Boxoffice-December.25.1948

hmnLawwA'namhu
Ian. 1—Ne
Feb. 12—Linc(
Bii
Feb. 14—Valei
Dc
Feb. 22—Was!
Bii
Mar. 2—Ash W
Mar. 17—St. F
RED rt\ETTE
r's Day
Apr
Apr
10—Palm
14, IS—Pi
Ap. 15—Good
Apr 17—East
8—Moth
MaJ 30—Mei
lun^ U—Flag I
Runt
19—Father
1—Indepen
Day
OOKING C
DA TB^
Se] t. S -Labor Day
Se]t. 7 I. 25—Rosh
Hashonah
3- -Yom Kippur
Oc\J3 -Columbus Day
Oct. 31 -Halloween
Nov. 8- -Election Day
No J 11- Annistice Day
No^ 2j —Thanksgiving
Deer's—Christmas
JANUARY

S. BERMAN • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture. Cj^^
SOCK!
Oh how the folks love
its thrills and romance!
In its first
150 engagements
it
joins ''Easter
Parade," ''Cass Timberlane,"
and "Green
Dolphin Street"among
M-G-M's ALL-TIME
GREAT!
[
M-G-M presents Alexandre Dun^as' THE THREE MUSKETEERS" S.arring LANA TURf^R .GENE ^^^LY- JUNE ALLYSON. VAN
HEFLIN ANGELA LANSBURY FRANK MORGAN VINCENT PRICE KEENAN WYNN JOHN SUTTON . • • • • ' GJG YOUNG
ROBERT COOTE • Color by TECHNICOLOR
• Screen Play by Robert Ardrey • Directed by GEORGE SIDNEY • Produced by PANDRO

SOCK!
The Biggest Musical
is
sensational at Radio
City Music Hall. From
the company that gives
the industry its
top
musicals now comes a
new bonanza to ring
in a bright New Year
across the nation!
M-G-M presents "WORDS AND MUSIC" Starring JUNE ALLYSON • PERRY COMO • JUDY GARLAND -LENA HORNE • GENE KELLY
MICKEY ROONEY ANN SOTHERN • • With Torn Drake • Cyd Charisse • Betty Garrett • Janet Leigh • Marshall Thompson • Mel ^orme • Vera-tllen
Color by TECHNICOLOR • Based on the Lives and Music of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart • Screen Play by Fred Fjnklehoffe • 5>tory by
Guy Bolton and Jean Holloway
• Adaptation by Ben Feiner, Jr. • Musical Numbers by Robert Alton • Directed by NORMAN TAUROG • Produced
by ARTHUR FREED • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture.

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THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PDBLISHED IN
NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
lAMES M. lERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
lESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
FLOYD M. MIX Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
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Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
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ALBANY—21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BIRMINGHAM—The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON—Frances W. Harding, Ub. 2-9305.
Audubon Drive, Snyder, Jim Schroder.
BUFFALO— 157
CHARLOTTE—216 W. 4th, Pauline Grillith.
CINCINNATI— 1634 Central Parkway, Lallian Seltzer,
CLEVELAND—Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
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DENVER- 1645 Lalayelle, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
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Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
HARTFORD— 109 Westborne, Allen Widem.
HARRISBURG, PA.—Mechanicsburg, Lois Fegan.
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MIAMI—66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Harwood.
2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS—707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462.
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OKLAHOMA CITY—216 Terminal Bldg.,
OMAHA—Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA—4901 Spruce St., J. M. Makler.
Polly Trindle.
PITTSBURGH—86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith.
PORTLAND, ORE —David Kahn, 7722 N. Interstate.
RICHMOND—Grand Theatre, Sam PuUiam.
ST. LOUIS—5149 Rosa, David Barrett, FL-3727.
SALT LAKE CITY—Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO—309 Blum St., San Antonio 2, L. J. B.
Ketner.
iAN FRANCISCO—25 Taylor St., Gail Upman,
ORdway 3-4812.
SEATTLE—928 N. E4th St., Willard Elsey.
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IN CANADA
CALGARY—The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAI^-4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Car
michael. Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN— 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO—R. R. No. 1, York Mills, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER-^11 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
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WINNIPEG—The Tribune, Sen Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
OXOFFICE
POINT FOR ORDER
•^^ HE RETORT perfect came from Eric Johnston
in response to Ellis Arnall's challenge for a pubhc debate
on the issues of improving American films and the industry's
alleged monopolistic practices. Said Mr. Johnston:
"Turning the industry into a debating society will not produce
better pictures. The way to get better pictures and to
solve our worldwide industry problems is for all of us to work
together.
I welcome Mr. Amall into the industry and invite his
cooperation to strengthen the industry."
Of course it would not have gotten as much publicity, but
Mr. Amall's entry into the business would have come with
better taste and spirit, if it had not been accompanied by the
chip-on-the-shoulder attitude that he so publicly displayed.
For one who so openly admitted that he had some half-dozen
other interests and that his new film job was to be of a parttime
nature, it would have been appropriate that he first leam
something about the motion picture business before making
such threatening statements as came from him in both Hollywood
and New York.
The four-point program that the new Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers president armounced on the
coast did contain reference to cooperation with other industry
segments "in the furtherance of constructive aims." But this
was considerably negated by his "declaration of war" against
"monopolistic restraints" which he charged interfere with the
quality of films. We'd call that speaking out of both sides of
the mouth at the same time. Especially when part of the
"plan" is to get on a radio network program and tell the public
how poor are the films it is being offered because the alleged
monopolists won't permit the good ones to be shown.
And if Mr. Amall goes through with his promise, let us
say, to introduce restrictive legislation he will be further tearing
down the house which he allegedly has been hired to save.
One of the greatest causes of the troubles with which this
industry is beset is that some of its so-called leaders talk too
much—negatively. Whether sincere or not, it's about time
that the lesson was learned that we don't have to put ourselves
into the goldfish bowl in which the motion picture industry
allegedly is living; we don't have to make a public brawl
out of family differences; we don't have to wash one another's
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
Sectional Edition, $3.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50
Vol. 54
DE CEMBER
No. 8
2 5, 19 4 8

i
'PuUc ^C€it4
Johnston 'No' to Arnall
Is a Definite One
Joyce O'Hara, MPAA executive, says proposed
debate will not be held; heckling and
feuding okay for electioneering, but not for
boxoffice, he answers new SIMPP president.
dirty linen over the airwaves or on the front pages of newspapers.
Nor are we assured betterment of conditions by putting
our private necks into legislative nooses.
There already
are enough laws on the statute books to take care of every ill
of which the industry has ever had cause for complaint—laws
that apply to others as well. But, if there is caused to be enacted
special legislation that will put this industry under the
rule of some governmental commission, it will bring a sad
awakening.
The current government case may not settle all of the
intra-industry disputes. It may even be the spawning ground
for new ones. But it will settle some of the problems. Those
remaining, it is to be hoped, can be settled vdthin the industry's
own house and by and among its own people. The growing
acceptance of the conciliation program which has been
advanced in the industry would seem to be proof that this is
the most desirable way to resolve trade differences. Failing
in this manner and through these efforts, there still vnW be
recourse through the courts. But, looking back over the more
than ten years that the industry has been in the courts, it
would seem the better part of wisdom to stay out of them
as much as possible.
A meeting of production, distribution and exhibition factors
is expected to take place in Hollywood within the next few
weeks. This conference affords opportunity for round-table
discussions which could lead to the setting up of a constructive,
cooperative program looking to advancement of the industry
on all fronts.
In the three-point plan which Eric Johnston announced
soon after he assumed the presidency of the Motion Picture
Producers Ass'n, he projected the idea of a Motion Picture Institute
which would be a sort of unifying body incorporating
all of the industry's various segments. Recent developments
and present conditions as well as the foreseeable future emphasize
the need for such a setup.
To properly organize it and to put the machinery into successful
operation, the various components would have to submerge
self,-interest and take the broader view of industry-wide
welfare. If that hurdle can be maneuvered, the industry will
be on solid ground in a live-together, work-together era that
will be marked with continuing progress.
\j€-u^
UA May Start Financing
Independent Producers
Plan under discussion among directors and
Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin as result
of guarantees against losses sought by
some banks.
-K
Projectionist Files Action
Against Theatre, Union
Louis G. Havens of Detroit seeks to get his
job back at the Pine Arts Theatre and to
force lATSE Local 199 to admit him to membership.
Sullivan, Lachman Named
Brotherhood Co-Chairmen
Ned E. Depinet picks TOA and New Jersey
Allied executives to head national exhibitors'
committee for annual weekly observance
in February.
Pessimists Overplay Hands,
Says Wall Street Writer
C. F. Morgan, in Wall Streei magazine,
says heavy writeoffs of inventories in 1948
probably will improve stock prices and the
outlook for 1949.
+
Mayor of Binghamton Vetoes
5 Per Cent Amusement Tax
The measure, recently passed by the city
council, represents the first move by a state
municipality to take advantage of ticket tax
provision at last session of Albany legislature.
*
AMPP and Screen Extras
Agree on New Contract
Five-year pact announced jointly by the
Screen Extras Guild and the Ass'n of Motion
Picture Producers provides for keeping present
basic daily rates of $15.56 and $22.23.
Sons of Liberty Withdra'ws
Boycott of British Films
Action taken after letter from N. J.
Blumberg,
U-I president, clarifying fact that funds
earned by British films in the U.S. are retained
by American film industry here.
"Best Years of Our Lives'
Voted Top British Hit
Samuel Goldwyn's production picked as
best of U.S. films by English exhibitors in
1948; "Courtneys of Curzon Street" voted
best British film.

Paramount,
Fireman's,
Lynn
Strand,
,
Mass.;
MAJORS OFFER TO THE COURT:
,
DROP 796, KEEP 2J40 THEATRES
Some Deals Are Already
Okayed; See a Final
Decfee June 30
NEW YORK—After six weeks of negotiations,
the four remaining theatre-owning
defendants in the so-called Paramount
antitrust case this week submitted proposals
for giving up a total of 796 theatres
and for retention of 2,140 theatres.
They also hope to be able to keep some
of those they expressed a willingness to
dispose of through stock transfers.
PROPOSALS SUMMARIZED
Robert L. Wright, assistant attorney general,
however, is still insisting on total divorcement,
despite the fact that the Department
of Justice has given its okay to a
number of the settlements. The court, which
has had the case for a couple of years, indicated
a lack of sympathy for Wright's
stand.
In a general way this is what the majors
have proposed as a settlement to the divorcement
controversy:
1 Paramount is definitely willing to give
up m theatres, "tentatively willing to
give up" another 498 of which it hopes to
keep about half, wants to retain 368 jointlyowned
properties, and acquire eight of 13
Buffalo theatres now jointly-owned.
O Twentieth Century-Pox wants to retain
437 of 587 theatres. An agreement
to this effect was signed on December
17 by the Department of Justice and attorneys
for the company. Summarized, the
company wants to retain 337 wholly-owned
theatres and about 100 of 250 theatres
operated as partnership subsidiaries.
O Warner Bros., which operates 467 theatres
through its circuit management
corporation, hopes to retain 452 theatres and
is willing to give up 15 of 26 jointly-operated
houses. The Department of Justice has
agreed to the splitting of the jointly-operated
theatres.
A Loew's Inc. hopes to keep 126 theatres
and give up 17 theatres. Loew's has
115 wholly-owned theatres, which it wants
to keep. The company also jointly owns 13
theatres with Paramount; eight with United
Artists Theatre circuit; one each with Warner
and RKO; five with independents. The
company wants to keep five operated with
Paramount, four with UA and two with independents,
for a total of 11 jointly owned
properties.
TO END TEXAS HOLDINGS
(Continued on page 9)
Theatre Partnerships Paramount Is Willing to Drop;
{Corporations listed alphabetically)
Theatre Corp.: Alger, Detroit, Mich.
Allied
Allied Theatres ol Bangor: Bijou, Opera House,
Pork, Bcmgor, Me
; Orono, Me.
Arkansas Amusement Corp.: Arkansas. Capitol,
Heights, Lee, New Prospect, Pulaski, Roxy, Royal,
Asher, Uttle Rock, Ark.
Augusta Amusements. Inc.: Imperial, Miller, Modjeska,
Rialto, Augusta, Me.
Birmingham Theatre Operdting Corp.: Alabama,
Lyric, Ritz, Strgnd, Temple, Birmingham, Ala.; Ensley
and Franklin, Ensiey, Ala.
Central States Theatre Corp.: Call and Iowa, Algona,
la.; Boone, Princess and Rialto, Boone, la.;
Capitol, Palace and Zephyr, Burlington, la.; Majestic
arid Ritz, Centreville, la,; Ritz and State, Chariton,
la,; Charles and Gem, Charles City, la,; Clarion,
Clarion, la.; Capitol, Rialto cmd Strand, Clinton, la,;
Lake and Park, Clear Lake, la.; Cresco, Cresco, la,;
Princess, Eagle Grove, la,; Grand, EstherviUe, la.;
Forest, Forest City, la.; Iowa, Rialto and Strand,
Fort Dodge, la.; Iowa and Strand, Grinnell, la.;
Englert, Strand arid Varsity, Iowa City, la,; Cecil,
Palace and Strand, Mason City, la.; Grand and Ritz,
Oelwem, la ; New Hampton, la,
Darlington Theatres, Inc.: Liberty, Darlington, S. C.
Drive-In Theatres of Alabama. Inc.: Roebuck,
Birmingham, Ala
Drive-In Theatres of So. Carolina: Drive-In, Co-
Anderson, S. C; Drive-In,
Gr< ilk s. c.
Essex Amusement Corp.: Adams and Paramount,
Eton Amusement Corp.: Bonnie Kate and Ritz, Elizabethton,
Newark, N, J ; U.S., Paterson, N. J.
Tenn
Fairmont Theatre Co.: Nicholas and Strand, Foir-
Mmn
:iont,
Florence Theatr Inc.: Carolina and Colonial,
Fulton Enterprises, Inc.: Avon and State, New York.
Gale Theatre Co.: Colonial, Galesburg, 111.
Goryona Amusement Corp.: Grand, Gary, Ind.
Greenwood Theatres, Inc.: Carolina, Ritz and
Slate. Greenwood, S, C.
Interstate Circuit, Inc.: Aggie and Texan, Arlington,
Tex , Queen, State, Austin, Capitol,
Texas and Varsity, Austin, Tex ; Capitol, Dalsec,
Fair, Forest, Majestic, Melba, Palace, Rialto, Tower,
White, Circle, Inwood, Esquire and Telenews, Knox
Street, Lakewood, Lawn, Varsity, Village, Wilshire
and Dnve-ln, Dallas; Bowie, Gateway. Hollywood,
Majestic, Palace, Parkway, River Oaks, Worth, 7th
Street, Tower, Varsity. Drive-lii (Bowie Blvd.) and
Dnve-ln (operated by Halton Drive-ln Corp.), Fort
Worth; Key, Martini, Queen, State, Tremont and
Broadway, Galveston; Alabama. Alameda, Bluebonnet,
Eastwood, Kirby, Majestic, Metropolitan,
Fulton, North Main, River Oak, Tower, Santa Rosa,
Village, Wayside, Yale, Broadway, Garden Oaks,
Drive-In (operated by Shepherd). Dnve-ln (operated
by South Main) and Dnve-ln (operated by
Winkler). Houston; Aztec, Empire, Majestic, Texas.
Broadway. Laurel, State, Sunset and Woodlawn,
San Antonio; Hayes, Palace and Plaza, San Marcos
Jefferson Amusement Co.: Rig, Anahuac, Tex.; Rex,
Arp, Tex.; Arcadia and Bay, Baytown, Tex.: Gem,
Jelierson, Lamarr, Liberty, Star, Tivoli, Peoples,
Circle Dnve-ln, Beaumont, Tex Sanja. Channelview,
Tex.; Cnghton and
;
Liberty, Conroe, Tex.;
Cole, Eagle Lake, Tex.; Cozy, Gregg and Palace,
Gladewater; Palace and Texan. Goose Creek, Tex.;
Colonial, Rialto and Texan, Greenville, Tex.; Lyric,
Groves, Tex,; Cole, Halletsville, Tex.; Palace and
Strand, Henderson, Tex.; Jackson, Palace and Rialto,
Jacksonville, Tex.; Crim, Strand and Texan, Kilgore,
Tex,; Port, La Porte, Tex,; Lynn, Pines and
Texan, Luikin, Tex.; Arlyne. Rembert and Rita,
Longview, Tex ;
and Paramount, Marshall,
Tex.; Rita, Stonelort and Texan, Nacogdoches, Tex.;
Rio. Nederland, Tex,; Cole, Needville, Tex.; Bengal,
Gem, Royal and Strand, Orange. Tex,; Gem and
Strand, Overton, Tex.; Alamo, Pelly, Tex.; Majestic,
Pearce, Peoples, Port, Sabine, Strand and Surl
Dnve-ln, Port Arthur, Tex,; Lynn and Neches, Port
Neches, Tex.; Lamar, Richmond, Tex.; Cole and
Stale, Rosenberg, Tex.; Cherokee, Rusk, Tex.; Pines,
Silsbee, Tex.; Grand, Yoakum, Tex.; Cole, Wallis,
Paramount's divestiture will include its big
Tex
LSP Theatres, Inc: La Salle and Majestic, La Salle,
Texas holdings, where it has 50 per cent 111 ; Peru and Star. Peru, 111.
Malco Theatres. Inc.: Rialto, Ritz and Strand, Camden,
Ark.; Joy and Strand, Clarksville, Ark.; Con-
ownership in the Interstate circuit and the
Texas Consolidated Theatres circuit, and 50 way and Grand. Conway, Ark.; Joy, Dardenelle,
Ark ; Ozark, Palace, Royal and U-Ark, FayetteviUe.
per cent in the Jefferson Amusement Co.,
Ark ; Hoyts. Joie, New, Plaza, Temple and Uptown.
which It operates with Julius M. Gordon. Fort Smith, Ark,; Central, Malco Paramount and
Victory, Hot Springs, Ark.; Liberty, Palace and
It also is willing to break up its association
Strand, Jonesboro, Ark.; Ritz, McGehee, Ark.; Rialto,
Mornlton, Ark.; Capitol and Strand, Newport, Ark.;
Ritz, Russellville, Ark.; Joy, Smackover, A^k.; Majestic
and Strand, Stuttgart, Ark.; Bob Burns and Rio,
Van Buren, Ark.; Fulton, Orpheum and Strand, Fulton,
Ky.; Kentucky and Kraver, Henderson, Ky.;
Seville and Strand, Owensboro, Ky.; Paramount,
State, Met and Met-N-Moy, Jackson, Tenn.; Malco
and Strand, Memphis, Tenn.
Massachusetts Operating Co., Inc.: Ball Square,
Capitol and Central, Somerville, Mass.
Menmor Theatre Co.: Ada, Boise, Granada and
Pinney, Boise, Idaho.
Newton Amusement Corp.: Newton, West Newton,
Oak Park Amusement Co.: Lake Oak Park, 111.
Theatre Co.: Orpheui
Ogden
Faro
Hollyv
lunt Hollyvrood Theatre Corp.: Paramount,
d, Calif.
Theatre Corp.: Capitol and Penn, Butler,
P.
Pa
Ṗennware Theatre Corp.: State, Strand, Rialto and
Temple, Aliquippa, Pa.; State, Ambridge, Pa.
Phoenix Drive-In Theatre, Inc.: Phoenix Drive-In
and Indian Head Dnve-ln, Phoenix, Ariz.
Publix Bomford Theatres, Inc.: Imperial, Isis, Palace,
Paramount. Plaza and State, AsheviUe, N. C;
Colonial and Strand, Canton, N. C.
Publix Lucas Theatres, Inc.: Georgia, Morton, Palace,
Ritz and Strand, Athens, Ga.; Bijou, Ritz and
Roxy, Brunswick, Ga.: Allen and Colonial, Buford,
Ga.; Elbert, Elberton, Ga,; Ritz, Roxy, Royal and
State, Gainesville, Ga Lex, Lexington, Ga.; Capitol.
East Macon
;
and Rialto, Macon, Ga,; Colquitt and
Moultrie, Moultrie, Ga.
Publix Netco Theatres Corp.: Capitol, New London,
Conn., Maine and State. Portland, Me,; Bayside,
AUerton, Mass.; Capitol. Arlington, Mass.;
Washington St., Esquire, Modern, Boston, Mass,;
Allston and Capitol, Allston, Mass.; Circle and
Egyptian, Brighton, Mass.; Franklin Park, Liberty
and Morton St., Dorchester, Mass
;
Jamaica, Jamaica
Plains, Mass.; Oriental, Matapan, Mass.; Bellevue
and Rialto, Roslindale, Mass.; Humboldt, Roxie, War-
Eggleston, Roxbury,
Rivoli,
Mass.; Elizabeth and aouth, Falmouth, Mass.;
Marlboro, Marlboro, Mc Colonial, Natick, Mass.;
Community, North Altlel
Regent, Quincy,
Mass.; Wollaston, Wollc
" al Square,
Embassy, Waldorf and Waltham, Waltha
Publix Wheeling Theatre Corp.: Rex, Wheeling,
W. Va.
Quincy Theatres Operating Co.: Orpheum and
Washington, Quincy, 111.
Rockford Enterprises, Inc.: Coronado, Midway and
Palace, Rockford, 111.
Rockford Theatre Corp.: Times, Rockford, 111,
Rockland Amusement Co.: Park and Strand, Rockland,
Me.
Royal Theatre Co.: Royal, Detroit, Mich.
State Amusement Corp.: State. Gary, Ind.
Straham Theatres Corp.: Parkhill, Yonkers, N. Y.
Studio Theatre, Inc.: Studio. Phoenix, Ariz.
Taunton Operating Co., Inc.: State, Taunton, Mass.
Taunton Theatres, Inc.: Park, Taunton. Mass.
Texas Consolidated Theatres, Inc.: Chief, Kimo,
Lobo. Mesa, Mission, Rio, Sunshine, Yucca, Cactus
Drive-ln, Albuquerque, N. M.; Majestic, Palace,
Paramount, Queen. Abilene, Tex.; Capitol, Paramount,
Rialto, State and Esquire, Amarillo, Tex,; National
and Palace. Breckenridge, Tex.; Capitol and
Queen, Brownsville, Tex.; Bowie, Lyric and Gem,
Brownwood, Tex.; Grand, Ideal, Palace and Rio,
Corsicana, Tex.; Rialto, Rio, Star, Dreamland, Palace
and Texas, Denton, Tex.; Plaza, Donna, Tex.;
Majestic and Lyric, Eastland, Tex.; EUanay, Palace,
Pershing, Plaza, Texas, Grand and Wigwam, El
Paso, Tex.; Arcadia, Grand, Rialto and Strand,
Horlmgen, Tex.; Azteca, Palace, Queen and Elrey,
McAllen, Tex.; Rex, Rio and State, Mercedes, Tex.;
Grand, Main, North Star, Plaza and Rex, Paris, Tex.;
Dnve-ln, Pharr, Tex.; Arcadia, Bell, Gem, Rio and
Texas, Temple, Tex.; Arcadia, Liberty, Majestic and
Tyler, Tyler, Tex.; Pictorium and Vernon. Vernon,
Tex.; Orpheum, 25th Street, Texas, Waco and Drive-
In, Waco, Tex,; Gem and Ritz, Weslaco, Tex,; Majestic,
Stale, Strand and Wichita, Wichita Falls, Tex,
United Theatre Enterprises: Ritz, Barnesville, Ga.;
Rialto, Royal, Springer, Village, Bradley and
Georgia, Columbus. Ga.; Grand and Ritz, Macon,
Ga.; Casino, St. Simmons Is., Ga.; Carver, Lyric
Waycross, Ga.
and Ritz,
Ute Theatre Co.: Colonial, Ogden, Utah.
Wellworth Theatres of Wisconsin, Inc.: Fifth Avenue
and Hollywood, LaCrosse, Wis.
West Suburban Amusement Co.: North Center
Chicago: Lamar, Oak Park, 111.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948
I.

Antitrust Hearing [Cont.]
(Continued from page 8)
with the 49-theatre Malco circuit, In which
it has a 50 per cent interest; with the 38-
theatre Central States Theatre Corp. in which
it shares a 50 per cent interest with A. H.
Blank. However, the association with Blank
in the extensive Ti-i-States circuit in Iowa
is not to be disturbed under the proposals.
The company also is willing to divest itself
of 36 theatres in the Netco circuit in New
England which involves its relationship with
the Mullin and Pinanski chain.
CIRCUITS NOT INCHIDED
A number of important jointly-owned circuits
are not included in the properties submitted
for divestiture. These include the 17
theatres in the Florida Inland circuit, which
it has with Frank Rogers and others; 30
theatres in the Maine and New Hampshire
circuit in which it has a 50 per cent interest;
20 theatres in the Western Massachusetts
Theatres circuit, held with Samuel Goldstein;
80 theatres in Pennsylvania and New
York, operated with the Commerford-J. J.
O'Leary interests; nor the 80 theatres operated
with E. V. Richards jr. in the New
Orleans area.
BREAKUP IN SOUTHEAST
Paramount proposed to break up some of
its relationships in the southeast. While the
plan does not propose divestiture of the
Wilby-Kincey Service Corp., which services
50 jointly-owned theatres in the Carolinas,
or the operating company itself, it proposed
an end to associations with six corporations
operating 17 theatres in which it has a joint
interest with Wilby-Kincey.
Paramount divided its theatre holdings
into five groups in presenting its arguments
for retention and disposition of theatres.
These were:
List of jointly-owned theatre interests
which Paramount is prepared to terminate
498 theatres.
List of theatres owned jointly wdth investors.
(It will argue for retention of these)
—37 theatres.
List of jointly-owned theatre interests
which arose as the fortuitous result of bankruptcies.
(It wUl argue for retention of these)
— 237 theatres.
List of jointly-owned theatre interests in
which the alleged "actual or potential operator"
owns 5 per cent or less of the capital
stock. (It will argue for retention or these)
—94 theatres.
List of theatres interests owned by:
Buffalo Theatres, Inc., 13 theatres, in which
Paramount has 43^3 per cent (Paramount
will keep eight and Loew's Inc., five).
90 BUTTERFIELD THEATRES
Butterfield Michigan Theatres Co., 21 theatres,
in which Paramount has 33 Vb per cent,
and W. S. Butterfield Theatres, Inc., 90 theatres
in which Paramount has 25 per cent.
(Paramount- will sell out to Butterfield).
Suirmiarized. this means that Paramount
is:
Definitely willing to give up.... Ill theatres
Tentatively willing to give up 498 theatres
Wants to retain
368 theatres
WOl keep in Buffalo
8 theatres
Paramount hopes to keep about half the
498 theatres listed as "tentatively willing to
give up," so that if its hopes are fulfilled it
will retain about 625 theatres, plus 500
(Continued on page 10)
Here Are the Details
Of 20th-Fox Settlement:
NEW YORK—The agreement between
the Department of Justice and National
Theatres Corp. for giving up a number of
theatres and rearranging the holdings of
others was signed by Robert L. Wright and
Dwight. Harris. Koegel & Caskey on December
17.
Most of the theatres involved are in California,
with 23 in the state of Washington
and two in Oregon, three in Montana, two
in Wisconsin and two in Iowa.
The big regional units. Fox Wisconsin, Fox
Midwest and Pox Intermountain, are left
practically undisturbed.
The splitups are divided into three groups.
Group A
National Theatres Corp. agrees to sell or
dispose of its stock in one year in these corporations
to persons not affiliated with any
defendant in the case, or to divide the assets:
Rubidoux Theatre Corp.: De Anza Theatre—Riverside,
Calif.
Sacramento Theatres, Inc.: Senator, Capitol,
Rio—Sacramento, Calif.
Principal Theatres, Inc.: Banning—Banning,
Calif.; Brawley and Circle—Brawley.
Calif.; Molino, Monache and Crystal—Porterville,
Calif; El Rey—Alhambra, Calif. (In the
Principal group National owns 51 per cent
and the other owners are Mike Rosenberg,
Sol Lesser and others').
For Western Montana Theatre Corp.:
American, Rialto, Fox. Montana and Park
Butte, Mont.
Theatres Holding Co.: Lessee of Hollywood
Theatre. Los Angeles, with National owning
33 'i per cent and David Bershon and Earl
Sinks owning the remaining 66-i per cent.
San Luis Obispo Theatres, Inc.: Fremont,
Elmo and Obispo—San Luis Obispo, Calif.
National owns 51 per cent.
Group B
National Theatres Corp. agrees to dispose
of stock within a year to persons not defendants
in the case or to teiTninate joint
ownerships, but in the division of the assets
National may, with the approval of the court,
keep up to one-third of the total, not to exceed
one theatre in each community where
the corporations have theatres:
Anaheim Theatres, Inc.: Fox and Anaheim—Anaheim.
Calif., and through control
of Fullerton Theatre Corp.—Fox—Fullerton,
Calif. National owns 51 per cent.
Broadway Theatre Co. of Santa Ana:
Broadway—Santa Ana, Calif. National owns
51 per cent.
West Coast- Santa Ana Theatre Corp.: West
Coast—Santa Ana, Calif. National owtis 51
per cent.
Fullerton Building Corp.: Pox—Fullerton,
Calif. National owns 51 per cent.
West Coast- Wilmington Co.: Granada and
Avalon—Wilmington, CaUf. National owns
77.3332 per cent.
Valley Theatres Corp.: Grand and Wasau—
Wasau. Wis.
Muscatine Amusement Co.: Palace and Uptown—Muscatine,
Iowa.
West Coast-Compton Theatre Corp.: Tower
and Compton—Compton, Calif.
Group C
This section provides for a rearrangement
of stock interests with various circuits now
affiliated with National Theatres on the
coast, all to be done within one year.
National agrees to dispose of its interests
in United West Coast Theatres Corp. and to
end its joint interest with United Artists
Theatre Circuit, Inc. The theatres involved
in the joint operation wall revert to the individual
owners.
National will give up its interest in the
Egyptian, Hollywood, which is owned by a
subsidiary of United Artists Theatre Circuit,
Inc., and will acquire the Chinese Theatre in
Hollywood from the UA circuit.
Under the agreement National will split
the assets of Golden State Theatre & Realty
Co. and T&D Jr. Enterprises, retaining a
proportion of theatres equivalent to its present
stockholdings in the two groups. National
owns 75 per cent of Golden State. These two
companies operate 103 California theatres in
and around San Francisco, down the coast as
far as Paso Robles and across the San
Joachim Valley to Visalia. Five Reno, Nev.,
houses also are included.
The existing joint ownership of Golden
State and T&D will be terminated, as wiU the
joint ownership of Fresno Theatres, Inc., a
subsidiary. National owns 31.77 per cent of
T&D.
National also will dispose of its interests
in Cascade Theatres Corp., or will terminate
its joint interest with John Hamrick and the
stock will revert to the owners or lessees in
the individual houses of the circuit which
operates in Washington and Oregon.
Operations of Evergreen State Amusement
Coi-p.. which has interests in 34 theatres, 23
of which are in Washintgon and two in
Oregon, are not to be disturbed.
Cascade is a subsidiary of Evergreen and
in tm-n has two subsidiaries of its own
Multonomah Theatres Corp. and Rainier
Theatres Corp.
Evergreen State owns 60 per cent of Cascade
and John Hamrick owns 40 per cent.
The theatres covered in this group are Portland—Music
Box. Playhouse, Hollywood,
Oriental, Liberty, Orpheuni and Rivoli; Seattle—Fifth
Avenue, Paramount. Coliseum, Blue
Mouse, Music Box, Music Hall and Orpheum.
Because the stock of seven National subsidiaries
is not jointly owned the company
will retain ownership of the following; Fox
Salina Theatres, Ltd., Gateway Theatre Co.,
Marstrand Theatres Corp., Pico Theatres
Corp., Transbay Theatres, Inc., West Coast
Hollywood Theatres, Carlton-Rivoli Theatres.
BOXOFFICE :: December 25, 1948

