. A. Pugh, Comerford circuit
Scranton, Pa.; Henry Reeve, Texas Theatre Owners,
W. F. Ruffin, Covington, Tenn.; Ben L. Strozier, Rock
Fred Wehrenberg, St. Louis; R. B. Wilby, Atlant
George H. Wilkinson jr., Wallingiord, Conn.; Paul
Williams, Southern Calif. Theatre Owners Ass'n
Los Angeles; Tom Clark, U.S. attorney aeneral,
Washington, C: Peyton Ford and John W. An
D.
drews, U.S. department of justice, Washington
D. C; Georae Nasser, San Francisco; Richard Spier
Fox West Coast, San Francisco, and Robert W
Coyne, New York.
George Murphy, MGM star, is shown
addressing the TOA board, asking that
theatres cooperate in helping the film
industry continue its program of providing
entertainment for veterans hospitals.
The plea was recognized and a
committee to assist is to be named.
With Murphy were Y. Frank Freeman,
left. Paramount's production executive,
and Abe Lastfogel, all of whom were
representing the Hollywood Coordinating
Committee.

: March
Ascap Will Consider Yearly Pacts,
But Will Reject 30-Day Deals
NEW YORK—The American Society of
Composers, Authors and PubUshers will issue
special exhibitor licenses covering one
year, if necessary, according to an executive
of the organization, but no license will be
issued on a month-to-month basis. This
type of deal would cost too much time and
trouble,
he explained.
Tlie Ascap official made these statements
after learning that some Allied members are
considering short-term agreements under
which they would pay the new performance
fees, which go into effect March 15. The
new contract forms are now on their way
to Ascap customers.
TOA UNITS READY TO SIGN
During the three-day Washington meeting
of the Allied board of directors last month,
several directors suggested that Allied members
should try to get monthly, quarterly or
annual contracts from Ascap. The agreement
worked out between Ascap and the
TOA calls for a ten-year period with increases
ranging from 2',;. cents per seat to 5
cents for theatres seating more than 500.
Most TOA members have said they will sign
the new contracts.
Allied members realize that they have to
work out some sort of an agreement with
Ascap if they want to exhibit sound films.
They prefer to wait for the outcome of the
house committee hearings on the Lewis bill,
backed by Allied, to be held March 22. This
bill is designed to amend the copyright law
so that the producer instead of the exhibitor
will pay the public performance rights for
copyrighted material. Alli^^ also wants to
wait for a decision in the antitrust case filed
by the ITOA of New York against Ascap
and which has just been tried before the
federal district court of New York. The new
rate schedule goes into effect March 15.
SEVERAL ALLIED IDEAS ON FEES
Some Allied members say they will not
sign the new contracts b-ut will send in
checks to Ascap at the new rate at the end
of each quarter. With these checks will be
letters of protest against paying any fees to
Ascap. Members of Allied Independent Theatre
Owners of Kansas and Missouri have
been cautioned not to sign any agreements
sent out by Ascap, but to make monthly
payments on a special form which refers to
the Lewis bill and the antitrust case. The
form states that the payment is being made
under protest.
The Ascap official said that no action will
be taken against any customer who delays
his payments in good faith. He indicated
that those who intentionally hold up their
payments may be in for trouble. Exhibitors
have had plenty of time to consider the
situation, he added.
Atlas Stockholders to Act
NEW YORK—Stockholders of Atlas Corp.
will be asked to authorize reduction of the
capital stock by 53,682 shares at the annual
meeting April 7. These shares are now held
in the treasury. The proxy statement shows
that Floyd B. Odium has increased his holdings
by 8,000 shares over a year ago. He now
holds 74,820 shares.
Myers Predicts
New Suits
Over Ascap's Schedules
WASHINGTON — Abram F. Myers,
Allied board chairman and general co\msel,
re-entered the Ascap discussion Tuesday
(9i by pointing out that a U.S. supreme
court decision barring use of crosslicensed
patents for price-fixing pm-poses
could open the way for more suits
against the authors' organization.
He specifically referred to a warning he
issued some months ago that if the TOA
reached an agreement with Ascap on
rates, exhibitors not parties to the agreement
could file triple-damage suits
against these organizations. When the
results of the TOA negotiations were announced
regional Allied members began
to act on their own.
TOA was careful not to sign any agreement
with Ascap. It simply reached an
understanding and recommended its acceptance
by individual members of regional
units.
In expressing his opinion on the implications
of the supreme court decision
early in the week Myers said : "It appears
certain that a great copyright pool issuing
uniform licenses at uniform rates
amomits to a price-fixing conspiracy.
When films moving in interstate commerce
are burdened by that conspiracy
the applicability of the Sherman act becomes
apparent."
Cagneys Settle With UA
For 'Time of Your Life'
HOLLYWOOD—The
on - again - off - again
liaison between Cagney Productions and
United Artists is on again, with William
Cagney disclosing his company has reached
an "amicable settlement of its difficulties"
with UA as the result of long-distance negotiations
with Gradwell Sears, UA president,
in New York.
Pending litigation by UA against the Cagneys
has been halted, and UA will release
William Saroyan's "The Time of Youi- Life,"
over Which all the trouble started. That
film was completed by the Cagneys last fall,
shortly before they served notice on UA that
their distribution pact was being terminated,
at which time a new Cagney-Warner Bros,
tieup was effected and it was announced
"The Time of Yom- Life" would go with the
Cagneys in their new affiliation. UA promptly
served notice it expected delivery of the
picture and the litigation began.
An unusual feature of the peace terms
gives Cagney Productions the right to make
its next picture for distribution by another
company—not specified in the announcement,
but probably Warners—with its third to be
released tlu-ougti UA.
Cagney said he was "delighted with the
solution" and with the "opportimity to continue
his association" with the Sears company.
Selznick: You Can Cut
Production Costs
NEW YORK—"Hollywood can cut production
expenses," says David O. Selznick, "but
where should it begin?" Not on star salaries;
there are only about 25 stars with top boxoffice
value, and their salaries will go higher
before they go lower.
"Has anybody figured out what proportion
of the costs go to union labor? Here is one
of the biggest items.
"So what should we do? We should spend
more time in preparation of shooting schedules.
We should do more rehearsing. We
should insist that directors know what they
want in a picture before shooting. We should
stop taking long shots, medium shots and
closeups of every scene and rolling up ten
times more footage than we require.
CITES THE HITCHCOCK METHOD
"It is a lot cheaper to reconstruct a set
for a camera angle and make a retake of a
scene at a cost of a few thousand dollars, if
we find something missing, than it is to spend
hundreds of thousands of dollars on protection
shots that we know in advance we are
not going to use.
"Some directors can do this." He named
Alfred Hitchcock as one.
Selznicks remarks were made in a frank
discussion of production problems with the
press at his Hampshire House apartment before
leaving for the coast last week.
The discussion ranged from an appraisal
of star values, best-seller values and title
values through "the pseudo scientific research
on audience tastes" to the way exhibitors
handle the pictures after they get
them.
When he was asked what he thought of
current surveys to test public reaction to
titles and story types in advance of production
he chuckled.
"Suppose," he suggested, "the researchers
had gone out to test the value of 'Gone With
the Wind' as a title before it became a bestseller.
The answer would have been: 'It's no
good.'
"Suppose somebody had made a survey to
find out if the public wanted a story of the
civil war. What would the answer have
been?"
ON SHORTER PICTURES
Should pictures be shorter? he was asked.
"I can't decide in advance how long a picture
should be," he responded. "Pictures
have to rmi long enough to tell the story.
I have to test them to see where the interest
lags, and I have to spend days and days
taking film out by inches, or filling in gaps."
He admitted some producers had made
pictures long on the theory that long pictures
were important pictures, but could see
no excuse for this.
Sales values in pictures crept into the discussion.
Selznick is a strong believer in the
value of star names and in best-selling
novels.
'"When you take an unknown story and an
unknown cast you are banging right up
against the antagonism of sales departments
and exliibitors. You are lucky it you get
your money back. Sometimes these pictures
start catching on; they even become hits,
but the selling pressure isn't applied until
after they have demonstrated their value as
attractions. Every producer has to consider
these
factors."
14
BOXOFFICE
;
13, 1948

: March
Fine of $1,000,000
Posed in Chicago
CHICAGO—Following the close of hearings
on contempt charges against six
distributors and 13 individuals over alleged
violation of the Jackson Park injunction,
Thomas C. McConnell, attorney
for
the Jackson Park Theatre, suggested
that the defendants be fined $1,000,000
and that the money be held one year by
the court clerk. It should be returned,
he proposed, if the original order were
not violated in that time.
Judge Igoe will have the task of
determining whether the defendants have
defied his injunction against the old
Chicago system of film bookings. If he
finds them guilty he may fix jail sentences
or fines, or both, the size depending on
his own discretion.
The Jackson Park contended that the
major exhibitors and producers had violated
a court order against the former
system whereby neighborhood theatres
could not obtain films until long after
Loop showings.
McLendon Loses Case
On Trust Charges
DALLAS—The R. B. McLendon $1,200,000
antitrust suit against the Interstate circuit,
the Robb & Rowley chain and eight major
distributors went to the defendants when
Judge William H. Atwell ruled that McLendon
and his associates had failed to prove
their charges of monopoly.
The federal court judge made his decision
orally, but it is expected that he will submit
a memorandum when the finding of facts
and conclusions of law are officially filed
with the clerk of court.
"We find no sufficient satisfaction of burden
of proof that rests upon Mr. McLendon,"
Judge Atwell declared.
The suit was patterned somewhat along
Chicago's Jackson Park Tlieatre case but included
as one of its important angles an
allegation by McLendon that because of
clearance and other film distribution restrictions
in the Dallas area he was forced to
sell his Casa Linda Theatre to Robb & Rowley
at a price $200,000 less than what it was
worth.
This was a point on which the court dwelt
briefly in the oral decision. Judge Atwell
commented that the plaintiff himself had
testified to making $50,000 when he sold the
theatre.
It is expected that an appeal will be taken
by McLendon. Thomas MoConnell, who
handled the Jackson Park suit, helped prepare
the case here, but the Chicago attorney
was not in court for the trial. He w'as
detained in Chicago by the hearing there on
the Jackson Park contempt petition. The
suit was heard in week's time. That was
a
the hmit set by the court, and the deadline
was met by holding a night session.
MGM to Release 11 Films
From April to August
Seen at the opening of a week of sales meetings at the MGM studio in Culver City.
Seated, left to right: E. M. Saunders, W. F. Rodgers, LouLs B. Mayer, *:. J. Mannix and
E. W. Aarons. Standing: George Hickey, John Allen, Herman Ripp, Jack Byrne,
Frank Hensler, John Maloney, Ralph Maw, Sam Gardner, L. K. Sidney, Burtus Bishop,
Rudolph Berger, Sam Shirley and H. M. Richey.
HOLLYWOOD— Belief that 'the entire industry
needs outstanding product now" to
bolster dwindling domestic grosses keynotes
MOM'S decision not to hold back top product
for release at the beginning of the so-called
"new season" this fall. Consequently William
F. Rodgers, distribution chief, disclosed
following a week of sales huddles at the
studio that 11 films have been slated for
release between April 1 and August 30.
The 11-pictm-e lineup comprises;
April—Fi-ank Capra's "State of the Union."
with Spencer Ti-acy and Katharine Hepbiu-n;
"B. F.'s Daughter." starring Barbara Stanwyck,
and "Summer Holiday," Technicolor
musical with Mickey Rooney.
May—Clark Gable and Lana Turner in
press and radio representatives in each territory
"Homecoming"; a Judy Garland-Gene Kelly
to attend. Capra will attend several
"The Pirate."
of the eastern showings.
starrer.
June—"The Big City," with Margaret
Rodgers and his aide, E. W. Aaron, are
remaining at the studio for an additional
O'Brien: "On an Island With You." tunefilm
two weeks. Other visitors checked out for
where home immediate
Technicolor, starring Esther Williams.
in
their respective posts,
sectional sales huddles were slated to
be held. Nine divisional meetings were
Berlin's "Easter Parade,"
July—Irving
Technicolor musical, and another tunefilm, scheduled between March 11 and 13.
"A Date With Judy," starring Wallace Beery
Slated regional conclaves were to include:
and Jane Powell.
March 11—Albany, Buffalo and Boston
August "Julia Misbehaves," with Greer exchanges forces, meeting in Albany: March
Garson, and a Red Skelton comedy, "A
Southern Yankee."
The new schedule was set up by Rodgers
with Louis B. Mayer and E. J. Mannix after
the sales topper, his division manager and
studio officials had screened all available
finished product. Tliree will go out in April.
followed by two each in May. June, July
and August.
•It is imperative." Rodgers said, "that
every effort be made to attract at least a
good percentage of the more than 50,000,000
Americans who do not regularly go to the
theatre ... We are going to ask the exhibitors
of the nation for their fullest cooperation
in giving these new productions
the kind of support and important presentation
they deserve."
During the week of March 22, MGM will
tradeshow Frank Capra's "State of the
Union" in the 32 key exchange centers,
Rodgers disclosed, and will take over a theatre
in each city for the pm-pose. In addition
to exhibitors and circuit buyers. Metro
exchanges will invite the governors of each
state, mayors, city officials, civic leaders and
12—St. Louis, Kansas City and Indianapolis,
meeting in St. Louis; Dallas. New Orleans,
Oklahoma City and Memphis, huddling in
Dallas: Atlanta. Charlotte and Washington,
gathering in Washington: and the Pittsburgh,
Cleveland, Cincimiati and Detroit
delegations, meeting in Pittsburgh; March
13—Portland, Seattle. San Francisco and
Los Angeles, huddling in San Francisco;
Denver and Salt Lake City, in Denver.
Warners Theatres Ad Managers Meet in New York
NEW YORK — Warner Theatres zone
advertising managers held a two-day meeting
at the company home office, Monday and
Tuesday (8, 9i. to discuss campaigns on three
films. "To the Victor." "The Woman in
White" and "Silver River."
Home office executives attending included
Harry Kalmine. president and general manager
of Warner Bros. Theatres: Ben Kalmenson,
vice-president in charge of distribution:
Mort Blumenstock. vice-president in
charge of advertising and publicity, and Harry
Goldberg, advertising and publicity director
for Warner Theatres.
Zone advertising men present included J.
Knox Strachan, Cleveland; Dan Finn. New
Haven; George Kelly. Newark: Charles
Smakwitz. Albany; Everett C. Callow. Philadelphia:
James Totman, Pittsburgh: Frank
LaFalce, Washington: Harry MacDonald,
Milwaukee: Irving Windisch, New York: Ben
Wallerstein, Hollywood.
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948
15

mm^nk^}^bhA
WORLD PREMIERE
AT THE LONG-RUN
RIVOLI THEATRE
MARCH 16
Produced by JESSE L LASKY and WALTER MacEWEN • Directet

' #n '/ yjjwrjffffy/ii y]
JESSE L. LASKY productions, inc.
presents
RUM JANNEY'S
mrr
^*^ ^»««'' "^
Starring
FRED
^
FRANK
with
LEJ.
•i^
I
'ING
PICHEL- Screen Play by BEN HECHIand OOENIIN REYNOLDS
Released through RKO RADIO PICTURES, Inc.

: March
7K€*t a*tcC S(^'^*tt^
Straws in the Wind
QN THE THEORY that if there are any
good theatres on the market, or any
new forms of exhibition that show profit
prospects, some of the leading figures in
the business are looking around with checkbook
in hand.
It's an open field. Men associated with
distributor-owned circuits can do it as
individuals. Independent exhibitors, who
are usually owners of small circuits, are
doing it, too.
Divorcement, if it is ordered by the
supreme court, won't bring a revolution; it
will bring on a realignment of operations.
Theatres will not be thrown on the market
wholesale: they will be sold individually,
and the men who buy them probably
will be the ones with the longest experience
as exhibitors.
Take Louis B. Mayer, for instance. He
thought he would like to have a theatre,
so he bought the Rivoli on Broadway, New
York.
Take Paramount, for another instance,
it has accumulated a sizeable block of its
own stock through purchase on the open
market. These shares can be used in case
the 95-5 requirement for circuit ownership
should be upheld by the supreme
court.
On the other hand, it is getting out of
unsatisfactory operations. The company
has just ended its long controversy with
the Cooper Foundation, founded by J, A.
Cooper, and has given up a number of theatres
for a cash payment.
Joseph M. Schenck owns theatres as an
individual, E. V, Richards jr. and M. A.
Lightman do the same. A long list of
names could be compiled.
Some important figures now in distribution
have observed that year in and year
out the theatres make more money per
dollar invested than do the production and
distribution branches.
They may not be getting ready for a
rainy day. but at least they are looking
for green pastures where the sun seems to
shine brightly.
Drive-in theatres are often described
as competition for the established enclosed
theatres. They are. That is the reason
some of the leading circuit operators are
going into the drive-in business—as individuals
or by investing in new companies,
of course.
Firemen Go Haywire
gOME weird bills pop up in state legislatures
from time to time, but the firemen's
pension measure presented at Albany
reaches a new high in absurdity. The
bill was introduced at the request of the
Uniformed Firemen's Ass'n of New York
City.
It provides that a fire commissioner in
any city with a paid fire department could
assign a fireman for each performance
at $10 per fireman per show. Theatres
with five shows would pay $50 per day
and those with seven shows $70 per day,
with the scale ascending to $1,500 per
show at the Roxy or Music Hall. This
By
JAMES M. JERAULD
would come to $10,500 per day in
those houses, if the commissioner should
decide that many firemen were necessary.
Fantastic?
There are 849 film theatres in the New
York City exchange area alone, with another
535 in the Buffalo and Albany exchange
areas—a grand total of 1,384.
At the minimum rate of $50 per day for
five-show houses this could total up to
$69,200 per day. or $484,400 per week, or
$25,188,800 per year.
This explains why New York exhibitors
were indignant enought to protest with
such vehemence that the bill was pulled
from the hopper.
April Fool's Joke
J^ BOXOPFICE reader suggested the other
day that we print a stoi-y about April
1 saying Allied had decided to make peace
with Ascap and sign the new rate schedules.
"What a sensation!" he suggested.
It's not a sensation: it isn't even a ripple
on the surface of events. Allied will not
make peace with Ascap—officially, that is
—but plenty of its individual members will
sign up at the new rates. For all houses
with 500 seats it's the old rate and in
larger houses the increase is cheaper than
going to court or helping somebody else
go to court.
Trailer Improvement
pHE PRINCIPAL result of the report on
trailers submitted by a committee of
theatremen on which Paramount partners
were heavily represented probably will be
to establish the fact that many exhibitors
think some new ideas could be used.
Setting the thinking apparatus in motion
should be easy for the major theatreowning
companies. All they have to do is
go into conference with the publicity and
advertising departments which furnish
trailer material and suggestions to National
Screen Service. NSS is anxious to please.
If other trailer companies see a "new
look" being introduced they will go to work
in a hurry. Competition is keen in this
field.
Late Tele Notes
piEL BROTHERS brewery has made a
survey of television sets in taverns.
Some say they draw customers, but slow
down the spending. 'When the world seri^.
big boxing matches and other popular
sporting events are on the places are
jammed. Piel predicts that as the home
sets increase the novelty will wear off for
tavern use.
On the legal front the Embassy Newsreel
Theatre. 72nd street. New York, has
decided not to risk a suit from NBC for the
showing of television programs taken off
the air. Instead. Colonial, the firm that
makes the portable theatre television projectors,
will confer with other theatre
owners to discuss raising a fund for defending
a suit after a paid admission
showing.
Romance Wins Victory
Down Juarez Way
JUAREZ, MEXICO—'Women of the
feminine police corps are back in their
kitchens shelling peas and young couples
have resumed their romancing in Juarez
theatres after a hectic month.
The police department got the idea
about a month ago that love-making in
the theatres was all too prevalent off
the screen. Hastily they formed a Feminine
Police Corps. A dozen women started
patroling the theatres. Couples caught
romancing were trotted off to the police
station to pay a 20 peso fine. Romeos
complained it got so bad you could not
even rest your hand lightly on the girl
friend's arm.
Business in the theatres took an alarming
drop. Theatre managers started complaining
that the situation was critical.
Their pressure forced the police to disband
the feminine corps. Now when you
buy your ticket in a Juarez cinema it's
nobody's business but your own if you
come out again without the slightest
idea of what's showing today, and everybody's
happy again—except, maybe, the
Juarez police department.
All Distributors Groping
On Television: O'Connor
WILMINGTON, DEL.—All film companies
are groping for the proper approach toward
television, John J. O'Connor, Universal vicepresident,
told a meeting of company stockholders
Wednesday (10 1. He said that the
directors of Universal held a two-hoiu- meeting
on television problems on Tuesday.
All directors of Universal Pictures Co., Inc.,
were re-elected by the stockholders. They
are: Robert S. Benjamin, Nate J. Blumbei-g,
Paul G. Brown, J. Oheever Cowdin, Preston
Davie, Matthew Pox, Wilham J. Gei-man,
O'Comior, Ottavio Prochet, Charles D. Pi-utzman,
J. Arthur Rank. Budd Rogers, Daniel
M. Scheaffer and G. I. Woodham-Smith.
Goodman Resigns EL Post;
Coast District Formed
NEW YORK—Del Goodman has resigned
as west coast division manager for Eagle
Lion. No successor will be named. His post
will be eliminated, and a new Pacific Coast
manager will be appointed. The Pacific Coast
district will include the Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Seattle and Portland branches.
At the same time, EL has realigned the
sales staff on the coast. Sam Milner has
been named branch manager in Los Angeles,
and C. T. Sharack is sales manager.
Goodman joined EL last year. Pi-eviously
he had been with Paramount as west coast
district
manager.
'Agreement' in 359 Spots
NEW YORK— "Gentleman's Agreement"
will be opened by 20th-Fox in 359 cities
Easter week. This calls for all available
prints. All showings to date have been considered
pre-release. Since the picture was
first shown it has received 47 citations.
18
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

[RADE SHOW OF THE YEAR!
DON'T MISS the timeliest film of
the year. It's red-hot up-to-the-minute
entertainment. Broadway's famous
Pulitzer Prize Play now a Prize Picture
with a Prize Cast! It's Great!
ALBANY—THUR. 3/25—8 P.M.
Delaware Theatre, 290 Delowore Av
BOSTON—WED. 3/24—8 P M.
Fine Arts Theatre, Moss. Ave. and Norwoy St.
CHARLOTTE—THURS. 3/25—8 P.M.
Monor Theatre, 607 Providence Road
CHICAGO—THURS. 3/25—8 P.M.
Vogue Theatre, 3810 No. Broadway
CINCINNATI—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Ridge Theatre, 6042 Montgomery Road
CLEVELAND—TUES. 3/23—8 P.M.
Theatre, Coventry Road and Euclid Heights Blvd.
DALLAS—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Copitan Theatre, 232 North Henderson
DES MOINES—THURS. 3/25—8 P.M.
Uptown Theotrc, 4115 University
DETROIT—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Columbia
Cinema Theatre, 58 E.
INDIANAPOLIS—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Coronet Theatre, 2145 Tolbott Avenue
KANSAS CITY—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Vogue Theatre, 3444 Broadway
LOS ANGELES—MON. 3/22—8:30 P.M.
Four-Star Theatre, 5112 Wilshire Blvd.
MEMPHIS—MON. 3/29—8 P.M.
Hollywood Theatre, 2465 Chelsea Ave.
Mefro-Goldwyn-Mayer
and
Liberty Films
present
SPENCER TRACY
KATHARINE HEPBURN
VAN JOHNSON
ANGELA LANSBURY
ADOLPHE MENJOU
LEWIS STONE
FRANK CAPRA'S
STATE or THE UNION
Based on the
Play by Howard Lindsay and Russel Grouse
Screen Ploy by Anthony Veiller and Myles Connolly
Associate Producer Anthony Veiller
Produced and Directed by FRANK CAPRA
A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
MILW/AUKEE—TUES. 3/23—8 P.M.
Tosa Theatre, 6823 W. North Ave., Wauwatoso, W
MINNEAPOLIS—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Grenada Theatre, 3022 Hennepin Avenue
NEW HAVEN—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Strand Theatre, 1217 Dixwell Avenue
NEW ORLEANS—THURS. 3/25—8:15 P.M.
Cortei Theatre, 201 South Corlei Street
NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY—MON. 3/22—10:30 ,
Normandie Theatre, 51 E. 53rd St.
OKLAHOMA CITY—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Plaia Theatre, 1725 N. W. 16th St.
OMAHA—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Avenue Theatre, 2819 Leavenworth Street
PHILADELPHIA—WED. 3/24— 11 A.M.
M-G-M Screen Room, 1233 Summer Street
PinSBURGH—WED. 3/24—8:30 P.M.
Shadyside Theatre, 5518 Walnut Street
PORTLAND—TUES. 3/23—8 P.M.
Esquire Theatre, 838 N. W. 23rd Street
ST. LOUIS—THURS. 3/25—8 P.M.
Apollo Theatre, 323 De Boliviere Street
SALT LAKE CITY—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Tower Theatre, 876 East Ninth, South
SAN FRANCISCO—TUES. 3/23—8 P.M.
Guild Theatre, 1069 Market Street
SEATTLE-WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
Neptune Theotre, 1307 E. 45th Street
WASHINGTON—WED. 3/24—8 P.M.
National Archives Auditorium, 8th St. and Penn Av

Business is
at Paramount
Contrary to popular opinion, business at theatres playing Paramount pictures
is holding up to and even beyond levels of the boom period for comparable
budget and comparable star pictures. Cases in point are:
ROAD TO RIO which in many situations is topping previous
"Road" pictures released at the height of the boxoffice boom.
ALBUQUERQUE which is equalling and in some cases surpassing
Paramount's last previous color-western released a year ago.
I WALK
AL>ONE, black-and-white production which is consistently
topping Hal Wallis' previous Technicolor release which had
the same 2 leading stars.
And now comes Paramount's 4th consecutive release which is topping comparable
previous pictures. Film Daily called it "Ladd's best since 'Two Years
Before The Mast'" and now the boxofFice is proving that
ANOTHER GRhlAT
ENTERTAINMENT FROM
Paramount
f^OUGi As

!
^
1^ OUTCROSSING LADD'S
TWO PREVIOUS SHOWS...
with these reports from first dates: Har(fo/d— topped both; New
Haven — bigger than "Wild Harvest" and within a few dollars of
"Calcutta's" giant holiday week; Bosto // — topped "Calcutta" and
comparably stronger than "Harvest" at another house; Detroit—
\
comparably bigger than both at another house with similar seating
capacity; San Francisco— h'xggex than "Calcutta" at same house
and rivalling the figures of "Harvest" at a house with double the
seating capacity; Rochester— \nggex x^vaxv "Calcutta"'and "Harvest."

. . Enterprise
. . "Be
. .
. .
. . . RKO
. . . Producer
. . Cast
. . Warner
"f^oUffCM^ ^cfront
Seven Manuscript Sales
Reported for the Week
While the production picture remains definitely
bearish, with no signs that it will be
otherwise for some time to come, the studio
market for literary wares paradoxically continues
on the bullish side—indicating that
although the filmmakers are currently reluctant
to start the cameras turning, they
still retain sufficient faith in the industry's
future to risk their bankrolls on building up a
stockpile of story properties for future production.
The period just ended was no exception,
since a substantial total of seven manuscript
sales were completed. To Metro went "Remembrance
Rock." Carl Sandburg's new historical
novel of America from Revolutionary
da,vs to the present, which will be published
in September and thereafter will be made
into a motion picture by Sidney Franklin.
The work was five, years in the writing . . .
Hal Walhs, whose film output is released by
Paramount, snagged "The Soimd of Years,"
a first novel by Merriam Modell. and signed
Lucille Fletcher to write the screenplay. Barbara
Stanwyck will have the pivotal role as a
married woman whose life is complicated by
the arrival of her adolescent daughter by a
previous marriage . Nice to Emily," a
romantic comedy by Matt Taylor, went to
Warners, where it will be produced as a
Viveca Lindfors vehicle by Alex Gottlieb. It
concerns a Swiss girl who shelters three Yank
fliers and comes to visit them in the U.S.
after the war . purchased "The
Fabulous Hoosier," a biography by Mrs. Carl
Fisher of her late husband, who developed
the Indianapolis speedway and Miami Beach.
It will be produced under the title of "The
Miami Beach Story," . . . Roger D. WiUiams'
original, "Postoffice Investigator," went to
Republic, where it will be produced and directed
by Allan Dwan. It will reveal the activities
of postoffice agents who track down
criminals who use the federal mails in their
activities . . . Robert Frost's Equity Pictures
purchased "Lillie of Six-Shooter Junction,"
Katherine Phillips' biography of Mrs. Lillie
Drennan, who built up an oil empire in Texas
two decades ago. Eagle Lion will release .
Alfred Noyes' new novel, "The Devil Goes to
Santa Barbara," was picked up by Picture
Plays, Inc., independent unit recently organized
by Tim Whelan.
Gary Cooper to Portray
Orville Wright Next
Gary Cooper, who has played everybody
on the screen from Sergeant York to Lou
Gehrig, goes up in the air for his next biographical
assignment. He's been cast as
Orville Wright in Warners' projected film
story of the famed aviation pioneers, be to
produced by Henry Blanke ... On the same
lot Jane Wyman replaced Joan Crawford
as David Niven's co-star in "A Kiss in the
Dark," with Miss Crawford instead going into
"Mi,ss O'Brien,
" story of a school teacher .
Dick Powell draws another tough-guy assignment
as the male lead opposite Marta
Toren in Universal-International's "Rogue's
Regiment"
. . . Title role in "Michael O'Hal-
By
IVAN SPEAR
loran," which Windsor Pictures is making
for Monogram release, goes to Scotty Beckett
Radio and Vanguard are splittii-^
a long-term contract set with Betsy Drake,
young Broadway and London stage actress
Frank Seltzer lined up John
Emery and Tamara Geva for the leads in
"The Gay Intruders," his second for 20th
Century-Fox release . . . Ilka Chase goes into
Paramount's "The Tatlock Millions." with
Henry Hull set for the same studio's "The
Great Gatsby" . additions to Columbia's
"Winner Take Nothing" included Blake
Edwards, Jane Nigh and Henry O'Neill.
Big-League Scale Plans
For SRO Coast Offices
In the David O. Selznick tradition, the
pending transfer of his company's home offices
from New York to the film capital is
being planned on a big-league scale. The
blueprints as whipped up by J. McMillan
Johnson, production designer for SRO, call
for complete reconversion of the former Western
Airlines building in Beverly Hills—which
covers more than a half-acre of space.
One of the purposes of the current Hollywood
visit of Neil Agnew. SRO president, was
to check over the final plans for the structure,
which will be strictly modern in decor.
Columbia to Distribute
'Knock on Any Door'
Columbia added another subject to its
schedule via the sharecropping route when
it arranged to distribute "Knock on Any
Door." film version of the Willard Motley
novel about adolescent dehnquency, which
will be turned out on an independent basis
by the new unit headed by Robert Lord and
Humphrey Bogart. Lord recently checked
out of a producing berth at Metro to become
associated with the outfit, an outgrowth
of the Bogart-Mark Hellinger company which
dissolved with Hellinger's recent death.
RKO Signs H. C. Potter
To Long-Term Contract
H. C. Potter has been signed to longterm
directorial ticket by
a
RKO Radio, at
which studio he recently completed "Mr.
Blandings Builds His Dream House," produced
for distribution by SRO . . . William
Selwyn replaces Lew Kerner as executtve
talent director for Samuel Goldwyn, moving
over from a similar spot with Walter
Wanger. Kerner recently submitted his
resignation.
Douglas Morro'w Returns
To MGM As a Writer
Once under MGM contract as a leading
man, Douglas Morrow returns to that studio,
this time as a writer, to develop the script
of "The Life of Monty Stratton," on which
he turned out the original . . . Edward
Small borrowed Gordon Douglas from Co-
Contracted Players
Reduced to 463
Just about everybody in Hollywood
agrees lugubriously that times are tough
and that there is widespread and increasing
unemployment among studio
toilers. Considerable of the talk has been
in the scuttlebutt category, however, and
the conversation among the alarmists
has sometimes tended to draw a gloomier
picture than actually is the case.
Partially confirming such conflicting
and unofficial guesses, at least so far as
employment among actors is concerned,
the Screen Actors Guild now bobs up
with an authoritative compilation of the
number of contract players as of March
1, 1948, compared' with the same date a
year ago. The figures as released are
not cheerful ones.
Guild records show 463 players under
studio contracts, compared with 742 a
year ago, for a reduction of slightly
more than 37 per cent. In addition to
this decrease, Guild spokesmen said,
"there unquestionably has been a still
greater decrease In employment of freelance
actors." The breakdown shows 2G2
men and 201 women currently under
contract, compared with 401 men and
341 women a year ago.
lumbia to pilot "G-Men vs. Scotland Yard,"
which Small will make for Eagle Lion release
. . . Charles Lamont was booked by
Pi-oducer Harry Joe Brown to meg "The
.
Wrangler," sagebrusher to be released
through Columbia assigned
scenarists on two upcoming Henry Blanke
productions. Ranald MacDougall went to
work on "The Hasty Heart," with Stephen
Longstreet set on the film story of Wilbur
and Orville Wright.
Jesus Productions, Inc.
To Produce in Italy
Although the company was incorporated
here, production headquarters will be established
in Italy for a new independent unit,
Jesus Productions. Inc., which will turn out
a series of religious pictures. Heading the
unit is Lady Maria Korda. former wife of
Sir Alexander Korda, and one-time British
and American film actress, with whom A.
James Roche and Hallie M. Daniel are associated
in the project.
Sol Wurtzel Schedules
7 Films for 20th-Fox
There may be a picture-making slowdown
in some quarters, but not at the Sol Wurtzel
unit. The 20th Century-Fox sharecropper
has set five properties to start within the
next five months, which with two pictures
ready for release will give his company a
total
of seven subjects on 20th's current program.
Completed is "Arthur Takes Over,"
which will be followed by "Fighting Back,"
"Big Dan," "Trouble Preferred," "Tucson"
and "Ticket to Nowhere.'
24 BOXOFFICE :: March 13, 1948 i

"The Movingest Movie Pihe-Thomas Has
Ever Turned Out For Paramount"
* Stands for
Pine-Thomas,
of course.
This Exploitation
Trade Press says:
'Showmen can have a field day with it."(Heraid)
"Best of the Pine-Thomas thrillers." (Variety)
"Climaxed with thrilling fire." (FiimOaiiy)
"Never misses the mark." (m. p. oaiiy)
"Break-neck tempo." (Hoik wood Reported
"Pine-Thomas' top contender." (Oaiiy vaneuj
SHEILA RYAN
BUSTER CRABBE
MARY BETH HUGHES
Directed by WILLIAM BERKE Original Screen Play by David Lang

1 20th
: March
Quarterly First Run Reports:
TOP FILMS STILL DOING WELL
BUT SO-SO PICTURES ARE NO-GO
36 Pictures in Hit Class
In First Half of Year.
Equaling '47 Mark
Bp NATHAN COHEN
The industry's top product is doing better
business this season than a year ago.
but run-of-the-mill pictures are not faring
so well. The country's motion picture patrons
are still flocking to the theatres when
good, substantial, entertaining pictures are
being offered, but it's no-go on low grade
features.
This fact is very much in evidence in the
quarterly analysis of first run business made
by BOXOPFICE on the basis of reports from
21 key cities. Other significant trends also
reveal: Uii More pictures are being released,
but a greater percentage of films is
failing to do average or better business;
1 2) There have been as many top hits this
season as last; (3i Pictui-es which are doing
"average or better business" are bringing
in a greater return than the same type of
films in the preceding season.
POOR SHOWING BY SOME FILMS
For the first time in many years, however,
key situations are reporting pictures
as doing only 60 to 80 per cent of average
business on a considerable number of releases.
Significantly enough, it was product
released in the second quarter of the current
season—December through February—
which sent averages on the skids, in spite
of the fact that just as many pictures rocketed
into the hit class in that period as
they did in the previous three months. In
the first three months of the current season,
88.5 per cent of the releases did average
or better business. By the end of the sixmonth
period, however, only 64.5 per cent
of the season's pictures had achieved this
distinction.
Of 76 pictures placed in release in the
second quarter—on which there have been
sufficient runs to provide an indication of
pulling power—29, or approximately 38 per
cent, failed to satisfy exhibitors with at least
average business. But those which did averaged
122.5 per cent, whereas last season this
type of picture averaged only 119 per cent.
18 NEW HITS DURING QUARTER
Significantly, however, just as many pictures
went into the hit class in the quarter
as in the preceding quarter—18—to bring the
total for the year to 36 hit pictures. At this
time last .season, 36 features had reached
the top-level cla.ssification. Under Barometer
calculations, a picture goes into the hit
bracket when it does 120 per cent or better
in its key run dates. This season, this type
of a picture is drawing more business to
the boxoffice than it did last year. The 36
this season so far have done an average of
145.5 per cent. Last season's hits did 141
per cent.
The hits are topped by Paramount's "Road
to Rio," which has a record of 170 per cent,
and holdovers in virtually every run. It
First Quarters Top Hits
(September 1947 through February 1948)
PERCENTAGES
Albuquerque (Para)
)
-Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer. The (RKO)
Bishop's Wife, The (RKO)
Body and Soul (UA)
Call Northside 777 (20thFox)
Captain From Castile (20lhFox)
Cass Tiraberlane (MGM)
Crossfire
(RKO)
Dark Passage (WB)
Down «o Earth (Col)
•Forever
Foxes of
Fugitive,
Amber (20th-Fox)
Harrow. The (20fh-Fox)
The (RKO)
Fun and Fancy Free (RKO)
Good News (MGM)
Green Dolphin Street (MGM)
Intrigue
(UA)
It Had to Be You (Col)
Killer
McCoy (MGM)
K=S3 of Death (20th-Fox)
*Life With Father (WB)
Monsieur Verdoux (UA)
Mother Wore Tights (20th-Fox)
.My Wild Irish Rose (WB)
Road to
Rio (Para)
WSecret Life of Walter Mitty. The
T-Men
(EL)
To the Ends of the Earth (Col)
Treasure of Sierra Madre (WB)
Tycoon (RKO)
"Unconquered (Para)
Voice of the Turtle. The (WB)
iJWelcome Stranger (Para)
WWhere There's Life (Para)
(RKO)
Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap, The (U-I)
You Were Meant for Me (20th-Fox)
wBlue Ribbon Award Winners
'Roadshows
played strongly everywhere, and had a top
mark at the Paramoimt Theatre in San
Francisco, where the picture did 300 per
cent, and ran for six weeks. The Palace in
Cincinnati reported 250 per cent on the film,
and Radio City Theatre in Minneapolis held
the feature for five weeks and reported business
at 230 per cent of average.
Second in drawing power among the quarter's
releases was "Captain From Castile"
120 130 140 150
Century-Foxi, which placed with an
average of 162 per cent. Again it was San
Francisco which produced the top business,
but in the case of this picture it was the
Pox Theatre. Business was recorded at a
whooping 350 per cent, and the picture held
over for four weeks. Other top spots were
the Fox Theatre, Philadelphia, 220 per cent;
Fifth Avenue, Seattle, 210 per cent; Esquire
and Paramount in Denver, and a four-the-
26 BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

atre day and date booking in Los Angeles,
200 per cent each. In each case, too, holdovers
were for three weeks.
Third highest gi'osser of the quarter was
Samuel Goldwyn's •'The Bishop's Wife," an
RKO release. In its first 11 key run dates,
it was reported at 155 per cent, and carrying
into holdovers in every engagement.
The picture doubled normal business at the
Astor Theatre in Boston, which Goldwyn
recently acquired as a showcase, and at
the Karlton in Philadelphia. Currently it
is in its 13th week at the Astor in New
York, its tenth week in Boston and its eighth
week at the Woods Theatre in Chicago where,
apparently, the Chicago antitrust decree limiting
Loop runs to two weeks does not hold
for the independently-owned Woods.
COMEDIES BEST GROSSERS
Filmgoers were about evenly divided as to
their favorite fare. Of the 36 hits, 16 were
dramas, another four were color costumers,
14 were musicals and comedies, one was
an animated feature and another was an
action story. The comedies, however, were
drawing the top grosses—on an average.
Of 13 comedies playing at regular admis-
.cions, key runs reported the lighter fare had
done 146 per cent at the boxoffice, whereas
19 dramas playing at regular admissions did
only 133 per cent.
It was the fourth time in a row that a
picture either starring or co-starring Bing
Crosby and Bob Hope has landed in the
top three quarterly winners. It was "Blue
Skies" with Crosby in March 1947; Hope in
"My Favorite Blonde" in June 1947; "Variety
Girl" with both stars in September
1947; Crosby in "Welcome Stranger" for the
quarter ending November 1947; and the current
"Road to Rio."
Following are second quarter releases and
percentages reported by exhibitors in key
cities:
per
COLUMBIA
Blondie in the Dough
Blondie's Anniversary
Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back.
Crime Doctor's Gamble
Devil Ship
Down to Earth
Glamour Girl
Her Husband's Affairs
I Love Trouble
It Had to Be You
Key V/itness
Last of the Redmen
Lone Wolf
Mary Lou
Prince of Thieves
Relentless
Son of Rusty, The
Sweet Genevieve
Swordsman, The
To the Ends of the Earth...
Two Blondes and a Redhe
When a Girl's Beautiful
Woman From Tangier
EAGLE LION
Blonde Savage
Bury Me Dead
Green for Danger
Heading for Heaven
Linda Be Good ^
Love From a Stranger
Out the Blu
Railroaded
Return of Rin Tin Tin..
T-Men
Whispering City
METHO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Arnelo Affair, The
Cass Timberlane
Desire Me
Good News
Green Dolphin Street
High Wall
If Winter Comes
Killer McCoy
Merton of the Movies
Song of Love
Song of the Thin Man
This Time for Keeps
Unfinished Dance
Chinese Ring, The
Gangster, The (AA)
High Tide
Joe Palooka in the K
King of the Bandits
Louisiana
News Hounds
Smart Politics
PABAMOUNT
Adventure Island
Albuquerque
Big fown After Dork
Golden Earrings
I Walk Alone
Road to Rio
Unconquered
Welcome Stranger .
Whe The
Wild Harv
REO RADIO
Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer, The...
Bishop's Wife, The 7"'"
Crossiire
Fugitive, The ;;;
Fun and Fancy Free
If You Knew gusie
Long Night, The.

tjaiYOttiH!!!
mM/HUM

DFMnnuii^
Screenplay by Charles Bennett
• Based upon the novel by Margaret Ferguson

: March
'I
PRODUCTION IN MARCH GAINS
WITH 31 STARTERS SCHEDULED
By IVAN SPEAR
HOLLYWOOD—After crashing in February
to a disastrously low tempo, unequaled
in years, the production pace accelerated
somewhat in March's early days
as a tally among major and independent
filmmakers carded a total of 31 starters
for the period. This represented a gain
of six over the previous month's 25 candidates
for the green light.
Those of statistical and pessimistic minds
among the film colony's railbirds were quick
to point out, however, that despite the
slightly increased output, Hollywood still
continues to hew close to the line as concerns
budgets and shooting schedules. A
breakdown revealed that of the 31 vehicles
poised at the starting gates, only 11 could
be labelled big-bankroll offerings, the remaining
20 being classified as programmers,
series entries and westerns. In short, although
quantitatively the March schedule
reflects an upswing, in point of dollars and
cents it is still well under the average for
the lush years of 1946 and 1947.
With the possibility, always constant, of
amendments either increasing or decreasing
the total as the month proceeds, the
is "Canon City," to be supervised by Bi-yan
Foy, with Crane Wilbur in the director's
chair. To be told in semidocumentary style,
it is a film version of the recent Colorado
jailbreak wherein nine prisoners escaped and
terrorized the countryside for days before
they were killed or captured. The other
studio offering is "Born to Fight," a melodrama
of the prize ring, with Chuck Riesner
directing for Producer Leonard Picker. Scott
Brady has the male lead. From Audio Pictm-es,
an independent outfit headed by
Perenz Fodor, will come "Children of the
Sun," described as a semidocumentary story
U-rs 'Kiss the Blood'
Starting This Month
Hollywood—Noteworthy on several
counts, in addition to the fact that it is
one of the month's few heavy-budgeted
film properties, is "Kiss the Blood Off
My Hands," due for the starting gun at
Universal-International as one of three
pictures to get under way at that studio
during the period.
For one, it marks the production bow
of Burt Lancaster, who not only costars
with Joan Fontaine but is a partner
of Harold Hecht in Norma Productions,
under which company banner it is
being produced. For another, it is a
screen adaptation of a widely read and
acclaimed suspense novel by the English
author, Gerald Butler. Miss Fontaine
was borrowed for the assignment from
Rampart Productions, another sharecropping
unit which she heads In association,
with her husband, WiUiam
Dozier, also a U-I executive.
lineup by studios includes:
Laincaster is cast as a London underworld
Columbia
tough who depends on violence
and even miu-der to solve his problems.
Program entries dominate the schedule
Miss Fontaine, a gentle shopgirl, is responsible
for his regeneration when he
here, with four subjects on tap. "Rusty
seeks refuge in her rooms while fleeing
Takes a Walk," latest in the boy-and-hisdog
the police.
series, got under way late last month
with Ted Donaldson, Sharyn Moffett, Ann
Doran and John Litel in the toplines, and
Directing the property for
and Hecht is Norman Foster.
Lancaster
Will Jason directing. Hobert Cohn produces.
In the "Crime Doctor" series is "The
Gentleman From Nowhere," to be produced of the Navajo Indians and
by Rudolph Flothow, with Warner Baxter economic plight.
their current
Chief Thundercloud, redskin
in his familiar role as the medical man with
actor, has the topline and Robert Tan-
a flair for amateur detection. From the sey will direct. John Sutherland Productions
Sam Katzman production unit comes "Sweetheart
will gun "Lady at Midnight,"
of the Blues," a romantic comedy
with music, toplining Gloria Jean. Arthur
a suspense
mystery, with Sherman Scott as the
pilot. The first of two from Sutherland, it
Dreifuss is the director. The Hoosier Hot stars Richard Denning.
Shots will be featured in "Texas Sandman,"
outdoor tunefilm in which Stewart Hart
makes his film debut as the romantic male
Film Classics
This up-and-coming organization, a comparative
lead. The Colbert Clark production will be
piloted by Ray Nazarro.
newcomer in the production field,
slated two starters. Phil Krasne's Falcon
Eagle Lion
Productions was geared to go with "Blue
Holiday," a new entry in the "Falcon" series,
A projected output of four subjects under
with John Calvert cast as the devil-may-care
the EL banner will Include two from independent
units and a pair from the studio melodrama in Cinecolor, was being readied
amateur sleuth. "Jungle Blindness," action
itself. Probably the most important entry
by Producer Sig Neufeld, with Frances Rafferty
in the femme lead and Peter Stewart
named to direct.
Independent
Cancelling previous plans to film it in
Italy, Rod E. Geiger leased studio space locally
for the production of "Give Us This
Day," film version of Pietro di Donato's
novel, "Christ in Concrete." Starring roles
are filled by Luise Rainer. Sam Wanamaker
and Albert Dekker, with a director and releasing
arrangements yet to be set. The
subject concerns a family of Italian laborers
in New York, their philosophies, struggles
and romances.
Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer
The Culver City film plant is keeping the
production pot boiling with plans to launch
a pair of films during the month, both importantly
cast and in the upper budget
brackets. "Words and Music," a filmized
biography of the famed song-writing team
of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, will
team Mickey Rooney las Harti and Judy
Garland in the starring spots, with Tom
Drake in the role of Rodgers and 'Vera-
EUen in a supporting niche. Norman
Taiu-og has the directorial reins the Arthur
on
Freed production. The title role in
"The Story of Monty Stratton," which Jack
Cummings produces, goes to Van Johnson,
too, is a biography—the story of the Chicago
with Frank Morgan in a character lead. It,
White Sox pitching ace who lost a leg in a
hunting accident just as he was reaching
the peak of a spectacular sports career. Roy
Rowland is
Monogram
the director.
With no less than five subjects awaiting
the green light at month's beginning, this
studio established the fastest pace of any
company. From Windsor Pictures (Frank
Melford and Julian Lesser) will come "Michael
O'Halloran," new version of the widely-read
novel by Gene Stratton-Porter. To
be megged by John Rawhns, its only cast
members early in the month were AUene
Roberts, "borrowed" by Julian from his
father, Sol Lesser, and Scotty Beckett. "A
Palooka Named Joe," fifth in the series
based on Ham Fisher's comic strip, was
scheduled by Producer Hal E. Chester, with
Leon Errol and Joe Kirkwood repeating in
the toplines and Reginald LeBorg directing.
On deck for Pi-oducer-Director Will
Jason was "Street Song," the story of a
Congressional Medal of Honor winner, to
star Phil Brito, radio and screen singer. The
Bowery Boys were readying to go into "Smugglers'
Cove," with Jan Grippo as the producer
and William Beaudine piloting. Rounding
out the quintet, and the month's only
can-yover was "Stage Struck," with Jeffrey
Bernerd and William Nigh as the producer
and director, respectively. Starred are Kane
Richmond, Audrey Long, Conrad Nagel and
Ralph Byrd in a story of adolescent delinquency,
once known as "Where Are Your
Daughters?"
Paramount
.
The Marathon Street plant accounts for
two of the month's aggregation of starting
vehicles, one a newcomer to the lineup, the
other a carryover from January. The new
entry is "Tatlock's Millions," a Charles
Brackett production, with Actor Richard
Haydn making his directorial debut thereon.
The starring lineup includes Wanda Hendrix,
John Lund, Barry Fitzgerald and Monty
WooUey and the subject, a comedy, casts
Lund as Schulyler Tatlock, heir to a fortune;
Fitzgerald as his caretaker-bodyguard;
30
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

: March
and Woolley as a distant cousin who conspires
to be named the rightful heii'. The
holdover subject is "The Great Gatsby,"
postponed when the directorial reins were
shifted from John Farrow to Elliott Nugent.
Starring Alan Ladd, Ruth Hussey and Betty
Field, with Richard Maibaum producing, it
is a film version of the F. Scott Fitzgerald
novel, laid in the jazz era of the mid-20s.
RKO Radio
Only one subject (and that one a tentative
starter! was on the Une at this studio.
Titled "Brothers in the Saddle," it is another
in the Tim Holt sagebrush series,
based on stories by Zane Grey. No director
had been assigned, early in the month, to
the Herman Schlom production.
Republic
One action melodrama and one serial
constituted
the period's scheduled starts on this
valley lot. Uncast in the month's early days
was "Flight Fi-om Fm-y," a Sidney Picker
production to be megged by R. G. Springsteen
and described as the story of a young couple
who steal some money and then find that
their loot cannot buy them happineses. In
the chapter-play category is "The Thrill
Man," which concerns the exploits of motion
pictm-e stunt men and is slated to incorporate
famous stunt scenes from other films.
Russell Hayden and Lynne Roberts have the
leads and Yakima Canutt du'ects for Pi-oducer-Writer
Franklin Adreon.
20th Century-Fox
A thi'ee-picture starting schedule here relies
heavily on the output of independents,
with Sol M. Wurtzel and Pi-ank Seltzer to
gun two of the trio. "Fighting Back" is the
Wurtzel contribution, a melodrama in the
boy-and-dog category, toplining Paul Langton,
Jean Rogers and Gary Gray, to be piloted
by Malcolm St. Clair. From Seltzer comes
"The Gay Intruders," a burlesque on the
Hollywood conception of psychiatric subjects.
It concerns two temperamental
Broadway stars whose marital difficulties
compel them to consult a pair of psychiatrists,
only to get the doctors hopelessly entangled.
John Emery, Tamara Geva and
Hugh French head the cast. The studio itself
will launch "Bm-lesque," a remake of the
one-time stage success and early-day talkie,
with Betty Grable and Dan Dailey reunited
as the topliners, and June Havoc and
Jack Oakie in supporting roles. George Jessel
produces, Walter Lang directs.
United Artists
Several "firsts" characterized the month's
only entry for distribution by this company.
Titled "An Innocent Affair," it is the initial
production venture for James Nasser, circuit
owner and operator of General Service studios,
who set up an independent production
unit and borrowed Lloyd Bacon from 20th
Century-Fox to direct the romantic comedy.
it is Also the first screen appearance
Universal-International
This valley film emporium unlimbered the
Paramount 2-Reels Out;
70 One-Reelers Listed
NEW YORK—Paramount will release 70
one-reelers, 104 issues of Paramount News
and discontinue its two-reelers for 1948-49,
according to Oscar A. Morgan, sales manager
of shorts and Paramount News.
He said the company is dropping its tworeel
subjects because "for over a year there
has been a definite trend in theatres to onereel
subjects and away from the longer pictm-es."
According to Morgan, exhibitors in
single bill territories say they can build a
better balanced program with the single-reel
shorts. Exhibitors in double bill territories
have pointed out that the single-reel short
fits more easily into their shows, Morgan
added.
During the past several years Paramount
has been concentrating its two-reel efforts
on a series of musicals with Olga San Juan,
Johnnie Johnston, Peggy Lee and other film.
bankroll to schedule March starting dates
on three comparatively high-budgeted subjects,
a fairly rapid pace, especially in view
of the general trend. One of them, as a matter
of fact, emerges as probably the month's
most important properties in point of star
names and story values. Titled "Kiss the
Blood Off My Hands," it is described fully
in the box on the facing page. Deanna Durbin
goes before the cameras in "Washington
Girl," a romantic comedy in which her
co-stars are Jeffrey Lymi and Don Taylor,
with Robert Ai-thur producing and Frederick
de Cordova in the pilot's seat. Miss Durbin
is cast as a telephone switchboard operator
in a government building in Washington.
Taylor is the owner of a Pacific island who
comes to the nation's capital to protest
against use of his property by the U.S. navy
for atomic bomb tests. Producer Robert
Buckner will gun "Rogues' Regiment," a
story of the modern, postwar French Foreign
Legion, with Robert Florey directing and
Dick Powell co-starring with Marta Toren.
Warner Bros.
The new entry here is "Sunburst," to be
turned out by the studio's newly created
lower-budget unit headed by Saul Elkins.
With Dane Clark, Geraldine Brooks and
S. Z. it is Sakall as the leads, a melodrama
Clark i who
about a hit-and-run driver
i
searches for, and engages in a romance
with, his victim (Miss Brooks). Felix Jacovers.
promoted from a dialog director's
berth, is to pilot the piece as his first task
behind a megaphone.
Polaroid's 3-Color Plant
Is Ready for Operation
NEW YORK—Polaroid Corp. stockholders
were informed in the company's annual re-
in the post-war era for Madeleine Carroll,
who co-stars in the subject with Fred Mac-
Murray. In a top supporting role is Rita
Johnson. The film, described as a light port that a pilot plant capable of turning
romantic comedy, has a modern New 'Vork out several million feet of the three-color
separation process has been completed.
background.
Paramounfs cartoon orders will keep the
plant running practically to capacity, the
report states. The process is said to be
cheaper than Technicolor.
radio and recording artists.
Morgan said that the market is strong for
cartoons, and that Paramount will meet this
trend by increasing its cartoon output from
24 subjects to 30. It also will Increase the
Pacemaker series from six to 12, using new
personalities including Jinx Palkenberg, Tex
McCrary and Monica Lewis.
The complete 1948-49 schedule is listed
below: Eight Popeye cartoons, ten Noveltoon
cartoons, 12 Screen Song cartoons, 12 Pacemakers,
6 Speaking of Animals, 6 Popular
Science, 6 Unusual Occupations, 10 Grantland
Rice Sportlights, 104 Issues of Paramount
News. In addition, there will be 52
Canadian Paramount News.
issues of
Morgan left New York March 13 for a
thi'ee-month tour of Paramount exchanges.
He also will spend some time in Hollywood
conferring with studio officials and producers.
Four International Chiefs
On Road for Paramount
NEW YORK—Four officials of Paramount
International, including George Weltner,
president, left New York during the past ten
days.
Weltner and A. L. Pratchett, division manager
for Latin-American, left together March
6 for a five-week tour of South America.
They will visit company offices in Brazil,
Argentina, Chile, Peru and the Canal Zone.
Rio De Janeiro will be their first stop. They
are expected in Lima April 1 to attend the
opening there of the Tacna Theatre.
J. E. Perkins, managing director for Great
Britain, boarded the Queen Mary last weekend
and is now back at his London office
after a series of conferences at the New York
home office.
Paul Ackerman, director of advertising and
publicity, is now in Hollywood for talks with
studio
officials.
Arnold Says Film Leaders
Yielded Independence
WASHINGTON -Thurman Arnold says
film executives have "surrendered the independence"
of the industry. His comments
were sent to Sheridan Gibney, president of
the Screen Writers Guild, in explaining why
his law firm. Arnold. Fortas & Porter, has
taken over defense of the guild.
Arnold says he is not representing the ten
writers charged with contempt by the House
committee on un-American activities. Arnold
calls it an issue of "paramount importance"
and says the industry has set up
"what amounts to a private court."
20th-Fox Film Retitled
NEW YORK—"The Law and Martin Rome"
has been selected as the final title for the
20th-Fox picture previously known as "The
Chair for Martin Rome." 'Victor Mature and
Richard Conte are co-starred.
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948
31

Reprinted from the March 8th Edition of Motion Picture Daily
,.t shaping ^^^''^'^
\;«/da, «.«-^^^,^uc. can
be pretty i^^^^.^,ttot.
For L_.^ J
Century -Fox has the Product!

jentleman's j^reement
Its record at the boxoffice
is matched only by its
record acclaim!
(japtain prom ([astile
TECHNICOLOR
2nd Consecutive month a
Motion Picture Herald Boxoffice
Champion!
bu^ere|^eantpor|^i
The musical that's meant
|£
for audiences and showmen
everywhere!
i Call Northside 777
"Smash! Leading the field!"
reports Variety as it outgrosses
the biggest of 20th's
outstanding "true" dramas!
Sitting Pretty
Setting records for laughs
and ticket-selling in New
York-Miami-Boston!
Scudda-JJoo! ^cudda-JJay!
TECHNICOLOR
Matching the pace of "My
Friend Flicka," "Smoky" and
"Home In Indiana" in 6-state,
329-Theatre World Premiere!