Antitrust Hearing (Cont)
wholly-owned theatres—a total of 1,125 theatres.
The hearings began Monday, December 20,
and closed early Tuesday afternoon, December
21.
A mass of documents and some verbal testimony
were submitted and the court instructed
plaintiff and defendants to exchange
proposed decrees and have them in
court in March so that oral arguments can
be held March 30. A final decree probably
will be handed down before the court adjourns
June 30.
ARBITRATION IN 10 DAYS
All fom- of the remaining theatre-owning
defendants and the so-called Little Three
UA, Columbia and Universal-International
submitted detailed reports on correction of
trade practices outlawed by the Supreme
Court.
The Little Three repeated its contentions
for roadshows, modified price-fixing, moveovers,
franchises to independents, and a welldefined
system of clearance.
A full proposal for a new arbitration system
wUl be presented to the court in about
ten days.
The major developments Monday covered
Paramount and 20th Century-Fox.
During the morning session Albert C. Bickford.
Paramount attorney, reported that
Paramount was negotiating for the breakup
of partnerships operating more than 600
theatres. He said the government agreed
to give Paramount until Nov. 8, 1949, to sell
its 33% per cent interest in the Butterfield
Michigan Theatres Co. and its 25.8 per cent
interest in the W. S. Butterfield Theatres,
Inc., which together operate approximately
111 theatres. The deal was originally supposed
to have gone through by Dec. 31, 1948.
He also said that Paramount and Loew's
had been granted until Feb. 28, 1949, to split
the ownership of the 13 Buffalo Theatres,
Inc., between them. Paramount is to get
eight and Loew's five. Vincent McPaul, the
minority stockholder, will work for Loew's.
In the case of 500 other jointly-operated
theatres. Paramount agreed with the Department
of Justice that they are being operated
with potential competitors. Therefore the
company is wOling to end these partnerships.
A three-point plan was proposed:
1. Paramount will dispose of its Interests
in some theatres to its partners.
2. It will split the assets with its partners
in other theatres.
3. It will buy out its partners in the remaining
theatres.
HOPES TO KEEP ABOUT 250
It was later reported that Paramount hopes
to retain approximately 250 of these 500
theatres.
Bickford said that Paramount will defend
the right to retain 400 additional jointly
owned theatres plus its 500 wholly owned
houses.
The 400 jointly owned theatres are those
shared with investors, and with partners who
bought into the corporations during the depression
and bankruptcy proceedings of the
early 1930s. There also are a few theatres
Court Calendar
January 31—Defendants will present
proposed decrees to Department
of Justice.
March 1—Department of Justice
will present its proposed decree
to defendants.
March 30—Oral arguments on proposed
decrees before threejudge
court.
Before June 30—Final decree by
court.
in which outsiders own less than five per
cent. Paramount wants permission to buy
out these stockholders.
Bickford indicated that Paramount will
fight against the U.S. drive to force the
company out of many so-called closed towns.
He challenged the government's figure that
Paramount operates in 156 closed towns. He
stated that there are 81 closed situations
in which Paramount operates with partners
and only 16 in which it has wholly-owned
theatres.
The big 20th Century-Fox news was announced
by John Caskey, attorney. He said
that Attorney General Tom Clark had approved
a plan for the termination of approximately
28 corporations operating approximately
250 theatres. This plan was
signed by Wright, and later in the day the
judges signed a special order of approval.
The 20th-Fox subsidiary. National Theatres,
will be able to acquire complete control of
approximately 100 of these houses.
The 20th-Fox and Paramount arguments
in favor of retaining the bulk of their theatres
included some recent statistics on theatre
acquisitions. These were introduced to
show that the major defendants do not
possess the monopolies attributed to them
by the government.
2,800 NEW INDEPENDENTS
Bickford said that 2,300 new, imaffiliated
theatres and 729 independent drive-in theatres
have come into existence since 1946.
He asserted the new theatres have added
1,649,000 seats. Most new houses are being
built in the suburbs away from downtown
areas, he added.
Paramount also was shown to have disposed
of its interests in approximately 106
theatres since Dec. 31, 1946, the date of the
original antitrust decree.
This information was contained, along with
lists of other theatres to be sold and corporations
to be split, in a joint affidavit and
collection of exhibits submitted by Charles
M. Reagan and Leonard H. Goldenson, Paramount
distribution and theatre chiefs respectively.
Additional affidavits were submitted by
Samuel Goldstein of Western Massachusetts
Theatres, A. H. Blank of Tri-States and
Austin Keough, general counsel.
The 20th-Pox position was defended in
additional arguments by James F. Byrnes,
special counsel, and in an affidavit by Dan
Mlchalove, vice-president of National Theatres.
Byrnes used this information to point out
that 20th-Fox and National Theatres have
been accused of monopoly in only 28 of 432
cities with populations between 25,000 and
100,000. In Philadelphia and Detroit it only
operates one theatre, according to Michalove.
Counsel for both companies also cited the
end of pools and franchises as additional
evidence showing that monopoly has been
vu-tually eliminated in theatre operations
since the decree of 1946. Paramount's lawyer
cited the suit it filed against the Fanchon
& Marco circuit in CaUfornia, when that
company refused to accept the cancellation
of its franchise by Paramount.
A good portion of Monday's testimony also
covered the changes that have taken place
in trade practices since the original antitrust
decision of June 11, 1946, and the decree
of Dec. 31, 1946.
Paramount and 20th-Fox attorneys introduced
considerable testimony to prove that
the trade practices and restraints in force
during the last two years, plus arbitration,
would be adequate to cope with the antitrust
complaints of the Department of Justice.
PRAISES BIDDING RESULTS
Byrnes praised the competitive bidding
proposal of the New York court and said
he still thinks highly of bidding despite the
fact the Supreme Court eliminated it.
He cited figures to prove that affiliated
and large independent circuits have not misused
their superior bargaining power to outbid
smaller chains or operators. For example,
he mentioned that Fox West Coast has to
date considered formal bids on 1,126 features.
Of these. Fox submitted offers on
793 pictures of which 405 were accepted by
the distributors. The distributors rejected
388 Fox offers.
As to competitive negotiation, FWC bid on
1,098 films, of which 339 were accepted and
759 were rejected.
At this point attorneys for the Little
Three—Edward C. Raftery, UA; Louis D.
Frohlich, Columbia, and Cyril Landau, U-I
asked the court for special consideration
with respect to trade practice bans.
Raftery placed Paul Lazarus sr. and Paul
Lazarus jr. on the stand to defend roadshows,
moveovers, and modified price-fixing. Lazarus
sr., contract chief, who has been with
UA since it was formed in 1919, traced the
history of UA roadshows, beginning with
"Way Down East" and the original "Three
Musketeers." Lazarus jr., who is now assistant
to Gradwell Sears, president, told of
the special exploitation and selling job done
on quality pictures like "Henry V."
CITES NEED FOR EXTENDED RUNS
Abe Montague, Columbia sales head, testified
as to the need for extended runs and
moveovers. He also described the present
Columbia sales practice of permitting exhibitors
20 per cent cancellation privilege on
blocks of pictures that are not tradeshown.
The Little Three lawyers defended uniformity
in clearance. They said that uniformity
was desired by exhibitors and there
was nothing illegal about it.
Landau defended franchises to independents.
He said they were approved by the
Supreme Court.
All three attorneys asked the court to reject
U.S. proposals that would curtail nondiscriminatory,
competitive trade practices.
10 BOXOFTICE December 25, 1948

New Antitrust Cases
Ask Total of $800,000
DETROIT—Another chapter in the tangled
history of Michigan's theatrical litigation
was opened last week with the filing of
a lawsuit in federal district court in Detroit
by Jack Loeks Enterprises Inc., operating
the Powers Foto-News Theatre, a 1,012-
seat house, located in Grand Rapids,
Mich. The suit names as defendants the
Butterfield circuit and specifically the affUiated
B and J Theatres, and five majors
RKO, Paramount, Loew's, 20th-Fox and Warner
Bros.
Violation of both the Sherman and Clayton
antitrust acts, and the existence of a
"conspiracy" detrimental to the Foto-News
are charged in the complaint. The Foto-
News, originally opened as a newsreel type
of house, has changed its policy and, according
to the complaint, has experienced
difficulty in getting pictures considered suitable
for the house, soon enough after release.
With a claim for $600,000 damages, the
suit is of marked interest to local filmites.
as the latest step in the series of lawsuits
and arbitration cases that have involved
major distributors here.
Plaintiff has operated this theatre since
Nov. 1, 1944, and alleges that "producers and
distributors are engaged in a conspiracy together,
to illegally maintain, in Detroit, a
system of releasing motion picture film for
exhibition in Grand Rapids in such a manner
that theatres owned, leased and operated
by any of them or by subsidiaries are given
preference and priority over independent exhibitors,
and undue prior runs of desirable
pictures, and undue clearance over competing
theatres not controlled by fthemi,"
Loeks claims that RKO or Butterfield
houses are given first, second and third runs
on all "first run" pictures produced by the
defendant producers, that no picture can be
shown until 42 days after completion of the
first run, and that this is unreasonable clearance.
Further, he contends that any de-
, sirable run prior to "reissue" is granted to
theatres owned and controlled by one or
more of the defendants.
"Independent theatres are prevented from
competing on equal terms of price with the
affiliated theatres, for the right to exhibit,
and the plaintiff is unable to obtain the
release of film from any of the defendant
distributors until 'reissue' time, approximately
one year or more."
Pittsburgh Exhibitor
Sues for $200,000
PITTSBURGH—Rudolph and Samuel Navari,
operating as the Eastwood Theatre
Corp., filed an antitrust suit in local federal
court Monday against ten film distributors.
Warner Bros. Management Corp., and Loew's,
Inc., operating Loew's Penn. The Navari
brothers, also operators of the New Penn in
Universal, Pa., opened the Eastwood on
Frankstown road, Route 80, in June 1947.
They had negotiated for some time for first
run product but were unsuccessful in their
efforts, accepting a "last run" while continuing
negotiations.
The civil action, said to have been in preparation
for a long period, and filed December
20, petitions for first run in the Eastwood's
respective district immediately following first
run downtown Pittsburgh.
Lester Cole Ordered Reinstafed
Court Rules for Writer;
See Other Suits Settled
HOLLYWOOD—A strong possibility that
out-of-court settlements may be sought in
four similar suits against major studios was
foreseen as a result of the verdict handed
down in U.S. district court wherein Scenarist
Lester Cole was ordered reinstated to his
MGM wi'iting berth and the company was
instructed to pay him some $75,000 in back
salary.
The ruling by Judge Leon R. Yankwich,
handed down after a jury had ruled in Cole's
favor in his suit for reinstatement, was hailed
as a sweeping victory for the scripter, one
of the so-called "unfriendly 10." He was suspended
from his studio contract more than
a year ago on the grounds he had violated
the morals clause in his commitment by refusing
to tell the J. Parnell Thomas house
un-American activities committee whether
he was or ever had been a member of the
Commimist party.
Also strongly indicated was the probability
that Metro would appeal the ruling. Attorney
Irving Walker, representing the defendants,
said after Judge Yankwich had ruled
on the case that the question of an appeal
would be discussed when Louis B. Mayer,
studio chief, returns from a ciurent trip to
New York.
Judge Yankwich excoriated Eric Johnston,
president of the MPAA, during a review of
the action taken by the major companies
against the "unfriendly 10." He termed the
MPAA chieftain "dogmatic, a doctrinaire, an
absolutist" because of the part played by
No 'High
Johnston in determining the major companies'
action against the ten writers, directors
and producers who were indicted for
contempt of Congress after they had testified
at the Thomas hearing.
At the same time the jurist complimented
Mayer for his conduct toward Cole during
the proceedings prior to Cole's suspension
on Dec. 2, 1947, and for Mayer's "forthright
and truthful testimony" in the writer's suit.
Cole, said Judge Yankwich, "owes a debt of
gratitude" to the studio chief.
"It was obvious " he added, "that no studio
executives felt that Cole had done anything
wrong."
Mayer had testified that, in a private conversation
with Cole after the writer appeared
before the Thomas group, the scripter
had assured him he was not a Communist.
Major points in Judge Yankwich's ruling
included:
1. The studio's order suspending Cole is
null and void.
2. The acts on which the order was based
were not sufficient to have caused termination
of the contract.
3. The studio must pay Cole his back salary
to December 2, 1947, and reinstate him to
his job.
4. An injunction is being issued preventing
the continuance of the suspension notice
and directing the board of directors of
Metro's parent company, Loew's, Inc., to
spread on their minutes an order cancelling
the suspension.
Pressure' Methods Used,
Johnston Answer to Judge
WASHINGTON— Eric Johnston, president
of the MPAA. has denied he used
"high pressure methods" in persuading
motion picture producers not to employ
persons whom the public thought to be
Communists, as stated by Federal Judge
Leon Yankwich in rendering his decision
in the Lester Cole case in Hollywood.
In a statement issued December 21,
Johnston said: "I want to repeat what I
have said many times, i would not employ
a known Communist in a responsible
position. If that decision makes me
dogmatic, doctrinaire and absolutist, I
plead guilty on all three counts. In this
attitude I find myself in reputable company.
The government of the United
States will not employ Communists. Our
national labor unions are purging Communists
from positions of leadership."
Judge Yankwich's denunciation of
Johnston was made in ordering reinstatement
of screen writer Lester Cole by
MGM. Cole was one of ten Hollywood
writers suspended for refusing to say
whether he was a Communist while testifying
before the house un-American
activities committee.
Johnston replied: "I presented the producers
with two alternatives: either they
could employ persons thought by the
public to be Communists and defend their
employment, or they could dismiss them.
The choice was up to the producers and
I told them it was up to them to fish or
cut bait. The decision was entirely theirs.
They made it unanimously."
Ned E. Depinet. executive vice-president
of RKO, defended Johnston by saying
that the company decision to terminate
the services of Edward Dmytryk
and Adrian Scott was made "not by reason
of any lu-ging by Mr. Johnston, but
after a full review of the facts by our
directors and officers."
Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th
Century-Fox, also denied high-pressuring
by Johnston by saying "The action in
regard to the so-called Hollywood ten
was taken by the directors of 20th Centm-y-Fox
Film Corp. independently and
on their own initiative."
BOXOFFICE December 25. 1948 II

^
"Si'^^^e
uef^ (^/^r
I
^
\Ji
^
^^^ "Hope 'Hope really hits a bull's eye this time. His funniest picture in quite a
'^
^\^^ spell. His writers have poured it on him right out of a bushel
spell. His writers have poured it on him right out of a bushel
N basket ... an unusually heavy burden of laughter bulging his
saddle bags. Picture has all the trimmings a western fan would
like. Audiences at the Paramount will be mighty pleased folks."
—Alton Cook, World-Telegram
"A double natural— one of the funniest pictures of the year. You
laugh so much your sides ache. Everything you've imagined
'Buttons and Bows' to be when listening to the radio is there,
plus more. La Russell clicks. Hope's never been as eflFective."
— Lee Mortimery Daily Mirror
I
I
"There
seasoi
hasH
asreg
"Hie to the Paramount and enjoy yourself. 'The Paleface' will'
do much to brighten Broadway and add to the general
4 merry holiday spirit. Hope sings 'Buttons and Bows',
/
the number that reached the top of the Hit Parade
before the picture was released."
^"^
^^'
— Kate CameroTi, Daily News
)^
"Adults can chuckle and so can their youngsters which is important this
holiday season. Done in the best Hope manner."
^-^
— Eileen Creelman, Sun
"Paramount has struck pay dirt with 'The Paleface'.
Hope in top form. His
^rendition of 'Buttons and Bows' beats 'em all."
— Russell Rhodes, Journal of Commerce
\
"One of the best comedies to hit the screen this year *
. . . and we won't take that back, not even at ^
*
the point of a gun." — Seventeen Maga-zitie
\{)\
"Calculated to bring the house down.
Splash and color and fast gags."
— Leo Mishkifi, Morning-Tele.
J
tor all
GOI

\
^-Bo'^fm"'
w^.
f
Wa/t till
/ / Crosby reads
these raves/
"There could scarcely be a more joyful show for the Yule
season. A delight... a triumphant travesty. Rarely
has Hope been so funny. A picture exciting as well
as regaling." — Howafd Barnes, Hej-ald Tribune
-W-
"Whoop-de-do gag fest.
Deserves a marker as the
^ birthplace of 'Buttons and Bows'. . . which . . .
is now the all-time all-time hit."
— Bosky Croivther, N. Y. Times
"One of the funniest comedies of the season. A slick vehicle
for Hope's quips and clowning. You'll find it fun."
"
M — Rose Pelswick, Journal-American
"You will laugh yourself red in the face
when you see it."
— Jimmy Fidler, Mutual Network
His
ft'tV«
Boxof^ces everywhere will put on
Buttons and Bows to get ready
for all
those wonderful shows in
Faramonnt's
.................................................. ^
•^^
f^ace
"The
Color br Technicolor
v;recitd by HORmH ZMLEOQ
Original Screenplay by Edmund Hartmann and
Frank Tashlin • Additional Dialogue by Jack Rose
Songs by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

Unchanged, Says Rodgers
Of MGM Sales Policies
NEW YORK—No changes in MGM's sales
policies have been made or are contemplated,
asserts William F. Rodgers, vice-president and
general sales manager. Sliding scales are to
be retained and special consideration will be
extended to small operators who find it difficult
to play MGM pictures on a percentage
basis.
Rodgers had this to say on the subject:
•Reports to the contrary notwithstanding,
Loew's, Inc., has not abandoned the sliding
scale policy as a basis of rental terms for the
use of MGM product. As a policy it has been
considered by us and by thousands of our
customers to be eminently fair.
"Having faith in our product and the future
of this business, we intend to aggressively
solicit even a greater number of our
customers to play even a greater number of
our pictures on this proven method of fair
merchandising.
"We have not adopted a policy of specific
percentage terms except where we are unable
to mutually agree upon a basis to govern a
sliding scale arrangement.
"Loew's, Inc., has not changed its sales
policies except that we are prepared to even
expand, if necessary, our existing policy of
special consideration for some small operations
which find it difficult and sometimes
impractical to play our pictures at the present
time on a participating arrangement."
Rodgers will hold a large meeting of sales
executives on the coast early in February, so
that the staff can see as much forthcoming
product as possible in preparation for the
25th anniversary year— 1949.
A general observance of the anniversary
extending throughout the year is planned.
During the 2Dth anniversary five years ago
the company set out to conduct a concentrated
drive to get MGM pictures into every
theatre in the United States during a fixed
period, and succeeded in doing this. Rodgers
hopes all theatres will be represented with
MGM product at some time during the course
of this anniversary campaign. He is aiming
for a new domestic sales record.
"There never has been a time when the
industry has been more in need of good pictures,"
he declared, "and we intend to try
to supply them."
Rodgers admitted that in recent months
some first run grosses have been spotty, but
he said that subsequent run grosses were
holding up well. He described the market as
"unsettled," and refused to venture a guess
on whether the United States income could
be made to support the industry without income
from the foreign market.
"We have not skimped on quality," he said.
"Our pictures are costly, with the story, casting
and production values tops. We think
they will pay off, both for exhibitors and for
the company."
Eagle Lion to Release 16 Films
Through April, With 6 in Color
NEW YORK—Eagle Lion will release 16
features, Including six in color, by the end
of April, according to William J. Heineman,
vice-president in charge of distribution. Two
of these are Walter Wanger productions and
two are J. Arthur Rank productions.
The December releases are: "He Walked by
Night," starring Richard Basehart and Scott
Brady; "Parole, Inc.," starring Michael
O'Shea, Turhan Bey and Evelyn Ankers, and
"The Strange Mrs. Crane," with Marjorie
Lord, Robert Shayne and Pierre Watkin.
The January releases will be: "Red Stallion
in the Rockies," in Cinecolor, starring
Arthur Franz, Jean Heather and James
Davis; "An Old-Fashioned Girl," starring
Gloria Jean, Jimmy Lydon, John Hubbard
and Frances Rafferty, and "Ride, Ryder
Ride," first of a new series of action films
in Cinecolor, starring Jim Bannon with
Peggy Stewart and Emmett Lynn.
For February, the releases will be: "Alice
in Wonderland," Ansco color feature combining
live-action and three-dimensional puppets,
produced by Lou Bunin; Walter Wanger's
"Reign of Terror," starring Robert
Cummings, Arlene Dahl and Richard Basehart;
"Shamrock HiU," Equity Rctures' production
with Peggy Ryan, Ray MacDonald
and John Litel, and "Roll, Thunder, Roll,"
second in the Red Ryder series.
The second Wanger production, "Tulsa,"
will be released in March. This is in Technicolor
and stars Susan Hayward, Robert
Preston and Pedro Ai'mendariz. The other
March releases will be the J. Arthur Rank
production, "Miranda," with Glynis Johns,
Google Withers and Griffith Jones, and "Alimony,"
another Equity production.
The April releases wiU be: "The Big Cat,"
in Technicolor, starring Lon McCallister,
Peggy Ann Garner and Preston Foster; "Scott
of the Antarctic." a J. Arthur Rank production
in Technicolor, starring John Mills, and
"Silver Streak."
UA Sets Distribution
For 2 New Pictures
NEW YORK—The United Ai'tists
board of
directors has ratified distribution deals for
two new independent pictures, "Jigsaw," a
Danziger-Tower production starring Franchot
Tone, and "Under the Roman Sun," a foreign-made
on which fui'ther details are not
available. "Jigsaw," which was filmed in
New York by Fletcher Markle, director of
the radio program, "Studio One," is scheduled
to be released in January. Neil Agnew
will act as producers' representative for
"Jigsaw."
Gradwell L. Sears, UA president, gave a
report to the board meeting December 21
on the present status of the Hughes-Nasser
deal and said that fmids are still available
for suitable story properties. The board also
held a lengthy discussion on the financial
problems of its independent producers.
20th-Fox Loss on 18
Totals $5,556,200
NEW YORK— Up to Nov. 8,
1948, 20th Century-Fox
showed a loss of $5,556,200 on 18
features produced during 1947. This figure
was included in the written testimony submitted
to the thi-ee-judge court by Donald
A. Henderson, treasurer, during the two-day
hearings December 20 and 21.
He said the 18 features had been produced
at a total cost of $41,914,100, or at an
average of $2,328,500 each. The cumulative
1948 domestic revenue, mcluding Canada,
from these films was $36,375,900. Henderson
added that little additional revenue from
these pictures will be received.
By way of contrast, he pointed out that
the average cost of a 20th-Fox picture during
1944-45 was $1,350,000. He also said the
total domestic revenue, excluding Canada,
from all features, shorts and accessories during
1947 was $53,618,400.
Of this amount 18.761.387, or 36.8 per cent,
came from the five affiliated circuits.
The circuit breakdown follows:
Paramount $7,128,215
National Theatres 6,224,993
RKO 3,190,028
Warners 1,862,054
Loew's 1,356.397
In addition, 20th-Fox received $1,408,994 in
rentals from its Roxy Theatre, New York.
New TOA Unit Is Formed
In Denver Territory
DENVER—A new theatre owners association
to be known as the Colorado Ass'n of
Theatre Owners (CATO), and to become affiliated
with TOA, has been organized. The
TOA thereby moves into the territory which
heretofore has had only an Allied unit.
Incorporators of the new group are B. D.
Cockrill, managing director of the Denham
Theatre, who is president; Pat McGee, general
manager of the Cooper Foundation Theatres,
vice-president; Charles Gilmour. president
Gibraltar Enterprises, secretary; William
Agren, booker. Fox Intermountain; A. P.
Archer, president. Civic Theatres; Dave Davis,
general manager. Atlas Theatres, all of Denver,
and Larry Starsmore, president. Westland
Theatres, Colorado Springs, board members.
The first convention has been called for
February 1, 2. Ted Gamble, chairman of the
board of TOA; R. J. O'Donnell, chief barker
of Variety International, and George Murphy,
film star, will be guests.
Rathvon Officially Ends
RKO Affiliation Jan. 3
HOLL'YWOOD-Last vestige of the old
Floyd Odium regime at RKO Radio was wiped
out with the disclosure that N. Peter Rathvon,
former president, will officially terminate
all connections with the company as of
Jan. 3, 1949. The RKO Radio board of directors
some months ago selected Ned E. Depinet,
distribution chief, to succeed Rathvon
as president of the company which now is
controlled by Howard Hughes.
At a recent board meeting in New York
approval was given to a plan whereby, in
settlement of the balance of his contract,
Rathvon receives $60,000, payable at the rate
of $2,000 weekly.
14 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

Amu AS A SENSHIONAL
BOXOFFICE PERFORMANCE
In spite of opening pre-release and in the midst of the
pre -Christmas lull, it topped all but two of the nonholiday
openings in the past six months at the Hollywood
Paramount— and bettered current business of a
ago by nearly fifty
year
percent— backed by Paramount's
unique "Everything-Points-To-The-Accused" campaign!
LORETTA YOUNG ROBERT CUMMINGS m'THE ACCUSED
A HAL WALLIS production with Wendell Corey
Sam Jaffe Douglas Dick • Directed by William Dieterle Screenplay by Ketti Frings jt