: March
16mm Industry Faces
Censorship, Taxes
NEW YORK—The 16mm industry is
being
cftreatened by new taxes, censorship and
violations of copyright laws, according to
Wiiliam F. Kruse, president of the Allied
Nontheatrical Film Ass'n. Kruse made this
statement during the recent meeting of the
ANFA board of directors called to work out
the agenJa of the forthcoming annual convention
originally scheduled for April 22-24
at the Hotel New Yorker. The convention
committee has voted to extend the convention
an extra day, through Sunday April
25, at the request of ANFA members.
Kruse pointed out that 40-year-oId police
regulations covering the storage of nitrate
film are being dusted off to harrass photographic
retailers and other dealers. There
has been an increased tendency among taxing
bodies to impose license and other fees
on firms and individuals engaged in the 16mm
industry, he added.
He also brought out the fact that "inexperienced"
persons have been trying to supply
local television stations with films to
wliich they do not have the television rights.
These problems and many others will be
discussed at the convention. Among the
other problems are: severe shortage of raw
stock, and "recurrent efforts to establish or
intensify film censorship in several areas."
The third national 16mm industry tradeshow
will be held jointly with the convention.
There will be exhibits of the latest equipment
and services offered by all branches.
Benefit Balls to Feature
'Emperor Waltz' Runs
NEW YORK — Paramount's
exploitation
campaign on "The Emperor Waltz," Technicolor
film starring Bing Crosby and Joan
Fontaine, will feature a series of benefit
balls in 31 cities in connection with the opening
of the film. Anita Colby, executive assistant
to Henry Ginsberg, head of the Paramount
studios, left March 8 to set advance
plans for the balls.
Proceeds from the affairs will be donated
to the Damon Runyon Cancer fimd. The picture
will be released July 2 at regular prices.
During her tour Miss Colby will contact
newspaper editors and enlist their cooperation.
She will arrange for window displays
on "The Emperor Waltz" with department
store executives.
Miss Colby's eight-week trip will take her
to New Haven, Boston, Montreal, Toronto,
Detroit, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City,
Des Moines, Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City,
Mimieapolis, St. Paul, Milwaukee, Chicago,
Memphis, Dallas, New Orleans, Jacksonville,
Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland,
Pittsbm-gh, Washington, Baltimore. Philadelphia,
Albany, Buffalo and New York. She is
expected back here May 7.
'Turtle' Held in 135 Spots
NEW YORK—Warner Bros, reports 135
holdovers in the first 150 engagements of
"The Voice of the Turtle." The company
says "Tm-tle" is the company's highest
grosser of the year, except "Life With
Father."
FROM THE FILES OF
THE SMALL EXHIBITOR would be
driven
out of business by the abolition of blind
and block booking. President C. F. Williams
of the Western Iowa and Nebraska MPTO
on the stand last week in Washington, at
hearings on the Brookhart bill. "Block booking
is the only thing which enables the small
showman to get along," said Williams, "for
he knows what he is going to get over an
extended period. Blind booking is not blind,
for he knows about what a given star will
produce and can safely buy on star names."
One-Eyed Connolly, the world's most
famous gate crasher, is not so good when it
comes to keeping others from crashing a gate.
Connolly has been gate keeper at the Pox
studios in Hollywood, but so many people
have slipped through, the gate crasher has
lost his job.
S.O.S. Moves Its Offices
NEW YORK—S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.
has moved its offices to 602 West 52nd St.
The receiving and shipping entrance to the
new offices is on 51st St. S.O.S. formerly
was located at 449 West 49th St.
COLUMBIA PICTURES
f
ANNOUNCES THAT PRINTS OF THE FOLLOWING PICTURES &
ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN OUR EXCHANGES FOR SCREENING #
ADVENTURES
in SILVERADO
w,.h WILLIAM BISHOP
•
GLORIA HENRY • EDGAR BUCHANAN
Forrest Tucker • Edgar Barrier
Screenplay by Kenneth Garnet, Tom Kilpatrick and Jo Pagano
SONG OF IDAHO
with
THE HOOSIER HOT SHOTS
(Hezzie, Ken, Gil and Gabe)
KIRBY GRANT • JUNE VINCENT • TOMMY IVO
DOROTHY VAUGHN • EMORY PARNELL • THE SUNSHINE BOYS
THE SUNSHINE GIRLS • THE STARLIGHTERS
Suggested by the story 'Silverado Squatters" by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
Directed by PHIL KARLSON • Produced by TED RICHMOND and ROBERT COHN
THE RETLRn
OF THE UIHISTLER
v.ith MICHAEL DUANE • LENGRE AUBERT • RICHARD LANE
Screenplay by Edward Bock and Maurice Tombragel
Suggested by the CBS Radio Program entitled 'The Whistler"
Directed by D. ROSS LEDERMAN • Produced by RUDOLPH C. FLOTHOW
Original screenplay by Barry Shipman
Directed by RAY NAZARRO • Produced by COLBERT CLARK
Charles STARRETT
Smiley BURNETTE
WEST OFSONORA
with
• GEORGE CHESEBRO • ANITA CASTLE
STEVE DARRELL
THE SUNSHINE BOYS
Original screenplay by Barry Shipman
Directed by RAY NAZARRO • Produced by COLBERT CURK
34 BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948

CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
OXOfflM
SECTION
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
February Bonus Awards Dominated
By Rural and Surburban Managers
Three theatre managers, one a woman,
duplicated their previous accomplishment.s by
having their names appear again on the list
of BOXOFFICE Bonus winners.
The three. Norman Lofthus, manager of the
California in Santa Barbara; Elmer Adams
jr., manager of the Hornbeck. Shawnee, Okla.,
and Miss Mildred FitzGibbons of the Roosevelt.
Flushing, N. Y.. were awarded Bonuses
of $10 each for promotions of exceptional
caliber submitted to the Showmandiser section
during February. Seven other managers
and publicity men were also cited.
Charles E. Shutt, manager of the San
Francisco Telenews, scored with his outstanding
lobby displays.
His talent at building theatre fronts at the
Paramount. Jackson. Tenn., earned a Bonus
for manager Harold Thomas.
A Texan, William Hardwick of the Star in
Hereford, submitted the outstanding window
display.
Leo Haney, Lido, Maywood, 111., who has
):een trying consistently for almost a year to
earn a bonus, finally clicked with an excellent
public relations project.
Earle Holden's contribution of a form post
card to bring newsrecl items to the attention
of special groups won the Hickory, N. C.
showman a Bonus.
For a series of co-op ads in conjunction
with a Dairy Maid contest promoted at the
Oneonta Theatre, Oneonta, N. Y.. a Bonus
was awarded to Harold DeGraw.
Nate Wise, publicity director for RKO
Cincinnati Theatres, was honored for several
meritorious campaigns.
Lofthus captured top ballyhoo honors by
duplicating a fine campaign on a short subject
which had appeared in the Showmandiser.
Adams' dexterity with ad layouts was
deemed outstanding for a community of his
size.
Miss FitzGibbons developed as an original
idea, a tieup of cartoons and comic strip
characters with the New York Journal-
American.
Elmer .\daiiis
jr.
Mildred FitzGibbons Normian Lofthus Earle Holden
I
flot on tL P^roaram 'f
Last ueek, the newspapers reported New York motion picture
machine operators had been running reels backward on
the s

NS^TIO N'^L ^,R.*Ci«yM««VH»'" f'"""
st e^g'agetnents p' ov^d it a
BOX-OFFICE
HIT.
ihou^man'
delight-
stag^ hit"'greater
^foadtvay tfjjfi
as a movie!
soiC
SSe^ ^,,,,rHVRRAmpresenta^
JnlerrmUonal

The Bally-Hooper
Keeps Climbing

)
Fine Radio-Press Aid
Garnered on Duo by
Dick Feldman
Giving "The Prince of Thieves" and "I Love
Trouble" equal billing for their double-feature
engagement at the Paramount in Syracuse,
Manager Dick Feldman obtained excellent cooperation
from local radio stations and the
press to exploit the show.
Using the educational theme of "The Prince
of Tliieves" as a selling approach, Feldman
secui-ed permission to place cards in all local
public and branch libraries, book stores and
book counters of department stores.
A tieup with WOLF was arranged in which
the station gave the pictm-e 40 gratis spots
in exchange for a short trailer plugging
WOLF'S daily adventure programs. In newspaper
ads, radio spot.s and lobby displays for
two weeks prior to opening, the catchline,
"See Jon Hall as Robin Hood," was played up
advantageously.
The Robin Hood recording was planted with
disk jockeys on stations WAGE, WSYR,
WFBL, DOLF and WNDR.
Exploitation for "I Love Trouble" included
a four-color front cover art break in the
Sunday magazine section of the Post-Standard,
along with a two-column box story on
Leon Korr Uses Own Car
To Bally 'The Senator'
Leon W. Korr, manager of the Earle. Allentown,
Pa., used his car advantageously
for ten days to exploit "The Senator Was
Indiscreet." Atop the car frame was
a
erected which held a card with copy: "What
this country needs is a five-cent nickel. A
vote for Ashton's is a vote for two families
in every garage." Additional copy called
attention to the engagement at the Earle.
The car was driven around the shopping
section and drew chuckles from pedestrians
and motorists.
Illustrated Window Cards
Increase Attraction
Gilbert E. Rathman, manager of the Marion
Theatre in Marion, Iowa, has introduced
something new in his window card advertising,
Rathman has been using window cards advertising
his weekend attractions for an entire
month. Recently he switched from straight
type to illustrations from newspaper cuts.
He reports a check revealed that the public
stops and looks more than ever and actually
spends time in reading the posters.
BOXOFnCE Showmandiser :: Mar. 13, 1948
Reading Citywide Pigtail Contest
Tops Campaign on 'Avenue Angel'
A citywide contest to discover "Miss Pigtails,"
the girl with the longest pigtails, was
the highlight of Manager Larry Levy's
campaign for "Tenth Avenue Angel" at the
Colonial in Reading, Pa.
The contest was limited to girls of 12 or
under. Applications were distributed, with
page nine of the same edition.
One hundred "I Love Trouble" emblems
were awarded to the first 100 women attending
spaces for contestants names addresses, ages,
the show on opening day. A co-op length of pigtails and telephone numbers.
ad was arranged with Rifkin's beauty parlor Over 200 entries were received.
showing Janis Carter, with mention of the Final judging
stage Satm-day
was held
afternoon,
on
with
the Colonial
ten finalists
picture title, theatre and playdates. A onecolumn
by eight-inch display ad was promoted
making an appearance. Guest tickets, a
gratis in the Italian Gazette.
Duosonic portable phonograph in a carrying
Supplementing a strong campaign for "The case, four additional phonographs and five
Senator Was Indiscreet," Feldman promoted
a two-column art break and story in eight
Margaret O'Brien record albums (promoted
from a local music store i were awarded as
suburban newspapers. Daily publicity in the prizes.
Herald-Joiu-nal and Post-Standard included Setwitz, the cooperating merchant, helped
many unusual art breaks in addition to a
publicize the contest through three large
special feature story on "Powell learns the
cooperative ads, featuring cuts of Margaret
won-ying part of film acting."
O'Brien. Two full window displays and the
store's radio program also helped.
The theatre distributed 5,000 contest
A Goodwill Builder
John Newkirk, manager of
the Beach Cliff
in Rocky River, Ohio, has a novel way of
institutionalizing his theatre and building
goodwill among liis patrons. Newkirk watches
the daily news columns for items mentioning
citizens of his community. He clips these,
mailing them to the person in the news
headline with a cordial note of greeting
and an invitation for the recipient to spend
an evening in comfort, relaxation and enjoy
good entertainment at the Beach Cliff.
Patrons Swell Poll Fund
The recent March of Dimes collections
benefited handsomely through a device placed
in the lobby of the RKO 105th Street Theatre,
Cleveland. Ed Pyne, manager, rigged up a
lucky wheel in the lobby and invited patrons
who contributed a dime to the infantile paralysis
fund to try their- luck. Those who made
the arrow stop on the title. "My Wild Irish
Rose," received a pass to come back during
the picture's run.
—407—
heralds in schools, homes, music stores and
at the theatre. Underlines were carried
in all newspaper ads announcing the contest,
with a large box ad on the day of the
final judging. Newspapers delivered several
fine publicity stories, including a threecolumn
art break.
Dash cards were posted on street cars and
buses serving Reading and the suburbs. In
newspaper ads and a lobby announcement.
Levy offered Margaret O'Brien hair ribbons
to the first 100 girls attending the Saturday
morning performance accompanied by their
mothers.
Levy also tied up with the Green five and
ten-cent store for an identification contest
in which customers were invited to name the
pictures Margaret O'Brien previously had
appeared in, as indicated by stills displayed
on various counters throughout the store.
Tickets were awarded to winners.
Window cards and special counter displays
of stills were used in 34 downtown
locations.
'Song of Love' Direct Mail
Sent to Music Societies
Norman Lofthus. manager of the California
Theatre in Santa Barbara, used a direct mail
campaign to exploit "Song of Love" and "The
Great Mr. Handel" as a double feature program.
After obtaining the mailing lists of music
groups he sent each member a post card informing
them of the musical and romantic
background in Ijotih of these features and giving
playdates.
Judging from business, reports Lofthus, the
device was very effective.
Women Look Too
A shadowbox built around the peephole
stunt proved effective in exploiting "The
Trouble With Women" for J. Matthews,
manager of the Fantasy in Rockeville Center,
N. Y. Matthews teased his patrons with
a "for men only" snipe which attracted
women as well as his male patrons. Inside
the shadowbox were cartoon sketches which
Matthews lifted from the press book.
39

The Bally-Mmfier
Keeps Climbing
**
lisuj'aei^ipBjfiit
^L § mhflkninqiif
t NAKED
CITY
Homicide squad crime detection
apparatus was used effectively to
promote "The Naked City" prior to
its opening at the New York Capitol.
Publicist Paula Gould borrowed
the paraphernalia from the
police department laboratory and
incorporated it into this attractive
lobby display.
At right, a novel walking
ballyhoo exploits
"T-Men" at the Fox Palace
in Milwaukee. Manager
Harry Bruruiett
off teed with this one
used it in advance and
currently to good ad
vantage.
When Max Phillips, manager of the Regent, Sudbury. Ont., observed excavatic
faking place in business section, he did some -Down to Earth" talking to
banner placed where curious sidewalk superintendents couldn't miss the m
1^1^'°^^°^' ° "^Y",.^""
«='"• scheduled for production in Buffalo
T°Trlon ad-pubUcity
,^; ^r
chief for Shea's and used as on approo-r,.
''"'^^' ^^°"^'^
and
-"-'^

'
I
'
'
stops and looks m-jrt uiiii. svtr; iu* ^..t'iuiJ,,
_
Hvine Radio Prf>:<
I "Garnered on r>u: S
Dick Feldman
Givinc "'nie Prinrf ft: Thirt>j>s' •
Trouble" evj-oaJ ^•..^;.ic "v :'Npr t5> '
engagemen: s: :':
'"Manager D;:3; ?;
operation 'r.--.
press to exv-: •
Using :r.e t-;..'.
*of Thieves i--
secured perrius.^.
public and r-M.
book cou:--:er;
A tieu? —.::- -
the station £i.- ;
kn
nf«r
in exchange ; :
"
WOLFS da::? .= -
paper ads. r;.i
two weeii ;:r :
'
f
"See Jon Hii: : ^ - - .
advantage: .15-^
The Roc::: H
disk jociey; :: -^
WPBL. DOIT ; : :
-"
J
•.
Exploitation ::r - 1.";
a four-colMT £r:a:'i .-j^t.:
Sunday magazme aerutir
dard. alone aiii i rv;-wii
page nine o* ttif SRinf srii;
'.
One hunoitc " l-nTf
were awarded 'J3f zir^- ': "
tending the sfciDT or. oiif-::::
ad was arrange;: wiZL S::::.:
showing Janis Csrr.er -r::; ::
^'•""
picture title. laes-^rs- am. pii.-r:„:s^ ^ j^a^ .^.
coliunn by asic-iacL nisiua^ ai "was "nrr-- -n-.
moted gratis in tJiif It^aiiaT . Sazettt ^:
Supplementine £ sitdiu: camnai^: re- T.
Senator Wa^ Iitdissrefr. " rfinrnr. : -nrcn.
a two-column an nreti; :iiir =^i~ :: - -
» suburban neTreoaperj. 3:.: -
ai Herald-Joum^ sixs ?>a5 -f
/ri many unusual ar: tE-ear
J^i
special feature st-orr dz. ? .
worrying part of film acEin^
_
^ Xf I
('
JLi'
i •
Pi? Leon Korr Uses Own Car
To Bally 'The Sesnatar'
jj^
Bv Mjj lentown. Pa., used iuE car gnvanritpetaEr -i.
for ten days to erpltm -Tik EsnEt— "We
^t j
~^^^ Jl
Indiscreet." Atop i±e rar £ :-. :
in every garage." Adiitiona:
attention to the enEaEemeii: £
The car was criren axDunt tii- _^__.
section and dre";? cimiSd»
'^'
irnn. inaaauiaii.
***'
and motorists.
V
'
Illustrated Wmdcm
Increase Attrocficoi
Gilbert E. Ra-_n r-TiST'. manage! a: tat
Theatre in Mano
erected which helu a card -witfc c:-
this country needs is a Irwe-cen
vote for Ashion'E is a -wns icr -
something new in nis winfliw jiK.-
ing.
Rathman has been usiiK -wmtiin
vertising his weei:?-'
-;—
v-- ....
month. Recer.:.-- -
type to ma;:ri-..
He reports a ::- r: i: . -
rOKTJt.
W*%^^\m^ |tH4 tNs*
spends time in rfviArn^ i^k -pBtten
BOXOmCE Shcwni3iKifl^
4»//

'. »f Kioloui ul force* .>ili./ it'., .pur,' Iduciio Patsom
GEORGE BRENT • VIRGINIA M/iYO • TURHAN BEY
ANN DVORAK • CAROLE LANDIS

. . Keep
'
The House Program
ipjoanBi^i
Wood Corpse Box Gag
Set Up as Whodunit
For 'Corpse Came'
M. C. Glendy, manager of the La Salle
Theatre, La Salle, 111., stirred up interest ft iiW
in "The Corpse Came C.O.D." with a promotion
which was good for a special story
pllBli*
in the local newspaper.
Glendy arranged to have a local undertaker
ship to the theatre a regular casket shipping
box with the original label on it from Chicago.
The entire theatre cost was $2.
The inside of the box was dressed up with
stills and a three-sheet from the picture.
Lettering on the sides carried copy: "From
city morgue, San Francisco . . . One Corpse,
C.O.D. to the La Salle Theatre . . . Use no
hooks . . . One corpse . in a cool,
dry place."
Upon receipt of the box, Glendy took the
story to the editor of the Daily News-Tribune
which reported that the theatre had received
the box and was at a loss to explain its
origin. An announcement followed that if no
further information was forthcoming, the
box would be opened on Sunday and its contents
examined.
On opening day of the picture, Glendy
opened the box before a large crowd of curious
citizens, who, thereupon were highly amused.
The News-Tribune ran a followup story, explaining
the contents of the box.
In addition to engendering word-of-mouth
comments, Glendy reports excellent business
during the picture's run.
]
The appearance of the cover page ol the house program frequently determines whether or
not the patron will be interested enough to continue reading the sales message within. At
the Louis Theatre in Chicago, Manager Hugh Borland endeavors to make the page so attractive
and so interesting that seldom does anyone refuse them as they are proffered by
ushers on breaks, and rarely is one discarded after acceptance. The trick, as Borland points
out, is to make each issue different from its predecessor. Teaser copy, institutional messages,
announcements of house policy or just personal philosophy brighten the cover each
week. In the inside spread appear small cuts on the week's coming attractions. The back
page heralds either future bookings or additional copy in the institutional vein.
BOXOFFICE NUGGETS
To exploit "Good News," Eddie DiResta,
manager of the Rialto in Amsterdam, N. Y.,
sold the back page of several thousand exchange
heralds to a local record dealer
plugging the "Good News" album. A window
display completed the tieup, and DiResta used
a sound truck to ballyhoo the playdate around
town.
Bert Ruder, manager of the Malone in
Malone, N. Y., promoted a full page co-op ad
from local businessmen in behalf of the March
of Dimes campaign. Banner headline read:
"Schine's Malone and These Leading Merchants
Join in Support of the March of
Dimes." The current attraction was well
played up on the page at no cost to the theatre.
Carrying out the prison theme of "Each
Dawn I Die," Jerry Siegal, manager of the
Lyric, Asbury Park, N. J., dressed his ushers
and ticket takers in convict's uniform. Siegal
also tied up with a local pet shop which paid
for the printing of heralds announcing the
show.
Sleep capsules distributed by a pretty young
woman dressed in a nurse's uniform and cap
helped to promote "Sleep, My Love" for manager
Boyd Sparrow at Loew's Indianapojjs.
To attract extra interest, the capsules read:
" 'Sleep, My Love.' The most terrifying words
ever whispered to a woman. See why, etc.,
etc."
Extensive outdoor ballyhoo preceded the
opening of "Green Dolphin Street" at the
Beach and Paramount theatres in Miami.
Twenty-two 24-sheets were sniped and all
Royal Crown Cola trucks were bannered with
signs announcing the playdates. Window
tieups were placed in excellent locations to
augment a stepped-up radio and newspaper
campaign.
Trailer Ballyhoo Used
To Aid 'Frankenstein'
An animated performance by an usher
during the showing of the trailer for "Son
of Frankenstein" provoked an interesting
audience reaction at the Strand in Amsterdam,
N. Y.
Clark Jordan, manager, had the usher strut
across the stage with his cap worn backwards
and special makeup on his face, while a green
spot played on him. This was done at the
evening performance a week in advance
while the trailer was being run.
Jordan also had a young woman in nurse's
attire sitting in the lobby in advance of playdate
with a sign announcing: "We are taking
this precaution for those who have weak
hearts and intend seeing, etc., etc."
A sandwich man helped ballyhoo the program.
WCOP Radio Quiz Sparks
'Treasure of Sierra'
A novel treasure hunt radio quiz highlighted
the campaign for "Treasure of Sierra
Madre" at the Metropolitan in Boston.
A tieup was made with WCOP with Nelson
Bragg conducting the quiz daily, in advance
of the opening, in the Hotel Statler lobby.
Contestants and radio listeners were asked
to name the place they would hide "the
treasure" and their reasons. Somewhere in
the city "the treasure" was hidden. The
entrant who came closest to guessing the
hidden location was awarded a savings bond.
The daily press also carried stories on the
promotion with the theatre benefiting
through playdate announcements.
42 -410- BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Mar. 13, 1948

Co-Op Tieups Push 'Ends of Earth'
Publicity to Ends of New Haven
A tieup with a chain of 65 grocery stores
in the New Haven area was the feature of
Manager Morris Rosenthal's campaign to
publicize "To the Ends of the Earth" at the
Poli Theatre.
Rosenthal arranged for the distribution
15.000 numbered heralds in stores. Customers
of
wlio found their numbers posted on
a lobby board at the Poll were given passes
to the picture on opening day.
The stores displayed 200 cards announcing
the stunt. The Allen drug -stores cooperated
in a slogan contest in which their patrons
were invited to complete the sentence. "I
prefer to patronize Allen's, because ." . . The
company ran a three-fifth page newspaper
ad publicizing the contest with free tickets
to see the Poli attraction as the prizes.
PLUGS ON STORE PENNANTS
The picture and playdates came in for
top billing in all advertising, including pennants
which w'ere displayed in each store,
with counter and window displays. The merchant
also donated 25 bottles of imported
cologne for presentation to the first 25 women
who arrived at the theatre opening day.
Rosenthal provided all downtown restaurants
with illustrated doiUes imprinted with
the starting dates. He tied up a total of seven
full window displays.
Radio promotion included free advertising
over WNHC, which offered a Dick Powell
souvenir record album to the first ten persons
bringing in an old Dick Powell record.
The same stunt was worked successfully for
five days with WAVZ. Spot announcements
were also promoted on the Yale university
station which is piped into all dormitory
rooms of students.
CROSS TRAILERS IN OTHER HOUSES
Cross trailers at all local Loew houses,
hotel displays, and a special front gave added
impetus to the campaign.
The army recruiting service distributed
200 cards tying the title in with an enlistment
message and used ten poster A-boards
to promote the tieup in addition to two full
window displays.
On opening night the New Haven press
extended an invitation to the wives of all
former soldiers who married abroad to be
guests of the management. The idea was
to have representation from "The Ends rif
the Earth" on hand.
Merchants Sponsor Party
For Valentine Program
A Valentine show and party for kiddies held
Saturday morning at the Lido in Maywood,
111., proved very successful for Manager Leo
Haney and resulted in a complete sellout,
despite a feature cartoon as opposition.
The program consisted of 15 color cartoons,
and free gifts plus 100 giant Valentine
books promoted from a local merchant were
distributed to the childi-en. The merchant
also devoted a fiUl window display to the
show and sold tickets at his store two weeks
In advance.
Large newspaper ads in the Maywood Herald.
Sentinel and Bellwood Star-Progress,
plus numerous gratis stories, attracted considerable
attention as did the distribution of
heralds, special house programs and an unusual
lobby display.
Black Book Hypos
Little
'Adventuress' Interest
Tw'o attractive 40x60s helped to focus attention
on the booking of 'The Adventuress"
at the Century Midwood Theatre in Brooklyn.
Manager Howard Cohn had one display
selling Deborah Kerr and the "mystery of the
little black book" angle, plus critic reviews
of the production. The other display showed
a romantic scene from the picture. Cohn
interrupted the show at certain peak hours
to offer passes to patrons who could produce
a "little black book." He then gave the
picture a special in-person pitch from the
stage.
Music Tieup Tuned
To 'My Irish Rose'
By Jim Barnes
Jim Barnes, manager of the Forum Theatre,
Los Angeles, tied up with Culbreath's
music store to exploit "My Wild Irish Rose."
Barnes obtained a large imitation RCA
record, attached music albums to it and
used it in the lobby.
The store used a window display with art
and stills from the film, backed up with
albums of Irish music. The store also paid
for 4-column, 10-inch and 6-column, 10-
inch ads, with most of the space devoted to
art illustrations from the picture and an
announcement of an Irish ballad contest in
which newspaper readers were invited to
submit the titles of Irish ballads and win
record albums and theatre tickets.
Barnes promoted free radio plugs over
KFWB and distributed 2,500 movie news
programs featuring "My Wild Irish Rose."
Jukes Ante Charity
George Sharp, manager of the Wilson
and Tower theatres in Fresno, Calif., has
installed jukeboxes in the theatre lounges.
All revenue goes to a local welfare fund.
THERE WAS EXCITEMENT in Chicago when the "Black Barf
premiere at the Orpheum and Esquire was ballyhooed with a
rephca of Wells Fargo stage coach, left. RKO Theatres exploiteer
Lou Mayer had mounted escort convey the vehicle through the
busy Loop area. At right: Harry Potter, manager of the Roosevelt,
also in the Windy city, checks up on one of the many window
tieups arranged in conjunction wrilh the opening of "The Voice of
the Turtle." The promotion included 88 window displays with
Walgreen chain and four Liggett drug stores.
BOXOFFICE Showmandis Mar. 13, 1948 —411-

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Manager's Know-How With Ad Layout
Compensates for Lack of Space
Limited seating capacity frequently places
its own limitations on the amount of money
a manager can spend for advertising. This
problem requires extra thought and discretion
on the part of the manager particularly
when it is necessary to make every dollar
count proportionately in terms of actual return
at
the boxoffice.
Jim Freddy, manager of the Telenews in
Dallas, has such a problem every week. The
theatre is small and caters to a clientele interested
in foreign produced and so-called
"art" features. Emphasis is also directed to
newsreel subjects and shorts, making it
to necessary give the average program as
much sales effort as would be required in
any first run operation.
AD BUDGET IS FIXED
All the time, the budget must remain fixed
in the manager's mind, lest he find he is
spending more for advertising than he can
hope to recoup profitably.
Newspaper ads are, of course, a must in
such a situation. Trying to compete for
attention against half a dozen larger first
run theatres in the matter of space is
neither practical nor possible. Pi'eddy must
therefore depend on layout, sales copy and
general attractivity of his newspaper ads
to make up in punch and sales appeal what
they lack in size.
Here the manager's own knowledge of the
likes and dislikes, the whim and fancy of his
potential audience and what they will "go
for" is important. The star values, directors,
story plots, themes, book adaptations,
authors and other factors must be sifted and
analyzed so that the most salient selling
points will receive billing in proportion to
their respective merit.
LAYOUTS IMPORTANT
Then comes the problem of condensing
these factors into an ad that will compel the
reader's attention and not be lost in a maze
of competitor announcements. Freddy uses
a variety of patterns and designs to give his
ads an air of distinction. At times he resorts
to reverse effects, combining his copy
and illustrative matter into compact but
forceful advertisements. At other times he
depends on surrounding white space to keep
his message centralized in an area removed
from the competitors' ads. And at all times
he must direct attention to his newsreel and
subject attractions along with starting
short
times in order to reach those people who
like to drop into the Telenews just to catch
topical events.
A friendly relationship maintained with
the editorial members of the Dallas newspapers
has been largely responsible for the
consistently fine publicity the theatre receives.
Cuts, writeups and reviews are secured
regularly in all of the local dailies.
The lobby and front of the Telenews are
substantially influential in attracting transient
trade off the streets and helping to
bring patrons back for subsequent visits.
The outer lobby is used regularly to display
blowups and plenty of stills. Six panels are
given over to the promotion of feature attractions.
Additional panels play up the
newsreel subjects and shorts. Large front
panels invariably display blowups, frequently
of press book covers. Highlights of each program
are featured in 40x60 easel frames.
STRONG LOBBY DISPLAYS
Coming attractions are publicized in the
inner lobby and in the lower lounge rooms.
The marquee attraction sign is used to publicize
the main feature and news highlights,
which are changed frequently as later
of interest are added to the show.
topics
Trailers are in use regularly, frequently
getting as much as three weeks of advance
showing.
Freddy is not averse to making outside
tieups whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Invariably he follows up music and
book leads with Window tieups.
A scrambled word contest offering passes
to winners helped to ballyhoo "That Hamilton
Woman" recently, and he built up interest
in "The Upturned Glass" by promoting a
contest in which patrons were invited to
submit the names of husband and wife combinations
who have appeared together in
motion pictures.
It's an interesting and fascinating job.
handling a theatre like the Telenews. It
sounds like a job requiring special talent,
patieiice and showmanship, just the type
of job that Freddy admirably fits into.
Open
10:«S

THOUGHT OR TWO FROM HYGIENIC CORNER
-Taoitorial
* ADITORIAL No. 10 of a SERES* (*in>y hygienl bldg
^^l^f^ WILMINGTON, OHIO USA
Hygienic is Crazy —
Sooooooo What?
The other day, a magazine writer and his cameraman were in our oiiices.
They got awiuUy mad. They wanted to "give us" a big spread, with pictures, that
would make Hygienic lamous. But there was a "string" attached. They wanted to
quote us as saying some things about other producing and distributing companies
which we have not said. A mere suggestion that we twist the facts around a bit
to "make a story." Nothing doing, we told 'em, and added Hygienic wasn't looking
for fans or publicity. What we want and need are friends—and business.
"You're nuts!" the mag-man said. We agreed! "This outfit's a freak!" he
suggested. We agreed! "Hygienic is craryl" he fold our local hotel man. Soooo
what?
The big majors and little minors in Hollywood are having troubles. Big executives'
salaries may be off 50 per cent. Big producers may be having their budgets
cut. Directors may be pulling their hair, stars starving and writers wilting. Even
exploitation men may these days be borrowing their room rent. But certainly these
are over-statements. There just can't be anything vreong with Hollywood or the
motion picture industry that Hollywood can't cure. Gosh, Hollywood can do anything!
Here at Hygienic we tell folks we're a two-bit size, a peanut size outfit. But
we're happy—and everything is running fairly smooth. Business is wonderful and
our 268 "slaves" and "chairwarmers " are eatin' more meals and sleepin' more
hours a day than they need. They're happy—doing a bang-up job writh "Mom and
Dad." We aren't in competition with anyone. Hygienic has always stood ready
to help any other company or any exhibitor, any time and any way it can. Here,
we do busiriess by "The Golden Rule."
Those magazine writers are nice fellows all right, but they can't understand
us. Home offices in "the slicks" and branch offices in the big cities doesn't make
sense to them. Why we need 2GS people to distribute "Mom and Dad" after it has
been on the nation's best screens for three years, is a jig-saw puzzle they can't
understand. But we do!
Hygienic doesn't want glorv. We want more friends—more business. We
want to treat exhibitors right. We wont the theatremen to treat us fair. We want
only hard-working Americans "slaving" for "Mom and Dad." Someone else can
have the "Ism-boys." We want good folks who can and vuill do big day's work in
preference to wrise guys who wrrote the books. (Shucks, we sell books!) We want
to pay people all the money they can earn but we can't afford those "something
for nothing" deals.
Hygienic has no "crow to pick" with anyone. We're not mad at a single soul.
We were a bit miffed at the tax man, but we've even decided he was right. A lot
of people trv to do us "dirt"—downright harm and injury. But we don't even dislike
L. them. There's the C. O. D. for example. They plastered a "C" rating on
"Mom and Dad" after it was two and a half years out of the lab. They say it is
"lacking in the supernatural." Well, we didn't have enough bucks to put everything
in it. Yet, every knock has proven a boost. It oftentimes turns out that way.
The more than 4,000 exhibitors who have already played "Mom and Dad" will
tell you it may be short on the "supernatural " angle—but that it's "suner" just
the same! It's the opinions of the people—the good folks who buy tickets—that
really counts! They're sure "for it" and that should be reason enough for any
real American exhibitor to book it!

Only
Endorsement by Mayor
Publicizes 'Night Song'
Sam Torgan. manager of the Keith in
Lowell, Mass., took advantage of the fact
that the leading citizen of his community.
Mayor G. A. Ayotte, is a choir director and
keenly interested in good music by obtaining
a public endorsement of "Night Song" prior
to the opening.
The mayor addressed a letter to Ned E.
Depinet, president of RKO Radio Pictures,
the producer, in which he expressed his
personal appreciation for the company's contribution
to good music. The letter was
publicized locally.
Torgan mailed postal card announcements
to music devotees in Lowell and posted
placards on bulletin boards of schools, libraries
and churches.
Another feature of his campaign was a
broadcast of the "Night Song" concerto by
station WLLH.
Usherettes at Depots
'Welcome Strangers'
To Santa Barbara
gives
FLAV^JR
they
favor
popcorn
^^^^
Simonin of Philadelphia
SEASONING SPECIALISTS
TO THE NATION
Merchants Pay Expense
Of Alliance Program
Pearce Parkhurst, publicity director for
Tri-Tlieatres in Alliance, Ohio, puts out a
weekly theatre program which is paid for
by cooperating merchants. The back page
is devoted to quarter space ads for the merchants,
the front page and center spread arefilled
with news stories and cuts announcing
coming attractions at the Strand.
Parkhurst had fake $10 bills imprinted to
exploit "The Frisco Kid" recently. On the
reverse side tiein copy announced: "Even
the 'Frisco Kid' couldn't this pass phony
. $10 worth of entertainment for the 30-
cent admission at the Strand ." . . Ushers
distributed the throwawa^-s at restaurants,
barbers and other public points.
Heralds on 'T-Man' Date
Distributed From Jeep
Robert Davis, manager of the Olean Theatre,
Olean. N. Y., obtained the use of a jeep
to ballyhoo "T-Men," using the vehicle to
distribute several thousand heralds at busy
street locations.
A bogus-money identification contest was
promoted with the Times-Herald. Threesheets
were posted and many window tieups
were secured.
Davis tied up with two local stores for
newspaper co-op ads and garnered extensive
newspaper stories in weekly papers.
Chief of Staff Promotes
'Timberlane' Co-Op Ad
For "Cass Timberlane," Kenny Green,
chief of service at Loew's in Indianapolis,
promoted a three-column, eight-inch co-op
ad from the Allied Florists Ass'n. The -ad
featured three-column art of Lana Turner
admiring flowers, with copy mortised into
the lower corner incorporating theatre
credits in the association's selling message.
Recruits 'Unconquered'
Charles B. Taylor, publicity director for
Shea's, Buffalo, arranged a tieup with the
army recruiting service for "Unconquered"
at the Hippodrome Theatre. "Keep America
•Unconquered,' Join the U.S. Army," was
the theme of one-sheet posters, displayed
throughout the city on federal A-boards.
Playdates were prominent.
According to Reg Streeter, manager of the
Mission Theatre in Santa Barbara, theatre
patrons in his area have been trying to recuperate
from the recent holidays, necessitating
special exploitation to get them to the
theatre.
Starting off with "Welcome Stranger,"
Streeter had three of his usherettes attired
in their regular uniforms act as official
greeters at all ports of enti-y to the city.
They distributed small cards to visitors with
"welcome" copy which drew attention to the
playdates at the Mission. They covered railroad
stations, airports and all bus depots,
creating excellent comment wherever they
appeared.
For "Desert Fury," previously publicized
in prior run theatres in the area, Streeter
distributed 500 envelopes containing sand.
An imprint on the envelope read: "Sand
from the desert. What a story of violence,
intrigue and romance it could tell." Theatre
mention followed.
In an effort to reach private homes,
Streeter tied up with a local merchant who
paid the bulk of the cost of mailing 1,000
list. heralds to the theatre's mailing The
heralds carried selling copy on "Born to Kill"
and an ad for the cooperating merchant.
A novel method of presenting a trailer for
"Mother Wore Tights" helped to focus attention
on its opening. A wire was strung across
the stage, with a banner attached through
eyelets. Just before the trailer was screened,
an attractive usherette appeared on one side
of the stage in tights, doing a dance step to
music from the opening of the trailer, and
pulled the banner with her across the stage.
As soon as she had crossed the stage, the
operator opened the douser and the trailer
appeared on the screen.
Streeter reports that although these little
stunts are not entirely new, they did much
to contribute towards bringing his attractions
before the public.
Tieups Prove Valuable
For 'Red Stallion' Date
Exploitation for "Red Stallion" at the
Station Theatre. Huntington, N. Y.. included
several art and publicity breaks in the local
press. Manager Dan Martin arranged with
the county watchman to sponsor a coloring
contest starting two weeks in advance. A
full page co-op ad was promoted from a
stationery concern and 3,000 heralds were
promoted at no cost through another merchant
co-op.
—416— BOXOFFICE Showrmandiser Mar. 13, 1948

.
per
1 new.
.It.
^
1 prospective
mths. Copy-
other Inter-
r
Roy Boomer Spends
Little, Employing
Odds and Ends
Limited to an advertising budget which is
hardly more than nothing, may be annoying
to an aggressive theatre manager lilce Roy
Boomer. Boomer, however, does not let
himself get discouraged and uses whatever
means are at his disposal at the new Park
Theatre, Miles City, Mont., to exploit his
shows. An attractive lobby setpiece recently
was fashioned from some old display board,
a one-sheet and stills which created plenty
of interest in his date for "Captain From
Castile." Boomer also has found it economical
to imprint his coming shows on popcorn
bags, some of which are given to confectionary
stores to provide outside interest.
All-Negro Screen Show
Introduced at Strand
An all-Negro screen snow, 'oooked at the
Strand, Rockville Center, N.Y., attracted a
capacity audience for Manager Cort Clarkson.
The program was put on at midnight
of a weekday and attracted Negro patronage
from many surrounding communities. Theatre
patrons previously had° to travel to New
York for all-Negro entertainment and the result
of the experiment was so successful that
Clarkson intends to make the innovation a
monthly feature.
Lobby displays helped to create interest in
the program. Clarkson contacted Negro
organizations and newspapers in the vicinity
and obtained their full support.
A popular Rockville Center restaurant paid
for the printing and distribution of 3,000
special in all heralds residences throughout
the community.
Kids Get Show and Candy
At Forest Park Party
A Satui-day morning Valentine party for
children at the Forest Theatre, Forest Park,
111., arranged by John Misavice, city manager,
cost t;he theatre exactly nothing—two
sponsors, a pet shop and a florist, shouldering
the cost.
Two features plus bhree color cartoons and
a serial attracted a full house of youngsters
who had been informed of the show through
a three-sheet lobby display, special marquee,
newspaper ads, house programs and a special
trailer which ran two weeks in advance.
A bag of valentines, supplied by the cooperating
merchants, was given away to
every boy and girl
attending.
.CLEIlfilOG
THEATRE SEATING
10,001) till, Nil >!.. ,
(Continued from Inside
, ,:
(Hmplelc
Stop loose chairs with Pcrmastoiie ancho
ment._ Fensin Seating Co., 62 E. 13th St.,
Iheatre chair supplies. Everything lor theatrf
cliairs. Kensin Seating Co.. 62 E. 13th St., Chicai!o
5.
Reasonable
e, 2565 McClellan
Mich.
500 exceptionally good theatre chairs (Heyiiud)
veneer back, spring seat. $5.25 eii. Other
.l< Bii.lclsim & Co., 10-38 J:u;kson Ave., Long
Folding Chairs. 650 folding
Tlie.iI.e Clij.i; 1-'"
i^td, rebuilt. Advise quantity
hs mailed with quotation.
Chicago 5. IlL
li..M.-teil liark, paddeil eii.shion.
Your choice $2.50
ehouse. must sacrifice
Albany Theatre Supply
400 veneer back, box
i. 400 leatherette inspring,
available now.
id backs, form
chair. Nat 1'.
Philadelphia 7. Pa.
HOUSf.
back cover)
THEATRE SEATING (Com.)
120 Veiiet. Mm .11, ,1,11,, iiiih padded stal
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Co.. 1434 Bed-
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cer since Uank Night.
1947 by L.T.W. Co.
on. Secure exclusive
litiQo iJie-Lui cards, iO or lUU uumber, $3 |
Screen dial $l!0. Premium Products. 354
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lingo, the biggest boxoftlce attraction ever proed.
Illngo Amusement Co.. 1422 Uepubllc
ik nidg. Phone Central 4800. U.Uhis. Tex.
Theatre Stimu r For Sale: 1
Every theatre
400% profit. Will pay out In few i
righted and advertised. Sell account
esis. $30,000 with half down, b^
profits. Exclusive with ".loe" Josep
REAL ESTATE
Investigate this. Best offer. Selling Improved
business property 200 ft. by 125 ft. in exclusive
Chicago neighborhood. Included specifications for
medical center, six retail stores, 32 bowling alleys,
1.000-seat theatre. References required. Owner.
.Ir,. Tony Sheftic, 14501 Sherman Ave., Posen. 111.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter paiierns.
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experl-
.nce needed for expert work. Write for free samples.
John Itahn. B-1329 Central Ave.. Chicago
51. ill.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Wanted Old Simplex heads, and condition.
Write Projection Service Supply Co.. Ill North
&
nth St., .Minneanolis 3, Mbin.
STUDIO AND PROJECTION
EQUIPMENT
Spot Quizzes on Radio Aid
Music Box in Portland
Archie Zarewski, manager of the Music
Box in Portland, Ore., theatre made a tieup
with station KPDQ to pubhcize the theatre.
KPDQ, broadcasting from sunrise to sundown,
offers its listeners various spot quizzes
throughout the day, giving a pass to the
Music Box for each correct answer. Usually
popping out with odd "trick," yet comparatively
simple questions, the radio station
gives its listeners a few minutes to phone in
the correct answers. Zarewski said the plan
has increased his business appreciably.

: March
DRIVE-IN THEATRE OWNERS
...T^^m^Jn
OVER ONE-QUARTER OF A CENTURY
IN OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT SERVICE
OPERATING OVER 300 UNITS
IN 88 CITIES AND 28 STATES, 40 OF
WHICH ARE DRIVE-IN THEATRES
'E are specialists in the successful operation
refreshment concessions throughout the nation . . .
yes, you travel in the best company when you choose
SPORTSERVICE. Here is a partial list of the Drive-in
Theatres we are now serving: Chicago, 111.; Pittsburgh, Pa.;
Cleveland, O.; Cincinnati, O.; Louisville, Ky.; Rochester,
N. Y.; Springfield, O.; Geneva, O.; London, Ont.; Windsor,
Ont.; Toledo, O.
^KC(Mie TO YOU WITHOUT ^*UAC4t0teHt
SPORTSERVICE offers you these important
advantages: expert knowledge, over one-quarter
of a century of experience, the best facilities and
trained
year 'round personnel.
INQUIRIES WELCOMED— write,
wire or
phone and our representative will call at your
convenience.
HURST BUILDING BUFFALO 2, N. Y.
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

: March
Move for Dismissal
Of Ascap Action
NEW YORK — Louis Frohlich, counsel for
Ascap, on Wednesday ilOi
made a motion for
dismissal of the antitrust suit brought against
the music society by Alden-Rochelle. Inc.,
and 160 other members of the ITOA of New
York in U.S. district court. Judge Vincent
L. Leibell reserved decision on this and a
similar motion entered by F. Gilbert, counsel
for G. Scliirmer, music publishing firm.
Frohlich asked for dismissal on the ground
that the plaintiffs had failed to prove conspiracy
or monopoly in their agreements and
had established no cause of action. He cited
the Ascap consent decree of 1940 and said
the society has complied with it. He said the
plaintiffs had prospered dm-ing the period
they paid Ascap performing fees.
Frohlich asked for dismissal after the
plaintiffs had closed their arguments. The
last witness for the plaintiffs was Harry
Brandt. Deems Taylor also testified Wednesday.
Name Weitman, Bergman
As Associates' Aides
NEW YORK—Robert M. Weitman, managing
dij-ector of the Paramount Theatre,
has been appointed head of the entertainment
committee for the annual dinner dance
of the Motion Picture Associates, which will
be held at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel May 21.
The souvenir journal will be edited by
Maurice A. Bergman, eastern advertising
and publicity manager for Universal-International.
Ralph Pielow, MGM branch manager,
and Edward L. Hyman, vice-president
of Paramount Theatres Service Corp., will
be in charge of advertising for the book.
Leon J. Bamberger, head of RKO sales
promotion, will head the public relations
committee.
Maryland Theatremen
Elect Lauritz Garman
BALTIMORE — Lauritz Garman was
elected president of the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of Maryland at a meeting here
recently.
Others elected: Louis Gaertner, vicepresident;
Jacob Levin, treasurer: Mrs. Helen
Diering, secretary, and directors Walter D.
Pacy, Harry Valentine, Leon Back. Meyer
Leventhal. I. M. Rappaport, Harry Silver.
Oscar B. Coblentz jr., William C. Allen, L
E. Green and H. R. Worman.
^ y Jheahes Win Baffle
On Drasfic Fireman Bill
NEW YORK—United exhibitor protests,
scathing editorials in newspapers and a barrage
of telegrams that descended on legislative
leaders in Albany caused the backers of a
new theatre tax grab to run for cover late in
the week.
On February 17 Senator Paul A. Fino,
Bronx Republican, and Assemblyman William
E, Clancy, Queens Democrat, introduced
identical measures in the two legislative
branches to compel the use of two firemen
at each performance in a theatre at the rate
of $10 per performance per fireman.
It al.so provided that theatres having 5,000
or more seats could be compelled to use as
many as 15 firemen, with a co.st limit of $1,500
a show, or $7,500 a day.
BACKED BY FIREMEN
The bill was backed by the Uniformed
Firemen's Ass'n of New York City and was
aimed to build the pension funds.
Those who inquired about the bills
were told they probably would not reach the
floor, but early last week they went on the
calendar with every indication that both Republicans
and Democrats were backing them.
An explosion resulted. All exhibitor organizations
and representatives of legitimate
theatres went to work.
A meeting was held March 7 for discussion
bill.
of the It was attended by Oscar
Doob, acting for Loew's, Inc., and the
MMPTA, and representatives of the ITOA
of New York, MPTO of Buffalo, ATO of Albany,
League of New York Theatres, and
executives of Loews, Inc., RKO, J. J. Theatres.
Paramount, Fabian, Carnegie Hall,
Metropolitan Opera Ass'n and the City Center
of Music and Drama.
At its close, Doob described the bill as
"preposterous" and said it could cost small
theatres $36,000 a year and could cost the
Music Hall and Roxy $7,500 per day.
A barrage of telegrams was sent to Albany
and Orrin G. Judd. attorney for MMPTA,
the measure.
was there battling
Harry Brandt, president of the ITOA of
New York, declared that: "If this obnoxious
bill is enacted into law, there will be no independent
theatre owners. Tliis measure
will at once do more damage to the theatres
of this state than any group of strategically
placed atomic bombs. It Is ridiculous that
a theatre should be required to pay more
than it receivees in gross revenue for the
performance of an unproductive function
"This bill is nothing more than a vicious
grab on behalf of a special group while
arbitrarily singling out another to pay the
freight."
As a result of this pressure Clancy offered
to amend the bill with the following provisions:
It would apply only to legitimate
theatres and motion picture houses with stage
shows; a maximum of two firemen would be
stationed in each of these theatres regardless
of seating capacity, and theatre operators
would pay $10 per day per man, or a
maximum of $20 per day for the two firemen.
When foes of the bill still were dissatisfied,
Clancy had the bill .sent back to the
assembly judiciary committee, which had reported
on the original measure. This means
that the bill is dead until the next legislative
session. There was not enough time to
DISPLAYS INDUSTRY'S POWER
Spokesman for the Metropolitan Theatre
Owners Ass'n, Theatre Owners of America
Albany exchange area, the Independent Theatre
Owners Ass'n. the lATSE, the League
of New York Theatres and others were
jubilant. He declared the results showed
the industry could make its weight felt on
the legislature when properly organized:
that the united front of opposition, brought
to bear on all legislators, upstate and downstate,
had killed the bill which in its original
form would have cost exhibitors 20 to 25
million dollars annually and driven a large
number out of business.
Orrin E. Judd, MPTOA counsel, and
Leonard L. Rosenthal, attorney for the TOA
Albany unit, were among those hailing the
result. They said, "it was the most impressive
triumph the New York industry has
registered in 25 years."
Pickman Returns to N.Y
NEW YORK—Jerry Pickman, Eagle Lion
assistant director of advertising and publicity,
has returned to New York with Sam
Israel, studio publicity director, after studio
conferences. On their way east they conferred
at Canon City, Colo., scene of a recent
prison outbreak, with Warden Roy Best.
Background material will be used in "Canon
City," to be produced by Brian Foy.
Archibald Convalescing
NEW YORK—George Archibald, managing
director of Independent Producers, Ltd.. J.
Arthur Rank unit, stricken with virus pneumonia,
is reported in favorable condition at
Doctors hospital in New York. He was taken
ill
in Philadelphia.
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948
WARNER AD HE VDS (OM I K-Mo.tins (.f W.mi.r rii.-..lr.- /one ad managers
at the company's home (rffice. Left to right, seated: .lohn H»--se, New Haven;
Ben Wallerstein. Los Angeles: Mort Blumenstock, Harry Goldberg. J. Knox Strachan,
Charles Smakwitz, Albany: James Totman. Pittsburgh: Irving Umdisch,
Cleveland:
New York, and Dan Finn. New Haven. Standing: Sidney Kane, home office exploitation:
Harrv MacDonald. Milwaukee: Everett Callow. Philadelphia: Charles
Steinberg. Bill Brumberg. Larry Golob, Herb Pickman, home office exploitation, and
George Kelly, Newark.
N

. . Joseph
. . Betty
. . Frank
. . George
. . Homer
. .
. . Wolfe
B R O A DWAY
fiUiam B. Zoellner, head of MGMs short
W"
subjects sales and reprints and importations,
is back from a mideastern trip . . .
Jeanne Cagney is spending a month in town.
Carl Dreyer, European director, is expected
here from Copenhagen March 26 lor the
opening of "Day of Wrath" at the Little
Carnegie Theatre. He also will visit Hollywood
.
Harris, Realart board chairman
and treasurer, is vacationing at Boca
Raton, Fla., with Mrs. Harris . . . Gregory
LeCava arrived from Hollywood ... Sol A.
Schwartz, vice-president and general m.\nager
of RKO Theatres, and Mrs. Schwartz
returned from a three-week stay on the coast.
Schwartz visited circuit houses in San Francisco
and Los Angeles and reviewed new product
at the studio.
A son was born to J. V. Washburn, Altec
Service inspector, and Mrs. Washburn .
Leonide Kipnis. president of Westport International
Films, distributors of "The Raven,"
left for Canada to select background locations
for a picture to be produced by the company
this summer . . . Jean Louis, Columbia head
fashion designer, spent a few days in Gotham
before flying to Europe Rockwell,
.
publisher of Screenland. Silver Screen and
Movie Show magazines, left for Hollywood to
see studio executives.
Paulette Goddard, who recently arrived
from Hollywood, and Macdonald Carey will
appear on a Motion Picture Relief Fiuid, Inc.,
broadcast on the Screen Guild Players show
over CBS March 15 Stevens and
.
Harriet Parsons, executive producer-director
and producer, respectively, of "I Remember
Mama," came east for the opening of the
film at the Radio City Music Hall . . . Ray
Milland is here for a series of radio broadcasts
as part of the campaign on Paramount's
"The Big Clock."
Jules Levey, producer, will sail for Europe
on the SS Amsterdam March 16 ... Ed
Grigsby of the Altec Lansing sales staff in
Hollywood has been elected to the board of
directors of the West Coast Electronic Manufacturers
Ass'n . C. Walker, Comerford
Theatres executive, was awarded the
Laetere medal for 1948 by Notre Dame university
. Krone, secretary to CoKunbia's
Rube Jackter, become engaged to
Bernard G. Unger.
Charles C. Moskowitz, Loews vice-president
and treasurer, left at the weekend for
Hollywood . . . Leon Leonidoff, senior producer
for Radio City Music HaU, returned
from Florida.
Samuel Eckman jr., chairman and managing
director of MGM Pictui-es, Ltd., Robert
Wolff, managing director for RKO Productions,
Inc., and Lawrence R. Kent, 20th-Fox
representative in England, arrived on the
Queen Elizabeth.
Jay Eisenberg of the MGM legal department
and Irving Helfont met with Henry L.
Nathanson, president of MGM Films of
Canada, and Ted Gould, sales manager, in
Montreal . Cohen, Warner International
vice-president in charge of far eastern
and Latin American distribution, is in
Shanghai on an inspection tour . . . Hal Wallis
is here for a two-week visit. He will confer
with Joseph Hazen, president of Hal Wallis
Production, on futiu-e film plans. Wallis
will be joined here by Anatole Litvak, who
has just completed work on "Sorry, Wrong
Number." They intend to fly to Paris to set
plans for an overseas production.
Stanley Hand, general sales manager for
Nu-Screen, is visiting Florida and the southern
territory. He is due back April 10 . . .
Jack Segal, vice-president of Columbia Pictures
Infl Corp., left for Palm Beach where
he was married to Shirley Edelman of this
city. The couple will leave for a honeymoon
in Europe the latter part of the month.
Jay Gove, head of the MGM sales development
division, is back from a Nassau vacation
. . . J. E. Currie, manager of National
Theatre Supply's drive-in theatre department,
is back from the coast.
MGM executives are back from a five-day
conference at the studio. William F. Rodgers,
vice-president and general sales manager,
will return in a few weeks with Edwin
W. Aaron, his assistant. Back at their desks
are Henderson M. Richey, exhibitor relations
head: John P. Byrne, eastern sales manager,
and Herman Ripps, assistant to Byrne.

: March
. . Ann
. . Mi-s.
Jersey Solons Get
Legal Bingo Plan
NEW YORK—A bill to legalize bingo for
religious and charitable groups was introduced
in the New Jersey assembly by Assemblyman
J. Richard Kates of Trenton.
It is now before the judiciary committee.
Ways of defeating the proposal are being
studied by trustees of the Federation of
New Jersey Theatre Owners, who met at
the Newark office of Warner Bros. March 11.
The trustees represent the Allied Theatre
Owners of New Jersey, Warners, Loew's,
RKO, Paramount, Skouras and independent
exhibitors. George Gold presided.
Under the new constitution, the bill, if
passed by the legislature, can be submitted
as a referendum at the general election next
November.
The measure is designed to permit municipalities
to issue licenses under which bingo
can be conducted by approved religious and
charitable organizations.
SRO Shifts 'Blandings'
Into the Astor Theatre
NEW YORK— Selznick Releasing Oi-gaiilzation
booked "Mr. Blandings Builds His Di-eam
House" into the Astor Theatre for March 25
on short notice. The Astor management was
notified March 6 that the film was available
and the deal was signed March 7.
The Astor arrangement has complicated
matters for "Arch of Triumph." UA and
Enterprise executives were anxious to settle
for the Astor after negotiations to put the
film into the Capitol fell through.
As matters now stand, it seems likely that
"Ai-ch" may open at Brandt's Globe Theatre.
John W. Benas, Skouras
Theatres Booker, Dead
NEW YORK—John M. Benas. 49, head film
booker for Skouras Theatres in the metropolitan
area, died March 7. Funeral services
were held Wednesday at the East 74th street
Greek cathedral. Survivors are his wife and
two daughters.
Benas started his career in the shipping industry.
In 1925 he joined Rosenblatt-Welt
Theatres. He had been with Skouras tor the
last ten years.
Review Board to Discuss
Film in Public Affairs
NEW YORK—More than 500 delegates
from motion picture councils throughout the
country and representatives of 25 national
organizations affiliated with the National
Board of Review will attend the 39th anniversary
conference of the board at the
Hotel McAlpin, Thursday, March 18. "The
Motion Picture in I»ublic Affairs" will be
the theme of the conference.
Theatre Wing Hears Linet
NEW YORK—Henry A. Linet. eastern advertising
manager for U-I, was guest lecturer
at the American Theatre Wing screen seminar.
He discussed motion picture advertising.
Along New York's Film
TARNER BROS,
w
is
the eastern district which covers the
By WALTER WALDMAN
considering changes in
New York, Boston, Albany, New Haven and
Buffalo branches ... A plan now being discussed
calls for the appointment of an additional
eastern district manager to handle
all of the exchanges except New York. Sam
Lefkowitz, the present district manager, would
concentrate on the New York area. He would
take charge of some of the more important
New York deals now handled by home office
executives in addition to his regular duties.
A final decision on this plan is expected in
about two weeks.
Nearly every exchange and circuit was represented
at the funeral services held March
10 for John M. Benas, Skouras film buyer,
who died March 6. Archbishop Athenagoras,
head of the Greek Orthodox church in the
Americas, officiated at the ceremony at the
Greek cathedral on East 74th street. The
Skouras home office closed at 11:30 a. m.
March 10.
. . . Herb
Harry Royster manager for Paramount
Theatres in Newburgh, Glens Palls, Peekskill
and Poughkeepsie, has been studying the
vaudeville situation. He may try out stage
shows in some of these theatres
Pickman, WB field exploitation man, recently
played host to Bob Cose, Reade district manager
in Kingston, and Mrs. Case when they
were in New York.
Arthur- L. Mayer, president of the Motion
Pictui-e Associates, has called a general membership
meeting and luncheon for March
23 at the Hotel Piccadilly. The members will
vote for the recipient of the 1947 Beacon
award. The three former winners are Samuel
Rinzler, 1946: Si H. Fabian, 1945. and George
J. Schaefer, 1944. The award will be presented
NEW
YORK
PHONE
PLAZA
7-3809
NEW YORK
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS 245 WEST
JOE HORNSTEIN has them 55 STREET
i
BOXOFnCE :
13, 1948
Row
at the annual MPA dinner and dance May
21 at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel.
Moe Goldman, New York and New Jersey
exhibitor, is now a grandfather. Parents of
the granddaughter are Mr. and Mrs. Harold
Goldman . Brown, .secretary to Nat
Stern, head booker for Paramount, will marry
Jack Hammell April 11.
Helen Price has resigned as assistant booker
for 20th-Fox after a five-year hitch. She will
be married May 9. All we know about the
bridegroom-to-be is that he is related to
somebody in the film indu.stry. Helen's fellow
workers gave her a solid sendoff at the
Piccadilly hotel. Those present included Bess
Allen, Ann Jones, Estelle Herman, Minnie
Smith, Shirley Mandel, Lillian Bloomberg,
Bertha Jacobson and Ann Guido.
Nathan H. Seidman, father of Lloyd Seidman,
vice-president in charge of the Donahue
& Coe theatre department, died March 10. He
was 64. He was president of Inter-Racial
Press of America, Inc. . . . Eddie Bell, Paramount
salesman, was almost snowbound in
upstate New York last week . HaiTy
Fellerman, wife of the U-I salesman, is recuperating
from pneumonia at the North
County Community hospital. Glen Cove, L. I.
MPAA Building Plan to Get
Final Review March 24
WASHINGTON—The proposed MPAA annex
to its present headquarters here wiU come
up for final approval at a meeting of the
District of Colimibia zoning board March 24.
The District of Columbia fine arts commission
already has approved the plan.
The amiex will consist of a new projection
room adjoining the present building, with
other sections to be added at a later date.
Here we are at 245 W. 55TH ST.
Ready to serve you with
finest special announcement trailers.
If you haven't tried Filmack's
quality and rapid service, send us
your next order and be agreeably
surprised.
Los Angeles
1574 W.Woshington
st

. . England's
. . WPTZ
: March
PARAMOUNT OPENS IN ROCHESTER—Mayor Samuel B. Dicker of Rochester,
N. Y., is shown in the picture at right buying the first ticket to the new Paramount
Theatre from Manager Arthur Krolick (right). Pictured at left during a luncheon
it the Rochester club celebrating the theatre opening are, left to right, Michael J.
DeAngelis, architect on the remodeling project; Thomas Woods, public safety comnissioner;
James H. Eshelman, city manager for Paramount, and Edward L. Hyman,
;ice-president of Paramount Theatres. DeAngelis, a Rochester architect, has received
1 commission to remodel a Paramount house in Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA
pilmmen here are watching with great interest
the latest developments in a circulation
fight being waged by Philadelphia's
two largest dailies. Each paper is trying to
outdo the other in providing special features
for the readers, and the latest, pulled by the
Evening Bulletin, is giving a lot of free newspaper
space to the film industry. The Sunday
Bulletin now carries a special column called
"Let's Go to the Movies." an appraisal of
new films by the paper's film critic and coliminist
Laura Lee. She writes what is described
as a "breezy, up-to-the-minute ar-
•^icle on movie malting and film personalities."
These locally written articles are coupled with
She syndicated columns of Hedda Hopper and
I'.ENJAMIN GOLDFINE —
Alden Theatre, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—
writes:
"15 years of service by RCA
has insured me of continuous
good sound in my theatre."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Camden, New Jersey.
Sheilah Graham, and make for almost a
page of film news.
Variety Club is currently playing host to
the Academy of Modern Acting. The academy,
which was burned out by the recent fire at
the Metropolitan Opera House, is directed
by Richard Hernden. who. finding the organization
homeless, appealed to the always
generous Variety Club for relief . . . Pat R.
Notaro, manager of the Bromley Theatre,
will go to Havana in April to take charge
of all the Warner theatres in that city. His
headquarters will be in the exclusive Vedado
neighborhood.
The Lehighton, Pa., school board March 5
ai>proved a 5 per cent amusement tax to
help defray mounting school expenses. The
action was taken to avoid increases in the
regular school taxes ... An 8 per cent amusement
tax was approved in Topton, Pa., in
the Slate belt, near Allentown. This tax is
patterned after the 8 per cent tax in Allentown,
and was passed over the objections of
the town's citizenry and theatremen.
Russell Janney, author of "The Miracle
of the Bells," was due here to help with the
exploitation and to be on hand for the festivities
connected with th" opening of the
film version of "Miracle" the end of this
month . No. 1 film mogul, J.
Arthur Rank, will be in Philadelphia with
Mrs. Rank around April 6.
Local 306 Studying
New Wage Contract
NEW YORK—Members of Local 306, lATSE,
the New York projectionists, are now studying
the terms of a new contract worked out
between union leaders and representatives of
Broadway theatres and affiliated circuits.
The members will have to ratify the agreement
at a general meeting.
Terms were worked out during an aU-nlght
session March 4, 5. The oral agreement
reached by the negotiators headed off a strike
scheduled by projectionists in 120 RKO,
Loew's, Paramount, Warner, and Broadway
theatres for March 7. The booth men had
previously rejected a contract submitted by
management because it failed to include theatres
leased and operated by circuits. They
also found fault with provisions covering
substitutes and vacations.
The new contract provides for a 15 per cent
wage increase retroactive to Sept. 1, 1947.
The old contract expired August 31. The new
pact will run until Aug. 31, 1949.
Operators in neighborhood theatres will
have their hourly base pay increased from
$2.72 to $3.13. Broadway projectionists will
be raised from $4.30 to $4.94 per horn-.
The closed shop wiU continue. The negotiators
agreed that the Taft-Hartly ban against
closed shops does not apply to Local 306
because it is not engaged in interstate com-
New York Local Forming
16mm Operators' Unit
NEW YORK—An effort is bemg made to
unionize 16mm operators for the first time.
It is being done by Local 306. Authority for
he organizing was granted by the lATSE two
years ago.
Both Sides Are Lined Up
For Lewis Bill Hearing
WASHINGTON—TOA's opposition to the
Lewis BiU at March 22 hearings before a
house judiciary subcommittee will be presented
by Ted Gamble, president, and A.
Julian Brylawski, TOA legislative representative.
The bill seeks to require producers
to pay performing rights on Ascap
music.
Abram F. Myers is expected to head a
group of Allied officials in favor of the bill.
'Smugglers' Due at Rialto
NEW YORK—"The Smugglers," J. Ai'thur
Rank production being released by EL, will
open at the Rialto Theatre following the
current run of "Furia." The Technicolor
picture stars Michael Redgrave and Joan
The R. J. Reynolds Co. hit the video screen
Greenwood.
recently with a nightly ten-minute newsreel
show, the film being made by Movietone
News and released in New York. The show
broke simultaneously on WPTZ 'Dawn' Showings March 19
here, and
the NBC outlet in New NEW YORK—Marcel Haliman's production
of "Meet Me at Dawn" will be trade-
York and Schenectady.
Baltimore, Wilmington, Washington,
Boston and Richmond
shown by 20th-Fox in all U.S. branches
are .scheduled to pick
up the show
March 19.
vei-y soon . is airing a
program called Children's Matinee. Running
for an hour and a half, the show features
Hollywood-made films—a cartoon, a serial
|ST CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOE
and a full-length western. Pi'ogram is scheduled
Friday afternoons, from 4 till 5:30 . . .
THE ENTIRE SOUTH - thru
James N. Furness has been named program
producer at 'WFTL-TV, local outlet belonging
to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
ENKINS &BOURGEOIS
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948

to Mr. and Mrs. Bert Gordon of California.
Gordon is the brother of Univer.sal Director
Michael Gordon, w*ose last picture was "An-
Part of the Forest" . . . Sympathy to
j
other
I
I
. . New
. . Mark
. . Gordon
: March
. . William
. . Bud
. .
. .
. .
. . John
. . WMBG
. . Jimmy
BALTIMORE
representative, weekended in Baltimore . . .
Pred Rohrs, EL manager, visited Tom Ayres
in Sealord, Del.
Tom Ayres, Seaford, is getting ready to
open his new Sydney in Bridgeville, Del. . .
.
Herman Pumell, Insley cu'cuit, Salisbury, has
secured the franchise for the Drink-O-Matic
machines in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
He is givii:ig a tradeshow at the
Emerson hotel here next Fi-iday and Saturday,
and all exhibitors have been invited.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sapperstein were hosts
Albert Fine, associate member of the Variety
Club, on the death of his wife this week.
Irvin Bender became a grandfather again
this week .
Mills, general manager
of the Myers circuit, was pinch-hitting as
J
cashier at Variety Club.
manager, is
doubling.
I. iVIakover of the New Albert Theatre is
working on campaign for "Carnegie Hall" .
B. Schick is the new manager of the Laffmovie,
replacing Sam Shouben, resigned .
Loew's Centui-y held a contest in conjunction
with WCAO giving a six-month course
in piano playing at the Peabody Conservatory
offered by Jose Iturbi, star of MGM's
"Three Daring Daughters" .
Zell,
Harlem Theatre manager, was called for jury
duty . student assistant at the Parkway
Theatre is John Stokes.
Early Solution Seen
On Czech Release
NEW YORK- A solution lu the stalemate
on renewal o? the Motion Picture Export
Ass'n distribution deal with the Czech Film
Monopoly for 1948-49 is expected in a few
declared.
BUFFALO
pire caused $750 damage to Basil's Victoria
Theatre, smoke having been detected
about 4:30 a. m. by thi-ee policemen as they
passed on their way to work. One called
firemen: the others gained entrance with a
passkey and used two fire extinguishers until
firemen arrived. The blaze, confined to
the balcony, burned 17 seats. The theatre
operated the next day as usual. A defective
ai.sle light was blamed for the fire.
Charles X. Bordenaro, 75, president of
Bordenaro Bros. Co., theatre firm which a
month ago won $85,500 damages in an antitrust
suit against three motion picture companies,
died last week. The firm operates
the Palace Theatre, Olean.
Dick Carroll, former office manager, is
now booker for Paramount. Dick Etkin,
former office manager, has gone into business
for himself McMahon, assistant
booker, is moving his wife and year-old
.
daughter here from New Haven. A big opening
is set for "Saigon" at Rochester Century
Bill Saxton, Loew's city manager, has been
appointed a co-chairman of the Advertising
club's annual Maypole dance . . . Charles Raymond,
assistant to Carter Barron, Loew's
division manager, has been ill two weeks .
Theatre, now under Paramount control.
The Centui-y Theatre has replaced usherettes
with ushers for the evening hours . . . Brock
Whitlock, publicist for Loew's in Washington,
has resigned and Jack Fox. Columbia
David Rosengarten Dead
MIAMI BEACH—David Rosengarten, 65.
former chairman of the New York Film Board
of Trade, died here March 5 following a heart
attack. He had been connected with the old
Fox Film Corp. and MGM as exchange manager.
His wife Anna, two sons. Alfred and
Leonard, and two sisters survive.
BOXOFHCE :
13, 1948
Fielding Resumes Post
As N.Y. License Head
NEW YORK—Benjamin Fielding has been
reappointed as New York City license commissioner.
He resumed his post with the license
department March 12 after he resigned
as welfare commissioner. He had been head
the welfare department since last October
of
when he replaced Edward E. Rhatighan.
Patrick Meehan. deputy hcense commissioner,
had been acting commissioner during
Fielding's absence.
Incorporations
ALBANY
RICHMOND
Ti7illiam L. Sacks, accountant for Rome circuit,
died in Sinai hospital . Rose,
nn automatic pojjcorn vendor has been Installed
in the lobby of the State by
UA. will go to Florida for two weeks of sunbathing
Silver, UA district man-
Berlo. The Berlo organization will Install
.
soft drink machines in all local houses of
ager, and Jerry Price, local manager, were
the Neighborhood circuit shortly . . . George
in Norfolk looking over the territory . . . Jack
days. Louis
Est ridge. Kay Films, also was
Kanturek. association supervisor
Crozier, Brookland projectionist, and Sam
in Norfolk.
in eastern
Pulliam,
Europe, declared Wednesday
manager at the Grand, will be
HO).
Jack Lcvine, Irvington Theatre, will leave Kanturek made this statement at a luncheon neighbors soon when they both move Into
for Florida on the 16th . . . Izzy Rappaport, in his honor at the Harvard club. International
heads and company executives at-
new homes in the Maymont .section of town.
Hippodrome, Town and Little, returned from
David Kamsky, advertising manager for
a Florida sojourn . . . The Barry Goldmans tended.
the Neighborhood circuit, is vacationing at
will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary Kanturek arrived from Prague several days
home. Many odd Jobs around the house will
Monday (15) . . . Aurora Tlieatre's new ago for conferences with Irving Maas, MPEA keep him occupied ... A .series of Monday
marquee is being installed by Litsinger Sign vice-president and general manager. He reviewed
business conditions in Austria, Hun-
midnight stage shows have been inagurated
Co. . . . Howard Theatre's new marquee is
at the Booker T. "Brown-Skin Models" was
now in operation.
gary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Poland
and Yugoslavia for the luncheon guests.
the first . . . "Panic," a French-language
Dick Jarrett, son of Cliff Jarrett, Equity
film, opened at the National.
In all countries under his supervision, with
salesman, is 5 years old and is the youngest
the exception of Yugoslavia where the MPEA Joe Eagan of the Fabian circuit home office
was in town on a routine trip . . . "Gentle-
member of the student council at Montebello has not yet started to operate, attendance at
school, representing the kindergarten. He American films has reached a new high, he man's Agreement" was previewed at the
celebrated his birthday March 7 . . . Mr. and
Byrd before and invited audience composed
Mrs. Curtis Hildebrand, Eagle Lion Vii-ginia
of local ministers, judges, educators, stu-
Animex, Inc.; To produce and release motion
pictures: incorporators. Pieter J. Looiman.
Frank Macellino and Henry Werker.
National Cine Equipment: To manufacture
and deal in motion picture equipment:
incorporators. Abraham Goldstein, Abraham
H. Goldblatt and Beatrice Kirschner.
dents and civic leaders. The picture will
open its regular run later in the month at
the Byrd and State.
Lillian Ballenger, widow of the late W. F.
Ballenger, for many years at the Grand,
is now in Philadelphia operating her own
children's dress shop.
A reel of film and a damaged portion of
a projection machine were the only casualties
in a booth fire at the Maggie Walker Theatre
here. More than 300 patrons filed out
of the theatre as employes quickly extinguished
the flames .
Heslep.
senior at the University of Richmond and
relief manager for several of the local Neighborhood
circuit theatres, was the subject of
a feature article on the Friday youth page of
the Richmond News Leader. The interesting
article told how Jimmy combined his job
and school work together so that neither
suffered from inattention.
Judith Jeffries, Jerri Jedd. Marion Wilson,
Shirley Nye and Virginia Mattis, all Barter
Theatre players, modeled for a local department
store last week during its weekly fashion
show . is conducting auditions to
find three suitable representatives to represent
Richmond on the Phillip Morris
Horace Heidt program to be broadcast from
Loew's stage the evening of March 21.
The Broadway open-air theatres opened
. . .
for the season March 11 "American
Serenade," with the Morton Gould orchestra
and soloists Wilbur Evans and Mimi BenzeU,
appeared at the Mosque March 9. Lily Pons
whose concert was canceled in January will
sing at the Mosque March 18.
ROADSHOW PROJECTION
THE HARVEY WILLIAM CO.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers"
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!]