Wx*^ ^KCC St^'CHt^^
New Ticket Tax Moves
JJ'OT much is known in this industry
about the political power of the American
Municipal Ass'n which met in Washington
last week. Apparently it has connections
with Leagues of Municipalities
and other state groups interested in tax
problems and intends to engineer a national
movement to get the federal government
to give up admission taxes so
they can be taken over by municipalities.
There is sharply divided sentiment on
the wisdom of this among exhibitor leaders.
In many places local ticket taxes are
ah-eady levied on top of federal taxes and
there is no way of telling to what lengths
some governing authorities might go.
If the new association really goes to
work, there will be a lot of agitation in
exhibitor circles before 44 state legislatures
adjourn three or four months hence.
To Fight Checking Suits
^HE last two paragraphs of a resolution
recently passed by the Iowa-Nebraska
Allied unit read:
"The employment of 'auditors' of a single
firm of alleged 'copyright attorneys' by
the seven or more film companies raises
the extremely important question of possible
exchange of properly secret theatre
information as to rentals paid and business
enjoyed by theatres audited by and
between the several film companies. As
American citizens, independent exhibitors
have certain inalienable rights, and it is
our opinion that this collective, if not
collusive, action violates one or more of
these fundamental rights.
"Recent court decisions have held that
the contracts the film companies are now
attempting to audit are illegal, and that
these contracts will not therefore be recognized
by any court in the land."
Tele Networks Possible
fHE FCC ruling last week that Paramount
controls the DuMont company
and its theatre partnerships which, in effect,
limited this group of companies to
five television stations may be obsolete
soon. If divorcement goes through with
the approval of the Department of Justice,
as it is expected to do within the
next few weeks, any circuit will be entitled
to file an application for a television
station permit with the expectation
that it will get one.
This will apply to the other theatreowning
majors whose circuits are cut
adrift.
RKO Report
^HE RKO report showing a net loss of
$2,257,887.78 for the 13 weeks ending
October 2 and a $356,024.04 net loss for
the 39 weeks ending on that date came as
a shock to many, but it may be the temporary
effect of a reorganization brought
on by a change in management.
Production activities are sensitive to
turnovers. When Howard Hughes acquired
fly JAMES M. JERAULD
control the company was in the middle of
a studio slowdown, with one picture in
work.
Since Hughes took over, the company
has made some moderate-budget films,
including "The Clay Pigeon" and "Follow
Me Quietly." Some larger-budget pictures
were started recently, including "Sam
Wynne" and "It's Only Money." Another
slowdown is now in effect, but in January
the company will start "The Big Steal,"
with George Raft.
A turn for the better can be expected
shortly, because it is not expected that the
stock splitup scheduled as a result of the
consent decree will have much effect on
production and distribution.
Arnall Talkative
JF ELLIS G. ARNALL, president of the
Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers, does only a small percentage
of the things he is talking of doing he will
stir up plenty of excitement in this business.
Al Steffes and Bennie Berger in their
palmiest days were never more positive in
their expressions on all kinds of industry
problems.
Among other things he is in favor of
more litigation, if he deems it necessary,
and complete divorcement of all distributor-owned
theatres.
Apparently the SIMPP members are convinced
that this is the way to get higher
rentals for pictures.
Rembusch Gets Data
^LL the regional Allied units are urging
their members to submit suggestions to
Trueman Rembusch on pictures and other
problems for submission to the coast meeting
of producers. He will have a full portfolio
when he arrives in Hollywood.
This probably will be the first time in
many years that producers will come into
face-to-face contact with a man representing
their sharpest critics. It's a new
approach and something constructive may
come of it.
This Man's a Producer,
Not an Exhibitor
DENVER— Cy Lee of Poppers Supply Co.,
theatre candy and popcorn broker, recently
sold a 100-pound sack of popcorn to a very
small town in Colorado. Lee said a farmer
came into his office and asked the price.
Lee asked where his town was. On being
told Lee said, "Why, that town is too small
for a popper, isn't it?"
"Oh," replied the farmer, "it isn't for
public consumption. I have 11 children, and
my sister and brother each have nine children
in their families. When we get together,
the popcorn really disappears. Now
it appears I will soon be a grandfather, so. I
suppose that in a few years I'll be getting
200 pounds each year."
Wants This Performance
Without Sound
Brownsville, Tex.—What's the legal
amount of noise you can make in building
a theatre? Builders of the new downtown
Interstate circuit theatre here didn't
know it was against the law to make
noise in construction until they ran up
against an irate federal court judge,
Allan B. Hannay.
H. F. Pettigrew, contractor for the
$300,000 theatre, recently moved in a
power saw to speed the work. Across the
street, Judge Hannay was holding
court. 'When the saw buzzed, the court
held, it disturbed legal procedure. The
judge also fined the job superintendent
$100 and 10 days in jail, but suspended
sentence when the noise abated.
But it took Frank Strickland, Interstate
lawyer, the contractor, and the
coui-t to determine just how much noise
a builder can legitimately make before he
runs afoul of the law. The parties agreed
to tone down the noise, and the court
allowed the project to proceed.
George Bonwick Elected
To Pictorial Films Post
NEW YORK—George J. Bonwick. who has
been associated with various Robert R. Young
entei-prises since 1930, has been elected president
of Pictorial Films, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Pathe Industries, Inc.
Pictorial
handles the 16mm distribution of all featui-es
produced and distributed by Eagle Lion
Films, also a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Pathe.
Before taking his new post, Bonwick has
successively been: office manager. Young,
Kolbe & Co., brokers; president, Atina Corp.,
security holding company; president, Jersey
Management Corp., securities; assistant
chairman, Alleghany Corp., railroad holding
company; assistant chairman, Chesapeake &
Ohio Railway Co.; executive vice-president
and treasurer, Pathe Film Corp.; executive
vice-president and treasurer, Pathe Laboratories,
Inc.. and executive vice-president
and treasurer, Pi-oducers Releasing Corp.
Earle Hammons Gets ABC
Tele Tieup for Lion
NEW YORK—Earle Hammons, president
of the newly organized Lion Television Pictures,
has been appointed film television consultant
of the American Broadcasting Co.,
according to Paul Mowrey, national television
director of the network.
Tlie appointment provides the new Lion
company with an immediate outlet for the
films which it is now accumulating for television
use.
Cowan Buys More Drive-Ins
TORONTO—The Sunset Drive-In Theatres
at Brantford and Peston have been
taken over by A. C. Cowan of Toronto who
acquired five units a short time ago from
Park Drive-In Theatres operated by Herb J.
Ochs of Cleveland. The latter includes Ottawa,
Peterboro, Oshawa and two at Toronto.
16
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

"Top Entertainment"
Daily Variety
"Marquee Dynamite"
Boxoffice
"Certain Boxoffice Hit"
Hollywood Reporter
"One of 1 949's First Hits"
Look Magazine
"Higli-Grade
IVIelodrama"
Variety
"Anotlier Wallis Click"
Los Angeles Examiner
"SM IMelodramatics"
—Los Angeles Daily News
"Grade A Tliriller"
Los Angeles Herald-Express
"One of
Best IVIeJodramas"
Seventeen

'^^am
^BStspp^^'^^[\wms
TfTRUST DECISION
^ TO DIVORCEMENT ANTITRUST SUIT,
The Big Case was
Big News during the
entire year, reaching
the Supreme Court
and going back to
the lower court for
further
study.
TELEVISION:
Large sere
mount Theatre, N. Y.,
presenting the premiere
video performcree
deflating
Ascap's right to exhibitor
fees was the
high spot in a year
Ascap headlines.
of
MONOPOLY.

J
'My Own True Love' is
because: T .
EVERYBODY *
WINS THE ENTERTAINMENT PRIZE IVHEN
THE EXPERTS COMPLETE THIS SENTENCE:
9 . 1
a truly great motion picture
It s a truly
great story"
says
M. D. (Babe) COHN
Ma7iager^ Paramount Theatre
Kansas City, Missouri
Father and son — rivals
or the love of the same
)evvitching beauty. What
I situation to shock-sell!
ifou'U go right along with
3abe Cohn — it's a "great
Jtory" as it turns a hot
»pot- light on today's vvarlardened
morals.
Number 1 of a Series
,«^^'* ^"ecessot
:s--'
to
love
A Paramount Picture Starring
PHYLLIS CALVERT
MELVYN DOUGLAS
with
WANDA HENDRIX PHILIP FRIEND
-
BINNIE BARNES
Produced by VAL LEWTON
Directed by COMPTON BENNETT
Screenplay by Theodore Strauss and Josef Mischel
Adaptation by Arthur Kober
Based on a Novel by
Yolanda Foldes

J
r
National Board Picks
Best Films of 1948
NEW YORK—Seven American-made pictures,
two British and one produced in Europe,
have been chosen by the National
Board of Review as the ten best 1948 on the
basis of entertainment. The pictures are:
"Gentleman's Agreement." "Sitting Pretty"
and "The Snake Pit" (20th-Foxi, "Joan of
Arc." "Tlie Bishop's 'Wife" and "I Remember
Mama" iRKOi. "Johnny Belinda" I'WBi,
"Hamlet," J. Arthur Rank film released by
U-I. "The Red Shoes," Rank film released
by EL. and "Tlie Search," produced in Europe
and released by MGM.
The 300 members of the National Board
selected the ten for the organization's 23rd
annual choice.
"Paisan," Italian-made film released in
this country by Mayer-Burstyn, was chosen
by the National Board committee on exceptional
films as the best picture of 1948 on
the basis of artistic merit and importance.
The nine other best films chosen by the
committee in order of preference are: "Day
of 'Wrath," Danish-made picture released by
George J. Schaefer Associates; "The Search."
"Treasure of the Sierra Madre" CWBi;
"Louisiana Story," Robert J. Flaherty documentary
released by Lopert Films: "Hamlet,"
"The Snake Pit," "Johnny Belinda," "Joan
of Aic" and "The Red Shoes."
The committee also selected Roberto Rosselini
as best director of the year for "Paisan";
Olivia de Havilland. star of "The Snake
Pit," for the best performance of the year
as an actress; 'Walter Huston, featured in
"Treasure of the Sierra Madre," for the best
performance of the year as an actor, and
John Huston, for the best screenplay of the
year on the basis of the same picture.
Allied Artists to Release British Film
HOLLVWOOD—"My Brother Jonathan,"
Associated British film being released in the
U.S. by Allied Artists, will go into distribution
March 15. The film toplines Michael
Denison, Dulcie Gray and Ronald Howard.
^'^
Hoblitzelle Gives
$50,000 to Texas
DALLAS — Karl Hoblitzelle, president
of Interstate Theatres and prominent
philanthropist, has
given a Christmas
present to the
state of Texas, a
$50,000 additional
donation to the
Texas Research
Foundation, which
e s t a b 1 i shed an
agricultural and
soil experiment
station two years
ago at Renner
Karl HobUtzelle
near here.
Hoblitzelle previously
has offered to give $600,000 to finance
activities leading to increased agricultural
yields in Texas if other state leaders will
provide an equal amount. Hoblitzelle was
chiefly instrumental in establishing the research
foundation at Renner, and its success
in the last two years encouraged the
new $50,000 gift.
MGM Sets Two Reprints
For Release in 1949
NEW YORK—MGM, which had four reprints
on its 1948 release schedule and experimented
with key city engagements of
several others, has set at least two more for
release during 1949, according to William B.
Zoellner, in charge of short subjects and reprints.
'The Wizard of Oz," a Technicolor feature
starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger and Bert
Lahr, originally released in 1939, will be
generally released in Januai-y and "Blossoms
in the Dust," in Technicolor, starring Greer
Garson and Walter Pidgeon, originally released
in 1941, will be released later.
with
Paramount's
Full-Scale Television
Planned by Roach
HOLLYWOOD—First major film producer
to announce plans to devote himself entirely
to video is Hal Roach, veteran picture-maker,
who has terminated his production
commitment with MGM and henceforth
will confine his activities exclusively to the
television field. Under the banner of Hal
Roach Television Corp., he has already
gunned the first film in a projected series
of six scheduled for immediate filming.
Roach's full-scale entry into the new medium
was the result, the producer said, of
his conviction that "the insatiable desire to
be entertaiiied will find its greatest satisfaction
through television."
His kickoff subject, "Sadie and Sally," is
a half-hour comedy show being megged by
Les Goodwins and featuring Joy Lansing
and Lois Hall. It will be followed by "The
Brown Family," "Botsford's Beanery," "Foo
Yung," "Puddle Patch Club" and "Oirr Main
Street." All will be 30-minute films in the
comedy niche.
In addition to producing his own video
shows. Roach is making the facilities of his
Culver City studio available to advertisers
and agencies for all television production
requirements. The William Morris agency
has been designated to represent Roach in
all of his television activities.
To date the projected Roach video output
has not been channeled as to release.
Memphis Censorship Case
May Go to Supreme Court
MIAMI—The film industry, through United
Artists and Hal Roach, this week challenged
the constitutionality of the action of the
Memphis censor board—and possibly set the
stage for Supreme Court action on the whole
question of the freedom of the screen,
A two-day hearing was held before Judge
Floyd Henderson of circuit court. The judge
took the case under advisement.
Industry lawyers argued that the constitutional
rights of freedom of speech, freedom
of press and freedom of dissemination
of information had been violated when the
Memphis board informed United Artists that
the Roach comedy, "Curley," could not be
shown in Memphis because it showed white
and Negro children playing together.
On the other hand, city attorneys raised
these questions: Did United Artists and Hal
Roach have a legal right to bring suit against
the censors? They contended that they did
not because, if they were bringing suit as
producers and distributors engaged in interstate
commerce, they were not within the
jurisdiction of the board and had no right
to sue. Second, the attorneys argued that
if the plaintiffs were acting as exhibitors
they were doing so illegally and had, therefore,
no legal right to sue.
United Ai-tists and Roach have asked the
court to see the picture. They have asked
damages. They have asked an injunction.
They have asked relief for future pictures,
petitioning the court to define the powers of
the board of censors.
The case, by agreement of both sides, was
transferred from chancery to circuit court.
A fight to the Supreme Court of the United
States has been discussed by industry attorneys.
Qau
20 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

Claude Robinson Dies;
A Veteran Showman
CLARKSBURG, W. VA.—One of the Mideast's
most noted showmen and an era of
showmanship passed
into history with the
death of Claude Robinson
at his home December
20. A showman
and gentleman of "the
old school," Robinson
Claude Robinson
[jqj-, j^gi-g
Sir C. Aubrey Smith Dies;
virtually devoted his
life to theatre business.
He was associated
with Klaw and
Erlanger for 20 years
before he started in
motion picture exhibi-
Film Actor 33 Years
HOLLYWOOD—Death claimed Sir C.
Aubrey Smith, 85, ai his Beverly Hills home,
ending a motion picture career which began
in 1915. Born in London in 1863, Smith went
on the stage in 1892. He is survived by his
wife, a daughter and two grandchildren.
Recent films in which he appeared included
"Luxury Liner" and "Unconquered."
Bertel Budtz, 46, Dies;
WE Caribbean Head
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD — Bertel K.
W. Budtz, 46. manager of activities in the
southeastern section of the Caribbean area
for the Western Electric Co. ( Caribbean i,
died suddenly at his home here December 14.
He was in New York in November to attend
the managers' conference held by the Westrex
Corp.
MPAA Hollywood Parleys
Facing Postponement
NEW YORK—Postponement is considered
Lkely for the meetmgs of high company
executives called by Eric Johnston, MPAA
president, for January 26-28 in Hollywood.
It had been planned to give all problems affecting
the industry a thorough going-over,
including exhibitor relations, unfortunate
publicity emanating from the studios and a
closer liaison between west coast producers
and home office heads here.
This may be the second postponement.
Originally the meetings were scheduled for
the middle of December, but Johnston has
been testifying in the suit of Lester Cole
against MGM. The reason for another postponement,
if it takes place, it is said, will
be that several company heads and other
key executives in the industry will be unable
to attend.
Releases Negro Features
NEW YORK—Jack Goldberg, producer of
Herald Pictures, has signed a distribution
contract with National Film Distributors for
three all-Negro features. "Boy. What a Girl,"
"Sepia Cinderella" and "Miracle in Harlem."
Herald is making a series of shorts in Florida
and plans to start on another feature in
January.
Ti^a^Aiti^toit
J^AST WEEK'S decision by the Federal Communications
Commission that Paramount
does control DuMont Television came as no
surprise here. It had long been expected,
and the only thing which caused any surprise
was the fact that it took six weeks for
the commission to adopt the recommended
decision of Examiner Jack P. Blume. Result
is that Paramount and DuMont applications
for television stations in half a dozen cities
will simply die on the vine.
Paramount has asked for a rehearing, with
a stay on enforcement of the FCC ruling in
the meantime.
The big question the FCC must face remains
unanswered—how much weight shall
be given the antitrust records of film companies
as they try to get into television?
That issue was raised with considerable
urgency just a few weeks ago, when it appeared
that 20th Century-Fox might try to
buy the ABC network, but that deal fell
through and the pressure on the FCC relaxed.
In the meantime, the possibility of congressional
study of the problem looms. Chalrman-to-be
Ed Johnson of the senate interstate
commerce committee, a Coloradan with
the traditional western distrust for bigness
and industry, has become interested in the
problem. He insists he has not made up his
mind to proceed with an investigation of the
Interrelationship among radio, broadcasters
and television—but he says there is a fair
chance he may do so.
ALTHOUGH LESTER COLE won his reinstatement
suit in Hollywood last week,
establishing his right to his $1,200 weekly
screen wTiter job with MGM, Cole and nine
others cited for contempt of the house un-
to spend heavily for programs on which it
cooperates vrith the states, it will not give
up any tax revenue to the states or mimici-
American activities committee suffered a
minor setback here. The Supreme Court held,
although by a 5-4 decision, that a jiu-y composed
entirely of federal employes was quite
legal as it upheld a lower court conviction
palities.
in another unrelated case. The predominance
of federal employes on the juries in the trials
of John Howard Lawson and Dalton Trumbo
is one of the points their lawyers point to
in their appeals.
The Cole decision, we are told here, will be
appealed. It would be news if it were not
REPORTS ON U-I DRIVE—Joseph H.
Seidelman, left, Universal-International
vice-president and foreign distribution
head, reports to N. J. Blumberg, president,
on the progress in the Blumberg
Victorj' Sales Drive, now at the half-way
mark.
^efiont
By ALAN HERBERT
appealed, since just about every coiu-t decision
involving any part of the film industry
goes into appeal.
(Cole, incidentally, did teU MGM studio
boss Louis B. Mayer he was no Conununist,
but refused to tell the house committee what
his politics were. Company witnesses in the
Los Angeles com-t were generally friendly to
Cole, with responsibility for the blacklist laid
squarely at the door of the company presidents
who met in New York a few weeks after
the hearings. I
ALTHOUGH JOHN SNYDER, secretary of
the Ti-easury, invited the American Municipal
Ass'n last week to send representatives
to talk to him about realignment of the tax
structure to leave the admissions and other
levies for municipal collection only, don't hold
your breath until something comes of it.
Snyder is always willing to talk about such
things—especiaUy since there are a good deal
of votes represented in such a group as AMA.
But there is a good deal of difference between
talk and action.
There is no reason to expect the federal
government to give up any tax income this
year, or for several years to come even if
there should be an agreement in principle
that the boxoffice tax should be abandoned
to the cities. That is not alone the attitude
on Capitol Hill—it is very much the thinking
within the administration. If there is any
doubt about that, the speech given by Budget
Director James Webb in Detroit before the
general assembly of the states early this
month should clinch the argument. Webb,
who is probably more influential on these
matters than Snyder, not only saw no falling
off in federal spending but also delivered a
lengthy defense of the policy of giving grantsin-aid
to the states. You can be sure that
so long as the federal government continues
CASH DIVIDEND PAYMENTS by film
companies fell to their usual November low
last month, the Department of Commerce
reported, with the total hitting only $224,000.
This figure, however, was $7,000 better than
the November 1947 tally. November and February
are customarily the months when dividend
payments drop out of sight. More significant
is the fact that payments for the
three-month period ending in November were
only $10,402,000—compared with $13,387,000 a
year earlier.
THE FREEZE ON TELEVISION stations
doesn't seem to bother the manufacturers of
home receivers. Their weekly production rate
jumped another 28 per cent last month—with
nearly 125,000 sets turned out during November.
That brings the 1948 production to
over 700,000.
The Department of Commerce statisticians
told us this week that television production
in October showed the greatest rise reported
for any industry surveyed. At the
other end of the list were the figures for
radio production, with October's total only
about 65 per cent of the October 1947 total.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948
21

LAND
TO BE
CONQUERED
A LOVE TO
BE WON!
•^
/
/

i
COLOR BY CINECOLOR
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VICTOR JORY'.JL, NANCY OLSON
Produced by NAT HOLT' Directed by EDWIN L. MARIN
Screenplay by Kenneth Garnet and Jack OeWitI • Original stc. :,,
Jagk, DeWitt • A Nat Holt ProducHoft • Released by 20th Cerrtur,-':;

. . Warners
. . . Roy
. . Screen
. . Forrest
. . Teamed
. . On
. . Albert
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The company that leads the industry on Motion Picture
Herald's list of Boxoffice Champions and on Variety's
Scoreboard of Hits also LEADS THE INDUSTRY
WITH THESE 3 ON FILM DAILY'S 10 BEST POLL!
• ••and your DEST current and coming attractions!
a
the
Snake 'IRt
feyl?/*r |\ HOUSE
From the company of champions / O]

. . . "Rimiors
RKO RADIO PICTURES, inc.
TRADE SH0WIN6S
OF SAMUEL GOLDWYN'S
"ENCHANTMENT"
ALBANY, Fox Screening Room, 1052 Broadway,
Tues., Jon. II, 8:00 P.M.
ATLANTA, RKO Screening Room, i95 Luclcie St.,
N.W., Tues., Jon. 11, 2:30 P.M.
BOSTON, RKO Screening Room, 122 Arlington
Ave., Tues., Jon. H, 10:30 A.M.
BUFFALO, Mo. Pic. Operators Screening Room,
498 Pearl St., Tues., Jan. 11, 2:00 P.M.
CHARLOTTE, Fox Screening Room, 308 So. Church
St., Tues., Jan. 11, 2:00 P.M.
CHICAGO, RKO Screening Room, 1300 So.
Wobosh Ave., Tues., Jan. 11, 1:00 P.M.
CINCINNATI, RKO Screening Room, 12 East
Sixth St., Tues., Jon. 11, 8:00 P.M.
CLEVELAND, Fox Screening Room, 2219 Payne
Ave., Tues., Jon. 11, 2:30 P.M.
DALLAS, Paromount Screening Room, 412 South
Harwood St., Tues., Jan. II, 2:30 P.M.
DENVER, Paramount Screening
St., Tues., Jon. 11, 2:00 P.M.
Rooi
DES MOINES, Fox Screening Roorr
St., Tues., Jan. 11, 2:30 P.M.
,2100 Stout
1300 High
DETROIT, Blumenlhol Screening Roon 1,2310 Cass
Ave., Tues., Jon. II, 2:30 P.M.
INDIANAPOLIS, Universal Screening Room, 517
N. Illinois St., Tues., Jon. 11,1:00 P.M.
KANSAS CITY, Paramount Screening Room, 1 800
Wyandote, Tues., Jon. 11, 2:00 P.M.
LOS ANGELES, RKO Screening Room, 1980 S.
Vermont Ave.. Wed., Dec. 29. ID:30 A.M.
MEMPHIS, Fox- Screening Room, 151 Vance
Ave., Tues., Jon. 11, 2:30 P.M.
MILWAUKEE, Worner Screening Room, 212 W.
Wisconsin Ave., Tues., Jar. 11, 2KD0 P.M.
MINNEAPOLIS, Fox Screening Room, I0I5 Currie
Ave., Tues., Jon. 11, 2:30 P.M.
NEW/ HAVEN, Fox Screening Room, 40 V/hiting
St., Tues., Jon. 11, 2:30 P.M.
NEW ORLEANS, Fox Screening Room, 200 S.
St., Liberty Tues., Jon. II, 10:30 A.M.
NEW YORK, Normondie Theatre, 53rd St. &
Pork Ave., Tues., Jan. II, 10:30 A.M.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Fox Screening Room, 10
North Lee St., Tues., Jon. 11, 10:30 A.M.
OMAHA, Fox Screening Room, 1502 Dovenport
St., Tues., Jan. 11, 1:00 P.M.
PHILADELPHIA, RKO Screening Room, 250 N.
13th St., Tues., Jan. 11, 10:30 A.M.
26
PITTSBURGH, RKO Screening Room, 1809-13
Blvd. of Allies, Tues., Jon. 11, 1:30 P.M.
PORTLAND, Star Screening Room, 925 N.W.
1 9th Ave., Tues., Jon. 11, 2:30 P.M.
ST. LOUIS, RKO Screening Room, 3143 Olive
St., Tues., Jon. 11, 11:30 A.M.
SALT LAKE CITY, Fox Screening
Room, 216 East
First South St., Tues., Jon. 11, 1:00 P.M.
SAN FRANCISCO, RKO Screening Room, 251
Hyde St., Tues., Jan. 11, 2:00 P.M.
SEATTLE, Jewel Box Screening Room, 2318
Second Ave., Tues., Jan. 11, 2:30 P.M.
SIOUX FALLS, Hollywood Theatre, 212 North
Philips Ave., Tues., Jan. 11, 10:00 A.M.
WASHINGTON, Fo Screening Room, 932 New
:., Jon. 11, 10:30 A.M.
FROM THE FILES OF
TN RECENT MONTHS, says Ben Shlyen,
publisher of Associated Publications, practically
every producing and distributing organization
has been involved in some kind of
merger rumor. This scourge of nunors has
affected the whole industry. Contracts have
been signed for certain product, then mergers
were made or production plans changed radically,
so booking contracts were not fulfilled
may be choice bits for the
curious, but they do not help an exhibitor
to make a profit out of the product ... In
the future, these publications will not give
space to the reporting of events before they
are facts."
Robert Benchley, dramatic critic, humorist
and actor, has arrived in Hollywood to write
Movietone subjects for Fox. He has already
appeared in two talking comedies, "The
Treasurer's Report" and "The Spellbinder."
Ben Grimm has been appointed assistant
advertising manager of Universal, succeeding
Milton Silver, who recently was named advertising
manager. Fred Eichorn takes the place
of Grimm as editor of the Gold Mine, house
organ of the company.
« * «
Columbia Pictures definitely launched its
talking picture plans this week by announcing
that six productions of the current program
will be synchronized with music, sound
effects and talking sequences . . . Paramount
will have 22 all-talkers in its season's releases
Fredric March, Belasco stage
. . . actor, who was signed to a Paramount contract
recently, will be Clara Bow's leading
man in her first all-talking picture, "The
Wild Party."
Theatre Jackpot Contest
Will Combat Giveaways
NEW YORK—Attendance Builders, a Chicago
corporation headed by Phil Regan, singing
star of radio, nightclubs and films, reports
that more than 500 theatres have been booked
to participate in a $100,000 jackpot contest
designed to combat the competition of radio
giveaways. The contest, which will be titled
"Jingle Jamborees," will get under way January
3 and the payoff will be two weeks
later on January 17-20.
Attendance Builders is offering the contest
to theatres as a package deal to include staging,
promotion and advertising, as well as the
awards. In addition to the regular weekly
prizes, any patron who can prove that attendance
in a theatre resulted in the loss of
a radio prize will be awarded double the
amount he would have won, up to a maximum
of $10,000.
Dezel and Astor Sign Up
NEW YORK—Albert Dezel Productions has
signed with John Jenkins of Astor Pictures,
Dallas, for the distribution of its all-Negro
picture, "Girl in Room 20," in Chicago, Indianapolis,
Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland
and Cincinnati.
DATE CHANGE!
RKO RADIO PICTURES, inc.
TRADE SHOWINGS OF
"TARZAN'S
MAGIC FOUNTAIN"
ALBANY, Fox Screening Room, 1052 Broadway,
Tues., Jan. 18, 10:30 A.M.
ATLANTA, RKO Screening
N.V/., Tues, Jan. 18, 2:30 P.M.
Room, 195 Luckie St.,
BOSTON, RKO Screening Room, 1 22-28 Arlington
St., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
BUFFALO, Mo. Pic. Operotors Screening Room,
498 Pearl St., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
CHARLOTTE, Fox Screening Room, 308 S. Church
St., Tues., Jon. 18, 2:00 P.M.
CHICAGO, RKO Screening Room, 1300 So.
Wobosh Ave., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
CINCINNATI, RKO Screening Room, 12 East
6th St., Tues., Jon. 18, 8:00 P.M.
CLEVELAND, Fox Screening Room, 2219 Payne
Ave., Tues., Jan. 18, 10:30 A.M.
DALLAS, Paramount Screening Room, 412 South
Harwood St., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
DENVER, Poromount Screening Room, 2100 Stout
St., Tues., Jon. 18, 2:00 P.M.
DES MOINES, Fox Screening Room, 1300 High
St., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
DETROIT, Blumenthol Screening Room, 2310 Coss
Ave., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
INDIANAPOLIS, Universal Screening Room, 517
N. Illinois St., Tues., Jan. 18, 1:00 P.M.
KANSAS CITY, Paromount Screening Room, 1800
V^yondote, Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
LOS ANGELES, RKO Screening Room, 1980 So.
Vermont Ave., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
MEMPHIS, Fox Screening Room, 151 Vance
Ave., Tues., Jon. 18, 2:30 P.M.
MILWAUKEE, Warner Screening Room, 212 W.
Wisconsin Ave., Tues., Jan. 18, 10:30 A.M.
MINNEAPOLIS, Fox Screening Room, 1015 Currie
Ave., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
NEW HAVEN, Fox Screening Room, 40 Whiting
St., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
NEW ORLEANS, Fox Screening Room, 200 S.
St., Liberty Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
NEW YORK, RKO Screening Room, 630 Ninth
Ave., Tues., Jan. 18, 2:30 P.M.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Fox Screening Room, 10
North Lee St., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
OMAHA, Fox Screening Room, 1502 Davenport
St., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
PHILADELPHIA, RKO Screening Room, 250 N.
St., 13th Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
PITTSBURGH, RKO Screening Room, 18091
Blvd. of Allies, Tues., Jon. 18, 1:30 P.M.
PORTLAND, Star Screening Room, 925 N.W.
I9th Ave., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
ST. LOUIS, RKO Screening Room, 3143 Olive
St., Tues., Jon. 18, 11:30 A.M.
SALT LAKE CITY, Fox Screening Room, 216 E.
1st South St., Tues., Jan. 18, 1:30 P.M.
SAN FRANCISCO, RKO Screening Room, 251
Hyde St., Tues., Jan. 18, 10:30 A.M.
SEATTLE, Jewel Box Screening Room, 2318
Second Ave., Tues., Jan. 18, 10:30 A.M.
SIOUX FALLS, Hollywood Theotre, 212 North
Phillips Ave., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:00 A.M.
WASHINGTON, Fox Screening Room, 932 New
Jersey Ave., Tues., Jon. 18, 10:30 A.M.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
SECTION
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
J> ncenlwei f til
Twice each year, five outstanding
Century circuit showmen are
guests of Fred Schwartz, vice-president,
at his Timberdoodle lodge.
Lake Placid, N. Y. In the winter
pilgrimag:e last week were Schwartz,
Joe Springer, general manager; Bill
Applegate, district manager; Mike
Siegel, publicity director, and Charlie
Call, L. W. McEachern, Bill Mc-
Devitt, Fred Brunelle and Dick Tretler,
theatre managers.
IVIr. Schwartz made the mistake
of inviting us to be in the company
of these distinguished showmen. We
accepted. That was our mistake.
There's a fall guy on every trip.
If you think we were brought
along just for laughs, you're right.
We expected to break an arm or a
leg during our first try at skiing and
other winter sports. But we never
anticipated the misfortunes which
befell the other portions of our anatomy
d.uring such harmless indoor
sports as eating and sleeping.
Aside from the horseplay, Timberdoodle
lodge is fabulous. The food,
the modern conveniences, the natural
beauty of the place, isolated in
the woods, and the graciousness of
the host combine to give every visitor
a feeling of rare privilege. The
feeling is intensified, when one returns
to the humdrum routine of
daily livelihood.
No doubt it is the desire to be
among the fortunate group elected
for the next Timberdoodle excursion
which motivates Century theatremen
in their efforts throughout the
year. The high standards of showmanship,
the high morale and. the
low turnover among Century managers
during the past decade are
undoubtedly due in great measure
to Timberdoodle.
Whatever other incentive inspires
that extra individual effort stems
from the fact that Schwartz and
Springer and, one presumes, the
other Century executives, are simply
members of one big family. There
are other circuits which operate
along similar lines. They, too, benefit
at the buxoffice from such a relationship.
At the moment, we are filled with
impressions and memories of Tim-
( Continued on next news page)
Variety Promotion Technique Sells
Variety Vaudeville at RKO Albee
Sandwiched in between the campaigns for
three picture houses in Cincinnati are some
excellent tieups which Nate Wise, publicity
manager for RKO in the city, puts over regularly
to sell headline variety shows at the
Albee Theatre.
Wise, whose exploits are well known to
readers of this section, produces a wealth of
free publicity via various media to keep his
shows out front. They provide valuable data
for every exhibitor, particularly those who
play live talent either regularly or on special
dates.
The King Cole-Penny Edwards combination
recently gave Wise an opportunity to demonstrate
how radio and the recording companies
can be utilized with excellent results.
Before the show opened, every disk jockey in
town was playing King Cole Trio recordings
and giving the Albee dates prominent notice.
Through the cooperation of the Capitol records
distributor, 5,000 stuffers were distributed
by music and record shops throughout the
city. Some 300 cards were placed on juke
boxes after Wise had the operators put the
Trio records in every machine.
When Penny Edwards arrived in town,
Wise set up interviews and guest appearances
on WKRC, WSAI and WCKY. The
Enquirer went for an interview with Miss
Edwards as did the Times-Star. All three
dailies used special art layouts.
For incidental ballyhoo, Wise put a juke
box in the Albee lobby in advance and
plugged King Cole records continuously. Spot
announcements were used on all radio out-
—779—
lets and a flash front helped the current
showing.
The Dick Haymes show received a heavy
selling job which was topped by breaks in
44 small town newspapers in Ohio and Kentucky.
Each paper received a scene star mat
of Haymes, special photos and stories and,
exclusive of the metropolitan papers, reached
a mass circulation of 125,000.
Two stunts were cooked up by Wise, one
with the Times Star, the other with the Post.
The former sponsored a mass high school
editor interview with Haymes. The stunt
rated a gigantic pictorial spread and an
eight-column streamer. The Post tieup was
keyed to an annual football banquet with
Haymes pictured posing with some of the
stars and the paper's personnel.
Three free broadcasts were promoted from
WKRC, WSAI and WCPO via backstage interviews
with Haymes. Disk jockeys plugged
his recordings and Jenny's, Cincinnati specialty
store, featured a large cut of the star
in a newspaper co-op ad which included
theatre mention.
27

ON U-ls $4500
UNITY DRIVE CAMPAIGN CONTES
Here's a prize-winning tip^
boys, that'll
help you pocket some of that $4500 in
U-I's Unity Drive Campaign Contest.
Don't overlook that gold mine of
pretested,
down-to-earth exploitation ideas
you will find in every U-l pressbook.
U-l always gives you really
workable promotion
ideas. I know, because I've seen them get
results every time!
So take a tip from U-l and boost your campaigns...
and your box-office, too! .^
M^l
.
m campaigns on ony U-J
^^^Vou con senajn ^^^ ^^ ., 30,
*^*^ October
31,
ouTbetween
oictore you P»aV °
. .
y (incloae a go
^
.r first entry m to^^^ ^
.nmoaigns on
,949. Get your ^^^.^^ ^.^r compo g
c*.\f
o\easel) and keep .^^
of yourseW, P»
^V,e Drive P
every U4 picture you Plov

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ROGUES' REGIMENT
CITY?
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LARC£HY
of She
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CWSS CROSS
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Mexican-bor"
CONTEST
lores del B^f .,„., most populoi a»
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^Vfi ow you ca
THE RULES ^rm^fmrimmmnT'mM
THE PRIZES
The U-l Unity Sales Drive Campaign Contest
is open to managers and theatre publicity
men in the United States.
Entries will be judged on the basis of originality,
initiative and promotional skill, vt^ith
consideration for the theatre advertising
budget and available facilities.
Each entry should consist of a brief summary
listing all activities, substantiated by documentary
proof-photos or snapshots, newspaper
tearsheets, circulars, etc.
Campaigns should not be accumulated. They
should be forwarded as soon as possible
after playdates.
Exhibitors may enter a campaign on one
or as many Universal-International pictures
as they desire during the period of the
competition.
Campaigns must reach the judges no later
than May 15, 1949, to be eligible.
RIDE HIGH WITH UNITY!
$4500 in cash prizes will be distributed to
theatremen who submit the best promotion
campaigns on any Universal-International
picture played during the company's Unity
Sales Drive starting October 31, 1948 and
concluding April 30, 1949.
These prizes will be divided equally in U-i's
three sales divisions— Eastern, Western,
Southern. Prizes in each division will total
$1500.
Theatres in each division will be classified
in three distinct groups—affiliated circuits,
independent circuits, unaffiliated theatres.
In each Division, there will be identical first,
second and third place prizes in each of the
three different theatre groups. Best campaigns
will be awarded $250; second best,
$150, and next best, $100. Thus, there will
be 27 major cash awards.
THE JUDGES
EASTERN DIVISION SOUTHERN DIVISION WESTERN DIVISION
(Albany, Boston, Buffalo, Cleveland,
New Haven, New York, Philadelphia,
Pittsburgh, Washington, D. C.)
Division Manager Fred
Meyers . . . District Managers
John J. Scully, Dave Miller,
P. T. Dana, D. A. Levy
(Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Dallas,
Indianapolis, Memphis, New
Orleans, Oklahoma City, St. Louis)
Division Manager F. J. A.
McCarthy. .District Managers
P. F. Rosian, J. E. Garrison
(Chicago, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit,
Kansas City, Los Angeles, Milwaukee,
Minneapolis, Omaha, Portland,
Salt Lake City, San Francisco,
Seattle)
Division Manager C. J. Feldman
. . . District Managers
M. M.Gottlieb, Foster Blake,
Barney Rose
3'
and, acting together with each of the Divisions,
Chester Friedman, Editor of the Showmandiser Section, Boxoffice.
All entries become the property of Universal-international. In case of ties, duplicate prizes will be awarded.
All entries should be addressed: U-l Contest Judges, V. BOXOFFICE, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20, N. Y.

Question and Answer
Tieup Nets 32 Spots
For 'Kiss Blood'
Radio and newsstands were the principal
media of exploitation used to promote "Kiss
the Blood Off My Hands" by Herb Gordon,
manager of the St. James Theatre, Asbury
Park, N. J. A tieup was made with radio
station WCAP on a question-and-answer contest,
with theatre passes as prizes. The picture
and playdate received 32 credit mentions
and a special plug via the Burt Lancaster
five-minute record interview.
Gordon promoted 100 books based on the
film adaptation from Dell Publishing Co.,
which were given away as door prizes.. The
American News Co. placed posters on 50
newsstands throughout the city and used
truck banners.
For the engagement of the double featiu'e,
"Walk a Crooked Mile" and "Variety Time,"
Gordon made a special easel display from
the front pages of local newspapers which
were over-printed with copy: "Hot as Today's
Headlines." Additional displays were
placed at ten newsstands. Three local music
shops featured Frankie Carle records in special
window displays built around posters
plugging "Variety Time." Radio station
WCAP also cooperated with gratis plugs on
another quiz contest.
Kiddy Show Series Sold
As Gifts for Christmas
Christmas Gift Books for a series of five
kiddy shows starting in January have been
promoted by Bierney Feld, manager of the
Oxford, Plainfield, N. J. The selling campaign
is being directed mainly at schools,
with heralds being placed on bulletin boards
through arrangements with the principals.
PTA and women's groups are also being
canvassed, with the proposal that they buy
blocks of books as Christmas present for
children.
The gift books measure 2V2x5'/2 inches are
on green stock with black ink, and fold so
that five strip tickets can be inserted. Each
set of five admission tickets is being sold at
reduced prices.
The special programs will include fUms
selected from the Children's Library and are
being advertised as such.
J ncentiuei/
i^Continued from preceding news page)
berdoodle—pleasant ones filled with the scent
of fresh air and mountain tops, delicious
food and camaraderie. And others—which
force us to pound this out in our most comfortable
position right now—which is standing:
up.
We can't think of a more appropriate day
to extend warm cordial greetings for the season
to every reader of this section from all
of us here at the Showmandiser.
CUedia* ^tiecbtMM
^^T' vs?m^?::'mw^
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Dec. 25, 1948
Promoting the Drive-In Theatre
HOW TO PARK YOUR CAR
Apartment Exchange
Publicizes 'Peggy'
New Chairs Publicized
The installation of new chairs at the
Strand in Clarksville, Ark., gave Manager
Edward Holland an opportunity for some special
publicity. A lobby display was set up
with one of the new chairs located near the
entrance where it could be seen by passersby.
A story planted with the local newspaper
about the remodeling of the theatre
and the installation of the new chairs broke
on pag« one and was the main topic of conversation
among the people in Clarksville.
—783—
/ottrtstiaf /aftrmttitn
SniKk Bar
FranlL Nolan, former Schine circuit
district manager in Ohio, has two driveins
under construction in that state.
Several montlis ago he became interested
in a common problem of drive-in operators—a
dearth of advertising and promotion
material. Since then he has developed
a "package service" for these exhibitors,
which includes ad mats, progi.inib,
novelty advertising ideas and suggestions
for merchandising drive-ins.
Special events nights are included in the
package service. Illustrated above are
some of the ad mats devised by Nolan,
and the inside spread of an "opening"
program. The front cover features special
art and space for feature listing.
'Buttons' Completition
Builds Up 'Paleface'
A contest inspired by the song hit, "Buttons
and Bows," was conducted by John Mc-
Inerney, publicity director for the Paramount
To promote interest in "Apartment for
Peggy," Howard Cohn, manager of the Midwood
Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., had his patrons
using the theatre as headquarters for Theatre, New York, as advance ballyhoo for
a "swap or lease an apartment" exchange. "The Paleface."
A display in the lobby invited patrons who Recordings of "Buttons and Bows" sung by
had an apartment to lease, or those in need Dinah Shore were offered as prizes to patrons
wearing the most unique buttons-and-
of a larger apartment or a smaller one and
wished to make an exchange, to leave pertinent
information at the theatre, and the grand lobby of the theatre before opening,
bows costumes. Judging took place in the
various parties interested would be brought with Bermy Goodman, star of the Paramount
together. The stunt created considerable stage show, presiding as official judge.
word-of-mouth publicity.
Fifty winners were selected who received
free records as well as costume jewelry and
scarfs.
Small Fry Giveaway
Clarence Shafer, manager of the Miami in
Piqua, Ohio, has a tieup with a local toy
store to attract the small fry every Saturday
until Christmas. The store gives coupons
with each purchase. Merchandise awards
are given out at each Saturday show. If
prizes are unclaimed they are held over until
the next week and the amount increased
accordingly.
31

ilie
u ABUNDANCE OF INGREDIENTS WHICH
SPELL BOXOFFICE SUCCESS"
"STORY WILL
PROBABLY HIT
ACADEMY
CONSIDERATION
SHOWMEN'S
TRADE REVIEW
Irib
piesenlal
RiithSK
neiisec
^CHNICOLOR^ y
San
advmise
''

o
Tribute to Babe Ruth
Marks Film Opening
In Staten Island
A fine exploitation campaign was completed
recently for the engagement of "The
Babe Ruth Story" at the Paramount Theatre.
Staten Island, N. Y.
The campaign was conceived by George
Kemp, manager of the Paramount, and was
carried out by Bill Stillman, relief manager,
and Elias Schlenger, Fabian Theatres publicist.
Kemp tied up with a local sporting goods
store which footed all expenses. Five thousand
tabloid heralds were imprinted with a
large two-column pressbook ad. theatre, playdate
and sponsor. These were inserted in
Sunday newspapers and the balance were
distributed at the theatre in advance.
On the night before opening, in conjunction
with the Paramount's weekly vaudeville
show, the theatre presented "Staten Island's
Tribute to Babe Ruth." Karl Drews, a Staten
Island boy and pitcher for the St. Louis
Browns, appeared in person and told of his
acquaintanceship with Ruth. Drews then introduced
the winners of the Staten Island
semipro baseball championship and presented
each member with a Babe Ruth Memorial
trophy.
The event was plugged for two weeks in
advance in the Paramount lobby and on the
screen. Publicity was planted in the local
paper's gossip column and in the sports columns.
A two-column picture of the trophy
presentation, posed in front of the "Babe
Ruth Story" 40x60, broke opening day in the
news section.
Babe Ruth memorial medallions and
photos were given to the first 1,000 men on
opening night and to the first 1,000 boys at
the Saturday matinee. The giveaway was
advertised one week in advance in the paper,
lobby and on the screen.
The day before opening, the cooperating
sports shop ran a Babe Ruth coloring contest
in the newspaper for kids. Fifty-eight
prizes including Babe Ruth books, bats and
belts were offered to contest winners.
Prison Front Exploits
'Canon City' Showing
A specially built prison front covered the
entire boxoffice of the RKO Capitol, Trenton,
N. J., for "Canon City." The doormen
were dressed in authentic warden uniforms
and armed with rifles. Handbills on persons
wanted by the law were obtained from the local
police department and posted on a 40x60
in front of the theatre. The stimts were
executed by Henry Scholl, manager, and Max
Miller. Eagle Lion field exploiteer.
Baby Watching Service
Offered by Theatre
A baby-sitter service instituted at the
Maplewood (N.J.i Theatre by Manager
Sturgis Perry has won the approbation of
mothers and baby sitters alike. Sitters who
want to be employed register at the theatre,
and a lobby 40x60 invites patrons to call the
theatre when in need of someone to care
for their offspring. This unique type of community
service is proving a grand exploitation
stunt.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Dec. 25, 1948
Connecticut Exhibitor Uses Ads
Of 33 Years Ago on Anniversary
Salvatore Adorno sr. observed his 33id
anniversary as owner-manager of the
Palace in Middleton, Conn., on Thanksgiving
day.
Adorno used a unique display ad to
higlil ght the anniversary date. The tilis
of the Middletown Press produced the
original newspaper ad used on Thanltsrgiving
in 1915 for both the Grand Thea.re
and the Crescent, which also were
oper.-.ted by Adorno. The old. newspaper
clipping was incorporated as part of a
four-column display ad which attracted
wide attention.
Orphans Attend Show
As Theatre Guests
John C. Musclow, manager of the Capitol,
Kitchener. Ont., earned the thanks of 75
orphan children of the St. Agatha and K-W
orphanages by inviting thein to be his guests
at a three-hour program of Disney cartoons.
The gesture was also responsible for many
letters of commendation received from civic
groups and prominent citizens.
Musclow tied up with the Kiwanis club
which provided free transportation for the
youngsters. He also conacted the St. Mary's
Christian Mothers society which served sandwiches
and soft drinks to the children.
On the way out, each guest received a
chocolate bar from Musclow. who reports that
the event is held several times each year, and
each time earns the appreciation of the pre.s.s
and officials of the commimity.
Spook Voice From Coffin
Speaks for 'Ghost' Show
Edmond Anthony, manager of the Bradley,
Coliunbus, Ga., staged a strong campaign for
a midnight showing of "The Mummy's
Ghost."
In addition to special newspaper ads, radio
plugs, posting and billing, he featured a
casket in the lobby. A store dummy wrapped
in gauze was placed in the casket and hooked
up with a public address system and microphone
located in another part of the theatre.
Patrons entering the theatre were addressed
by a "spook voice " which helped to
stimulate strong word-of-mouth publicity for
the show.
Edible Dates Passed Out
For 'Judy' in the Bronx
Publicist Sam Horwitz and Sylvia Scharfman,
manager of Loew's Post Road Theatre,
Bronx, N. Y.. put over an effective tieup in
behalf of "A Date 'With Judy." A neighborhood
children's wear shop paid for 1,000
envelopes and edible dates. The envelopes
were imprinted, "Have a date, etc." The
sweets were enclosed and usherettes distributed
the envelopes to pedestrians. A credit
line for the sponsor on the envelopes squared
the deal.
—785—
In 1915, the Grand Theatre listed three
feature acts of vaudeville and, as the
s?ieen attraction, Theda Bara in "The
Two Orphans." iVIatince admission prices
were 5 and 10 cents, and for the evening
the balcony was 10 cents and the main
floor 20 cents. .\t the same t me the Crescent
Theatre offered Bryant Washburn
and Ec'.ia Mayo in "The Blindness of Virtue."
The Press also ran a long story covering
Adorno's activitiesr as an exhibitor during
the past 33 years.
Flowers to Secretaries
For 'Dear Secretary'
The first 26 secretaries to purchase tickets
"
for "My Dear Secretary at the Lake Theatre,
Oak Park, 111., were presented floral corsages
through a tieup arranged by Manager
Leonard Utecht. Tlie deal was set with an
Oak Park florist, and Utecht arranged for
the local paper to run photos and advance
publicity on the stunt.
Poster and window card displays were set
with more than 40 merchants. Advance
lobby displays and an attractive front helped
to promote the playdate.
In conjunction with Flower week, Utecht
had an attractive floral display in the lobby
of the Lake, with additional decorations
placed at the candy counter and boxoffice.
Show Time Guide Sells
Acton. Ont., Roxy Shows
G. E. Robinson, manager of the Roxy m
Acton, Ont., publishes a monthly Show Time
guide which he considers the strongest advertising
medium and a great boxoffice attractor.
Show Time is a 16-page pamphlet, 9x12
inches, and contains advance stories, art and
display ads on all coming hits at the Roxy.
A special women's page is included and local
merchants take ads which cover the costs of
printing and mailing to 4.000 residents in a
15 mile radius.
Robinson reports that the program gets
people in the area movie minded. Promotionally
and typographically, Show Time is
very professional in appearance.
Walt Chenoweth Entries
National U-I Contest
Walter Chenoweth, manager of the Alexandria,
San Francisco, fired his opening gun
in the Universal-International national promotion
contest by launching a special campaign
for "Tap Roots."
Chenoweth employed additional newspaper
space, released special stories to the local
press and placed colorful 40x60 posters in
the lobby two weeks before opening. Special
trailer copy was composed and cross plug
trailers were used at affiliated theatres.
Personal letters from Chenoweth were
mailed to history teachers in district schools
emphasizing the historical value and background
of the Civil war story.
33

REPUBLIC'S
AGAIN NO. 1 KING OF Ie
IN THE BOXOFFICE BA
Big Roy Rogers Hits Now In Release
UNDER CALIFORNIA STARS • EYES OF TEXAS
NIGHHIME IN NEVADA • GRAND CANYON TRAII
1
5-Ss^;

•*Sr-.-
IE
COWBOYS
U^METER POLL!
^-^
^a^mu^
^>a
r>^
:^:
-r^- ' -r
AFETY FILM
*^; t'
This Big One's Comin<
THE FAR FRONTIER
*K.v.

BOXOFFICE NUGGETS
A book tieup with the Dell Publishing Co.
for the exploitation of "Kiss the Blood Off
My Hands" provided extensive promotion for
the picture's opening at the Mayfair Theatre,
Portland, Ore. All trucks of the Oregon
News Co. carried posters. Book stores featured
displays for the picture, built around
the book, with prominent theatre credits.
As part of the advance campaign for "The
Countess of Monte Cristo" at the Orpheum
Theatre in San Francisco, more than 300 special
window cards were prepared by the
M.J.B. coffee distributors for placement in
local stores. The cards featured a shot of
Sonja Henie, star of the film production, and
playdate credits for the theatre.
The entire front of the Lyric in Salt Lake
City was converted into a huge still montage
for the cm-rent engagement of "The Thi-ee
Musketeers." The idea is credited to Warren
Butler, manager of the Lyric, and the
stunt was good enough to stop traffic.
Bob Carney, manager of the Poll, Waterbury,
Conn., reports growing interest in his
theatre since an organist has been added to
the regular program. Featuring Tiny day,
specialist at the Hammond organ whose modern
presentations set a new style in entertainment,
business has steadily increased
dm-ing the first five weeks of this innovation.
Jack Lykes, manager of the Colony, Toledo,
tied up with Hurley's furniture store in
Puppy Giveaway Draws
For Kartoon Karnival
Arnold Gates, manager of the Stillman
in Cleveland, promoted two cocker spaniel
puppies at no cost for a giveaway at a Saturday
morning Kartoon Karnival for children.
Announced in advance through a lobby
40x60, the offer proved a great inducement
and stirred up more than the usual interest
in such a program.
The first 400 youngsters who bought tickets
for the show were presented 8x10 photos
of Tom and Jerry, cartoon characters. Gates
tied up with 12 schools in Cleveland to announce
the program and the awards.
Theatre Auction Benefits
P.A.L. Fund in Woodside
Tlie Police Athletic league, sponsored by
the New York police department, was enriched
by $250 recently, as a result of a public
auction held by Manager Bernie Seiden on
the stage of the Sunnyside Theatre, Woodside,
N. Y. In cooperation with the captain of the
local precinct and an executive of the local
coordinating council. Seiden promoted gifts
from neighborhood businessmen, the items
being auctioned off among theatre patrons.
Hypnotist Is Billed
As a business stimulant for a Saturday
night performance, MoUie Stickles, manager
of the Palace, Meriden, Conn., booked a
hypnotist show as a special attraction. Tire
presentation was backed by extensive newspaper
and radio advertising in addition to
advance lobby displays and window tieups.
36
town to help promote "Johnny Belinda." In
return for a display of furniture in the theatre
lobby, cost-free co-op ads were run in
the Toledo Times, Blade, Sunday Blade and
Chronicle. All included plugs for the picture
and star.
Jack Mitchell, manager of the Russell Theatre,
Maysville, Ky., greeted his patrons with
poster cutouts of Greer Garson in tights,
pasted on the entrance doors to exploit "Julia
Misbehaves." A large cutout was also used
in the lobby and moved outdoors for the current
showing.
Lyle Prue, manager of the Milford (Del.i
Theatre, promoted gratis spot announcements
for "Triple Threat" following every
newscast and sportscast on tlie local radio
station for five days prior to opening. The
high school football team was invited as
guests of the management on the opening
day and this was announced at all school assemblies.
Pi-ue recently sold the back page of
his house program on a full year contract to
cover complete printing and shipping costs.
A completely furnished trailer was parked
outside the Paramount Theatre, Long
Branch, N. J., as a ballyhoo for "Apartment
for Peggy." John Balmer, manager of the
Paramount, tied up with a trailer sales company
for the exhibit which was open for inspection
to the public. Stunt was used three
days before opening and during the current
run of the picture.
Plane Drops Heralds
For Theatre Opening
The grand opening of the Manos in Monessen,
Pa., was ballyhooed by Ken Woodward,
manager of the new enterprise, with several
thousand circulars which were dropped
throughout the Monongahela valley from an
airplane. The heralds were headed, "A message
from the skies," and carried news of the
theatre opening and the program. They were
printed on colored stock, and anyone getting
a lucky-color announcement was admitted
free on opening night.
The back page of the herald carried a large
co-op ad on the new type seats installed at
the theatre, which helped to underwrite the
cost of the stunt.
On opening night. Woodward interviewed
patrons in the theatre lobby as they were
leaving and made a special transcription of
the interviews. These were then broadcast
over .station WMBS. Uniontown; WMCK,
McKeesport; WESA. Charleroy, and WEDO,
McKeesport.
Transparent Blowups
Are Used on Marquee
Ervin Clumb, advertising manager for th*"
Towne in Milwaukee, used transparent blowups
of the four stars in "The Three Musketeers"
on both sides of the attraction sign
A false front was used showing action blowups
and star heads, the over-all effect being
a colorful flash which attracted wide attention.
—788—
EAGLE LION'S
SMASH
SUaESSOR
10 'CANON CITY'!
and 'Canon City'!"
"Ranking with the best;
this year's product!"
"Has everyth
"Spine-tingling ...
hunt!"
"Will rank with 'T-Men'
and 'Canon City'!"
"Masterf ""
^
lotlywood Reporter
"Stands
—Film Daily
"Basehart's "
definitely d.
bid!"
"Superior! Thorou'
I

i
w§i^]
In the watery darkness of the massive sewers
that wind tortuously beneath Los Angeles a
man flees for his Ufe. Now he stops - waiting,
listening, his finger tense about the trigger of
his gun. Suddenly -he whirls -fires blindly
into the blackness!
Savage, brutal -this is the killer who has
struck again and again -the killer the poHce
have hunted, patiently, skillfully,
courageously
- relentlessly tying each tiny clue, every
shred and strand of evidence into an evertightening
net.
Now it's closing . . . they have him cornered
again, fighting desperately for his life . .
.
deadly, defiant, unafraid!
V
SPOf Nt\^S!
n9 o9« ^QUGHT THRILUNGLY TO LIFE BY THE MAKERS OF "CANON CITY"
BY N IGHT
RIPHARn RASFHART SCOTT "CANON CITY" BRADY ... Roy Roberts Whlt Biss
^i'vjvw.T&'Sifyj.vsa