. . The
. . Fred
. . The
. . . Joanne
Congratulations
. . Local
. . Herman
: March
WASHINGTON
Wariety Club news: Carter Banon held a
luncheon in the Variety Club last week
for sportswriters and radio announcers, as
a gesture of thanks on the part of the Variety
Club for their assistance in publicizing
Variety's welfare ventures during the past
year . Variety clubrooms now boast
a new piano, which should make dancing at
the club on Saturday nights, an even greater
pleasure . . . New members of Tent No. 11
are Ernest L. Schier, drama editor, Washington
Times-Herald: James W. Cummings
jr., assistant director photography. National
Archives; Richard P. McCann, general manager,
Washington Redskins: Harry Shapiro,
actively associated with theatrical and motion
picture ventures, and owner of Maison's
millinery: also the following new associate
members elected by the board of governors:
Jack J. Blank, president of the Aixade-
Pontiac Co. .
Schneider and Morton
Gerber, of the Variety Club building committee
met on March 5 with Chief Barker Frank
Boucher and Milford Schwartz, associate
counsel for the Tent, to discuss improvements
for the club . . . Hardie Meakin, director of
public relations called a meeting of his committee
on March 8 . ladies committee
called off its scheduled March 17 luncheon
because of the St. Patrick's night party.
. . . Jonas
excellent stage show . .
Warner Theatres: R. W. Knepton, field
supervisor from the home office, is auditing
. . the Washington zone office Deepest
.
sympathy is extended to Katherine McGlynn
of the booking department in the recent
death of her brother, Edward
Bernheimer, Warner Bldg. superintendent,
has returned from a two weeks' vacation in
Miami and Havana. He drove with brother
Louis Bernheimer and Fi-ank Storty, both
theatremen. In Havana, they attended a
performance at the new Warner Theatre
and were much impressed with the building
and the performance, which included an
Doreen Millett has
.
taken over her new duties as secretary to
Frank LaFalce, director of advertising and
Planning a Drive-In?
Use the
MOONLIGHT
MOVIES
SYSTEM
We furnish your construction plans with
licensure under Patent App. 7179.
Write or Wire
MOONLIGHT MOVIES SYSTEM
842 Bussey St.
San Bernardino,
Cclil.
publicity. Mrs. Millett arrived in this country
last February on the Queen Mary. She was
formerly personal secretary to the midland
area supervisor of Associated British Cinemas,
Ltd., a position she held from 1943 to 1948.
Helen Palty, former secretary to Frank La-
Falce, will soon become Mrs. Joseph Reino
Cobb, contact department, escaped
without serious injury in a motorcycle accident
. . . Doris MuUneaux, advertising and
publicity, combined her birthday with a
celebration of her fifth wedding anniversary
I fifth month, that is) ... Lyle Selby tells
anyone who will listen in the advertising
and publicity department about his plans for
bass fishing next simimer in his new 15-foot
boat, soon to be launched in Lake Triadelphia,
near his Maryland farm.
.
.
.
Buck Stover, Alexandria Amusement Co.
was certainly genuinely surprised when his
charming wife "thi-ew" a surprise birthday
party for him last week. Many happy returns
to a nice guy Posey,
Alexandria Amusement Co. was married on
Highway Express Lines are
March 6 . . .
now serving the Mayfair Theatre, Colonial
Beach, Va.
advantage
. .
of
375
the
persons
TB
on
chest
Filmrow
X-ray
took
mobile
unit which was set up on the first floor of the
Warner Pictures building on Wednesday
afternoon . F-13 sponsored the movement
and made arrangements for the setup
.. to Sidney Bowden,
Wilder Theatres, who recently became
engaged to Miss Frances Murrell
Rickards. The wedding is planned for sometime
in April ... On the sick list at 20th-
Pox were Fred Klein and Dick Norris with
a good portion of the office working and
fighting heavy colds.
Maida Penwell is the new bookkeeper at
Theatre Consultants, Inc. . . . Earle Horn
came in town to book his State Theatre,
Radford, Va. . . . Brock Whitlock has resigned
as head of publicity for Loew's theatres in
Washington to operate his own theatre in
North Carolina. Jack Foxe, in addition to
his regular assignment as manager of the
Columbia Theatre, will handle the publicity
reins for the time being.
Protestant Group to Aid
Good Films; Ignore Bad
NEW YORK—Good films will
be publicized
and bad films ignored under a policy decided
upon by the Pi-otestant Motion Picture
Council. This is to be done because condemnation
of bad films usually results in increased
business for them, according to Mrs.
Jesse Bader, council president.
Universal Heads in Paris
NEW YORK—Universal's top executives,
who went to London some weeks ago to discuss
a distribution deal with J. Arthur Rank,
went to Paris from London to attend a sales
meeting. They are due back in New York
about March 20. They will return by ship.
In the party are J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman
of the board; Nate Blimiberg, president;
Joseph Seidelman, head of foreign distribution,
and Charles D. Prutzman, vice-president
and general counsel.
Makers of 'Fantasia'
Target of Lawsuit
PHILADELPHIA—A suit was filed in District
of Columbia federal court demanding
all the profits earned by the film "Fantasia."
The suit was brought against Leopold Stokowski,
former conductor of the Philadelphia
orchestra, and Walt Disney, co-producers of
the film, and RKO, which distributed it.
Plaintiffs are Stetson Kieferle, a Lewistown,
Pa., music teacher, and his wife, who claim
that they originated the system of wedding
music and color with sound, a theoi-y on which
the film was based.
Kieferle contends that prior to October
1937, he and his wife created and reduced to
WTiting a system of musical dynamics involving
the use of color to accentuate and interpret
the sound volume. Kieferle said that
in December 1937 he submitted the idea to
Stokowski, asking the conductor to pass
judgment on the new concept's artistic worth.
The idea, he said, was embodied in "Fantasia"
without his consent. No set sum is named in
the suit, just "all the profits the picture has
earned."
At the time the film was made, Stokowski
was conducting the orchestra here, and the
orchestra supplied all the music for the film.
ROCHESTER
Theatre operators and members of the
Stagehands union conducted vigorous
opposition to proposed state legislation that
would require theatres to pay a tee for the
assignment of firemen to every motion picture
performance.
Typical of the busy life of a theatre manager
is the case of Fi-ancis Anderson, RKO
manager for the city. Anderson is hoping
that some day he will see the end of "Black
Narcissus," which played a week at the
RKO Palace and three days at the RKO
Temple. He was especially interested in the
film because of the memories evoked by^
scenes of the mountainous country around
Darjeeling, India, where he was stationed
during the war. He saw most of the picture
several times, but every time the climax
approached he was called to his office or
some appointment.
Chairman of Rochester's cuirent drive for
the American Red Cross is Edward Peckl
Curtis, Eastman Kodak's motion picture
sales manager.
Brandt to Head Campaign
NEW YORK—Harry Brandt has been
named chairman of public relations and special
events for the New York campaign ol
the American Overseas Aid and United Nations
Appeal for Children. Spyros P. Skouras
is national chairman. A children's parade
planned for April 12, and a show in Madisor
Square Garden May 15.
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninlh Ave., New York City
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1941

1
N.
: March
. . Gordon
. . Tony
. . Fabian's
. . Harold
)aign'
Early Drive-In Debut
At No. Philadelphia
ALBANY—The Fabian-Hellman drive-in
at North Philadelphia will open for the
Easter season March 27, while the Saratoga
drive-in at Lathams will begin operations
April 3 and the Nohawk, on the Albany-
Saratoga road, will start about April 10. The
Ti-i-City drive-in, near Binghamton, will tee
off April 3, according to Leo Rosen, assistant
general manager.
'Expendable' Rusty Ryan
Gets $3,000 From WB
BOSTON—Damages of $3,000 were awarded
to Cmdr. Robert B. Kelly by Judge Charles
E. Wyzanski jr. in a $500,000 libel suit against
Loews, Inc.. producers of "They Were Expendable."
Kelly alleged he was held up to
ridicule and his reputation was injured among
his fellow officers by the portrayal given of
him as Rusty Ryan in the pictm'e. He is now
an instructor at Annapolis naval academy.
Judge Wyzanski ruled that while the portrayal
given Kelly did not injure his reputation
among the general public, it did hurt
him in his standing among naval officers and
caused him mental distress.
"Viewed from the professional aspect," the
Judge w-rote, "Rusty Ryan may be a hard
fighter of noble character but he does not
measure up to the "regulation" model of a
good officer. Since the only elements of
damage proved related to (1) loss of reputation
among naval officers who attended showings
of the film and (2) mental disturbance,
the recovery cannot be of large proportions."
Tent 9 Publicizes Story
On Variety Boys Work
ALBANY—A 40x60 attractively painted
easel sign in the lobby of the Grand suggests
that patrons read the February 28 issue
of Collier's magazine "to learn what a
Variety Club means to the community."
The sign bears three cutouts from a Collier's
article. "Boys at Work." written by
Herman B. Deutsch and Paul Short. Milton
Shosberg, local Tent 9 member, manages
the Grand. Similar signs have been
prepared for other theatres.
Chief Barker Harry Lamont mailed all
members copies of the magazine containing
the article with a letter.
Special Capital Showing
Of Italian-Made Film
WASHINGTON—The National Friendship
Train committee will act as host to a specially
invited audience on Saturday evening,
March 20, at 8:30 p. m., for a permlere showing
of the film, "Thanks America." produced
by the Italian people as a token of
their appreciation for the gifts of food carried
to them by the Friendship Tiain. The
performance, lasting an hour and a half, will
be given at the Warner Theatre.
Tony Boscardine Opens
House in Dover Plains
CANAAN, CONN.—Tony Boscardine. operator
of the Colonial. Canaan, Conn., began
interstate operations when he opened
his 725-seat Dover Theatre, Dover Plains,
Y., March 3.
BOXOFHCE :
13. 1948
ALBANY
rjddie Susse, office manager for Metro here
four and a half-years, has been promoted
to salesman in the Buffalo territory. He
was to be feted by the MOM staff at a dinner
in Jack's restaurant Friday and to leave
for his new post Saturday. Susse served as
booker for MGM in the New York exchange
for a decade before his transfer to Albany.
Branch Manager Jack Goldberg said Bennett
Goldstein, head booker, will double as
office manager.
Sylvan Leff, operator of the Highland in
Utica announced on a visit to this city Monday
that he was now selling Realart reissues
on the side. He is covering the Buffalo and
Albany territories. Leff worked as salesman
for Universal for some years before resigning
in 1946 to become an exhibitor . . . Sam
Rosenblatt, operator of theatres in Watervliet
and Lake George, and George Thornton,
owner of the Orpheum in Saugerties, made
their first visits to Filmrow since returning
from Florida vacations . . . Neil Hellman
left to inspect the out-of-town Fabian-Hellman
drive-ins.
Johnny Gotuso, who underwent a delicate
brain operation in Albany hospital last summer,
now does some ticket selling in the
afternoon at Fabian's Palace and also does
some typing. He formerly served as assistant
manager and treasurer. Gotuso has made a
game recovery, one which all the film boys
hope will end in complete success. Si Fabian
paid all his hospital bills, in addition to his
weekly salary during the long siege.
in White Plains. He is a member of a
wealthy Albany family and practices law in
New York City.
Harry Alexander, Eagle Lion branch manager,
passed a weekend in his home town,
Boston . Bugle, Eagle Lion salesman,
saw Siena college defeat Rensselaer
poly in the Siena's final basketball game of
the season before a record-breaking crowd of
6,000 in the State armory . Lattaznio,
usher at the Madison, is leader of the Albany
high school band and Tyler Halse, another
usher, manages the school's basketball team.
A 16-day strike at Schine's Ten Eyck hotel
and a 12-day walkout at the De Witt Clinton
hotel ended in a compromise settlement.
This was said to be the first labor dispute
the Schines had in 28 years. Both hotels
operated during the strike, although their
restaurants and bars were closed . . . Weekend
business has been holding up, but some
exhibitors and theatre managers believe the
Holy week slump has already begun to manifest
itself.
The Rivoli in Schenectady, presented a
"premiere showing" of J. Arthur Rank's
"Hungry Hill." Admission was 65 cents for
adults and 25 cents for children. The newspaper
advertising which Jules Perlmutter
ran for this and other first run British pictures
caused favorable comment. Perlmutter
makes effective use of white space in much
of
his copy.
Floyd Fitzsimmons, Metro explolteer,
journeyed to Gloversville to confer with Seymour
Morris, Schine director of exploitation
and publicity, on promotions for "Three Daring
Daughters" in Amsterdam and Watertown.
He also went to Glens Falls to talk
with Charley Daniels, manager of the Paramount,
on "If Winter Comes."
"I Walk Alone," at the Strand, had local
flavor through the appearances of Kirk
Douglas and Mike Mazurki in important roles.
Douglas spent five days here in January
with him family. Mazurki is a former Cohoes
wrestler. The Knickerbocker News ran a
picture of Douglas' family watching a preview
. Strand in Schenectady
followed last week's Monday PolLsh bill with
a Monday Italian show this week. Features
were "Carnavele de Venezia" and "Regina
Delia Scala."
Ray Smith of Warners hopped to the
Schine offices in Gloversville for talks with
Louis W. Schine, George Lynch, Bill Kraemer
and Lou Goldstein. Ray reports that
"The Voice of the Turtle" is pressing "I.Iy
Wild Irish Rose" for boxoffice hon'jrs in the
situations already played . Carlock,
RKO .salesman, fought off a bad cold.
The engagement of Beverly Jane Delaney
John Delehanty. assistant manager of the
Johnny Rubach, United Artists, was scheduled
make the north country to
Colonial, has been announced. Miss Delaney
to a trip to . . .
Dave Willig. of the Auto-Vision, East Greenbish,
is an employe of the state motor vehicle
ankled the exchanges in .search of prod-
bureau . Jack Holt, who with Jack Olshansky
uct for the new season. It was reported he
plamied an early May opening
operated the Colonial for a time, is reuct
ported to have opened a slenderizing salon
manager for John Francisco of the Fonda
Town Hall, also was around.
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Carpet
JOE HORNSTEIN has it I
STEWART R. MARTIN— I'reasurer
and General Manager, Embassy
Newsreel Theatres, New York City,
and Newark, N. J.—says:
"Good sound is as important as
a good news shot. We use RCA
Service to keep our sound
operating at peak efficiency."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Camden, New Jersey.

-
: March
Technicolor 1947 Net
Triples '46 Profit
NEW YORK—Technicolor. Inc., reported a
net profit of $1,422,752 for 1947. This is an
increase of $986,584 over the net profit of
$436,168 reported for 1946. The 1947 net profit
is equal to $1.55 per sihare, compared to 48
cents per share paid on common stock for
1946.
Dividends on capital stock for 1947 amoimted
to $1 a share, compared to 50 cents a
share in 1946. The 1947 net profit totaled
$3,492,049 before deductions for taxes and
other obligations.
Herbert T. Kalmus, president and general
manager of the company, reported that the
output of 35mm Technicolor release prints
for 1947 almost doubled over the output for
the previous year. In 1947, 222,017,439 feet
were manufactured, compared to 165,027,297
the year before. Color commitments for 1948
will keep the plants operating at capacity.
A total of 30 Technicolor featm-es were
processed by the company in the U.S. in 1947.
The financial report lists 48 now in work or
under contract for this year. Prints for six
features were turned out by the company's
British affiliate. Technicolor, Ltd., during
1947, and nine have been scheduled so far
for 1948.
Technicolor net sales for 1947 totaled $17,-
407,957, compared to $13,057,510 in 1946. The
company assets as of last December 31 were
$9,123,002. Liabilities as of that date were
$4,024,646.
Earnings of Eastman Kodak
Show 17% Gain in
NEW '47
YORK—Ea.stman Kodak Co. reported
1947 consolidated net earnings of $43,199,254,
compared with $35,691,318 for 1946. This is a
rise of $7,507,936. Perley S. Wilcox, chairman,
and Thomas J. Hargrave, president, declared
in an annual report to .stockholders that EK
production, sales and earnings in 1947 were
"at higher levels than ever before."
The 1947 net is equal to $3.46 a share on
common stock, compared with $2.85 in 1946.
Total sales increa.sed $77,047,650, with $351,-
751,098 reported for 1947 and $274,703,448
reported for 1946.
Cash and securities of the company have
been reduced by $44,440,380 since the start of
1946, the report said. It pointed out that a
large amount of cash resources was used to
finance increased inventories and to make
additions and improvements to plants and
equipment. The cost of additions and improvements
amounted to $38,971,233 during
1947 and $44,581,688 during 1946.
Columbia's 26-Week Net
Is 54% Below Last Year
NEW YORK—Columbia Pictm-es Corp. reported
a net profit of $725,000 for the 26
weeks ended Dec. 27, 1947. This is $835,000
under the net profit of $1,560,000 for the second
half of 1946.
The earnings for the last 26 weeks of 1947
are equal to 90 cents a share on 638,352 shares
of common stock outstanding, compared with
$2.20 a share on 622,782 outstanding shares
the last half of the preceding year.
Operating profit for the 26 weeks ended
Dec. 27, 1947, was $1,175,000, compared with
$2,480,000 for the corresponding period in
1946.
The annual meeting of Columbia stockholders
has been postponed from March 9 to April
9 at the home office.
Soviet Council Pamphlets
Attack 'Iron Curtain'
NEW YORK—Approximately 500,000 pamphlets
attacking Darryl F. Zanuck's "The
Iron Curtain." were distributed during the
week by the National Council of American
Soviet Friendship to unions, church groups
and clubs.
The pamphlet asks filmgoers to urge theatre
managers not to show the film. It also
carries an open letter to Spyros Skouras,
20th-Fox president, asking him to "exercise
your good judgment and power to stopping
the release of this destructive, immoral film."
Previously the council had protested release
of the film to Skouras and Eric Johnston,
MPAA president.
Loew's Not to Increase
Newspaper Ad Space
SPRINGFIELD. MASS.—Ernest Emerling.
advertising director of Loew's Theatres, cautioned
that the circuit has no plans to increase
its newspaper advertising budget over
the 1947 level in an address before the New
England Newspaper Advertising Executives
Ass'n, Tuesday (9). Ad men from New York
state dailies also were present.
"It just isn't in the cards. We hope to
spend as much in 1948 in newspaper advertising
as we did in 1947, despite the economies
forced upon us by the British ad
valorem tax, rising labor and production costs
and new taxes imposed by some states and
municipalities," he declared. Emerling warned
that while theatres spent money freely on
newspaper ads during the war years, they
are no longer an easy touch. He said that
any move to raise local amusement ad rates
without allowing for agency conmiission
would result in less space, because "budgets
cannot be hiked in a falling boxoffice market."
Emerling also asked that newspapers consider
film theatres as legitimate retail outlets
and offer theatres local retail advertising
rates for comparable space. He pointed
out that theatres are about 90 per cent
dependent on newspapers to sell films, and
spend a larger percentage of their gross than
any other retail advertiser.
Emerling reported that 12 major film companies
spent $13,000,000 on newspaper, radio
and magazine advertising during 1946. Newspapers
received $7,150,000; magazines received
$4,000,000: radio received $1,836,000. During
1946 Loew's Theatres spent an additional
$2,750,000 on local new.spaper advertising.
New Book on Film Probe
NEW YORK—Boni & Gaer, Inc.,
publishers,
will put out a new book, "Hollywood on
Trial," by Gordon Kahn, April 12, tl;g. day
the first trial of one of the ten Hollywood
figures cited for contempt of Congress is
scheduled to open. The book contains a
forward by Thomas Mann, novelist. Mann
compares the contempt charge trials with
the Nazi domination of Germany. The book
contends the Hollywood film probe was suppression
of freedom of expression.
Turkey Seeks Release Deal
NEW YORK—The Turkish film industry
is seeking foreign release for a new feature.
"You Cannot Destroy My Home." The picture
features Galip Arcan and Oya Sensev.
TBA Wants Time Cut
For Tele Stations
WASHINGTON—The Television Broadcasters
Ass'n has asked the FCC to reduce
the amount of time television stations shall
be on the air during the developmental
stages of their programming. At present
the requirement is 28 hours per week.
The TBA would Uke to have the requirement
not less than two hours in any five
broadcast days; not less than 12 hours per
week during the first 18 months, and not
less than 16 hours, 20 hours and 24 hours,
respectively, for each succeeding six months
thereafter.
Outside of New York, Philadelphia, Washington,
Chicago and Los Angeles talent is
scarce, the TBA points out, and it will be
necessary for many stations to build up a
library of film subjects.
Televisers May Make Films
NEW YORK—The television industry will
make its own films if Hollywood doesn't
supply satisfactory pictiu-es for television
broadcasting, according to Frank Mullen,
executive vice-president of NBC. Mullen recently
returned from Hollywood. He re-,
ported most major studios are very much'
interested in television and consider it a
good advertising medium.
Concerning the problem of television com
petition for theatre attendance, Mullen said
television stations will show mostly shorts
instead of features and will not interfere
with theatre business. He predicted a Pacific
Coast network will be in operation ir
18 months. Mullen believes coast-to-coasi
television will come in 1950.
NBC to Have 31 Affiliates
On Air by End of Year
NEW YORK—A total of 31 NBC television
station affiliates will start broadcastg
before the end of the year, Frank E
Mullen, NBC executive vice-president, declared.
Representatives of all the station!
H3t
met here Friday (March 12) to discuss plam
for program exchange and operation of thej'^"
stations.
"^"'*
To date NBC has nine affiliated station.'
on the air. They are: WNBT, New York
nd WNBW. Washington, both operated
NBC; WPTZ, Philadelphia: WRGB, Schenecdy:
WW J, Detroit: KSD, St. Louis; WTMJ.
Milwaukee: WLWT. Cincinnati; WBAL ,,
more. The Baltimore station went oi
f/^'
the air Thursday.
,,
TO
No Republic Booking Agen;
In Florida: Grainger
NEW YORK—James R. Grainger. Republi
executive vice-president in charge of distri
bution, denied that the the company has an
representative in Florida engaged in bookin
personal appearances of Republic stars in
statement issued during the week.
The denial was issued as a result of a:
inquii-y by Windell C. Yomit, president c
the chamber of conmierce of Titusville, Fla
which mentioned bookings of the Sons of th
Pioneers singing group which appears in Ro;
Rogers Tnicolor films.
58 BOXOFFICE
:
13, 19'
Ml
SLL

: March
I
Cd!
HOLLYWOOD
PRODUCTION
Hollywood Office-Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear. Western Manager;
CEINTER
Correspondents Pick
Hollywood's 'Bests'
HOLLYWOOD—Members of the Hollywood
Foreign Correspondents Ass'n climbed aboard
the season's award-giving bandwagon when
they handed out "Golden Globes" to industry
members for outstanding film achievements
during 1947. The kudos were distributed
at a banquet attended by more than 300.
with Walter Pidgeon as emcee and Maureen
O'Hara as hostess.
Garnering most of the plaudits was 20th
Century-Fox's "Gentleman's Agreement," for
which Darryl P. Zanuck received the "best
pictm-e" nod: its pilot. Elia Kazan, was voted
best director: Dean Stockwell. of the cast,
was hailed the top juvenile actor: and Celeste
Holm, who had a featured role, won the
"best supporting actress" citation.
Other winners:
Best actress. Rosalind Russell, for "Mournii^
Becomes Electra": best actor, Ronald
Colman. for "A Double Life": best supporting
actor, Edmund Gwenn. for "Miracle on
34th Street," and George Seaton, best screen
story, same picture: best feminine newcomer.
Lois Maxwell. "That Hagen Girl": best
male newcomer. Richard Widmark. "Kiss of
Death": best musical score. Max Steiner.
"Life With Father"; best photography. Jack
Cardiff, "Black Narcissus."
Display Magnetic Tape
HOLL"YWOOD—A demonstration of magnetic
tape recording for radio and film work
and a screening of a cartoon printed in the
new Polacolor process highlighted a program
of the Pacific coast section of the Society of
Motion Picture Engineers, held at Enterprise
studios. The tape recording demonstration
comprised a comparison test between that
system and a direct pickup. The editing and
splicing technique was also shown.
McDowall-Parsons Deal
HOLL"YTVOOD—A new actor-associate producer
contract has been set for Roddy Mc-
Dowall with Producer Lindsley Parsons, film
maker releasing through Monogram and Allied
Artists. The first picture for McDowall
under the new deal will be "Typee," by Herman
Melville.
Mono to Make 'Passport'
HOLL"irwOOD—"Passport to Freedom"
has been added to the Monogram schedule as
a dramatic musical, to be produced and directed
by Will Jason, with Maurice Duke as
his associate. Sam Mintz is writing the
script as a starring vehicle for Freddie Stewart
and Phil Brito.
BOXOFnCE :
13, 1948
Jean Hersholt Declines
Another Academy Term
HOLLYWOOD— Jean Hersholt will not be
a candidate for re-election as president of the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
when he completes his second term in office
late next month. Hersholt said the pressure
of other business, including his work with the
Motion Picture Relief Fund, Inc.. an airshow
and other matters, precludes consideration of
the Academy post. He will remain as a
member of the board of governors for the
ensuing year, however.
Meantime plans for staging the Academy's
annual Oscar glamorfest at the Shrine auditorium
March 20 were proceeding on schedule,
with Delmer Daves. Warner writer-director,
in charge of producing the show. His
aides include Margaret Herrick, Academy secretary:
Fred Richards, Leo Forbstein, Ray
Heindorf, Robert Haas and C. Kenneth De-
Land.
Hersholt will take off for New York shortly
after the awards ceremonies, en route to Europe
for an extended vacation. He will return
to the coast in August.
Z^cecutlae
West: Paul Raibourn. Paramount vice-president,
came in from New York, accompanied
by home office advertising and publicity
executives and staff members, to confer with
studio officials on campaigns for forthcoming
releases. In the party were Stanley Shuford,
advertising manager: Ben Washer, publicity
manager: Sid Mesibov, assistant exploitation
chief; Rudy Montgelas, Paramount
account executive for the Buchanan agency,
and others.
East: Chester Erskine. Universal-International
producer-writer, headed for Manhattan
to discuss prerelease campaigns for "All My
Sons," which opens at the Criterion in New
York Easter Saturday.
West: Jack Votion, former production representative
for RKO Radio in London, checked
in for a three-month stay, to set up details
for a project to turn out a series of adventure
pictures in England.
East: Manny Reiner, Latin American sales
chief for SRO, left for New York for business
huddles after a short stay in Hollywood,
during which he conferred with Neil Agnew,
SRO president, currently here going over
final plans for the company's new home office
headquarters, to be located in Beverly
Postpone U.S. Action
Against Technicolor
HOLLYWOOD—Because the government
has not yet secured all the depositions needed
to complete its case. Federal Judge William
C. Mathes has agreed to postpone until May
10 a pretrial hearing in the antitrust action
filed by the U.S. against Technicolor. Inc.,
charging that firm with conspiracy to violate
the Sherman antitrust laws. The hearing had
originally been slated for the latter part of
March in U.S. district court here. The government's
antitrust division seeks an injunction
restraining Technicolor from alleged
monopolistic practices in the color-processing
field.
The charges were denied by Dr. Herbert
T. Kalmus. Technicolor president, in a recent
statement declaring his firm "welcomes
competition" in the field as a means of stimulating
more widespread interest in and use
of
color in motion pictures.
^^u24Jiel^/U,
Hills. Reiner came in by clipper from Honolulu
for his talks with Agnew.
North: James R. Grainger, Republic sales
chief, checked out for San Francisco, from
whence he will continue on to Chicago and
New York, after a ten-day local stay during
which he conferred with Herbert J.
Yates, company topper.
South: N. Peter Rath von, RKO Radio
president, left for Mexico City on a business
junket in cormection with the company's
Chiu-ubusco studios there, expecting to be
gone about a week.
West: Paul Lazarus jr.. publicity-advertising
director for United Artists, arrived from
Gotham for a week of conferences with local
UA executives and members of its production
family.
East: Hal Wallis, sharecropping producer
releasing through Paramount, took off for
New York for two weeks of conferences with
Joseph Hazen, president of his company,
concerning future production plans.
East: Sam Israel, Eagle-Lion publicity director,
headed for New York for business
huddles, accompanied by Jerry Pickman of
the company's eastern office. Israel expected
to return to the coast within a week.

-
starring
. upcoming
which
: March
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Eagle Lion
Western singing star EDDIE DEAN was inked to a
contract as grand marshal for the annual Journal
'uniors celebration in Portland. Ore., staltmg May
22. While in the northern state, dates have been
set for Dean to do a three-week swing around a
circuit of smaller theatres, doing personals.
Universal-International
Blurbers
Warners
MILT MARKER, former International News Service
bureau manager in Los Angeles, has joined Alex
Evelove's studio publicity staff.
Briefies
Paramount
"Big Sister Blues," fifth in the current series of
'echnicolor Musical Parade featurettes, went before
he cameras with Alvin Gonzer meggmg from a
cript by lack Roberts. Virginia Maxey, night club
Universal-International
The Red Ingle
Cleffers
Metro
ROBERT FRANKLYN was signed to orchestrate two
Passing Parade short subjects, "Souvenir of Death,"
and "The Fabulous Fraud." John Nesbitt wrote and
narrated the briefies.
for "Mr. Blandings Buildi
the
Warners
set by Michael O
RAY HEINDORF
nger-dir
Technicolor musical.
Composer DAVID BUTTOLPH has begun scoring
"John Loves Mary," filmization of No
-
-
Broc
Can
SAMMY CAHN and JULIE STYNE checked in
begin writing the songs for "The Gay Nineties
Alex Gottlieb's production
WILLIAM LAVA was signed to prepare the origin
score for "The Big Punch," toplming Wayne Morri
Lois Maxwell and Gordon MacRae, with Sher
Shourds directing.
Loanouts
Eaglele Lion
Producer Edward Small has borrowed GORDON
DOUGLAS from Columbia to direct his forthcoming
production, "G-Men vs. Scotland Yard,"
Enterprise
LILLI PALMER has been borrowed from Milton
Sperling's United States Pictures to star with Dana
Andrews in "No Minor Vices," a modern. New York
social comedy. Lewis Milestone is producing and
directing from an origincfl screenplay by Arnold
Manoff,
Meggers
Metro
RICHARD THORPE drew the directorial post
on "Sun in the Morning," which will star Lassie
and Claude Jarman Robert produce
Sisk jr. will
from an original story by Marjone Kinnan Rowlings.
ANDRE PREVIN will do the musical score.
20th Century-Fox
Reliance Pictures inked JEAN YARBROUGH to direct
"The Creeper," which Bernard Small and Ben
Pivot are producing.
Options
Columbia
•Ten-yec(r-old blues singer TONI HARPER makes
her film debut in "Sweetheart of the Blues." The
comedy lead in Sam Katzman's production was set
for ALICE TYRRELL. The leading male comedy spot
was drawn by BENNY BAKER. Gloria Jean and
Ross Ford have the romantic leads.
The femsie lead iri "T^XQ'S Sandman" was awarded
to GLORIA HENRY She will appear with the
in Ihe Hoosier Hot Shots action musical which Hay
Nazarro is directing for Producer Colbert Clark.
JANE NIGH drew the leading feminine role in
"Winner Take Nothing." VIRGINIA GREY and
BLAKE EDWARDS received important casting as-
Eagle Lion
Producer Walter Wanger set SUSAN HAYWA"P
to star in "Anne of the Indies," a Technicolor film
ctbout an I8th century femme pirate.
KATHLEEN OMALLEY checked in to join the
"Let's Live a Little" company, which stars Hedy
Lamarr and Robert Cummings tor United California
Productions.
RICHARD DENNING was signed for the star role
and TOM DUGAN and HARLAN WARDE were named
for support in John Sutherland Productions' "Lady
at Midnight." Sherman Scott is the director.
Metro
EDMUND BREON is a cast addition to "Julia Misbehaves,"
the Greer Garson comedy
Monogram
SCOTTY BECKETT drew the title role in "Michael
O'Halloran," which Producers Frank Mellord and
Julian Lesser are filming under their Windsor Pro-
An additional casting assignment for Jeffrey Bernerd's
"Stage Struck" went to EVELYN BRENT.
Paramount
ILKA CHASE, stage and screen actress and authoress,
was booked for a character lead in "The
"
Totlock Millions, Wanda Hendrix, John
Lund and Barry Fitzgerald. The Richard Mmboum
production will be piloted by Richard Haydn. Into
the cast goes ROBERT STACK
in Cast the Hal Wallis opus, "Sorry, Wrong
Number," was CLIFF CLARK, veteran character
CAROLE MATHEWS drew a top supporting spot
in "The Great Gatsby," and HENRY HULL was
signed for an important role in this produchon
starring Alan Ladd, Betty Field, Macdonald Corey
and Ruth Hussey Elliott Nugent directs with Richard
Maibaum as producer
RKO Radio
BETSY DRAKE, discovered by screen scouts when
in she appeared on the London stage "Deep Are
the Roots," was inked to a long-term contract,
20th Century-Fox
SI WILLS makes his first screen appearance m
seven years in Frank Seltzer's "The Gay Intruders."
Ray McCarey is the director. Inked for roles in this
first film to satirize Hollywood's conception of
psychiatry, were JOHN EMERY, TAMARA GEVA,
HUGH FRENCH and ROY ROBERTS.
JULIUS TANNEN was booked for a role in Preston
Sturges' "Unfaithfully Yours," the Rex Harrison-
Gene Tierney starrer.
Universal-International
JEFFREY LYNN is slated to co-stoT with Deanna
Durbin and Don Taylor in "Washington Girl." Robert
Arthur's production which Frederick De Cordova
IS directing.
HARRY SHANNON. EDDIE COBB, FRED KOHLER
JR. and HOWLAND CHAMBERLAIN checked in for
roles in the Donald O'Connor-Marjorie Main starrer,
"The Wonderful Race at Rimrock."
Additional supporting role assignments for "The
Saxon Charm" went to ADDISON RICHARDS and
JOHN BARAGREY. Signed for a top role in Joseph
Sistrom's production which toplines Robert Montgomery
and Susan Hayward, was the character
actor, HENRY MORGAN—not the radio comedian.
New York stage and radio actor PETER CAPELL
was inked to play a top role in "Rogues' Regiment,"
story of the present day French Foreign Legion,
which stars Dick Powell, Marta Toren and Vincent
Price. This production starts late this month with
Robert Florey directing for Producer Robert Buckner.
"^
Warners
Co-starring with Viveca Lindfors in "Be Nice to
Emily" will be RONALD REAGAN.
BRODERICK CRAWFORD was ticketed for a
leading role in "A Kiss in the Dark." Harry Kurrutz
will produce from his own screenplay. Replacing
Joan Crawford in the starring spot opposite David
Niven is JANE "WYMAN. Delmer Daves will direct
the comedy by Everett Freeman.
TOM WILSON, LESTER DCRR, TOMMY WIGHT,
ROD RODGERS and FREDERICK BEREST were added
to the "Sunburst" cast. Directed by Felix Jacoves,
the film stars Dane Clark and Geraldine Brooks.
Inked for feature roles in "One Sunday Afternoon"
were RAY THOMAS, MARY FIELDS, WILLIAM
MURPHY. PAT FLAHERTY and RALPH DUNN.
Scripters
Columbia
Walla
production about the U.S. naval academy, is being
scripted by HOWARD J. GREEN.
MAURICE TOMBRAGEL is developing his original,
"Boston Blackie's Honor," as next in the series
starring Chester Morris, to be produced by Rudolph
Flothow.
BARRY SHIPMAN will develop his original story,
"Smoky Mountain Moon," as on action musical on
Producer Colbert Clark's slate.
Paramount
The option of writer ARTHUR SHEEKMAN
Republic
JOHN K. BUTLER will write the screenplay from
his own original story, "The Castaways," yarn
about sponge fishermen in Key West and Tarpon,
Florida. Sidney Picker will produce.
LILI HAYWARD was ticketed to work on On original
for Producer-Director Joe Kane titled "Powder
River," to star William Elliott.
20th Century-Fox
FRANK DAVIS was inked to a writer's ticket with
the first assignment slated to be on untitled original.
Universal-International
DANE LUSSIER was signed by John Beck of Westwood
Productions to do the script polishing stint
with Director Andrew Stone on "The Countess of
"
Monte Cristo, will star Sonja Heme.
Warners
LESLIE BUSH-FEKETE checked in to work on the
screenplay of his own original, "Until Proven
Guilty," slated as a Joan Crawford starrer on Jerry
Wald's production schedule.
Story Buys
Eagle Lion
by
Kathe
Six-Shooter Junction," an oil field yarn
e Phillips, was set by Producer Robert
s next film under the Equity Pictures
Independent
Tim Whelan of Picture Plays, Ltd
,
an-
? purchase of screen rights to Alfred
novel, "The Devil Goes to Santa Bar-
nklin folli ing ublK
Metro
Remembra
3m Revolt
"
Rock, historical
lary days to the
uction by Sidney
the book next
20th Century-Fox
"Mother Is a Freshman," by Rafael David Blau,
has been acquired for production by Walter Morosco.
Richard Sale and Mary Loos are writing the screenplay,
which tells of a young mother who enrolls
as a freshman in the same college where her dough-
United Artists
; concluded negotiations with Mrs.
Carl Fisher fc the purchase of the biography of
her husband, The Fdbutous Hoosier." To be
filmed under t ? title of "The Miami Beach Story,"
career of the late developer
of the Indianapolis Speedway and Miami Beach.
Warners
"Be Nice to Emily," a romantic comedy by Matt
Taylor, was acquired as a' starring subject for Viveca
Lindfors. Lester Fuller is scripting tor production
by Alex Gottlieb. The yarn concerns a Swiss girl
who shelters three U.S. fliers during World War II
and comes to visit them in this country after the
Technically
Eagle Lion
ERNEST LASZLC replaced Stanlev Cortez as cameraman
on United California Productions' "Lets Live
a Little."
Crew assignments for John Sutheiland Productions'
"Lady at Midnight" went to MARTY COHNE,
film editor, and JACK GREENHALGH, cameraman.
FRANCIS D, LYON will edit Arthur Lyons' production
of the Thomas B, CoBtain best-seller, "The
Monogram
Producer-Director Roy Del Ruth signed PHILIP
TANNURA as director of photography for "The Babe
Ruth Story."
Paramount
Costumes for "The Tatlock Millions" are being
designed by EDITH HEAD
RONNIE LUBIN will serve as dialog director for
"The Tatlock Millions."
RKO Radio
Republic
Signed to a new one-year lensing
REGGIE LANNING.
20th Century-Fox
THOMAS MCULTON was reoptioned for another
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

f- l^."*
: March
head ol the sound depart-
United Artists
ot Double post art director and production designer
was handed to NICHOLAI REMISOFF by Enterprise
lor the Dana Andrews starrer. "No Minor
Vices," which Lewis Milestone will produce and
direct.
Technical crew appointed lor James Nasser Productions'
"An Innocent Allair" includes CLARtlNL
EURIST, assistant director; EDWARD CRONJAGER
head cameraman, JACK MAPES, set decorator: and
FRED BERGER. Iilm editor.
Universal-International
Producer Robert Arthur signed NICK CASTLE as
dance director lor "Washington GirL" WILLIAM
DANIELS drew the photography stint
Checking in lor the lilm editor post on "The
Wonderlul Race at Rimrock" was EDWARD CUR-
Wamers
. Crew assignments tor "A Kiss in the Dark" went
to ROBERT BURKES, director of pholographv; ERit^
STACEY, unit manager, STANLEY FLEISCHER, art
director, and DAVID WEISBART, lilm editor. STAN-
LEY FLEISCHER was assigned to the art directorship
and ANTON F. GROT won the same post on
Your;
CARL GUTHRIE
^EILLY
edit
Title Changes
Columbia
"Rusty Takes a Walk" is now called RUSTY
LEADS THE WAY.
Metro
e Eurt
Lagctt Wechsler, will
SUN IN THE MORNING is the new tag lor '
ior Jock."
Republic
The release title of "Alcatraz Prison Train"
TRAIN TO ALCATRAZ.
United Artists
FOUR FACES WEST is the new tog tc
"
Sherman's "They Passed This Way, made
Universal-International
FEUDIN', FUSSIN' AND A-FIGHTIN' was
the new name lor 'The Wonderlul Race at R
Warners
SMART GIRLS DON'T TALK is the new
"Dames Don't Talk."
Chester J. Bell, Manager
For Paramount, Dies
DEN'VER— Chester J. Bell. 54. manager of
the Paramount, exchange here since 1936.
died in Burbank, Calif.,
^^^^^' ^ ^°"^ illness. He
R- ^ .^^^^^L. .^MK^.
had been on leave since
October when he was
operated on and in
November went to
Califoniia to visit
. .
^^^^
relatives.
Bom in Dunkirk,
Ind., Bell attended
Valparaiso university
and the University of
',f
^HH Washington. A veteran
of World War I, he
Chester Bell worked for Prestolite
as a salesman before joining Paramount in
1922 as a salesman.
He was a salesman in Detroit, later in
Chicago, and returned to Detroit as sales
manager, was then moved to Salt Lake City
as manager, and was promoted to the Denver
exchange in 1936.
He is survived by his wife Lida Mae; his
parents. Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Bell, Los Angeles,
and a sister, Mrs. Rhea Ketchiun, New York.
The funeral was in North Hollywood, and
be in Louisville. Ky.
burial will
HETHER those who produce motion
pictures or those who exhibit them
know best what the public desires in
the way of screen entertainment has always
been, and probably always will be, one of
filmdom's most provocative issues.
The magi of production are prone to sit in
their ivory towers quoting from laudatory
critiques to justify the continued making of
certain types of pictures, the pursuance of
antiquated cycles, in the face of advices from
their respective distribution departments that
such offerings are encounteri:ig exhibitor resistance
and public indifference. During lush
times, when virtually any picture is dependable
to record favorable grosses—on paper,
at least—the Hollywood mighty glibly cite
stratospheric figures,
as well as rave reviews,
to uphold their arbitrary and often too-costly
sallies into artistry.
Certainly it is unnecessary to record that
such lush days are over, a fact which is
forcefully being brought to Cinemania's attention
by curtailed production activities,
executive salary cuts and widespread unemployment
among film workers.
America's showmen, especially those who
remain alert to changes in the public's film
tastes and do their best with available product
to cater thereto, realized many months
ahead of filmmakers that the golden era had
come to an end, that, for the time being at
least, ticket-buyers are shopping for screen
fare and giving their patronage only to the
type of pictures their current appetites find
acceptable.
One such discerning theatreman is Harold
J. Fitzgerald, president of the Pox "Wisconsin
Amusement Co., a National Tlieatres subsidiary.
Recently, while in Hollywood to attend
a series of NT executive huddles, Fitzgerald
revealed to this department some very illuminating
facts and figures from a survey which
he had conducted as to what classifications
of films are asserting the widest appeal
among the movie fans in the sizable territory
covered by the large circuit which he heads.
The Fox "Wisconsin topper explained that
the poll pointed up his belief that, among
other factors, the element of timing enters
into the boxoffice success or failure of any
given feature. In the war years, for example,
Fitzgerald learned that certain types of films
were in vogue: now, in the unstable postwar
era, he finds that the American public—or,
at any rate, that portion of it which patronizes
the showcases in the chain which he
heads— is considerably more interested in its
own problems, rather than the problems of
others.
"The vast majority of motion picture audiences,"
Fitzgerald set forth, "look for a
Open First Drive-In Using
Moonlight Movies System
RIALTO. CALIF.—A new motif in drive-in
theatre design was made public when W. A.
Tharp. former Indiana exhibitor, opened his
Foothill Drive-In here March 6. The theatre
counterpart of themselves, or .someone they
know, in a picture . . . whether the theme is
romantic or .something else."
In other words, so-called "escapist" entertainment
is in demand, to the detriment of
features dealing with controversial subjects
or preachment, "arty" themes and features
appealing primarily to the intelligentsia.
Fitzgerald's
survey embraced the boxoffice
results as tabulated on 90 recent top releases,
which were divided into 14 type classifications.
U.sing 100 per cent as a base index,
his findings worked out like
of
their popularity and revenue:
this, in the order
Musical comedies, 135 per cent; general
musicals, 121; general comedies, 117; westerns,
101; psychopathic drama. 97; adventure,
96; general dramas, 94; gang.ster-detective,
94; farce comedies, 91; musical-concert-dramas,
90; 81; mysteries, light dramas,
80; sophisticated comedies, 62; and concertmusicals,
50.
Fitzgerald's exhibition domain covers a
typical and sizable slice of America. It seems
reasonable to assume that showmen in other
parts of the nation are having similar experiences,
although they may not take the
time to reduce their observations to statistics
and analyses.
Wheher or not such observations will have
effect on future production schedules is, however,
a question that time alone can answer.
Anyone guided by past performances, remembering
Hollywood's characteristic ostrich-like
attitude toward exhibitor opinion,
might risk a few bob on a negative answer.
Further evidence that current production
plans are all wet may be found in the fact
that Universal-International is making "Mr.
Peabody and the Mermaid," Warner has "The
Octopus and Miss Smith" and Monogram is
doing "Sixteen Fathoms Deep."
TITLE TINKERS CORNER
Harry Sherman's latest for Enterprise,
which began its life as "They Passed This
Way" and with considerable fanfare was
changed to "New Mexico," then back to "They
Passed This Way," now bobs up as "Four
Faces West." At least it stays in character
geographically.
Making a bid for the rubber marquee championship
is Abbott and Costello's current
effort for Universal-International. Laimched
as "The Brain of Frankenstein." it has been
renamed "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein."
Still to get billing in the title—but
nonetheless hopeful—are the Wolf Man and
Dracula, who will aid the Frankenstein monster—
and A. & C—in contributing horror.
has a 670-car capacity and is the fii-st installation
to feature the Moonlight Movies system
for the parking of cars. Tharp, who conceived
the new system, has applied for a
patent and has established headquarters in
San Bernardino to lease the device to interested
showmen. His general agent is Perry
Rfttcliff.
I,*
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948
61

: March
^ondavt ^eftont
TOURING THE COURSE of the negotiations
over the ad valorem duty Tom O'Brien,
the Labor leader, entered the picture with a
reasoned appeal both to Ernest Bevin and
to Eric Johnston. By the time this column
is read the whole question should have been
settled for good, one way or another, but
O'Brien's letters should go on record to
prove that some labor leaders can think of
subjects other than wage increases. His letter
to Bevin says:
"It would be calamitous for the British
film industry were the tax talks to fail. The
last hope will be gone. If the British film
industry were in a position to provide us
with anything like the number of films that
we previously relied on from America, the
situation would not be so serious.
"On the contrary, our own film industry
was never at such a low ebb, and it will take
years to provide even half the pictures that
used to come from Hollywood and to keep
our cinemas open. Dismissal of all classes of
film studio employes continues and very
soon the dismissals will spread to the cinemas
that will be forced to close down if the deadlock
persists."
To Eric Johnston, Tom O'Brien wrote in
similar strain. After telling him of the letter
addressed to Bevin, the second letter
continued:
"Today, on behalf of over 100,000 men and
women employed in British cinemas, distributing
establishments and film studios, I
appeal to you to do all you can to reach
a settlement with our government. I know
that you are a friend of Britain and that
you are fully aware of our economic position
and of our dollar problem. Both the British
and American film industries will sustain
a blow from which it will take years to recover
if negotiations this week fail."
Tom O'Brien is one trade union leader who
is never afraid to do battle for his members.
In common with the financiers of the industry
Labor recognizes that a continuance
of the ad valorem duty must mean the end
of the British film industry.
THE QUESTION of British film finance
and the extravagant sums expended on pictures
that are doomed from the start to
lose money has been raised again this week.
The chief fighter for the low-budget feature,
Lou Jackson of British National, has
decided that he will not make any more
films for some months, but will rent his
studio to Mauj'ice Ostrer who will make two
features
there.
For some weeks past, Wardour Street has
been buzzing with rumors that Lou Jackson
has quarreled with his backer. Lady Yule,
and that his resignation from the post of
executive producer is due at any moment.
Lou denies this strongly, but states that the
cost of production has increased so enormously
that they must call a halt to decide
what their future policy is to be.
By JOHN SUIUVAN
Until recently British National films were
distributed by the Anglo-American FUm Co.,
but this latter firm was wound up when
Jackson signed a contract to produce 30
films over the next five years for distribution
by the ABPC-Pathe combine. The top
budget on any British National picture is
reported to be a maximum of $400,000 with
most of them coming in at nearer $250,000.
Now Lou Jackson is complaining that even
with his extremely efficient staff rising production
costs mean that he cannot show a
profit.
If Jackson does leave British National it
is safe to say that his policy will be tontinued
there as Maurice Ostrer is tipped to succeed
him at the Elstree studio and his views on
production costs are similar to those of National's
present chief.
SIR ALEXANDER KORDA broke into
news on his return to
the
England from the U.S.
It was revealed that Sir Alex had brought
back with him a check for $1,500,000 from
20th-Fox as an advance payment on three of
his productions which the latter company is
distributing in America.
The newspapers here have been criticizing
the British film producers for the comparatively
small dollar returns on their films
and the news of this large sum being paid
down on three features was given a big play
in the daily press. According to a statement
put out by the Korda office this is the largest
single payment ever received by a British
film company. The money already has been
paid into the treasury and presumably came
at an opportune time as the British store of
dollars is at an all-time low.
THE FIRST MAURICE OSTRER production
to be shown to the public .since he left
Gainsborough was unveiled last week when
it opened at the Warner Theatre, Leicester
Square.
Ostrer himself, with R. J. Minney as producer
and Leslie Arliss as director, was
responsible for the phenomenally successful
"The Wicked Lady" which holds the all-time
boxoffice record for a British production and
it is obvious that when the same team
started on their latest picture, "Idol of Paris,"
they were determined to work to the same
formula and to aim unashamedly at commercial
success, forgetting entirely the
artistic aspects of film production. Perhaps
because of that "Idol of Paris" is not only
slipshod, but its chances of commercial success
are extremely limited.
"The Wicked Lady" had a plot worthy of
a dime novel as has its successor, but the
difference was that the former picture was
at least made sincerely and that the producer
and director believed in what they were
making. "Idol of Paris" is made so obviously
to appeal to the lowest intelligences, is so
badly written and so over-acted that it is
unlikely to appeal even to the public for
which it is made. Any author who writes
for the pulp mazagines will affirm that
stories for this market must be written with
sincerity. "Idol of Paris" is made for this
class, but is made so obviously tongue-incheek
that it is unlikely to bring in more
than a moderate gross.
The plot allegedly tells the story of the
rise of Paiva, the queen of courtesans at the
court of Napoleon III and the crowning improbability
that one is expected to swallow
is that a woman could assume this position
and retain her virtue. As Paiva, the idol of
Paris, Beryl Baxter is hopelessly inadequate.
This young lady is one of Maurice Ostrer's
discoveries and while she may, with considerable
grooming, become a competent ingenue
it is impossible to consider her seriously as
a reigning beauty. As her rival for the favors
of Napoleon, Christine Norden is better cast.
Her study of a vicious, scheming woman is
much more believable and she is considerably
better photographed than in her last
film.
"Idol of Paris" may do business in this
country, but its appeal in the United States
is
negligible.
ANOTHER NEW FILM tradeshown this
week which will open shortly is the longawaited
"So Evil My Love," which Hal Wallis
made at Denham for Paramount release.
Ray Milland and Ann Todd star in this
adaption of a Joseph Shearing story with
Geraldine Fitzgerald in support. It is a slick,
technically excellent job which is a tribute
to the Anglo-American team which produced
it. The story of illicit love told by the film
will have a very strong appeal to the feminine
trade and Ray Milland's name above the
title will insure a big return both in England
and overseas Good as his work is,
however, there is little doubt that "So Evil
My Love" is Ann Todd's picture and after her
Hollywood film "The Paradine Case" with
Gregory Peck this one should make her a
big marquee name in the U.S.
ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR radio
serials in this country is known as "Dick
Barton—Special Agent" and literally millions
of children and adults listen to this each
night. Now young James Carreras of Exclusive
Films is cashing in on this radio public
with a film version of a Dick Barton
story under the same title. This is the first
of a series of these films and there is no
doubt that they will gross many times their
small budget. In fact, one circuit booking
already in hand for this first one covers the
budget adequately.
NAVED Will Hold Western
Meeting March 25-26
SAN FRANCISCO—The National Ass'n of
Visual Education Dealers will hold its 1948
western regional meeting at the Hotel Clift
March 25. 26. The highlight of the first day's
session will be an address on fair trade practices
in the 16mm industry by Don White,
executive secretary of NAVED. and an open
forum debate on profits and sales of 16mm
film and equipment.
A second open forum discussion will be
held the following day on expansion of present
film and equipment markets.
Fox Intermountain Cuts
Prices in Trinidad, Colo
TRINIDAD. COLO. — Fox Intermountain
Theatres reduced theatre prices at the Fox
and Rialto theatres here March 1. Balcony
seats at the Fox now are 25 cents until
6 p. m. and 35 cents after six on Monday
through Friday. At the Rialto the prices were
lowered to 25 cents until 6 p. m. and 35 cents
thereafter. Harold McCormick is city manager.
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948

. . "To
'
Premiere of 'Rocky'
In Santa Rosa 17lh
HOLLYWOOD—Monog ra m's boy - a nd -dog
story, "Rocky." starring Roddy McDowall. is
slated for its west coast premiere March 17
at the California Theatre in Santa Rosa. Mc-
Dowall will make a personal appearance at
the opening of the film, which was directed
by Phil Karlson and produced by Lindsley
Parsons.
RKO Radio's "I Remember Mama," starring
Irene Dunne, was given world premiere
treatment March 8 at the Music Hall in New
York, and the company scheduled a March
16 debut at the Rivoli there for "The Miracle
of the Bells," the Jesse Lasky-WaUer Mac-
Ewen production. Its Rivoli opening will be
followed by bookings in more than 100 cities
starting Maich 27.
Republic booked two new releases. "Old
Los Angeles" and "The Inside Story," as a
world premiere package to open at Fox West
Coast's Orpheum. Belmont, El Rey, Vogue
and Culver theatres here the week of April
7 or 14. The dual bookings will open subsequently
in San Pi-ancisco, Oakland, Long
Beach and San Diego. William Elliott and
John Carroll star in "Old Los Angeles" and
Marsha Hunt has the topline in "The Inside
Story."
PHOENIX
Theatres in the Salt river valley are running
into plenty of opposition these days. The
annual rodeo at Chandler played to about
8,000 last weekend and Glendale's annual
rodeo and Gila Monster derby will climax
a week of festivities this weekend. The following
week will bring the big rodeo in
Phoenix. Mesa's Rawhide Roundup will run
the first weekend in April. The Phoenix Little
Theatre opened with "Tons of Money"
Monday night. The play will run through
the 17th. The Phoenix college a capella choir
started a series of public appearances Tuesday
in Litchfield, ToUeson. and Glendale.
The Phoenix Symphony orchestra presented
its the third concert of inaugural season
Monday night in Phoenix Union high school
auditorium. The First Piano quartet appeared
in the same auditorium Friday night.
Russell E. Hoff, young former assistant
manager of the Rialto. pleaded guilty to embezzling
$1,057 from the theatre February 15.
He will be sentenced later by Superior Judge
M. T. Phelps . the Ends of the Earth"
went into an extended run this week at the
Palms, neighborhood de luxer.
A man walking down the street in Flagstaff
with a home-type motion picture projector
told police he was just walking down the
street when he suddenly discovered he was
carrying the projector. The machine belongs
to firemen in the city hall. Edward
Gontarz, 26, Easthampton, Mass., was taken
into custody to try to remember how he came
to have the machine in
his possession.
Harvey Simmons, Nace manager in Mesa,
was one of the men in charge of the erection
of the Jaycee ticket booth and stockade in
connection with the coming Rawhide Roundup.
W. H. Thedford and Paramount Mark
20 Years of Entertaining Public
PORTLAND—Twenty years in show business
is being celebrated by William H. Thedford,
district manager
tor Evergreen Theatres
^H A-mii7n73nT7
in the Portland area.
Thedford shared honors
this week with the
Paramount Theatre,
ace motion picture
house in his district
which also has been in
service for two decades.
It is managed by
Frank Pratt.
As a young man
Thedford left his home
Frank Pratt
in Puyallup, Wash.,
still lives, and went to
I'here his mothe
Hollywood. He started in the theatre business
as an usher in Henry Duffy's El Capitan
Theatre, was promot'd to door man and
within a short period was advanced to treasurer
in charge of reserved seat sales.
When the Duffy Players went out of business
following the stock market crash. Thedford
became associated with the Fox West
Coast circuit and National Theatres, of which
Evergreen is a part. Eventually Thedford
was placed in charge of the Los Angeles
metropolitan district with 30 downtown theatres
under his direction. Later he was transferred
to Portland and Evergreen Theatres.
Pratt, manager of the Paramomit. arranged
numerous special events for anniversary
week, including Charlie White's 10,000-photo
layout on motion picture histoi-y. Congratulatory
telegrams were received from many
stars and theatre executives.
On the screen the Paramount showed a
special newsreel covering the big events of

. . Mary
. . Rose
. . Many
. . His
——
: March
Disney Spokesman
Answers Sorrell
HOLLYWOOD—Although on the whole the
film colony was not following the current
labor probe in Washington by Rep. Carroll
D. Kearns with a great deal of interest, one
recent phase of the hearings drew local fne
when charges made against Walt Disney
studios by Herbei-t K. Sorrell, president of
the Conference of Studio Unions, brought
forth a categorical denial by Disney spokesmen.
Sorrell, testifying as to events in the studio
labor picture which led up to the present
stalemated strike, had charged "torpedoes or
dynamiters" had been imported in an effort
to break up the walkout called against the
studio in 1941, and that several houses of
non-strikers had been dynamited and the
blame placed on striking workers.
Gimther R. Lessing, vice-president and
general coimsel for Disney, branded Sorrell's
charges as absolutely without any foundation;
said that, except for "minor flare-ups
on the picket line," the strike was very peaceful;
and alleged Sorrell was endeavoring at
that time to "bring about a secondary boycott
of Disney films by projectionists." Lessing
also declared efforts to urge Sorrell to
agree to a bargaining election were fruitless
and contended the CSU leader told him
that "imless you make a contract with us,
I'll timi this studio into a dust bowl."
Ray Milland Will Attend
Theatre Opening in Peru
HOLLYWOOD—Guest of honor at the gala
opening of the new Tacna Theatre in Lima,
Peru, April 1 will be Ray Milland, Paramount
star. The showcase is the first to be constructed
and operated by Paramount International
Theatres Corp. Milland will plane
out for Peru March 27.
SAN FRANCISCO
John Bowles, Paramount salesman, won the
' Pontiac car in the Variety Club's heart
fund drive. Just prior to winning it he had
pm-chased a car—a Pontiac . of the
downtown theatres installed wishing wells
to help raise funds for Variety.
Edward C. Gates is the new exploiteer for
Blumenfeld Theatres in the East Bay section.
He succeeds Terry Calleri, who shifted allegiance
to the Oaks baseball team . . .
Ted Galanteer, MGM exploiteer, who injui'ed
a foot skiing recently at Sun Valley, is working
in Portland .
Yerman of the
Paramount exchange is a bride.
George Hickey, western division sales manager
for MGM, was in town .
assistant,
S. J. Gardner, has returned from conferences
in Los Angeles . Golick of Selznick
Releasing Organization is studying Russian
in her spare time . . . After long and diligent
effort, Lilia Goodin, secretary to Butch Wingham,
MGM branch manager, found an apartment.
Bill Parker, U-I manager, has taken a leave
to regain his health. Abe Swerdlow is acting
manager of the exchange and ha^ turned
over his duties as city salesman to R. Kniifin,
who was transferred from Seattle . . . The
body of a newborn baby girl, wrapped in a
towel belonging to a Market street hotel,
was found in the women's room of the Guild
Theatre.
Cashing in on the "best picture" publicity
engendered by the forthcoming Academy
awards, San Francisco Theatres, Inc., last
week offered its patrons a chance to make
their own choices. Lists of the 20 films which
managers believed to be outstanding were
posted at the Balboa, Alexandria, Coliseum,
Harding, Metro and Vogue theatres and the
patrons invited to vote on which they liked
best.
YOU'LL GET THE BEST
RESULTS WITH OUR
SPECIAL
TRAILERS
Let Us Fill Your Next Order !
FILMACK TRAILER CO.
Los Angeles Office Now Open
1574 W. WASHINGTON BLVD.
Los Angeles Spotty;
'Saigon' Best Entry
LOS ANGELES—Despite an avalanche of
new first run bookings, business generally
was spotty and only one newcomer, "Saigon,"
could equal the top takes being registered by
"Call Northside 777," which snagged a 150
per cent estimate in its second stanza. Place
and show money, respectively, went to "Three
Daring Daughters" and "Intrigue." "Mourning
Becomes Electra," playing at advanced admissions,
moved closer to a long run record
by completing its 11th continuous week.
(Average is 100)
El Belmont. Culver, Rey, Orpheum, Vogue-
Panhandle (Mono); Louisiana (Mono) 100
Carlhay, Chinese, Loyola, Stale, Uplown-Call
Northside 777 (20th-Fox); Let's Live Again
(20th-rox), 2iid wk 150
Guild. Culver, Ins, Ritz, Studio City, United
Artists—Black Bart (U-I), 2nd wk .100
Downtown. Hollywood Paramounts Saigon
(Para), Mr. Reckless (Para) 150
Three Daring
Egyptian, Los Angeles, Vi^ilshire
Daughters (MGM) 140
Four S'tar—Mourning Becomes Electra (RKO),
-
roadshow, Uth wk -. 90
125
Four Music Halls—Intrigue (UA)
Pcntages, Hillstreet— li You Knew (RKO);
Susie
Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (RKO) .100
Warners Downtown, Hollywood. Wiltern—
The Voice of the Turtle (WB), 3rd wk 90
"Voice of Turtle' Brightens
Ordinary Week in Seattle
SEATTLE — A very ordinary week was
brightened by the appearance of one newcomer
that opened at 135. It was "The 'Voice
of the Turtle" at the Orpheum. Meanwhile,
"Cass Timberlane" finished up its fifth and
final week with 140 at the Music Hall.
Blue Mouse—T-Men (RKO); Pacific Adventure
(Col), 2nd d. t. wk 75
Fifth Avenue—Call Northside 777 (20th-Fox);
The Lone Woli in London (Col), 2nd wk 100
Liberty-To the Ends oi the Earth (Col);
Blondie's Anniversary (Col), 3rd wk 140
Music Box—Secret Beyond the Door (U-I);
Killer at Large (EL) 50
Music Hall—Cass Timberlane (MGM), 5th wk 135
Paramount—Black Bart (U I), The Upturned
Glass (U-1) 70
Orpheum—The Voice ol the Turtle (WB),
Always Together (WB) 135
Palomar—High Wall (MGM), Blackmail (Rep) 120
Roosevelt-Out oi the Blue (EL);
The Trespasser (Rep), 2nd d. t. wk 80
Big Week for 'Northside'
At San Francisco Fox
SAN FRANCISCO—"Call Northside 777"
created a merrv boxoffice jingle in its opening
week at the Fox Theatre. Second choice of
the first run theatregoers was "A Double
Life." in its second week.
r;quirf--The Smugglers (EL);
Blonde Savage (EL) 130
Fi;,- Call Northside 777 (20th-Fox);
Dangerous Years (20th-Fox) 180
Gr.Hf.n Gat,— If You Knew Susie (RKO), 2nd wk...l20
'in;- ">,!; Black Bart (U-I), 2nd wk 125
P .r.rriount--Albuquerque (Para), 2nd wk 100
?! 4th Fia.'.cis-T-Men (ED) wk 100
St 3le—Betrayed (Mono); Wolf Call (Mono),
reissues 120
United Artists—A Double Life (M-I), 2nd wk 155
United Nations—Gentleman's Agreement
(20th-Fox), 6th v.k 100
Warlield—The Voice of the Turtle (WB);
Always Together (WB), 2nd wk 120
^^C E N T U R Y"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
San Francisco 2. Calif.
Phone UnderhiU 7571
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948

: March
. . . The
. . . "Oklahoma"
running
. . Edgar
. . Ross
Always
Daylight Time Starts
In California Mar. 14
LOS ANGELES—Old man weather caught
California exhibitors in a fast squeeze play
when Gov. Earl Warren signed an emergency
daylight savings bill, passed by the legislature,
to become effective at 2:01 a. m. March
14 and remaining in operation until Jan.
16, 1949, unless conditions permit its cancellation
before that time. Clocks will be
advanced one hour.
Although showmen in the state, as in most
other areas, have been consistent foes of the
daylight savings theory, a combination of
circumstances compelled them to accept
the emergency legislation without protest,
since the state has experienced the driest
winter in weather-bureau history and drouth
conditions have brought a serious shortage
of electrical
output.
Consequently, the consensus among exhibitors
was that to register complaints
either privately or publicly could result only
in serious damage to their public relations
and would incur general ill-will. At the same
time they were frank to admit the extra
hour of light at the end of the day probably
will contribute to a general lowering of boxoffice
receipts, particularly with the approach
of summer, and undoubtedly will be most
felt during the first few weeks of daylight
savings, before potential theatre patrons
have been able to adjust themselves to the
new time schedule.
Cooper Stops Owl Shows
In Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS—Public commendation
was expressed recently by the cit_'
manager and chief of police when the Cooper
Foundation announced it would discontinue
all midnight shows here. The problem of
children being on the streets after late shows
had come up some time ago and in order to
eliminate this situation the Cooper theatres
first decided not to permit juvenile attendance
at midnight shows. The action eliminating
the shows altogether followed a short
time later. "The action was taken voluntarily
by the Cooper Foundation," said Police
Chief I. B. Bruce, "and this department
wishes to express its appreciation of the
excellent attitude shown by the local manager
and other representatives of the foundation."
Ivan L. Hoig is manager of the Cooper houses
locally.
DENVER
Uelen Gilmour, daughter of Charles R. Gilmour,
president of Gibraltar Enterprise
Theatres, will be married April 3 to Jo.seph
P. McConaty . Woolridge, Alamada,
Denver, has improved his booth with new
Super Simplex projectors and lamphouses.
bought from National Theatre Supply.
Sam Siegel, Columbia exploiteer, was here
coordinating publicity for "To the Ends of the
Earth ' at the Denver, Esquire.
Webber . Allen. 50, owner of two
theatres in Lordsburg, N. M., died there after
a long illness. He is survived by his wife,
Valeria, and two sons, James and Richard
mother of Al Hoffman, Metro salesman,
died at the age of 94 at her home in
Chicago.
At the halfway mark, the local RKO exchange
is in fourth place in the current sales
and booking drive . . . Bernie Kanze, Film
Classics vice-president in charge of sales, was
here for a sales meeting with Tom Bailey,
special representative; Bob Herrell, office
manager: Dave McElhinney, Salt Lake City
branch manager, and salesman Joe Clark, Bill
Williams and H. E. Brooker. Herrell goes to
Salt Lake City the first weekend each month
as a convenience to exhibitors there.
Frank Childs, Selected Pictures president,
was taken to the hospital because of accident
in his home, released from there, then taken
back with high temperature. He still is in
the hospital . . . E. V. Maloney, Paramount
branch manager, and Jack Felix, salesman,
went to Nebraska on a sales trip . . . Dave
Warnock has installed new booth equipment,
including a pair of Motiograph AA, with installation
and sale made by Ted Knox.
Larry Starsmore of Westland Theatres
and Kenneth MacKaig, United Artists manager,
was in Lincoln and Omaha on film
deals.
VV. E. Galloway, United Artists district
manager, was here for a sales meeting attended
by Kenneth MacKaig, branch manager;
George McCool, office manager, and
salesmen William Sombar and Robert Riddle
packed the 3,500-seat auditorium
for ten shows to a record figure for
any similar attraction.
Out-of-towners on Filmrow: Hugh Haines,
Rocky Ford; Mr. and Mrs. Leon Coulter,
Loveland: Eldon Menagh, Fort Lupton; J. R.
Smith, Steamboat Springs: Mr. and Mrs
Fred Hall, Akron, and Larry Starsmore, Colorado
Springs.
Portland Week Fair;
'Senator' Leading
PORTLAND - Busine.s,s becan a general
leveling off this week in Portland with most
first T\m houses rtmning a close to average
book. "The Senator Was Indiscreet" was
high with 130 in its
third downtown week.
I
Broadway Sleep, My Love (U-I); Hoppy's Holiday
(UA). 2iid d wlc 85
Guild—The Senator Was lodiecreel (U-I),
3rd d 1 wk, IJO
United Art. sis—High 80
Wall (MGM), Znd d, I. wk...
Mayfair The Gangster (Mono),
Blonde Savage (KL) 75
Orpheum and Oriental The Voice o( the Turtle
(WB), Whispering City (EL). 2nd
-Call Northside
Riil Rafl (Col), 2nd d i wk
'layhouse— Lost Weekend (Pnra), To Each
Denver Showcases Do Okay
Despite Snow and Slush
DENVER—Considerable snow, along with
a lot of slush, wa.s not conducive to the best
business. Nevertheless, most of the first run
theatres had a profitable week.
Aladdin—Private Uie oi Henry VIII (FC). reissue 130
Denhcfm Albuquerque (Para), 2nd wk.;
Caged ;aged Fury (l^ara)
iver and Webber— Black Bart (U-
4lh d 1. wk . Together (WB) 90
Orpheum—Killer McCoy (MGM); Caravan (EL) 120
Paramount—My Girl Tisa (WB);
Hal Roach to Reissue
32 Films for Video
HOLLYWOOD—Latest among the film colony's
picture-makers to effect a liaison with
the television industry is Hal Roach, veteran
producer, who has set a deal with Regal Television
Pictures Corp. of New York for the
distribution in video of 32 Roach pictures,
with Roach to participate in the profits. Included
in the transaction are 14 features and
18 "streamliners," turned out by the producer
for United Artists from 1937 through 1941.
110
JliowmdnslTp]
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BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

.
.
. . Jimmy
. . . Kenneth
. . Other
. .
Named
. . Dan
. . Nat
.
. . . Frank
:
March
. .
LOS ANGELES
the 1948 Ned Depinet drive reaching
w
the halfway mark. RKO's western division,
under Walter Branson, retains a
stranglehold on first place, with his Salt Lake
City exchange leading the entire field .
Cliff Harris checked out for San Diego on
a selling junket for Republic. Also heading
down that way was Jim Powell, who sells film
for RKO.
Del Goodman, Eagle Lion's western district
chief, and Joe Rosenberg, salesman in the
local office, both resigned, and Sam Milner,
EL exchange manager in San Francisco,
planed in for local conferences pertaining to
the selection of replacements. Meantime Jack
Schlaifer, assistant to William Heineman,
new EL distribution chief, left for Salt Lake
City after a brief stopover at the local office.
Off to Portland, Seattle, Denver and San
Francisco on business went Sam Siegel. Columbia
exploiteer . . . Charles Rhodes, independent
exchange operator in San Francisco,
stopped here en route to New York after
producing three .shorts as part of a new theatre
giveaway package. He hopes to set a
distribution deal in the east.
RKO boosted Jerry Levin from the shipping
I
I
FRANK PANERO — President,
Panero Theatre Co., Inc., (14 theatres),
Delano, Calif. — declares:
"RCA Service has been my
favorite for eighteen years
because it insures top-quality
sound at all times."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
(3amden, New Jersey.
B3 gi CO n Jj e "r « aa BS) s
Better Trailers at Lower Prices
Service • Price • Quality
1977 S. Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles 7, California
RE. 2-0621
department to a berth as a booker . .
Phil
.
Isley of the Isley-Griffith circuit, operating
the Lankershim and Meralta in this area,
dropped in for huddles with Earl Collins of
Cooperative Theatres. Isley is the father of
actress Jennifer Jones to (head
.
the upcoming Red Cross drive on the Row
was Al Taylor, branch manager at Paramount.
Formerly with RKO Theatres in an executive
post, Mickey Gross is now associated with
Social Guidance Enterprises, which has just
completed production of an educational subject,
"Bob and Sally" . . . Elmer Hollander of
the Eagle Lion home office was a visitor . .
Along the Row were Merle Mesher, district
chief in San Diego for Fox West Coast; Dick
Smith, FWC's Arizona manager; and Gerald
Fowler, newly appointed manager of the circuit's
Westlake Theatre.
Chris Maffry has taken over operation of
the Granada, subsequent run house . . .
Booking
and buying for their Franklin, Dale and
Los Feliz theatres were Kiut and Max Laemmle
booking visitors included Ben
.
Peskay, Downtown Theatre; Don Swickard
of the Strand; Bill Knotts, in from Monrovia;
and Vince Murphy and Harry Nace jr. of the
Paramount-Nace circuit in Phoenix. Nace
flies his own plane on these expeditions.
Three members of Hygienic Pi'oductions'
western staff, Bob Hicks Paige, southern
California agent; Dick Currier, northern
California agent, and Jean Gaston, local of-
manager, flew to Wilmington, Ohio, for
fice
home office confabs. They were on hand for
Kioger Babb's second annual Charity Review.
Miss Gaston took time off from the
business huddles long enough to visit her
parents in Columbus, Ohio.
SEATTLE
rjick Gill has taken over as northwest exploitation
representative for Eagle Lion
Keefe, manager of the Orpheum,
Spokane, hooked up with the Chronicle on
a contest for "Out of the Past." Some 350
entries were received on the question, "Do You
Like the 'New Look' from 'Out of the Past?"
Harold Murplry, shifted from the state
capitol, Olympia, to Egyptian in Seattle's
University district, has had his nickname
changed from "Senator" to "Professor."
Murry Lafayette, 20th-Fox exploiteer, has
been busy with screenings on "Gentleman's
Agreement," set to open at the Fifth Avenue
the day before the Academy dinner ... A
Puget Sound ferry strike and a threatened
transit walkout is making exhibitors uneasy
Hughes, manager of the Kiggins,
Vancouver, Wash., is laying plans for a giant
welcome to Gretchen Pi-aser, Olympic skiing
champ, upon her return to lier home townT
Willard Coghlan, UA exploiteer, has purchased
a home and is about ready to move in
with his wife and two children Redden,
manager of the Paramount, blew up two
.
congratulatory telegrams from Alan Ladd and
Veronica Lake for display purposes upon the
celebration of his theatre's 20th anniversary.
"Saigon" topped the program .
Ltmd,
Times drama editor, was the "brain" in a
radio-stage program broadcast from the Blue
Mouse. It was called "Beat the Brain." The
audience asks questions of a different "brain"
each week. Prizes are awarded by an electrical
appliance company.
PORTLAND
•lyrrs. J. J. Parker hosted Herb Kaufmann,
western district manager, and Max Hadfield,
northwest branch manager of the Selznick
Organization on their recent visit here
Pratt hosted over 150 Daughters
of the Nile organization at the Paramoimt
Theatre this week. Pratt was off duty a few
days witih virus X.
Eagle Lion celebrated open house at its new
offices this week. Over 150 persons attended
and enjoyed cocktails and canapes. Among
those present were Mr. Thedford of Evergreen
Theatres, Mr. Brown of Gamble Theatres,
Jack Matlack and Mr. Lake of the J. J.
Parker chain and Mr. Lovett of the Oregon
Theatre Corp.
Archie Zarewski, manager of the Music
Box Theatre, reported a boost to general
downtown business a result of Portland's
"Spring Opening" displays in downtown
The "opening" attracted hundreds of
stores.
downtown window shoppers after closii^
hours. Who followed the downtown tours with
a movie nightcap.
Jayne Moss, National Screen Service, weekended
in Seattle . . . Columbia has a new
employe, George Conrad, who is a biller . . .
Mrs. Evelyn Bailey recently left her Filmrow
job and moved to Depoe Bay, Ore., where She
entered business with her husband . . . Margie
Morgenthaler, Republic, also left town with
her husband to set tip a business in UmitaUa,
Ore. She was replaced by Allene Landrum.
SALT LAKE CITY
T\an Duryea and Pat Alpin brougiht hosts
of customers to downtown department
stores when they made personal appearances
during opening of the city's spring fashion
show this week. They also appeared at a
special showing of Dan's latest picture, "Black
Bart." at the Utah Theatre, after making
five appearances at fashion shows . . . Ella
Raines and her husband also visited the city,
and went skiing at nearby Alta.
Foster Blake, Universal-International district
manager, was in town for a conference
with C. R. "Buck" Wade, local manager .
Al Kolitz, RKO district manager, was here
from his Denver office. The local office is
still being picketed by a private picketeer
from Irving Gillman's United Intermountain
Theatres. The picket was ill one day and
was forced to cut down on the size of his
sign When the wind carried it away.
NOW
VACUUM PACKED W 10-LB. CANS
FOR
LASTING TOP RESULTS
MANLEY
HYBRID lUMBO POPCORN
TURPIE, Western Division Manager
1914 So. Vermont. RE 7528 Los Angeles 7, Calif.
i8^%^»
I Count on U3 tor Quick AcUonl J HEAI Kt
KTHEATRE EXCHANGE CO.j
^ 201 nn. Arts Blip. fni^ni 5. Oregon 4
BOXOFFICE
:
13. 1948

Fox Midwest Named
In Antitrust Action
MEMPHIS— Charging monopolistic practices
in the release of films in Cape Girardeau,
Mo., a Memphis concern has filed
suit
for $330,000 damages in federal court against
a group of motion picture producers, distributors
and exhibitors.
Cape Pictures, Inc., headed by Barney
Woolner and Harold Roth, brought the suit
in Cape Girardeau against Warner Bros..
Universal, United Artists, 20th-Fox, Republic.
Fox Midwest Amusement Corp.. Fox Cape
Theatre Corp., National Theatres Corp., Glenn
Carroll, manager of two theatres at Cape
Girardeau, and Elmer C. Rhoden of Kansas
city, president, and Fred Souttar of St. Louis.
district manager, of Fox Midwest.
Cape Pictures operates the Esquire Theatre
in Cape Girardeau. The bill charges the defendants
have conspired to prevent the Esquire
from getting first run product and have
assigned pictures, instead, to theatres operated
by Fox Midwest.
In addition to the $330,000, plus court costs
and attorneys' fees, the plaintiff asks that
the defendants be restrained from continuing
"unlawful trade practices." Abe D. Waldauer
and Ben C. Adams jr. of Memphis, and
Strom and Sprading of Cape Girardeau are
attorneys who filed the suit.
R. Guy Kneedler, 75, Dies
Of Pneumonia in South
COLLINSVILLE, ILL.—R. Guy Kneedler,
75, who opened this city's first motion picture
theatre in the early 1900s, died of pneumonia
recently in a hospital at West Palm
Beach, Fla. He was stricken while visiting
a sister at Lake Worth, Fla.
After operating the Kneedler Theatre here
several years he sold it to the United Mine
Workers district organization, who renamed
it the Miner. He also was a partner of the
late John Spaulding in operation of the
Capitol in Effingham and the Mattoon, Illtheatre,
but sold his interest to the Frisina
interests of Springfield.
He served as Collinsville mayor one term.
Mother of Jonas Perlberg
Passes Away in Chicago
CHICAGO—Mrs. Rose Perlberg. mother of
Jonas Perlberg. Chicago representative for
BOXOFFICE, died March 4 following a long
illness. She was born in Milwaukee June 21,
1860, and came to Chicago in 1869. She was
a survivor of the great Chicago fire. Surviving
her besides her son Jonas are a daughter,
Lillian Rosenbach of New York, and a son, J.
Harold Perlberg: a sister. Elizabeth Drielsma,
and three brothers, Solomon, Isaac and Simon
Drielsma. She was a member of Esther
lodge, Buena chapter, O.E.S.. Deborah and
Isiah Women's clubs.
Odin Doing Nicely
ODIN. ILL.—The 300-seat Gem Theatre,
recently opened here by I. D. Hawley. has
complete Simplex projection and sound pui--
chased through the National Theatre Supply,
St. Louis. The house has been doing
nicely since its opening.
CHECK FOR SHOWM.AN-.lohn G.
Kemtgen, IMihvaukee MGAI manager,
presents a check to Russ Leddy (left),
manager of the Orpheum, Green Bay,
Wis., second prize winner in a national
showmandiser contest sponsored, by MOM
and Grosset & Dunlap, publishers. The
girls in the photo are Metro exchange
employes.
Peoria Tax Repulsed
On Eve oi Passage
PEORIA. ILL.—An overnight change of
heart by city aldermen brought an early
death to a proposed 3 per cent amusement tax
here.
Meeting March 1 as a committee of the
whole. 13 city council members ordered prepared
an amusement tax ordinance which
would provide funds to help meet municipal
pay boost demands. At that time few objections
to such a mea.sui-e were expressed.
Only two aldermen voted for the measure
when it was presented to the council the next
day. The other 15 voiced their disfavor, killing
the proposal. One alderman told the
council that in sounding out sentiment of the
people he had decided against any tax that
would be unpopular.
In amiouncing their votes in favor of the
measure, the two aldermen that voted for it
said, -The amusement tax seemed the least
painful way to get money into the city treasury.
Fire Bill Hearing March 15
JEFFERSON CITY—The senate public
health and welfare committee will hold a
hearing the evening of March 15 on a bill
which proposes to create the office of state
fire marshal and require theatres with ^
seating capacity of 500 or more, as well as
hotels in cities of 100.000 and more, to employ
practical firefighters to inspect and be
on duty at times prescribed by the fire
marshal.
Engine Hits Fred Wehrenberg Car
ST. LOUIS.—Fred Wehrenberg. local circuit
owner and chairman of the Theatre
Owners of America, had a narrow escape
when a Missouri Pacific railroad engine hit
his car at a crossing near the .southern city
limits. He was en route from his home to
the Lemay Theatre. He was not injured.
St. Louis Papers to Up
Theatre Ad Rates
ST. LOUIS—The three local daily newspapers
have notified theatre owners and
managers they will increase their rates for
amusement ads from IVi to 3 cents a line.
The Star-Times, which issues only on
week days, proposes to hike its rate from
Mi 26 cents to 27 cents a line. The Post-
Dispatch and Globe-Democrat are upping
the weekday rate from 43 cents to 45 cents
a line and the Sunday charge from 47 cents
to 50 cents a line.
The Star-Times and Post-Dispatch have
been carrying advertising trailers in the
theatres, which arrangement has reduced
the theatres over-all net advertising costs.
The Globe-Democrat, which eliminated
the trailer ads several months ago, hasn't
been receiving any advertising from the
majority of the neighborhood and .suburban
theatres but has been carrying a reader
service plan that gives the names of all
theatres and their picture bills each day,
somewhat similar to news about radio programs.
440-Seater in Wolcott, Ind..
Opened by Arthur Herzog
WOLCOTT. IND.—Arthur Herzog opened
Wolcotfs first theatre, the Wolcott, March
11. The 440-seat theatre, one of the finest
in the state for a town of this size, was
erected at a cost of $70,000. Wolcott has a
population of 1,200.
The front is finished in cream glazed tile
and the lobby has a snack bar built into one
side. The floor is cement.
National Theatre Supply of Chicago furnished
the equipment, except for the air conditioning,
which was obtained from a Lafayette,
Ind.. concern. The theatre is
equipped with a stage 28 feet wide and 16
feet deep. A four-room apartment is on the
second floor.
Charles Reed Sells Illinois
To Wood River Banker
NEWMAN. ILL—Mr. and Mrs. Ralph H.
Welsh of Wood River. 111., new owners of the
256-seat Illinois Theatre here, will take over
management and operation of the house April
1. They purchased it from Charles Reed,
who had been associated with the theatre for
30 years and who with Mrs. Reed, had been
in "complete charge of the ownership and
management for the past 14 years. Welsh
has been assistant cashier of the First National
bank of Wood River for the past 20
years.
Small Fire in Logan
LOGANSPORT. IND.—A small fire in the
Logan Theatre caused cancellation of one
performance. The blaze was discovered by
the manager at a time no one was in the
house.
Sam Oshry to Atlanta
INDIANAPOLIS—Sam Oshry. U-I salesman
here, has gone to Atlanta as sales manager
under James Partlow. manager there.
BOXOFFICE :: March 13, 1948
67

. . Harry
.
. . Mary
'
March
INDIANAPOLIS
Dnicc Kixmiller, operator of the Colonial
and Indiana theatres in Bicknell. has left
for a month-long Caribbean trip . . . O. B.
Smith and son. operator of the American
Theatre. Sebree. Ky.. stopped in Indianapolis
on their way to the Crawfordsville to visit
his wife, confined in a hospital there. She
was seriously injured in an auto accident
several months ago and rushed to the Crawfordsville
hospital.
M. H. Sparks has acquired the Swan at
Edmonton, Ky.. from Ray Coleman James
. . .
Bailey, operator of the Star at Winslow,
visited Evansville on business Robert
. . .
Norton has opened his new Key Theatre
at Red Key.
Ronald Karst is the new assistant shipper
Republic. He formerly was employed at
at
20th-Fox before joining the army corps . .
The new Oxford Theatre, Oxford, Ind., is
scheduled to be opened March 16 by Kenneth
G. Barnard. Tlie seating capacity is 250
Virginia Green, National Screen Service,
has taken a week of her vacation to remain
at home with her sister who is
very ill.
Florence E. Van Splinter of Republic has
been promoted from the inspection room
to a front office position. She attended a
night school and won the
business course at
promotion Kornblum, operator
of the Rosedale Theatre, Evansville, who
recently was discharged from a hospital,
will
leave for Florida April 1 for a rest . . .
Peter
Fortune, RKO salesman, and Mary Neese,
were married.
Edwin Brauer, Republic manager and
Charles Acton, salesman, visited Homer C
Knox, now retired by Republic, at his home
in Bloomfield, Ind. Homer, a film industry
pioneer, ten years with Republic and 30
in the business, keeps abreast with
years
happenings by reading BOXOPFICE from
HOWARD K. PRIESS-Ge
Manager, Highway Theatre, Chicago,
Illinois— declares:
"We have enjoyed the most
dependable service for the
past many years from RCA,
and have always found their
service to be tops."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
cover to cover each week. He was selling
pictures long before the inception of Filmrow.
.
.
Gordon C. Craddock, is the new manager
at Eagle Lion. He formerly was connected
with old Universal, but retired because of
poor health Jane Larson, cashier
W. Irwin.
at Eagle Lion has resigned . . . E.
EL home office representative, is at the local
The wife of Eddie Ornstein,
branch . . .
operator of the Rialto in Marengo, is reported
seriously James Keefe, 20th-
ill . .
Fox exploiteer at Cincinnati, visited the local
exchange.
Carl Kemp, has joined Republic as salesman
to cover this city and the northern section
of the state.
Fire Prevention Captain
Backs Madison Theatre
MADISON—Fire lanes outside downtown
theatres were given an official okay by Capt.
Paul Gabbel of the fire prevention bureau
following a recent snowstorm.
Commenting on a picture in a local newspaper
(Wisconsin State Journal. March 3)
showing a snow-filled fire lane back of the
Strand, Gabbel said all but 15 feet of the 100
foot
lane had been cleared when he made a
routine check of all theatre fire lanes before
the show houses opened for business the day
of the storm.
"No doors were blocked even before the
shoveling was started as the snow was only
about three inches deep in the vicinity of the
exits," he said. "Anybody with two legs
could have gotten out of the Strand exits
even before the shoveling."
Like Esther's Figure
MADISON—Esther Williams was voted the
shapeliest of the Hollywood actresses in a
contest held at the Majestic Theatre here recently.
Manager Wayne Berkeley said Miss
Williams led in both the University of Wisconsin
and the public polls to select "Miss
Shape of 1948." She recently appeared here
as a special attraction at the 20th anniversary
observance of the Capitol Theatre.
Deny Vincennes Request
VINCENNES, IND.—The apphcation of
Pantheon Tlieatres Co. for construction of
a theatre at 1616 North Second street has
been denied by the office of the housing
expediter. The new house was to have been
built to replace the one destroyed by fire in
December 1944. An estimated expenditujp of
$75,000 was to have been made on the 650-
seat
theatre.
Cooper Thealre Bows;
Named for Founder
BRAZIL, IND.—The 800-seat Cooper Theatre,
named in honor of the late Alexander
B. Cooper, founder of the Citizens Theatre
Corp., was put into operation here February
29. It replaces the Sourwine Theatre, which
went up in flames in February 1947. Stanley
A. B. Cooper is managing.
The theatre was erected in 153 calendar
days. It is built in an L shape, having an
80-foot frontage on Walnut street and a
depth of 120 feet on the side alley. It was
designed by Miller & Vrydah, Terre Haute
architects.
Front of the theatre is in tan face brick,
set off with jade green tile. The marquee
1
is triangular and made of stainless steel.
The outer lobby, with its rubber-tiled floor
and gay decorative scheme, contains a candy
bar in an alcove to the east, and space for
storage and the custodian's office. Five solid
oak panel doors separate the lobby from the
16x58-foot foyer. Floors here are red marbleized
rubber tile. The walls of the auditorium
have a spray of brick red over the building
blocks, which were left rough and porous to
absorb sound. The walls taper toward the
stage, giving the auditorium a horn shape.
The floors have a reverse pitch. Seats are
by Irwin.
The second floor contains a cry room and
spacious quarters for the manager, rest rooms,
and a maintenance room and projection
booth.
Chicago Tax Yield Low
CHICAGO — Unexpectedly low returns
from the new amusement tax may upset the
1948 budget, according to Controller
city's
Robert B. Upsham. January returns were
$174,190, he .said, instead of the $250,000 anticipated
when the budget was dratted. He
offered no reason for the low figure other
than "miscalculated estimates." Theatres
yielded $130,027.03 in January, athletic events
returned $69,962, bowling alleys $7,773.56 and
miscellaneous $9,383.38.
Renovate Wayne Theatre
FORT WAYNE—The Wayne, downtown
house of the Mailers circuit, has closed for
extensive cleaning and overhauling. No reopening
date for the theatre has been announced.
Mrs. LaVera Conner Is Released
MADISON—Mrs. LaVera B. Conner, 49, was
released from the state women's home at
Taycheedah last week, after serving 20 months
and three days of a two-year term for the
staying- of her husband Marlowe in February
1946. Conner was manager of the Capitol
Theatre here. Mrs. Conner's attorney said
he would ask the governor for a full pardon
for his client. She will live with two sons
and her mother here.
lATO Follows National Allied
INDIANAPOLIS—Directors of the ATO
at of Indiana, their monthly luncheon, decided
to follow the policy of the national
regarding the Motion Picture Foundation
Allied
and leave the matter up to the in-
dividual members.
BOXOFTICE
:
13, 1948

: March
First Union of MPMO
Marks 40lh Birthday
ST. LOUIS—Five surviving charter members
of the Moving Picture Machine Operators
Local 143 of St. Louis, the first projectionist
local to be chartered by the International
Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes,
were presented gold life membership cards
March 11 at ceremonies that marked the
40th anniversary of the founding of the local.
Richard P. Walsh, international president,
was guest speaker.
FIVE PAY NO DUES
The five members, survivors among 26
who signed the charter, are George D. Rafferty,
employed at Panchon & Marco's Pox;
A. P. Petill and T. J. Brown, both of whom
work at Loew's Orpheum; Fred Kessler, retired
from active work, and E, C. Siegfried,
who works at the St. Louis Amusement Co.'s
Shenandoah Tlieatre.
With their gold life memberships, the five
are excused from paying future union dues,
but if they continue to work regularly will
pay the customary percentage on their earnings.
The anniversary celebration, which was in
the nature of a banquet and dance for the
members and their ladies, started shortly
after midnight March 10, since March 11 is
the anniver-sary of the start of the union.
The past-midnight start was to enable all of
the members currently employed to attend.
There were about 500 present.
PRESIDENT WALSH ATTENDS
Walsh came in by plane from New York
City. Others in the delegation representing
the international were William P. Raoul, general
secretary and treasurer: Felix D. Snow
of Kansas City. sLxth international vice-president
and member of the general executive
board, and Frank H. Stickling of Elgin. 111.,
international representative in charge of the
affairs of the St. Louis Theatrical Brotherhood
Local 6. also an affiliate of the lATSE.
Local unions in Springfield. Mo.. Alton. 111..
East St. Louis. 111., and Gillespie. 111., also
were represented.
Lou Walter, the sole holder of a gold honorary
membership card in the local, flew in
from Dallas to attend. He currently is southwestern
representative of Ampro.
Leo Canavan is president of Local 143 and
Harry A. Barco is the business agent.
Erlse Quick's House Burns
PIPER CITY, ILL.—Fire destroyed the Ace
Theatre here recently. Erlse Quick, owner.
said the loss was not fully covered by insurance.
The American Legion hall, the
second floor was damaged.
Work for April Opening
EQUALITY. ILL. — George W. Joyner of
Shawneetown, 111., who is rebuilding the old
Strand Theatre Bldg., hopes to have his
new 300-seat theatre open by April 15 or
May 1. It is his first venture into the motion
picture business.
Assures Riverside Theatre
RIVERSIDE. ILL.—Harry L. Brundage assured
the Chamber of Commerce at a recent
meeting here that the contemplated new
theatre in Riverside will built be as soon as
government permission is given.
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948
NEW ALL-IN-ONE DRINK DISPENSER
MAKES SERVING SOFT DRINKS EASY
Tol-Pak dispensers are available as
ice cooled or mechanically retrigerical
ice cooled unit which features
a handy bin for chipped ice.
Anyone can install the Tol-Pak All-
In-One soil drink dispenser. It's as
easy as connecting any water fountain.
All you have lo do is plug the
unit to electricity and connect a water
A Tol-Pak All-In-One soft drink
is dispenser to
line.
ready operate when you
IN
MOVIE HOUSES
The bottle bugaboo and the high cost
of installing carbonating units has
caused many theatre operators to
abandon the idea of serving soft drinks
in their houses. With the All-In-One
drink dispenser, this problem is solved
once and for all. It makes soft drink
sales in theatres not only practical but
profitable as well. All-In-One dispensers
are available as ice cooled or mechanically
refrigerated units. All units feature
famous Multiplex faucets and
Temprite carbonators.
THIS IS THE NEW ALL-IN-
ONE SOFT DRINK DISPENSER
That promises to make serving soft drinks
in theatres not only practical but profitable
as well.
It's a simple matter for movie operators
to utilize this machine. So simple is its
operation that any person can operate and
maintain it. Its beautiful stainless steel
cabinet adds to the attractiveness of any
setting.
CHECK THESE FEATURES
JL. All-in one unit.
JL.
Has famous Multiplex faucets.
^
.X- Available as ice cooled or mechanically
refrigerated units.
Dispenses from one to
your choice.
three flavors of
JL, Can be constructed to fill any space.
JL. Unconditionally guaranteed for 1 year.
Further information will be cheerfully sent . . .
just write
TOL-PAK COMPANY
818 OLIVE STREET ST. LOUIS 1, MO.

. . Kerasotes
. . . Barney
ST.
LOUIS
Oeorge Kerasotes of Springfield, III., has
gone to Los Angeles to attend the TOA
gathering, as has Fred Wehrenberg of St.
Louis, TOA board chairman .
recently
Joined the Variety Club of St. Louis,
saying that it would be more convenient for
him to attend the club gatherings here than
those of the tent in Chicago.
Albert Dezel, president of Albert Dezel Productions.
Inc., was here last weelc, conferring
with Johnny Walsh, manager of the Albert
Dezel exchange. He came here from Kansas
City, where the company also recently started
operations. Dezel left here to visit his Chicago
office prior to going on to his home
base In Detroit . . . Hall Walsh, prairie district
manager for Warner Bros., was in Kansas
City last week.
Exhibitors on Filmrow recently included
Ben Adams of El Dorado, Kas., and Tildon
Dickson, Crystal City, Mo., partners in operation
of the Hiway in Crystal City, and
Ozark in St. Clair, Mo.; Elvin H. Wiecks,
Staunton, 111.: Bill Williams. Union, Mo.;
Charley Beninati, Carlyle, 111.; Loren Cluster,
Salem, 111.; Stewart Cluster, Johnston City,
111.; Mrs. George Pitner, who with her husband
Harry Pitner, operates the Strand and
Uptown theatres in Fairfield, 111., and Bob
Johnson, manager for the Pitner houses, Fairfield;
Paul Horn, Edwardsville, 111.; E. W. Butler,
Hillsboro, 111., head of the Butler circuit;
Herman Tanner, Pana, HI.; Johnny Giachetto,
short subjects booker for the Prisina
Amusement Co., Springfield, and Frank Neilbauer,
purchasing agent, Rodgers circuit,
Cairo.
Complete Service
for You!
From Building Plans
to Operation
Theatres— Drive-ln
Theatres
CINE THEATRE
SUPPLY CO.
Everything lor the Theatre"
Independently Owned and Operated by
ARCH H. HOSIER
3310 Olive St. St. Louis 3, Mo.
Telephones: Jelierson 7974-7975
Other visitors F. J. Wenzel, president of
the Wenzel Projector Co., Chicago; Bill Crystal,
manager of the theatre sales division,
U.S. Air Conditioning Co., Minneapolis; R. W.
"Bill" Dassow, sales manager of the C. Bendsen
Co., Decatur, 111.; Lou Pope, Fox Midwest,
Kansas City, and Carl Johnson, manager
of the RCA Service Co.
Tommy Tobin, manager in East St. Louis
for Fi-isina and a partner in the Goldman-
Leventhal-Tobin circuit, left for a visit to
Washington March 8 . . . Charley Goldman,
another partner of Goldman-Leventhal-Tobin,
is looking forward to eating good corn
beef and cabbage March 17, St. Patrick's day,
while on a train en route for California . . .
D. B. Stout, head of the Stout circuit, with
headquarters in the Uptown Theatre, Cairo,
111., is visiting in New Orleans for a few
weeks.
Ray Colvin, president of the Motion Picture
Equipment Dealers Protective Ass'n,
plans to stop off in Hot Springs en route
back to St. Louis from the Rio Grande valley
of Texas. He is accompanied by Mrs. Colvin
Rosenthal, manager of the Monogram
exchange, expects to be back at his
desk on regular schedule next week. He has
made a fine comeback from his recent ill-
Oscar Sanowsky has installed a complete
Simplex dual sound system in his Fairy Theatre
here. The booth equipment and a new
Walker screen were purchased from National
Theatre Supply . . . George Pliakos has put
in new sound and lenses in his Criterion
Theatre.
'William H. Mooring, motion picture editor
of Catholic Tidings, Los Angeles, spoke on
"Hollywood in Focus" at the Te Deum forum
in the Kiel auditorium March 7 . . . Adolphe
Menjou, veteran screen star, was at a local
department store March 8 autograpITlng
copies of his recently published book, "It
Gene Autry will present
Took Nine Tailors" . . .
a two-and-a-half hour show at a mat-
inee and night performance March 28 at Kiel
auditorium.
'Killer McCoy' Is Big
Despite Loop Snows
CHICAGO—New attractions upped busi-
.
a big way at most Loop houses until
ness in
midweek when a severe snowstorm plus an
icy blast caused grosses to sag.
The Oriental got off to a great start with
"Killer McCoy" plus an all-star stage bill
headed by Yvonne De Carlo and the King
Cole trio. The first four days were record
breakers. "You Were Meant for Me" also
opened very big at the United Artists. The
State-Lake with "The Arnelo Affair" plus a
stage show headed by Phil Regan and the
Hoosier Hot Shots did okay. Another newcomer,
"Black Bart," did only fair at the
Palace.
Among the holdovers "Shoe-Shine" at the
World Playhouse was still a standout, with
"The Voice of the Turtle" at the Roosevelt,
and "Gentleman's Agreement" following close
behind. "Desire Me" at Monroe, and "The
Bishop's Wife" at the Woods held up well.
(Average is 100)
Apollo—Gentleman's Agreement (20th-Fox),
16th wk -110
Chicagc^Call 125
Norlhside 777 (20th-Fox), 2nd wk
Garrick—Captain From Castile (20th-rox),
2nd run; Key Witness (Col), 2nd wk 90
Grand—The House Across the Bay (UA);
(UA), reissues Stand-in
Monroe— Desie Me (MOM), 3rd wk
85
110
Oriental—Killer McCoy (MOM), fIus stT^e shv.' 140
Palace—Black Bart (U-I) 90
Roosevelt—The Voice ol the Turtle (WB;,
2nd wk 115
State-Lake—The Amelo Ailair (MOM), plus
stage show 115
Studit^The Art ol Love (Dezel); Bedroom
Diplomat (Dezel), 2nd wk 90
United Artists—You Were Meant for Me (20th-
Fox) ^ -
Woods—The Bishop's Wife (RKO). 8th wk
115
110
(Lopert), 4th 120
World Playhouse—Shoe-Shine wk
Indianapolis Grosses Climb
With "Susie' in Forefront
INDIANAPOLIS—There was some improve-
The recent celebration of the 20th anniversary
of the Majestic in East St. Louis
ment the last week In boxoffice grosses. The
Circle had the best week of all with "If You
called attention to the fact that Blanche Underwood,
Knew Susie."
cashier, had been employed by the
Circle—If You New Susie (RKO); Caged Fury
theatre for 18 years. She said her "most
thrilling time" was when she tricked a wouldbe
holdup man and managed to sound the Loew's-Cass Timberlane (MOM), 2nd wk
warning button as he came around to the
Lyric—The Voice of the Turtle (WB);
Perilous Waters (Mono), 2nd d- t. wk
back of her cage where she had told him she
would hand him the money. The man fled
without the cash as the doorman and others
came to the rescue. He was captured several
blocks from the theatre. Brought back to the
he growled under breath he
For Greater Profits
Majestic, his as
passed Miss Underwood: "I'll get you for this."
That took place four years ago, but nothing Manleq Supplies
has happened to her yet.
May Refrigerate Canteens
MILWAUKEE—The Automatic Canteen
Co. of America is developing refrigeration
units for its automatic candy vending machines,
according to Nathaniel L. Leverone,
founder and chairman of the board of the
firm, who was a visitor here last week.
Manley's Supreme Popcorn
$13.00 per Cwt.
Manley's Cocoanut Oil
40c per Lb.
In 50-Pound Cans
F. O. B. St. Louis Warehouse
R. D. VON ENGELN
Manley Representative
Eastern Missouri -Southern Ulinois
3138 OLIVE STREET
ST. LOUIS 3, MO. NEwstead 7644
BOXOFFICE :: March 13, 1948

. . Robert
: March
. . . Margaret
. . Lou
. . Helen
. . Milwaukee
. . Jack
. . Wally
. . Betty
. .
. .
Milwaukee Holds Par
In Adverse Weather
MILWAUKEE—The weather was a handicap
to theatre patronage last week but all
of the first runs managed to come through
with about average business. "The Bishop's
Wife" was over average at the Alhambra,
where it was in its second week after having
played two weeks at the Riverside. Only new
pictures in town were "The Sign of the Ram"
at the Wisconsin, "My Girl Tisa" at the Warner
and "Tenth Avenue Angel" at the Palace,
and each came through with an average
week.
(Average Is 100)
110
Palace—Tenth Avenue Angel (MGM), Alias a
Gentleman (MGM)
Riverside— If You Knew Susie IRKOI, The
Gangster (Mono), ^nd wk
Stand—Call Northside 777 UOth-Fox),
Albuquerque (Para), 2nd d, t, wk
New Towne—Ride the Pink Horse (U-1), Znd wk, ..
Warner—My Girl Tisa (WB), A Woman's
Vengeance (U-I)
Wisconsin—The Sign of the Ram (Col); Mary Lou
(Col)
Clubwomen Seek Lift
In Theatre Manners
CHICAGO—All in the spirit of fun, but
with hope that the public will take stock and
improve its theatre manners, the Illinois Federation
of Women's Clubs has a plan to let
the heedless theatregoer see himself as others
do.
The popcorn cruncher, the woman who
waxes indignant when requested to remove
a. hat, the jittery head bobber, the volunteer
commentator, the sprinter trampling over his
neighbors' toes as he hurtles out to join the
rush for a vacated seat—these are some of
the "movie pests" who are in for a bit of goodnatured
ribbing in a poster contest the federation's
motion picture department is opening
for seventh and eighth graders in public
and parochial schools throughout the state.
Cash prizes are to be given state winners
and both word and picture posters are acceptable
entries. In charge of the poster
contest is Mrs. William C. Wilkinson of Elmwood
Park, chairman of the group's motion
picture department.
Set Des Plaines Rate at 35c
DES PLAINES. ILL.—After considering
several other proposals, the city coimcil here
established a license fee for the Des Plaines
Theatre of 35 cents per seat. The house
seats 950 and will pay $332 this year as compared
with $100 in 1947.
MADISON
J^anager John Scharnberg of the Parkway
Theatre received an editorial pat on the
back from the Capitol Times for the outstanding
stage shows being put on at his
theatre . E. Gard, director of the
University of Wisconsin Idea Theatre, has
been named a member of the National Theatre
Conference.
The new Juno Theatre in Juneau gave its
space to a soils and crops program for farmers
recently. Films were included in the program
. . . "Song of Norway" went over big
at the Parkway . . . Films are now being used
by the Parker Pen Co., Janesville, in a storewide
training program.
BOXOFnCE :
13. 1948
MILWAUKEE
^^ally Hcim, Chicago RKO publicist, was
around the territory . . . Friends here
of Harold Wirthwein, Paramount manager,
are happy about his recent boost to assistant
western divisional manager . Sickles,
assistant RKO shipper, bought a new Plymouth
preparatory to a New Jersey jaunt.
During the last snowstorm, George Edgerton,
20th-Fox office manager, was returning
from Racine. Heavy, blinding snow forced
him into the ditch, but fortunately, no serious
injury resulted and Edgerton was extricated
from his difficulties by an obliging
snowplow . Steltzer, former service
man, is managing the Orpheum and Granada,
operated by the Miner circuit of Menomonie
. . . Alice Zwolska left RKO and
Gloria Van Rizin joined the staff.
Max Markowitz, State manager, is going
around hatless again, indicating spring must
be here . . . Bill Ainsworth, new Allied
President, received the announcement while
recovering from lumbago at Hot Springs,
Ai-k. Now. fully recovered, he is knocking
himself out with Allied affairs Jackie
. .
Cooper was at the Davidson in "Sleep It Off,"
an entertaining legitimate piece . . . Charley
Wellnitz, RKO shipper, oiling his fishing
is
equipment, prepping for the season's opening
. . . Oliver Ti-ampe. Monogram booker, finally
got away for that oft-proposed Florida
vacation.
Spencer Tracy, a Milwaukee product, was a
stopover while doing a turn in Chicago .
Lena Lora, RKO inspector, was nipped by the
flu bug . Richcreek, secretary to
Jesse T. McBride, Paramount manager, journeyed
to Kentland. Ind., for a few days
with her family.
Marcella RoUman of MGM left for a Florida
vacation . . . Mrs. Jack Frackman, wife
of the Republic manager, also is vacationing
in Florida . . . Harry Olshan, Columbia manager,
was in Chicago for a meeting with Carl
Shalitt, district manager . . . Johnny Bartelt,
United Artists office manager, celebrated a
birthday quietly . . . Mai Broder.son and
Hildegard Albrecht, bookers, respectively, for
Columbia and MGM, bowled in the women's
state tourney at Appleton . Talbot
of Paramount spent a week end with her
family at Oconto . Frackman, Republic
branch manager, attended a Chicago sales
confab at which E. L. Walton, assistant general
sales manager, presided.
Benny Benjamin, Screen Guild manager,
pm-chased new golf clubs and is sharpening
his game for another shot at Ben Poblocki
Mistle of Paramount was a
Green Bay caller . . . Rosemary Fusso, secretary
to John G. Kemptgen, MGM manager,
was down with a cold ... All exchanges
shuttered early the day of the big storm,
facilitating rapid return to their homes .
Marion Helms, MGM booker's secretary, was
at 'Valparaiso, Ind., for a reunion with former
classmates at Valparaiso university.
.
Louis Orlove, MGM exploiteer. dashed into
town and left almost immediately to continue
his pursuits in Minnesota and the
Dakotas RKO staffers are
still pitching for gold in the Ned Depinet
drive. Current interest in bookings is centered
on Herb Greenblatt week.
Erna Gerholz, RKO staffer, journeyed to
Merrill to sit at the family table . . . Lou
Elman, RKO manager, distributed candy
to commemorate his natal day.
Booking un the Row: Barney Sherman, Racine;
Erv. Koenigsreiter, Greendale: Lon
Husten, East Troy: Eddie Moyle and Johimy
Schuyler, Delft circuit. Marquette, Mich.;
Nick Berg, Sheboygan; Nick Johnson, Manitowoc;
Nick Michael, Racine; Larry Kelley,
Cudahy; W. C. Fischer, Campbellsport; Sig
Goldberg, Wausau; H. H. Otto, Clinton; Russ
Leddy, Green Bay; Paul Nowatske, Mukwonago;
Don Deakin. Wisconsin Dells; Floyd
Albert, Mount Hoieb; Frank Eckhart, Jefferson;
Richard Hamley, Harlland. and Mrs.
Donna Borchert, Sturgeon Bay.
Bill Mattingly, MGM salesman, left the
firm and returned to other fields in Dallas,
Tex. . . . Mike Chesnick, just back with his
wife from a Florida jaunt, says they were
shopping on the whole trip, but his wife
is still buying spring clothes . . . Standard
Outdoor Theatres has been incorporated by
H. M. Rosenband, Joseph Baisch and A. C.
Stolga . . . Fred Astaire is due here in April
to open a Milwaukee branch of his new dancing
schools . . . Walter Blaney, RKO office
manager, is searching for the villain who
dented the fender on his station wagon.
Harry T. Loper. 87, Dies;
Springfield. 111., Pioneer
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—Harry T. Loper, 87,
pioneer motion picture theatre operator here,
died here March 1. He had been retired
since 1929. In 1909 Loper left the restaurant
business to enter the exhibition field. He
was operator of the Vaudette and Lyric
theatres in downtown Springfield. In 1920
he rebuilt the Lyric in the building now occupied
by the Tivoli Theatre. From 1913 to
1922 he owned a theatre in Chicago.
EVKKKTT HACLUNO-Ceneral
Manager, Oollos Theatre Circuit (9
theatres), Chicago, Illinois— write.s:
"FiCA Service is
'Johnny on
the spot.* It is a necessity just
like
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.

. . . B&K's
. . . Warner
. . Herman
. . The
. . Randall
. . The
: March
CHICAGO
SPRINGFIELD
Holy week services will be held at the Lake
daily March 22-27, sponsored by the Grace
Lutheran church of River Forest and a group
of four other churches of Oak Park. They
Ceveral eastern houses expected to emulate have used the stage of the Lake annually for Oeorge Kerasotes left March 4 for Los Angeles,
where he will attend the TOA con-
the State-Lake with disk jockey stage this Lenten service . . . Students and teachers
are being admitted at reduced prices to ference. Kerasotes recently made a speech be-
show. The State-Lake's show should be a
record grosser if business reflects the terrific
exploitation campaign behind it. Besides "Henry V" at the Valencia . Fal-
stressed the importance of drive-ins and
all weekday afternoon performances of fore the Lions club of Onarga in which he
radio plugging, picture stunts staged by Publicist
Ed Seguin kept the jockeys in the papers and Norshore respectively, are participating
vey and Julius Olive, staffers at the Uptown television in theatre operation.
Dave Jones, Kerasotes ad man, managed to
daily. All papers covered the troupe's visit to in the annual Sportsman show at Navy pier.
get the local newspaper to run a contest on
Vaughn hospital where Dave Garroway, Both are experts in canoeing.
"To the Ends of the Earth." The contest,
Ernie Simon, Linn Burton and Eddie Hubbard
adopted the GI patient doing the disk Arthur Willi, RKO talent scout, was in
which ran the entire length of the booking,
gave prizes for the best photographs taken
jockey show on the hospital's intercommunications
hookup.
"Serenade" . Oak Park headquarters
town on the forthcoming production,
at different parts of the globe . . . J. B. Giachetto,
general manager of Frisina Amusement
Co., and his wife left the latter part of
of the Girl Scouts have made arrangements
Charles Schlaifer, advertising and publicity
with Len Lltecht, manager of the Lake, to
chief of 20th-Fox, met the press respresentatives
at a cocktail party in the Pump room
They expect to be back about the end of this
February to soak up some Florida sunshine.
promote prizes for their annual cookie drive.
For every 50 packages of cookies sold by
Dave Arlean has acquired an
week.
a Scout, Len will issue two passes.
Irish dialect from working on 'Variety Club
Charles Murray, Fox Lincoln manager,
bulletins for the club's St. Patrick's day party.
screened "Call Northside 777" for the FBI,
city and state pohce and local newspaper
Claude Rubens, Great-States circuit maintenance
chief, has gone to Cuba
from fhe BOXOFFICE Tiles
publishers. He played up the local angle in
for a holiday
his ads as the picture reaches its chmax in
Bros, will send a camera crew
(T-wenty Years Ago)
Springfield at the state capitol and the Illinois
State Journal-Register office . . . Dar-
here to film special architectural backgrounds
for "The Fountainhead." . . . Mrs.
XirALTER LIGHT, for about 12 years with rell Presnell
Walter Immerman,
has joined the staff of the Fox
wife of the general manager
of B&K Fox sales organization in St. Louis, Lincoln as assistant manager to Charles Mur-
the
theatres, is seriously ill with
a heart ailment
has resigned to join Universal . . . William J. ray. Presnell formerly was manager of a
. Jensen, with
Horn, 76, was dangerously injured recently Fox theatre in Mount 'Vernon.
the Essaness circuit since 1928 and recently
manager
by
of the North
a street car. For 56 years he has owned
Center Theatre, has
theatre properties in St. Louis . . . N. C. Parsons
has purchased the Bethel Theatre,
retired temporarily. Louis DeWolfe of the
Buys Sound Bases
Broadway Strand succeeds him. Steve Mc-
Bethel, Mo., from Elton Com.stock.
ADVANCE, MO.—Bill Sherman has installed
new Simplex sound heads and bases
Call, assistant at the Michigan, replaces De-
Wolfe.
"Pitfalls of Passion," a sex film, was in his 200-seat Sherman Tlieatre here. Purchase
was made from National Theatre Sup-
Dean Jones, manager of the State, is back banned in St. Louis by the police after being
after three weeks leave due to illness . . .
shown at the Capitol Theatre . musicians
union of St. Louis temporarily deply
in St. Louis.
layed the premiere showing of "In Old San Key in Clarkton, Mo., Sold
Francisco," a 'Vitaphone feature. The first
CLARKTON, MO.—Harrison Keys has sold
KE[P YOUR HOUSE 15 DEGREES COOLER IN SUMMER stand taken in St. Louis by the musicians
the 200-seat Key Theatre. V. Warren will
against the Vitaphone was more than a year
Insulate with success, save up to
remain as the manager.
ago when the initial Vitaphone .show was
40% on fuel, 30% of the cost of
given at the Capitol. It is understood that
electricity tor Cooling system.
while the Grand Central operated without an Stage Children Are Older
Arthur Benjamin Brenton, manager orchestra, the number of musicians at other MADISON—Because of a state law, two of
of
BRENTON Skouras Bros, theatres was increased to take Charlotte Greenwood's stage children were
CO., INSULATION-ROOFING
care of the number of men who would have slightly older than called for in the script,
6525 S. Harvard Ave., Chicago 21, 111.
been employed had the Grand Central used when "I Remember Mama" was presented
Authorized Applicator of
its quota of musicians.
at the Parkway here March 5. In the play,
Baldwin-Hill Mineral Wool
the children are 9 and 11 years old, but substitutes
took their places here because Wis-
Natural water repellant, iireproof material
For free estimate, phone: WENworth 4277
the following to the office of
a local newspaper and asked that it be published:
"To Citizens of Madison, Wis., from
the Youth of today. Men of tomorrow. We
youths of today are to be real men of tomorrow
by our parents' and our governments'
WE PREFER
three hours of sitting, eating and looking- is Too bad we have to make this suggestion.
sort of a high price for us teen-agers. Please
consider this important. Don't read it now
and forget later. If we can get enough support
of teen-agers we'll write to Washington,
Max & Joe Berenson
NATIONAL THEATRE ADVERTISING CO.
for help."
1325 S. Wabash Ave, Chicago 5, 111.
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Combinations * 3-Pc. Luggage Sets
Bicycles * Hobby Horses and Other
Items at No Cost to the Exhibitor.
MINDLIN FILM TRAILER CO.
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- 5,ni. Wnita ^an. PoAticiUa^U.
That you investigate thoroughly the
help. To get down to business, we are writing
concerning the price of teen-agers for fering to solicit your neighborhood mer-
character of any Premium Concern of-
THEATRE OWNERS
the movies.
chants on giveavirays.
Want Teen-Age Price
consin law prohibits children under 12 from
MADISON—Two youths recently brought
appearing on the professional stage in the
state.
communication
Fifty-five cents and 70 cents for
BOXOFFICE :
13. 1948

Fox Midwest Renews
Du Quoin, III, Grand
DU QUOIN. ILL.— Extensive improvements
are under way at the Fox Midwest Grand
Theatre here, including the replacement of
the concrete main floor and the installation
of 862 new seats.
The floor construction is being undertaken
by sections so as not to interfere with the
operations of the theatre. Original plans
were to close the house while the reconstruction
work was in progress, but the contractor,
was not certain how long the project
would take and officials of the circuit he.sitated
to deprive the community of the
Grand's faculties for an indefinite period,
Manager Albert Spargur explained.
A small tunnelway is to be placed beneath
the floor to carry steam pipes, electric wiring,
etc. A new heating plant will be installed
after the cold season is over. The
new system will eliminate radiators now on
the theatre walls.
700-Seater, Charleston. 111..
Undergoes Remodeling
CHARLESTON. ILL.—An extensive remodeling
program at the Lincoln Theatre.
700-seater operated under Frisina Amusement
Co. banner is nearing completition. The
seats in the terraced balcony are to be rearranged
to allow more knee room, which
will mean a slight reduction in the seating
capacity. New stairways are to be constructed
and some changes will also be made in the
arrangement of the rest rooms. The ticket
booth, which has been at the rear of the
lobby, is to be rebuilt farther forward and both
the upstairs and downstairs sections are to
be redecorated. The work has been scheduled
so there will be httle interference with the
show schedule. Ed Clark of Mattoon is a
principal stockholder in the Charleston Theatre
Co., which owns the theatre.
Wisconsin U. Has Short
For Commercial Theatres
MADISON—The University of 'Wisconsin
bureau of visual instruction has received five
35mm prints of a state centennial film, "Wisconsin
Makes Its Laws," for circulation
among commercial theatres in the state, according
to 'Walter A. 'Wittich. head of the
bureau. The film runs 12 minutes, and shows
how a bill is enacted into law in the state
legislature. The bureau has also received 14
prints of a 16mm version of the film running
29 minutes, and has 11 more on order.
These are for use by schools, colleges, PTA
associations and historical societies. Wittich
said the 16mm films had already been booked
solidly through March, with more than half
of the April dates also spoken for.
Warners Whips Allied Five
To Take Bowling Lead
CHICAGO— Warner,s not only whipped
Allied for three games in last week's session
of the Chicago Motion Picture Bowling
league, but their 2,756 was also the highest
team total of the session. They also shot a
high game of 997, and are now leading the
league by one game over the second place
Film Chauffeurs, who took a couple from
National Screen. United Artists won a
couple from Columbia and Universal copped
two from Metro. Sweepstake winners were
E. Berger, R. Otto, E.' Klass, H. Hebel, M.
Canavan. F. Lingenfelser and O. Leman.
Censor Rejects 'Furia'
CHICAGO—Film Classics' Italian-made
picture "Furia" was rejected by the Chicago
motion picture censor board last month.
Classed for adults only were Warners' "I
Became a Criminal" and Tricolore's French
picture, "Panic." The censors looked at
425.000 feet of film during February, which
represented 99 releases, and made six cuts.
Television Network
Ready by Autumn
ST. LOUIS— Television network channels
extending from Buffalo to St. Louis will be
available In time for the 1948 football season,
Bartlett Miller, a vice-president of the
American Telephone & Telegraph Co., announced.
Two channels, one in either direction, will
be set early in October to connect St. Louis.
Cleveland. Toledo and Chicago. One channel
is to be set up to carry television program
from this network to Buffalo, N. Y.
Miller said the midwest network would be
linked with the present east coast network
by December, 1948, through a coaxial cable
linking Cleveland and Philadelphia. The
present two channels between New 'Vork
and Washington are to be supplemented by
two additional channels by June, in time for
the national political conventions. A single
channel will be opened to Richmond, 'Va.
Curfew Law Liberalized
CHICAGO—A liberalized c\ufe\v ordinance,
dropping the age limit to 16 :ind giving
"
youths an extra hour "grace on Fridays and
Saturdays, was passed unanimou.sly by the
city council. Mayor Kennelly signed it immediately.
The new ordinance sets 10.30 p. m.
Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 p. m.
on Friday and Saturday as the hours when
all under 16 must be off the streets unless
they are employed or accompanied by an
adult.
Fresh Air Via Truck
HA'VANA. ILL.—A truck cra.shed into the
alcove at the rear of the Lawford Theatre,
which houses the ventilating ducts, giving the
house "fresh air" ventilation until the damage
could be repaired. No shows were missed,
Manager Howie Young reported.
Retail Sales on Upgrade
In St. Louis Territory
ST. LOUIS—Retail sales in the five leading
department stores of St. Louis in the
week and four-week periods ended February
.28 showed increases of 33 per cent and 7 per
cent, respectively, compared with the same
periods in 1947, it was stated in a report issued
by the Federal Reserve bank of St. Louis.
Cumulative sales for the year to February 28
were 8 per cent greater than in the same 1947
period.
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March 13, 1948

Just a simple idea
hut see what it does I
From Showmandiser section
of BOXOFFICE of Jan. 17 issue.
Business can be boosted by better showmanship .
. .
Scores of practical
ideas are presented to help YOU earn
more profits from your investment.
Read BOXOFFICE- Your Business- Builder Friend
BOXOFnCE :: March 13, 1948

: March
Sedalia Defies Blizzard to Give
Warm Welcome to
By ROBERT COPLIN
SEDALIA, MO.—Despite the worst Maich
blizzard in the history of the local weather
bureau. Wednesday here was "Scudda Ha> '"
day. The world premiere of 20th-Fox s outdoor
drama. "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Ha\
had been slated as the main atti action foi
this central Missouri town, but the se\eie
snows and wind offered stiff competition
The festivities began at 10 a. m with the
arrival from Kansas City of Lon McCallistei
star of the film, and Betty Ann Lynn CoUeen
Townsend and Louanne Hogan 20th-Fox
players.
In near-zero weather and bundled to the
hilt, the stars rode in open cars, leading a
parade of nearly 50 mule and motor-drawn
floats through the snow-covered streets. Exhibits
included those from nearby schools,
civic organizations, 4-H clubs and social
groups. Three hundred contestants in an
area-wide Queen of the Jeans contest filled
out the procession. Parade bands left their
instruments behind. It was too cold to play.
Bunting and banners, erected nearly a week
in advance, flew over the streets and the majority
of the townsfolk were clad in plaid
shirts, blue jeans or western togs.
THOUSANDS SEE PARADE
Nearly 7,000 spectators braved the elements
to view the parade from the streetside. Several
thousand others watched the procession
from store and office windows.
The snow came down full force for the rest
of the day and during the afternoon mule
show held at the State Fair park there were
almost as many mules as spectators.
The temperature had risen somewhat by
nightfall but the snow and wind continued
unabated. A large crowd greeted the celebrities
outside the Fox Theatre and there was
a packed house iiiside. Each of the starlets
sang and made a short talk. McCallister, who
received a shrieking ovation from the audience
composed largely of teen-aged girls,
made a brief talk and apologized for the absence
of June Haver, who co-stars with him
in the film and who was unable to attend
because of an appendicitis operation. The
Rhythm Riders from station KMBC in Kansas
City furnished the musical accompaniment
for the group. Following their initial
appearance at the Fox. the troupe was on
stage at the Liberty a block down the street
and again they played to a capacity crowd.
The group made four appearances in all.
QUEEN OF JEANS CROWNED
A feature of the stage events was crowning
of Anna Rose Baker, local high school
Student. Queen of the Jeans.
In charge of arrangements at the two theatres
here were Joe Ruddick, city manager,
and LeRoy Nichols of the Liberty. Rodney
Bush, chief of 20th-Fox exploitation, was in
charge of the entire celebration. He was assisted
by Sy Freedman, area explolteer. Bill
Winter of the 20th-Fox studio accompanied
the group from Hollywood.
Fox Midwest representatives at the celebration
were Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Rhoden,
James Long, Senn Lawler, L. O. Honig, Chet
Hylton and Roy Hill, manager in Springfield.
BOXOFFICE :
13. 1948
'Scudda Hool'
Lon McCallister shows the three starlets who accompanied him to Sfdalia thtmule-driving
technique he learned while making "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" In the
cart in front of the Fox Theatre there are, left to right, Betty Ann Lynn, Coleen Townsend
and Louanne Hogan.
Fox Midwest representatives are shown In the center panel
with the stars. Left to right: Roy HUl, manager of the Jewell In Springfield; Miss
Townsend; Chet Hylton, district booker; Joe Ruddick, city manager In Sedalia; Senn
Lawler, pubUc relations; Miss Hogan, E. C. Rhoden, president; James J. Long, district
manager; Miss Lynn, and McCallister.
Anna, Baker is crowned Queen of the Jeans by McCallister in the bottom panel.
Assisting in the ceremony are Miss Townsend, Miss Hogan^nd Miss Lynn.
MW