Business
Builders
DANNY KAYL
^^«RGINIAMAYO
IK i\:i liiiik
i
Window tieups continue to occupy a prominent role in theatre merchandising.
Above, Sears. Roebuck display arranged by Billy
Wilson, manager oi the Beacham, Orlando, Fla. Below, "Secret
Land" date at the Poli, Hartford, Conn., gets downtown plug
arranged by Manager Lou Cohen.
Manager Al
At right.
Kelly's campaign ior
"Will It Happen
Again?" at the Capitol
Theatre, Macon,
Ga., included this colorful
front, cross plugs
on screen and in the
lobby of associated
theatres, distribution
of special circulars
and standee cards in
restaurants and drug
stores.
yglatch-rorTA/^
lohn Mitckes. a proi
e c i o n i s t at the
t
Apollo, Belvidere, 111.,
took up art and display
work to keep
himself busy during
slack periods. At left
is one of his latest
creations, a changeable
board with permanent
utility.
Typical of Thanksgiving
tieups by showmen
throughout the
nation, turkey and
food giveaways on
the stage of the Fond
du Lac (Wis.) Theatre
was promoted by
Manager Joe Goldberg.
Gibson's store, opposite
the city hall in
Providence, R. I., honors
the observance of
the 32nd anniversary
of Fay's Theatre with
this colorful window
exhibit. Publicist Ed
Kelly arranged the
tieup.
Flushing. N. Y., citizens
had an opportunity
to kiss a "blarney
stone" provided
by Sol Sorkin, manager
of the RKO
Keith, as part of his
campaign on "Luck
of the Irish." Stunt
was used outdoors on
clear days.
38 —790—

ft
DOUBLE THRILL BILL
RIGHT
NUMBER
AND
WHAT
A
NUMBER!
Producer HUNT STROMBERG'
sure-fire success team!
MflSifi^"
^0"'" be spellbound
'
^ianiing story of a
f-eaut/foig/riiv/th
sf^ange neurof/c desires
$ce
to destroy those iv/io
foveber...
^^•"n ^fte
famous
Sroadivaysfage/,/t;
J0t^.
GCBST J\ TOP
HOUSE *
"orrin^
.CTi
starring
i^
BARBARA STANWYCK
-MICHAEL O'SHEA
Re ptesenled Ihru United »rti»

J
fl
$OCCESSWJ
MA^ 022:1
Thrilling
Adventure of a boy
and his dog in a
heart-warming story
the whole family will
Puzzle Quiz, Radio Plugs
Produce on 'Man-Eater'
A special campaign put on by Eldon Coffman,
manager of the Joy, Dardanelle, Ark.,
brought good returns on "Man-Eater of Kumaon."
Coffman promoted a puzzle contest gratis
from the local daily, offering passes for the
best solution submitted by readers. The radio
station gave the picture 20 free spot announcements.
500 heralds and 100 perfume
giveaway cards were distributed.
For outside ballyhoo, two men armed with
rifles guarded a cage which was supposed to
hold the "Man-Eater."
Hillbilly Show on Stage
And Screen Is Big Draw
Jimmie Robertson, manager of the National
Theatre, Louisville, Ky., booked a special
stage and screen show to combat the
customary slump in December grosses. A
combination of the stage and film versions
of the barn dance was used, with the Renfro
Valley Folks as the stage attraction and
"Hollywood Barn Dance" on -the screen. The
show played to capacity audiences throughout
its run.
Letters by Cashiers
Assist 'Bill and Coo'
Jack Hamilton, manager of the Variety
Theatre, Miami Beach, Fla., promoted two
love birds for a lobby display on "Bill and
Coo." Over the cage was a sign reading,
"Introducing 'Bill and Coo.' Come and see
us in our first picture playing here ."
. .
The stunt had patrons spending a little time
with the birds and caused considerable comment.
Also in advance of playdate, Hamilton had
his cashiers write personal handwritten
notes, giving one to each person buying a
ticket. The letter began: "Dear Patron:
Although I am not the publicist for the
theatre, I feel that I would be doing you an
injustice if I didn't remind you that 'Bill
and Coo' will open here, etc., etc."
This was followed by a short blurb for the
pictui-e and was signed by the cashier. Hamilton
reports that the personal touch in
this stunt seemed to register favorably with
patrons.
Three Musketeers'
Heralds Reach 600
At Hotel Dance
More than 600 persons who attended a
dance at the Taft hotel in New Haven received
special heralds as program inserts to
help Morris Rosenthal, manager of Loew's
Poli Theatre, sell his engagement of "The
Three Musketeers." The Yale radio station
plugged the theatre program for a week in
advance, gratis.
An original Lana Turner costume used
during the production of the picture was displayed
by a local women's shop. Cards were
placed in downtown hotels and the bus station
advertising the film. Blowup stills and
theatre signs were placed in leading downtown
stores and restaurants.
Photos of the five stars of the picture were
distributed by the Grant store. Customers
collecting complete sets of the photos were
given a theatre pass. All counters and store
windows carried special announcements of
the photo stunt with full theatre credit.
Rosenthal planted a three-day coloring
contest with the Journal Courier with guest
tickets as prizes. The paper also broke a
three-column star layout day before opening.
Radio station 'WNHC ran a guessing contest
which offered listeners a chance to win
free theatre tickets and helped to publicize
the playdates. WELI used a 15-minute transcription
with full theatre credits in return
for a lobby announcement.
Costume Display Sells
'Three Musketeers'
Two of the original costumes worn during
the production of "The Three Musketeers"
were used effectively by John DiBeneddtta,
assistant manager of the Poli, Bridgeport,
Conn., to exploit an advance showing of the
picture. The costumes were placed on display
in Bridgeport's leading department store,
surrounded by posters and accessories, with
theatre playdates.

I948WINNERS
WORLD'S
GREATEST
SHOWMEN
Mom and Dad'
Prize Winners of
(5)'.
50.00 I'JilV- Juli'uV''Dn^"i''''w' P'"'-'" Theotre, Soufh Bend I A ^^
(8.)
(9.)
no.)
rr??,!."
*'5'-_^'?N-.M„K .e
"iKtCMioge^SaSS
HyglEWI C PRODUCTIONS
PRODUCERS and DISIRI6UI0RS oi niiM «yn nun' . ^ttt;— -^^^^^^^
nun AND DAD • Wt BtSF IS Yfr TO COmT
BOXOFFICE ;: December 25, I94s
'CHASM Of SPASMS'
'NC.
WILMINGTON. OHIO
And in Production, 'ONf TOO MANY'
39 ofhers participated
in cash awards
amounting to $1,000
during 1948.
41

'
CLEARING HOUSE
(Continaeil from Inside back cover)
THEATRE SEATING
Seat yourself as others scat you—422 Stafford
fully upholstered padded back boxspring
all seats, red plush, excellent, $4.95; 350 American
panelback boxspring seats, newly reupholstered,
$5.25: 239 Heywood panelback boxspring seats.
newly reupholstered, $5.95; 200 Andrews fully
padded backs, boxspring seats, newly reupholstered.
$6.50. Plenty others. Get Chair Bulletin 15.
Dcpt. C, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.. 603 VV.
52nd St, New York 19.
Parts for all chairs. Send sample for quotation.
Fensin Seating Co., Chicago 5.
Used chairs, guaranteed good. Advise quanlity
wanted. Photographs mailed with quotation. Fensin
Seating Co.. Chicago 5.
American and Heywood upholstered back, spring
cushions. $3 each. All chairs guaranteed. Special
prices will be offered for lots of 500 chairs.
Convenient terms can be offered. Write, wire or
call Jack McGrath. 1946 Broadway, Albany, N. Y.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 in stock. $1.50 each up.
Used spring cushioned part full upholstered bacK
and part insert panel back with spring edge and
box spring cushions. 1,000 veneer chairs, 800
good backs, 500 spring cushions and hinges.
Write for prices and photographs. Immediate delivery:
advise how many you need. We export
chairs anywhere. Jesse Cole, 2565 McClellan Ave.,
Valley 23445, Detroit, Mich.
Artificial leather. All colors, 50 in. wide,
at $1.25 yd. Samples on request. Commercialeather,
116 Merrimac St.. Boston, Mass.
Many years in the seating business Is your
guarantee. Good used chairs are not too plentiful
but we have the pick. Full upholstered, panel
back and many other styles. We furnish proper
slope or level standards to fit your floor. All
size 18x21-lnch chairs. Our prices are the lowest.
Write for exact photo and price. We furnish parts
for all makes. Send sample. Good quality plastic
coated leatherette 25x26-Inch. all colors, 55c ea.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 South State St.,
Chicago 5. HI.
Several thousand used opera chairs now in stock.
Can furnish any amount you request. Full upholstered
back, insert panelback. boxspring. and
spring edge seat. Write for photo and state
amount and Incline. We also manufacture new
chairs. General Chair Co., 1308-22 Elston Ave.,
Chicago 22. 111.
No more torn seats: Repair with the original
Patch-A-Seat. Complete kit $6. General Chair
Co.. Chicago 22, 111.
Chair Parts: We furnish most any part you require.
Send sample for price, brackets, backs
and seats. General Chair Co., 1308 Elston Ave..
Chicago 22, 111.
Theatre chairs, projector:
veneers on cushion chairs.
Dallas,
Texas.
For Sale: 1,500 American theatre seats, upholstered
backs, spring bottoms. Can be seen
full
Criterion Theatre, Oklahoma City. Can deliver
around January 9. Call or write Jess Bollman,
Criterion Theatre. Phone 3-8381.
200 theatre chairs, mostly cushion bottoms,
good condition. No storeroom. First $500 takes.
Ynu load and haul. W. E. Sandefur, Vandervoort,
THEATRE TICKETS
Full Page Co-Op Heralds
Return of Vaudeville
With the return of vaudeville to the Avon
Theatre, Watertown, N. Y., after an absence
of 15 years, Lou Hart, Schine zone manager,
promoted a full page of cooperative advertising
from leading merchants. The page
was headed, "Welcome Back, Vaudeville," and
teh copy in each individual ad was slanted
to the same idea.
Hart tied up with radio station WWNY
and had them make transcriptions of audience
comments on the return of vaudeville
to the Avon. These were later played over
the air with plugs for the stage show, the
featured picture, "One Touch of Venus," and
playdates.
Two 'Stranger
Banners
Ten days In advance of playing "Rachel
and the Stranger" at the Heilig Theatre,
Eugene, Ore., Arthur Turner, manager, had
two 21-foot banners hung across the inner
lobby of the theatre, in addition to displaying
a standee tmder a 150-watt spotlight.
Over 5,000 handblDs were mailed out to the
rural route and surrounding small town box
holders. A teaser trailer was used three
weeks in advance of opening, and was replaced
a week later by a regular trailer which
also ran at the affiliated Mayflower Theatre.
Liie Cover Is Featured
Ansel Winston, manager of the Coliseum
Theatre, New York, hooked up with the distributor
of Red Cross Shoes and obtained
a window display in its retail store located
on a prominent corner in the neighborhood.
The exhibit centered around a reproduction
of the Life magazine cover featuring Loretta
Young, augmented with scene stills.
$100 REWARD
During December and January
for the Best Idea for
Increasing Popcorn Profits
If it has helped you, it may
help others.
BLEVINS POPCORN CO.,
Inc.
Main Plant and General Offices
Popcorn Village .. Nashville, Tenn.
Publishers of "Pointers to Poppers"
DRIVE-IN OPERATORS with
CENTRAL SOUND or POST SPEAKERS!
CONVERT to IN-CAR SPEAKERS
Now at economical prices before the seasonal rush.
Order immediately to assure prompt delivery.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE MANUFACTURING CO.
2017 Grand Ave. (Phone HA. 8007) Kansas City, Mo.
Americanism Speaker
Brought to Theatre
In Tieup With Elks
Francis DeZengremel, manager of the Seneca
Theatre, Salamanca, N. Y., really connected
for an excellent tieup which could
be duplicated by theatremen in either large
or small communities.
The national organization of Elks has urged
each lodge to sponsor some local activity
for young men and women in which the
youngsters were to be told of the virtues
of Americanism as compared with other forms
of government. DeZengremel sold the Seneca
chapter of the Elks on the idea of giving
the boys and girls of the community
a theatre party, with a prominent speaker
to make an address on the subject of Americanism.
The Elks agreed to rent the Seneca
Theatre and DeZengremel booked "Stablemates"
as the main feature, with four cartoons
and a two-reel western added to the
program.
The Elks club had tickets printed, and
distributed them through the schools to all
children above the second grade. Between
the short subjects and the feature, the mayor
of Salamanca addressed the audience. Newspaper
publicity for the show, both in advance
and during the current engagement,
was excellent.
DeZengremel has also been successful recently
in getting the Kiwanis club to sponsor
a benefit show for the youth activities fund.
As a Christmas promotion, the Salamanca
community chorus presented Christmas carols
on the theatre stage before a large audience
attracted by special newspaper publicity.
'Drumsticks' Stage Event
Marks Turkey Giveaway
A "drumsticks" beauty contest was staged
by Elmer Hecht, manager of the Park Theatre,
Tampa, Fla., a few days prior to Christmas,
in cormection with a turkey giveaway.
A banner drawn across the stage hid the
faces and upper portions of the contestants,
leaving only the lower extremities on exhibition
for judging. One pair of legs on view
belonged to a man, thrown in strictly for
laughs.
The winner was selected by audience applause
and runnersup also received prizes.
The gifts, including a complete lady's outfit,
a radio, a strand of pearls and a handbag,
were all promoted from local merchants.
Uses Italian Program
To advertise an all-Italian screen show at
the Eureka, Hackensack, N. J., manager Tom
Arrants made up a special program for distribution
in the Italian residential section of
the community and at all high schools. The
program was imprinted in Italian.
Prompt service. Special printed roll tickets.
42
100.000, $23.95; 10,000, $6.86: 2,000, $4.46.
Each change In admission price. Including change
In color, $3.00 extra. Double numbering extra.
Shipping charges paid to 500 miles. Cash with
order. Kansas City Ticket Co., Dept. 9, 1816
Cwitral, Kansas Cliy, Mo.
MOR£ CLASSFIED ON
INSIDE BACK COVER
SELL YOUR^
POPCORNl
THE
MODERN
WAY ....
ALWAYS HOTi*'iTH^
TAYLOR-HUNT-MELCHER COMPANY
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BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: Dec. 18. 1948

. . The
Exhibitors Alerted
To Taxation Threat
ALBANY—A warning for "all exhibitors
to be on the alert" against "any proposed
tax legislation" in their communities and to
become acquainted with their senators and
assemblymen as a protective step on bills
which may be introduced at the 1949 session
of the legislature, was sounded in a
bulletin mailed by Leonard L. Rosenthal,
executive director of the Albany area TOA.
Rosenthal cited the recent 5 per cent sales
tax imposed at Binghamton as an instance
of what can happen.
After discussing "permissive taxes" and
possible additional measure to be submitted
to the legislature in January, Rosenthal
wrote, "Your organization plans to follow
the proceedings of the legislature very closely.
It is cooperating with theatre organizations
from the Buffalo and New York exchange
areas."
FIREMEN'S BILL SURVIVES
The firemen's bill, which theatre interests
defeated in the closing days of the 1948
legislature, "is stiU on the program for legislative
consideration," according to the bulletin.
"Private interests will have their pet projects,"
Rosenthal continued. "There is no
telling how many more proposed laws, affecting
theatres, will be recommended for
legislative consideration . governor
already has proposed an ambiguous program.
There promises to be a great deal of spending.
Taxation is the one source of revenue.
The various subdivisions of the state can
be expected to request aid to help finance
their expanding budgets. It is certain that
it will be necessary to raise a good deal of
money for the coming year."
PRESS FOR TAX ENABLING ACT
Rosenthal traced the history of permissive
tax legislation and cited instances of the
special tax in Buffalo and Syracuse, adding,
"with constant demands for Increased
budgets reported from all communities in the
state, there can be little doubt that pressure
will be exerted from other quarters to use
the provision of this law to find additional
burdens. The New York Conference of
Mayors is pressing for an extension of the
enabling act to include all cities and towns
in the state. The pressure is on. The dike
can break open without too much effort."
Exhibitors were asked to notify the Albany
TOA office of any proposed local tax legislation
affecting the theatres. The bulletin
warned, "It is best to follow any such proposals
at the earliest stages. Keep alerted
and advise this office of any developments.
Your local manager should be put on guard."
Universal Heads Named
In Stockholder Suit
NEW YORK—J. Cheever Cowdin, Nate J.
Blumberg, J. Arthur Rank, Matthew Pox.
D. M. Schaeffer, William German, Paul G.
Brown and Ottavio, Prochet, all directors of
Universal Pictures in 1944, are named as defendants
in an action filed by Florence R.
Long, minority stockholder, in U.S. district
court December 20.
The complainant charges that the Universal
executives, who were holders of options
to purchase company stock at $10 per
share, made a profit of $1,200,000 between
Round-the-Clock Radio Appeal Helps
Albany Variefy Denial
ALBANY—Local radio history was
stepped up considerably when the Albany
Variety Club and leading civic officials
cooperated with WOKO and the Times-
Union in an around-the-clock radio appeal
for the Variety-Albany Boys club
summer camp Denial day drive.
Twenty brother barkers took on hourlong
assignments at the WOKO microphones,
pleading for Denial day contributions,
conducting musical, news and
women's programs, reading commercials
and handling other chores.
It was the biggest stunt of its kind ever
staged here and raised a total of $2,800
for the Boys club camp.
The idea was the joint product of James
T. Healey, president and general manager
of WOKO; Al Kellert, sales manager for
the station and a member of Tent 9; Saul
J. Ullman, new chief barker; George O.
Williams, managing editor of the Times-
Union and an active Variety Club member,
and Dick Lewis, feature writer assigned
to the Denial day drive story.
All took part in the broadcasting along
with such notables as Fred I. Archibald,
publisher of the Times-Union and a Variety
Club member; James C. Hagerty.
press secretary to Gov. Thomas E. Dewey;
John J. Mun-ay, president of the common
council; Con Heffeman. city editor of
the Union; Charles Padula and Hugh
Tuohey of the news staff; Agatha C.
1943 and 1947 by signing a U.S. government
waiver of personal taxes in favor of capital
gains taxes. Miss Long's complaint charges
that Universal suffered a loss of $700,000 under
the waiver and she asks for an accounting
of profits.
Virginia Exhibitor Removes
Vandalism in Theatre
KANSAS CITY—William Stempil, owner of
the Palm Theatre, Alexandria, Va., and a
partner in the Hurley Theatre. Hurley, Va.,
has eliminated vandalism in his theatre.
Here is how he did it: He became actively
interested in and a contributor to the Del
Ray Boys' club which was started by the
First Christian church of that city. Volunteering
to give the club 50 per cent of each
Monday's proceeds, he continued this arrangement
for three months. And the boys
attending the Palm behaved themselves.
Next spring the theatre is to become the
headquarters for the club on Saturday mornings
with special shows, lectures and
guests in sports, educational and other fields
participating.
Mr. and Mrs. Stempil are visiting Mrs.
Stempil's family in Kansas City.
Annual Ampa Xmas Party
NEW YORK—Associated Motion Picture
Advertisers annual Christmas luncheon party
will be held December 23 in the downstairs
grill of the Brass Rail restaurant, 745 Seventh
Ave.
Day Drive
Neill, Archibald's secretary; attorney W. A.
Saunders; Leo W. O'Brien, chief of the
International News Service here, and former
Chief Barkers Harry Lamont and
Charles Smakwitz.
Those who took on shifts at the microphone
were Arthur Horn, Bennett Goldstein,
Harry Alexander, Larry Cowen, Milt
Shosberg, Jerry Atkin, George Seed, Dr.
Sam Kalison, Vedder Peters, Sam Rosenblatt,
Jules Perlmutter, Leonard Simon,
Herb Newman and Jim Faughnan Edgar
S. Van Olinda, film and music critic for
the Times-Union, announced a transcribed
symphony hour and read a spot
for the Yale Whiffenpoof choir, which
sang at Livmgston high school the same
night.
Irwin Ullman, son of Saul Ullman and
former assistant manager of Fabian houses
in Schenectady, broadcast one of the news
periods. Ullman sr., after a frank discussion
of the Variety Club's five-year
efforts to rehabilitate the summer camp,
asked listeners to "Deny yourself a dollar
for Denial day."
He came on later for an uproarious
plug on behalf of a local diaper service
company, one of WOKO's regular accounts.
Rosenblatt and Perlmutter did
Betty Campbell's noontime program for
women. Hagerty quoted from a letter by
Governor Dewey urging the "fullest possible
participation in the Denial day campaign."
Added Humor Provided
As Giant Draws Numbers
ALBANY—A novel and humorous touch
was added by Strand Manager Al La Flamme
to recent drawings for the Warner Christmas
jackpot, when he persuaded Gilbert
Reichert, seven-foot-six-inch player with the
Cleveland Clowns basketball team, to come
on stage and pick the numbers from a drum.
Reichert was spotted coming into the
Strand by an usher who rushed backstage
to inform La Flamme that a man "eight
feet tall just walked in and handed a ticket"
to doorman Ed Foley.
La Flamme, who emceed the event, announced
that an unusually big man was in
the audience and that he would like the
patron to "reach long arms into the drum."
La Flamme, who stands 5 feet 10 inches tall,
stood on a chair to make himself "even"
with Reichert and reports on the added event
were relayed by telephone to the audiences
at the Ritz, Madison and Delaware. Later,
La Flamme invited Reichert and other members
of the Clowns to attend a performance
at any Warner house during their stay here.
Mrs. Herbert J. White
LYNBROOK, L. I.—Services were held here
December 17 for Mrs. Herbert J. White, 82,
mother of Madeleine White, Monogram publicist,
and H. Edward White of Eastman
Kodak. Mrs. White died at her home here
December 16.
BOXOFFICE :: December 25, 1948
N 43

. . Howard
. . William
. , Paul
. . Irene
. . Mervyn
. . Charles
. .
BROADWA'i
•Phe MGM prot'.i.iction unit on "Edward.
My Son" returned to the coast. Those
leaving were Edwin Knopf, producer; George
Cukor. director; Deborah Kerr, star; Jay
Marchant. unit manager; William Horing. art
director; Ray June, cameraman, and Tom
Held, cutter . . . Tom Waller. New York MPAA
information director, and Arch Reeve, a
member of the MPAA west coast office, have
been named east and west coast coordinators,
respectively, of the all-industry film series
by the Industry Film Project committee.
. . . Maxwell
Glenn Langan, star of the American-made
film, "Rapture," recently completed in Rome,
arrived on the Queen Mary
Shane, Universal-International producer-director,
is here looking for vaudeville and
video acts for his next film, "Sing Your Way
Out" . . . Bob Roberts, producer of "Force of
Evil" for Enterprise, and David Raksin, com-
. . . Teri-y Moore. Columbia
poser, arrived for the opening of the film at
Loew's State
teen-age star, is here after a two-months
personal appearance tour of the country.
Carroll Puciato, Realart general manager
returned from a two-week vacation in Bermuda
. Strickling. MGM studio
publicity director, left for the coast . . . Leon
Brandt, Eagle Lion exploitation manager, left
to cover the openings of "The Red Shoes" at
the Esquire in Cleveland on Christmas day
and the Selwyn Theatre in Chicago on December
24. Jerry Pickman. assistant to Max
E. Youngstein. EL vice-president in charge
of advertising, publicity and exploitation, is
completing plans for Christmas day openings
of the film in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Atlanta
and Miami.
Fred Barovick was the principal speaker
at a Cinema Stamp Collectors club meeting
December 22. He showed his prize-winning
collection of souvenir sheets of the world . . .
David Farrar, J. Arthur Rank star, arrived
from Nassau and sailed on the Queen Elizabeth
for London . F. Rodgers,
MGM vice-president and general sales manager,
is on a Miami vacation . Valentine
has returned to Hollywood to appear in
"Love Happy" for United Artists . . . Xavier
Cugat and Mrs. Cugat came here from Hollywood.
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After conferences with John P. Byrne, eastern
MGM sales manager, the following district
and branch managers left for their posts;
Herman Ripps and Jack Goldberg to Albany.
Robert Lynch and Lou Formato to Philadelphia.
Jack Mundstuk to Buffalo. Ben Rosenwald
to Boston and Harry Rosenblatt to New
Haven. Also attending the sessions were Paul
Richrath. home office assistant to Byrne;
Jack Bowen. metropolitan New York district
manager; Ralph Pielow. New York manager,
and Lou Allerhand. New Jersey manager.
Robert Hill, Australian commercial manager
of the Western Electric Co., and W. E.
KoUmyer, manager for China, are en route
to their posts. They attended the recent
Westrex Corp. managers meetings here. Hill
. is stopping off in Chicago and Hollywood
Ilona Massey has left to spend Christmas in
Hollywood with her family.
William R. Ferguson, MGM exploitation
head, returned from Kansas City . . . Maria
Montez is here from Paris. She was met at
the airport by her husband. Jean Pierre Aumont.
and their 2^2 -year-old daughter Maria
Christine, both of whom returned from Paris
the previous week.
Bill Blowitz, Enterprise publicity director,
returned to Hollywood after three weeks here
in comiection with the "Force of Evil" opening
at Loew's State . Laughton
and Micheline Presle, French star, arrived
from London . LeRoy. producerdirector;
Arthur Freed, producer, and Gene
Kelly, star, all associated with MGM, have
returned to the coast . . . WiUiam Dieterle.
director, is here en route to England.
Louis B. Mayer, MGM production head, has
returned to the coast . . . H. M. Richey, MGM
exhibitor relations head, will leave in a few
days for a Bermuda vacation. Maurice N.
Wolf, Richey's assistant, left to spend the
holiday weekend with his family in Boston
. . . Gloria Swanson. who has been conducting
a video program on WPIX. underwent
an emergency appendectomy operation December
20 at Doctors hospital. She was reported
as showing steady improvement afterwards.
Ab Weisbord of the MGM advertising department
won first prize for his collage
at the exhibition of the Art Directors club of
New York .
Gibbons, executive fashion
designer at the MGM studio, is expected
here over the weekend for a vacation.
President Arthur H, Lockwood and General
Counsel Herman M. Levy of the TOA were
made honorary colonels on the staff of the
governor of Oklahoma at the Oklahoma TOA
convention . . . Tom Waller, MPAA New
York director of information, visited the
Washington office recently . . . Hunt Stromberg
sr. is here from the coast . . . Jeffrey
Bernard, Monogram producer, returned from
a European vacation and left for Hollywood.
Starr Joins Film Center
PRINCETON, N. J.—Cecile Starr, formerly
of the March of Time Forum Edition, has
joined the publicity and promotion department
of the Princeton Film Center.
TOA Board Requests
Written Grievances
ALBANY—Harry Lamont, temporary chairman
of the Albany exchange district conciliation
board, established under TOA auspices,
recently emphasized that complaints
filed with the board must be in writing.
Lamont said several oral complaints had
been made, but exhibitors were told to send
them in letter form, giving the facts and
the reasons for their grievances. Complaints.
Lamont said, .should be forwarded to the
Secretary. Conciliation Board, 59 Columbia
St., Albany 1.
Mrs. Mary Flynn of the Upstate Theatres
staff is secretary of the board while Leonard
L. Rosenthal, executive director of Albany
TOA, is serving as legal adviser. It
is thought Ukely that the board will meet
on any Tuesday following the filing of a
complaint.
Sid Dwore of the Cameo and Johnny
Gardner of the Colony, both in Schenectady,
are serving with Lamont on the conciliation
panel.
Reade Plans Drive-In
For Kingston Area
NEW YORK—The Walter Reade Theatres
will build its second drive-in. The new one
will be five miles from Kingston, N. Y. The
first was completed by the circuit at Woodbridge,
N. J., last fall. Reade has plans for
additional drive-ins.
The new theatre is scheduled to be open
about the end of May on a 15-acre site. It
will accommodate 850 automobiles. The cost
has been estimated in excess of $200,000.
Leon M. Einhorn is the architect.
The theatre will be operated in conjunction
with the Walter Reade Theatres of Kingston—the
Broadway and Kingston. Robert
W. Case, city manager for the area, will
supervise it. It will be called the Kingston
Drive-In Theatre.
Einhorn has planned basketball courts,
horseshoe pitching courts, shuffle board, a
dance floor and flower beds for the theatre.
There also will be a supervised playground
for children which will be open during the
day gratis.
Joseph Doughney, 56, Dies;
Was in Para Home Office
NEW YORK—Funeral services for Joseph
J. Doughney. 56, an executive in the general
budgets and statistics department of Paramount
under Paul Raibourn, were held at St.
Angela Catholic church December 21. Doughney
died of a heart attack December 17.
Doughney joined Paramount Aug. 13. 1920
and was a charter member of the Paramount
25-Yeaj' club. He is survived by his wife
Grace and four children. Mrs. Peter McKeon
Joseph. Virginia and Anthony Doughney.
Screen Plays Signs Beck
NEW YORK — Screen Plays. Inc., has
signed a long-term contract with Myer P.
Beck to take charge of advertising and publicity
for the firm. The deal was signed by
Stanley Kramer and George Glass for the
company.
44 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

. . Eddie
. . This
. Bv
. . There
. .
. .
. . Julian
New Television Plan
Cuts Interference
NEW YORK—A new method of extending
television coverage by reducing interference
between stations on the same channel has
been put in operation betw'een the New York
and Washington stations of NBC, according
to David Sarnoff, president and chairman
of the board of the RCA.
Known as television carrier synchronization,
it is said to permit closer spacing of
stations on the same channel and to enlarge
the service area, reaching rural sections
not now well covered.
Reduction of interference became an objective
of engineers after the Federal Communications
Commission "froze" processing
of applications for new stations in September.
Chairman Wayne Coy of the FCC has
been given the details on the method.
Theatre Tele Screen Can
Show Some Exclusives
NEW YORK—If exhibitors with large theatre
television screens want to show local
events piped to them exclusively over local
telephone coaxial cables, the Federal Communications
Commission will not object
though the program will not be available to
home screens.
That is what Wayne Coy, FCC chairman,
has told Mitchell Wolfson, co-chairman of
the TOA television committee. In other words,
local programs not carried over the air do
not interest the FCC and the exhibitor may
arrange for exclusive rights to them without
fear of government disapproval.
Both the American Telephone & Telegraph
Co. and the New York Telephone Co. said
they have not heard of any such programs
to date. They said such programs could be
easily worked out on a local basis.
Musical Films for Tele
NEW YORK—Teleconcert, Inc., has been
formed to produce and distribute musical
fUms for television, film theatres and 16mm
use in the home. Leopold Stokowski. conductor
of the New York Philharmonic orchestra,
will select the music, conduct the orchestra
and appear on the screen. Henri Leiser.
music publisher, Is executive vice-president.
Offices are at Steinway Hall.
Skouras to Discuss Tele
NEW YORK—Spyros P. Skouras. president
of 20th Century-Fox, will be the principal
speaker at the third television seminar of
the Radio Executives club December 30 in
the Hendrik Hudson room of the Hotel Roosevelt.
His topic will be "What the movies
can do for television, and what television
can do for the movies." Richard W. Hubbell
will be moderator.
'Champion' to Buchanan
NEW YORK—Buchanan & Co. will
handle
the advertising on "Champion," to be released
by United Artists. The film is being
produced by Stanley Kramer and George
Glass of Screen Plays, Inc.. and is based on
the short story by Ring Lardner. Kirk Douglas
and Marilyn Maxwell star.
Along New York's Film
T OCAL theatre men are wondering about
George Skouras' recent trip to North
Carolina . Lachman will become a
familiar personality to the several million
readers of the January 2 issue of Parade
magazine, which is distributed as a Sunday
supplement by 25 newspapers throughout the
country . issue will devote three
pages of text and photographs under the
general heading of "Movie-House Man," subtitled:
"To the independent exhibitor, each
movie represents a new gamble for profit."
The story highlights Lachman's activities
as operator of the 1,020-seat State Theatre,
Boonton, N. J., and also his work as president
of Allied Tlieatre Owners of New Jersey .
Photographs were taken of Lashman at the
State and also as he was making his Filmrow
rounds. Shown with him in some of the pictures
will be Sam Rifkin, UA salesman; Lou
Kutinsky. PhU Hodes, Charles Dacey and
Charles Penser, sitting with Lachman in the
RKO screening room, and Virginia Aarons,
New Jersey booker for MGM . also
will be shots of Lachman at home with his
wife and three children, and as a local business
man and Boonton booster.
This has been a week of Christmas parties:
The 20th-Fox exchange held its annual
.
affair Wednesday, and Ray Moon, eastern
division manager, came down from the home
office to help celebrate . . . Seymour Florin,
branch manager, was the host. Herb Gillis assisted
. . . Florin was proud of the new desk
Among
clock he received as a present
the guests were: Irving
.
Kaplan
.
of Randforce,
Nat Harris of the Island circuit and
Irving DoHinger of Independent Theatre
Service.
. . . Seymour
Skouras Theatres had a more formal celebration
at the Hotel Astor . . . There were
place cards and a Itmcheon in addition to the
traditional Christmas liquor and melody .
William A. White and Nick J. Matsoukas
were on the reception committee . . . The
Eagle Lion Family club held its annual shindig
at the Hotel Warwick Friday
Schussel and Bob Finkel headed the
exchange delegation.
The New York committee for the Will Rogers
Memorial Hospital drive has set January
20 as the date for prize drawings. The
date had been moved back from December
15 to allow additional time for fund raising
Clarence Eiseman, Nat Cohn and Nat Furst
are members of the committee.
Joe Felder and Moe Kerman of Astor Film
Exchange have been busy traveling. Felder
returned from California December 18 and
left for Detroit December 23. Kerman left
for Palm Beach December 23 for a winter
vacation . . . Bernard Goldfluss of the United
Artists Theatre circuit legal department is
vacationing at Miami Beach. So is Walter
Reade sr.
James Bradley has been appointed manager
of the Park Plaza. He was formerly
manager of the Valentine. Both houses are
in the Bronx. Russ Banks has replaced
WALTER WALDMAN .
Row
Bradley at the Valentine . Bass of
the Donahue & Coe theatre department is
abel to compare television with film entertainment,
now that he has become a video
set owner.
Sol A. Schwartz is scheduled to be in
Hollywood soon ... He will also visit RKO
theatres in San Francisco and Los Angeles
while he is on the coast . . Best Wishes
.
for a Happy Holiday and Prosperous New-
Year.
NCCJ Luncheon to Mark
20th Birthday Feb. 4.
NEW YORK—The National Conference o:
Christians and Jews will celebrate its 20th
anniversary February 4 with a luncheon at
the Waldorf-Astoria.
Approximately 1,000 persons will attend.
Awards will be made for the outstanding
contributions in the fight against bigotry.
Louis Nizer is chairman of the luncheon
committee.
UA District Manager
NEW YORK—Jack Ellis,
New York district
manager for United Artists since 1946, has
resigned, effective January 1. No successor
has been selected as yet, according to Gradwell
L. Sears, president. Before taking his
present post, Ellis was New York manager for
UA for three years. He was with RKO in
New York for 20 years previous to that. He
has been a four-term president of the Motion
Picture Associates and was recently
elected president of the Film Board of Trade.
Ellis will make no announcement of his
plans until after the first of the year, he
said.
Debate Realism of Films
NEW YORK—Frederick Lewis Allen, editor
of Harper's magazine, criticized film interpretations
of American life and Francis
S. Harmon, MPAA vice-president, and Walter
Abel, actor, defended in a television program
Thursday evening (9) over WJZ-TV
and the eastern video network of ABC. John
Mason Brown was moderator. The program
was "Critic-at-Large."
Commonwealth Expands
NEW YORK—Commonwealth Pictui-es
Corp., distributors of 16mm films, will take
over the entire second floor of 723 Seventh
Ave. shortly after January 1, according to
Sam Goldstein, president. Tire company was
formed 15 years ago and now has a television
department under the supervision of
Jerry Hyams. general sales manager.
f SX CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
* THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
ATLANTA: Astor, W. M. Richardson
(3) 163 Walton St.. NW
DALLAS: Jenkins & Bourgeois, Astor
(1) Harwood & Jackson Streets
NEW ORLEANS: Dixie, R. A. (Bob) Kelly
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948 45

A

Jim McConnell to Build
Drive-In at Syracuse
SYRACUSE—Construction of a 1,000-car
drive-in, just outside thie city limits, will be
started this spring by James McConnell, a
newcomer to show business. Leon Einhorn,
Albany architect specializing in drive-ins,
has drawn the plans for the new ozoner,
which will be located across the city from
the Kallet Syracuse Drive-In, opened in 1946.
Einhorn has designed 22 drive-ins, including
the Saratoga, Mohawk and Philadelphia
airers, the Pittsfield, Mass., situation owned
by Harry Lazarus and the drive-in now under
construction at the Empire Raceway on the
Albany-Troy road.
Empire State Will Build
$150,000 Airer at Olean
OLEAN, N. Y.—The Empire State Drive-In
Theatre Corp. of Buffalo will construct a
500-car drive-in, the first in this area, on
a ten-acre tract west of Allegany, according
to H. R. Martin of Watkins Glen,
general contractor. Cost of the project is
estimated at $150,000 and the ozoner is expected
to be ready for a May 30 opening. A
bulldozer has started operations on the site.
Bennett Russell Builds
Theatre at Mooers. N. Y.
MOOERS, N. Y.—Owner of the new theatre
under construction in this Canadian
border city is Bennett Russell of Plattsburgh.
according to information available in local
circles. The house, of cinder block construction,
has been roofed and should be
ready for opening in the spring. It will seat
300 persons and will be the only theatre here.
'Eagle' to Open Dec. 29
NEW YORK — Jean Cocteau's new film,
"The Eagle With Two Heads," will open at
the Little CineMet Theatre December 29.
Cocteau wiU come here from Paris for the
opening. The film is based on his play,
which ran on Broadway last year.
Mrs. John Roberts Dies
SCRANTON, PA.—Funeral services for Mrs.
Florence Roberts, wife of John Roberts, executive
of Comerford Publix Theatres Corp.,
were held from the Snoden Funeral Home
December 21. Mrs. Roberts died at her home
here December 17.
Selected for Its Laughs
NEW YORK—Comedy World, trade journal
published by the National Laugh Foundation,
has selected "The Paleface" (Para) as
the "laugh picture of December."
Binney Named President
NEW YORK—Josh Binney has been named
president of the newly formed Tele-Talent
Pictures Corp., 1650 Broadway. He has directed
pictures both here and abroad.
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them
Broadway First Run Theatres Dealt
Blow by Heavy Weekend Snowstorm
NEW YORK—The heavy weekend snowstorm,
coupled with the expected pre-
Christmas lull in pictm-e-going, resulted in
mild to poor business at the majority of
Broadway showcases. Nine of the 18 first
run houses were just marking time before
bringing in new films for Christmas week.
The exceptions to the slump were two new
films, "The Paleface," coupled with a Benny
Goodman band show at the Paramount, and
Rogues' Regiment" at the Criterion as well
as the second week of "Words and Music,"
at the Radio City Music Hall, where the
annual "Nativity" stage spectacle invariably
draws out-of-town visitors. "Hamlet," in its
12th week at the Park Avenue, and "The
Red Shoes," in its ninth week at the Bijou,
were both protected by advance sales for the
reserved seats but a third two-a-day film,
"Joan of Arc," was far from a sellout in its
second week at the Fulton.
(Average Is 100)
Ambassador—Street Corner (Wilshire), 3rd wk 50
Astor—A Song Is Born (RKO), 9th wk 50
Bijou—The Red Shoes (EL), 9th wk 110
Capitol—Let's Live a Little (EL), plus stage show,
2nd wk 65
Criterion—Rogues' Regiment (U-I) - 120
Fulton—loan of Arc (RKO), 2nd wk. of two-a-day.. 75
Globe—Northwest Stampede (EL), 2nd wk 60
Gotham Dark Command (Rep); Fighting Seabees
(Rep), reissues 85
Loews Stale—The Three Musketeers (MGM), 9th
wk - -
Maylair—Road House (20th-Fox), 7th wk
85
75
Paramount The Paleiace (Para), plus stage
show 105
Park A -Hamlet (U-I). 12th wk. of two-aday
Radio City Music Hall—Words and Music (MGM),
plus stage show, 2nd wk
Rialto—Harpoon (SG); S.O.S. Submarine (SG),
2nd wk
Rivoli—The Snake Pit (20th-Fox), 7th wk
Roxy—When My Baby Smiles at Me (20th-Fox),
plus stage show, 4th wk
Strand-The Decision of Christopher Blake (WB).
plus stage show, 2nd wk
Sutton—Blanche Fury (EL), 4th wk
Victoria-Joan of Arc (RKO), 6th wk. of continuous
Philadelphia Grosses Drop;
'Opera' Reissue Is Leader
PHILADELPHIA—A combination of Christmas
shopping, snowstorms and long run hold-
VISITS HER BOSS — Evohn Keyes,
Little Theatre star from Texas, drops in
on E. M. "Bob" Savini, president of Astor
Pictures Corp., whose company recently
starred her in the fourth Sunset Carson
feature, "Rio Grande." Miss Keyes will
return to Texas for the next picture after
the holidays, which she will spend in the
east.
overs contributed to a downward trend in
grosses at Quaker City first run theatres. A
reissue of "A Night at the Opera" at Keith's
headed the parade.
Arcadia—June Bride (WB), 2nd run, 2nd wk 8C
Boyd—No Minor Vices (MGM), 2nd wk 65
Earle—The Countess of Monte Crislo (U-I) 90
Fox—Uniailhiully Yours (20th-Fox) 75
Goldman—The Three Musketeers (MGM), 4th wk.-llO
Karlton—Rogues' Regiment (U-I), 4th wk 70
Keith—A Night at the Opera (MGM), reissue 125
Mastbaum— Hatters Castle (Para) 80
Fix—Wuthering Heights (UA), reissue 80
Stanley—Blood on the Moon (RKO), 3rd wk 90
Stanton—Belle Starr's Daughter (20th-Fox), 2nd
..100
'Road House' Continues
Good in Buffalo
BUFFALO—It was an under-par week as
Christmas poked its head around the corner.
"Road House" continued good in a moveover.
The snow is here and it looks like a white
Christmas.
Bulfalo—Sealed Verdict (Para); Disaster (Para)-. 90
Great Lakes—Hills of Home (MGM). Racing Luck
(Col) - 90
Hippodrome—Road House (20th-Fox); Trouble Preferred
(20th-Fox), 2nd d. wk., moveover 100
Lafayette
t.
Raw Deal (EL); Adventures of Gallant
Bess (EL) - 90
Teck—Fighter Squadron (WB); Blondie's Secret
(Col), 2nd d t. wk., moveover 95
Century—Blood on the Moon (RKO); Winner
20th
Take All (Mono), split with There Goes My
Heart (UA); 39 Steps (GB) - 100
Baltimore Business
In Seasonal Slump
BALTIMORE—The theatre business was
way off due to the holidays. "The Three
Musketeers" at the Valencia held extremely
well in its fourth week.
Century—Hills of Home (MGM) 85
Stanley—The Decision of Christopher Blake (WB)., 90
Hippodrome—Return ol Wildfire (Col) 80
Town—Last Days of Pompeii (RKO); She (RKO),
s— Unknown Island [fChZl 80
Ke'itlf-
New—The Miracle on 34lh Street (20th-Fox) 90
Mayfair—They Drive by Night (WB) 82
Valencia—The Three Musketeers (MGM), 4th wk...l05
Cummings to Hold Meeting
For MGM Field Auditors
NEW YORK—Alan F. Cummings, in
charge of MGM exchange operations, and
his assistant Harold Postman will conduct
a four-day meeting of field auditors at the
Astor hotel starting January 4. Every phase
of branch work will be analyzed for possible
improvement in efficiency, according to Cummings.
Those who will attend include
Charles Fogle, roving maintenance supervisor,
and seven auditors, John Ash, Charles
Bell, Oliver Broughton, Carl Gentzel, Willard
Gillilan, Edward Urschel and Harry
Simons.
Arthur Guy Mayger Dies
NEW YORK—Arthur Guy Mayger, 58, an
architect who designed several motion picture
theatres, died of a heart attack while
shopping in New York City December 10.
Mayger, who lived in Scarsdale, N, Y., designed
RKO and Keith-Albee theatres in
the midwest and south while an independent
architect in Chicago. At the time of his
death, he was associated with George F,
Driscoll Co. in New York.
BOXOFHCE December 25, 1948 47

. . Rumors
. . . Seymour
zf
PHILADELPHIA
lyrore than 1,800 youngsters who are being
aided by Community Chest agencies here
were guests of radio station WFIL at a pre-
Christmas broadcast originating from the
stage of the Uptown Theatre. Warner Theatres
donated use of the Uptown . . . Jimmy
Dykes, who will resume his coaching job with
the Philadelphia Athletics baseball team next
spring, has a featured role in MGM's "Tlie
Stratton Story." Jimmy plays himself, manager
of the White Sox, during Stratton's
pitching days. MGM officials wanted him
for more films.
Opening of "The Red Shoes" at the Translux,
followed four days later by the opening
of "High Button Shoes" at the Shubert, resulted
in many gags around town . . . Local
columnists were singing the praises of
"Paisan," which was to open Christmas day
at the Princess. One colurmiist describes the
picture as "the most stirring and powerful
film ever made" . . . Burglars broke into the
Howard Theatre and escaped with an undetermined
amount of money. Lobby vending
machines were rifled, and the ticket window
was robbed . were heard that the
Victoria Theatre, subsequent run house owned
by the Warner chain, was to be sold to a
midwest firm. There was no confirmation
by local Warner officials, however.
With the opening of "The Red Shoes
slated for the Translux soon-to-be-established
first run policy, the local Eagle Lion
office is running itself ragged. The screening
section scheduled a number of special
screenings before the film opens, among
them one for the radio and local and trade
press. The difficulty was that the print
had been frozen, except for publicity purposes,
so fewer screenings than usual could
be held. The press-radio screening was to
be held in the Translux, and the theatre
Is undergoing extensive repainting and redecorating
prior to its debut as a first run,
Peter Bayes, EL special representative for
"The Red Shoes," came to town from Cleveland
to be here until the end of the run.
An interesting note in the change of the
Ti-anslux is that the theatre has always
been proud of its rear projection—the image
cast from behind the screen. For "The Red
Shoes," the same type projection, with new
and improved equipment, will be u.sed.
Theatre Manager Robert Suits of the Overbrook
Theatre was held up and robbed of
$258 when thieves took both money and a
deposit slip from him in front of a bank
Police captured thi-ee suspects within about
48 hours and recovered $160 of the money
Players on Frankford
and the bank slip . . .
high's championship football team w-ere on
the stage as recent guests of honor at the
The American Guild of
Circle Theatre . . .
Variety Artists reportedly has clamped down
on free appearances of its members on TV
programs. The way it works now, the TV
station pays the AGVA a minimum of $25
for a performance, and AGVA, in turn, pays
the artist. However, the local TV stations
are set to fight the ruling in court if necessary.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers"
JOE HORNSTEIN has them !
NAVY CERTIFICATE TO CLUB—
Frank M. Boucher, chief barker of Tent
H, Variety Club of Washington, is pictured
above accepting a certificate of
achievement from the U.S. navy in recognition
of cooperation and services rendered
to the medical department of the
navy during World War II. Left to right:
Boucher, Capt. B. W. Hogan and James
Sandford, all of Tent 11.
A brace of cuties from filmland's Jacques
Path, Paris clothes designer, were in town
and told this one on screen star Maria
Montez. When she was in France to make
the film "Hans the Sailor," she called on
him to make the costumes for her. Fath
read the script, and ransacked Paris for
the cheapest dress materials available. When
Maria asked why so cheap, Fath told her,
"You're playing the part of a shady lady
Why should you be well dressed?"
Star Tony Martin, now doing a night club
show here, was booked for a personal appearance
in the record department of a
leading department store. Following directions,
Tony went to Eighth and Market
and, without checking too closely, walked
into a store. Tlrere he was recognized and
mobbed by fans. A floor-walker finally whispered
discreetly, "Mr. Martin, you're in the
wrong store. This is Gimbel's and you're
supposed to be across the street at Lit's."
The stores are diagonally across the street
and are rival establishments.
Roy Edwards Named Head
Of Cameramen's Local
NEW YORK—Roy Edwards has been
elected president of International Photographers
of the Motion Picture Industry, Local
644, lATSE. Other officers elected are: Fred
Fordham, vice-president; John Visconti, secretary;
Jay Rescher, treasurer; Walter A.
Lang, business representative; Frank Landi,
sergeant-at-arms, and Edgar Hatrick, trustee
The officers wiU be installed January 4.
Pincus to Head Caravel
NEW YORK—David I. Pincus, treasurer of
Caravel Films, Inc., producer of commercial
pictures, will succeed the late Robert C.
McKean as president. McKean. who died
recently, had been inactive for the last two
years, during which time Pincus had been
operating the business.
ALBANY
Diehard Manning Westebbe, son of RKO
Manager Max Westebbe. was married recently
to Barbara Coleen Mari Liebst of St.
Paul, Kas., at the Unitarian church in Washington.
Young Westebbe, a former serviceman,
is attending Georgetown university
there . . . MGM employes held their Christmas
dinner at Keeler's restaurant and followed
it with a party at the Variety Club.
Herman L. Ripps, assistant eastei-n division
manager, and Jack Goldberg, branch manager,
returned home from office meetings in
New York for the affair. Salesmen Arthur
Horn and Ralph Ripps; Bennett Goldstein,
head booker-office manager; booker Frank
Carroll and Floyd Fitzsimmons, exploiteer,
assisted in the arrangements.
George Reif has been named new U-I
salesman in the Albany territory, succeeding
Johnny Rubach, who resigned. Associated
with U-I for three years, Reif had been
selling in the New Haven area. Rubach formerly
was with RKO and United Artists.
He had been with U-I since last spring . . .
Frank O'Keefe, a.ssistant to Bill Scully, U-I
general sales manager, and Dave Miller, eastern
district manager, stopped here to confer
with Gene Vogel, branch manager. They
lunched with Charles A. Smakwitz, Warner
zone manager.
The four Warner Albany houses expected
to pull big crowds for the final event in the
$4,500 Christmas jackpot. A Ford, refrigerator,
washer, four tires and other valuable
prizes were to be awarded. Promotion, arranged
to combat the holiday slump, was tied
in with Gateway Motors and McCoy-Owens
General Tire Co.
Charles A. Smakwitz, Warner zone chief,
left for Buffalo and a meeting with Ralph
Crabill, western district manager. The two
were to make an inspection trip . . One or
.
two personnel exchanges were to be announced
upon Smakwitz's return to Albany
L. Morris, director of exploitation
for Schine, and commander Larry Cowen,
manager of Proctor's Troy, were among the
first to send Christmas greetings. Cowen
has Introduced a new closing signature for
letters mailed as chairman of Variety Club
publicity. It's "Sincerely for Variety."
Two area managers who found particular
delight in the promotion of Andy Roy to
the city managership of Warner Utica theatres
were Milt Shosberg of the Grand, Albany,
and Larry Cowen of Proctor's Troy.
As students in the Paramount managers'
school, they served under Roy at the Rialto
in New York in 1926. Roy then was assistant
manager.
What benefit will exhibitors derive from
the establishment of a TOA three-man conciliation
committee in this district? Sam
Rosenblatt, operator of the Grand and Strand
in Watervliet, owner of the Lawe in Lake
George and cuiTent builder of a 650-seat
house in Catskill, replied that he expected
conciliation machinery would generally prove
helpful and inexpensive to independent exhibitors.
Rosenblatt added that it would be
impossible to say how much until the system
had been tried. An independent exhibitor
said; "When an independent gets something,
he pays for it. I think this will be true of
conciliation."
48 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

. . The
. .
Albany Variety Publicity
Headed by Larry Cowen
ALBANY—Larry Cowen. resident manager
of Proctor's Troy and upstate director
of publicity for Fabian Theatres, has been
named chairman of pubUcity for the Albany
Variety Club. Chief Barker Saul J. Ullman
said serving with Cowen. would be Alex
Sayles, manager of the Palace, Albany;
Frank Bonomo, theatre artist; Jerry Atkin,
Warner Theatres advertising and exploitation
zone director; Louis Allemann jr.. promotion
manager for the Times-Union and
former RKO exploiteer in Albany. Charlotte.
Salt Lake City and Detroit; Clif Bradt, film
reviewer for the Knickerbocker Press, and
Edgar S. Van Olind, motion picture critic
for the Times-Union.
Showing of 'Red Shoes'
Is Benefit for Blind
PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Lighthouse
for the Blind was the beneficiary at
a special pi-eview showing of "The Red
Shoes," Eagle Lion Technicolor production.
Thursday night (23i at the Ti-anslux Theatre
here.
prominent women col-
A group of socially
laborated with Lighthouse officials in arranging
detaUs cf the benefit showing of the
film, and all proceeds will go to the organization,
which is non-racial and non-sectarian.
Eagle Lion Films donated the use of the
picture, while the Translux Corp. provided
all necessary theatre facilities and personnel
for the benefit showmg.
EL Lawyer Sees State Dept.
On French Quota Tangle
WASHINGTON—Governor-elect Frank
Lausche of Ohio, representing Eagle Lion,
called on the U.S. State Department December
10 in connection with the EL complaint
that film quotas set up with the French by
the MPAA with State department consent
work to the disadvantage of the independents.
The French deal, as finally worked out,
allotted only 11 films to the independents,
with two being allowed three each, leaving
only five to be divided between EL and the
others.
January Opening Planned
For Willsboro, N. Y„ Park
WILLSBORO, N. Y.—The Park Theatre,
which Geraldine Van Ornum and her father
Charles E. Van Ornum are building here, is
scheduled for opening in January. The Van
Ornums now operate Grange Hall in the
Adirondack Mountain town and the Essex
in Essex. Miss Van Ornum had a hand in
designing the new house which will have
an estimated capacity of 350.
Ampa's Christmas Cheer
NEW YORK—The annual Ampa Christmas
party December 23 was a "sell-out." Max E.
Youngstein, president, presided over the
luncheon held in the Sea Grill of the Brass
Rail restaurant, and Diana Barrymore, Robert
Wilcox and Benny Rubin were among the
stars who attended. Door prizes were distributed.
NEWARK
T V. Stark, manager of the Regent, entertained
employes and their families at an
after-hours Christmas party recently. Maria
Jeritza, opera star, was present as well as
other celebrities. Employes also participated
in the program. The party is the second
of its kind to be given by Stark. The first
was last year at the Hawthorne. It made such
a hit with employes he decided to try another
at the Regent.
Emanuel Adams, son of A. A. Adams, owner
of the Adams and Paramount theatres, is
engaged to Toula Pappas of Plainfield.
Young Adams is a graduate of the University
of Pennsylvania and is now employed
as manager of the Paramount. Miss Pappas
attended Rutgers university. The wedding
will take place January 15 . . Dorothy
.
O'Keefe has replaced Catherine Petrone as
secretary to A. A. Adams and Ben Griefer.
Dave Palace, who succeeds Thomas Arrants
as manager of the Lincoln, Ai'lington, arranged
a merchants tiein to provide gifts
for children at a kiddy matinee December 24.
Five cartoons were included on the program.
The theatre, unlike others hereabouts, closed
Christmas eve to give employes a chance
to be with their famiUes. Palace was former
assistant at the Rivoli. Rutherford. Arrants
making his headquarters at the State Theatre,
is
Denver, since his departure for
Colorado.
Rumor has it that Jerry Long, local youth
who wrote and filmed "Dash Dailey," is arranging
to have the play screened a second
time at the Maplewood Theatre, Maplewood,
around the fu-st of the year. Taken
on 16mm films which were blown to 35mm
size, the play had its first showing at the
theatre some weeks ago and helped boost
business. It was billed as a featurette in
addition to regular attractions. Long is at
work on a second number.
Entry blanks were given out one day only
at Loew's for a mystery star contest which
was concluded December 24. A trailer pictured
several mystery stars. The contest is
similar to one running in a number of Loew's
houses in New Jersey, New York and Westchester.
Awards were furnished by the
Evans Co., manufacturers of cigaret lighters.
Items were displayed in a showcase in the
lobby in advance and during the contest.
Exhibitors might get a few tips from Al
Rosen, manager of the Montclair Theatre,
Montclair, who is showing Broadway .some
tricks. It was his idea to have Mae West
return to stage shows and he sold $30,000
in advance tickets without advertising or
promotion. Having his players put their
footprints in the cement outside the theatre
calls the crowds to watch and boosts the
attractions.
.
L. Kaltman & Co.. dealers in motion picture
equipment, reports that stocks are back
to normal with complete supplies available
The Bellevue, Upper Montclair,
in all lines . . .
loaned the theatre to the Upper Mont-
clair Business Men's Ass'n for its annual
Christmas party for children. Ogden H.
Yereance, manager, served on the committee
in charge Bellevue ran a special
kiddy show featuring Gene Autry December
24.
The Liberty, Elizabeth, assisted the Exchange
club of that city by running a benefit
matinee to which patrons brought canned
goods for distribution to needy families . . .
The Three Stooges, along with Buddy Rich's
band, is billed at the Adams December 30.
marking the return of stage shows .
Ann Bontempo, home office contact for
Loew's, has been vacationing at Miami Beach.
. . .
The Hawthorne Theatre came out first
among 14 Warner houses in Essex county in
Warner Bros.' quarterly drive for business.
The Roosevelt held second place . . . Ruby
Koukidas is new relief cashier at the Hawthorne
"The
replacing Gertrude Jaffe Mark of Zorro" and "Bill and Coo" are billed
as a junior matinee at the theatre December
31 . . . Walter Reade is dickering with a group
of Broadwalk concessionaires in the sale of
the Monte Carlo Pool, Asbury Park.
Due to many requests from patrons, the
Hawthorne is the only theatre in the state
to run a Jewish show on New Year's. A
40x60 lobby announcement with an Illustrated
blowup of the feature "I Want to
Be a Mother" is advertising the event. The
theatre ran a trailer and an advance reader
with announcement of the film was given
space in the Jewish News. The world-famous
hymn "Hallelujah" is billed the same evening.
International Previews
'Eve'; Sets Jan. Run
NEW YORK—International Pictures, Inc.,
Paterson, N. J., previewed the documentary
feature "Because of Eve" here recently.
It is actually three medical shorts tied together
in a story enacted by Joseph Creehan,
Wanda McKay, John Parker and Robert
Leaver.
The first short deals with the causes, effects
and cures of venereal disease. The second
concerns the human reproductive processes
and organs. The third is a camera
study of birth. Sam Baiter and Hy Averback
handle the narration.
International will open the film on a roadshow
basis at the Flamingo Theatre, Miami
Beach, January 15. Screenings will be segregated,
matinees for women and evenings for
men.
The Women's Research Guild, an organization
of professional workers, is sponsoring
the picture.
New Hampshire Theatres
'Lax in Safety Measures'
CONCORD—state Fire Marshal Aubrey
Robinson reported '-hat not a single New
Hampshire motion picture theatre visited by
representatives of his department in a recent
survey was complying 100 per cent with fire
safety regulations.
The violations, in most cases undoubtedly
unintentional, were pointed out to the managers,
and another inspection will be made to
make certain that conditions have been improved.
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Carpet
JOE HORNSTEIN has it!
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948 49