. . . The
. . Rex
. . Ted
. . Lloyd
. . Mrs.
. . Eddie
. . Charles
. . Commonwealth
. . The
:
March
KANSAS CITY
J^obert Scott, son of Ward E. Scott, recently
retired district chief for 20th-Fox, drove
his father to Denver recently after a short
visit here, his first in about two years. Young
Scott recently completed "Shed No Tears,"
his first leading role, for Eagle Lion. Bob
continued on to Hollywood and Ward was
to leave for New Orleans, whence he will
depart for Haiti to visit his other son.
W. G. Mihvain, sales engineer for National
Theatre Supply, returned last week from a
visit with his father, who operates the Milwain
Theatre in Bard well, Ky. . . . Homer
Strowig. flying president of KMTA and
owner of two houses in Abilene, Kas., was
marooned here last Friday due to the heavy
snow in his home town. Strowig said it was
the first time this winter that he has been
unable to fly home.
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Commonwealth's King of the Sun contest
will begin April 29 and. will continue for 15
weeks. The campaign will be based on the
same procedure and principles as last year
circuit and the Republic exchange
have opened a lunchroom in the basement of
their building. Gretchen Brown of Commonwealth
is in charge . Anderson, pay
roll auditor at Commonwealth, married Nellie
Schneider of Warner Bros.
Clyde Bradley, manager of the Baxter in
Mountain Home, Ark., had exploitation placards
spotted on the town's new fire truck
while the machine was on display in the
town Barrett, Commonwealth
partner in Columbia, fell and broke his left
shouUier recently while entering his car. He
has been in a hospital there . Lowell
Nibbelink, wife of the manger of the Petit
in LawTence, Kas., is back after an appendectomy
. Irwin, pilot of the Royal and
Barton in Hoisington, conducted a contest
on whether March would come in like a lamb
or a lion in that town. He who guessed what
the temperature was at 11:50 the night of
Febrauary 29 won a month's pass.
Otis Cowan, former manager in Manhattan
for TEI and now of Texas City, Tex., visited
Mrs. Cowan's parents there recently. Cowan
went on to Shawnee. Okla., to see his recently
widowed mother.
Proceeds from the advance ticket sale for
"The Unfinished Dance" at the Wareham in
Manhattan recently and sponsored by the
Wesleyan Service Guild of the Methodist
church there will go into a scholarship fund
for the education of a foreign student at Kansas
State college.
Sneak previews seem the order of the day
in first runs. The Midland screened "The
Bride Goes Wild," the Tower, Uptown and
Fairway combine featiu-ed "Sitting Pretty,"
and the Paramount held a preview of "Tlie
Voice of the Turtle" last week. The Roxy
sneaked "The Man From Texas" Mondav
night . Mansfield has done some
pretty fast work, or some fancy guessing, this
week. The Regent downtown this week
played Jack Benny as "The Walking Man"
in "The Meanest Man in the World."
Allied Theatres of Kansas and Missouri
held its first regional meeting at Webb City
this week. Larry Larsen, vice-president of
the organization, was host Liberty
in Marysville has a new and interior
roof
decoration. A new heating system and outside
painting are other features of the
project. Jack Hastings is manager for Pox
Midwest.
The front office union's party at Warners
Friday included the back office workers as
well. Attending were Richard Walsh, president
of the lATSE, and Felix Snow, vicepresident
has reopened
the Fulton Fulton following a week of
in
darkness for remodeling. Monroe Glenn is
manager . . . Judge John F. Cook of the
county circuit court dismissed the suit
brought against the Tower Theatre by Mrs.
Marion 'V. Gray of Springfield. Mrs. Gray
had asserted she suffered back and internal
injuries when she fell while descending
stairs in the theatre. She had sought $15,000
damages.
Dick Biechele of KMTA was in Los Angeles
for the Theatre Owners of America directors
meeting March 9, 10 . . . George Harttmann,
owner of the Armour in North Kansas City,
was in from his home in Los Angeles . . . Jim
Parks, formerly of RosweU, N. M., is assistant
manager at the State in Garden City,
Kas. Manager is Roy Holmes, who also
handles the Ritz there.
Lou Patz, district manager of National
Screen Service, was to return the end of the
week from Omaha and from Des Moines,
where he looked in on remodeling in the NSS
branch . Brenner jr. is the new
NSS salesman for Kansas. He comes from
Wichita and was at one time assistant manager
of the State Theatre here.
Jack Barnett, Movietone News cameraman
in this area before the war, was a visitor . . .
Al Brandon of Selected Pictures exchange in
Denver was in the local office. Norris Cresswell
is manager here . . . 'Visitors also included
Walter Kahler and G. E. Dyer of the
Butler in Butler: George Lehman, Plaza,
St. Joseph: Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dunnuck,
Madrid, Atchinson, Kas.: A. E. Jarboe, Ritz,
Cameron: Ray Miner, Miner, Moran: Forrest
White. Rex. Burlington Junction, and Joe
Ghosen. Clinton and Sedalia.
Other visitors were Mr. and Mrs. C. C.
Rhodes of the CC in Cole Camp: Elmer Bills,
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. I. KIMBRIEL, Manager
Phone GHond 2864
— 115 W. 18th Kansas City 8. Mo. S
Skreve THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
217 West 18th Street Kansas City 8, Missouri
TlntonjUones^
THEATRE INSURANCE Spec/o/is
76
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948

io.i.li
: March
. . John
Lyric, Salisbury: Paul Oetting. Lyric. Concordia:
Don Shade. Tauy, Ottawa. Kas.; R.
C. Davison, Binney, Pattonsburg; H. S. Evans,
Royal, Burden. Kas.; Harold Porta. Community,
Humansville; H. B. Doering, Peoples,
Garnett, Kas., and Ralph Bartlett, Fox Midwest
city manager in Wichita .
Scott
of Republic won the radio in El Zorros contest
to rai.se money for the FMW social
group.
Nick Sonday, manager of the Uptown, is
In Pi-ovidence hospital with sciatic neuritis.
It is expected that he will return to the FMW
showcase in about two weeks. Filling his
place is Bob Collier, assistant at the house,
who also subbed for Roy Cato at the Fairway
when Cato was out with a fractured ankle.
Richard Preston Acquires
Lime Springs Theatre
LIME SPRINGS. IOWA—Richard J. Preston
of Excelsior. Minn., has bought the Lime
Theatre here from Webb R. Raudenbush of
Mimieapolis. Preston, an army air force
\'eteran. is a sound engineer. He annoimced
the theatre will continue mider the management
of Mrs. Winnie Bowers and that he
plans improvements to the building. Because
of the housing shortage here. Preston will
continue to
live in Excelsior.
Carl R. Swanson Sells
Theatre in Revillo, S. D.
REVILLO, S. D.— Carl R. Swanson, proprietor
of the Revillo Theatre for the past 20
years, has sold it to Wesley Struss. Swanson
has also disposed of the Weekly Item
newspaper, of which he was editor.
Plan New Monett House
MONETT. MO.—Commonwealth has plans
to btiild a new 450-seat theatre here to replace
the recently vacated Strand, C. A.
Schultz. president of the circuit, said this
week. The Strand, a 350-seater operated by
the chain for the last ten years, was sold
to a local shoe factory. Pi-operty in the center
of town for the new house has been obtained
and the theatre will be built as soon as building
restrictions permit. Other Commonwealth
house here is the 800-seat Gillioz.
managed by Jack Kempton.
Legion Plans Theatre
' C f-
THOMPSON, IOWA—The Johnson-Tapa-
H Bills. ger American Legion post here is sponsoring
I
___-' solicitation of funds for the erection of a
.-— modern theatre as a memorial to veterans.
3 It is planned to begin building shortly so
that the theatre will be ready by summer.
, Plans call for a building 36x80 feet with a
I
LOi 250-person seating capacity. The building
also will house Legion clubrooms and a
lecture
hall.
rrl 'Dan Patch' Delayed
MINNEAPOLIS — Weather uncertainties
caused W. R. Frank, local circuit owner and
Hollywood producer, to delay the start of
shooting of "Dan Patch." story of the famous
pacer, he said when he arrived here from
California. Originally scheduled to go before
the cameras in January, it will begin
next May, he said.
NO TIME OUT. BUT IN—Gabriel Burnett
(leftl, head of the Barnett Film
Service of Hollywood, stands beside Julian
King of King Enterprises, who is signing
a contract in King's Kansas City offices
involving the distribution of Barnett's
patented theatre clock in IWis-souri, Illinois,
Arkansas and Iowa. A. Jules
Benedie, named general sales manager
for King Enterprises' clock division, looks
on. Barnett was in Kansas City on his
way to Havana for a visit at Cuban
headquarters. He completed clock in-
a
stallation arrangement with Fox iVIidwest
circuit while in Kansas City.
Steel Delivered for Two
Lincoln, Neb.. Drive-Ins
LINCOLN—steel for two drive-in theatres,
the first to be built here, arrived by rail and
work assembling them will begin soon.
One of the drive-ins will be built two miles
west of town, on O street, and the other will
be located two miles east. Each theatre will
handle 500 cars and will be erected at a cost
of $100,000. They will be completed this
summer and will operate under the same
curfew regulations as the downtown theatres.
Builders of the drive-ins have not disclosed
their
identity.
Buys Iris in Clifton
CLIFTON. KAS.—Fred Eberwein has sold
the local Iris to Frank Reising of Hays.
Reising, a newcomer to exhibition, plans no
change in policy for the house. Eberwein,
who came here from New England, will return
there to re-enter exhibition.
IDEAL
Slide -Back
Theatr(» Chairs
Your best buy.
pre-war quality in
STEBBINS THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
1804 WyondottB St.. Eonaoa City 8, Mo.
Clyde Badger, Manager
Sex Picture Clipped
By Omaha Censors
OMAHA—A well-laundered version ut the
film, "Let There Be Light," went on the
.screen of the Epstein circuit's Roseland Theatre.
One of the few instances of censorship
here in recent years, the trimming resulted
from an order by the city welfare board.
The trouble began when South Omaha residents
protested against "suggestive" placards
advertising the picture on telephone
poles. Acting Mayor Carl Jenson ordered
them torn down. City Welfare Director Tom
Knapp ordered a screening of the picture before
the board. Ministers and South Omaha
citizens also attended the .screening.
The board ordered "sexy .scenes by sexy
women" removed. The theatre also was told
to do no more advertising of the picture and
that a $1 booklet "The Facts of Life" could
not be -sold in connection with it.
Of the picture, Welfare Board Chairman
John Samp.son said: "It stinks."
Small Mystic. Iowa, Fire
MYSTIC. IOWA—Patrons of the Strand
Theatre here vacated the building in orderly
fashion when a reel of film caught fire.
Stanley Cooper, projectionist, was winding
the film when it started to burn, destroying
the entire reel and filling the house with
smoke. There were no injuries and damage
was said to be slight.
Buy Olivia, Minn., House
REDFIELD. S. D.—A. A. Staack. principal
the Redfield high school, and O. R. Swope
of
have purchased the Olivia. Minn., theatre.
They took possession March 3.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
TRAILERS
IGmm — Motion Pictures — 35mm
Sound Recording — Talkies
HAL PARKER STUDIOS
PALKING TRAILERS, LOBBY PAPER
AND MATS
Write, Wire or Phone
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVICE
130 West 18th Phone: GRand 8S26
Kansas City 8. Mo.
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
iiiini
niuiLiin,
i),is«|
BOXOmCE :
13. 1948

. . Three
. . Included
D E S
MOINES
'prog:ress is being made on rebuilding the
Tracy Theatre, Storm Lake. Manager
Hill says he expects it to be one of the
Bill
best looking houses in this part of tlie state.
The work should be completed this spring
. . . H. S. "Doc" Twedt has changed his showschedule
at his Princess in Britt. Two matinees
will be given each Sunday, one at 1:15,
the other at 3:30 and continuous showings
on Sundays will be discontinued. Evening
shows will be at 7:15 and 9:15.
RKO screened "Fort Apache" at the Uptown
here . Cedar Rapids groups
heard Irvin Deer speak last week. They
were the Executive Ass'n, the Lion's club and
the Coe college student body.
Excavation has begun for the basement of
a new theatre building in Glidden ... A
new sign has been installed on the Leo at
Cumberland . in remodeling work
at the Masonic Theatre in What Cheer are
new sound equipment and new strong arcs
in the projection booth ... On March 1, the
Earl, Earlham, began showing pictures six
nights a week. The house will be dark on
Wednesday—chmxh night in Earlham. Shows
will change Sunday and Thursday.
COMPLETELY NEW

: March
:-
i
'Timberlane' Is Great
In Mill City Debut
MINNEAPOLIS—Helped by a tremendous
advertising and exploitation campaign. "Cass
Timberlane" led the first run procession last
week with a smash gross. "To the Ends of
the Earth." another newcomer, also came
through in fine style. It was the third week
for "The Bishop's Wife" and "The Voice of
the Turtle" and the second for "You Were
Meant for Me" and "Daisy Kenyon."
Aster Man With Nino Lives Man The
Could Not Hang (SR) reis
Century You Were Meant foi
2nd d. t wk
Gopher—Green Hell (Realart irt) Pittsburgh
i\ari
Lyceum—Rembrandt Beloved Enemy
(SR). reissues
Lyric—The Voice of the Turtle (WB), 3ri d
Radio City—Cass Timberlane (MGM)
RKO-Orpheum—To the Ends of the Earth
RKO-Pan—The Bishop's Wife (RKO), 3rd «
Stcfte—Pirates of Monterey (U-I)
World—Daisy Kenyon l20th-Fox), 2nd wl
Snow Cramps Kansas City St-yle;
'Bishop,' 'Ends of Earth' Top
KANSAS CITY—A heavy snow last Friday
nipped big grosses in the bud and the resultant
week was only slightly above par. Top
newcomer was "To the Ends of the Earth"
at the Midland, which scored 115 on the
barometer clock. "The Bishop's Wife." top
newcomer last week, again pulled down high
score with 125 in its second stanza at the
Orpheum. The picture was held over for a
third frame.
"I Walk Alone." in it.s second week at the
Paramount, dropped to below average, but
"Call Northside 777." which moved over to
the Esquire for a second stanza, improved
through its new location. "The Smugglers"
was held for an extra day at the Roxy, winding
up with business 10 per cent over par.
Esquire— Call Northside 777 {20;h-Fox), moveover;
Half Past Midnight (20th-Fox) 110
Midland—To the Ends of the Eorlh (Col),
Sweet Genevieve (Col) 115
Orpheum—The Bishop's Wile RKO Desperate
--.-::
(RKO), 2Tii
Paramount-I Walk .85
Alone •
125
Roxy—The Smugglers L :". ,110
Tower, Uptov.-r, Ft:-,'i.' Black Bart ._75
''-Ii
Frank Gullingsrud Marks
50th Year as Stagehand
DULUTH, MINN.—Frank Gullingsrud, stage
manager of the Norshor Theatre here and
for more than three
decades propertyman
at the Lyceum, can
now write "50 years a
stage hand."
March 6 marked his
golden anniversary as
a member of local 32,
lATSE. He has been
president for the last
20 years. Gullingsrud,
dean of the stage
L-y^^^^^H ^_\^|||m managers of the northwest,
has one of the
Frank Gnllingsrud finest collection of
autographed photographs of the greats and
near-greats of the theatrical world since the
late 90's.
Dan J. Hudson, general manager of the
Norshor, and Gullingsrud first met in 1924
when Dan, with his sister, appeared in a
song and dance act on the Lyceum stage with
the Duluth Kiddies, a footlight
troupe.
Ted Fitzgerald Transferred
As TEI Juggles Managers
MANHATTAN, KAS.—Resignations, promotions
and transfers have caused several
changes in the staff of the four TEI houses
here.
John Henderson, chief projectionist at the
Sosna, has resigned to take a position with
an oil company in Russell. He has been
replaced by David Church, formerly of the
Wareham.
Another new face at the Sosna. TBI's
campus showcase, is James Murphy, who was
transferred here from the circuit's Chief In
Hiawatha.
Ted Fitzgerald. State manager, has been
promoted to the managership of the Mozark
in Springfield, Mo. Ralph Utermoehlen has
been named the new State manager, replacing
Fitzgerald.
St. Paul Tax Beaten
In Referendum Vote
ST PAUL Votcis lure decisively defeated
proposed 5 per cent city admission tax in
a
a referendum here Tuesday.
The result was a big victory for theatre
interests, which took the lead in the fight
against it. Northwest Allied played a particularly
active part in the campaign. Theatres
distributed petitions calling for the referendum,
ran trailers urging all voters to cast
their ballots and had large newspaper ads
urging the tax's defeat.
St. Paul business interests generally were
against the tax.
LmtM
O. F. SULLIVAN —Owner and General
Manager, Sullivan, Independent
Theatres, Wichita, Kansas— says:
"Efficient service with sound
equipment i.s a most important
factor. For 15 year.s I have considered
the punctual and efficient
RCA Service a most important
busine-ss insurance."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
Adv.
Omaha Is Buried in Snow;
Only 'Body' Reaches Par
OMAHA—Record March snows that totaled
more than 16 inches the first two days of
the month took the edge off theatre business.
Those houses that could hold their own were
lucky. Matinee busine.ss was at a stand.still.
Omaha—Captain From Castile Zjih-Fox),
Trail of the Mounlies (SG) 2nd d, t wk 95
;
Orpheum—Body and Soul '_',".
Smort Politics (Mcr. 100
Paramount-Call Northside 777 r.-Fox) 95
RKO-Brondeis-To the Ends ol Earth the Col);
Always Together (WB; 90
State—The Great Waltz (MfJl!
Three on a Ticket (EL) 95
Town—Jungle Flight (Para): The Corpse Came
C.O.D. (Col), 2nd run; split with News
(Mono); Blondie's Big Moment (Col), 2nd
Wild West (EL)
lb
^
USED CHAIRS
BEST BUY!
WRITE FOR PARTICULARS
PHOTOS and PRICES
HOW MANY DO YOU NEED?
George Kappers Improves
State in Hurley S. D.
HURLEY, S. D.—George Kappers, who recently
purchased the State Theatre, is making
extensive improvements and repairs. New
cold air pipes are being placed under the
floor and the furnace room is being enlarged.
The ceiling will be lowered several feet, and
new seats will be installed.
FENSIN SEATING COMPANY
62 EAST 13th STREET CHICAGO 5
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

. . Jack
. . RKO
. . Red
. . Joseph
"
. . Carl
. . H.
. .
: March
OMAHA
Exhibitors through the territory say their
business is off at least 25 per cent.
They blame bad weather, particularly record
snows: the fact that there is less
money in the average man's pocketbook due
to the high cost of living, and Lent, which
seems to have slowed business more than
usual in Catholic communities.
Frances Campbell, stenographer at Columbia,
resigned . Riggs, former Central
City exhibitor, was in town on his return from
Texas . . . Louise Cotter, RKO Brandeis public
relations director, has been out due to the
flu.
Roy Syfert, owner of the Ainsworth Theatre,
Ainsworth. Neb., is in Clarkson hospital
here. He was to undergo a major operation
during the week . . . Donald Shane, Paramount
Theatre manager, staged a preview of
••Sitting Pretty" .
Brandeis employes
and friends of Manager Will Singer
are trying almost everything to get him to
stay on the job. He had indicated he would resign
at the first sign of spring, but already
he has been persuaded to stay on at least
until midsummer. Singer said he wants to
do more fishing and spend future winters in
a warmer climate.
Milton Swift, Warner shipper, announced
that Patrick John is the name of the newarrival
in his family . Nash, owner
of the Canton Theatre at Canton, S. D.,
returned from a vacation in Florida.
Even a film salesman can meet his equal.
Proof in point is the case of Ed Cohn of
Universal-International. He was ready to
leave town on his weekly jaunt and couldn't
spot his car out front. He called police. Police
told him to look around. He did. He
found the police had hauled his car into a
snow bank. On it was a tag because it was
in the way wTien the street department
wanted to clean the street. Not only that, Ed
also had to pay to have a garage haul his
truck out of the bank.
Planning a Drive-In?
Use the
MOONLIGHT
MOVIES
SYSTEM
We furnish your construction plans with
licensure under Patent App. 7179.
MOONLIGHT MOVIES SYSTEM
842 Bussey St.
San Bernardino.
Calil.
Bad roads scared most exhibitors out of a
Monday visit. Those who showed up included
" Donald T. Campbell. Central City;
Robert Bertram. Schleswig, Iowa; Harold
Schnoonover, Aurora; Herman Fields, Clarinda,
Iowa; Mrs. Francis Pace, Malvern, Iowa;
and Frank and Woody Simek, Ashland.
Quality Theatre Supply Co., after more
than a year of trying to get remodeling work
Walter Hoffman, 20th-Fox exploiteer from
Minneapolis, was in town several days lining
up the "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" premiere.
It opened March 10 at the Paramount
and 124 other Nebraska theatres . . . Mayor
Leeman has been working for several montohs
trying to get a world premiere of a coming
picture for Omaha.
Ken Seymour, formerly with KOAD, has
joined the R. D. Goldberg Theatre Enterprises
as public relations and advertising
assistant . . . Wally Kemp, manager of the
Capitol at Grand Island, acted as cupid for
the girls. He had special souvenir tickets
printed for a midnight leap year show, and
the gals had to pay for them . . . Diana
Barrymore wUl be here March 19. 20 in "Joan
of
Lorraine.
From *he
BOXOFFICE FILES
(T-wenty Years Ago)
lyjAX ME"^ER, veteran film man, is
representing
Tiffany in Kansas. He is the
smallest person on the sales staff, weighing
90 pounds . G. Howe is the new booker
for Educational in Kansas City. Howe succeeds
Wes Dunlap, who resigned . . . Jack
Roth, well-known theatre manager, is back
in Kansas City after 14 months in Memphis.
Jack is now manager of the Madrid . , . T. D.
Block, exhibitor from Odessa, Mo., was a
Filmrow visitor, as was Lawrence Brueninger
of Topeka.
Baby Peggy, former juvenile star of the
films, played at the Orpheum in Kansas
City this week. Last week, Han-y Carey, famous
in western roles, filled an engagement
at the Orpheum . A. Jones, who has
been manager of the Crane Theatre, Carth^
age. Mo., has been transferred to the Kansas
City office of the Midland circuit. Harry
Wren of St. Joseph has succeeded Jones in
Carthage . . . A. E. Weber of Hutchinson,
Kas., and C. C. Haas of Great Bend have
leased the La Crosse Theatre at La Crosse,
Kas. .
Paffin of Parker, Kas., has
oijened the Rex at Bronson, Kas.
Fox Midwest Named
In Antitrust Action
MEMPHIS—Charging monopolistic practices
in the release of films in Cape Girardeau,
Mo., a Memphis concern has filed suit for
$330,000 damages in federal court against a
group of motion picture producers, distributors
and exhibitors.
Cape Pictures, Inc., headed by Barney
Woolner and Harold Roth, brought the suit
in Cape Girardeau against Warner Bros.,
done, has completed its move to quarters
next door. This leaves Film Classics in the Universal, United Artists, 20th-Fox, Republic,
old office—space it has been sharing since Fox Midwest Amusement Corp.. Fox Cape
December with the equipment firm Theatre Corp., National Theatres Corp.;
.
Omaha's Aim Ronnell is writing the musical Glenn Carroll, manager of two theatres at
Cape Girardeau; and Elmer C. Rhoden of
score for "One Touch of Venus." Her husband,
Lester Cowan, will produce the picture. Kansas City, president, and Fred Souttar of
Dan Hudson Drive Major
DULUTH—Dan J. Hudson, manager of the
Norshor Theatre, is business division major
for Duluth's Red Coss fund campaign.
St. Louis, district manager of Fox Midwest.
Cape Pictures operates the Esquire Theatre
in Cape Girardeau. The bill charges the defendants
have conspired to prevent the
Esquire from getting first run product and
have assigned pictures, instead, to theatres
operated by Fox Midwest
In addition to the $330,000, plus court costs
and attorneys' fees, the plaintiff asks that
the defendants be restrained from continuing
•'unlawful trade practices." Abe D. Waldauer
and Ben C. Adams jr., of Memphis, and Strom
and Sprading of Cape Girardeau are attorneys
who filed 'the suit.
20th-Fox Rejects Frank
Bid for Less Clearance
MINNEAPOLIS—Efforts of W. R. Frank
to obtain a shorter clearance for the Boulevard
Theatre in Minneapolis and West Twins
in St. Paul received a setback when 20th-Fox
notififed him that it would take no action
at this time, pending the company's experience
along these lines in Cleveland and other
cities. Other companies on which Frank
made clearance demands several weeks ago
have not yet replied. Other Twin city independents
have planned similar action.
HOMER F. STROWIG — Owner
and Manager, Plaza and Lyric Theatres,
Abilene, Kansas—says:
"We attribute our excellent
and unfailing sound quality
to the efforts of RCA Service
and top quality of RCA
equipment."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948
"

I
I
I
. . Wedding
: March
. . M.
. . Ruth
. . Edward
MINNEAPOLIS
Dack from an Arizona and California vacation,
Ev Seibel, Minnesota Amusement
Co. advertising and publicity head, tells of
running across Ben Ashe, former Berger
cucuit general manager, now National Screen
branch manager in Los Angeles. The meeting
took place in Phoenix and Ben asked Ev
to convey his regards to all his Mii-meapolis
friends. While attending the "Northside
777" premiere in Hollywood, he heard the
doorman call out the arrival of William R.
Frank, local circuit owner and Hollywood
producer. Ev says the studio economy wave
LeRoy J. Miller, Universal-International
manager, went to Redwood Falls. Minn., to
put on a special screening of "A Double Life"
for Northwest Theatres managers. The occasion
was the reopening of the redecorated
Don Buckley Theatre . . . Cliff Gill, former
Welworth circuit and 20th-Pox exploiteer
here, now a freelance public relations and
j
publicity man in California, visited his
parents and brother here.
Jack Heywood, New Richmond, Wis., circuit
owner, is back from a, several months'
vacation in Arizona and California . . . Northwest
Variety Club is discontmuing its Saturday
night bingo parties . . . Gertrude Guimont,
Warner Bros, head booker, returned
to her post after a nine-week absence due
to a fractured limb . . . Ben Marcus, Columbia
district manager, was a visitor.
Bernard R. Goodman, Warner Bros, .^^uper-
for Anna Teener of the Paramount office
staff. She announced her engagement to
Jerome Lorberdaum of the Snyder drug
stores.
Don Swartz's Independent Film Distributors
will open a branch at Sioux Falls. S. D..
with Ernie Prace in charge. Swartz is now
in New York for conferences with Biidd
Rogers, Realart general sales manager . . .
Film Classics' distribution now is being
handled by National Screen in this territory
. . Tire stage production of "I Remember
Mama" just beats the pictures into the Twin
cities.
A shakeup by Morrie Steinman, Monogram
manager, finds Clyde Cutter, formerly
with United Artists, the new head booker,
replacing Bob O'Rourke, who resigned, and
I
Mrs. Ruth Dickey promoted from secretary
to cashier, replacing Helen Jelly, who quit
after four years to go with Film Classics.
The housing expeditor has under consideration
another application from the Minne-
sota Amusement Co. for a permit to remodel
the Colonial Theatre, Watertown, S. D., to
replace the State, recently destroyed by fire
Heiber, Eagle Lion district manager,
was a visitor.
"Monsieur Verdoux" goes into Century
here March 12, the St. Paul Riviera April
2 and the Duluth Garrick April 22.
Balman Drive-In Bid
Stirs Up Twin Cites
has employes in a panic and the feeling
MINNEAPOLIS—The drive-in is
theatre invasion
that the drouth that has hit most parts of
has taken the spotlight here again
southern California will damage with
theatre
the
business
substantially.
cense to build and operate one in suburban
application of Sid Balman for a li-
Brooklyn Center.
Property owners and residents near the
proposed theatre took a full-page newspaper
ad to call on council members to keep the
area free from "the nuisance." Volk Bros.,
who have a theatre nearby, are among those
fighting it.
Balman is manager of the Bloomington
Drive-In. the first in the area, which was
opened last summer by Dave Plexer of Memphis.
Mimresota Entertainment Enterprises
was organized subsequently by a group of
prominent Twin City independents to halt the
invasion in this field by outside interests.
MEE is building a drive-in in the midway district
and has plans for several more.
Ray Nichols Reopens Villa
LO-VILIA. IOWA—The Villa Theatre was
reopened last week by its new owners Mr.
and Mrs. Ray Nichols of Fairfield. A new
screen and projector have been purchased.
Three changes of program will be made each
week with matinees on Saturdays and Sim-
Howard Clark to RKO
OMAHA—Howard Clark, office manager
for Film Classics and formerly with MGM
here, has switched to RKO as office man-
visor of exchanges, left for Chicago after a
brief visit here . M. Krane sold his Loop
Theatre, a subsequent run house to Max
Elkins, a newcomer in the show business.
Krane plans to buy a theatre elsewhere. days. Nichols recently purchased the theatre
from Harold Sieverding.
Harry Hirsch, veteran showman, had
Cornelia Otis Skinner and Emmett Callahan,
company manager of "Lady Windemere's
Pan," in which Miss Skinner appeared at the
Lyceum, as dinner guests at the Standard
. . club J. B. McGovern, Paramount traveling
auditor, was in town Juster,
former Paramount biller, has become secretary
ager. He succeeds Norm Nielsen, who is go-
to Morrie Steinman, Monogram branch ing on the road as a salesman.*
manager bells soon will ring
Takes New Theatre Post
OMAHA—Jack Schwiedelson. manager of
the Cass Theatre, which was closed by fire
department orders, now is managing the
Benson Theatre for Sam Epstein.
'BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

. March
lOOO-Seater Planned
In Walerlown, S. D.
WATERTOWN, S. D.—Fred Larkin, Sioux
Palls, S. D,, district manager of the Minnesota
Amusement Co.. announced that the
firm will build a 1.000-seat first run theatre
here "as soon as possible" to replace the
State, which was destroyed by fire in February.
He said construction would start in
three or four months if no hitches develop.
The company, he added, has not yet decided
whether to rebuild the 400-seat State.
The circuit also operates the 600-seat Lyric
here. A site for the new theatre has not been
determined. There is a possibility it will
be on the property of the old Colonial, which
is leased to the Minnesota company. The
theatre has been closed for a number of
years.
Plans were in the making for a new theatre
here and destruction of the State
prompted faster action on the project.
Earl Kerr Takes Over
Two in Knoxville, Iowa
KNOXVILLE, IOWA—Earl Kerr, owner of
a string of Iowa theatres, has taken over the
Grand and Marion theatres here from Mrs.
A. M. Black. Ken- appointed George D.
Hart, formerly of Winterset, to be manager of
the two houses. Hart is also district manager
for Kerr. He has been with the Kerr
organization for the last year and formerly
managed the theatre at Lake View. Phil
Miles, who has served as assistant manager
of the Iowa, Winterset, has been promoted
to manager.
Two Theatres in Iowa
Up Admission Prices
DES MOINES—Two theatres in Iowa have
announced admission price boosts within
the last week. They are the Winthrop at
Winthrop and the Princess at Britt. At the
Winthrop. adult tickets have been advanced
to 45 cents, but children's tickets remain at
12. H. S. "Doc" Twedt of the Princess has
raised adult admissions for evening performances
to 50 cents. Children's admission will
remain unchanged as will matinee prices,
now 40 cents.
One-Nighter in Eddyville
EDDWILLE, IOWA—For the first time
since the floods la.st spring, Eddyville has a
The house was opened here last week
theatre.
by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Singer. It is in the
Den Hartog building, east of the post office.
The new owners are from Fairfield and
operate a chain of theatres in small towns
in this part of the state playing one night in
each town, using portable projectors.
> SPECIAL SHOWMANSHIP
7
mOTIOn PICTURE SERyiCECq
lis HYDE ST. ••$anri«Khce(X)Cal*if.
Storms Cripple Northwest;
Many Programs Cancelled
MINNEAPOLIS—The most brutal winter
weather within recent memory, including
blizzards, heavy snowfalls and subzero temperatures,
has put a crimp in Northwestern
show business, particularly in the rural
areas. North Dakota has been particularly
hard hit. according to reports on Pilmrow.
Films couldn't be delivered on account of
impassable roads and theatres frequently
have had to cancel changes. Salesmen find
themselves stuck in a town for days and have
been navigating with difficulty in their efforts
to cover their territory.
Seek Truck Route
For South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS, S. D.—Two Sioux Falls
men, Henry Schuette and Russell Hanneman,
are seeking permission of the state Public
Utilities commission for a class B truck permit
to establish a film delivery service for
theatres in approximately 60 towns and cities
in an area bounded by Sioux Falls and
Aberdeen. S. D.
Rialto Theatre Destroyed
In Siloam Springs Fire
SILOAM SPRINGS, ARK.—Tlie Rialto
Theatre, a 350-seater owned by Rex Killibrew,
was destroyed with an estimated loss
of $30,000 by a fire shortly before midnight
March 3. The fire, which started near the
theatre screen shortly after the final show,
later spread to an adjoining business building.
Damages to those buildings and their
contents through fire, smoke and water was
placed at $20,000, making the total fire loss
$50,000. In addition to the Siloam Springs
fire department, the fire was fought by fire
fighters from John Brown university, Fayetteville,
Gravette and Springdale.
Takes Over in Queen City
QUEEN CITY, MO.—R. L. Ti-essner is the
new owner of the local 'Vogue. He obtained
possession from Ralph Graham March 5. In
the theatre business for some time, Ti-essner
has moved here from Collinsville, Okla.,
where he managed the Nusho Theatre for
the Claude Thorpe circuit. Graham who
had the Vogue since July 1946, is building a
new house in the St. Louis exchange territory.
He hopes to have it in operation by May 1.
Sioux City Burglars Fail -^
SIOUX CITY, IOWA—An attempt to force
a door leading to the business office of the
Orpheum here was unsuccessful last week.
Milton Troehler, manager, said the would-be
burglar had taken off the door hinges and
had "jimmied" a lock. He said the Intruder
was frightened away by a watchman.
Joseph S. Connoll'y Rites
DES MOINES—The funeral of Joseph S.
Connolly. 89, who was in the theatrical business
more than 40 years, was held here last
week. He managed early day theatres in Des
Moines.
Big Turnout Is Seen
For Allied Conclave
MINNEAPOLIS— If advance indications
are any criterion, the North Central Allied
convention here March 22, 23 will set a record
high in attendance. President Bennie Berger
attributes the imusual interest to the fact
that the convention will be devoted in considerable
part to a discussion of ways to
break down film costs. The fact that several
national figures in independent exhibitor
ranks will be present also makes the convention
a magnet, he believes.
Among those who will address the convention
are William T. Ainsworth of Wisconsin,
national Allied president; Col. H. A. Cole of
Texas, national director and member of the
Caravan committee, and Sidney Samuelson
of eastern Pennsylvania, Caravan head.
Gov. L. D. Youngdahl of Minnesota and
Mayor H. H. Humphrey of Minneapolis will
welcome the delegates. They also will be
guests at the banquet on the closing night.
Briefs Filed by Attorneys
In Berger Ascap Case
MINNEAPOLIS— S. P. Halpern and L. B.
Schwartz, counsel for Bennie Berger and
Mrs. J. L. Jenson, exhibitors being sued by
Ascap for nonpayment of theatre fees, have
filed their brief with Judge G. B. Nordbye
in federal district court. Its expected that
the plaintiff's brief will be forthcoming
shortly and that a decision may be reached
within several months.
Berger and Mrs. Jenson, with North
Central Allied backing, will carry their fight
to knock out the Ascap theatre fee, which
they contend is illegal, to the U.S. supreme
court, if necessary.
Robert Graham of Los Angeles, attorney
for the Pacific Coast Conference of Independent
Theatre Owners, has been granted
the right to file an amicus curiae in the case.
Circus Draws Heavily
MINNEAPOLIS—Evidence of the fact that
amusements still are booming here is the
record-breaking $114,000 gross garnered by
the annual Shriner's indoor circus. This was
for six nights, a similar number of matinees
and a Saturday morning show.
Theatremen to Rescue
CENTERVILLE, IOWA—Harold Johnson,
manager of the Majestic and Ritz theatres
here, played host to 30 students from the
Moravia school the other morning. The students,
accompanied by a teacher, had made
the trip here to take in a trial at the courthouse,
but the heavy snows detained the
lawyers in the case until 1:30. How to spend
several idle hoiu-s was quite a problem until
Johnson was asked to put on a special show
and he agreed.
Woman Injured in Theatre Crowd
SIOUX CITY, IOWA—Crowds were so
great at the Fourth Street Theatre here the
other day that a patron, Mrs. Ted Isom,
suffered severe lacerations of her right hand
and forearm when she was pushed through
a glass door at the entrance. An emergency
police squad member treated the woman at
the
theatre.
82 BOXOFTICE ;
13, 1948

: March
SOME PENNSYLVANIA CITIES
ABUSE NEW TAXING POWERS
Borough Ass'n Head Sees
Chaos Developing in
Home Rule Plan
HARRISBUKG—Thomas F. Chrostwaite,
president of the State Boroughs Ass'n,
charged that some Pennsylvania communities
are killing the goose that laid the golden egg.
He declared these certain communities are
overstepping the powers granted them under
the legislatm-e's home rule tax law, duplicating
taxes and pegging others to a point where
the levies are confiscatory, and some are even
left-handed endorsements to lawbreakers by
taxing gambling. He said that the 1949 legislature
may well repeal the home rule law
if these communities aren't careful.
"We want to get some order out of chaos,"
Chrostwaite explained in calling a meeting
of borough solicitors. He assailed the tendency
of many communities to pass "overlapping"
and "copycat" taxes. He said some
community fathers hold off to see what others
are doing in the way of local taxes and then
one type of tax becomes contagious, such as
a tax on coal and amusement admissions.
Community Ticket Levy
Becomes 'Most Popular'
PITTSBURGH—Dozens of Pennsylvania
cities, boroughs and townships have found
the amusement tax "the most popular" of
the new local taxing powers granted by last
year's session of the general assembly. This
is the claim of Dr. H. F. Alderfer, director
of the Pennsylvania internal affairs bureau.
He reports that "one of the reasons for the
interest in this type of tax is that it is equitable
and easily administered." The amusement
tax is not only collected from residents
of the political subdivision in which the situated
theatre acts as a tax collector but from
persons who live outside the municipality and
pay no other tax, he emphasized. The local
government expert points out that the amusement
levy is bringing in "a sizable chunk of
revenue" for hard-pressed communities.
Alderfer voiced a warning against communities
passing ordinances imposing taxes
indiscriminately. He said that the 10 per
cent amusement tax at Meadville would bring
in $40,000 and that the city of Reading expects
to collect $260,000 a year from the
amusement admission tax enacted there. The
tax money also is rolling in at Harrisburg.
Ten per cent amusement taxes have been
enacted in more than a dozen communities
in western Pennsylvania. Upwards of $117,-
000 was collected during the first month
(January) of its effectiveness in this city of
Pittsburgh.
Other comr.iunities where theatres are collecting
a 10 per cent local amusement tax, in
addition to a 20 per cent federal amusement
levy: New Kensington, Lock Haven, Bolivar,
Meadville, Ridgway, Clymer, Brownsville,
Springdale, Vandergrift, Lewistown, Clarion,
Altoona. At Butler the tax is 5 per cent;
Harentum, 7 per cent; Seward, 4 per cent;
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948
Bill to Cut Ticket Tax
Hoppered in Kentucky
Louisville — Leonard W. Preston of
Barren county introduced in the general
assembly last week a bill to repeal amusement
taxes on admLssions of less than 21
cents and to reduce amusement taxes on
admissions above that amount. Hearings
were conducted in Frankfort last week
on two censorship bills. One would establish
a division of film censorship under
the supervision of the department of
business regulations and the other would
set up a board to censor all motion pictures
exhibited in the state. The Kentucky
Ass'n of Theatre Owners has Guthrie
Crowe, president, on hand to keep its
eye on the legislation.
one cent for each 25 cents or fraction thereof
is collected at Uniontown and Monongahela;
two cents for each 25 cents or fraction is collected
at Rochester, Beaver Falls. Charleroi
has a 2 per cent gross tax with children's
tickets exempted.
The Braddock school board was enacting an
admission tax when a citizens' coinmittee intervened
and called in the Taxpayers league
to investigate. This has delayed further action
on the matter. At West View, both the
borough and the school board have been
seeking to impose an amusement tax. Springdale
has no announced financial difficulties,
having a cash surplus, yet has passed a 10
per cent amusement tax. The state enabling
act was created for the emergency purpose
only of assisting political subdivisions in
meeting deficits and current expenses. The
act was not devised for communities to pass
ordinances creating new taxes to build reserve
funds.
Amusement taxes are being prepared or enacted
in Clairton, Wilkinsburg, Punxsutawney,
Blawnox, Bradford, Roscoe, Monessen,
Donora, Blairsville.
ROCHESTER, PA. — The council has
passed on first reading an amusement tax
which is scheduled to become effective May
1. A 2-cent tax on every 25 cents admission
or fraction thereof will be levied.
BADEN, PA.—A 2-cent tax on every 25
cents or fraction thereof spent for amusements
has gone into effect here. The community's
first theatre was opened only a few
months ago.
PITTSBURGH—A bill from the city law
department was submitted to council which
would amend the city's amusements tax law
by exempting the tax on dues of social clubs.
An amendment to the law was approved by
council last week. This act provides that
the tax need not be paid by children under
12 years of age and disabled veterans who are
admitted free of charge.
ME
79 Municipalities in Ohio
To Raise $2,000,000 on
Amusement Taxes
COLUMBUS Scventy-iiine Ohio cities
which have enacted admi.s.sions taxes expect
to raise $2,000,000 a year, according to a survey
made by Emory Glander, state tax commissioner.
Glander said other Ohio cities
were considering the admi.ssions levy field,
which was opened to Buckeye state municipalities
Oct. 1, 1947 when the state vacated
the field.
Only Coshocton, Delaware and Piqua of the
79 cities have other than a 3 per cent levy.
Piqua and Coshocton use varying rates and
Delaware has the bracket system. Belmont,
Erie, Fairfield, Knox, Lucas, Medina, Pickaway
and Wood counties do not have ticket
taxes. "It is presumed that their financial
situation is such that the revenue was not
required," observed Glander. "Apparently the
income tax in Toledo has made it unnecessary
for that city to seek other revenue
sources."
Glander said that no reports had been received
from Sandusky and Painesville and it
was possible that one or both of the.se cities
had enacted admi-ssions taxes. Out of 38
cities in the eight most populous counties, 24
have enacted admissions taxes. Only Toledo
and Norwood among the 26 cities having
populations in excess of 25,000 failed to
enact the admissions tax.
Estimates of the annual yield ranged from
$2,000 for Bellevue. Kent, Miamisburg and
Reading to $660,000 for Cleveland.
Cities that have enacted ordinances imposing
an admissions tax are:
Akron
Ashland
Ashtabula
Athens
Barberton
Bedford
Bellefontaine
Bellevue
i'l^^us
Cambridge
Canton
Chillicothe
Cincinnali
Cleveland
Cleveland Height;
Columbus
Conneout
Coshocton
Cuyahoga Falls
Dayton
Defiance
Delcfwaie
East Cleveland
East Liverpool
EuJl'id
Fostoria
Fremont
Gallon
Gallipolis
Garfield Heights
Greenville
Hamilton
Ironton
Tackson
Lakewood
Mans?ield
Marion
Miamisburg
Middletown
New Philadelphi<
Norwalk
PKja°
Portsmouth
St. Bernard
St. Marys
Shaker Heights
Shelby
Sidney
Springfield
Uhrichsville
University Heights
Urbana
Van Wert
Warren
Washington C. H.
10 Per Cent Tax Passed
CL'yMER, PA.—Against vigorous opposition
of owners of this community's theatre,
poolroom and bowling alley, the council
passed a 10 per cent amusement tax, to become
effective within 30 days.
83

: March
AT WOOD OPENING—Cutting the ribbon at the opening in Detroit of the Wood,
new United Detroit Theatres' 2,500-seater, are, left to right: Edward L. Hyman, first
vice-president Paramount Theatres Service Corp., New York; Max Fellerman, vicepresident;
Hal Pereira; Alois Ghesquiere, president of the Grosse Point* Woods council,
and Earl J. Hudson, president of United Detroit Theatres.
Allied Continues to Lead
Detroit Bowling League
DETROIT—Allied retained the lead in the
Film. Bowling league with 26 won and 14
lost. Cooperative is second with 22 victories
and 18 losses and Republic and Monogram
are tied for third. Each has won 21 and lost
19. RKO rolled the high three last week,
2,633. High game was Theatrical's 968. High
individual was J. Pavella with 657. W.
Gorjl had 617 and Small 616. High single
game was C. Sheran's 246. J. Pavella had
245; Small 242; C. Sheran 246: D. Kaplan 211:
R. Lamb 202: E. Loye 202; E. Clarrj' 200 and
L. Metzger 200.
National Theatre Supply retained the lead
in the Nightingale Club bowling league, having
won 43 and lost 19. Altec Sound Service
is in second place and McArthur Theatre
Equipment is third. High scores last week
were rolled by Edgar Douville, 227-210-185—
622; Francis Light, 225: William Swistak. 206;
Roy Light, 201, and Joseph Michel 203.
Gets New Furnace
CARSON CITY. i^nCH.-The Lee Theatre
closed for a day recently to permit installation
of a new furnace, according to Phil
Muzik, manager.
I
RKO Radio Pictures,
Video Hearings Scheduled
PITTSBURGH—The FCC will open hearings
May 17 to allot thi-ee local television
wave lengths on applications from six companies.
FCC is inquiring into the ownership
of Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories,
which holds a permit to build a television
station here. This project has been delayed
due to a financial setup which hnks Paramount
Pictures with Du Mont in a group
of television grantees and applicants. At
Greensburg, the FCC will consider a television
application filed by the owners of
WHJB. also owners of WJAS, Pittsburgh.
To Build Coshocton Road
COSHOCTON, OHIO—Frank Gilfillen of
Grove City, Pa., has announced plans to
construct an outdoor theatre to accommodate
500 cars on the Canal Lewisville road
near the tumoff to Coshocton Lake park
within the next two months.
Butterfield House Closes
BATTLE CREEK, AHCH.-The Post Theatre,
buUt in 1901 by a group of local business
men led by Charles W. Post, was closed
March 6 by the Butterfield circuit.
Inc.
NEW DATE FOR CLEVELAND TRADE SHOWING OF
REMEMBER MAMA
Shaker Theatre, Kinsman 6r Lee Rds., Shaker Heights
FRIDAY, MARCH 19 AT 2 P. M.
Indead of Thurs., March 18 as
previously advertised
Tax Spread Linked
To Boxoffice Dip
PITTSBURGH—Falling boxoffice receipts,
public relations "never poorer than at present."
and film product that is meager were
reported by theatre owners at an Allied
MPTO meeting here last Friday i5i in exhibitors
assembly hall on Filmrow. Morris
M. Finkel. president, presided in the absence
of Fred A. Beedle. chairman of the board.
The Allied exhibitors discussed means to
intensify their campaign in behalf of a bill
in Congress to amend the copyright law and
prohibit payment by exhibitors of fees to
Ascap. postponed taking action for participation
in the Motion Picture Foundation and
aired grievances against various companies
and on various subjects.
1947 ST.\TEMENT DUE
Expanding amusement taxes definitely are
affecting boxoffice receipts, the exhibitors reported.
President Finkel reminded Pittsburgh
exhibitors that they had to file a statement
on their 1947 theatre and concession
grosses at the city treasurer's office not later
than March 15.
The Allied group criticized distributors for
alleged print shortages and distributing
"poor and uninspected prints."
Sidney Samuelson of Philadelphia will direct
an Allied Caravan meeting here soon.
A 24-page report on the recent national
Allied board session in Washington was distributed.
I
LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS URGED
Fred J. Herrington. in his report on legislative
matters, urged exhibitors to "be alert
and active . . . make contacts and tell your
side of the story."
Among those present were Bob Higgins, fl
Billy Wheat III. Henry Schmitt, Guy. Frank
and John Oglietti, John Nagj-, Tom Hickes,
Bernard Buchheit, Ted Manos, F. E. Hasley,
John Kobak. Tom Schrader. Harry Rachiele,
Guy V. Ida, Bart Dattola. Harry and Norman
Fleishman, Lou Kaufman. Bill Weiss, Rudy
Navari. Joe and Gil Gellman. Abe Joseph.
Bob McCalmont. George Corcoran. Warren
Wurdock. Frank Panoplos, Joe Kosco. Speer
Marousis. Marlin Way, Sam GoiUd. Max Arnold.
Bill Blatt. Norman and Ray Mervis,
Hymie Goldberg. Dr. C. E. Herman, Charles
Herman, Carl Poke. Jake and Sid Soltz,
Israel Roth. Morris M. Finkel. Fred J. Herrington.
Laskey to 'Bells' Debut
PITTSBURGH— Jesse L. Laskey. observ-i
ing his 3&th anniversary in
the industry,
be here in connection with the opening of
"The Miracle of the Bells" March 27. Ac
companying him will be several film stars.j
Terry Turner. RKO exploitation chief, -v
here last week preparing for the event, and
returned this week with assistant Hi
Reiner. Morris E. Lefko. RKO manager, has:
booked numerous Easter season openings
the area for the excellent Laskey productio;
Exhibitor a Councilman
CONFLUENCE, PA.—Wendell Yeagley,. ex-j
GI local theatre operator, has been appointed
a new- member of the Confluence
borough coimcil, succeeding Joseph Barkley
resigned.
84
BOXOFTICE :
13, 194)

. . Douglas
Dream Girl Promotion
Staged in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Chakores-Wrtiuei- Theatres
is one of the three sponsoring organizations
in the Talent quest being conducted here
for a month to find Springfield's "Dream
Girl." Other sponsors are the Retail Merchants
council and the Springfield Civic
Theatre.
The young woman selected will play the
lead in "Dream Girl." to be staged by the
Civic Theatre in May. She will receive a
two-week trip to Hollywood and possible
screen test. Selection of the .winner will be
made on the stage of the Regent Theatre
April 12.
The Retail Merchants council will supply
the winner with a wardrobe and pay the expenses
of the trip to Hollywood. Chakeres-
Warner Theatres arranged for her to visit
Warner Bros, studios.
Application blanks have been made available
at all Chakeres-Warner Theatres and
also stores of members of the Retail Merchants
council.
M. H. Chakeres. city manager of Chakeres-
Warner Theatres, and David Sawyer, advertising
director for the theatres, are on the
committee conducting the Talent quest.
THEATRES NEED SOMETHING NEW!
Lccaz oi/aNY city, strte
IISTM TO wir'
Copyright 1947 by L.T.W. Co 336, Cambridge, Ohio. — It's a Game oi Skill.
RADIO RATINGS HAVE PROVEN
ITS TRUE AUDIENCE DEMAND
An audience participation game that will leave your patrons searching
for clues from one week to the next. While your Jack-Pot is Building to
bigger grosses!
Star Shooting One-Reeler
Pete Smith's one-reeler at Metro called
"Pest Control" will star Dave O'Brien and be
megged by David Barclay. It already is
under way.
: SPRINGFIELD
Toe Murphy, manager of the Murphy Theatre,
Chakeres unit in Wilmington, is back
on the job after a Florida vacation . . .
John Edwards, assistant manager of the
Fairborn in Fairfield; Jack Frazee, manager
of the Gloria and Lyric in Urbana. and
Grant Frazee, manager of the State in
Greenville, visited the home office of Chakeres
Theatres here last week.
"Midwestern Hay Kide," from radio station
WLW, has been booked for four performances
on the Fairbanks Theatre stage Saturday,
April 3. The group w'ill broadcast
over WLW and a national network from the
Fairbanks at 6:30 p. m.
Sheldon Gunsberg, advance agent for
"Henry V," was here supervising promotion
for the two-day showing of the film at the
Fairbanks. He visited Wilberforce. Antioch,
Cedarville and Wittenberg colleges, and arranged
a special price for students to see the
show .
Campbell, manager of the
new Fairborn Theatre, Chakeres unit at Fairfield-Osborn,
Ohio, resigned to join radio
station WCAR in Pontiac, Mich., as sales
manager. Campbell was with WJEL-WJEM
in Springfield before taking the manager's
job at the Fairborn.
Previously he had served
as manager of the Gloria, Chakeres unit in
Urbana, Ohio. John T. Edwards, manager of
the Midway Theatre, Chakeres unit in Fairfield,
will serve as manager of both the Midway
and Fairborn.
Members of the Warner club held a mystery
auction to raise money for the club's welfare
fund. A birthday party was held for
members whose birthdays are in March.
Young and Old, Everyone Gets Into the Act
No Cards, Pencils, Bookkeeping to Worry With in This New Game of
Skill, Thrills and Laughs.
'Wr'iie Today for the Day of the Week You Need
Those Seats Dusted
NOW OPERATING IN STATES WHERE OTHER GAMES
HAVE BEEN RULED OUT
With Your Contract You Get a Regular Monthly
Service to Present "Listen to Win"
• CONTACT THE FOLLOWING FRANCHISE AGENTS NOW •
Ohio, Kentucky Territory:
E. J. HAMMOND
1225 E. 81st St.
Cleveland 3, Ohio
Maryland, Virginia, Florida,
South and North Carolina
FRED DODGE
1702 St. Marys Street
Raleigh, N. C.
Illinois
Territory
CARL SALESKY
24001 Lake Shore Blvd.
Euclid 17. Ohio
Home Office
Listen To Win Co.
Box 336, Cambridge, Ohio
Texas. Louisiana. Alabama,
Mississippi
THE AUSLET CO.
218 So. Liberty St.
New Orleans 13, La.
Michigan, Penn.. N. Y.,
Wisconsin Territory
Open for Agents
Write
March 13, 1948

. . Word
. . H.
C L E V E L AND
lyjyer Fine, head of the Associated circuit,
and wife have returned from a Florida
vacation . . . Ditto the Henry Greenbergers
of the Community circuit . . .
Charles Fogle
of the MGM home office maintenance department
was a local visitor.
Sam Galanty, Columbia district manager,
and Oscar Ruby, local manager, had a conference
date in Pittsburgh one day last week.
But to make it. Galanty whose plane couldn't
land in Pittsburgh on account of weather
conditions, flew to Cleveland and took a
train back to Pittsburgh to meet Ruby, whom
he could just as well have met right here in
Cleveland . . . Nat Wolf. Warner zone manager,
was another weather casualty. In a
rush to get back to his desk from Texas,
where he was on vacation, he left by plane on
Monday, and reached Cleveland two days
later. His plane was grounded four times
during the trip.
Mrs. Milton Mooney, president of the newly
organized group of Variety Club wives, and
Mrs. Nat Baraoh. vice-president, will be
"queens for a day" at the first luncheon
meeting in the Variety clubhouse Tuesday
(16). The plan is to hold these meeting semi-
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO., INC.
M. H. FHITCHLE
Manager
23id and Payn* ATenua
Phone: FRospeet 6934
CLKVELJIND
Rickie Labowitch, secretary
monthly . .
of the Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibitors
Ass'n. left Saturday to vacation in Tampa,
Fla., several weeks . . . Bill Shartin's television
equipment at the Variety Club is drawing
crowds every Tuesday night. That's wtien
the wrestling matches are projected.
Visitors on the Kow were J. A. Beidler jr.
Toledo; Walter Steuve of Findlay and
of
Doc" Haywood of Wellington . L. Tracy
of the Temple Theatre, Willard, last week
received his discharge from Lakeside hospital.
He's home now and reportedly feeling
fine.
J. Knox Strachan, Warner Theatres publicity
director here, was in New York for a
meeting with home office officials on campaigns
for forthcoming Warner product . . .
The MGM exchange looks scrumptious, all
dressed up with new paint and lighting fixtures
. comes from Seattle that
Frank Drew, 20th-Fox branch manager there,
is making a slow but steady recovery from a
recent stroke.
Starting March 10, Keith's East 105th Street
Theatre is presenting a stage show in addition
to the screen attraction each Wednesday
night. Sidney Andorn, KGAR commentator,
is emcee and will present two weekly
winners on his Auditions Ambition radio contest,
plus four acts of vaudeville.
Ray Schraertz, 20th-Pox city salesman, won
the Variety Club Heart Fund Chrysler sedan.
Door prizes of $50 each were won by Mrs.
Jack Sogg, wife of the MGM branch manager;
M. B. Horwitz, general manager of the
Washington circuit, and Nat Marcus of the
H&J Beverage Co.
DRIVE-IN and THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
Drawings, specifications, blueprints to fit any expenditure
for the simplest to the most complex theatre.
(Drive-In Theatre construction done by the
ROSDIT CONSTRUCTION CO..
an atfiliale oi SHELDON THEATRE SUPPLIES)
* The NEW "12,000" DeVry Projectors and
Amplifiers
* DeVRY "In-A-Car" Speakers
* ALTEC LANSING Amplifiers and Speakers
* STRONG Rectifiers * NATIONAL Carbons
* NEUMADE Accessories * GOLDE Supplies
* TIFFIN Draperies and Scenery
* IRWIN Seats * STABILARC Generators
GENERAL Register Machines
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Office Phone: ADams 9644
1420 CANFIELD AVE.
Nights and Sundays: TAylor 7511
DAYTON, OfflO
37ih Chakeres House
Opens in Shelbyville
SHELBYVILLE, KY.—The newly constructed
Shelby Theatre, erected at a cost
of $250,000 by Chakeres Theatres of Springfield,
Ohio, opened here March 3 with special
dedication ceremonies. The theatre
stands on the site of the former Shelby Theatre,
which was destroyed by fire.
The Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce
handled the dedication program. Talks from
the stage were given by various CofC officials,
and state and city executives besides
theatre officials. On hand for the opening
ceremonies were Gene Lutes, district manager
for Chakeres in Kentucky, George
Bauer of Springfield, in charge of theatre
maintenance for Chakeres Theatres, and
who planned final stages of construction and
supervised all decorations for the Shelby: Joe
Collinson, president of Lobby Shops, Inc.,
and Frank Collins, general manager of
Chakeres Theatres.
Eric Hammel, former manager of the Winchester
Theatre for Chakeres in Winchester,
Ky., has been named manager of the Shelby.
He also will supervise operations of the
Burley, another Chakeres unit in Shelbyville.
The Shelby will operate under a continuous
policy, while the Burley will be open only on
weekends. Previously the Burley was open
daily.
Special tribute was paid Phil Chakeres,
president of the circuit, at the opening ceremonies.
He now is in Florida and was unable
to attend.
The Shelby is the 37th theatre in the
Chakeres chain. It is a two-story brick
building and seats 1,000 persons, with balcony
seating. The theatre is air conditioned,
has International spring up seats, RCA
sound and Motiograph mechanisms.
^
IIUIIIIAII^
imincnisiniii'
125 HYDE

. wk
: March
. . . Jerry
. . Ben
. . Sam
. . John
.
Delroil Grosses Rise
As New Films Bow
DETROIT—Weekend trade showed a very
lice pickup last week, accounting for a mild
^tlmulus to the total figures. Some new fare.
ilus good exploitation, helped the trade. Deil
for week ending March 4:
(Average is 100)
3—Cass Timberlane (MGM), 2iid wk
l^^'ay Capitol—Sundown (UA); Foreign
135
(UA), reissues Coirespondent
-la—Midnight in Paris (French);
90
Revenge (Dislinguished Films) 9b
n-own— Gone With the Wind (MGM), reissue,
75
Call Norlhside 777 Cdtl, Fixi 125
ite—T-Men (EL); Lii
The Fla 145
Three Topflight Pictures
Take Cream in Cleveland
CLEVELAND — Three new pictures piled
up big grosses in spite of a rainy opening
day. They were "The Bishop's Wife" at the
Allen, "Call Northside 777" at the Palace and
"Gentleman's Agreement" at the Hippodrome.
General lack of interest was revived with a
bang with the showing of these pictures,
proving that neither weather nor apathy
will keep patrons away from good pictures.
Allen—The Bishop's Wile iRKO) ._ 140
Hippodromi^Gentleman's Agreement (20th-Fox),.13Q
Lake—The Voice oi the Turtle (WB),
d. t,
V
3rd wk 118
Lower Mall—Henry 2nd run,
roadshow 115
Sland-In (M^. •-.:-. 100
Palace—Call Northside 777 135
State—High Wall \:'T: 75
Stillman—Three Daring Daughters (MGM),
d. t. 2nd wk 90
All Cincinnati Programs
Held for Another Week
CINCINNATI—With two exceptions, downtown
theatres enjoyed satisfactory business
last week, with the over-all pictiu-e showing
a general improvement. All of the new fare
remained for additional playing time, with
the exception of the two reissues at the Lyric.
"Gentleman's Agreement" remained for a
fourth week at the Giand
1
i
'
Albee—Call Northside 777
Capitol—Three Darmg Daughters
nth F
"V
170
140
Grand—Gentleman s Agreement ' F
3rd d. wk no
t.
Keiths—Secret Beyond the Door ' l 65
Lyric—The Black Cat ' Black Friday
'Daughters' and T-Men' Tops;
Holdovers Clutter Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH—"Three Daring Daughters"
and "T-Men" were the best grossers in the
Golden Triangle.
Fulton-The Bishop's Wife (RKO), 3rd wk 110
Harris-Relentless (Col) 90
Penn—Three Daring Daughters (MGM)
IIC
Ritz—Cass Timberlane (MGM), 4th d t, wk 60
Senator—A Slight Case oi Murder CiVB) I Am a
Fugitive From a Chain Gang (WB), reissues . 85
Stanley—T-Men (EL) - 105
Warner—The Voice ol the Turtle (WB),
3rd d t wk 75
CJNCINNATI
garto VV. Cook and Ed Payne of Dayton expect
to open their new 450-car Moonlight
Drive-In at Chillicothe in April . . . Lester
Rosenfeld, Charleston. W. 'Va.. who has been
vacationing in Florida and Cuba for seven
weeks, expects to return home early in April.
The activities committee of the Variety
Club has arranged for Jules Sien of the Sien
dancing studio to give free rumba lessons on
Saturday nights following the gin rummy
tournament. Saturday night guests of the
club will also be entertained in the barroom
by Lola Smith, who plays the piano and sings.
J. J. Grady, former 20th Century-Fox district
manager, has been appointed local manager.
Walter Wiens will head the Denver
branch.
Mrs. E. Smith of Belle, W. Va., died after
a short illness. She was the mother of Ethel
Helwig, Charleston, and had been active with
her husband in the operation of the Belle
Theatre, which is part of the Mountain State
circuit . . . Peter Rosian, U-I district manager,
after spending several weeks in the Atlanta
exchange, made a quick trip to Miami
on business.
West Virginia exhibitors making the rounds
of the exchanges: Mannie and Louie Shor of
War, Holden and Williamson; Don Keesling
and Goode Homes, of the Newbold circuit, and
Paul Hollen, Alpine circuit.
Virgil Jackson, Columbus, was at the exchanges
here for the first time in six years.
Jackson served in the Far East during the
last war . . . Irene Meek, former booker for
Theatre Owners Corp., has assumed a similar
position for Popular Pictures, of which
Lee Goldberg is the head. Donald Duff, who
had been handling the booking, will devote
his time to selling on the road.
Milton E. Cohen, district manager for RKO,
was here for a day . Oshry. former
Cincinnatian who had been salesman for
U-I in Indianapolis, has been appointed as
sales manager at Atlanta. Oshry. and his
wife Pat dropped in to visit friends here on
their way to their new home in Atlanta.
G. C. "Spotsy" Porter, Beckley. W. Va., was
on the Row the first time in many months
Jackson jr.. of Williamsbuig, Ohio,
expects to open his nejv Starlight Drive-In at
Amelia in June . Fish of Samuel
Goldwyn Productions conferred with Manager
Stan Jacques at RKO . Hewitt,
Bethel and West Union, Ohio, returned from
a month's stay in Florida.
Planning o Drive-In?
Use the
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MOVIES
SYSTEM
We furnish your construction plans with
licensure under Patent App. 7179.
Write or Wire
MOONLIGHT MOVIES SYSTEM
342 Bussey St.
San Bernardino,
Calii.
M. B. HORWITZ— President and
General Manager,Washington Theatre
Circuit, Cleveland, Ohio— says:
"For more than 10 years RCA
Service has greatly aided us
in satisfying our patrons with
good sound."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
COMPLETE EQUIPMENT for THEATRES and DRIVE-INS
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY LOWEST PRICES
IN-THE-CAB SPEAKER SYSTEMS
New exclusive arrangement gua
excellent reproduction
STRONG PROIECTION LAMPS
Includiiig the sensational n<
7? Mogul
Mother of M. B. Horwitz
Dies as Result of Fall
CLEVELAND—The mother of M. B. Horwitz,
general manager of the Washington circuit,
died recently as the result of a fall. She
was about 80 years old. Also surviving are
another son. Dr. S. L. Robbins, and two
daughters, Mrs. Jeanette Friedbei-g and Mrs.
CENTURY PROJECTORS and SOtWD IDEAL CHAJRS .
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Phone: SUperii
Including
the
Bessie Finesilver.
BOXOFHCE ;
13, 1948
87

. . . Sydney
. . . Uniontown
. . The.
. . Filnu'ow
. . . Fred
. . . The
Tom
. . Ben
. . George
. . Sympathy
. . David
. . Milton
. . Mrs.
. .
. .
. .
'
PITTSBURGH
lyjr. and Mrs. Charles Blatt of the Blatt
circuit are vacationing at Sarasota, Fla.
Here wc are at 245 W. 55TH ST.
StoUer, Eagle Lion traveling auditor,
has replaced Aaron "Twig" Rosensweig,
Ready to serve you with
mv/ finest special onnouncemcnt trailers.
resigned, as salesman here. "Twig," a local
rORK
PHONE I' you haven't tried Tilmack s
lawyer, entered the film business last year
PLAZA quality and rapid service, send us to determine whether he desired a legal
7-3809 your next order and be agreeably career or whether the motion pictui'e industry
would be his futm-e field . . . Alan
surprised.
Wieder. RKO exploiteer, is bi:sy on Easter
I 245 WIST IF II.M aCKy,„, season area premieres for "The Miracle of
wwosh.l
the Bells."
John D. Nagy, Rural Valley, Pa., exhibitor,
has been elected a borough councilman
to serve a four-year term. For 17 years he
has been operating a special bus to bring
his patrons to and from the theatre. The
bus covers three routes each evening, totaling
56 miles daily. The service is free to theatre
patrons.
Mr. and Mrs. Herb Joseph of the Triangle,
East Liberty, are vacationing in Miami.
Herb's mother has been there for several
weeks . "lit up" this week with
installation of new fluorescent fixtures at the
Superior and Atlas Theatre Supply, American
Poster, Monogram office, and at the
of foot the stairs to the Allied office ... A
modern $150,000 recreation center with stadium,
swimming pool, baseball field, etc.,
on 22 acres of land, will be a special project
at Windber.
.
Tom Bello, Nanty Glo, again is district
chairman for the Red Cross drive . . . Burgettstown
has imposed a 2-mill mercantile
tax Al Marsicos were hosts at the
March 5 family night party in the Variety
Club. The committee for the socials include
Bill Finkel. chairman; George Held, vicechairman;
James Hendel, Norman Mervis,
Wally Allen, Carl Dozer and Sammy Speranza.
. .
Raymond and Alex Showe are moving
their Theatre Candy Company office
from 1701 Blvd. of the Allies to the Screen
Guild Bldg.. 415 Van Braam St. . Acme-
Franklin office, 70 Van Braam. has doubled
space, having rented the entire second floor
council unanimously adopted
daylight saving time for six months commencing
March 28 and ending September 26.
units, the Kayton and Orpheum, Franklin,
have enrolled as members of Allied MPTO
of 'Western Pennsylvania. These theatres
are managed by Houghton's son-in-law, Ray
Woodard . Fish, brother of Sam Goldwyn
and a Goldwyn executive, was a visitor
at the local RKO exchange . Samuels,
former city exhibitor, now ha.s the
checking concession at Mercur's music bar.
Mr. and Mrs. William Weiss, McKeesport,
returned from Miami and Bill's parents, the
Joseph 'Weisses, are now on vacation there
A. Beedle. Canonsburg, was unable
to preside at the Allied meeting Friday afternoon
last week, due to a death in Mrs. Beedle's
fanrily . . . Bob McCalmont of the Rialto,
Brownsville road, was bedded for nearly two
weeks with the flu.
Russ and Dotty Zebra are to be visited by
the stork. Russ is the Monogram booker and
Dotty is a former Filmrow employe .
Meyersdale has clamped on a 10 p. m. curfew
for youths under 16 . . . 'Warners' Harris,
Donora, presented an amateur- stage Show
March 9 . . . Menlo, Charleroi. offered the
first chapter of a serial, an action feature
and a western last weekend and presented a
comic book to each child in attendance .
The city of Butler will build a $150,000 municipal
swimming pool on Miller street . . .
Andly Askomies. Monessen, follows the radio
soap operas during his afternoon rest period
Michael Manoses, Greensburg, are enjoying
a vacation m Florida.
Louis E. Hanna jr., 4-year-old son of Lou
and Roberta Hanna, is to have a brother or a
sister . . . Lewis V. Hepinger, Clarion's pioneer
showman, is departing for a vacation in Mexico
.. . McCleary, RCA products district
manager, was here on business .
Mrs. Esther Com-ad was visiting a son in
Johnstown and had stopped at the top of a
flight of stairs when a grandchild called to
her. She turned and tumbled down the stairs,
suffering a broken arm and other painful
injuries. The wife of Lee M. Conrad, Meaciville
manager, she is recuperating in the Lee
hospital, Johnstown , to Sam
Fessina, projectionist at the Grand, McDonald,
whose mother died Thursday morning
last
week.
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
106 Michigan SI. N. W.
GRAND RAPIDS 2, MICH,
John "Cue Stick" Perry, Belle Vernon's
fighting bm-gess, hotel proprietor and exhibitor,
continues active in political and sports
circles . . . Newt 'Williams, National Theatre
Supply manager, was in the West Virginia
territoi-y. The Mountain State was his sales
field for a quarter of a centlU'y . . . C. 'W.
Dickinson, BrownsvUle exhibitor, is back on
the job after vacationing in Mexico.
Len Houghton and Paul McKay's Ka^on
Md Can Now Show You The
NEW 1948 "£f^CO/ir & "AIRHO'
HEYWOODWAKEFIELD THEATRE CHAIRS
Call or Write
14021 Greenviow Road
Detroit 23. Mich.
Phone: VEnnont 7-3165
(Your H-W representative
ior Michigan. Indiana
and N. W. Ohio)
Sam Fineberg of Alexander Theatre Supply
flew to Phoenix to visit his wife Freda
and sons Jay and Roimie, and to celebrate
their 27th wedding anniversary March 6 . . .
Nick Notopoulos is remodeling the State,
Bellwood . C. Davis, tristate circuit
exhibitor recently released from the hospital,
was staying- at the Roosevelt hotel
here while his wife was ill at Allegheny
General hospital.
Harold Tinker is observing his silver anniversary
with RKO and its predecessor company,
old Pathe. The RKO shipper is the
father of nine children . Leff, UA
manager here until recently, assumed UA
sales duties this week at Buffalo, his former
stamping ground. Left's manager is
Jimmy Winn, his former district manager,
who has regained his health after stiffering
a breakdown several years ago . Prank
Fairgraves, wife of the Erie exhibitor, has
returned to her home from a hospital.
Bill Nidetch, Claysbiu-g exhibitor, who with
with members of his family was injured in
an auto accident several months ago, was
BOXOFFICE :: March 13, 1948