l
Film Aid Abroad Ask
By Bernard Kreisler
WASHINGTON—Government aid, perhaps
with dollars, to open the booths of the theatres
of the world for American films was
called for last week by Bernard Kreisler on
his return from a 13-month survey of the European
motion picture situation. Kreisler
will turn in a detailed reort on his findings
to the Harvard Business school, for which he
made the study. He is a former exchange
official of Paramount and Universal, and was
also an executive of Lester Cowan Productions.
Kreisler's feeling that government aid is
necessary sprang from his conviction that it
is important to world peace and progress that
the rest of the world see American films. The
producers of just about every other country
of Importance, however, receive valuable aid
from their governments, he found, and where
a government seeics to build up its own production
industry it is usually at the expense
of American industry.
The British film industry, more or less of
a fly-by-night affair before the war, is today
stabilized and exhibitors can be assured of
a flow of product, Kreisler said. He foresees
continued strengthening of the British industry.
But Hollywood films are likely to retain
their number one position in the hearts of
most European audiences, he believes, even
though they are out of favor with the film
critics and others of the intelligentsia.
Brazzi, Neal Nominated
Best Screen Prospects
NEW YORK—The December 21 issue of
Look magazine has selected Patricia Neal
and Rossano Brazzi as candidates for "bigtime
success" in the motion picture field
during 1949.
The 22-year-old Miss Neal will co-star with
Gary Cooper in "The Fountainhead" and
with Ronald Reagan in "John Loves Mary,"
both WB productions. She was a hit in the
Broadway production of "Another Part of
the Forest" two years ago.
Brazzi, a 31-year-old Italian actor, was
brought to this country by David O. Selznick.
He will be seen in "Little Women" (MGM)
and as the title rolist in Edward Small's "The
Life of Valentino." He was recently seen
here in the Italian picture "Furia."
Others slated for successful careers during
the next 12 months were: Milton Berle, television;
Lucille Ball, radio; AUyn Ann Mc-
Lerie, theatre, and Benny Goodman, music.
Eddie Cantor was applauded for his entertainment
and philanthropic work during
1948.
MGM to Handle 3 Pictures
For SRO in South Africa
NEW YORK—The Selznick Releasing Organization
has made a deal with MGM for
the distribution and exhibition of three SRO
films in South Africa, according to Leonard
R. Case, SRO treasurer. The three films,
"Duel in the Sun," "The Paradine Case" and
"Portrait of Jennie," will go into release in
South Africa early in 1949 and play the
Metro Theatre in Johannesburg and the
Metro in Durban, both first runs.
Paramount and Fairbanks
May End Association
NEW YORK—Probabilities are that when
the current contract for Paramount distribution
of the Jerry Fairbanks short subjects
ends shortly, it will not be renewed, a spokesman
for the Fairbanks office said this week.
He expected that some other major company
will handle the distribution, but said 'hat
because of television and commercial film
commitments, no nev/ contract may be signed
for several months. He emphasized that there
has been a "very pleasant relationship" with
Paramount.
Fairbanks has supplied Paramount with 18
shorts annually since 1941. They have been
the "Popular Science," "Unusual Occupations"
and "Speaking of Animals" subjects.
Fairbanks does not intend to stop theatrical
production altogether, but right now is busy
with 20 commercial clients, including Standard
Oil of Indiana, and the television companies.
He also is promoting a new tele
camera seven-inch lens which is said to be
16 times faster than any other tele lens and
to pick up pictures of only one candlepower.
ABC will u.se it Christmas eve at the midnight
mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
National Board Honors
'Fighting O'Flynn'
NEW YORK—"The Fighting O'Flynn"
(U-I), reviewed under its original title, "The
O'Flynn," has been given starred selected
features rating, the top honor of the National
Board of Review, in the weekly guide to
selected pictures. "Whispering Smith" (Parai
and "Words and Music" (MGM) were given
selected features rating.
Short subjects given special mention are:
"Champagne Music," "Clap Your Hands" and
"Hits of the Nineties" i20th-Fox) and "The
Little Cut-Up" (Para I.
Scophony, Ltd., Acquires
Baird Television System
LONDON—Scophcny, Ltd.. has acquired
the Baird television system through a transfer
of stock to John Logie Bair, Ltd., and its
associate, W. Andrew Bryce and Co., Ltd., engineers
and manufacturers of transformers
and component parts. Jack Buchanan, screen
and stage actor-manager and managing director
and principal .stockholder of the two
companies, has joined the board of Scophony.
Australia Now Has 1,674
Theatres in Operation
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA—The 13th edition
of the Motion Picture Directory, issued by
Film Weekly, shows there are 1,674 theatres
in Australia, Of these, 118 are wholly owned
or operated by Greater Union and 155 by
Hoyt's. There are 50 touring showmen, and
40 who are exhibiting 16nmn films.
Technicolor Ups Dividend
NEW YORK—The board of directors of
Technicolor, Inc., has declared a quarterly
dividend of 50 cents per share on the common
stock, payable December 31 to stockholders
of record December 22, according to
Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, president. Dividend
for the previous quarter was 25 cents per
.share.
U-I Executives Take
Salary Cuts in '49
NEW YORK—The top administrative executives
of Universal-International will take
voluntary salary cuts during 1949 because
of current fiscal problems, according to home
office officials here. Among those who pay
will be reduced from 20 to 40 per cent are:
J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of the board,
Nate J. Blumberg, president; William A.
Scully, general sales manager; Charles D.
Prutzman, J. H. Seidelman, Leo Spitz, William
Goetz, J. J. O'Connor, Matthew Fox
and Samuel Machnovltch.
The same executives are expected to receive
less in 1948 than in 1947, without salary
cuts, because their contracts call for participation
in profits. With the company facing
a loss for its fiscal year ended Nov. 1,
1948, according to financial circles, this will
not be forthcoming. The 1948 financial report
is due in late January. A year ago,
Universal-International reported a net profit
of $3,230,017.
The voluntary salary cuts were agreed upon
by U-I executives last August and were to
start with the beginning of the new fiscal
year. The date for the start of the salary
cuts was later postponed to January 1. The
salaries of contract producers, directors and
stars will not be affected by the cuts, it is
said.
Siegel and Markley Split
Gowthorpe's Para Duties
NEW YORK—Simon B. Siegel, assistant to
Montague F. Gowthorpe, treasurer of Paramount
Theatres Service Corp., and Sidney
M. Markley, who has handled legal matters
for the company, will take over the treasurer's
duties when Gowthorpe leaves the post
January 1. Gowthorpe is resigning to become
president and general manager of W. S.
Butterfield Theatres, Inc., in Detroit.
Leonard Goldenson, vice-president in charge
of theatres for Paramoimt. was toastmaster
at a farewell luncheon for Gowthorpe at the
Hotel Astor December 17. Barney Balaban,
Adolph Zukor, E. V. Richards jr. and Robert
O'Donnell paid tribute to Gowthorpe. and 60
other Paramount executives and theatre
partners attended. He received a solid silver
set and a testimonial book signed by all per-
.sons present at the luncheon.
Crown in Goldwyn Post
NEW YORK—Alfred Crown, foreign sales
manager of Samuel Goldwyn F>i-oductions,
has been elected a vice-president of the
company. Before joining the Goldwyn organization
three years ago. Crown was in
the armed services for two years and, before
that, he was with the coordinator of
international affairs (the so-called Nelson
Rockefeller Committee).
Columbia Loss $23,000
NEW YORK—Columbia Pictures Corp. reports
a net loss of S23,O00 for the 13-week
period ending Sept. 25, 1948. For the same
period in 1947 the oompany had a net profit
of $370,000. The figuies are estimated and
on a con.solidated basis.
50 BOXOFFICE December 25. 1948

NEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CENTER
(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Svear. Western Manager)
Academy's Ballots
In Mails on Jan. 20
HOLLYWOOD—Preliminaries to the film
colony's big annual glamorfest, the Oscars
sweepstakes, will get under way January 20
when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences will mail out nominations ballots.
The polls will close January 29 "and
the awards nominees will be announced
February 14.
Thereafter the nominated pictures will be
screened from February 21 through March 13
at the Academy Award Theatre. Final ballots
wUl be mailed March 1 and the polls
will close March 15.
The Academy's board of governors voted
to make the presentations in ceremonies to
be held on a sound stage at the Warner
Bros, studios in Burbank March 24. It will
be a closed affair, with no general public
admission. This is a departure from the
policy established during the past several
years, when the Awards function was held
at the Shrine auditorium and the public was
permitted to purchase admission tickets.
Stars Present Xmas Show
For Veterans Hospital
HOLLYWOOD—A star-studded array of
Hollywood talent helped make Christmas a
merrier one for patients at the veterans' administration
Birmingham hospital in Sawtelle
through presentation of a variety program
emceed by Johnnie Johnston, singing
star. Participating in skits were Kay Thompson
and the Williams Brothers, Kathryn
Grayson. Betty Garrett, Larry Parks, Hedda
Hopper. Andre Previn. Eddie Bracken, Esther
Williams, Richard Beavers, Mary Jane Smith
and Sandra Bordova.
Irene Dunne was notified by the National
Conference of Christians and Jews that that
organization had voted her the person who
has "done most to promote better understanding
among peoples of all faiths during
1948." The actress will journey to New York
early in February to accept the award, which
last year went to Eleanor Roosevelt.
20th-Fox Official Weds
HOLLYWOOD—Honeymooning at Palm
Springs following their recent marriage were
Fred S. Meyer, director of personnel and
industrial relations at 20th Century-Fox, and
Molly May Weber. The quiet home ceremony
was performed by Rabbi Max Nussbaimi.
The bride and groom were both bereft
of their mates about two years ago.
Producers and Guild
Plan Wage Parley
HOLLYWOOD—Representatives of the major
and independent producers are expected
to begin parleys next month with the executive
committee of the Screen Directors
Guild, which has requested a hearing to submit
new requests for wage increases, thus
reopening the eight-year contract on which
producers and the SDG reached agreement
last siunmer. No salary boosts were granted
at that time.
Negotiators for the SDG include President
George Marshall, Joseph Mankiewicz, Raoul
Walsh, Albert S. Rogell and Lesley Selander.
Participating in the huddles wiU be Charles
Boren, labor liaison executive for the MPAA,
and Anthony O'Rourke of the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers.
The new basic pact drafted last July called
for a 100 per cent guild shop and certain
improvements in clauses covering layoffs and
directors' rights to supervise cutting of their
pictures. At that time, however, the SDG
withdrew a demand for salarj' hikes.
Following refusal by the local National Relations
Board to process the charges, the
Screen Publicists Guild has withdrawn from
the case in which it had filed unfair labor
practice charges against Maury Foladare,
freelance publicist. The SPG contended in
its NLRB complaint that Foladare had refused
to bargain for a guild shop for his
employes and also was guilty of intimidating
his workers who had expressed an interest
in an SPG affiliation. Further, the SPG
contended, Foladare granted wage increases
to his employes in an effort to nullify the
Sign Over Safe Ignored
In Futile Robbery Try
Phoenix—Phoenix gunmen either can't
read or don't believe in signs. Three of
them bound and gagged the night janitor
of the Aero Theatre recently, and while
one of them stood over him with a gun
the other two spent 35 futile minutes
trying to crack the house safe.
The sign over the safe read: "Boxoffice
receipts are deposited daily. No
money is kept in the safe over night."
The gunmen left before finding out the
sign wasn't kidding.
guild's efforts to secure a bargaining agreement.
Foladare has been placed on the SPG's "do
not patronize" list, however, and the organization
has also requested the AFL's central
labor coimcil to place the publicist on its
"do not patronize" list. This request has
been referred to the CLC's executive board.
After the SPG's NLRB complaint had been
filed. Foladare requested that an election be
held to determine whether a majority of his
employes desired SPG affiliation. No such
election will be .staged, however, since the
NLRB tossed out the SPG's charges against
the blurber as being "without merit."
With negotiations for a new contract "proceeding
satisfactorily," but with additional
time needed to settle all the points, the
Screen Actors Guild and Artists Managers
Guild have extended their contract to May
1, 1949. The pact originally had been due to
expire January 1. 1949. Extension of the
agreement was announced in a joint statement
by John Dales jr., of the SAG and
Adrian McCalman of the talent agents' organization.
Successful conclusion of negotiations for a
new union shop collective bargaining contract
was disclosed by the major producers
and the Screen Extras Guild. The new ticket
covers a five-year period and may be reopened
at stipulated dates in 1949 and 1951.
It replaces the present contract which has
been in effect since November 1, 1946.
Unanimously okayed by the SEG's board
of directors, the agreement is subject to ratification
by the SEG membership and the
directorates of the producing companies. The
new ticket provides for retention of present
basic daily rates of .$15.56 and $22.23, and calls
for continued negotiations concerning the
disputed $9.45 daily rate for "mob" scenes.
"Preferential employment" of extras is to
continue for players presently registered with
Central Casting.
Al Jolson Gives House
HOLLYWOOD—An estate in the Hollywood
foothills valued at $75,000 was presented to
the Cedars of Lebanon hospital by Al Jolson,
radio, screen and stage entertainer. Jolson
said the institution may use the 14-room
home and property for "whatever purpose it
sees fit."
BOXOFnCE December 25, 194« 51

: six-week
, in
original
STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES
Barnstormers
Paramount
DICK FORAN, co-star of Pine-Thomas' "El Paso,"
left
eastern personal appearance
Leaving Hollywood on January 5 on c cross-country
tour for his new comedy, "Easy D .es It," BOB
HOPE will make personal appearance 25 towns
in as many nights.
Warner Bros.
:
JANIS PAIGE deports shortly for or
sonal appearance tour whi
show Cleveland for the
ance on a benefit
Rogers Memorial hospital
for theatre bookings in Boston
Blurbers
RKO Radio
Succeeding George Nichols, ROY CRAFT htfs joined
the publicity staif to take charge of national and
fan magazines. Nichols is moving over to Metr
a member of Howard Strickling's drum-beating staff.
Cleffers
Monogram
EDWARD I. KAY has been set to
Roddy McDowall statrer, "Tuna
Walter Mirisch's production, "Bom
Boy," toplining John Sheffield.
Paramount
Pine-Thomas engaged composer-condu
HELL CALKER to score and conduct ths
lor the John Payne-Gail Russell topliner,
which Lewis R. Foster directed.
Meggers
Columbia
NORMAN FOSTER was set to direct the Rosalind
Russell-starring comedy, "My Next Husband," with
Buddy Adler producing.
Second assignment on ALEX GOTTLIEB'S new producing
contract wall be "It's a Man's World."
Paramount
WILLIAM DIETERLE's next megging assignment for
Hal Wallis Productions will be "Rope of Sand."
RKO Radio
First assignment for NICHOLAS RAY under his new
director's contract will be "I Married a Communist,"
to 'be produced by Jack Gross.
Republic
PHIL FORD was handed directorial reins on the
Monte Hale western, "Prince of the Plains," with
Mel Tucker assigned as associate producer.
Screen Guild
B. REEVES EASON megs "Rimfire," being produced
by Ron Ormond and featuring James Millican,
Reed Hadley, Mary Beth Hughes and Henry Hull.
United Artists
JOHN BRAHM has been set to direct the remake
of "M" for Producer Seymour Nebenzal.
Options
Columbia
Czechoslovakian actress FLORENCE MARLY will
make her second Americcm appearance in the
Santana production, "Tokyo Joe," opposite Humphrey
Bogart.
IVAN TRIESAULT and WALTER RODE were inked
to enact two spies in the George Rait starrer,
"Hounded," with Ted Tetzlaif directing and Irving
Starr producing.
Film Classics
Producer-director Jack Bernhard signed ALBERT
DEKKER to co-star with John Calvert in an upcoming
Falcon production, as yet untitled.
PAUL FIERRO, FRANK LACKTEEN, LESTER ETHARPE.
Z. YOCONELLI and JULIAN RIVERO were signed
for Agay Productions' "Amazon Quest."
Metro
AGNES MOOREHEAD was set for an important
in spot Gottfried Reinhardt's production, "The Great
Sinner," toplining Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner.
Robert Siodmak directs.
Top role in Joe Pasternak's musical, "That Midnight
Kiss," goes to ETHEL BARRYMORE. Norman
Taurog directs the film starring Kathryn Grayson
and lose Iturbi.
52
Monogram
Additions to the cast of the Johnny Mack Brown
starrer, "Outlaw Marshal," are BOB WOODWARD,
JAMES HARRISON, BUD OSBORNE, MARSHALL
REED, RILEY HILL, KENNE DUNCAN, STEVE CLARK,
BILL KENNEDY. JACK INGRAM and EDDIE PARKER.
Ray Taylor directs
Paramount
RAYMOND ROE was signed fo top spot in
be di-
sequel to "Dear Ruth,'
"Dearreeled
Wife,"
by Richard Haydn for Produc Richard
Maibaum.
JOHN McINTYRE draws the role of a police
spector in the Bing Crosby starrer, "Top o'
Morning." Silent screen player TUDOR O'WEN
signed for an important role. David Mille directs
for Producer Robert Welch.
Pine-Thomas has signed Chinese actor KEYE LUKE
for the patt of a laundry owner in the Dorothy
Lamour, Sterling Hayden and Dan Duryea co-starrer,
"Manhandled," with Lewis Foster directing.
Republic
A comedy part in the Elliot-McGowan production,
"Hellfire " will be played by ESTHER HOWARD.
OLIN HOWARD also was inked for a comedy role
in the film. Other additions include EVA NOVAK,
HARRY WOODS, TREVOR BARDETTE, HARRY TYLER,
DENVER PYLE, CRANE WHITLEY and EMORY
PARNELL.
20th Century-Fox
Songwriter MACK GORDON is set to portray himself
in "Oh, You Beautiful Doll," the musical being
produced by George Jessel. Added to the cast in
supporting roles were HUGO HAAS, S. Z. SAKALL
and CHARLOTTE GREENWOOD.
Supporting roles were handed to REGIS TOOMEY
and HENRI LETONDAL in Sam Engel's production,
"Come to the Stable," to star Loretta Young. A
featured role was set for DOROTHY PATRICK.
J. FARRELL MACDONALD plays a cop in the Dan
Dailey-June HcTver co-starrer, "You're My Everything."
Added to the cast of "The East Side Story," the
Edward G. Robinson starrer, were DEBRA PAGET
and TITO VUOLO.
Universal-International
A top supporting part in "Illegal Entry" was
handed RICHARD ROBER, stage player. TOM
TULLY, PAUL STEWART, DAVE CLARK and TONY
CARUSO were inked for supporting parts.
Beauty contest winners JUNE FULTON and
PATRICIA HALL will play college co-eds in the
Donald O'Connor starrer, "And Baby Makes Three."
Featured role in the film, which George Sherman
directs and Leonard
PATRICIA ALPHIN.
Goldstein produces,
BARBARA BROWN was
goes to
signed
for a top featured role JIM DAVIS, JIM BROWN,
HAL FEBERLING and MICHAEL DUGAN were signed
to portray Donald O'Connor's football-playing pals.
The role of a Las Vegas pawnbroker in the Barbara
Stanwyck
playd by
vehicle,
HOUSELEY
"The Lady Gambles,"
STEVENSON. Added
will
to
be
the
GEORGE
PETER
CARLTON,
LEADS. LEIF
cast were WATSON DOWNS, FRANK McFARLAND,
PARKE MACGREGOR and
ERICKSON draws a featured
role under the direction of Michael Gordon for
Producer Michel Kraike.
DOROTHY HART was set to ploy William Powell's
wife in "Take One False Step," with Chester
Erskine producing.
Warner Bros.
JANIS PAIGE joins Virginia Mayo, Gordon Mac-
Rae and Dorothy Malone in the stctrring lineup of
Jerry Wald's production, ""Rise Above It."
Scripters
Columbia
Scripting assignment on ""My Next Husband," toplining
Rosalind Russell, was drawn by ALLAN SCOTT.
Eagle Lion
HARRY ESSEX is penning an untitled documentary
concerned with the government's pure food and
drugs administration.
Paramount
RICHARD L. BREEN has been reoptioned for his
third year ds a writer at the studio.
Writers MELVILLE SHAVELSON and JACK ROSE
were signed to screenplay the new Frank Capra
production to star Binq Crosby, ""Broadway Bill."
Film is based on the Mark Hellinger story of the
same name.
Republic
JOHN K. BUTLER was assigned to screenplay the
Roy Rogers topliner, "Down Dakota Way," to be
produced by Edward I. White.
Universal -International
CRANE WILBUR was inked to write and direct
original
produ
story Buys
Independent
vhich Aaron Rosenberg
Flight to Portabella," siory by Hugo Butle
en purchased by Roberts Productions.
Monogram
by Harold D. Qu
I Di(
purchased by Pi lucer Paul Short as
ring vehicle for Audie ^udie Murphy.
King Bros, has purch
by Ogden J. Wertelle,
beauty who inherits a
ised ""Ramie," original story
concerning an East Indian
steamship company.
Paramount
Producers William Pine cfnd William Thomas acquired
screen rights to "'Mission for General Houston,"
a historical novel by Jess Arnold.
RKO Radio
by Warren Duff and
"
Story, "Bail
Marty
Bond
Rackin, was purchased and assigned to
Robert Sparks for production.
Republic
"Fort Dodge Stampede," On original by Norman
Hall, was purchased as a Monte Hale starrer and
assigned to Mel Tucker for production.
"Tucson Trigger Man," original screenplay by Al
Demond, was purchased and Assigned to Gordon
Kay for production as an Allan "Rocky" Lane
Universal-International
Acquired for production as a semidocumentary by
Jerry Bresler was an untitled yarn by Irwin Gielgud,
dealing with the baby-ddoption racket.
Warner Bros.
Acquisition was announced of "Gay Deception,"
romantic comedy about a New York working girl,
authored by Jules Furthman and John Klorer.
Technically
Metro
ROBERT PLANCK was assigned as cinematographer
on Pandro S. Berman's production, "Madame
Bovary."
RKO Radio
BILLY DANIELS was set by Samuel Goldwyn to
supervise the square dancing in "Roseanna McCoy.
Universal-International
COL. WILLIAM A. CARMICHAEL, director of the
I6th district, department of immigration and naturalization,
checked in to serve as technical adviser to
Producer Jules Schermer and Director Frederick de
Cordova on ""Illegal Entry."
Producer Leonard Goldstein completed his production
staff for ""And Baby Makes Three," which
includes GILBERT KURLAND, unit production manager-
IRVING GLASSBERG, cameraman,- TED KENT,
film ' editor- JOHN DECUIR, art director; JESSE
HIBBS and TOMMY SHAW, assistant directors, and
GLEN ANDERSON, sound technician.
Title Changes
Metro
"Greyfriar's Bobby," featuring Lassie, has been
retagged HIGHLAND LASSIE.
Universal-International
THE FIGHTING O'FLYNN
elease tag
starrer filmed as "The
for the Douglas Fairbanks jr
O'Flynn."
Title of Leonard Goldstein's production, "Calamity
Jane and Sam Bass," has been changed to CALAM-
ITY JANE
Academy Board Approves
23 as New Members
HOLLYWOOD — The Academy of IVIotion
Picture Arts and Sciences closed its membership
ranlcs for 1948 with 23 new names
approved by the board of governors.
New members include actors Larry Parks
Glenn Ford, 'Wendell Corey and Jacqueline
de Wit; executives Hal E. Chester, I. G. Goldsmith
and David Johnston; film editor
Ai-thur H. Nadel: musician Joseph Myrow:
public relations group, Sonia 'Wolfson and
Peggy IVTcNaught; writers Henry Ephron,
Phoebe Ephron, IVTrs. Leslie Bush-Fekete,
Richard L. Breen, Leslie Bush-Fekete, Paul
Jarrico and IVlarguerite Roberts; members-atlarge
Sherrill Corwin. Jason Lindsay. Fred
D. Brown, Herbert S. Nusbaum and Jerome
Schnur.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948
t
i