. . . Fred
. . Stanley
: March
. . The
. .
. . . Mrs.
in another collision in which his new car was
Eddie Hileman jr., son of the former theatre
manager in Clairton, and Joyce Ancarana
were married Marcn 7 ... Eli Kaufman has
withdrawn from the theatre premium-games
sales field . . . R. O. Fredley has withdrawn
from the management of the drive-ins operated
by Dr. R. B. Herrick in New Castle and
Butler. He will manage an outdoor theatre
out of this area . . . Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Anderson of the Alpine circuit are in Florida
. . . John Wincek and Albert R. Tate's Super
51 drive-in near Beaver, which will be ready
for opening within two months, has been renamed
Highway 51 drive-in.
M. A. Rosenberg appeared on a better traffic
radio program on KQV Saturday night
last week and following an interview participated
in a quiz competition. He was a winner,
too, carrying out a pen set, $2.50 in cash
and two tickets for the J. P. Harris Theatre.
Mrs. Robert Lynch, wife of the Warner
salesman, who underwent a major operation
in Grove City hospital, has returned to her
home in HarrisviUe . Bob Leibers,
Braddock and Rankin exhibitors, returned
from Miami . J. Kann and Harry
Kodinsky wei'e hosts at the March 12 family
night get-together in the Variety Club .
Bob Hornick, managing the two theatres in
South Pork; has closed the Palace on Monday
and Tuesday.
The Ted Laskeys are parents cf a second
daughter, Elaine, born in Uniontown hospital
February 29 ... J. S. Cangney, sales manager
for Lima Speaker, Inc., was here this week
from Lima, Ohio . . . Eagle Lion will produce
a feature picture which will tell the story
of the Steubenville vice crusade . . . Mrs.
Tillie Garrity of the Warner exchange was
. . . Sam
.
to undergo a major operation this week in St.
John's hospital.
A second daughter was born a week ago
in MoMtefiore hospital to the Al Singers.
Papa manages Warners' Plaza
Shapin, in charge of exchange operations
for Warners, was a local visitor . . Rabbi
Sidney Akeslrad of Detroit, son of the former
McKees Rocks exhibitor, will marry
Catherine Cohen of Rochester, N. Y., in June
LaBelle, Warner circuit's local
persomiel manager, suffering with penicillin
is poisoning, recuperating in West Penn
hospital.
Bob Gibson, who managed Cuppie's diivein
theatre in Centerville last season, has been
named manager of the Strand, Brownsville,
owned by Mrs. Mary Laskey . . . Beatrice
Corcoran, daughter of George J. Corcoran,
Allied MPTO director, appeared in a leading
role in the Uniontown high school operetta.
COLUMBUS
.
. ,
Alexander Theatre Supply has sold complete
new RCA booth equipment to the
Theatres here
Alpine circuit for theatres in Berkeley
have been victims in
Springs,
a crime
Alderson and Salinesville . . Playhouses
wave. Following the boxoffice holdup of
April show will be "Years Ago" Columbia Neth's Eastern, in which gunmen escaped
.
staged a regional session here last week with
with $170, the Avondale was burglarized by
who Sam Galanty, district manager, Washington,
thieves entered via a coal chute and
escaped with $300. according to Manager
presiding. Branch managers in
ance were Allan Moritz, Cincinnati;
attend-
Oscar Ben Nichols. A prowler who attempted to
Ruby, Cleveland, and Arthur H, Levy, Pittsburgh.
break into Neth's Cameo was frightened awny
John Kendrick, by special officer. Four
suspects in the Eastern robbery have confes.sed.
Harry Brown, pioneer showman, is vacationing
in Florida. Brown, father of Cliff, the
Kane exhibitor, first exhibited pictures in Resignation of Robert Little, manager nl
Kane in 1905 . . Keith Chambers, Parsons, the Esquire, to join Hygienic Productions has
.
W. Va., exliibitor, is home recuperating after caused several managerial shifts in the
an operation while his wife has gone to a
pneumonia.
Academy circuit. William Clifford, manager
hospital with of the Westmont, has succeeded Little. Jack
Houbler, manager of the Cleve. has shifted
to the Westmont and Ralph DennLson has
become manager of the Cleve.
John Pekras, retired owner of the old
Dreamland. High Street theatre landmark
in the silent days, left an estate valued at
$176,918, according to an inventory filed in
probate court. Pekras died last December 1.
Bulk of the estate was left to Mrs. Pekras.
His son Theodore, local theatreman, was left
$5,000.
Little Jack Little subbed for Joe Howard,
composer of "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her
Now," who was unable to appear on the
Palace stage due to illness ... J. Real Neth
is back at his desk after a two-week illness
John Hardgrove and her two
youngsters, Gracie and Jamie, have been
vacationing in California. Mrs. Hardgrove
wrote her husband, supervisor of Academy
theatres, that 6-year-old Gracie has become
a confirmed Roy Rogers fan after meeting
the cowboy star and wants chaps and guns
for playthings instead of dolls. Two-yearold
Jamie wanted to meet Donald Duck, so
Daddy Hardgrove is getting a duck and will
have it in the yard when Jamie comes home.
P. J. Wood, secretary of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Ohio, is recuperating in
Florida from a recent illness ... An ordinance
proposing a ban on smoking in retail
stores, theatres, passenger elevators and
places of assembly was held over for the
third week for additional study in the city
council at the request of Council Pi-esident
Joseph R. Jones and Councilman Walter R.
Snider. It is sponsored by the fire department.
Smoking now is banned in theatre
auditoriums by state law. Tlie new ordinance
would prohibit smoking throughout theatres
excepting smoking rooms.
Theatres here have been placed in type C
in the new rezoning ordinance amendment
which establishes four types instead of the
.single type in effect for the last 25 years.
Theatres are classified with auto parks, barber
and beauty shops, billboard and advertising
signs, fish markets, ice houses, motor
bus terminals and sanitariums.
The Michigan Alumni Ass'n has temporarily
into gone exhibition business. Public
showing of color movies of the Rose Bowl
game between Michigan and Southern California
W'as held at the Southern hotel ballroom.
The film also was shown to 2,100
inmates of Ohio penitentiary . . . Col. Bob
French, former Columbus radio and newspaperman,
is back in town to work for the
newly licensed Gustav Hirsch PM station,
WVKO, here.
Altec Installations
DETROIT The following installations
have been completed by Altec Service Corp.,
according to F. C. Dickely, district manager:
Mecca Theatre. Litchfield, universal base;
Park Theatre, Montague, William Thleman,
Motiograph sound equipment, and Woods
Theatre, Grosse Polnte, Simplex sound system.
WE PREFER
SMART ENTERTAINMENT
That you investigate thoroughly the
character of any Premium Concern ofiering
to solicit your neighborhood merchants
on giveaways.
Too bad we have to make this sugges-
NATIONAL THEATRE ADVERTISING CO.
Max U
RAYMOND ALLISON — Uivoli
and Hollywood theatre circuits, Central
Pennsylvania—says:
"Prior to installation of RCA
equipment in all my theatres,
headaches were plenty. RCA
solved all my troubles. In
our opinion RCA is tops in
service."
To get the benefits of RCA.Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Camden, New Jersey.
Adv.
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

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Magazine Subscriptions
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DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Location includes bathing beach and ye
JOEL
Deti
JOSEPHSON
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TR 1-5477
Looking For Film Row Contacts?
Office or desk space available,
personal representation.
Box 1005
1009 Fox BIdg., Detroit 1, Mich.
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1, Mich.
Phone CAdillac 1122

: March
2nd
;'''..'
. . The
. . The
. .
Four New Theatres
Seen for Worcester
WORCESTER. MASS.— If and when the
federal government removes its postwar ban
iin construction of theatres, four new ones
iuc promised this city. That would give
Worcester 16 film houses.
E. M. Loew of Boston has blueprints
drawn for the neighborhood theatre on
Grafton Hill and only the building priorities
are holding him back. Loew also is anxious
to build a downtown theatre. He has bought
land on High street for this purpose, but is
reported anxious to purchase more before he
goes ahead with his plans. This theatre
would have an entrance on Main.
A third pictui-e house would be in the
building to be erected at Southbridge and
Cambridge streets and a fourth in the development
just started on upper Lincoln street.
Eventually it is expected there will be 350
new home units there.
Southbridge and Pramingham are among
the nearby commimities that expect erection
of new theatres.
Tony Boscardine Opens
House in Dover Plains
CANAAN. CONN. — Tony Boscardine,
operator of the Colonial, Canaan, Conn., began
interstate operations when he opened his
725-seat Dover Theatre, Dover Plains, N. Y.,
March 3. The Colonial-type building has a
modern, attractive interior, with latest type
equipment. National Theatre Supply Co. of
New Haven, under the supervision of William
Hutchins, installed carpet. Simplex projection
and sound, the screen, and other
equipment. The seats are Heywood-Wakefield.
Frank Knickerbocker, son-in-law of
Boscardine. will manage the house.
Michael McAndrew to the
Strand in Springfield
HOLYOKE, MASS.—Michael McAndrew.
assistant manager at the Suffolk Theatre
here under Manager Paul Kessler, has been
promoted to the position of manager of the
Strand in Springfield. Both theatres are
owned and operated by Herman Rifkin.
McAndrew received his training at the Suffolk
under the provisions of the G.I. bill of
rights on-the-job training program.
4 Arbitrator Selected
NEW HAVEN—Fleming James, professor
of the Yale law school, has been agreed upon
as arbitrator of the clearance complaint
against the major distributors of the State
Theatre, Springfield, Conn. No date has been
set for the hearing. Secretary OUver Bishop
of the Connecticut AAA board reports a late
March hearing may be held for the West
Side Amusement Co.'s complaint against the
majors, in which relief is sought for the
Barnum, Bridgeport.
Intermissions at Webb
HARTFORD—Jim Farrell. manager of the
suburban Webb Playhouse, has scheduled
brief intermissions following the main feature
nightly to enable patrons to visit restrooms
or candy snack bar. according to Farrell.
The Webb runs weekday evenings only,
with matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
New Haven Leaders Meet,
Talk Over Foundation
NEW HAVEN—The first organizational
meeting of the general committee of the Motion
Picture Foundation was scheduled here
March 12, with Carl Goe, Warner manager,
as chairman. Dr. J. B. Fishman, trustee,
who has attended national meetings on the
Foundation, will give his report. Other key
men here included Harry L. Lavetes, alternate
trustee, Lou Brown, publicity chief, and
an area committee consisting of Max Salzburg,
Ben Simon, Henry Germaine. Arthur
Greenfield, Harry Rosenblatt, B. E. Hoffman,
Harry Shaw, Jim Darby, Morris Jacobson,
Barney Pitkin, Henry Needles, Maurice Bailey,
Walter Murphy, John Scanlon, Peter Perakos,
Leon Jakubson. Matthew Kennedy, Freda
Swirsky, Samuel Zipkin, James Bracken, Russell
Barrett, Daniel Pouzzner.
Hub Snarled Again
By Heavy Snowfall
BOSTON—The worst blizzard of the season,
bringing several more feet of snow, arrived
March 2 and crippled transportation
once more. The weekend before, however,
was a good one, with nice returns at the boxoffice.
"Call Northside 777" at the Metropolitan
was the standout.
(Av 0)
Astor—The Bishop's Wile (RKO), 10th wk.
Boston Green For Danger (EL), plus stage show
Exeter Street—The Upturned Glass (U-!); One
Our Aircraft Is Missing dlAV reissno 3rd wlc
Kenn
5pt,
"ial—Night Song 1- , Fighting Ma(
(Mono), 2n'i .-, k
Melropolitar.— Call Northside 777 i_Uth-Fox)
Paramount and Fenway—Saigon (Para);
Let's Live Again (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t. wk.
State and Orpheum Three Daring Daught
(MGM); The Wreck of the Hesperus (Co
"Body and Soul' Holds Over
At the Roger Sherman
NEW HAVEN— -Body and Soul," dualed
with "Stork Bites Man," did fine business at
the Roger Sherman and stayed on for a repeat
week. The Loew Poll bill, "To the Ends
of the Earth" and "Son of Rusty," moved
over to the College. A week's vacation in the
public schools helped midweek takes, but bad
weather, with rain and sleet, halted business
at the end of the week's runs. Detail for the
week ended March 3:
Bijou—Cass Timberlane (MGM); Campus Honeymoon
(Rep) , d t wk 90
College—Gentleman's Agreement (20th-Fox);
Philo Vance's Secret Mission (EL), 3rd wk 96
Loew Poll—To the Ends of the Earth (Col);
The Son of Rusty (Col) 108
Paramount—Saigon (Para), Gas House Kids
in Hollywood (EL), 2nd wk 90
" ady and Soul '""'
Stork Man (UA) (Ua;
"Gentleman's Agreement' Hits
225 in Hartford Opener
HARTFORD—Newcomers included "Gentleman's
Agreement." "If You Knew Susie"
and "Albuquerque."
Allyn—Albuqueque (Para), The Flame iHejl lU
E M. Loews—Relentless (Col Two Blondes and
(Col), Redhead 3rd wk a UX
Loew's Poll Gentleman's Agreement i.'Mthfjx)
The Challenge
^czlace—Cass Timberlane
(20th-Fox)
(MGM)
wk. Devil Ship (Col). 3rd
Regal—The Voice of the Turtle (WB), 3rd wk
9(
it
of Stale—Docks New Orleans (Mono),
plus
Providence Empire
To Wreckers Soon
PROVIDEInv^c, R. I.— Providence's oldest
theatre, the Empire, reached the end of a
colorful career last week when the curtain
came down on the final motion picture showing.
The building at 260 Westminster St. Is to
be razed to make way for a department
store. Wreckers are scheduled to take over
about April 1.
The theatre was opened 70 years ago March
4, 1878, as Loew's Grand Opera Hou.se. with
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" as the first attraction.
Since then it has been called the Gaiety.
Keith's, the Victory and finally the Empire.
About every type of theatrical entertainment
has been presented in the old theatre.
Once it scored a triumph over its chief competitor,
the Opera House, by bringing Henry
Irving, famoiLs British actor, to Providence.
It also has housed such attractions as Bob
Inger-soll's lectures, performances of the Boston
Museum stock company, vaudeville, burlesque
and a dime museum. The theatre was
the first home of the Albee stock company,
which was popular for many years and started
many actors on the road to fame.
The house has been admired through the
years for its paintings and ornate decorations,
but little remains today to indicate its
long and colorful past.
Just before the war t)he theatre was in the
news when 26 children were injured in a
stampede for the balcony exits after a false
alarm of fire.
FALL RIVER
Deginning^ March 8 and for seven consecutive
Monday nights, amateur shows will be
featured at the Empire by William S. Canning,
manager. The shows will be conducted
in two series of seven Mondays, each
with the later series open only to contestants
in the first series. The performances will
be in charge of Billy Jackson's Vaudeville
Co.
of
Ernest Israel, assistant to Nathan Yamms
at his Boston offiore, recently inspected
Yamins houses here . . . Following a long
established custom, all local theatres will
close Good Friday . Capitol marquee
was heavily damaged when struck by the
roof of the van of a large truck.
.
•
Work is progressing on the remodeling of
the Strand, a Yamins house. All seats have
been removed from the balcony and loges,
Shows will be halted this spring for the
major renovations in the auditorium
William S. Canning spoke at the recent annual
dinner of the Fall River Burns club.
He also was master of ceremonies at the
opening campaign dinner of the Fall River
Music Assn .
Royal, a suburban house,
collected $104.14 in March of Dimes donations.
Fisher Zeitz of the Zeitz Theatres drove
back from Miami Beach to New Bedford
after two weeks there . . . Nathan Yamins
visited here upon his return from Miami
Beach, where he was wintering with Mrs.
Yamins. Following a visit with Speaker Joseph
W. Martin jr., in Washington. Yamins
returned to Miami Beach.
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948
NE
91

. . John
. . Jerry
: March
. .
'
BOSTON
Three new student managers being trained
under the G.I. bill of rights were assigned
last week by Interstate Theatres. John A.
Garsin jr. is training at the Randolph in
Randolph under the direction of Mrs. Doris
Brady, who is pinchhitting for her husband
Ed Brady, confined at the Deaconess hospital.
At the Colonial in Brackton, James
H. Godsill is training under Manager Jack
O'Leary, and at the State in Millford. Dick
Phillips is a student under Manager Dick
Phillips.
The Boston Moving Picture Machine
Operators union voted to purchase the threestory
and basement property at 45 Winchester
St. for offices and headquarters. The
lease on the present quarters of the imion
expires April 30. No structural changes or
decorations need to be done on the new site,
union officials said. The entire downstairs
floor will for be the use of the members
while the offices of the executive board and
another office for Walter Diehl, business
representative, will be on the second floor.
At the present time no plans have been
made for use of the third floor space.
The Empire Theatre, Providence, operated
by the Snider circuit, closed March 3. The
be razed to make way for a
property will
new W. T. Grant store. Cola Giovana, manager,
has gone over to the Strand in the
same city, operated by Ed Reed . .
Jack
district Shea, manager of the Jamestown
circuit, was in town for meetings with his
managers from Manchester and Nashua, N.
H., and Amherst and Westfield, Mass.
Paul Blackmer is the new assistant manager
at the Suffolk in Holyoke, operated by
the Rifkin circuit. A graduate of Norwich
university and Emanuel college, he will work
under Paul Kessler, manager . . .
Henry
Needles, Hartford district manager for the
Warner circuit, was in town . . .
Frank Lydon
of the Hamilton, Dorchester, is at home under
the doctor's care for a rest.
Robert Kurson, field manager of the
Graphic circuit, will be married April 10
at Shen-y's in New York City to Elyse Nussenfeld
of Fairfield, Conn., who recently
graduated from Jackson college, Medford.
After a wedding trip to California, the young
couple will reside in Boston, where Kurson
will continue his duties with Graphic. He is
the youngest of the three Kurson brothers.
lumbia, was in town two weeks working with
Joe DiPesa on "To the Ends of the Earth,"
which opened at Loew's State and Orpheum
. . . Bill Powell, well known figure in the district,
is at the Home of Mercy hospital, Rttsfield.
He has been connected with the
Western Massachusetts circuit and the Rifkin
circuit and is at present in the phono- -
graph record tie-in business.
Arthur Goldstein, Maine district manager
for the Snider circuit, played a sneak preview
at the Strand, Portland, which was
literally a sneak preview. He obtained a
print of "To the Ends of the Earth" from
Columbia and locked it in his safe. Not even
the manager of the theatre, Samuel Feldman,
knew the title of the picture. The preview
was held on the holiday eve of February
22 and proved a great success.
.
Fred Astaire supervised the opening of
his new dancing studio at Tremont and
Bosworth streets. He signed a lease with
Fred Lieberman, theatre and real estate
operator Cooney, Union Square,
Pittsfield, arrived in town for one of his
rare visits, sporting a new coat of tan acquired
on his annual vacation in Florida . . .
Mrs. Doris Mollica, Opera House, Lebanon,
N. H., was in town booking at Metro .
Arthur Viano of the Somerville. Broadway
and Teal Square theatres. Somerville, was
due back from Florida . . . Mr. and Mrs.
Louis Stern of Stern Enterprises have returned
from the sunny south looking as
brown as berries.
Bill Shirley, field representative for Coit
wiU p

. . . Samuel
: March
. . John
. . Bushnell
, . Mr.
. . Meadow
. . Dave
, , Opera
, , Meadow
. . Molly
, , A
. .
, , Bob
. . For
Graphic's Regal in Franklin. N. H.. where
he came in under the G.I. training program
Kurson. head of Graphic, and
hi.s son Kemieth. in charge of concessions,
were in Maine last fortnight on routine
business.
The first sneak preview ever held at the
Metropolitan Theatre took place on March
3 when the huge house was jammed to see
20tht-Fox's "Sitting Pretty," which went on
at 8:20, playing the same bill with "Call
Northside 777." The crowds lined up at 6
]i m. and there were nearly 400 customers
u lio could not gain admission. Tliis is the
second time in a week that there has been
:i sneak preview in a downtown theatre,
L.iew's State played "The Bride Goes Wild"
on the previous Friday and drew large and
. enthusiastic crowds Good, booker
at Paramount, has called to jury duty
been
for six
weeks.
Contracts have been signed with Local
182, MPMO, by all the major circuits covering
the two year period from Sept. 1, 1947,
to Sept, 1, 1949, These circuit contracts are
in line with those made in December by the
M&P Theatres, which granted wage increases
to the booth men,
'Expendable' Rusty Ryan
Gets $3,000 From WB
BOSTON—Damages of $3,000 were awarded
to Cmdr, Robert B. Kelly by Judge Charles
E, Wyzanski jr, in a $500,000 libel suit against
Loew's. Inc., producers of "They Were Expendable."
Kelly alleged he was held up to
ridicule and his reputation was injured
among his fellow officers by the portrayal
given of him as Rusty Ryan in the picture.
He is now an instructor at AnnapoUs Naval
academy.
Judge Wyzanski ruled that while the portrayal
given Kelly did not injure his reputation
among the general public, it did hurt
him in his standing among naval officers and
cau.sed him mental distress.
"Viewed from the professional aspect," the
judge wrote. "Rusty Ryan may be a hard
fighter of noble character but he does not
measure up to the "regulation' model of a
good officer. Since the only elements of damage
proved related to di loss of reputation
among naval officers who attended showings
of the film and (2) mental disturbance, the
recovery cannot be of large proportions."
Couple Feted in Boston
In 'Turtle' Exploitation
BOSTON—The winners of the "blind date"
contest held in connection with the showing
of "The 'Voice of the Turtle" in Lawrence,
were the guests of the Hotel Touraine here
for a busy weekend. The couple were Mr.
and Mi-s, St, Hilaire of North Andover, Mass,
Their picture was sketched by Mabry. famous
caricaturist and they received countless gifts,
including a firr coat and wristwatch for Mrs,
St. Hilaire and a complete wardrobe for her
husband. Their weekend included attendance
at the Ice Follies and a guest appearance
on Sherm Feller's Club Midnite program.
NEW HAVEN
Exchanges started shutting down Saturdays,
except for a shipper and nonunion staff
members, as of last Saturday, under the new
union contracts . St. is buzzing with
rumors that Dan Finn. Warner publicity
chief for the zone here for more than 20 years,
will go to Boston to join B&Q Theatres staff,
and that Bert Jacocks resigned from his Boston
post . . . Jack M. Warner, -son of Jack L.
Warner, production executive, was in from
New York on his personal survey of theatre
operation and film distribution.
Six Columbia pictures played New Haven
first runs .simultaneously at the Shubert. Bijou
and College during the week of March 4,
Tim O'Toole proudly points out , charity
project of the Variety Club is almost ready
for announcement , tickets for "La
Boheme" at the Poll March 30 at $3,60 to $7,20
are selling fast and the event looks like a
sellout well in advance , Street
was pleased to see Mike Tomas of the Victory
and White Way back in the groove after a
serious back operation and many weeks of
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948
recuperation.
Harold Rubin, head of Jolly Sales, dealing
in popcorn boxes exclusively to theatre trade, Among: the friends celebrating the Harry
has formed a new company called Globe Shaws' 24th wedding anniversary with them
Premiums, which is handling an ovenware at the Waverly Inn last Sunday were the
deal. The Globe Company is operating from Harry Rosenblatts and Lou Browns, and
the same address as Jolly.
many outside of film circles . Rosenthal,
wife of Morris, of the Loew Poll here,
has been confined to her home with a complicated
flu germ. Bob Elliano, of Walnut
Beach, is tan and rested after a short vacation
in Miami . Kaufman, Loew Poll
artist, is back from skiiing at Lake Placid
with all limbs present and accounted for.
Bill Vuono of the Vuono Stamford interests
heads the Colonial league, a class B
professional baseball loop embracing Stamford,
Bridgeport, Waterbury. New London,
Port Chester. Poughkeepsie. and New Brunswick
, and Mrs. A, Murphy, new operators
of Broadbrook Theatre, are newcomers
to the business and to the town, where
they are planning to build a home , , , The
Hari-y Rosenblatts of Metro and Dave Kramers
of Columbia are both lucky occupants of
apartments at the Knickerbocker after many
months of temporary hotel life.
Ken Prickett, Metro advance man, is working
in New Haven, Hartford, Springfield and
Worcester on March 24 openings of "Three
Daring Daughters." Managers on the Loew
Poll circuit are going to town on pianist and
vocalist contests in connection with the picture.
The plan is to hold auditions and have
finalists appear at the theatre opening night
Memorial, Hartford, had two
performances, afternoon and evening, March
3, of Phil Spitalny's allgirl orchestra .
John Michaelson. Eagle Lion auditor, was in
town to make a routine check . . ,
Phylis
Shelling Lesser returned to her desk at 20th-
Fox after a honeymoon trip to Bermuda.
A patriotic tieup which landed their pictures
in the paper was engineered by the
Kleper-Levenson team at the College, They
worked with the army recruiting service during
the second week of "To the Ends of the
"
Earth, carrying army copy in the lobby and
inviting e:ilistees to attend the show as
guests of the management. They also promoted
50 roses to give to the first 50 ladies
on opening day. The audio-visual education
department of the schools plugged the picture,
too. as did a 5-day radio contest on WAVZ
for the mo.st-traveled and least-traveled people
in New Haven. Passes were prizes.
The College rest rooms are undergoing extensive
alterations, and all the theatre's seats
are being reupholstered in maroon . . . For
the springtime hits campaign, the amber
lights in the interior have been changed to
a low blue, with pleasing effects . . . Norman
Levenson. who is responsible for the Easter
morning show March 27. made a tieup with
a children's clothing merchant . "Gentleman's
Agreement" the College crew arranged
attendance of a block of several hundred
members of Yale's Westminster Foundation.
The picture was used as a ba.sis for
discussion by this Protestant group . , . Lou
Anger of the Barnum, Bridgeport, is back at
the theatre, after a long siege of illness which
kept him at home,
Harry Shaw, Loew Poll circuit chief, took
a jaunt to Hartford, Springfield and Bridgeport
last week , Kaufmann, 20th-
Fox. went to New York to get some pointers
on the radio campaign for "Scudda Hoo!
Scudda Hay," due here in April. Bob is
pushing the revised advertising code for motion
pictures, the industry's advertising rules
which were drawn up by a committee headed
by Charles Schlaifer of 20th-Pox , . , The
campaign is being publicized through local
press and radio , . , The Commimity, Fairfield
had "Brief Encounter" first run in the
Bridgeport area March 3,
Looks like the police ball at the Armory
March 12 will have a good sprinkling of Elm
City film personalities , . , Max Salzburg.
Eagle Lion manager, and Maurice Bailey, of
the Bailey circuit, celebrated the 16th birthdays
of their respective daughters, Carol
and Rhoda, at a formal dance at Racebrook
Country club February 22.
STEWART R, MARTIN— Treasurer
and General Manager, Emba.ssy
New.sreel Theatres, New York City,
and Newark, N. J.—says:
"Good sound is as important as
a good news shot. We use RCA
Service to keep our sound
operating at peak efficiency."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
-write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Camden, New Jersey.

I
Foley
. . . Mrs.
Moriarty
. . Francis
. .
. . . The
. . The
. . New
. . Melvin
. . Two
. . The
. .
. . . Pauline
. . . Max
. . George
. . Saul
. .
WORCESTER
T^anager Leo Lajoie of the Capitol reports
the appointment of Robert Cutler as
Mrs. Mary
I resigned as secretary to
Harold Maloney, manager of Loew's Poll, and
went to Florida to rejoin her husband, lately
returned from overseas service.
The Sunday Telegram referred to Herbert
Asher as "manager of the Olympia, which,
like Olympus, is upstairs" ... A total of
$234.80 was collected for the March of Dimes
campaign by the Cameo in Uxbridge, according
. . . Town
to Manager Ned Eisner elections, followed by a heavy snowstorm,
caused light boxoffice trade last week in the
smaller communities of central Massachusetts.
.
John Matthews, manager of the Warner,
to points a great success with his "blind
date" ticket stubs circulated in connection
with a sneak preview of "The Voice of the
Turtle" Carney resigned from
the Capitol to prepare for entrance into
Manager Bob Portle of
Clark miiversity . . .
the Elm Street reported a holdover on "Cass
Timberlane."
Traveling summer carnivals, which always
are a headache to theatre managers, continue
to meet growing opposition. The Athol
Chamber of Commerce recently sent a communication
to the selectmen, protesting
against allowing the carnivals in the town
. . . Ai-t Mooney, the band leader, was in
Marlboro.
Robert Bergin, newly appointed assistant
manager of Loew's Poll, received a pen-andpencil
set from the staff of the Elm Street
when he concluded his services there .
Bruce Brighton will rejoin the Playhouse
Viola Home of Athol was removed
to Heywood hospital in Gardner with a fracture
of the wrist, which .she reported was
suffered in a fall at the York in Athol.
A new house telephone system has been
installed in the Capitol ... A block containing
eight stores will be constructed in Fitchburg
adjacent to the Cumings . Garbose
brothers have sent a check for $1,800
to the Orange selectmen in settlement of a
suit brought by that town for damages to the
Orange town hall. Before they built, the
Garbose brothers used the town hall for
films. The selectmen alleged they caused
damage to the hall when their lease was not
renewed.
The Strand in Westboro is being redecorated,
with fire-resistant material on the
walls and new drapes and curtain for the
stage ... A noisy patron was arrested in
a downtown theatre by a policeman in plain
clothes but not until an offended theatregoer
had punched the disturber. Managers are
wondering if long-suffering customers are
getting more belligerent.
NEWHAMPSHIRE
Touring its March safety campaign, the Business
and Professional Women's club in
Concord arranged to show trailers on highway
safety in all the theatres in the capital city
North Conway Theatre lifted its
screen recently for the presentation of the
second annual concert of the Bowdoin College
Glee club. The theatre was filled.
Joseph G. Kennedy, manager of the Key
in Meredith, reports $28.74 was raised for
the March of Dimes . chairs have been
installed at the Plaza in Derry, closed three
days for the change . Morrison,
manager of the Strand in Dover, is recovering
satisfactorily following a stay at Wentworth
hospital In that city.
.
.
Marisa Regules, Argentine-born pianist,
who made her film debut in "The Life of
Albeniz," presented a concert in the Dover
City auditorium Dover Lions club
recently featured a film program, including
pictures of the Louis-Walcott heavyweight
championship fight . . Leslie Paffrath, director
of the New Hampshire information bureau
office in New York City, has reported
that a summer theatre group is seeking a
building in this state seating from 200 to 250.
HARTFORD
Mew Simplex projectors have been installed
at the E. M. Loew's . Ramsdell,
formerly with the Graphic circuit here, has
been named manager of the Modern Theatre
of Marlboro, Mass., owned by Larry Laskey
of E. M. Loew circuit, an E. M. Loew house
in Brockton . . . Phyllis Selvin, secretary to
Al Schuman of Hartford Theatres, retui-ned
from a vacation. Al and assistant Ernie Grecula
were buying and booking in New Haven.
Ernie Grecula has been named coordinator
for the Red Cross drive in the west side
Sanborn, Colonial cashier, trekked
to Lancaster, N. H., to visit her ailing mother
Salzburg of EL was in town .
Maurice Shulman's three youngsters were
mentioned on WCCC's Kiddy Korner broadcast
the other morning . Karp, student
assistant at Loew's Poll, has been promoted
to assistant at the Poll in Springfield,
succeeding Tito Lazerri, w'ho has left the
circuit.
Josephine Paula, formerly on the Allyn
staff, chatted with Walter Lloyd, Joe Mulvey,
etc., prior to leaving for Germany and
an Allied civilian employe's position . . . Joe
Plorian is the new Allyn doorman . . . The
Band Boosters club of Groton sponsored a
theatre party to raise money to equip a color
guard for the Fitch high school band.
Loew's Poli and Palace theatres have installed
emergency sound systems . . . Ben
Backman, manager of the Commodore Hull,
a Warner house in Derby, has been recovering
after an operation. Vincent Capuano,
manager of the Warner Capitol, Danbury,
has been relieving.
That FCC hearing on Hartford's television
1, chanels. originally slated for March was
postponed until April 19. There are three
applicants for tlie two available channels.
Previous applicants totaled six . . A. D.
.
Murphy, new to the trade, has purchased
the Broadbrook Theatre from Joseph Shofet.
Martin KeUeher of the Princess is busy on
renovation plans . . . Matilda Nash, Palace
secretary, is a busy person. When she's not
aiding at hubby's parking lot, she's doing
bookkeeping for brother.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Young, owner of
the Strand in Farmington, have been enjoying
a vacation in Florida . original
Walt Disney films, "Eskimo Arts and
Crafts" and "Pour Seasons," were featured
at a Currier Gallery of Art program in Manchester
. . . Motion pictures and dancmg are
being combined to attract crowds to the Town
Hall in New Boston. A recent program featured
Gordon Leitch and his orchestra and
the Yvonne De Carlo picture, "Frontier Gal."
The Loew's Poli held a staff meeting last
Sunday noon to discuss plans of furthering
service to patrons. Manager Lou Cohen and
assistant Sam Horwitz pointed out the everyday
errors that pop up in daily theatre operation.
A fire drill was held ..." A Double
Life" was screened at the Avery Memorial
for press and radio representatives and city
officials.
BENJAMIN GOLDFINE—
Alden Theatre, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—writes:
"15 years of service by RCA
has insured me of continuous
good sound in my theatre."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Camden, New Jersey.
.
A recent film show at the Liberty in Asliland
was sponsored by the Booster club
Two sound films, "Zaccaeus" and "Great
Southern Songs," were shown at the First
Baptist church in Concord, with matinee
a
for school children and evening presentation
for
adults.
New Hampshire teachers will "go to the
movies" at the University of New Hampshire
March 24. when the audio-visual center there
will hold a film preview to familiarize the
teachers with many new educational pictures.
More than 35 new films, in addition
to the big library list, will be brought to the
university for the program.
NEW
YORK
PHONE
PLAZA
7-3809
I NtWYORK
1
IP
24S WEST mj
Here we are at 245 W. 55TH ST.
Ready lo serve you with
iinesi special announcement trailers.
li you haven't tried rilmack's
quality and rapid service, send us
your neKl order and be agreeably
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BOXOFnCE :: March 13, 1948

'
ROSWELL,
: March
San Antonians Set Up
Unofficial Censorship
SAN ANTONIO — Msgr. A. F. Diozd is
spearheading a group representing various
religious, civic and women's organizations to
censor motion pictures, other anuisements
and magazines here.
Such a censorship group would have no
lijal standing, but Say South, fire and police
(.Mimmissioner, said its opinions would be
given consideration. There is no provision
in the city budget for employment of a paid
censor, he said.
Monsignor Drozd was named temporary
Lluurman at a meeting of club representatives
in the Gunter hotel and was authorized
tu appoint a committee that would effeti
permanent organization of the censor board.
Son Heads Gilmer Rotary
Father Helped Organize
GILMER, TEX.—The 43rd anniversary
celebration of the Gilmer Rotary club was
presided over by charter member Cranfill H.
Cox, former exhibitor and newspaperman. He
operated the local theatres for many years
but has now turned them over to Cranfill Cox
jr., who, oddly enough, was elected president
of the club at this meeting.
At the Crystal Theatre recently, young Cox
put on a Leap Year festival for several days
and gave prizes to the oldest bachelor and
the oldest married couple entering the theatre.
It has also been related here that Edgar
Bergen, who recently appeared in Dallas,
flew over Gilmer to look the town over from
the air. Bergen. In his hard-sledding vaudeville
days. 17 years ago. appeared at the
Crystal. He formed an acquaintanceship
with Rubin White, a Crystal employe, who
since has moved to Dallas. White looked
Bergen up when he was in that city last
month. Bergen gave White some tickets to
the broadcast and White, who owns his own
plane, took Bergen for a spin over Gilmer.
Start Work on Drive-In
N. M.—Grading work has
started on the Valley Drive-In Theatre
which Theatre Enterprises, Inc., Is building
just south of the city Umits on a new portion
of U.S. highway 285. Louis Hlgdon,
manager of TEI houses In this area, said the
circuit hopes to open the theatre by June 1,
ROW'S PRETTIEST—Camille Pisciotta,
daughter of Mr, and Mrs. Mike Pisciotta,
proprietors of the Filmrow grill
at New Orleans, was voted the prettiest
masquer on the Row during the recent
Mardi Gras festivities.
Joy Houck Purchases
Four Dunlap Houses
DALLAS Joy Houck of New Orleans has
pincliaM'd four small town theatres from
1(1111.1 Dunlap. The houses are the Palace
,111(1 Ti xas in Cisco, the Star in Rising Star
and the Plains In Cross Plains. Houck adds
these to eight others he owns in Texas and
will operate them under the company name
of Joy Houck's Texas Theatres. A circuit
office has been established in Temple, where
Houck owns the Temple Theatre. His
nephew. Corbin Houck, will be in charge.
Houck owns a large number of theatres
in the south and southeast, mcstly of the
subsequent run and low admi.sslon price variety.
He recently purchased the Strand and
Queen In Dallas, double bill houses downtown.
His further expansion In Texas is
believed certain during coming months.
Dunlap still owns two theatres in Whitney
and one in Port Aransas. He sold five theatres
in one week, which he calls a record,
the four to Houck and the Palace in Greenwood,
Ark., to a Minnesotan.
Close Albuquerque Mesa,
To Build Larger House
ALBUQUERQUE. N. M.—Tlie Me.sa Theatre
here has been closed preparatory to
being razed to make room for a new and
larger theatre. George Tucker of Albuquerque
Theatres, Inc., said a federal permit is
Top Supporting Role
expected soon for the construction. The new
Barry Sullivan has been added to the cast theatre will seat between 900 and 1,000 persons
of "The Great Gatsby" at Paramount as top
compared with the 350 accommodated
featured player.
in the old Mesa, he said.
ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Air Conditioning Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, is pleased to
announce that its large new 60,000-sq. ft. factory at Corsicana, Texas, now is in production.
For the present, the Corsicana plant will
manufacture USAirCo blowers, air washers,
evaporative coolers and gas fired heating equipment, with operations soon to include
its full line of refrigeration apparatus.
Now, "Deep in the Heart of Texas," the better to serve the Southwestern exhibitor
with time-tested USAirCo cooling equipment and engineering service.
mOTIDnPICTIHIESEIimCq
ARCHIE S. FEINBERG COMPANY
2125 N. Harwood Street P. O. Box 1G13
Dallas, Texas
Westerns-Featurss-Serials
Tower Pictures Co
HAROLD SCHWAB?
3021/1 S. Harwood SI. C—7357
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948
THEATRE SEAT INSTALLATION
years experience — Satisfaction guaranteed.
Write or Phone 5327
Johnnie Boutwell
Temple, Texas
95

]
"DID YOU KNOW"
. . . that we can rebuild your Simplex mechanisms completely and like new
for approximately S250. This work is done by an A-1 mechanic, Mr. Otto
Aiken, formerly with Interstate for 17 years. He knows his business! All
work is guaranteed. We use Century, La Vezzi and Wenzel, not genuine
Simplex parts—but we consider them better, and if they did not give satisfaction,
we could not afford to guarantee them. We will furnish a loan
mechanism, and handle the job on a contract basis, if desired.
Write. Call or Telephone!
HARDIN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
All Kinds of Theatre Equipment
714 South Hampton Road M-2235 Dallas, Texas
BUFFALO COOLIK6 EQUIPMENT
10th FU 2nd Unit, Santa FeBldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING COv INC. Dallas. Tax.
DALLAS
rohnny N. Stewart, who still lives in Kaufman
though he sold his Plaza and Uptown
theaties there last
yeai to Buddy Harris,
is beheved by friends
to be out of show
business just about as
long as he can stand
It He is pictured here
as he relaxed in one
of Filmrow's comfortable
chairs looking at
a film contract. He
either has a deal in
mind or just looked to
J. N. Stewart ^ee if film seUing has
changed. A World War I overseas veteran,
Johnny has been taking it easy the past
year, playing gin rummy at the Variety Club
and staying in out of the weather at the
stock markets. He has made several trips to
New Orleans and to Hattiesburg. Miss.,
where his 85-year-old mother still lives.
He was a theatre operator for over 25 years.
L. D. Brown of the Queen and Ritz in
Brownwood was here in a new western outfit
and a new booking book. Brown recently took
over his buying and booking from Texas Consolidated
Theatres, with whom he had an
arrangement for several years. Brown now
is using a late model hearing aid . . . Al
Pickens and wife have moved back to their
Um
ROAD
EQUIPMENT DISPLAY
& SALES
MR. CECIL DAVIS
4020 MocArthur Road
P. O. Bo 20
Warr Acr
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
hffi. L. C. DUCKWORTH
21S South Liberty St,
NEW ORLEANS, LA
MR. RAYMOND KING
192C McDutlie Street
HOUSTON, TEXAS
WAREHOUSES
HOUSTON
P. O. Box 322
102 San Jacinto S
LUBBOCK
702 Texas St.
BEAUMONT
550 Main St,
TO RICHES
... is easier to travel, if you
have the help of quality merchandise.
In the popcorn business
the name "The Pop Com
Man" is synonymous with quality.
GOLDEN CREST POP CORN
SEASONING heads the list
of superior merchandise
you get from "The Pop Corn
Man." It's pure, premiumquality
cocoanut oil that
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-.
West Coaat Distributor
Roy C. Garland
P. O. Box 647, Oxnard, Calil.
CHAS. E. OARDEN & CO, • 308 South Harwood • P. 0. Box 2207 • Dallas, Texas • Riverside-6134
(
March 13, 1948
^:iotBa

. . Joe
: March
former home in Tulsa, where he has an advertising
job with a furniture company. He
formerly worked for newspapers and theatres
there and moved here several years ago with
the Isley theatres. In recent months he was
with United Theatres Service Corp.
Bob Montgomery, former owner of theatres
in Wichita Palls, who was rushed from Corpus
Christi to a Temple hospital a few days
ago. was taken to his home in Wichita Falls
last weekend. He was revived from a coma
at Temple and remains a very sick man at
home. Chas. E. Darden, close friend of Montgomery,
visited him Sunday . . . Philip Preston
and A. K. May, owners of the Sadler at
Lawn, were here at Ind-Ex Booking Service,*
which has done their buying and booking the
last year. They stopped at this correspondent's
office to leave a subscription to BOX-
OFFICE.
Now Successfully Playing
Theatres in the Southwest!
You, Too, Can Show a Proiiif
This Card
William Morrow was in from Longview in
connection with the reopening of his Colonial
Drive-In in the next few days. He
also operates the Texas and Gregg theatres
there . . . J. B. Underwood, Columbia division
manager, and Irving Wormser of the home
office visited the Jefferson Amusement Co.
office in Beaumont, and returned via Houston.
Jack said the Houston Variety club
really did a great job on remodeling its quarters.
He and Wormser left on a trip to Memphis.
Ed Blumenthal jr., manager of the Kessler
Theatre, is out of the hospital after an appendectomy.
His father is co-owner of the
Monogram exchange.
J. H. Stagner of the new Van Theatre in
Van made a hurry-up trip to the Row because
of amplifier trouble and Dan Hulse of
Herber Bros, fixed him up. It was the Van's
first booth failure since it opened several
months ago. No show time was lost. Because
of the extremely bad weather lately, Stagner
had remained at home for two months so he
put in some time booking while waiting for
his sound box to be repaired.
B. R. and Gordon McLendon's radio station,
KLIF, almost went out as the Ti-inity
river rose after heavy rains up country. Had
the water risen seven more inches the insulation
at the base of the antenna would
have been submerged and the station would
have been off the air temporarily . . . Martin
Lamour of the National in Graham, arrived
on the Row just in time to see film star Rod
Cameron alight from a police-escorted car.
Lamour was a Hollywood visitor recently and
saw many stars, but not Cameron, who was
here for the premiere of "Panhandle."
.
Theatre Enterprises is moving its repair
shop to 2021 Jackson St.. next to the Interstate
circuit warehouse. Move was made from
their location on the corner of Pearl and
Jackson E. Brown, who appears on
the Melba stage in "Harvey" starting at the
end of March, will be in Hugo, Okla.. April
1 for the annual circus roundup but will not
miss a single Dallas performance.
Roy Deviney of the Hawk Theatre in Hawkins
stopped off here on his retiu-n from the
Variety Club trip to Houston, and lost not a
moment in trying to dig up a new theatre
to add to the Hawk. Roy failed to get any
dope on a blind theatre-for-sale ad in Oklahoma.
The ad sounded so good he wrote to
the BOXOFFICE number.
. . . and the Questions
are all you need to fill your theatre on that dull night each
week! DR. CRANE has a ready-made audience of 20.000,-
000 people daily.
Cash in on Quiz Popuiarity!
For details, write, wire or phone Riverside 2761
"TEST YOUR HORSE SENSE
Film Exchange Building
308 South Harwood Street
Dallas. Texas
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

WE PREFER
That you investigate thoroughly the
character of any Premium Concern offering
to solicit your neighborhood merchants
on giveaways.
Too bad we have to make this suggestion.
NATIONAL THEATRE ADVERTISING CO-
Max & Joe Berenson
1325 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago 5. 111.
15 Years of Successful Operation
Speed-O-Bikes * Radio-Phonograph
Combinations * 3-Pc. Luggage Sets
Bicycles *
Hobby Horses and Other
Items No Cost to the Exhibitor.
at
TiOnite. jjon.
Pa>UiculaM.
IS YOUR THEATRE FOR SALE?

Bob Warner Is Well Again;
To Make Tour of Nation
DALLAS—Bob Warner of Mauley, Inc.. is
back on his feet and has returned from a
fishing trip to Port
Aransas. He was hospitalized
by pneumonia
during February.
Bob is a Manley
division manager,
having charge of sales
HI 23 states from
Mame to Mexico City.
Warner will leave soon
iin another trip
.iround the country,
this time with Charles
G. Manley, son of the
Bob Warner jate founder of the
company. After that it will be time to return
to Port Aransas for more fisliing.
Warner owns a half interest w^ith Forrest
Dunlap in the Port Theatre in Port Aransas.
Chas. Weisenburg Sells
Two Theatres in Tulia
TULIA, TEX.—Charles Weisenburg has
sold his Grand and Gay here to D. Griffith,
who recently opened the Griffith Theatre.
Weisenburg will move to Dallas. He owns the
Sylvia in Seagoville and is building a drivein
theatre at Amarillo.
John Blevins Buys Crest
DUBLIN. TEX.—John Blevins. long-time
owner and operator of the Majestic Theatre.
has purchased the Crest. 400 seats, opened
here several months ago by Ted Robbins.
W. E. Latham Stricken
DALLAS--W. E. Latham, veteran of the
circus and ruadshowman several years, suffered
a heart attack while vLsiting a local exchange
and died while being rushed to a hospital.
His home is in Beaumont where the
body was sent for burial. His wife, who survives,
is a sister of Harry James, the orchestra
leader.
With a MANLEY
You Are in
Business
LONGER
302 S. Harwood St.
m Wo
Divisional
Eagle Theatre Will Open
In West Dallas Suburb
DALLAS—Ned Edwards and three assocites,
all employes in the Theatre Enterprises
repair shop, are building a 600-seat theatre
in west Dallas on Singleton boulevard. The
house will be named the Eagle. The community
is known as Eagle Ford.
'arner
Manager
And With
More
PROFITS
Dallas, Texas Prospect 7-1685
Griggs
Seating
Is
Better!
Illustrated is Model
16MBW — n e west
member of the
Griggs line of
fortable theatre seats. This chair may be
had in any one of several color schemes
and with a choice of end designs.
There's a dealer near you.
Write today for full details.
GRIGGS (Equipment Compani^ BOX 630 BELTON, TEXAS
MANUFACTURERS OF COMFORTABLE SEATING FOR ALL OCCASIONS
BOXOFFICE :: March 13, 1948

1
'^-^^«.C4crus,ia
\rou§it
Western Troupe Aids
Dallas Trade Some
DALLAS—First runs picked up a bit due
to the presence of film stars at a premiere,
but it was still that slack pre-Easter time.
•'Panhandle," with a half dozen stars on the
stage one day, was the top hit of the week.
(Average is 100)
Capitol—Betrayed (20th-Fox); The Woman oi the
Town (UA)
Cheyenne
(EL); De Ship (Co
c—Panhandle
-Tycoon (RKO),^ .^'^^wk
Hagen Gii' """'
Riallo—The
Mask (UA); International
Lady (UA), rt
tured of Don Coyote
'Panhandle' Star Group
Sparks Texas Openings
DALLAS—The "Panhandle" star group that
corraled the western scene in Amarillo at
the Paramount and State theatres, when the
film premiered there, made a one-day stand
on the stage of the Majestic here when the
film moved in for a week. Max Terhune,
Roddy McDowall. Cathy Downs, Rod Cameron
and Gail Storm were met at Union
Terminal by Frank Starz, Bob Kelly and Forrest
Thompson of Interstate circuit, and by
Lloyd Rust of the Monogram exchange. A
police escort whisked them uptown to the
theatre.
Cameron emceed three half-hour shows
with the stars. A song, a skit and a ventriloquist
routine and poetry by McDowall made
up the act. The stars brought standout business
to the theatre.
Steve Broidy, president of Monogram: Co-
Producer John Champion and Publicist Blake
Edwards were here with the stars. From here
they went south for similar stands in Hou.ston,
San Antonio, Galveston and Au.stin.
Sack Brothers Purchase
Building Near Dallas Row
DALLAS—The two-story 50x90 brick building
on the northeast corner of Pearl and
Jackson streets, a block from Filmrow, was
purchased by Alfred N. and Lester J. Sack,
owners of Sack Amusement Enterprises.
The new building is located diagonally
across the corner from the structure at 209-
215 South Pearl St., which houses the Sack
Dallas branch and which the Sack brothers
bought two years ago.
Bought an as investment, Alfred N. Sack,
said that no immediate remodeling plans are
contemplated. Two major film companies
already have offered long-term leases if the
building is remodeled for film exchange purposes,
he added, declaring he may do so as
soon as current leases expire.
First Dallas Censor Dies
DALLAS—This city had censorship threats
as far back as 1912, it was retold here at the
death of Mrs. Reed Finley, the city's first
censor of motion pictures. Mrs. Finley died
last week at the age of 78. The first president
of a school Mothers club, which preceded
the PTA here, was appointed a film
censor, and in 1912 she established children's
matinees in local theatres. Mrs. Finley was
a member of the National Board of Review,
Her son Jean was an Elm Street theatre manager
and more recently was a publicist for
film companies.
75
HENRY REEVE— Owner, Mission
Theatre, Menard, Texas, and President
of Texas Theatre Owners, Inc.
— declares:
"The name 'RCA' speaks for itself.
Your equipment, your
is service all any theatre man
can ask for — period."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America,
Camden, New Jersey.
UNUSUAL VALUE!
Includes fireproof buildmg, relrigeratea.
Parking lot. 500 seats. Fine booth. All
under 2 years old. Controls large section
best university city in Texas, Profitable.
Exceptional potential. Easily
operated. No conflict. Remarkable expansion
possibilities. Closest check
welcomed, $72,000, with $42,000 down.
Building loan at 4% cheaper than rent.
Really unusual value,
EXCLUSIVELY LISTED FOR PRIVATE SALE
WITH
LEAK THEATRE SALES
Phone T3-2026
3422 Kinmore St. Dallas 10, Texas.
H«re we are at 245 W. 55TH ST.
Ready lo serve you with
NEW iinesi special announcement trailers.
YORK
PHONE U you haven't tried Tilmack's
PLAZA quality and rapid service, send us
7-3809 your next order and beagreeably
NtW YORK
{ 245 WIST
I 55 STREET
surprised.
|riLMACK i.-rr"i
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J
BOXOFFICE :: March 13, 1948

. Eddie
: March
had
. . COME
Dallas Independents
Hold Fourth Session
DALLAS—The new Dallas Independent
Motion Picture Theatre Owners Ass'n held
life of their city.
Don Dixon of the Haskell Theatre was
named to head a committee to work out designs
for an emblem to be used by the independent
houses.
Bob Euler of Ti-i-State Theatres was made
chairman of a committee to work out a plan
of cooperative newspaper advertising. Twenty
exhibitors were present, including L. R. Ball
of the Captain. Claude Kennell, California
exhibitor, and son-in-law of P. G. Cameron,
was a visitor.
Ted Lewis of Gene Autry Theatres was
named chairman for the next meeting April 6.
HOUSTON
Construction was recently completed on a
quonset-hut style theatre on the Conroe
highway, about 17 miles from Houston.
A. W. Kleb. truck farmer and owner of the
theatre, said it will be known as the Cascade.
It is said to be the first theatre of
this type in the area. The theatre has a
seating capacity of 350 and was built at a
cost of about $25,000.
Myrtle Parker Transferred
To Shreveport Majestic
SHREVEPORT, LA. — Myrtle Parker of
Louin, Miss., bcccime manager of the Majestic
Theatre here February 26, succeeding Mrs.
Lavelle Wright. Miss Parker had been man-
its fourth monthly meeting Tuesday in the ager of the Empire in Mobile, Ala. The Majestic
is a Paramount-Richards house. Mrs.
Dallas Athletic club assembly hall. Lee
Handley of the Arcadia Theatre, presided, Wright, manager of the Majestic for six
and Mayor Hans Smith of Irvipg. that town's years has taken a position as manager of a
lone exhibitor; Duke Clark, district manager,
and Heywood Simmons, local manager
millinery shop in Chattanooga, Tenn.
for Paramount, were invited guests.
Clark emphasized his interest in the fact Gets New Projectors
this group operated independent houses with MELROSE, N. M.— New Simplex projectors
have been installed in the Rialto The-
a total of 29.400 seats, and asserted it was a
healthy development when independents organize
to take an active part in the theatre
atre here. Simplex 4-Star sound was put in
a year ago.
MPF Thanks Texans
For Exchange Gifts
DALLAS- John Rowley, Texas chairman
for the Motion Picture Foundation, received
a letter from Barney Balaban, treasurer of
the MPF, expressing thanks for the Texas
contribution. Balaban wrote he had received
from E. V. Richards of New Orleans the
$1,143.29 which Rowley collected from Dallas
exchanges. Balaban"s message said Rowley's
cooperation has been invaluable and
asked the latter personally to thank each
contributor as It was impossible for national
headquarters to acknowledge all cash
gifts, even though they were greatly appreciated.
JOSEPHINE THEATRE. San Antonio, Texas
CINE PLAZA THEATRE (2,500 seats), Juarez, Mexico
TOWER THEATRE, Itasca, Texas
QUEEN THEATRE, Mart, Texas
VILLAGE THEATRE, Greggton, Texas
DRIVE-IN SAN PEDRO, San Antonio. Texas
CHANGE OF OLD TO NEW
MISSION THEATRE. Dalhart. Texas
PALACE THEATRE. Childress. Texas
MELBA THEATRE. Dallas. Texas
PLAZA THEATRE. Boerne, Texas
ALL OPEN WITH THE NEW
Homer W. McCallon, manager of Loew's
State, contributed birthday passes to be enclosed
with official membership cards for
the Leap Year Orphans club, sponsored by
the Press . . . Lorraine Schulte, cashier for
three years at the River Oaks Theatre, will
be married to Bob Sutter, also an employe
of the theatre, soon after Lent.
Cope, publicity writer and former
BOXOFFICE correspondent, has retui-ned to
Houston after taking a ten-week show business
refresher course at the American Theatre
Wing training school in New York.
The schooling consisted of surveys of the
theatre, radio, television, motion picture and
show business publicity fields.
Seven film stars were here for the premiere
of "Panhandle" at the Majestic Theatre.
Except for the three stage appearances
and a press and radio breakfast at
the Rice hotel, no other festivities were
scheduled for their one-day stay here. The
group comprised Gale Storm, Cathy Downs,
Max Terhune, Roddy McDowall, Freddie
Steward, John Champion and Rod Cameron.
The mainstay of the troupe was Terhune.
Taylor and Miss Storm, who are former
Houstonians, took time out to visit w'ith
i
relatives and friends. Mi.ss Storm Josephine
Cottle 1 another baby since her
last visit here. She visited her sisters, Mrs.
C. C. Devine and Mrs. H. J. Milligan.
MoTiOGRAPH A A Projectors
AND
MiRROPHONic Sound Systems
Wafch This List Grow!
YOU WILL KNOW THE ANSWER WHEN YOU SEE
THIS REVOLUTIONARY COMPLETELY NEW PROJECTOR
NOW ON DISPLAY ON OUR FLOOR . IN AND SEE
DISTRIBUTED
BY
ODERn THEATRE
m EQUIPmEIIT CO.
214 South St. Paul Street Phone Riverside 5009 Dallas 1, Texas
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

. . Mrs.
: March
United fheatres
S E II \ I 1
308 S. Harwood St
%
O K P O R A T I O N
Dallas, Tex.
Seek Building Permit
CARLSBAD. N. M.— R. I. Payne of Dallas,
vice-president of Theatre Enterprises, Inc..
was in Washington recently seeking government
approval for construction of a
1.200-seat theatre here, according to Bill
Bartlett. manager here for TEI. He said the
company planned to spend about $200,000 on
the project. The building would include two
stores be.sides the theatre.
Take Presidential Poll
DALLAS—A straw vote on the forthcoming
presidential election will
USED CHAIRS
be taken by the Interstate
circuit in 30 of its Texas theatres
showing the current March of Time release
dealing with presidential candidates. The
BEST BUY!
WRITE FOR PARTICULARS
PHOTOS and PRICES
HOW MANY DO YOU NEED?
poll here will be held at the Palace.
FENSIN SEATING COMPANY
b1 EAST 13th STREET • CHICAGO 5
SHORT ITEMS
WIPES ^=='^
1/4 H. P. MOTORS (Centnry) $18.18
\
BERBER
While They Last!
BROTHERS
Most Anything for the Theatre
"Fair Treatment and Ade quate Service for 25 Years"
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1, TEXAS
East Texas to Build
Six Drive-In Places
BEAUMONT, TEX.—The first of six
drive-in theatres to be built by East Texas
Theatres, Inc., will be opened here March
26, according to S. L. Oakley, vice-president
and general manager of the circuit.
Construction of a similar layout in Lufkin
is scheduled to start soon and others will
be built as rapidly as possible at Marshall,
Longview, Kilgore and Nacogdoches. The
site for the Lufkin Theatre has already been
selected, according to Sam Tanner, district
manager.
East Texas Theatres is headed by Julius
Gordon of Beaumont.
NE\N ORLEANS
pecord rainfall, which flooded the entire
territory and flowed from eight to 24
inches deep on downtown New Orleans
streets, resulted in as much as a 50 per cent
drop in boxoffice grosses throughout the area
last week. All exchanges were forewarned
of the flood conditions and shipments were
made early enough to avoid missouts. Pi-actically
wasted was an exceptionally good
lineup in the downtown theatres. Heading
list the was the Saenger with "Call Northside
777." "A Double Life" was at Loew's
State, the Joy featured "Pittsburgh," the
RKO Orpheum "The Bishop's Wife," The
Liberty "Badlands of Dakota," the Center
"Time Out of Mind," the Tudor "I Walk
Alone," the Globe "That Hagen Girl," the
Strand "Saps at Sea" and "Cheyenne Takes
Over," while the Poche presented Joe E.
Brown in "Harvey" on the stage.
The Gale, an 800-seat house at Raceland
belonging to F. G. Pratt jr., was destroyed by
fire at a loss estimated at $60,000. It was
the second time since 1943 that Pratt lost a
theatre by fire on this same spot.
T. Guinan, Eagle Lion auditor, was here
. . . Bob Kelly of Screen Guild was in southwest
Louisiana . . . The Fun Theatre, Des
Allemands, belonging to Felix Touchard jr.,
was unable to operate March 5-6 because of
high water . T. J. Kirkland sold her
Lou Theatre in Magee, Miss.
Mrs. Henry Lazarus of the Lazarus Theatres
returned from a trip in Texas Visit-
. . .
ing exhibitors: P. E. Mayhall, manager of
the Century, Mobile: Charlie Waterall, Pritchard,
Ala.; E. I. Hawkins, Flora, Miss.
Roland Hoffman, Paramount-Richards, left
for Mobile, Ala., on business . . J. A. Schaffer
of Schaffer & Kemp Popcorn Co., was a surprised
fellow Monday morning. Schaffer
was checking his trucks at about 9:30 a. m.
when he discovered an abandoned Negro infant,
about one-month old, lying in one of
them. The police took the child to a local
hospital ... Ed MacKenna, manager of the
Joy Theatre, was confined to his home by influenza.
Air Condition Roy
ROY, N.
M.—The Mesa Theatre here has
been air conditioned and other improvements
are planned in the spring months, according
to Manager Anstey.
102
POXOFHCE
:
13, 1948

: March
Columbia Transfers
Roscoe to Atlanta
NEW YORK—George Roscoe, Charlotte
branch manager lor Columbia, has been
named manager of the Atlanta exchange,
with R. D. Williamson, Charlotte salesman,
named to succeed him in Charlotte. They
work under the supervision of R. J. Ingram,
southeastern district manager.
Roscoe joined Columbia in May 1933 as a
salesman in Charlotte. He was named manager
in February 1944. Williamson joined
the company two years later as a sale.sman
in
Charlotte.
Crestview Ticket Levy
Lands in Courts Again
CRESTVIEW, FLA. — Once more Crestview's
city amusement tax ordinance has
landed in the courts. Judge Stuart Gillis
has issued a temporary injunction which requires
the tax to be paid to the court until
a final decision is reached. The ruling was
handed down in a suit brought by Neal
Robinson who asked a declaratory judgment
to prevent the city from collecting the tax.
Some six months ago Judge Gillis declared
a similar ordinance to be illegal. Recently
a new ordinance was passed.
A final decision on the case will not be
reached, said Judge Gillis, until a similar
case now pending in the state supreme court
is
decided.
mM^M
Two Managers Shifted
By Florida Theatres
ORLANDO, FLA.—WUliam J. Wilson jr. is
the new manager of the Beacham Theatre.
He was transferred to Orlando from Winter
Park where for the past few years he has
been in charge of the Colony. Wilson has
been connected with Florida State Theatres
12 years, going to Winter Park from the
Vogue Theatre in Orlando. Therefore his
return to Orlando is somewhat in the nature
of a home-coming. Ralph W. Saunders,
who has been manager of the Vogue in Orlando,
replaced Wilson as manager of the
Colony in Winter Park. With him the
change is also a homecoming, as at one
time he was manager of the Colony.
J. T. Lester Buys Ground
For Parking in Memphis
MEMPHIS— J.
T. Lester, owiier of the new-
Park Theatre here, has purcha.sed additional
land to the east of his theatre to be used
for parking space. The $12,000 land purchase
will give the Park a much larger lot.
Lester plans to blacktop the lot so it will
be an all-weather affair. He already owned
a 125xl50-foot lot for parking. The new lot
is 114 by 200 feet.
Plan Huntsville Drive-In
HUNTSVILLE, ALA.—Plans are being completed
for construction of a drive-in theatre
on Whitesburg drive here. The project w-as
announced by Walton Fleming, president of
Acme Investments, Inc., which owns and
operates the Center Theatre in West Huntsville.
IjJ BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948

. . Jim
. . R.
^
m.
ATLANTA
. . .
LJere booking and visiting were Nat William
of Thomasville, Ga. Visitors
included Rube Pearlman, Small's Productions,
Charlotte, Tom Guinan, Eagle Lion
home office. New York.
"Mom and Dad" opened its fourth week
at the Peachtree Art Theatre, playing to
SRO" and Manager Mel Brown was pleased
. . . E. C. Frew has acquired the Hanger Theatre,
Hapeville, Ga., from J. N. Wells.
. . . Gilbert Thomhill
installations in Florida . . .
Wil-Kin Supply notes: The Row welcomed
Jimmy Wilson, salesman, back after an
automobile accident
has been added to the office force . . . Charlie
McLean, sound engineer, back after sound
Jay Soloman,
booker for Independent Theatre, Chattanooga,
was in.
.
.
a baby girl . . . Charles
Columbia news notes: Max Myers, auditor,
departed McCormick appointed
salesman for Tennessee J. "Bob"
Ingram, southern district manager, returned
Joe Scott, Republic
from Charlotte . . .
booker, is the father of
sss
ASTOR PICTURES CO.
of Georgia
163 Walton St. N. W.
Main 9845 ATLANTA

: March
. . Dorothy
. , Mr.
Jenkins Houses Give
$27,15310 Polio Fund
ATLANTA—William K. Jenkins, president
of Georgia Tlieatres, has turned over to the
Georgia chapter, National Foundation for
Infantile Paralysis, a check for $27,153.05, the
aggregate of funds collected by the circuit's
theatres in the 1948 March of Dimes.
In announcing total of collections, Jenkins
stressed the fact that the March of Dimes is
particularly dear to the hearts of Georgians,
since it was at Warm Springs in Georgia
that Fi-anklin D. Roosevelt conceived the
Idea of the hospital and the establishment of
the National Foundation for Infantile
Paralysis.
Jenkins has taken an active lead in the
yearly March of Dimes. For two years, prior
to the 1948 drive, he served as chairman of
the state chapter of the foundation. At the
close of his two-year chairmanship he received
from the Georgia chapter citation
meritorious
service.
for
Uses Names in Ads
BRUNDIDGE, ALA. — Passes are being
awarded by the Brundidge Theatre to readers
whose names appear interspersed with advertisements
in the Sentinel. The stunt was
used by Charlie Johnston, theatre manager.
to call attention to a number of outstanding
pictures he has booked for the next several
weeks.
Honor E. C. Fain
WETUMPKA, ALA.—E. C. Fain, owner of
the Fain Theatre, w'as honored at a surprise
birthday party at the Community House
February 28. A birthday cake with candles
was the center decoration. A steak supper
was served and Fain was given a gift by
the park commission.
Resume Sunday Shows
CARROLLTON. GA.— Showing of pictures
on Sunday has been resumed at the Carroll
and Playhouse theatres here. The Duncan-
Richards management announced that more
than 1.000 persons petitioned for the reopening
of the theatres on Sunday since
the Sabbath performances were discontinued.
WE PREFER
That you investigate thoroughly the
of character any Premium Concern offering
to solicit your neighborhood merchants
on giveaways.
Too bad we have to make this suggestion.
NATIONAL THEATRE ADVERTISING CO.
Max & Joe Berenson
1325 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago 5, HI.
15 Years of Successful Operation
Speed-O-Bikes * Radio-Phonogroph
Combinations 3-Pc. Luggage Sets
*
Bicycles *
Hobby Horses and Other
Items at No Cost to the Exhibitor.
lOlUe jjOt PatUculati.
MIAMI
p^erb Elisburg, managing director of the new
Carl Fisher theatre project, will fly to New
York to arrange for a schedule of Broadway
productions for next season as soon as architects
plans for the building have been approved.
A board of directors group recently
decided to erect a legitimate theatre in Miami
Beach.
Chief Barker George C. Hoover of
the Variety
Club of Greater Miami, was pictured in
Sunday's paper turning over to Mitchell
Wolfson, chairman of the heart committee,
checks for $25,000 raised through the recent
heart fund show. April 12-17 the Miami tent
will be host to Variety Club International
convention in Miami Beach.
Localites think there will be quite a stir
around here when Enterprise releases' the
film on Carl Fisher, the story purchased from
Jane Fisher. Bob Taplinger, who has been
here in conference with the author of the
book, "The Fabulous Hoosier," says the film
will
be named "The Miami Beach Story."
Frank Saperstein predicts his Marathon
Pictures' Dick KoUmar will reach star status
as sooit as "Open Secret" is relea.sed. Saperstein
has been in the Dominican Republic
scouting locations for a pirate film . . . Lucille
Ball's new coiffeur was designed by a
local
hairdresser.
"The Jolson Story," which broke attendance
and run records when it was shown here
a year ago, returned to the Plaza. Mark Hellinger's
"The Naked City" opened at the
Miami and Lincoln, "The Voice of the Turtle"
was show'ing at the Sheridan, Paramount and
Beach, "Arch of Triimiph" was in its
third week at the Colony, and "The Paradine
Case" went into its fourth week at the
Cameo.
The Dade presented a special Saturday
morning show consisting of a stage show,
plus Bob Ellis and his "Hodge Podge of Hokus
Pokus," an hom-'s entertainment of
magic. This was followed by three color
cartoons, free tricks and puzzles for all attending,
and then the feature, "Main Street
Kid," starring Al Pearce. Admission was
25 cents.
A press party, given by one of the owners
of the Alcazar, was held in the Variety clubrooms
atop the hotel . . . Producer George
Danches returned from Hollywood where he
helped put the finishing touches on "Harpoon."
Danches and his brothers own and
operate a club here Raymer
.
thinks ballad singer Phil Britto is a dead
ringer for Tom Jefferson, Paramount publicity
man here.
George Bourke reports that John Beny.
director of many Betty Hutton films and of
Tony Martin's latest, "Casbah," got a look at
Julie Wilson, appearing at a local club, a
performer who took part in the Mark Hellinger
show, with the result that her career
may now take a Hellinger turn.
The Shores, a Paramount neighborhood
house, presented "The Stars of Tomorrow"
on the stage and "Main Street Kid" on
the screen ... A piece of metal found at the
scene of a burglary at Wometco's Plaza fits
the broken end of a crow bar found in the
package of a man apprehended by Patrolman
William Magill and his daughter Margaret, 5
.years old. The two were walking to church
when they saw a suspicious looking man with
a bundle under his arm. The man struggled
with Magill who had stopped to question him
and Margaret screeched for help which
quickly brought passerby to the rescue.
Martha Raye, performing here, reported the
loss of a valuable ring from her Beach hotel
room . and Mrs. Mervyn Leroy have
been seen occasionally at Hialeah this sea-
For "Untamed Fury" Flynn Stubblefield,
manager of Wometco's State, attracted huge
crowds when he displayed three live alligators.
The 'gators, obtained through the courtesy
of Tropical Hobbyland, were reported to
be very lively and fierce specimens, not the
lazy, sluggish type, and there were plenty of
ohs and ahs from spectators. A nice boxoffice
resulted.
Wometco employes who will celebrate their
birthdays during the week of March 13 include
Nelson McNair, Alfred Moss, Bernard
Wolzer, Alfred Shootes, Elizabeth Atwater,
Gadsden Lewis, Helen Dent, John McKinnon,
Mary Thompson, Albert Rosilio, Fernando
Crespo and James Saunders.
Ruth Holoday, formerly of the Town, has
joined Wometco's executive office pay roll
department. She holds down the spot alongside
Thelma Gruber. while Lorraine Friedberg,
formerly at the Tower confection unit,
has taken her place in executive office confection
accounting. Wometco believes that
the kind of experience gained "on the line"
cannot be gotten any other way. The organization
prides itself on its promotional opportunities.
Unit Production Chore
Metro has made Jay Marchant imit production
manager for "The Story of Monty
Stratton."
CHARLES W. PICQUET-Owner,
Carolina Theatre, Pinehurst, N, C.
and Carolina Theatre, Southern
Pines, N. C— says:
"I am more than contented
with the efficiency of RCA
Service in my two select
operations.
With me RCA
Service comes first."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Radio Corporation of America.
Camden, New Jerstv.
BOXOFFICE ;
13, 1948
105

. . Another
.
.
. . . Mrs.
: March
BIRMINGHAM
C^ol. K. E.
Orr, president of Amusement Enterprises,
Albertville, Ala., was a visitor
here. He said he hopes to have his new theatre
at Attalla ready for opening in about
60 days .
visitor was Spence
Pierce, 20th-Pox, who was here working on
"Sitting Pi-etty" and "Captain from Castile,"
both booked into the Alabama.
John W. Geiger is recuperating at his home
here from a recent illness. He's the husband
of Mrs. Mildred Geiger, secretary to Frank
V. Merritt. head of Acme Theatres .
Robert McHoward has been appointed assistant
manager of the Empire, succeeding
Tommy Leopard, who resigned.
R. M. Ware, Alabama-Tennessee sales representative
for Southeastern Theatre Equipment
Co., is in Charlotte. N. C, to serve as
manager of the firm's branch there during
the illness of the regular manager . . .
Bud
Chalmer's, Screen Guild, was another visitor,
as was Mrs. H. E. Lester, wife of the manager
of
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the Princess, Jacksonville.
Stan Malotte, Alabama organist, drew a
lot of comment and stopped shows with
Lelt Hand Coin
CHARLOTTE, N. C.
ATLANTA, GA.
s
'Everything for the theatre except film"
USED CHAIRS
BEST BUY!
WRITE FOR PAR'nCULARS
PHOTOS and PRICES
his parody on Gov. James E. Folsom. That
was just after Folsom had been given national
publicity on a paternity suit filed by
a Hanceville, Ala., girl . . . Harry M. Curl,
Melba manager, screened "The Smugglers"
March 9.
J. A. Jackson, Empire manager, had to
relieve his doorman for lunch the other day.
His day usher quit suddenly to join the navy
Earl Bladorn, Empire cashier, has
returned from a visit with her parents in
Blue Creek, Ala. . . . Mrs. Louise Hovies is
new relief cashier at the Empire. Her husband,
Delmar Hovies. is assi.^tant manager
at the Capitol.
Elmer Dedels, Altec representative, has returned
from trips through northern Alabama
and Mississippi. He said many exhibitors
who have been "singing the blues" since
Chirstmas are more optimistic with the advent
of warmer weather. Many situations,
Dedels reported, lost money five weeks in a
row . . . Irene McDanal, Capitol cashier, has
been ill. She was relieved by Helen Pendleton.
Warm weather, which necessitated turning
on air conditioning equipment two weeks
ago, was too good to last. The heat has
been turned on again . . . "It Had to Be You"
at the Melba, was the only holdover on
downtown screens the week of March 4.
Memphis Variety Plans
For Hillbilly Jamboree
MEMPHIS—The Variety Club met Monday
to plan for the annual hillbilly jamboree
at Ellis Auditorium March 28. It will star
Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys.
Two shows will be given—matinee and
night. Proceeds will all go to the Variety
Club's charities.
Committees named are: Ben Bluestein,
general chaii-man; Ed Williamson, tickets;
Buster Hammond, program; Bill Kemp and
Tommy Baldridge, publicity; Leonard Shea,
promotion, and Earl Moreland and Harold
Krelstein,
radio.
Maurice Wolf in Florida
SANFORD, FLA.—Maurice N. Wolf, public
relations representative of MGM, spoke at
the weekly meeting of the Rotary club here
on "Motion Pictures Are My Business." Wolf,
after giving figures to show that the motion
picture industry is the fourth or fifth largest
in the U.S.. with an investment of more than
$2,750,000,000 and an advertising budget
calling for an expenditure of $70,000,000 a
year, explained that most of the money and
"most of the 206,000 persons employed is distributed
among the 20,000 theatres located
in 11.000 cities and towns throughout the
cotmtry.
Bob Harris, manager of the Ritz, introduced
the speaker.
HOW MANY DO YOU NEED?
FENSIN SEATING COMPANY
62 EAST 13th STREET • CHICAGO 5
Building Shelby Drive-In
SHELBY, N. C—A drive-in theatre accommodating
400 automobiles is being erected
south of Shelby on the Patterson Springs
road. The project is being undertaken by
Carl W. Queen of Hickory and Herman H.
Kleppel of Newton, who are spending about
$50,000 on the job.
Opens New Theatre
MOUNTAINBURG, ARK.—William Van
Sandt opened the Jolly Theatre here February
BOXOFHCE
:
13, 1948

Warns of Deadline Preacher Finds Morals in Hollywood
NASHVILLE—Theatre T*eL .„

. . Fred
. . The
. .
. . . The
: March
MEMPHIS
pavid Flexer, president of Flexer Theatres,
and his right-hand man, Al Avery, head
of Flexer Drive-Ins, are in Chicago on business
. . . The Palace Theatre. Greenwood,
The Metro in Walnut Ridge, Ark., has been
closed for a few weeks for repairs and redecorations.
J. J. Sharum is the owner .
The Community Theatre, Crowder, Miss., a
new showhouse, has been opened by Wilson
Edmondson . Wenzel of the Wenzel
Projector Co, Chicago, was here on business
. . . N. B. Blount, manager of Monarch Theatre
Supply Co, was in Cleveland, Miss., on
business . . . Mrs. Beulah Ward. Universal
clerk, resigned to move to Cleveland, Ohio
. . . Violet Campbell, clerk, is a new employe
at MGM.
R. V. Reagin, manager at RKO, has been
in a series of business meetings at Nashville
with officials of Crescent and Rockwood
amusement companies.
Midsouth exhibitors shopping on Filmrow
included C. A. Gilliland, Steele; R. L. Morgan,
Watson; Cliff Peck. Covington; J. Jackson
Rhodes, West Memphis; Walter Lee, Heber
Springs; Paul Flexer, Watertown; Robert
Dunham, Newport; Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Rice,
Reno; Horace Stanley. Beebe; T. J. James,
Cotton Plant; Bruce Young, booker for the
Mohrstadt circuit: Moses Sliman, Luxora;
Lyle Richmond, Senath, and W. F. Sonneman
of Fayetteville and Springdale.
Filmrow visitors also included J. E. Singleton,
Tyronza; C. W. Tipton, Manila; K. H.
Kinney, Hughes; L. B. Bays, Grenada; J. F.
and Joe Wofford, Eupora; Amelia Ellis,
Mason; J. F. Adams, Coldwater; John Staples,
Piggott; J. C. Bonds, Hernando; Roy BoUck,
Kaiser; Alvin Tipton, Caroway, Manila and
Monette, and S. D. McCree, Coffeeville.
Miss., has been sold by Forrest Dunlap to
Charles Nelson . . . The Rio Theatre, Malvern,
McCarthy, manager Ark., has been bought by Robb & Theatre, held over "The Voice of the Turtle"
J. H. of the Warner
Rowley from W. L. Coffey Ritz in for a second week. First run business was
Malvern expects to be open within a week reported much improved by all the showcases
from this date, fully repaired from smoke
Harlan Dunlap of the American
and water damage which resulted from a . .
Desk Co. theatre seating division was back
fire next door, according to O. G. Wren, at his office after an extensive trip in Texas
owner.
at 20th-Fox. attended her uncle's funeral
in
Bolivar.
The Joy Theatre, Blue Mountain, Miss.,
owned by George P. Donnell, reopened March
1 after extensive repairs as a result of a
recent fire . . . The Morgan Theatre, Mountain
Home, Ark., owned by Pauline Morgan,
opened March 2. This is a 500-seat theatre
Rex Theatre in Newport, Ark.,
owned by Rex McQuiston, has been sold to
James C. Fisher, and will open March 14
under the "new ownership.
C. A. McGowan is the new owner of Strand
Theatre, Moorhead, Miss., formerly owned
by E. F. Van Blake. The change in ownership
was effective February 23 . . . Malco's
public relations campaign is attracting attention.
Every day, in the Malco newspaper
advertisements, there is a catchline to "sell
the movies to the people," in keeping with
the plan of M. A. Lightman. For example:
"Movies are Educational! Giving life to the
finest books written by the best authors,"
appeared in advertisements for "Ride the
Pink Horse."
Joe E. Brown, in "Harvey." had a packed
house at all of last week's shows at Ellis
auditoriimi . . . "Song of Norway," ha.s been
booked for Ellis March 23-24 and "The Student
Prince" for March 13, Charles A. Mc-
Elravy. managing director, announced.
Many friends from Filmrow and the Midsouth
attended the opening of the new Luez
Theatre in Bolivar March 3. Louise Mask,
owner, who replaced the old Luez with this
new building, served a dinner for out-of-town
quests. Among those who attended from
out-of-town points were Ed Williamson,
Earl Hartzog, John Osborn, Bailey Prichard,
Henry Hammond, Ed Sneed, Herman Crisman,
Ed Doherty, Jimmy Pope, Tom Donahue,
Tom Young, Frank Heard, John Carter,
Cliff Wallace, Bob Bostick. Babe Rounsaville,
Al Rothschild, R. V. Reagin, Grover
Wray, Leonard Shea, and Red Myers, all of
Filmrow; and the following exhibitors: Mr.
and Mrs. W. A. Rush, Houston, Miss; Cliff
Peck, Covington, Tenn.; Mr. and Mrs. W. F.
Ruffin jr., Covington, Tenn.; Emma Cox,
Osceola, Ark.; R. X. WilUams, Oxford, Miss.;
Mrs. H. A. Fitch, Erin, Tenn.; Mr. and Mrs.
N. F. Fair, Somerville, Tenn., and Mr. and
Mrs. Wildred Bonds, Dyer, Tenn.
Thomas Jefferson Foley jr., Memphis promoter,
is back from New York, where he accompanied
Barbara Walker, Miss America,
on a round of shows before she took off for
South Africa . . . Tom Bridge, acting branch
manager of Paramount, is making the rounds
on Filmrow, getting better acquainted. He
took over for L. W. McClintock. who has
taken a leave of absence because of ill health.
W. J. Turnbull, New York, of the general
office of National Theatre Supply Co., and
John Bizzelle, Bizzelle Cinema Supply Co.,
were visitors recently. Bob Bostic, Memphis
manager, was host.
Remodeling in Shelbyville
SHELBYVILLE, TENN.—The Princess,
Crescent Amusement Co. house here, is undergoing
remodeling. Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co.. Atlanta, has supplied new
RCA soimd and new International seats.
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BOXOFFICE
;
13, 1948

: March
Tax Survey Shows
Fall in Grosses
BIRMINGHAM—A survey based on sales
tax receipts shows that theatre admissions
continue to decline in Alabama.
Tlie siu-vey, made by the University of
Alabama's bureau of business research, shows
that December receipts were off 11 per cent
as compared with those for December 1946.
All but two regions in the state figured
In the decline, the survey shows. Jackson,
Marshall and DeKalb counties in the northeast
corner of the state showed a 3.2 per cent
gain, while Franklin, Marion, Lamar and Fayette
countries in the northwest section were
up 15 per cent.
Jeffer.son county 'Birmingham) receipts
were off 7.9 per cent. Mobile coimty slumped
6.6 per cent.
Reidsville Shifts Amos,
Promotes Olin Evans
Shows Video Newsreel
MIAMI—Robert H. Reid, manager of the
television department of INS, demonstrated
the INS-International News Photos newsreel,
prepared for television broadcasts weekly, in
the Miami Herald's photographic studio. He
stated that television is coming into its own
as a popular mediiun, with 33 stations planning
to go on the air this year in addition
to the 16 now in operation. A Miami station
is expected to start television broadcasts
next fall.
John Johnson to Avon Park
AVON PARK, FLA.—John Johnson has
been named manager of the Avon Park Theater.
He comes to Avon Park from Haines
City where he was assistant manager of the
Florida.
Al F, Weiss Resists Modernization
Of Miami Vaude-Film Institution
MIAMI—Tliere has been talk of restyling
Paramount's Olympia Theatre here In the
modern manner, and AI F. 'Weiss jr, is "agin"
It,
As manager of this 2,100-seat house. 'Weiss
has had no little part in making it a Miami
institution; the largest theatre in the south
with year-around vaudeville.
"There is something homey about the
place," he says when talk gets around to
modernization. "People are used to it and
they like it the way it is. I think it would
lose its charm and atmosphere if they ever
gave it the new look,"
WAS MANAGER AT OPENING
Weiss was around when the theatre opened
22 years ago, and he has been there most
of the time since, though Paramount moved
him around some to theatres in West Palm
Beach, Tampa, Bristol and Hartford, Conn.,
and Springfield, Mass. He steered it through
boom-and-bust days and has kept it on an
even keel while the city grew up around it.
He loves every inch of its masonry, includ-
REIDSVILLE, N. C—J. W. "Joe" Amos sr.
has been transferred from the Broadway to
manage the Reid. He came to this city 11 ing the artificial stars that have been winking
in ceiling these years.
years ago to manage the Broadway. A showman
its all
of long standing. Amos entered the
Al and the Olympia go together like ham
and eggs. Apparently they understand each
business at the age of six when he tore his
first ticket as a theatre doomian. He has
other very well. 'Y'ou can't laugh off the
been associated with theatres in Kinston,
fact that its policy of year-around vaudeville
works C. and Danville, Va. He is a member of
N.
actually profitably, despite the
the Rotary club and other civic organizations.
fact that vaudeville has fallen flat on its
face in whatever other local theatre it has
Olin Evans, who came to this city six
months ago as projectionist at the Reid, has been
been transferred to the Broadway as manager.
tried.
appears to take a special kind of genius
It
He at one time was with Martin Theatres
to keep on grinding out, week after week, a
of Columbus, Ga. Diu-ing the war he
live show that keeps the cash register jingling
was with the army pictorial service in London
at the boxoffice. Al makes a three-week trip
and Paris.
every fall to New "^ork and Chicago where
The Rockingham, Reid and Broadway theatres
he looks over the show world. He consults
are operated by the Reidsville Amuse-
ment Co.
with agents and bookers and by the time
he gets back he knows exactly what's going
College Shows 'Enfants'
MEMPHIS—Memphis State college showed
the new French picture, "Les Enfants du
Paradis," (Children of Paradise) March 1.
The show w-as open to the public.
New Face for Plaza
HARRISON, ARK, — The front of the
Plaza Theatre here, has been modernized.
BOXOFFICE :
13, 1948
on.
The Olympia took its 22nd birthday calmly,
marking it with a new stage setting, a popular
picture "Green Dolphin Street," and a bangup
show headlined by Connee Boswell, with
Hal LeRoy the extra added attraction. Lou
Saxon, Arthur LeFleur, the Three Mervels,
completed the week's fare.
EARLY TO SPOT STARS
An exceptionally good hand at spotting
talent. 'Weiss played Ginger Rogers and Judy
Canova when they were unknowns. Cass
Daley, Hildegarde, Gil Lamb, Lorraine and
Rognan, Alan Carney, and 'Wally Brown are
others who have had an assist from the
Olympia's manager. Paul 'Whiteman, Helen
Morgan, Mischa Auer, Jack Haley, Eddie
Cantor, and Dorothy Lamour are a few of
the celebrities who have appeared on the
Olympia's stage—one of the largest in the
.south. It's 84 feel wide, J8 feel deep, with
a procenium arch 39 feet high.
A portrait of Weiss, in oils, hangs in his
office. It was painted by Phil Crane, of Phil
and Mildred, who played the theatre in '46,
Though a singing act, Phil's hobby was
painting and a stunt was cooked up with
him to be shown working on the portrait.
By the time the picture was finished and the
act could be booked again, the Cranes had
go into temporary eclipse due to the birth
to
of a child. The stunt never iso fan has
seen the light of day, but the portrait hangs
In Al's office where it looks as solid a part
of the Olympia's walls as the cornerstone of
the
building.
l.OOO-Seat Little Opened
In Camden as First Run
CAMDEN, S. C—T. Lee Little was scheduled
to open his 1,000-seat Little Theatre
here Monday i8i with civic leaders and film
people from the Charlotte exchanges in attendance.
The Little is a replacement for the Camden,
first run outlet here for the last ten
years. The Camden w'ill pass out of existence
April 15 and the property will be converted
into an office and store building. Little sold
the property to a group of local businessmen
who will do the remodeling.
The new Little is said to be one of the
finest in the territory. It stands on property
that has been in the Little family for many
years and was designed by Ralph Little,
brother of the owner.
Rotary Honors Gaylard
TROY, ALA,—Jimmy Gaylard. Enzor Theatre
manager, has been named vice-president
of the Troy Rotary club for 1948.
\\ K . I1'.M\ I.\S- I'r. Client, Georgia
Theatre Company, Atlanta, Ga.
—declares:
"We consider RCA Service a
vital factor in giving our
people the finest motion picture
entertainment."
To get the benefits of RCA Service
—write: RCA SERVICE COMPANY,
INC., Camden, New Jersey.

: March
$200,000 Negro House
Set for Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM—Work is scheduled to begin
here within 90 days on the new $200,000
theatre for Negroes which will replace the
present Carver.
The 1,300-seat house will take in the site
of the present Carver, a 475-seater. Operating
the new house will be Paul A. Engler,
head of Jefferson Amusement Co Engler and
his associates operate the other downtown
Negro houses here.
The theatre, which its backers say will be
the most modern showplace of its type in
the south, has been in the planning stage
for two years, but untU now had been
blocked by federal construction restrictions.
Brotherhood at Work
In St Patrick's Plans
MEMPHIS—Variety Club of Memphis obviously
believes that the Brotherhood movement
starts at home. The philanthropic and
social organization of the motion picture industi-y
is planning a St. Patrick's party.
Thomas Michael O'Ryan, assistant chief
barker and a true son of Auld Erin, has been
selected honoree for the evening. But the
conunittee appointed to conduct the Irish
holiday event is composed of Ben Bluesteln,
chairman, and the following non-Hibernian
quartet: David Rosenthal, Al Rothschild, David
Lebovitz and David Groskind.
A. A. Napier Resigns
BOWLING GREEN, FLA.—A. A. Napier,
manager of the Ritz, resigned and has returned
to his home in Kentucky. Scott
Rutherford, formerly connected with the
theatre, has resumed the management. He
plans to operate four days a week, two shows
daily. The Ritz has been redecorated
throughout and several pieces of new equipment
installed.
Phillip Turnipseed
CARPET LAYING CONTRACTOR
II you want it done right, let us sew and lay it tight
530 t. Cambr'dge Ave. COLLEGE PARK. GEORGIA
Phone CAlhoun 3642 (in suburban Atlanta)
Atlanta Barkers Inspect
Orphans Home They Aided
ATLANTA—Members of Atlanta's Variety
Club are congratulating themselves on another
sound investment. This time it's the
$3,333.33 the club gave last fall to the Jolley
Home for Orphaned Children near Conyers,
Ga. A delegation headed by Chief Barker
E. E. Whitaker, made a trip recently to the
home to spend the day with its director. Dr.
George Gaines, and his large, happy brood.
They wanted to see what their money has
purchased, and what they found was most
satisfying.
At luncheon the yotmgsters entertamed
with songs and instrumental music, and presented
a skit depicting the visitors' journey
over rough, muddy roads to the home. Their
dancing eyes and smiling faces said "thank
you" a million times to the club.
The Variety Club came to Doctor Gaines'
rescue last fall after he had fasted 24 days
in an effort to raise $10,000 needed for the
home. Through private contributions he
had raised two-thirds of the amount. Then
he appeared before the Variety Club and told
his story. The other one-third was immediately
forthcoming, when Charlie Durmayer,
then chief barker told the club tihat the
home must have the money and got it after
his talk.
Whitaker commented: "The miracles that
Doctor Gaines and his associates have worked
at the home are beyond description."
Rialto Deslroyed
In Siloam Springs
SILOAM SPRINGS, ARK. - The Rialto
Theatre, a 350-seater owned by Rex Killibrew,
was destroyed with an estimated loss of $30,-
000 by a fire shortly before midnight March
3. The fire, which started near the theatre
screen shortly after the final show, later
spread to an adjoining business building.
Damages to those buildings and their contents
through fire, smoke and water was
placed at $20,000, making the total fire loss
$50,000. In addition to the Siloam Springs
fire department, the fire was fought by fire
fighters from John Brown university. Fayetteville,
Gravette and Springdale.
lean Lightman Is Named
Carnival Lady in Waiting
MEMPHIS—Jean Lightman, daughter of
M. A. Lightman sr., president of Malco The-
^^-^ ^^^ ^^^^ selected as lady in-wait-
^^^^^
j^^ .^^ ^^^ ^g^g Memphis Cotton carnival,
^.^^ Lightman will represent the Better Films
^^^^^^ ^^j. mother was one of the founders
^^ ^^^ council and was a member of its
board for ten years. She is still an associate
j^^^^^^gj.
^^^ carrington Jones, president of the
council, announced the selection of Miss
Lightman. Jean was graduated from Laus-
'
"T *1 'n«,,,Ul« T ifii' anne School for Girls and attended H. Sophie
iUrtie, LfOUDie Lilie
Newcomb Memorial college at New Orieans
Tor»t5er

Canadians to Vote
On Empire Oscars
TORONTO—Canadian theatregoers will
help select the best British Empire motion
picture and players of the year for the first
time since the competition was started by
the London Daily Mail.
All Canadian exhibitors have been asked
to assist in the voting, which will take place
from March 15 to April 3, for the Empire
Silver Star awards. A Dominion award office
has been set up at 67 Yonge St. here.
Eagle Lion Films of Canada personnel will
cooperate.
The awards have been extended to other
countries in the British empire.
Awards also will be made for the best performance
by an actor and the best performance
by an actress in 1947.
Canadian newspaper theatre critics picked
four British pictures as among the ten best
films on Canadian screens in 1947 in a poll
just announced by the Canadian Film Weekly.
They were "Great Expectations," "Odd Man
Out," "Black Narcissus" and "Stairway to
Heaven." RKO scored with two, "The Best
Years of Our Lives," which was the first
choice of the newspaper reviewers, and
Other selections were "The Jolson
"Crossfire."
Story" from Columbia, "Life With
Father" from Warner Bros., and "Body and
Soul" and "Monsieur Verdoux" from United
Artists, the last-named picture ranking tenth.
The pick of boxoffice champions by the
exhibitors was much different. Their first
choice was "The Jolson Story," the only picture
to figure among the ten selected by the
newspapermen. The others were "The Yearling,"
"Welcome Stranger." "Margie," "The
Egg and I," "Till the Clouds Roll By," "Dear
Ruth." "The Sea of Grass," "The Time, the
Place and the Girl" and "I Wonder Who's
Kissing Her Now." Ranged according to
producers, three were from MGM, two each
from Paramount and 20th Century-Fox, and
one each from Universal. Columbia and Warner
Bros. The critics picked James Mason
as the top star of 1947, with Fredric March,
later.
Deborah Kerr, Ingrid Bergman and Gregory
Peck next in that order. The exhibitors had
Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, Betty Grable
and Bob Hope as the four best.
J
I. W. Blankstein Heads
Winnipeg Board of Trade
WINNIPEG — I. W. Blankstein has been
elected president of the Winnipeg Film Board
of Trade. Other officers are A. Feinstein,
vice-president, S. Gunn, honorary secretary:
F. Davis, fire marshal, and A. Levy, assistant
fire marshal. The credit committee includes
Gunn, M. Nachlmson and I. Levitt.
Court Upholds Assessment
KITCHENER, ONT.—The city assessor was
sustained in his assessment on the Lyric Theatre
property by County Judge E. W. Clement.
The Lyric protested an increase of $35,140.
The court of revision dismissed the appeal
and the company further appealed to Judge
Clement. The judge held that the suitability
of the site on which the theatre is located
for cinema purposes renders the assessment
placed on it well in line with the other properties
in the area. The assessment figures at
$600 per front foot.
BOXOFFICE : : March
13, 1948
Pat Dwyer Goes to Dogs;
He Even Wears a Badge
Halifax, N. S.—Pat Dwyer, manager of
the local Family Theatre who lives in
nearby Dartmouth, has finaJly gone to the
dogs. He even wears a badge.
It all began two years ago when Ivan
Haley, manager of the Mayfair and
Dundas here, was elected to the town
council. Dwjer made his first bid as
canine custodian then but was unsuccessful.
This year Art Pettipas, who had
been defeated for mayor two years ago,
was victorious. Dwyer cornered the two
men and again applied for the job.
This time the mayor gave him a badge.
It says: "Supreme Dog Catcher of the
Town of Dartmouth."
Report this week was that the two men
are going to tie a can to Dwyer unless
he produces a flea-toter within a week.
And he can't qualify by grabbing a dog
from around the Family or anywhere else
on this side of the harbor.
$150,000 Fire Wipes Out
Rex in Flin Flon. Man.
WINNIPEG — The Rex Theatre in Flin
Flon, Manitoba town 400 miles northwest of
Winnipeg, was destroyed In a Sunday night
fire. Damage was unofficially estimated at
$150,000.
The fire, worst in the history of the town,
threatened to spread to adjoining buildings
before being brought under control.
Sol Nathanson, manager, who occupied living
quarters in the theatre building, said the
fire broke out while he was having his dinner
in a nearby restaurant. Nathanson .said
everything was in perfect order when he left.
When he returned to prepare for the midnight
show, he was met by a blast of flame
and smoke as he opened the theatre door.
With every piece of firefighting equipment
brought into play, firemen managed to get
the flames under control about four hours
A. Cowan Sets Up Office
TORONTO—James A.
Cowan, publicity director
for the J. Arthur Rank companies in
Canada the last two years, has established
an office at 431 Yonge St., from where he
will cooperate with representatives of Odeon
Theatres of Canada, Queensway studios, Gaumont-Kalee,
Eagle Lion Films of Canada and
Hanson 16mm Movies. A. Laurie will contact
exhibitors and managers on exploitation but
Larry Graburn will continue as director of
advertising for Odeon Theatres.
Seeking New Homes
VANCOUVER—The National Film Board
and General Films. Ltd.. are seeking new
quarters. The Randall Bldg., in which they
now are located, will be converted into a
medical chnic by a snydicate of local physicians.
Garfield Cass Named
TORONTO—The Film Board of Trade has
elected Garfield Cass of MGM as chairman
in succession to H. J. Bailey of 20th Century-
Fox Corp. of Canada. The vice-chairman is
Russell Simpson, local manager for Paramount.
Vancouver Trade Up
In Spring Weather
VANCOUVER- Although no .sensational
grosses were recorded, current offerings
uro.ssed averase or better, with no minus signs
in sight. The weather has been springlike.
"My Wild Iri.sh Rose" finished its third and
final week to excellent business at the Capitol.
It was one of the best grossers there in
the last two years. "Quiet Weekend," tJie
British comedy, was doing nicely at the
International-Cinema, and stayed for a
third session. "Jassy." another EL release,
also was above average in its second week.
Capilol—My Wild Iri«h Rose IWB) 3rd wt Good
Intemational-Cinema Quiot W««k*nd (EL)
2nd wlc. Good
Orpheum—Unsuspected (WB) Fair
FaradisB-Each Dawn I Die (WB); Wild
Bill Hicltolc Rides (WB), revivals Good
Paik and Plaza—Whisperina City (UL) Moderate
b'lra-nd—Albuquerque (Faa), Roses Are Red
(20lh-Fox) , Average
Vogue-Jassy (KL), 2nd wlc, Gooa
"Swordsman' Has Big Week
In Opener at Toronto
TORONTO — "Gentleman's Agreement"
continued to do very nicely in its second week
at the Tivoli and Eghnton. "Captain From
Castile" held for a third week at Shea's. All
other Toronto first run houses had new programs.
The Royal Alexander, normally a
.stage theatre, presented the Italian feature,
"Shoe-Shine," for one week with prices scaling
to
90 cents.
(Average is 100)
Capitol and Victoria—I Love Trouble (Col);
The Son of Rusty (Col) 95
Eglinton and Tivoli—Gentleman's Agreement
(20th-Fox), 2nd wk 10b
Fairlawn—Nicholas Nickleby 95
(EL)
Impericrl—The Swordsman (Col) 12C
Loevirs-Cass Timberlane (MGM) 110
Shea's—Captain From Castile (20th-Fox), 95
3rd wk,..
Uptov/n—A Double Liie (U-I) 110
Blizzards Cripple Calgar'y;
'Madre' Surmounts Storms
CALGARY—A week of severe snowstorms
and blizzards made a dent in boxoffice receipts
last week. Snow was piled high in
districts, residential street car service was
disrupted, only the buses making the hills.
"Treasure of Sierra Madre" was the only attraction
to get worthwhile attendance at
night performances.
Capitol—Treasure of Sierra Madre (WBi
Grand—The Brothers (EL)
Palace Albuquerque (Para), Jungle Flight
Good
Claude A. Hunter Lines Up
Prizes for Children's Club
PETERBORO. ONT.— Manager Claude A.
Hunter of the new Odeon has effected a tieup
with Neill's shore store in a prize-award plan
for his Odeon Movie club, for which the merchant
has donated no less than $250 in merchandise
prizes. Prize certificates are issued
to the successful participants in staimts at
the Saturday morning gatherings and the
awards are exchanged for merchandise at
the store through the parents.
Vandalism Is Reduced
ST. JOHN—Installation .of a water fountain
for children in the lobby of the Regent
here has reduced the trek to the rest rooms
by half, and cut correspondingly the vandalism
and disorder in the rest rooms.
lU

. . Exhibitors
.
.
.
.
. .
. . The
. . . For
. . . Jack
. . The
. . Floyd
: March
MONTREAL Check Safety Regulations TI H P D A/ T O
Closely in Ontario Cities ^ l\ W fV f vx
TUrontreal FUm Board of Trade has reelected
the following officers: President, William
Elman, manager of Columbia Pictures; vicepresident,
H. Cass, manager of MGM, and
secretary, Tom Dowbiggin, manager of Paramount.
Owen Lightstone. manager of Empire-Universal,
replaced Grattan Kiely, manager
of Warner Bros., as fire marshal .
Quebec Cinema Booking has moved from
Sherbrooke street to Filmrow at 5965 Monkland
Avenue. Mort Prevost is manager .
Eddy Sci-ider, former salesman for Monogram,
is now assistant to Mort Pi'evost, manager
of Quebec Cinema Booking Co.
An RKO staff party was given at the home
of Mrs. Eileen Chalifour, booker-secretary, for
Arnold Watson, salesman, who is leaving
Montreal for the head office in Toronto.
Among those attending were Murray Devaney,
manager, and Mrs. Devaney; Adele
Greene, June Gordon, Mary de Tremiolles,
Johnny Bastien, Norman Ragesky and others
Naomi Pollett, former secretary to Murray
Devaney, will be married March 16 . . .
Stella Larocque, stenographer, is a new addition
to Empire-Universal staff.
.
A new theatre will be opened shortly in
Ville St. Joseph, of suburb Drummondville,
by Lamothe and Fortin, contractors. The
700-seat is theatre fireproof. The building
contains two stores and eight apartments.
Perkins Electric installed the equipment
Eloi Cormier, salesman for Peerless Film,
went to the maritime section to attend the
funeral of his father . . . Emmett Gallagher
of Quebec Cinema Booking is mourning the
death of his mother.
John Ganetakos, manager of Confederation
Amusement, is back at his desk following his
illness . . . Harry Decker, RKO salesman, announced
the approaching marriage of his
daughter . . . Arthur Larente, manager of
Peerless Film, was forced by a bad cold to
absent himself from his office . . . E. W.
Perry, Canadian general manager of Empire
Universal, was here on a business visit from
Toronto . in town included Jack
Adel.son of Ste. Agathe; J. G. Kelly of Cap
de la Madeleine, and his manager, Claude
Charbonneau, and Georges Champagne of
Shawinigan Falls.
Red 'Iron Curtain' Charges
Bring No Official Comment
OTTAWA—The accusation from Moscow
government had helped in every way, secret
police guarded the film unit in Canada and
the Department of Labor had provided cheap
ohild labor for the film.
"The Iron Curtain" is based on the Soviet
spy trials at Ottawa and Montreal which
resulted in the conviction and imprisonment
of
a number of Canadian collaborators.
'
TORON'iO—A f started late at night
under the stage of the Ideal, independent
theatre in the east end, driving occupants
from an apartment above the theatre. Firemen
were able to keep the blaze confined to
the one section of the building and the loss
was estimated at $1,500.
Because of recent fires, the inspectors of
the theatres branch in the Ontario government
have been doing some close checking
and a warning has been issued that penalties
for violations of the provincial regulations are
to be increased. Two theatres were recently
ordered closed for short periods in the tightening
process of the government.
ST. JOHN
"The broadening of a plan of local
exhibitors
to issue free tickets to student nurses of
the General hospital, to include those of St.
Joseph's and Evangeline hospitals, was due
to the activity of Sam Babb, manager of the
Mayfair . . . G. Eric Golding, MGM booker,
handled the film program at an 11 p. m. show
in the Capitol, St. John, for the local branch
of the New Brimswick Fish & Game Ass'n
Dartmouth is to have a third theatre,
it is rumored here.
Continued delays in construction have
forced deferment in openings of the Paramount
in St. John and Vogue and Paramount
in Halifax. Indications are the local
FPC house will not be ready for business
until the early summer at the earliest, and
possibly not tmtil midsummer. The same
applies to the FPC house at Halifax. The
Vogue, being built for Franklin & Huschorn,
may not swing into action until' May. The
original plans called for openings of the St.
John Paramount and Halifax Vogue in early
January, and the Hahfax Paramount by late
January.
W. L. Armstrong of Halifax has given up
selling cigars and tobaccos on the road to
operate the Hub Theatre, Hubbards, N. S.,
formerly owned by Redden & Corkum of
Chester, N. S. He is installing a new front
for the theatre, and has completed a new
fire-resistant booth and new Holmes projectors
and speaker. He has also reseated
to the tune of 140 chairs, installed a new
and in the lobby has added a
boxoffice,
candy bar and soda fountain. He is considering
a revival of golf, miniature with a
layout next to the theatre, for summer op-
Lead to Ottawa Girl
OTTAWA—Miss Rona Anderson, former
local resident, has been named feminine
lead in the J. Arthur Rank production,
"Sleeping Car to Venice." She was educated
at Ottawa Ladies college and became an employe
of the Bank of Canada, later going to
the United Kingdom where she appeared in
performances for the troops.
pamcus Players Canadian Corp. finally has
fixed definitely an April opening of the
Nortown West on Eglinton avenue, which
has been under construction many months.
William Falls, former assistant to Manager
Len Bishop at the downtown Tivoli, has taken
charge of the Nortown. Succeeding Falls at
is the Tivoli Malcolm McCammon.
Three neighborhood houses have adopted
a giveaway plan for the first half of each
week, these being the Paramount and Doric
on Bloor street and the Kent on upper Yonge
street. The Kino has also initiated a coimtry
store prize stimulant Ertle, who
.
has become manager of the Strand at Parry
Sound, is rated the youngest theatre operator
in Ontario. He is a live-wire member of the
Lions club there.
With the closing of one theatre at Kirkland
Lake, Harry Bocknek. a visitor here, reported
he is continuing to find good business with
the Strand and LaSalle in the northern goldmining
town Capitol at St. Thomas
.
is having good luck with a series of Saturday
morning shows in which an amateur contest
is staged for eight previously auditioned
juveniles. Last Saturday "Joe Palooka,
Champ" was its feature.
Manager Sam Hebscher at the Savoy in
Hamilton had the Leslie Bell singers of Toronto
on the stage for one performance, the
proceeds going to the British nurses reUef
fund. Hebscher has also been doing well with
an Odeon Movie club for Saturday mornings
the engagement of "The Bachelor
and the Bobby-Soxer," the Famous Players'
Algoma at Sault Ste. Marie conducted a contest
for local swains and bobby-soxers for
which merchants had donated seven valuable
prizes. At Sault Ste. Marie, too, the Pi'incess
is staging a "Stage-O" game among patrons
for prizes each Monday afternoon and night.
The Canadian Liberty magazine has worked
up an award stunt for the choosing of the
best Canadian film and the best Canadian
performer on the screen, the "Oscar" to be
a feature featuring the Maple Leaf emblem
Arthur, well-known district manager
of Famous Players Canadian Corp., is
just about recovered from severe injuries
which he sustained when his car hit a parked
vehicle at night when he was returning to Toronto
from a business visit at Brantford.
Theatre Fined and Closed
For Having Blocked Exits
TORONTO — The theatres inspection
eration.
that two Canadian cabinet ministers had assisted
Thus far there has been no follow-up on
20th-Pox in filming "The Iron Cur-
tain" at Ottawa brought no official recognition
the rumor of a new theatre in Yarmouth
About 1,500 persons took the special train
from government quarters in the Ca-
nadian capital. J. L. Ilsley, minister of jus- from St. John to see the Ice Cycles show, in
Monclon
branch of the Ontario again showed its
teeth in the enforcement of regulations governing
tice, who was one of the two named in the Moncton. It played a week each at
Soviet declaration, declined to make any com- and Halifax .
brick walls of the burned
the operation of cinemas in the case
ment and there was also no word from Louis Capitol, Kentville, have been razed and the ^j ^^^ ^^^y jj^ Harriston
A conviction was registered against the
St. Laurent, minister of external affairs, the street partly roped off.
other member.
Roxy and a fine was imposed when an inspector
The Moscow charge said the two ministers
charged that the exits were blocked.
had been "underpaid" by 20th-Fox, that the
In addition, the department forced the
closing of the theatre for three days by the
suspension of its license for that period.
Pi-eviously, the Capitol in Simcoe, operated
by Robert Hambleton, had been closed
for 24 hours when the theatre was found to
be inadequately staffed during a performance.
BOXOFFICE
:
13, 1948

. . The
. . Local
: March
. . Clayton
. .
. .
VANCOUVER
Duss McTavish, former owner of the local
Cambie, now an Odeon unit, Is now operating
an auctioneer and appraiser business
in Victoria. Ralph Calladine. old-time Victoria
exhibitor who sold his Plaza and Rio
theatres to Odeon, is now- the owner of one
of Victoria's best apartment blocks. Both are
still interested in show business and were
guests at the opening of Odeon's new deluxer
in the capital city . . . Henry Morton Odeon,
partner from Winnipeg, was in Victoria for
the new Odeon opening and the reception
held at the Empress hotel.
Edward Marshall has returned to
the projection
booth of tJie Capitol after suffering
a heart attack. He is taking it easy for
awhile ... A checkup shows comparatively
few theatres here are using the radio to get
their pictiu-es over. Exhibitors have been
flooded by requests for ticket-giveaway tieups
over the air, but are not sold on the
idea. The Nabob Harmony House show,
broadcast from the stage of the Orpheum
weekly, now in its fifth year and is the only
worthwhile radio-stage program. Ivan Ackery,
Orpheum manager, reports it a business
getter.
Hymie Goldin, Gaiunont-Kalee's chief engineer,
was in Victoria to supervise the installation
of two new model G-K projectors
and sound in the new Odeon there. They
are the first in western Canada and the booth
boys say they are tops. Marvin Tlioreau,
British Coliunbia Gaumont-Kalee manager,
and Shirley Wilson, sound engineer, equipped
the new Odeon capital city showcase. Hearing
aids also were installed.
Ruth Holm, formerly at the Orpheum, is
now head usherette at the Plaza . . . Helen
Balaski of the Capitol has recovered from a
severe leg injury . . . Elsie Krakonchuk, who
was at the Plaza, is now head usherette at
the Strand . theatres do not find
cashiers, doormen and usherettes hard to
get, but the difficulty is to get them to stay
on the job. The turnover is more of a problem
to the all-day houses than in the neighborhoods.
The service union recently organized
and may help keep theatre staifs on
the job.
Jack Randall, manager-. When Randall sought
to question the man he made a dash for
freedom. Randall collared him on the street
and turned him over to the police, after
which he was sentenced to a six-month Jail
term. Sex crimes have been a problem here,
and many complaints are made to theaU-e
managers by parents of juvenile patrons attending
matinee performances in the downtown
theatres.
Leo Downey, Canadian general manager
for RKO was here briefly. He reported business
acro.ss the Dominion has been very
good ... A new theatre is planned by Harry
Cohen, president of Rosedale Theatres, in
the North Hill district of Calgary. The theatre
will seat 900 and is expected to be finished
by the end of 1948.
No Letup Foreseen
In Building Boom
ST. JOHN--Dti.spite an economic slump,
governmental building restrictions, material
shortages, record labor costs, claims of overseating,
etc., new theatre reports persist
through the maritimes.
Now being completed are the Paramount
theatres in St. John and Halifax for Famous
Players, and the Vogue in Halifax for Pi-anklin
& Herschorn. The FPC-Spencer partnership
will start a replacement for their burned
Hector Ross, RKO Toronto salesman, is returning
to Calgary as Alberta manager for
Columbia . help problem in theatres
would be solved if all the managers would
handle tiheir help
Capitol in Kentville in April,
like David Borland, manager
of the PPC Dominion. start in April
and work also
will
It's a
on a replacement for the
pleasure
to go into his house and
destroyed Kent in Moncton
receive
for
courteous
Abe Garson.
attention from all employes. Dave never Famous Players also will build in the west
"bawls out" his staff in front of customers. end of Halifax, in Sydney, Glace Bay, Moncton
and New Waterford. FPC-Spencer has
He says an employe loses his self-respect if
that occurs.
a theatre planned for Charlottetown. This
circuit opened the Capitol in Campbellton
and Paramount in Amherst during the past
few months. A site at Liverpool is also available.
Odeon has a theatre site but still uncleared
in St. John, and also has purchased sites in
Halifax, Amherst, Charlottetown, Sydney,
Fredericton and Campbellton.
In Kentville, Maurice Joseph announced he
will sponsor a quonset-type theatre, and, unofficially,
he has been linked with a plan to
build in Yarmouth. Art Fielding, St. John
and East Riverside, N. B., is placing a second
theatre in Bridgewater, where he now oper--
ates the Capitol. A new theatre for Darthmouth,
to be located in the north end, also
is said to be in the offing. Walter Golding,
who operates the Community in West St.
John on a lease from the city is plamiing a
building of his own close to the West St. John-
Beaconsfield line.
W. J. Fitzgerald, Georgetown, P.E.I. , sponsoring
a new theatre there, and Frank and
Myrtle Audas plan to establish a second house
in Parrsboro.
Producers, who sell Canadian rights for
foreign-language pictures, may find themselves
in trouble if their rights
which they sell are not clear.
to pictures
The foreignlanguage
St. Pierre House to Seat 250
distributor who has misrepresented
his product may be liable for damages
ST. JOHN—A new concrete theatre now
. . .
Harry Page, Monogram manager, is the
snappiest dresser on local FUmrow.
being completed
Miquelon Islands,
at St. Pierre,
will have 250
St. Pierreseats
and
if it space for many more is found they are
The current wave of sex crimes is causing
great concern and local theatre mianagers
needed. Emanuel Rault-Cazier, who is
sponsoring the new theatre, and will manage
are ever on the alert for molesters. One
it, is starting with 16mm films, all French
such character got more than he bargained language, obtained in Canada. If trouble
for in the Strand last week when a 11 -yearold
is experienced in getting a regular supply
girl he offended reported the incident to of 16mm, a shift will be made to
35mm.
OTTAWA
The fifth Ottawa theatre to turn to giveaways
is the Mayfair. southside house operated
by Fred Robertson. Table glassware
is offered the first three days of each week.
Others which have adopted the premium
policy are the Nola and Rexy. operated by
Odeon, and the Nelson and Linden.
Michael Kirby, Canadian figure skating
champion, was a visitor here before returning
to Hollywood to start making a picture
for MGM . . . T. R. Tubman, eastern Ontario
district manager of Famous Players, returned
after a lengthy vacation in Florida, his
wife having required a real rest in the balmy
climate.
After a long delay, the Capitol is blossoming
out with new carpets throughout .
The Famous Players Cartier in Hull played
a one-day engagement of "Henry V" at a
$1.20 top. The engagement met with fair
success . . . Morris Berlin, manager of the
Nelson, was a visitor at the film offices in
Toronto.
The roof has been completed on the main
portion of the new Odeon here but the front
has not been touched, even after building
operations of almost a year. The original
business and apartment premises are still occupied
by several tenants . Gamble
of Richmond has the contract for the Skyview
Drive-In Theatre, which is to be established
this summer on a 14-acre plot west of Ottawa.
Work also will be resumed on another
drive-in to accommodate 500 cars, which
was started late last fall . . . Earl Lawson,
president of Odeon Theatres has become a
grandfather.
Manager J. McManus of the Odeon in
Kingston announced the adoption of a greeting
sign for members of the Odeon Movie
club . . . Many of the large stores in Ottawa
have declared a complete holiday for Good
Friday, but theatres will be open, although
some of them may not start performances
until late in the afternoon because of religious
observances. The theatres in Hull will
not open until the evening on that day .
The Capitol halted its screen performances
of "Where There's Life" March 11 to present
Mia Slavenska and her ballet company.
When "T-Men" played the Elgin, a jeep
snowplow was u.sed for a cooperative stimt
in clearing snow from driveways of homes.
The jeep carried a banner advertising the
picture and the driver informed the householders
that the work had been done with
the compliments of the theatre . . . Crawley
Films of Ottawa is constructing an addition
to its studio at a cost of $3,200. The company
makes pictures and trailers for the National
Film board, the National Film society
and commercial enterprises.
British Columbians Vote
67 Per Cent for Duals
VANCOUVER— Slightly over 67 per cent of
British Columbia film patrons prefer double
bills, according to a survey recently completed.
The poll covered 1947. Dual bills were
given a preference in the grass root sections.
However, most of the de luxe theatres in the
urban centers are on a single bill policy.
BOXOFTICE :
13, 1948
113

. . . Lorraine
. . . The
. . The
. . Katherine
. . The
Canadian Productions Future Seen FORT WILLIAM
In
Educational-Documentary Field
MONTREAL—Production of motion pictures
in Canada seems likely to develop
chiefly in the field of educational and documentary
films, the Royal Bank of Canada
indicates in a recent monthly newsletter.
The letter goes at great length into the production
possibilities in the country, past and
present efforts, the volume of theatre business,
and points out that production in Canada
is economically impossible on regular
features without great export business. The
best features from Hollywood, the report
notes, bring in gross Canadian rental revenues
of about $200,000, and average features
may gross $25,000 or less. By contrast, the
cost of production runs from $250,000 into the
millions.
"Difficult problems have faced the movie
industry in Canada. There are many financial
hazards, besides pressure toy groups of
one kind and another. Being an art, the
motion picture is subject to all the criticism
of artists, moralists and writers . . . and is
as neglected In financial support for its production
as is the artist.
"Canada's entertainment movie making
business is a study in red figures. Very few
Cardinal Films Establishes
Branch Office in St. John
ST. JOHN—Cardinal Films of Toronto has
opened an office in St. John, being located
temporarily in the International Films exchange.
Dave Brager, St. John, has been
named maritime representative. He was formerly
with B&L Theatres in the head office.
Cardinal is handling Screen Guild, Goldwyn.
Hopalong Cassidy and Laurel & Hardy reissues.
Denies Charges
MONTREAL—Ben Etison, motion picture
operator, pleaded not guilty before Judge
T. A. Fontaine to a charge of showing uncensored
16mm films. He was released pending
trial. He is accused of showing of two
uncensored filrns, "Warsaw Rebuilt" and "We
Survive," before a meeting of the Polish
Democratic society.
Gets Character Role
In Metro's "Julia Misbehaves," Winifred
Harris drew a character role. Greer Garson
and Walter Pidgeon are the stars.
WINNIPEG
\xraync Kins and his orchestra will perform
here March 18-20 at the auditorium in
connection with the annual carnival sponsored
by the Kinsmen club. Proceeds of the
show will go towards a new children's hospital
in the city.
Donald Wolfit and his Shakespeare company
will return here for a single performance
of "The Merchant of Venice" at the
Playhouse March 13. The Wolfit company
previously played four nights and two matinees
to excellent houses.
of the more than 20 entertainment films
made here with Canadian capital have returned
their investment. One made so little
money that not even the theatre ushers could
be paid, according to an article by Hugh
Kemp in Maclean's. Another lost about half
a million dollars.
"If a Canadian-made feature could return
its original cost from theatre rentals in Canada
there might be some hope for a permanent
production industry here.
"Despite forebodings, full-length feature
pictures are being made in Canada. January
21 this year saw the premiere of 'Whispering
City.' produced in both English and
French (La Porteressei by Quebec Productions
Corp. in a studio at St. Hyacinthe,
Que. Two others, 'Le Pere Chopin,' made oy
Renaissance Films, Montreal, and 'Bush Pilot,'
by Dominion Productions, Toronto, have been
completed in the last two years.
"The documentary film is well established
in several countries, notably Canada, Great
Britain, the U.S. and Russia. It is a practical
way for even small population countries
to enter movie production and make an
individual contribution to world cinemas."
CALGARY
JJxceptionally heavy snow and blizzards continued
all last week, keeping film salesmen
close to town. A few had ventured out.
With a seeming lift of the storm the previous
weekend, and tales of landing in drifts and
being held up at hamlets came in. Only
main highways were being cleared off immediately
and business was especially hard hit
in small towns and country points.
William Guss, MGM salesman, came in
with a sad tale of delay. At the mountainside
ten miles west of Fernie, B. C, a snow
slide 30 feet high blocked the road. It
took a crew of men with a rotary plow some
ten hours to clear a one-way passage. As
time passed, waiting cars lined up behind,
the number increasing to 50 cars and trucks.
Guss said it was interesting to watch the
cavalcade slowly wind its way through the
defile, then speed the last ten miles to
warmth, shelter and comforting refreshment.
Vernon Dixon of International Film Distributors,
who has been roughing it modestly
in the basement below the office of Eagle
Lion Pictures, is now in possession of his
modern offices in the newly constructed annex
to the film exchange building, \5fith
fluorescent lighting, light colored walls and
natural finish wood furnishings, the offices
have prodded majors in the original buildings
to modernize their premises likewise
...CM. Hoar has sold his Ritz Theatre in
Saskatoon, to George Dealtry, who will continue
the present policy of daily picture programs.
Romantic Femme Lead
Betty Ann Lynn has the romantic feminine
lead in "Chicken Every Sunday," William
Perlberg's production for 20th-Fox.
Qne of the first stage shows seen here in
the last 14 years will be at the Orpheum
March 15, 16. The Donald Wolfit company of
London, England, comprising of a cast of
over 30, will present three Shakespearean
plays, "Macbeth" at a matinee and "The
Merchant of Venice" and "The Twelfth
Night" at evening shows. Advance sales are
very big and it looks like a sellout at $3 tops,
according to P. Tickell, Famous Players
resident manager.
Business last week was off here, not only at
the first runs but at the subsequents as well
Lundberg resigned as cashier
at the Fort and was replaced by Patricia
Glover Gemmond, cashier at
the Capitol, also left and was replaced by
Joan Weibe, former usherette.
Theatremen at the Lakehead are anxiously
waiting the decision of the government on
whether the 20 per cent tax will be taken off
censorship branch of the Ontario
government is strictly enforcing the regulation
requiring all
theatres to place the classification
of "adult entertainment" in their
ads also on hanging signs under their marquees
and certain sizes of snipes on all posters
used.
A little incident happened at the Capitol
that is worth repeating. A man who had not
been to a show for years because he is hard
of hearing was coaxed to go to the Capitol and
try the hearing aids there. He was so pleased
that the next day he went and bought his
own aid . . . With spring just around the
corner and vacation time near at hand theatre
managers here soon will be welcoming visitors
from across the line ... A recent visitor
was E. A. Zorn, FPC division manager.
The Lyceum in Port Arthur has installed a
very attractive candy bar and popcorn machine.
The Lake in Fort William installed
a candy and popcorn bar about two weeks
ago and is doing a good business . . . The
Lakehead Exhibitors Ass'n has decided to invite
all the assistants to at least four or
more of its meetings each year. It was
thought the attendance of assistants would
broaden the meetings' viewpoint and encourage
helpful suggestions . progress of
the two theatres under construction in Port
Arthur has been speeded because of better
weather. It will not be long before steel
beams for the roofs will be raised.
Theatre business was a little better last
week . Royal is doing well with its
Saturday morning kiddy program. School of
the Air, which is broadcast. Using local
talent, this matinee has been going for several
years and is popular with the kiddies,
who line up nearly a half hour before the
boxoffice opens . . . R. Tindall, doorman at
the Capitol who has been in the hospital with
pneumonia, is back on the job once again.
Phone Bally for 'Kissing'
YARMOUTH. N. S.—For the local showing
of "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now," arrangements
have been made by Franklin &
Herschorn, owner, and Syd Wyman, manager
of the Community, for a telephone greeting
from Mark Stevens in Hollywood to his great
grandmother, Mrs. Bower, on the Community
stage. An amplifier will allow everybody in
the Cormnunity to hear the conversation.
Stevens appears in the film.
114
March 13, 1948

Bookin(ruide
BOXOFFICE
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in five or more of the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported ratings
ore added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT OF THE WEEK
Gentleman's Agreement-
Philadelphia
relation to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.

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 mean the exhibitor
has been writing in jor 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
COLUMBIA
Framed (Col)—Glenn Ford, Janis Carter,
Barry Sullivan. I expected big business, due
to Glenn Ford's past popularity here, but was
sadly disappointed with a very poor run. A
well made production and good acting but
I thought it was a lot like "Dead Reckoning."
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.—Carl E.
Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural
and small town patronage. • * •
Last of the Redmen (Col)—Jon Hall, Michael
O'Shea, Evelyn Ankers. Don't pass this one
up, brother small town exhibitors. If you do,
you'll be sor-r-ryl It's a natural, packing them
everywhere, though we did not break any
in
records, due to bad roads. Played Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Below zero.—Harland Rankin,
Joy Theatre, Bothwell, Ont. Small town patronage.
• •
EAGLE LION
Law of the Lash (EL)—Al "Lash" La Rue, Al
"
"Fuzzy St. John, Lee Roberts. Al La Rue is
new here as far as a western star goes and
we didn't have any walkouts or comments
so don't
joyed
know
him
what
myself.
say about
Played
him. I en-
Wednesday.
Weather: Cold.—D. W. Trisk., Ritz Theatre,
Jerome, Ariz. Mining town patronage. * *
Red Stallion, The (EL)—Ted Donaldson,
Robert Paige, Noreen Nash. Don't pass this
one up. If you do, you'll have missed the boat.
It is worth playing, by all means. Weather;
Cold.—Harland Rankin, Rankin Enterprises,
Chatham, Ont. Small town patronage. * * *
Song of Old Wyoming (EL)—Eddie Dean,
Sarah Padden, Al La Rue. Here is our first
western with Eddie Dean and he was liked
very much as a cowboy but not as a singer.
This was in Cinecolor and it is the same as
;he rest—poor. Miracles happen every day,
because this film did not break—why I don't
know. It is a good western though and you
.should buy it. Played Fri., Sat. Weather;
Fair.—George MacKenzie, York Theatre,
Hantsport, N. S. Small town patronage. *
HLM CLASSICS
Thief of Bagdad, The (FC)—Reissue. Conrad
Viedt, Sabu, June Duprez. A Technicolor
feature which has played out here the second
lime in one year. The comment from children
was great. Adults reported a change
from the tragic films, and suggested more
from time to time. Played in combination with
"The Patient Vanishes." Played Thurs.
through Sat. Weather: 'Very cold.—L. C.
Utecht, Lake Theatre, Oak Park, 111. West
Chicago patronage.
*
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Fiesta (MGM) — Esther Williams, Akim
Tamiroff, Ricardo Montalban. This was a very
good picture. Color and story, location and
music were tops. People made no bones about
telling me that they liked it. The only thing
wrong was the weather, which has been
keeping them away all winter. Played Sat.,
Sun.—Otto W. Chapek, Annex Theatre,
Anamoose, N. D. Rural and small town
patronage. * * •
Glimpses of New Scotland (MGM)— Short.
Here is my first comment on a short and it
is about places around my town. It shows
pictures of places where I have been and
things I hove seen and that makes it all
the more interesting. We had big crowds to
this one and it was enjoyed by all. How about
some more taken around my town, Metro?
Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Fine.—George
MacKenzie, York Theatre, Hantsport, N. S.
*
Small town patronage.
Great Waltz, The (MGM)—Reissue. Luise
Rainer, Fernand Gravet, Miliza Korjus. This
picture can only be enjoyed by lovers ot
Strauss music, who must also appreciate the
operatic soprano ol Miliza Korjus. In a small
town such as mine this picture's appeal is
naturally limited to a very small group of
people—or I might say two small groups, one
on Sunday and the other on Monday. Weather:
Cold and clear.—Carl E. Pehlman, Rio
111. Theatre, Edinburg, Rural cmd small town
patronage.
Show-Off, The (MGM)—Red Skelton, Marilyn
Maxwell, Marjorie Main. This is typical of
Red Skelton and was full of laughs and funny
situations. It should idraw in any town.
Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold.—
R. W. Burgess, Roxy Theatre, McClusky, N. D.
Rural and small town patronage. * *
Song of the Thin Man (MGM)—William
Powell, Myrna Loy, Kennan Wynn. Part of
a double bill, but people catered to this picture.
William Powell and Myrna Loy still
He 'Blames' His Success
On 20th-Fox at Winnipeg
JJERE'S an exhibitor who "blames" his
success, rather than failure, onto one
of the big companies. Fox, take a bow
from S. N. Holmberg of the Regal Theatres,
Ltd., Sturgis, Sask.:
"Don't let anyone tell you 35mm is too
expensive for a small town—all you need
is to get good pictures and the public
docs the rest.
"When I came out of the RCAF in
February of '45, I went to a nearby town
as operator in a theatre but after four
months, decided to be my own boss. I
came back here and merchants of the
town bought me a 16inin show which had
operated here one night a week for years.
Grosses at the door averaged from $12
to $20, never more.
"I had ideas of trying 35mm on a gamble
after six months of this 16nun, and
was told by everj'one I was crazy, as the
town wasn't big enough for big machines.
But I got two 35mm machines anyway,
and at first, thought the people who
warned me had been right. Then 20lh-
Fox at Winnipeg came to my rescue,
thanks to Manager Huber, and booked
their big hits of two years. Business
boomed and put us on our feet. We
continually drew people from two neiglW
boring towns.
"For the past year and a half we have
run four nights weekly, two changes a
week. We paid up the machines in full
last fall and now we start all over again
in Steven, as we opened there on January
30.
"Our crowds built up from S15 houses
to as high as $300. We also believe we
are the only theatre in this part of the
country to have a stage show. We had it
with 'The Jolson Story,' having the stage
show come up here from 90 miles away.
The only thing that went wrong was that
people enjoyed the stage show more than
'The Jolson Story!'"
Diiferent Kind of Gripe
From "New Contributor
JJERE is a Uttle different gripe. I wish
the film houses would teach their
exhibitors and operators to patch film.
Every once in a while I find an improper
patch and it slips and bingo goes a foot
of film before a machine can be stopped.
This happened to me tonight and has
happened many times before.—Lewis
Hickok, Dream Theatre, Effingham, Kas.
hold boxoffice appeal at this theatre. In spite
of bad weather, business was average and it
played to family patronage. Second feature
was "Her Husband's Affairs" (Col). Played
Thurs. through Sat. Weather: Snow and cold.
—L. C. Utecht, Lake Theatre, Oak Park, 111.
*
West suburban Chicago patronage.
UYearling, The (MGM)—Gregory Peck, Jane
Wyman, Claude Jarman jr. This is one of the
best pictures ever to come out of Hollywood.
Everyone enjoyed this picture and said so.
The Technicolor was the best I ever saw.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.—James
E. Davis, Rialto Theatre, Bennington, Okla.
Rural and small town patronage. * *
MONOGRAM
Newshounds (Mono)—Leo Gorcey, Muntz
Hall, Christine Mclntire. Leo Gorcey and his
crew get by here and this one had some new
stuff in it and we got by real well with it.
Played Wednesday. Weather: Cold.—D. W.
Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining town
patronage. * *
PARAMOUNT
Desert Fury (Para)—John Hodiak, Lizabeth
Scott, Burt Lancaster. Did better than we
expected
Lots of action
as business
and they
was
enjoyed
above
it.—Harland
average.
Rankin, Rankin Enterprises, Chatham, Ont.
Small town patronage, « * •
Easy Come, Easy Go (Para)—Sonny Tufts,
Diana Lynn, Barry Fitzgerald. This was a
comedy that was pretty weak. Played Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Cold.—Otto W. Chapek,
Annex Theatre, Anamoose, N. D. Rural and
small town patronage. * * «
Road to Rio (Para)—Bing Crosby, Bob Hope,
Dorothy Lamour. The only way we can get
a good crowd on Hope is to play him with
Crosby and this one had what it took, althougii
weather and sickness held us down.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather; Cold.—D. W.
Ritz Trisko, Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining
town patronage. * '
Trouble With Women, The (Para)—Roy Milland,
Teresa Wright, Brian Donlevy. Who
doesn't have trouble with women, either
blondes or brunettes? Now we have it on the
marquee; and at the boxoffice, yes, we have
trouble too, for business was poor. Played
Thurs., Fri. Weather; Below zero.—Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Small
town patronage. * * »
RKO RADIO
Crossfire (RKO) — Robert Young, Robert
Mitchum, Gloria Grahame. This is a good
show with an excellent cast. This is one of
the shows that is different. In fact, the interest
is
held all the way through the feature
and we had a lot of people stay over for the
second show to see parts of it again and get
straightened out with the story. Played Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Cold and snow.—D. W.
•
Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining
town patronage. * *
Crossfire (RKO) — Robert Young, Robert
Michura, Gloria Grahame. My patrons just
won't take to good drama here and therefore
a feature such as this is passed up by many
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Mar. 13, 1948

who really should see it. Business was a
little below average. Played Sun., Men.
Weather: Bad.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre,
Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage. * * *
Nocturne (RKO) — George Raft, Virginia
Huston, Lynn Bari. Here is another one ol
George Raft's pictures and it is the best one
to date but the other one ruined the boxoffice
for this one. This should get a few of the
music-lovers because of the title. There is
very little piano music in this one but too
much for my liking. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Fair.—George MacKenzie, York
Theatre, Hantsport, N. S. Small town patronage.
*
Nocturne (RKO)—George Raft, Lynn Bari,
Virginia Huston. They didn't go for this one.
Adult entertainment is one strike against us
before we play it. Played Mon., Tues., Wed.
Weather: Cold.—Harland Rankin, Beau Theatre,
Belle River, Ont. Small town patronage.
* * *
Riff-HoH (RKO)—Pat O'Brien, Walter Slezak,
Anne Jeffreys. This is a good picture, bought
so we could double bill it and patrons liked
this picture very much. Pat O'Brien draws well
here and is an actor who can draw and
satisfy. It is worth a date, but not on your
best time. Played
—Mayme P.
Fri., Sat.
Musselman,
Weather:
Roach
Cold.
Theatre,
Lincoln, Kas. Small town patronage. • * *
They Won't Believe Mo (RKO)—Robert
Young, Susan Hayward, Rita Johnson. This
is a fairly good show that should do better
in cities rather than small towns. The small
towns want animal pictures, action, and things
down to earth, where you don't have such
morbid endings. Played Sun., Mon. 'Weather:
Rain.—Terry Axley, New Theatre, England,
Ark. Rural and small town patronage. * * *
They Won't Believe Me (RKO)—Robert
Young, Susan Hayward, Jane Greer. You
if .'ouldn't believe us we told you how poor
'jjusiness was. Not the picture for a small
Played Mon., Tues. at both thea'res.
Cold.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theare,
•own.
'.'.'eather:
Tilbury, Ont. (Also Joy Theatre at Both-
v/ell). Small town patronage. * * *
REPUBLIC
Trail to San Antone (Rep)—Gent Autry,
Peggy Stewart, Sterling HoUoway. This did
mediocre business en a weekend double bill.
Played Fri., Sat. 'Weather: Cold.—Harland
Rankin, Joy Theatre, Bothwell, Ont. Small
town patronage. * * *
20th CENTURY-FOX
Moss Rose (20th-Fox) — Peggy Cummins,
Victor Mature, Ethel Barrymore. Nothing
extra but got by okay on Sunday which is
our silver dollar night. Played Sunday. 'Wea-
'her: Cold for here.—D. 'W. Trisko, Ritz The-
T re, Jerome, Ariz. Mining town pcrtron-
Moss Rose (20th-Fox)—Peggy Cummins,
'.'ictor Mature, Ethel Barrymore. 'We would
:;e much happier if we never had to play
hese English accent pictures—they bore us.
Ethel Barrymore's acting was superb, as
usual, and the story fair, you like murder
mysteries—we don't.
if
Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Very cold.—R. W. Burgess, Roxy
Theatre, McClusky, N. D. Rural and small
own patronage.
Three Little Girls in Blue (20th-Fox)—June
Jlaver, George Montgomery, Vivian Blaine.
To one can argue that this isn't as sweet a
licture as you could wish, but keenos and
lingos were too much for 'us. Played Mon.,
'ues., 'Wed. 'Weather: Cold.—Harland Rankin,
rie Theatre, 'Wheatley, Ont. Small town
jtronage.
Tobacco Road (20th-Fox)—Reissue. Gene
ierney, Charles Grapewin, Marjorie Rameau.
Doubled this with "Grapes of 'Wrath,"
double bill which really paid off. A little
}XOFFICE BookinGuide 13, 1948
long but the filled-up seats compensated lor
It. Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Okay.—D.
W. Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome. Ariz. Mining
patronage. * *
UNITED ARTISTS
Bachelor's Daughters, The (UA)—Gail Russell,
Claire Trevor, Ann Dvorak. 1 would call
this a sleeper. I didn't expect much and
neither did my patrons, but we were pleasantly
surprised with a light and thoroughly
entertaining comedy. Ann Dvorak and Claire
Trevor can still acl and deserve much more
than they are getting. Played Tues., 'Wed.
Weather: Cold and rain.—Carl E. Pehlman,
Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and small
town patronage. * * *
Breakfast in Hollywood (UA)—Tom Breneman,
Bonita Granville, Eddie Ryan. We broke
all house records with this one on a return
date. It now holds the record for our all-time
low. Cold weather and a blizzard should have
kept us home, but opened up and had a
screening. A very good picture that would
have done it, with a break in the weather.
Played Wed., Thurs,—Mayme P. Musselman,
Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas. Small town patronage.
* * *
Fun on a Weekend (UA)—Eddie Bracken,
Priscilla Lane, Tom Conway. Eddie Bracken
is no big draw with us but we had a tieup
v;ith merchants that helped. Weather: Cold.
Rankin Enterprises, Chatham, Ont. Small
town patronage. • •
Heaven Only Knows (UA)—Robert Cummings,
Brian Donlevy, Jorja Curtwright, Featured
by a suspenseful shooting duel, this
Ralph Raspa Praises
The Warner Newsreels
CAY, has anyone taken time out to congratulate
Warners on the progress
they've made with their newsrecl during
the past two months?
My walkouts on newsreels have been
cut in half, sometliing I didn't think possible.
Warners have a very fine trademark,
excellent background music, and they seem
to go out of their way to bring in laughs
and the unusual. The ending of "Great
Americans" is good also.
If I could get my newsreel a week
earlier, I'd really consider my newsreel
an asset.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre,
Rivesville, W. Va.
novel blend of western adventure slacks up
as very good entertainment. Comments were
very favorable—best boxoffice of the week.
Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good.—
R. W. Hailey, Lott Theatre, Lott, Tex. Rural
patronage.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Magnificent Doll (U-I)—Ginger Rogers,
David Niven, Burgess Meredith. This is a
story about Dolly Madison who was the wife
of one of the presidents of the United States,
James Madison. Ginger Rogers as Mrs. Madison
was very good and the acting of David
Niven and Burgess Meredith was the best.
Play this one, as it is very interesting. Played
Mon., Tues. Weather: Fair.—George Mac-
Kenzie, York Theatre, Hantsport, N. S. Small
town patronage.
Shadow of a Doubt (U-I)—Joseph Gotten,
Teresa Wright. Very good, but it didn't go
over. Competition strong and weather bad.
I really didn't want to play it, but the film
industry says an exhibitor can't tell whether
or not a picture will go over. I say that he
can. What do you think? Played Tues., Wed.
Weather: Fair.—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre^,
Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patronage.
Louder Roars From Leo
Rated on 'Rosy Ridge'
KO.M.WCE OF ROSY RIDGE, THE
IM(;M)—Van Johnson, Thomas Mitchell,
Janet Leigh. This excellent picture reveals
the fact that Van Johnson has a
personality we didn't know about. After
several years of Van in variou-s and sundry
officers' unifomu, tuxedos, etc., we find
him at his best in a down-to-earth picture
about plain people down in the
Ozark mountains of MLssouri. I think
Leo should have roared a little louder
about this than he did. Played Tuc-s.,
Wed. Weather: Snow.—Carl E. Pehlman,
Rio Theatre, Edinburg, III. Rural and
small town patronage. • » •
Something in the Wind (U-D—Deanna Durbin,
Donald O'Connor, John Doll. A good little
musical which failed to draw because our
town just doesn't care lor Durbin. No walkouts
and those who saw it liked it. Business.
not so good. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Solid ice on all the streets and highways-
New Years eve and New Years day show.
jr., A. L. Burke Venita Theatre, Herculaneum
Mo. Small town patronage. * *
Swell Guy (U-I)- Sonny Tufts, Ann Blyth,
Ruth Warrick. A lair picture which did good
O'/erage business. One of the lew pictures
from Universal that I've made a dollar on. If
they like Sonny Tufts, play it. Played Thurs.,
Fri. Weather: Cold and light snow.—Arthur
E. Phifield, Park Theatre, South Berwick, Me.
Small town patronage. * * *
Vigilantes Return, The (U-D—Jon Hall, Margaret
Lindsay, Paula Drew. This is okay for
small towns. Played Thursday.—James C.
Balkcom jr.. Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small
town patronage.
Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap, The (U-D—
Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Marjorie Main. We
didn't do average with this one and it is
in plenty funny spots. Lots of laughs and
Marjorie was part of the draw so everyone
was satisfied. 1 wish we had a lot more
as good. This old racket would really boom.
We ran "Fight of the Wild Stallions" with
this, and if you need a short western with a
long feature on the weekend, try this one.
ft is about as good as most features and will
satisfy more.—Mayme P. Musselman, Roach
Theatre, Lincoln, Kas. Small town patronage.
Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap, The (U-D—
Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Marjorie Main.
Abbott and Costello still hold much interest
in the minds of children. Playe.d to a holdout
business on Sunday, and catered to family
trade during the run. Comment on the picture
was good and everyone left with a smile.
The second feature was "Christmas Eve"
(UA). Played Sun. through Wed. Weather:
Rain and cold.—L. C. Utecht, Lake Theatre,
Oak Park, 111. West suburban Chicago patronage.
WARNER BROS.
Sea Hawk, The (WB)—Reissue. Errol Flynn,
Claude Rains, Brenda Marshall. A reissue
worthy ol reissuing. A bit too long, drags in
spots, but the action scenes make up for it.
Business was below average on a double with
"Blind Spot" (Col). Played Thurs., Fri.
Weather: Cold.—Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre,
Edinburg, 111. Rural and small town patronage.
Unsuspected, The (WB)— Joan Caulfield,
Claude Rains, Audrey Totter. A very well
made and well cast mystery which drags up
until the last reel, where you really get the
business. New star Michael North appears to
have possibilities. Business, slow. Played
Tues., 'Wed. Weather: Moderately cold —Carl
(Continued on page 14)

FEATURE CHART
Feature productions, listed by company, in order ol release. Number in square is nati
release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running lim<
furnished by home oifice of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommer
R—is review date. PG—is Picture Guide page number. Symbol "J indicates BOXOFFIC |
Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol © indicates color photography.
MAY 24

i
t
I COVER
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
JULY 19
J-bara Brittoi
Jice Cabiit
il-lme H—
JULY 26
po] (..I li..,ma 8
©LAST OF THE
REDMEN
Michael OShe^i
1!— Aug. 2— PG-844
AUGUST 9
THE SON OF RUSTY
AUGUST 16
155) Western
RIDERS OF THE
LONE STAR
Cbarles Slarrcll
inlley Rurntitle
Irglnia lliuilor
AUGUST 23
y
(67) MiLS-Wcst 851
SMOKY RIVER
SERENADE
Iloosler llulahota
AUGUST 30
SEPTEMBER 6 [
(05) Mystery 821
]
ILLDOG DRUMMOND
STRIKES BACK
Ron Kandcll
Gloria Henry
Auj. 23—Pa-8SD
g
(68) Western 754
GHOST TOWN RENE-
GADES
u— Alia. !i— rc-S45
lie] (81) Drama 107
RED STALLION
Robert Paiifo
Norccn NiLsh
R-^uly 26—P(i-841
P^i] (631 Come.:
GAS HOUSE Kl
HOLLYWOOD
(104) Miis-Dr 727
•lESTA
) Montalban
7 Astor
Ourlsse
g
(103) Musical 72
THE GREAT WALTZ
Luise Rliner
Feniand Gravet
(115) nrama
THE HUCKSTERS
Clark Gable
Hebor.ib Kerr
(68) Comedy 621
LROV WAS HERE
kle Cooper
laeCoogan
I McKay
ily 6—rO-83o
[T] (65) Drama 623
ROBIN HOOD OF
MONTEREY
Gilbert Roland
Evelyn Brent
Chrls-Pln Martin
(95) Comedy 4616
U RUTH
(>iuincld
llUD Holden
nrd Arnold
y De Wolfe
-May 31—PG-S24
^
(63) Drama 4624
BIG TOWN
Philip Reed
Hillary Brooke
Robert Lowery
R—Mar. 1—PG-795
06) nrama 4613 (95) Drama 4617
(iU
OWELCOME STRANGER ©DESERT FURY
Bins Crosby
Lizabeth Scott
Barry Fitzgerald
|22] (67) M'drama
JUNGLE FLIGHT
Group 6
60) nrama 729 (60) Western 73
i;K TRACY'S THUNDER MOUNTAIN
)ILEMMA
Tim Holt
(ph Byrd
Martha Hyer
\< Oiplstophcr
Richard Martin
(Keith
R—May 24—PG-S22
S-May 24—PG-S2;
(75) Western 646
jPRINGTIME IN THE
TilERRAS
Rogers-Jane Fra:
i
R-Aug. 2— PG-843
(711 Western
^ (67) Drama 617
BUCKMAIL
William Marshall
Adele Mara
R—Aug. 16—PG-S47
Group 6
(S5) Mys-nr 726
THEY WON'T BEL
ME
Robert Young
Susan Hayward
Jane Greer
[T] (84) Outd'r-Pr 618
WYOMING
Vera Ralston
William Elliott
John Carroll
R— Aug. 2—PG-843
Group 1
(Sni nrama 80
RIFF-RAFF
Pat O'Brien
Anne Jeffreys
R—June 14—rC-82!)
Group 1
(61) We-stern SC
UNDER THE TONTO
If—June
14—PC-829
|l3] (58) Western 667
MARSHAL OF CRIPPLE
CREEK
Allan Lane-Bobby Bl
R—Aug. 23—PG-84'
[l6] (09) Drama 620
THE PRETENDER
R—Aug. 30—PG-!
(68) Drama
SEVEN KEYS TO
BALDPATE
Phillip Terry
(86) Dram
CROSSFIRE
Robert Young
Robert Mitcbum
Robert Ryan
Gloria Grabame
Sam Levene
R—June 28—PO-833
[so] (64) Western 651
©ALONG THE OREGO
TRAIL
.Monle Hale
Adraln Booth
R—Sept. 13— I'G-855
Group 1
(95) Comedy 801
UBACHELOR AND THE
BOBBY-SOXER
Cary Grant
.Myrna l-oy
Shirley Temple
R-June 7—Pa-826
rilan B..yd
|seU Hayden
Brge Hayes
(26] (40) Mys-Com 461S
CASE OF THE BABY
SITTER
Tom Neal
Allen Jenkins
Pamela Blake
Mark Stevens
JIartha Stewart
Reginald Gardiner
R—June 21—PG-832
(107) Musical 724
©MOTHER WORE
TIGHTS
Betty Orable
Dan Dalley
Mona Freeman
R—Aug. 30—Pa-852
tnra Stan\y>ek
lldNiven
Apr. 12—PG-8in
nil (60) Western
HOPPY'S HOLIDAY
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R—May 24—PG-S31
[Tl (133) Musical
CARNEGIE HALL
William Prince
Marsha Hunt
|o] (112) Comedies
fsl (102) Drama
©COMEDY CARNIVAL PERSONAL COLUMN
Walter Abel
(formerly
Margot Grabame
LURED)
R— Aug 30—PG-851 George Sanders
Lucille Ball
(Carles Cobum
R^Iuly 19—rO-83(l
(98) nrama 62
BRUTE FORCE
Burt Lancaster
Hume Cronyn
R^Iune 28—rO-833
Yvonne Tie Carlo
George Brent
R—July 26—PG.842
(891 Musical 621
SOMETHING IN THE
WIND
De,inn« Durbin
|26] (108) Dr.-una 624
POSSESSED
Joan Crawford
Van Henin
Ra>Tnond M.assey
Geraldine Brooks
R—June 7—PG-825
nri (81) nrama 62
IVIARKEO WOMAN
Ileitr n:ivi

FEATURE CHART
SEPTEMBER 13 SEPTEMBER 20 SEPTEMBER 27
|7| (68) Mus-Com 827
WHEN A GIRL'S
BEAUTIFUL
Adele Jergens
Marc Piatt
Patrlca White
Stephen Dunne
R—Sept. 27—PG-8
g
(72) Drama 710
RAILROADED
John Ireland
ll_Oct. 18—PG-866
OCTOBER 4
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
OCTOBER II
Trudy Marshall
Jimmy Lloyd
R—Sept. 6—PG-854
[T| (93) Com-Myst 802 [n] (87) Comedy 801
GREEN FOR DANGER OUT OF THE BLUE
Sally Gray-Trevor Howard Brent-Mayo-Bey
R—Aug. 16— PG-848 li—Sept. 6—PG-853
\n\ (53) Western 755
RETURN OF THE LASH
Al "Lash" La Rue
R—Nov. 15—PG-873
OCTOBER 18
\u\ (551 Western 961
BUCKAROO FROM
POWDER RIVER
R—Nov. 15—PG-873
^ (69) Comedy 911
BLONDIE IN THE
DOUGH
R—Sept. 27—PG-859
OCTOBER 25
(101) Musical 930
©DOWN TO EARTH
K. Hayworth-L. Parks
R—Aug. 8—PG-844
m
(68) Musical 918
SWEET GENEVIEVE
J. Porter-J. Lydon
R—Sept. 20—PO-858
[i|] (68) Drama 803 [25] (58) Western 530
BURY ME DEAD CHEYENNE TAKES
.Mark Daniels
OVER
R—Oct. 11—PG-864 Al "Lash" La Rue
|l8] (61) Western 756 ^ (58) Western 851
FIGHTING VIGILANTES BLACK HILLS
Al "Lash" La Rue Eddie Dean
R—Nov. 29—PG-877
1
NOVEMBER
[T] (77) Western :
LAST ROUNDUP
Gene Autry
"Champion"
Jean Heather
R—Oct. U—PQ-88J
(T] (67) Outd"r-D*
©RETURN OF Rim
TIN
R_Nov. 8—P0-8T1
'
\T\ (52) Western
STAGE TO MESA CI
L
[19] (8") Mystery 803
THE ARNELO AFFAIR
John Hodlak
George Murphy
Frances Glftord
li-Feb. 15—PG-790
[3] (118) Drama 802 [10) (118) Drama 8
©UNFINISHED DANCE SONG OF LOVE
Margaret O'Brien
Katharine Hepburn
Cyd Cbarisse
Paul Henreid
Karin Booth
Robert Walker
R—Aug. 9—PG-846 R—July 26—PG-841
[tt] (82) Comedy 8'
MERTON OF THE
MOVIES
Red Skelton
Virginia O'Brien
R—July 19—PG-839
^ (91) Drama
DESIRE ME
Greer Garson
Robert Mitchum
Richard Hart
R—Sept. 27—PG-M
Chirstlne Mclntyr
Bnwery Boys
R—June 21—PG-
J ArtisU
[4] (53) Western 6
1^ (89) Ould'r-Dr AA2
RIDIN' DOWN THE
BLACK GOLD
TRAIL
\nthony Quinn
Jimmy Wakely
i!—June 28—PG-833
Carnonbali" Taylor
^ (69) Western 673
Beverly Johns
FLASHING GUNS
It—Jan. 31—PG-895
(92) Drama 4701
WILD HARVEST
Alan Lirtd
liorothy Lamour
Robert Preston
Lloyd Nolan
R—Aug. 9—PG-84B
\n\ (72) Drama 4701
HIGH TIDE
Don Castle
Anabel Shaw
Lee Tracy
R—Aug. 9—PG-845
\m\ (67) M'drama 4702
©ADVENTURE ISLAND
Rory Calhoun
Rhonda Fleming
Paul Kelly
R—Aug. 23—PG-850
g
(72) Comedy 4702
JOE PALOOKA IN THE
KNOCKOUT
Joe Kirkwood jr
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R—Aug. 30—PG-851
(55) Drama 678
H]
PRAIRIE EXPRESS
Johnny Mack Brown
Virginia Belmont
Raymond Hatton
\T\ (85) Drama 4
LOUISIANA
Gov. Jimmie Davis
Margaret Lindsay
R—Aug. 16—PG-847
||i| (95) Drama
GOLDEN EARRINGS.
Ray ^Ulland
Mariene Dietrich n
R—Aug. 30—PG-8gl
Special
(97) Drama 861
THE LONG NIGHT
Hmry I'-onda
Barbara Bel Geddes
Ann Dvorak
Vincent Price
R—June 7—PO-826
^ (55) Drama
RACKETEERS
Preston Foster
MelvjTi Douglaa
^ (74) Drama
CALL IT MURDER
Humphrey Bogart
Richard
Wliorf
(99) Drama 725
KISS OF DEATH
Victor Mature
Brliin Donlevy
Colecn r.ray
11— Auk. 16—Pa-a47
\^ (93) Comedy
HEAVEN ONLY KNOVK
Itoficrt Cummlngs
lirlan Donlevy
Marj{irie Reynolds
I!— Aug 2— P(J-84;
^
(90) Drama 621
DRIFTWOOD
Ruth VVarrlck
Waiter Brennan
Dean Jagger
It—Nov. 15—PG-784
|20) (69) Mus-Com X-
BOY, WHAT A GIRL!
Blwood Smith
Sheila Ouyse
nuke Wmiam
R—Feb. 15—PO-790
(105) Comedy 851
O0SECRET LIFE OF
WALTER MITTV
Danny Kaye
Virginia Mayo
R-^uly 19—PG-840
118) 727 (90) Drama
HOW GREEN WAS MY SWAMP WATER
VALLEY
Walter Brennan
Walter Pidgcon
Walter Huston
(62) Drama
Anne Baxter
SECOND CHANCE nana Andrews
R—July 26—PG-842
[1] (59) Western 751
THE WILD FRONTIER
Allan "Rocky" Lane
Eddie Waller
Jack Hoit
R—Oct. 11—PG-863
Maureen O'Hara
Richard Haydn
Victor McLaglen
Vanessa Brown
R—Sept. 27—PG-859
(89) Comedy
MAD WEDNESDAY
Harold Lloyd
Prances Ramsden
R—Feb, 22—PG-792
3) Comedy 8
©FUN AND FANCY
FREE
Edgar Bergen
Dlnall Shore
Luana Patten
R—Aug. 23—PG-849
[u] (78) Drama 4704
THE BURNING CROSS
Hank Daniels
Virginia
R—July
Patton
26—PO-842
ra (93) Drama 740
THE MARK OF ZORRO
Power-Darnell
lio] (103) Drama 741
DRUMS ALONG THE
MOHAWK
Claudette Colbert
(123) Comedy
MONSIEUR VERDOUX
Charles Chaplin
Martha Raye
R—Apr. 26—PO-813
[i|] (75) Outd'r-Mus 648
©ON THE OLD SPAN-
ISH TRAIL
Roy Rogers
Tito Guizar
Jane Frazee
Andy Devine
R—Nov. 1—PO-870
Herald
(Negro)
[li] (70) Musical X
SEPIA CINDERELLA
BUly Daniels
Sheila Guyse
Tondalayo
Ruble Blakey
R—Aug. 9—PO-848
[isj (73) Drama 732
THE INVISIBLE WALL
R—Oct. 16—PO-865
|l8] (111) Drama 730
(90) Drama
CHRISTMAS EVE
George Raft
George Brent
Joan Blondell
Randolph Scott
R—Oov. 8—PG-873
Special
(103) Comedy 8
MAGIC TOWN
James Stewart
Jane Wyman
R—Aug. 30—PO-851
m
(71) Mys-Dr 4703
DRAGNET
Henry Wilcoxon
Mary Brian
Vh-lgnla Dale
Douglass Dumbrllle
R—July 12—PG-838
g
Special
(140) Drama 733
©FOREVER AMBER
Linda Darnell
Cornel Wilde
Richard Greene
George Sanders
R—Oct. 18—PG-866
(104) Drama
BODY AND SOUL
John Garfield
Lllll Palmer
li—Aug. 16—PQ-8
R—Aug,
16—Pa-848
(98) Drama 624
FRIEDA
David Farrar
Olynls Johns
Flora Holison
R—Aug. 30—PG-852
(101) Drama 625
RIDE THE PINK HORSE
Robert Montgomery
Wanda Hendrlx
R—Sept. 20—rG-857
(78) Comedy 62
WISTFUL WIDOW OF
WAGON GAP
Abbott & Costello
Marjorie
Audrey
R—Oct.
Main
Young
4—PG-862
(92) Drama
THE EXILE
Douglas FalrbanlB
Maria Montez
I'aule Croset
It—Oct. 25—PG-»
(118) Comedy 702
[JH
©LIFE WITH FATHER
William Powell
Irene Dunne
Kilzabi'lh Taylor
ZaSu Pitts
H— Aug. 23—rO-860
l27l (106) Drama 703
DARK PASSAGE
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Bruce Bennett
Moorehead
Tom
-PG-854
Reissues
[T] (71) Drama 704
BAD MEN OF MISSOURI
D, Morgan-J, Wyman
IT] (84) Drama 705
EACH DAWN I DIE
(n] (103) Drama 70
THE UNSUSPECTED
Joan Caulfleld
Claude Rains
Audrey Totter
Hurd Hatfield
R—Sept. 20— PG-858
[T] (83) Drama
THAT HAGEN GIV
Ronald Reagan
Shirley Temple
Rory Calhoun
R_Oct. 25—pa-»
(140) Drama
_^ ODUEL IN THE SUN
O Jennifer Jones
K Gregory Peck
to Joseph Col ten
Lionel Barrymore
R—Jan. 11—PC-780
(18) (61)
Bell PIct. Corp.
GIRL ON THE CANAL CHILDREN ON TRIAL
R— Nov. 29—PG-a77 R—Nov 29— PG-878
(68) DncumDr
(80) Musical
Eng. Films
Four Continents
SCHOOL FOR DANGER SPRINGTIME
R—Nov 29— PG-878 R—Feb. 14—PG-902
(85) Drama
Jewish Nat'l Fund
MY FATHERS HOUSE
R—Oct. 4—PG-861
(701 Dramn Alexander
THE FIGHT NEVER
ENDS
R—Mar. 6—PG-909
Sept. (85) Western 1208 Oct. (71) Myst-Dl
LADY IN A JAM BLACK FRIDAY
Irene Dunne Boris Karloft
Ralph Bellamy Bela Lugosi
Sept, (89) Western 1121 Oct. (72) Myst-Dlj
Robert Preston Basil Rathbone

I
I
FEATURE CHART
I JANUARYS JANUARY 10
John Hubbard
11— Nov. 1—PC-8e9
[9l (54) Western 9
SIX-GUN LAW
Slarrett-Burnette
R—Jan. 10—PG-890
(81) Drama 9
©THE SWORDSMAN
Larry Parks
R—Oct. 25—PG-867
[lo] (91) Drama S09
T-MEN
Dennis 0"Keere
R—Dec. 20—PG-884
JANUARY 17
(68) Musical 907
ID
GLAMOUR GIRL
V'irginia Grey
Michael Duane
Gene Krupa's Orch.
R—Jan. 3—PO-88S
[n] (71) Drama 810
HEADING FOR HEAVEN
Stuart Erwln
Glenda Farrell
JANUARY 24
g
(66) Mus-Dr 906
MARY LOU
Robert Lowery
Joan Barton
Glenda Farrell
Frankle Carle
B-^an. 31—PO-895
^
(55) Western 853
CHECK YOUR GUNS
Eddie Dean
CHECK RUNNDIG TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
JANUARY 31
(941 Drama 934
LOVE TROUBLE
F. Tone-J. Blair
R—Feb. 28—PG-905
p
(72) Drama 933
PRINCE OF THIEVES
J. Hall-P. Morison
R—Dec. 6—PG-879
Hi] (85) Drama 811
©THE SMUGGLERS
Michael Redgrave
R—Jan. 17—PG-892
FEBRUARY 7
[5] (68) Drama 802
WRECK OF THE
HESPERUS
Willard Parker
Edgar Buchanan
Patr WTiit
R—Feb. 14—PG-899
[t] (83) Drama 812
ADVENTURES OF
CASANOVA
Arturo de Cordova
Turban Bey
Lucille Bremer
R—Feb. 28—PG-905
FEBRUARY 14
|I|] (66) Drama 910
WOMAN FROM
TANGIER
Adele Jergens
Stephen Dunne
Michael Duane
R—Feb. 28—PG-905
FEBRUAR'i
^ (93) Drams pnj
©RELENTLESS
Robert Young
R—Jan. 17—PG-I
R—Mar.
813
[h] (70) Drama Hi] (56) Drama
OPEN SECRET TORNADO RANG
.lohn Ireland
Jane Randolph
Eddie .Dean
Roscoe Ates
R—Mar. 6—PG-OI
Roman Bohnen
R—Jan. 24—PG-893
m (119) Drama 813
CASS TIMBERLANE
Spencer Tracy
Lana Turner
Zachary Scott
R_Nov. 8—PG-872
g
(98) Drama 814
IF WINTER COMES
Walter Pldgeon
Deborah Kerr
Angela Lansbury
R— Dec. 27—PQ-885
[i] (99) Drama 815
HIGH WALL
Robert Taylor
Audrey Totter
Herbert Marshall
R_Dec. 20—PG-883
Margaret O'Brien
George Murphy
Angela Lansbury
R—Jan. 17—PG-8
(68) Drama
J^
SMART POLITICS
June Prels-wr
r'reddie Stewart
Noel Nelll
\io\ (66) Comedy 4704
JIGGS AND MAGGIE
IN SOCIETY
Joe Yule
Renle Rlano
E—Feb. 14—PO-900
[it] (53) Musical 686
SONG OF THE DRIFTER
Jimmy Wakely
|3i] (58) Western 4751
OVERUND TRAIL
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Virginia Belmont
[t] (75) Drama 4709
FIGHTING MAD
Joe Kirkwood jr.
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R—Feb. r—PG-898
[m] (66) Drama 4707
PERILOUS WATERS
Don Castle
Audrey Long
Peggy Knudson
|2i] (76) Drama
ROCKY
Roddy McDowall
Nita Hunter
Gale Sherwood
^
(98) Drama 4708
WALK ALONE
Burt Lancaster
Lizabcth Scott
Wendell Corey
Kirk Douglas
R—Dec. 20—PG-883
Randolph Scott
Barbara Britton
Gabby Hayes
R—Jan. 24—PG-8!
Group 2
(114) Drama
SO WELL
REMEMBERED
John MiUs
Martha Scott
Patricia Roc
STREET KID
A) Com-Dr 701
M (72) Outd'r-Mus 644
©GAY RANCHERO
Uoy Rogers
Tito Gulzar
Andy Devlne
R—Jan. 10—PG-889
Group 2
(102) Drama 8
NIGHT SONG
Merle Oberon
Dana Andrews
Ethel Barr>-more
R—Nov. 16—PG-874
ra (65) Drama 702
SLIPPY McGEE
Don Barry
Dale Evans
Tom Brown
(60) Western
LAWLESS VALLEY
George O'Brien
Kay Sutton
Group 3
(91) Comedy 811 (104) Drama 863
FUGITIVE
IF YOU KNEW SUSIE THE
Eddie Cantor
Henry Fcnda
Dolores Del Rio
Joan Davis
R—Feb. 7—PG-897 R—Nov. 15—PG-874
m (61) Comedy 703
CAMPUS HONEYMOON
Richard Crane
Lyn Wilde
Lee Wilde
Hal Hackett
R—Feb. 14—PQ-899
(70) Drama 892
©BAMBI
I
Reissue
[J] (68) Western HC13
PRIDE OF THE WEST
William Boyd
Gabby Hayes
Russell Hayden
Reissue
[t] (70) Western HC14
IN OLD MEXICO
WUIlam Boyd
Gabby Hayes
Russell Hayden
[21] (42) Outd'r Dr
TRAIL OF THE
MOUNTIES
Russell Hayden
Jennifer Holt
(140) Drama I
©CAPTAIN FROM
CASTILE
Tyrone Power
Jean Peters
Cesar Romero
Lee J. Cobb
John Sutton
R—Dec. 6—PG-880
(81) Drama 803
THE TENDER YEARS
Joe E. Brown
Richard Lyon
Noreen Nash
Charles Drake
R—Dec. 6—PG-880
(90) Drama
MAN OF EVIL
James Mason
PhylUs Calvert
R—Feb. 7—PO-898
(91) Musical 202
YOU WERE MEANT
FOR ME
Jeanne Grain
Dan Dalley
Oscar Levant
R—Jan. 24—PO-894
(62) Drama 804
DANGEROUS YEARS
William Halop
Scotty Beckett
Richard Gaines '
(107) Comedy
A MIRACLE CAN
HAPPEN
All-Star Cast
R—Feb. 7—PO-898
(81) Drama
THE SENATOR WAS
INDISCREET
William PoweU
Ella Raines
Arleen Wbelan
II— Dec. 20—PO-883
(93) Drama
CAPTAIN BOYCOTT
Stewart Granger
Kathleen Ryan
Cecil Parker
R—Dec. 6—PG-880
Dennis Price
Hazel Court
Jack Warner
R—M.u. 6—PG-010
[y]
(96) Drama 634 ^ (99) Drami
A WOMAN'S
SECRET BEYONl
VENGEANCE
THE DOOR
(Jiarles Buyer
Joan Bennett
Ann BIyth
Michael Redgrave
Jessica Tandy
Natalie Schafer
R—Dec. 27—PG-886 R-^an. 10—Ptf-I
~"
[io] (78) Drama 713
ALWAYS TOGETHER
Joyce Reynolds
Robert Hutton
R— Dec. 2(>—Pa-884
|4] (126) Drama 714
TREASURE OF
SIERRA MADRE
Humphrey Bogart
Waller Huston
Tim Holt
Bruce Bennett
It—Jan. 10—PG-890
JT] (95) Drama 715
MY GIRL TISA
Lilll Palmer
|2i| (103)
VOICE OF THE'
Ronald Reagan
Eleanor Parker

REVIEW DIGEST
and Alphabetical Picture Guide Index-
905 Adventure? of Casanova (S3) EL..

I
I
cmd trade press reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree
al favor or dislavor of the review. This department serves also as an
'
ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is
Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running
M
1 792 Mad Wednesday (94) UA
2-22-47
(Madonna of the Desert (60) Rep...
851 Manic Town (103) RKO
8-30-47
S893Main Street Kid. Tlie (65) Reo.-- .1-24-48
[ 867 Man About Town (S9) RKO
10-25-47
i 908 It3n From Texas. The (71) EL
3- 6-48
898 Man of Evil (90) UA
2- 7-48
839 Marauders. The (100) UA
7-19-47
849 Marshall of Cripple Creek (58)..
895 Mary Lou (66) Col
8)5 Merlon of the Movies (83) MGM .
ISgMiracle Can Happen. A (107) UA..
907 Miracle of the Bells (120) UA...
9MMr. Reckless (66) Para
J13 Monsieur Verdoux (120) UA
JH Mother Wore Tigths (107) 20-Fox.
879 Mourning Becomes Electra (173)
RKO
89) My Girl Tisa (95) WB
882 My Wild Irish Rose (101) WB...
N
896 Naked City, The (96) U-l
8311 (68)
,876 Nicholas Nickleby (95) U-l-..
874 Night Song (102) RKO
865 Nightmare Alley (111) 20-Fox.
860 North of the Border (40) SG.
819 Northwest Outpost (91) Rep...
8-23-47
1-31-48
7-19-47
2- 7-48
3- 6-48
2-21-48
4-26-47
8-30-47
12- 6-47 +
1-24-4S -f
12-13-47 ff
1-31-48 H
6-21-47 ±
11-22-47 +
11-15-47 +
10-18-47 +
9-27-47 ±
5-17-47 +
7-f 1-
S07 Oklahoma
Badlands
(59)
870 On the Old Spanish Trail (75) fl
89) Open Secret (70) EL
821 Oregon Trail Scouts (58) Reo. •
810 Other Love, The (95) UA
853 Out of the Blue (84) EL
875 Out o( the Past (96) RKO
. 5-24-47
. 4-12-47
. 9- 6-47
.11-22-47
834 Pacific Adventure (97) Col 6-28-47
895 Panhandle (84) Allied Artists 1-31-48
888Paradine Case. The (129) SRO... 1- 3-48
903 Pearl. The (79) RKO 2-21-48
Perilous Waters (64) Mono
8J9 Personal Column (formerly Lured) (102)
UA 7-19-47
907 Phantom Valley (53) Col 3-6-48
Philo Vance's Secret Mission (58) EL
I 897 Piccadilly Incident (87) MGM , . . . 2- 7-48
'836 Pioneer Justice (56) EL 7- 5-47
876 Pirates of Monterey (78) U-l 11-22-47
825 Possessed (108) WB 6- 7-47
Prairie Express (55) Mono
8S1 Pretender. The (69) Rep 8-30-47
879 Prince of Thieves, The (72) Col... 12- 6-47
-H-
•H ff -H ff ++
866 Railroaded (72) EL
led Stalliofl, The C81) EL
892 Relentless (92) Col
(•turn of Rin Tin Tin. The (67) EL
873 Return of the Lash (53) EL
ieturn of the Whistler. The (63) Col
857 Ride the Pink Horse (101) U-l...
Riders of the Lone Star (54) Col....
Ridin' Down the Trail (53) Mono..
82SRitf-Ra(f (80) RKO
871 Road to Rio (101) Para
I Road to the Big House (74) SG-.
Robin Hood of Monterey (55) Mon
) Robin Hood of Texas (71) Rep
836 Romance of Rosy Ridge. The
(105) MGM
8)7 Roosevelt Story. The (80) UA
I Rose of Santa Rosa (65) Col
872 Roses Are Red (67) 20-Fox
8)7 Rustlers of Devil's Canyon (58) Rep.
10-18-47
7-26-47
1-17-48
11- 8-47
11-15-47
7- 5-47
7-12-47
1- 3-48
1- 8-47
7-12-47
' Saigon (95) Para 2- 7-48
i Sainted Sisters. The (89) Para... 3- 6-4S
IScudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (95)
20th-Fox 3- 6-48
: Second Chance (62) 20-Fox 7-26-47
• Secret Beyond the Door (98) U-l.
. 1-10-48
I Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The
(105) RKO 7-19-47
I Senator Was Indiscreet. The (81) U-l 12-20-47
I Seven Keys to Baldpate (68) RKO.. 6- 7-47

SHORTS CHART
onon BUDjecia, uaiea uy v^ompony. in oraer oi release, nunning ume IOUOW8 n -.4
title. First date is National release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE. I
-jf
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: ++ Very Good. j^
+ Good. — Fair. — Poor, = Very Poor. © Indicates color photography.
Coltimbia
Metro-Goldwyn-Moyer
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Ratino Rev'd
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
9401 Brideless Groom (Stooges)
(I6I/2) 9-11 - 10-18
9431 Rolllnj Down to Reno
(Von Zell) (I6/2) .... 9- 4 ± 10-18
9432 Hectic Honeymoon (Holloway)
-f- (17) 9-18 11- 8
9421WeddinB Belle (Schilling
Lane) (17) & 10- 9 + 11-29
9402 Sing a Song of Six Pants
(Stooges) (17) 10-30 ± 11-29
9433 Wife to Spare (A. Clyde)
(16) 11-20 i: 12-20
9403 All Gummed Ug
(Stooges) (IS) 12-11 ± 12-20
9434 Wedlock Deadlock (De Rita)
(16) 12-18 + 2-14
9435 Radio Romeo (Von Zell)
(171/2) 12-25
9404 Shivering Sherlocks (Stooges)
(17) 1-8
9436 Man or Mouse (Holloway)
(IS) 1-15
9405 Pardon My Clutch
(Stooges) (15) 2-26
9406 Squareheads of the Round
Table (Stooges) (18) 3- 4
. .
ASSORTED TWO-REEL COMEDIES
9422 Should Husbands Marry?
(H. Herbert) (17) ... .11-13 + 12-27
9423 Silly Billie (Billie Burke)
(IS) 1-29
Two Nuts 9424 in a Rut
(Shilling & Lane) (18). 2-19
9437 Eight-Ball Andy (Clyde)
(IS) 3-11
COLOR FAVORITES
(Re- releases)
9601 Dreams on Ice 16'A) . . . .10-30 ± 11- 8
9602 Novelty Shoo (6I/2) ... .11-20 tt 12-27
9603 Dr. Bluebird (S) 12-18 tt 12-20
%04 In My Gondola (71/2) ... 1-22
9605 Animal Cracker Circus (7) 2-19
COLOR PHANTASIES
9701 Kitty Caddy (6) 11-6 + 11-29
9702 Topsy Turkey (61/2) 2-5
COLOR RHAPSODIES
9501 Swiss Tease (6) 9-11 + 10-18
9502 Boston Beany (6) 12-4 d: 12-20
9503 Flora (7) 3-18
COMMUNITY SINGS
8660 No. 10 Managua, Nicaragua
(Baker) (91/2) 719 ± 8-2
1947-48 SEASON
9651 No. 1 Linda (Leibert)
(10) 9-4 + 8-30
9652 No. 2 April Showers (Baker)
(9) 10- 2 -f 11- 1
9653 No. 3 Peg 0' My Heart
(Leibert) (9) 11-6 ± 2-14
9654 No. 4 When You Were Sweet
Sixteen (Leibert & Baker)
(91/2) 12- 4 ± 2-14
No. 5 Feudin' Fightin'
9655 and
(IOI/2) 1-8
9656 No. 6 Civilization (10) . . . 2-12
FILM NOVELTIES
9901 Aren't We All? (Stoopnagle)
(10'/2) 11-27 -f 2-14
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
9851 Hollywood Cowboys (91/2) 9- 4 ± 8-30
9852Laguna. U.S.A. (91/2) . .10- 9 + 12-27
9853 Out of This World Series
(9) 11-27 1-3
9854 Off the Air (10) 12-18 + 2-14
9855 Hawaii in Hollywood 1-22
(10)
SPECIAL MUSICAL FEATURETTE
9451 A Voice Is Born (Miklos
Grafni) (201/2) 1-15 ff 10-25
THRILLS OF MUSIC
9951 Boyd Raehurn & Orcli.
(11) 9-18 -f 10-25
9952 Claude Thornhrll & Orch.
(U) 10-16 -f 11- 8
9953 Lecuona Cuban Boys
# (IO1/2) 11-13 11-29
9954Skitch Henderson & Orch.
(10) 12-11
9955 Charlie Barnett i Orcli.
(10) 1-15
9956 Ted Weems & Orch. (lOVj;) 3-25
WORLD OF SPORTS
8S10Volley-Oop (8) 7-26 H 8-30
9801 Cinderella Cagers (9'/2). . 9-25 -t- 10-25
9804 Navy Crew Champions
(10) 12-25 -f 2-14
9805 Rodeo ThrlHs and Spills
(10) 1-29
9806 Net Marvels (10) 3-11
SERIALS
9120 The Sea Hound 9- 4 ++ 8-30
15 Chapters
+ 9140 Brick Bradford 12-18 1-3
15 Chapters
9160 Tex Granger 4-1
15 Chapters

.
2-28
20th Century-Fox
'rod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Re>
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
M 14. No. 2T-Men in Action
•*•
(iS) 10- 3 H 10-11
202 The 3 Rs Go Modern (9) 11- 7 ± 9-27
251 ©Holiday in South Africa
(8) 8-22 + 9-27
Horizons of Tomorrow (8) 9-12 -f 12-20
of the (8) ©Home Danes 10-17 + 9-27
©Jungle Closeups (S)... j+ 1253 12-12 3-6
254 ©Copenhagen Pageant
(8) .Jan.
1203 Sky Thrills (9) Mar.
MOVIETONE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
SPORTS
f3

SHORTS REVIEWS
Opinions on the Current Short Subjects-
Little Hiawatha Hidden Valley Days
RKO (re-release)
(Disney Cartoon)
No More Relatives
RKO (Edgar Kennedy Comedy) 18 Mins.
Good. This is one of the best in the current
Edgar Kennedy series. After his in-laws leave,
Edgar and his wife .make an agreement that
there is to be no more housing of relatives.
Soon after they arrive at this decision his inlaws
return. Both wife and in-laws work cut
a scheme with which to deceive Edgar. The
rest of the film is comprised of humorous incidents.
Edgar finally gives consent to drop
the pact, thus enabling the relatives to stay.
Photo Frenzy
Prairie Spooners
RKO (re-release) 13 Minutes
(Ray Whitley Western Musical)
Fair. A plot that is simple and easy to follow.
Ray Whitley and his Six Bar Cowboys
attend a barbecue and there, between songs,
are told a story by Pop Whitley. He tells of
how he was once in love with the mother of
Ray's girl, Lorraine, and of how distance and
time had pulled them apart. Ray and Lorraine
decide not to let this happen to them by taking
up where Pop Whitley left off.
Dick Stabile and His
Orchestra
RKO (re-release) (Jamboree) 8 Minutes
Good. Several ever-popular songs are featured
in this re-release. The first song is the
World War 1 favorite "Pack Up Your Troubles
in Your Old Kit Bag" and the second is
Melody in F. Dick Stabile's style is very relaxing
and his saxophone solos are smooth.
Gracie Barrie of musical comedy fame provides
the pleasing vocalizations. She sipgs
the first and last number which is "You Go
to My Head." Both playing and singing was
very good.
Brooklyn Makes Capital
Univ-Int'l (Variety View) 10 Minutes
Fair. Ted De Corsia, who handled the narration
for "Brooklyn U.S.A.," also is heard
here as a typical Brooklynite complete with
Brooklyn accent. He gives his reactions to
various scenes and activities in Washington,
D. C. He interviews a lobbyist, a fake senator
and member of the British embassy. He
tries to crash the Russian embassy, but is
vetoed.
9 Minutes Univ-Int'l (Musical Western) 27 Minutes
Fair. A three-reel film starring Red River
Dave and the Texas Tophands. It is the first
Excellent Both grownups and children will
enjoy this Technicolor Disney cartoon. Trying
to prove himself to be a great hunter,
Little Hiawatha aims at every animal in the
woodland, but fails to hit any of them. He
finally corners a bunny, but turns softhearted
and shoos it away. Soon afterward
he breaks his bow and arrows in two and
disposes of them. He then encounters a bear
and is chased for miles. The other animals
sparing the life
in the forest, grateful for his
of the bunny, help him to escape. Back in his The Children's Republic
wigwam Little Hiawatha vows that he will
Carroll Films (Documentary) 24 Minutes
wait until he is bigger before becoming a
mighty hunter.
Interesting. Madeleine Carroll has produced
a 35mm documentary account of an
of a series about this group and was photographed
in Texas. The camera work is good
and the music pleasant, but the editing is
poor. The picture tells how Red River Dave
and his boys help an old rancher with his
roundup. While they are on the ranch they
capture a gang of bank robbers who have
been using on airplane for their getaways
institution called The Children's Republic in
Sevres, France. The film describes the progress
being made by the progressive school
toward rehabilitating children who were left
homeless during the occupation. It follows
In the A/ewsree/s
Movietone News, No. 18: President Truman
visits Cuba; Belgium returns bed sheets to
people of Bastogne; Parisian children eat
Friendship food; Japanese police raid black
Universal Nevra, No. 122: Tokyo police raid
black market; Mrs. Taft is interviewed by
Washington press; New Orleans presents
latest Easter millinery; Talon wins Santa Anita
handicap.
Warner Pathe News, No. 57: Champs in the
news; Czech red revolution; motorcyclists in
endurance contest; potatoes exchanged for
fur coat; Santa Anita handicap.
Movietone News, No. 19: Vandenberg urges
Marshall plan to stop another war; the Italian
Pilgrims flock to site of miracle; Bowery derelicts
get a chance to start life anew; along
Broadway; Cincinnati Reds start training at
Tampa, Fla.; N. Y. Giants practice in Arizona;
Boston Red Socks drill in Florida; ski jumping
Gene Wilson flies 288 feet in Iron Mountain,
Mich.
News of the Day, No. 253: Quick aid to evade
war; Czech fate stirs world; Everglade Wonderlands
explored by cameraman; King Michael
reclaims throne; basketball sensation;
must accept Boston and Cincinnati; Boston
Red Socks get ready; Cincinnati Reds woim
up for spring; most perilous ski jump. ""
Paramount News, No. 5G: Notre Dame-N. Y.
U; Washington Czech envoy quit; Junior Republicans
name Stassen and Warren; Earl
Long wins in Louisiana; ski jump in Michigan;
N. Y. Giants at Sarasota, Fla.
Universal News, No. 123; United Nations
security conference ponders Palestine crisis;
Czech envoy informer; Hungary premier prptests
action of Reds; film premier aides heart
fund; Irish top N. Y. U. in rough basketball
upset; death mars ski jump in Iron Mountain
tournament.
Warner Pathe News, No. 58: Michael revokes
abdication; Czech envoy defies Reds;
rare scenes of Everglade light; science makes
the experiences of a brother and sister, orphans,
who are picked! up by the poHce for
vagrancy and are sent to the institution.
Pupils at the school are permitted to study
the is courses they prefer. The school run on
a democratic basis, with the children governing
themselves. They are taught useful
trades. The film will be used to aid the current
campaign of the White House committee
for the International Children's Emergency
Fund. Narration by Miss Carroll. She appears
briefly in the film.
A Matter of Time
Carroll Films (Documentary) 20 Minutes
Fair. A documentary account of a French
barge captain's struggles to meet a deadline
hauling a shipment of cement to Belgium
from Paris has some measure of suspense.
It is hampered by an English commentary
that strains for American slang expressions.
Photography is adequate. The film has more
merit for educational showing.
the perfect pie; spring fashion in photo finish;]
Notre Dome vs. N. Y. U. in basketball; U.S.:^
Constitution. "i
•
market; navy jet displays new jet flyer; skiing
All American News, Vol. G, No. 291: Mrs.
in France; kid boxing in New York; skating
E. C. Estell of Dallas is selected as
RKO
"Woman
(This Is America) 16 Minutes Barbara Ann Scott.
of the Year"; Wilberforce, Ohio, college students
are initiated; George E. Curry, former
Very good. A report on the development of News of the Day, No. 252: Japanese battle
photography from the time of the box camera black market; schools closed by teacher strike; bishop, is a successful businessman in Jacksonville,
Fla.; President Truman on trip; Joe
to the present intricate apparatus used in the Truman ends tour; new jet plane; Paris acclaims
Barbara Ann Scott; chess classic; mus-
Walcott awarded championship belt.
motion picture and other industries. Many
types of pictures are shown, both those taken clemen on parade.
•
by professional photographers and amateurs
It is a very informative film and should be of Paramount News, No. 55: Chess classic- Telenews Digest, No. 9: First films of Red
interest to practically everyone.
Greek army frontier; a soldier remembers a upheaval in Czechoslovakia; violence grows
promise; first pictures from Czechoslovakia.
in Palestine as UN talks; Dictator Franco of
Spain takes royal power; Francisco France
presides over the inauguration of his New
Council of the Realm; U.S. military mission
arrives in Athens; new 11,000-ton liner makes
maiden voyage from Sweden; carnival in
France features dancing in the streets; Wallace-Taylor
forces attack Marshall plan; convicts
used to fight flood tides in Mississippi;
GI dream homes in New York turn to nightmares;
Statue of Liberty wears "old look";
miracle rescue saves seaman; teachers strike
in Minneapolis for better schools; explosion
rocks town; Reynolds takes off on new exploration;
Europe's refugees find new home;
gadgeteer builds new super auto; wheelchair
vets play basketball; doughnut dunkers demonstrate
techniques.
Exhibitor Has His Say
(Continued from page 3)
E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural
and small town patronage. * * *
Unsuspected, The (WB)— Joan Caulfield,
Claude Rains, Audrey Totter. This film
was tops in murder and mystery. My patrons
don't go for these though and this hit the
all-lime low for this winter in gross. Played
Tues., Wed. Weather: Very cold.—Otto W.
Chapek, Annex Theatre, Anamoose, N. D.
Rural and small tovim patronage. * * *
Verdict, The (WB) — Sydney Greenstreet,
is Peter Lorre, Joan Loring. This a very good
murder mystery but don't play it on a weekend
like we did unless you want poor results
like we got. We didn't even have a hundred
at the matinee and that was something unusual
for us. The ending was a great surprise
for the people and was enjoyed by
those who come. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Fine. — George MacKenzie, York Theatre,
Hantsport, N. S. Small tovm patronage. *
14
BOXOFHCE BookinGuide :: Mar. 13, 1948

Opinions on Current Productions; Expioitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
t
Summer Holiday
MGM (821) 92 Minutes
p
'
Comedy
With Music
Rel. ApriL '48
An outstanding assemblage of talent—both in the acting
and production aepartments; a name cast headed by Mickey
Rooney; Technicolor; some good singing and production
numbers, and lively comedy oi the early '90s period ought
to molce this one ol the money-makers of the season. It gets
a confusing start, with Rooney, Walter Huston, Frank Morgan
and others singing and talking in verse, but acquires
reality as the boy-girl romance and family complications
unfold. One scene virhere Rooney, a high school boy, is
lured into a drunken stupor by a burlesque queen, is dragged
out unnecessarily and may draw criticism from parents.
Gloria De Haven, as the sweetheart of school age, outstandingly
is
attractive. Arthur Freed was the producer and
Rouben Mamoulian directed from a script based on Eugene
ONeil's "Ah, WildernessV
Mickey Rooney, Gloria De Haven, Walter Huston, Frank
Morgan, Butch Jenkins, Marilyn Maxwell, Agnes Moorehead
Smart Woman
Monogram-Allied Artists
93 Minutes
Rel.
If any such remained, this should dispel all doubts that
Monogram, under the banner of Allied Artists, its silk-clad
running-mate company, is deserving of a big league status
as concerns both production and bookings. There are plenty
of showmen and reviewers who will appraise the film as the
best to date to appear bearing the A-A seal; and, considering
the financial returns recorded by some of its predecessors,
such evaluation should assure profitable grosses
wherever the feature is booked. A story of crooked politicians,
urban corruption, smart lawyers and torrid love, the
screenplay was skillfully contrived to accent the respective
and collective talents of a name-heavy cast, which is highlighted
by Constance Bennett's impressive comeback as an
actress and her promising debut as a producer with Hal E.
Chester. Skillfully directed by Edward A. Blatt.
Brian Aheme, Constance Bennett, Barry Sullivan, Michael
O'Shea, James Gleason, Otto Kruger, Isobel Elsom.
The Return of the Whistler F
Columbia (920) Minutes Rel. Mar. 18, '48
An exciting mystery in which there is no corpse and bullets
don't fly. Pretty Lenore Aubert plays the part of a young
French widow of an American flyer whose nearest in-laws
hate so much to see her inherit the family fortune that they
conspire to cheat her out of it by making everyone believe
she is insane. Michael Duane had fallen in love with her
and was trying to marry her (not knowing her financial
prospects) when this series of events started happening, and
keeps up the interest until the last flicker. Private eye Richard
Lane sleuths on both sides the fence, really exposing
the racket when he discovers he has been working for crooks
at first. Where there is a demand for these mystery-action
pictures in double feature houses, this can be booked in
any ot them to satisfaction. D. Ross Lederman directed.
Michael Duane, Lenore Aubert, Richard Lane, James Cardwell,
Ann Shoemaker, Sarah Padden, 'Wilton Gralf.
Adventures in Silverado
Columbia (902) — Minutes Rel. Mar. 25, '48
Suggested by Robert Louis Stevenson's story, "Silverado
Squatters," this is a western in entertainment value with
more plot development and something better than the sterotyped
sagebrush thriller. There are enough stagecoach
races to please the most ardent action fans with acting a
grade higher than typical horse operas. Also, the plot has
an unusual twist at the end and there are social betterment
ideas introduced which fit into present world reform movements.
Of course good old Doc who looked after everbody
on the "flats" turns out in the end to be "The Monk," dormg
highwayman who has been robbing the mine owners of a
lot of gold shipments by holding up stages. But, shucks.
Doc was taking it from the rich to give to the poor, so that
didn't make his crime so black, though he paid with his life.
One of the better little pictures. Phil Karlson directed.
William Bishop, Gloria Henry, Edgar Buchanan, Forrest
Tucker, Edgar Barrier,
F
Irving Bacon, Joseph Crehan.
^ ^
/ Remember Mama
RKO Radio (860) 138 Minutes Rel. April '48
"Iss Gootl" Thai's the coverall phrases employed by
"Mama" and her family and friends to describe a situation
to their liking. But it is inadequate as an appraisal for the
screen version of John Van Drutens popular stage play. In
fact, "Iss excellent " is none too superlative. It's one ol those
heart-warming, fundamentally-simple, all-too-rare films about
the lives, loves, problems and tribulations ol a wholesome
and lovable immigrant family— in this case Norwegian—millions
of which comprise the backbone of our nation. As such
it inescapably must strongly appeal to every picture patron,
regardless of age, creed, color or film taste. Given the additional
benefit of a thoioughly fine and masterfully-typed
cast, whose performances throughout are line-grained and
winning, the offering is predestined for record grosses. A
sterling credit lor Producer-Director George Stevens.
Irene Dunne, Barbara Bel Geddes. Oscar Homolka, Philip
Dom, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Edgar Bergen, Rudy Vallee.
Fort Apache
RKO Radio 127 Minutes Rel.
Those early-day ingredients of the time-honored western
—cavalry and Indians—herein are given the benefit ol unstinting
production and the mastery ol Producer-Director
John Ford (Stagecoach) in blending touches of irony and
philosophy with good, old-fashioned action. Resultagtly,
the feature, second from Argosy Productions, in which
Merian C. Cooper is Ford's co-producer and partner, easily
earns rating as a super-western and in many facets transcends
even that exalted classification because there is much
in the story to appeal to the patrons who are not rabid
sagebrush fans. For such there is a tender romance and a
plethora of artistic touches, displayed mostly in backgrounds
and photography. For the action lovers, there's
of more: Spectacle, authenticity atmosphere and locale, suspense
and thrills. The film looks like a sure winner.
John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Shirley Temple, John Agar, Pedro
Armendariz, Ward Bond, Irene Rich, George O'Brien
Madonna of the Desert
Republic (704) 60 Minutes Rel. Feb. 23, '48
Adroitly plotted, capably enacted, and mounted productionwise
so skillfully that its short budget doesn't burst out
at the seams, here is a cops-and-robbers yarn tailored deftly
to fit into the nether end of a dual booking, both as to running
time and entertainment content. There is no pretense
that it is anything other than program fare, but in that category
the subject certainly should pay off. The story line
moves along briskly, and there are a couple of chases and
fist fights to keep the action addicts happy. At the same
time the scenarists injected a spiritual note into the story
of a fabulously valuable statuette of a madonna, owned by a
simple rancher. Crooks attempt to muscle in and steal the
antique, but the bauble's magical powers—and a few uriavoidable
coincidences—work together to foil the plot. Directed
by George Blair.
Lynne Roberts, Donald Barry, Don Castle, Sheldon Leonard,
Paul Hurst, Roy Barcroft, Frank Yaconelli, Paul E. Bums.
The Hawk of Powder River F
Eagle Lion (856) 54 Minutes Rel. Apr. 10. '48
During the first five minutes of this Eddie Dean western,
trigger-happy horsemen ride all over the range shooting
everyone in sight and robbing mines, stage coaches and
should please action fans and juveniles who
banks. This
will not mind or miss the absence of dialog in the opening
sequence. Then along come Eddie Dean and his pal Roscoe
Ates to cramp the style of this bandit gang, headed by
the Hawk, who is a very unconventional western "badman"
—lovely Jennifer Holt. She tries to kill her cousin, June
Carlson, in order to get control ol the family ranch. Miss
Carlson's father, who suspected the identity bf the Hawk,
had been murdered. Dean sets a trap for the killers and
he practically annihilates them single handed. Andy Parker
and the Plainsmen provide background music lor Dean vocals.
Ray Taylor directed.
Eddie Dean, Roscoe Ates, Jennifer Holt, June Carlson, Andy
Parker and the Plainsmen.
F

. . Stepping
. . Taking
EXPLOITIPS Suggestions for Selling; Adiines for Newspaper and Prograt
|
SELLING ANGUES:
"I Remember Mama-
Try to persuade proclaim a "Remember
city officials to
Mama" day in conjunction with the opening. Hold a special
screening for a selected group of mothers, designating it a
"Mothers' Matinee." Promote llowers or candy to be sent
to the inmates of maternity wards in local hospitals. The
book, "Mama's Bank Account," on which the film is based,
suggests tieups with local banks to stimulate savings activities.
Don't neglect to exploit the pocket edition of the /'^j
book, just issued by Bantam Books, Inc. ^
CATCHl.INES:
Here They Come . the Inside Track to Your
Heart . Right Out of the Pages of Your Own
Book of Life . . . Come the Most Wonderful People You'd Ever
Care to Know ... in the Swellest Movie You'd Ever Care to
See.
At Last on the Screen ... the Tempests, Tears, Laughter
and Love ... of the Family You'll Never Forget ... a Beloved
Best-Seller ... a Two-Year Broadway Stage Hit . . .
Becomes the Years' Film Sensation.

',
lATES: 10c per word, minimum $1.00, cash with copy. Four insertions lor price of three.
1l;L0SrNG DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to
Box Numbers to BOXOFPICE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. •
GENERAL EQUIPMENT-USED
THEATRES FOR SALE
THEATRES FOR SALE—(Cont'd)
build
day for us. Must move surplus inienimiroarc
16mm outfits, $»95; drive-ins,
2,1U2,T18, reissue No. 22,766
duuuio purklii^ drive-Ui Itiealreji under
.uahisc p.itent No.
id mipruvements, pulerii
\ry HI. .Arfsound complete outuu;,
pending. Up to SUVo
Oil' M.aiiig
III :ind tj.") .inuiiie liii;li intensity Imperiai
capacity »uh little idditloniil cost.
oui. J II
11 and. Architecl, 628 M & M Bldg.,
CLfflfiinG
HOUSE
We
h.ive
:illy; Neumade 30
in;; cushion chairs
;iir slope floor, ex-
S. Kinnickinnic Ave.,
attention! For Sale Ford truck,
motor. New canvas sidewall 8x150.
bottomed folding benches, backrests,
g. 8x10 screen. 100 ft. electric cx-
,1 fits in truck. Box 229, South

!
'm.
Every Exhibitor
KNOWS...that
TRAILERS
are your Best Buy
in
ADVERTISING!*
-k Woman's Home Qoxnpxxnion
PROVED that TRAILERS
draw 31% of your Patrons...
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