'Goldwyn Girl' Is Added
To '49 Production List
HOLLYWOOD—Added to Samuel Goldwyn's
1949 production slate was "The Goldwyn
Girl," a Technicolor musical which will
glorify the group of chorines used by the
producer in every musical he has made since
"Whoopee," filmed 18 years ago.
Noted stars who began their careers as
"Goldwyn Girls" include Betty Grable, Lucille
Ball, Paulette Goddard, Virginia Bruce, Laraine
Day. Jinx Palkenburg and Virginia
Mayo.
The film will be for RKO release.
Lee Kirby Nominated
BOTHELL, WASH.—Lee Kirby, co-owner
of the Avon Theatre here, was nominated as
a candidate for mayor of Monroe, his home
town.
East: Director WUliam Dieterle checked out
for an extended stay in England and France,
during which he will pilot a picture to be
produced in Paris. Just signed to a new nonexclusive
contract by Producer Hal Wallis,
Dieterle also will devote some time to scouting
European talent.
West: Arthur Hornblow jr., Metro producer,
checked in at the Culver City studio
after a trip to England and the continent.
His next picture may be filmed in Italy.
East: Warners' eastern executives including
Albert Warner, Ben Kalmenson, Samuel
Schneider and Norman Moray returned to
their New York headquarters after studio
conferences concerning production plans for
1949. The parleys were held with Jack L.
and Harry M. Warner.
West: Howard Strickling, Metro studio
publicity chief, returned from Manhattan
after a two-week stay, during which he huddled
with Loew's, Inc., toppers about advertising
and exploitation campaigns being
formulated for upcoming releases.
West: Col. William McCraw, executive director
of Variety Clubs International,
checked in at Monogram for huddles with
President Steve Broidy and Pi'oducer Paul
Short, concerning "Bad Boy," which Short
produced under Variety Club sponsorship.
West: James R. Grainger, Republic sales
and distribution head, planed in after a
country-wide tour of the company's exchanges.
He planned to remain here over
the holidays.
West: Nat Cohen, British representative for
Producer Edward Small, arrived from London
for conferences with the independent
picture-maker concerning plans for launching
a new picture in England next March.
East: R. B. Roberts, independent producer
who recently made "Force of Evil" for Enterprise,
planed for New York to attend the
eastern opening of the John Garfield starrer,
which is being distributed by Metro.
MT
ALL started as a gag, this business of
referring to the president of Screen Guild
Productions as "Orson Lippert." But the
ever-expand'ng activities of that gentleman
whose first name is Robert, as is well known
by anyone who reads film tradepapers—are
rapidly divorcing the nickname from the
category of ribs.
Lippert can now lay claim to more designations
and accomplishments than were boasted
by Orson Welles at the peak of that wonderboy's
mercurial career; witness: Exhibitor,
distribution executive, distribution franchise
holder, producer, director and promoter.
Enough has been printed, here and elsewhere,
about Lippert's impressive operations
in the f .rst four of those classifications, their
genesis and their co-relationship, to make
further comment unnecessary. It is with the
latter pair that these paragraphs concern
themselves.
"Last of the Wild Horses," a current SGP
release, demonstrates the company head's
ability to apply the same versatOity and effectiveness
to those facets of the film business
as he already had manifested in his
other varied chores.
The picture was filmed almost in its entirety
on location in the Rogue river valley
outside of Medford, Ore., in which northern
municipality Lippert owns and operates all of
the motion picture theatres. And it was
there that he established his status as a
promoter par excellence. Medford. like most
of the west's communities, has and is proud
of its sheriff's posse, a riding organization
made up of local business and professional
men who own their own horses. Producer
Lippert enlisted the services—and for free
of this group of horsemen as riding extras
in the picture. Day after day, they brought
their own horses, their own equipment and
themselves to the outdoor location to ride
thataway with the heavies or in pursuit
thereof.
But that was only the beginning. Near
Medford is a smaller community, Jacksonville,
once a thriving center of Oregon's
goldmining and caltle-raising country but
now virtually a ghost town. Through generous
publicity in the local newspapers, Lippert
interested the citizens of Jacksonville in
digging into their attics and trunks for clothes
of the period portrayed by the film and then
appearing in street and courtroom scenes as
atmosphere extras. Hundreds of them turned
out and made a holiday of the shooting of
those sequences, which were' filmed in and
on the quaint buildings and streets of Jacksonville,
which have changed but little since
their heyday in the '70s and '80s.
Resultantly, the picture is endowed with
production values which transcend by countless
thousands of dollars its budgetry classification.
Not being satisfied with having promoted
a setup which any producer and/or director
would have cherished as a Utopia for
top film-making at comparatively limited
cost, Lippert elected to direct the picture
himself—he was also its executive producer
—his f.rst try at that tricky and important
assignment. Here, too, he chalked up a
credit of which any of Hollywood's more experienced
megaphonists could and would be
justifiably proud.
What is to be concluded from this enumeration
of Lippert's apparently limitless accomplishments
and versatility is rather selfevident.
His work on "Wild Hor-ses," the
tradepaper critical acclaim accorded the offering
and the profitable bookings it is fulfilling
establish that with ingenuity and
level-headed business tactics, it is still possible
to turn out sound, acceptable film entertainment
at reasonable costs. With most
film-makers and production companies
frightened to near-hysteria by rising costs
and faltering grosses, that's a demonstration
from which the entire industry can borrow
courage as concerns the future of motion pictures.
Twentieth Centurj-Fox's "The SnaJie Pit"
is set for New Year's eve openings in San
Francisco, Boston and Oakland.
Elsewhere imbibing celebrants will have to
resort to the more time-honored method of
seeing their New Year's eve snakes.
Arthur P. Jacobs, a comparative newcomer
to the ranks of catch-as-catch-can spacesnatchers,
distributes a far-afield item about
one cf his clients, Johnny Green, composer
and musician. It seems that Green has been
commissioned by the Abbott Laboratories
apparently a pharmaceutical house—to write
an original, serious musical work for their
annual publication, "What's New."
Green's opus, a piano suite, is titled "Materia
Medica," and is divided into three parts
— "Narcotic," "Hypnotic" and "Stimulant."
The divisions of "Materia Medica" should
open many film-making doors to Music-
Maker Green. Many the ciUTent feature
whose score could logically avail Itself of the
"Narcotic" and "Hypnotic" passages, even
though there are few, unfortunately, for
which the "Stimulant" might be considered
appropriate.
Too bad he didn't include a few bars dedicated
to "Nux Vomica"—then he couldn't
miss.
From the Paramount blurbery of George
Brown a touch of humor, in itself something
of an innovation, as well as a courageous
or is it foolhardy"?—exhibition of lese-majesty.
Note
"Remark of the day: Cecil B. DeMille was
rirting the camera boom 25 feet in the air
on the 'Samson and Delilah' sret at Paramount
when one of the players looked up and remarked:
'God's in his heaven, all's right with
the world.'
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948
53

iJIP
WB g^ mMi^UUm ^^ r^
PREPARE FOR DRIVE—Photo taken during the visit to Denver of Harry Gittleson,
assistant to the RKO western division manager, when he named AI Kolitz,
district manager, to be drive captain for the Denver and Salt Lake City territories
for the forthcoming Ned Depinet drive. Kolitz is seated. Standing, left to right:
Marvin GoU^.^arb, Gittleson, Sam Appelman, Dan Wagner and Joe Emerson, branch
manager. Wagner has just been promoted from booker to salesman.
LOS ANGELES
V E. Simmons, former manager of the Congress
Theatre, a unit in the Vinnicof circuit,
has gone into a new venture. He's
circulation manager for the Shafter Press
in Shafter, heart of California's potato and
cotton country . . . George Hicliey, Metro's
western sales chief, pulled out for San Francisco
for huddles at the Bay city branch
office.
F. A. Bateman, general sales manager for
Screen Guild, planed in from Oklahoma City
after conducting a sales meeting there . . .
Topping the entertainment list for Fox West
Coast's annual Christmas banquet Thursday
(23) was Danny Thomas, film and radio
comic. The affair was at the Ambassador
hotel.
An East Los Angeles theatre was robbed
of $1,000 in cash recently when a bandit
flourished a gun at Walter Brust, assistant
manager, just as he opened the theatre safe
to count the weel^end receipts. Brust was
forced into a car after handing over the
money and taken to East Seventh and
Fresno streets where he was shoved from the
vehicle, police reported.
Exeter Vetoes Zoning Change
EXETER, CALIF.—Climaxing weeks of discussion,
the city council voted four to one to
uphold the action of the city planning commission
in denying a variance in the city
zoning ordinance to permit Mr. and
Mrs. C. E. Pease to build a theatre facing
Pine street, east of C street.
The main contention of those who opposed
the building idea was that it would create
another business block of buildings with no
rear access. Those in favor declared Pine
street should continue to be the main business
street although the lots run the other
way.
Sign Installed at Lind
LIND, WASH.—A large neon sign has been
Installed above the entrance to the new Empire
Theatre under construction here and
scheduled for completion next year.
Nevin McCord to Manage
Capitol at Salt Lake
SALT LAKE CITY—Nevin McCord, manager
of the Ada and Boise theatres in Boise,
Ida., has been transferred here to manage
the Capitol Theatre. All are affiliated with
Intermountain Theatres, Inc.
Robert E. Workman, former Capitol manager,
was transferred to Boise to handle affairs
at the two houses. McCord's post here
actually is a return for him. since he managed
the Capitol prior to World War II. He
and Mrs. McCord and their 7-year-old daughter
Susan will make their home in Salt
Lake, while Workman and his family will
move to Boise.
Mr. and Mrs. William Jury
Buy Vogue at Littleton
LITTLETON, COLO.—Mr. and Mrs. Wil-
have purchased
Vogue Theatre here from Mr. and Mrs.
liam B. Jury of Freeport, 111.,
the
H. L. Montgomery jr. Jury formerly was
with the Patio Theatre of Freeport for nearly
18 years. Mrs. Jury will act as cashier at
the theatre.
Prize for Theatre Name
HAYWARD, CALIF.—Walt Deininger,
Hayward manager for Golden States Theatres,
Inc., has offered a $25 fii-st prize in
a contest to name the new Castro street
theatre here. Deadline in the contest is
January 1. The projected 950-seat showcase
is scheduled for completion early next spring.
It was designed by Ned Topham, Golden
State architect.
Robert H. Allen Dead
TRACY, CALIF.—Robert H. Allen, ownermanager
of the Arlon Theatre and manager
of the Grand Theatre, died here following
a heart attack suffered at his home. He had
managed the Grand Theatre since 1925 when
the Principal Theatres Co. bought it. He
established the Arlon in 1943. He is survived
by his wife, three daughters and a son. Interment
was in Ti'acy cemetery.
Los Angeles Yearns
For Tax on Tickets
LOS ANGELES—Councilmen of this city
are looking longingly toward a $30,000,000
additional income which could be obtained
from the 20 per cent amusement tax now
going to the federal treasury.
Although unavailable now, Council President
Harold A. Henry estimated the tax
would take care of all pressing demands for
new revenue locally. Henry sponsored a resolution
which was adopted unanimously, urging
the American Municipal Ass'n meeting
in Washington to go on record in favor of
federal relinquishment of the taxes within
corporate boundaries.
Mayor Bowron and several members of
the city council attended the convention and
they were urged in the resolution to put
other delegates on record if possible.
Henry, who piloted a resolution favoring
the amusement tax switch thi-ough the council
some months ago, said dispatches from
Washington indicated that similar sentiment
was prevalent at the convention where hundreds
of American cities were represented.
Member
Milas Hurley Is
Of Picture Pioneering
TUCUMCARI, N. M.—Milas L. Hurley,
owner of the Hm-ley Theatres here, recently
was admitted to full membership in
Picture Pioneering, an organization of theatre
owners who have been in the profession
for 25 years or more. Hurley operates
the Princess and Odeon theatres here and
has been in exhibition for more than 30
years.
SCG Contract Extended
HOLLYWOOD— greement has
been
reached between the Screen Cartoonists
Guild and the five major cartoon production
units calling for extension of the SCO's present
pact, unchanged, for another year. Signatories
to the renewed contract include
Metro, Walt Disney, Warners, George Pal
and Walter Lantz.
Work at The Dalles Houses
THE DALLES. ORE.—Construction work
was under way here on modernization projects
at both the Granada and Columbia theatres.
Manager Maynard Culver said snack
bars would be installed at both situations
and other improvements at the Granada
would include a new marquee and display
boards, newly carpeted foyer and new auditorium
doors.
Christmas Party for Davis
DAVIS, CALIF.—Leonard Smith, manager
of the Varsity, plans to have a new theatre
next year; a theatre big enough to accommodate
all the children from kindergarten
through high school and parents too. This
announcement followed a Christmas party
at the Varsity sponsored by the Sacramento
Bee and radio station KPBK in cooperation
with Smith. Fom- hundred children attended
the free Christmas program, which opened
with Santa greeting the elementary school
children and closed with the distribution of
gifts.
54
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

eissues
'Unknown' Scores 135
In First Frisco Week
SAN FRANCISCO—Top honors in a week
that didn't fare so well went to the Paramount
with the opening of "Unknown Island"
rating 135 per cent. Second spot honors with
125 per cent, went to the Orpheum with the
opening of "The Countess of Monte Cristo."
and third place was awarded to the third
week of "The Three Musketeers" at the Warfield.
(Average Is 100)
Esquire The Killers (U-I); Canyon Passage
(U-I) 100
..
Fox—Fighter Squadron (WB); Smart Girls Don't
Talk (WB), 2nd wk 100
Golden Gate A Song Is Bora (RKO); Guns ol
Hate (RKO), 3rd wk 100
Orpheum—The Countess of Monte Cristo (U-I),
Manhattan Angel 125
Paramount Unknown Island (FC); Appointment
With Murder (FC) 135
St. Francis The Lives of a Bengal Lancer
(Paia), reissue 95
Stale—He Walked by Night (EL), Million Dollar
Weekend (EL), 2nd wk 115
United Artists—Red River (UA), 9th wk 110
United Nations June Bride (WB) Homicide
for Three (Rep), 5th wk 110
Warfield—The Three Musketeers (MGM), 3rd wk...l20
'Don't Trust Your Husband'
Bows In at Seattle at 120
SEATTLE—"Don't Trust Your- Husband"
bowed into the Fifth Avenue and "Road
House" took over at the Coliseum, with both
getting 120 to top the newcomers. "The Best
Years of Our Lives" was best of all in the city
with 130 at the Liberty. The Christmas pinch
was just beginning to show in most situations.
Blue Mouse—When My Baby Smiles at Me
{20th-Fox); Escape (20th-Fox), 4th d.t. wk 80
Coliseum Road House (20th-Fox),- Joe Palooka in
Winner Take AU (Mono) 120
Fifth Avenue—Don't Trust Your Husband (UA);
Bodyguard (RKO) ,120
Liberty—The Best Yeors of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk 130
Music Box—Fighter Squadron (WB), Smart Girls
Don't Talk (WB), 3rd d.t wk 75
Music Hall—The Three Musketeers (MGM),
The Spiritualist (EL), 3rd wk
Orpheum—Belle Starr's Daughter (20th-Fox);
125
Smuggler's Cove (Mono) 90
Paramount—Red River (UA), 3rd wk 125
Los Angeles Grosses
Spiral Downward
LOS ANGELES—The pre-Christmas slump
found most first run takes plummeting downward
as a heavy rainstorm and the shopping
rush combined to keep potential customers
away from the theatres. Best mark of the
week was scored by "Unfaithfully Yours,"
hitting a 125 per cent average in its first
stanza at five houses.
Belmont, El Rey. Orpheum, Vogue—Jungle Jim
(Col); Loaded Pistols (Col) 100
Carthay, Chinese, State, UptoviOi, Loyola Unfaithfully
Yours (20th-Fox) 125
Culver, Guild, Iris, Ritz, Studio City, United
Artists Canyon Passage (U-1); Frontier Gal
(U-I) 100
,
Downtown, Hollywood Paramounls The Accused
(Para): Harpoon (SG), 2nd wk 60
Egyptian, Los Angeles, Wilshire—The Hills of
Home (MGM) 115
Four Music Halls—The Time of Your Life (UA).,..110
Four Star—Hamlet (U-I), roadshow, 8th wk 90
Pontages, Hillstreet—She (RKO); The Last Days
of Pompeii (RKO), reissues, 2nd wk 100
Warners Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern—The
Decision of Christopher Blake (WB); Smart
Girls Don't Talk (WB) 90
Richard A. Buck Rites
LOS ANGELES—Funeral services were
conducted at the Church of the Recessional
here for Richard A. Buck, 39, motion picture
actor. Buck is survived by his widow Marjorie,
a daughter Julie, a sister, Mrs. Julia
Reisinger, and a brother Edward J. Hustler.
Northwest ITO Renames
James Hone 28th Time
, i-r^-\ n
SEATTLE—All officers and trustees of the
Independent Theatre Owners of Washington,
Northern Idaho and
Alaska were re-elected
at the annual meeting
in the New Washington
hotel here. James
Hone, executive secretary,
was re-elected for
his 28th year.
The session opened
with a luncheon, also
attended by 25 members
of the state legislature.
At the head
table were L. O.
James Hone Lukan, who presided;
Hone; Earl Coe, Washington's secretary of
state; Jack Neville, auditor; Robert Graham,
attorney, and Judge William J, Wilkins,
counsel for the organization. Coe thanked
the exhibitors for using trailers on "registration"
and "vote early" before the recent
election, declaring he believed they had a
lot to do with the record balloting and terrific
early voting.
In a business session later, the election
was held and plans set up to discourage
any move to increase admission, taxes during
the coming session of the state legislatm'e.
The 15 members of the board of directors
re-elected were Lukan, Walter Coy, B. F.
Shearer, Jack Neville ( auditor i, and Leroy
Johnson (treasurer! of Seattle; Mildred
Bishop Wall, Lewiston, Idaho; Mary A. St.
John. Chehalis; L. A, Gillespie, Okanogan;
East at Stockton, Calif.,
Opened by Westland Co.
STOCKTON. CALIF.—The $150,000 East
Theatre here was opened recently by Westland
Theatres, operators of the 850-seat
house. Rodda Harvey, vice-president of
Westland, said innovation at the East was
a complete soda fountain inside the theatre,
arranged, however, so that it is accessible
from the street. Harvey said Westland now
operates 21 theatres in California and that
the firm might consider building still another
house in Stockton if the new East
"lives up to expectations."
FWC Fine Arts to Open
LOS ANGELES—Completely redecorated,
including new carpeting, seats, lighting fixtures
and marquee, plus new sound and
projection equipment, Fox West Coast's Fine
Arts Theatre, Wilshire boulevard showcase,
will open December 28. Formerly the second
run Regina, the Fine Arts will operate
on a de luxe policy, playing films of "distinguished
merit."
Opening bill will be "The Red Shoes," a
J. Arthur Rank film being released by Eagle
Lion. The Fine Arts has a 700-seat capacity.
Santa Fe El Paseo Opens
SANTA FE—The El Paseo Theatre, built
Lionel Brown, Edmonds; W. B. McDonald,
Olympia; Ed Halberg, Port Angeles; Erwin
Fey, Renton; Joe Rosenfield, Spokane; Chester
Nilsson, Tacoma, and Fi'ed Mercy jr.,
Yakima.
Rename Rotus Harvey
California ITO Head
SAN FRANCISCO—Rotus Harvey was reelected
president of the ITO of Northern
California in a recent directors meeting
here, despite his plea that inasmuch as he
had been president or secretary of the organization
for the last 18 years he felt that
for the good of the group a new president
should be elected.
Harvey made his statement to the directors
prior to the election but directors overrode
his plea and elected him to serve another
year. Ben Levin was re-elected vice-president
and Harry Franklin was renamed secretary-treasurer.
Levin and Harvey also were re-elected to
serve as trustees to the PCCITO and Homer
Tegtmeier was named first alternate trustee
with Harry Franklin as second alternate
trustee.
Two days prior to the election of officers
the 11 member board of directors for 1949
was named. They include Lee Dibble, Harry
Franklin, Rotus Harvey, Carol Nathan, Ray
Syufy, Sid Weisbaum, Ray Knight, Sol Lesser.
Ben Levin. Dave Richards and Homer
Tegtmeier.
here on the site of the old Paris Theatre, was
opened formally recently by Salmon & Greer,
Inc., builders and owners of the showcase.
The 672-seat situation includes a 202-seat
balcony and was built of steel and concrete.
Truman Mathews was architect for the building
and Arnold and Savage, Denver decorators,
designed the interior in Indian and
Spanish motifs. Salmon & Greer is affiliated
with Gibraltar Enterprises of Denver.
Don Beers Opens Santa Fe
SANTA FE—The new 877-seat Santa Fe
Theatre has been opened formally here by
owner Don Beers. Ben Williams was named
manager of the house, the fifth theatre here
and the only independent.
The Santa Fe measures 146x60 feet and
is built of concrete block, steel and veneer
brick. Construction was supervised by Lupe
Sanchez and Jolin Fairchild of Santa Fe,
while Gordon Ferguson of Albuquerque was
the architect.
'Rope' Okayed for Kids
HELENA—Leaders of childi'en's organizations
here when questioned as to whether
or not "Rope" should be shown to juvenile
audiences, were agreed, that although the
picture could not be recommended for children,
it is no worse than many gangster
films which they see and enjoy.
BOXOFFICE :: December 25, ld4« 55

. . . Also
. . Arthur
. . Benny
. . Johnny
. . Bob
SAN FRANCISCO
•There's been a shift of managers in the
Blumenfeld ch-cuit, according to East Bay
district chief Alan Warshauer. Warren G.
Pechner again is making his headquarters
at the Esquire, where he also is handling advertising
and publicity for two other Blumenfeld
houses, the T&D and Roxie. Pechner
succeeds Edward Gates who leaves to take
over as manager of the El Camino in San
Rafael. Hugh O. Jones has stepped from
the Roxie to Pechner's old spot at the T&D,
while William E. Chamberlain has left the
Berkeley to direct the Roxie. Ai-vid A. Erickson
has been moved from the Cerrito in El
Cerrito to the Berkeley, George DeWees from
the Vista in El Cerrito to the Cerrito and
Sid Klein, well known in San Francisco and
Riverside theatre circles, is a newcomer to
the Blumenfeld organization and is in charge
of the Vista.
Robert H. AUen, theatre operator in Tracy,
The largest television
died recently . . .
screen here will be installed on the mezzanine
floor of the Coliseum Theatre. The
Screen, one of 100 made by RCA, measures
5x7 feet and will keep entertained patrons
who are waiting for the next feature to start.
Frank Capra was up from Hollywood
looking around San Pi-ancisco for a suitable
location for his next picture, "Broadway
Four hundred children attended
Bill" . . .
the free Christmas program sponsored in
Sacramento by a local paper and radio station
in cooperation with Leonard Smith,
manager of the Varsity Theatre ... A Christ-
ATTRACTIVE POPCORN BOXES
Printed in Red and White
$7.50 per thousand
Complete Popcorn Supplies
ARTHUR UNGER CO., INC.
105 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco 2, Cal.
THE MODERN PROIECTOH
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Your choice will then be
the technically,
mechanically and economically
superior lamp .
ASHCRAFT SUPREX C70
. . the
Pacific Coost Distributors
B. F. SHEARER COMPANY
LOS ANGELES: 1164 SMIk Vii
SAN FRANCISCO: Z«3 taKii
f I14S
• PORTLAND: ll«T «. w.
Iirkill Mill • SEATTLE: 2311 Sii
mas celebration featuring Singleton's Kiddy
revue was held at the Alhambra Theatre
here for the children.
Children of Benicia, their parents and
friends were invited to the Victory Theatre
for a Christmas party. Two feature pictures
with cartoons and comedies were secured
by the management for the occasion
and everything was free! . . . The Donner
Theatre in Truckee was host at a free Chi-istmas
party for youngsters in the area. V. C.
Shattuck is manager.
K. B. Richetts from Babbitt Theatre, Babbitt,
was on the Row . Reese, Orpheum
in Lakeport, saw friends on the Row
in town was W. G. Allen from the
Sunset in Riverdale. Milton Samis' two
sons and George Dolfin were here from their
Hester Theatre in San Jose . . . Tony Heinsbergen,
architect for the Golden Gate Theatre,
was in town giving the final touches
to the beautiful house. The Golden Gate
was to be formally reopened Christmas day
despite the fact that it was never closed
during alterations.
Fox West Coast Theatres was to have its
gala Cln-istmas party Thursday i23) at the
Variety Club .
Unger, local popcorn
man, was off to the popcorn convention
in Chicago and from there to New York,
Washington, Philadelphia and points east.
Nettie, his wife, accompanied him . . . Fred
Williams, ConsoUdated Amusement, and his
wife will go to Honolulu after the fu-st of the
year for a business trip.
The Saratoga Theatre in Saratoga, being
built and operated by Mason Shaw, will open
around January 10 . . . Agnes Cannon, bookkeeper
at Monogram, was upset over the
loss of a fountain pen, a gift from Aggie.
A substantial reward is offered.
. . . Walter Bell,
.
R. B. Smith, Chowchilla Theatre, Chowchilla,
Maribel
was here
in Weott, also was in town . . . Willard Wagner
from the Stam in Antioch was along
the Row Judell, Jam-Handy
.
organization, was on his way to Seattle and
Portland Dolezal was in from
Howard Butler,
the Niles Theatre, Altura . . .
Monogram sales representative, toured
southern Oregon on business.
Hal Flanagan, formerly with Eagle Lion
as booker, is now with Favorite Films here
in the same capacity . . . Buck Smith, who
returned from Japan after a brief stay, is
now with Eagle Lion.
4B/llTr
ORGANIZAT/ON
EXPfRlfNCE
Jimmy O'Neal Elected
Tent 32 Chief Barker
SAN FRANCISCO—Jimmy O'Neal, theatre
concessioner, has been elected chief barker
of Tent 32, Variety Club of Northern California,
to succeed Abe Blumenfeld, chief
barker since the organization's founding in
May 1947.
Other officers, elected at a recent meeting
of the 11 canvasmen, were Ellis Levy,
first assistant chief barker; Nate Blumenfeld,
second assistant chief barker; Jerry
Zigmond, property master, and Al Grubstick,
dough guy.
The local Variety tent also tendered a testimonial
dinner for Abe Blumenfeld in recognition
of his outstanding service to the
club which he helped found locally. In addition
to the more than 200 club members
attending the dinner, Charles P. Skouras,
president of National Theatres, and representatives
of the Variety Club of Los Angeles
were in attendance.
Mesa Owner Wayne Phelps
Files Antitrust Suit
PHOENIX—A $144,000 suit against the
Harry L. Nace Theatres, Inc., and several
motion picture distributors has been filed in
federal court here by Wayne Phelps, owner
of the Times Theatre in nearby Mesa.
The suit charges the defendants have violated
antitrust laws in "preventing the
plaintiff from showing first run films."
Phelps seeks triple damages, figuring actual
damages have been $48,300 during the last
16 months from loss of trade suffered through
an inability to secm-e first run films.
Named defendants besides Paramount
Nace, Inc., and Harry L. Nace were RKO,
Warner Bros. Distributing Corp., 20th Century-Fox,
Columbia, Universal, Loew's, Inc.,
United Artists, Republic and Eagle Lion.
Old Tokay Theatre Sold
SOUTH BEND, WASH.—The old Tokay
Theatre building here has been sold to Harley
Webber, who said he would completely
remodel and renovate the building to accommodate
a new city hall and a recreational
center to include a bowling alley and
swimming pool. The building was erected
about 1920 by the late George Reizner and,
since his death, has been operated by A. G.
Basil.
Buys Hanford Victory
HANFORD, CALIF.—Gordon L. Shirley
has purchased the Victoi-y Theatre here
from William Knabhan of Alameda and will
take over active management of the house.
Shirley formerly was employed for seven
years by Westside Theatre, Inc.
Install Video Equipment
SAN FRANCISCO—The Telenews Theatre
has installed television receiving equipment
in its new television lounge, said to
be the first completed theatrical video installation
in the Bay area.
Sell to Erwin Kanovitz
LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Union
Theatre has been sold to Erwin Kanovitz.
No information as to price was available.
56
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

. . Fred
. . Warner
. . "Red
. . Fay
. .
DENVER
"The Rocky Mountain Screen club will hold
a New Year's eve party at the newly
remodeled clubrooms. All members are invited,
and are asked to bring friends . . .
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Weiner, who recently
moved to California, were seriously injured
when they were struck by a car while they
waited in a safety zone in Los Angeles.
They spent four weeks in a hospital. Weiner
formerly was auditor for Fox Intermountain
in Denver.
A suit which involves the payment of
$18,591.41 was filed against the Motorena
Drive-In, Greeley, by a number of firms *hat
participated in the building. The suit asks
that the property be sold to satisfy the
claims . Lind, owner of theatres at
Rifle, was brought to Mercy hospital from
New Orleans, where he suffered a heart
attack while attending the Allied convention.
He will be taken to Rifle as soon as
his condition permits.
Mr. and Mrs. Glen Wittstruck of the Rio,
Meeker, will take an extended vacation as
soon as they decide where to go—Honolulu
or Nassau ... Ed Herschel, Metro auditor,
is at the local branch . Brown and
Mary Anderson are new clyerks at U-I .
Mel Snapp. head shipper at Paramount, is
daddy of a baby girl born at St. Luke's,
named Judith.
Christmas vacationers over the holiday
include Irene Gardner, cashier, and Norma
Tomlin, biller, to Kansas: Edna Vessa, clerk,
to Chicago: Pauline Hall, manager's secretary,
to Phoenix, and Jim Ricketts, booker,
to Des Moines . River" broke several
records in its rim at the Broadway.
Among them were that it ran longer first
run than any other film in Denver, and
it also played to more people first run than
any other film. It ran nine weeks.
.
Harry Thomas, producer, stopped a few
hours to confer with M. R. Austin, manager
for Eagle Lion . . . Sol Francis of the home
office and Lon T. Fidler, Monogram franchise
owner, went to Colorado Springs on
a sales trip Bros, exchange held
its Christmas party at the Yucca, Metro
at the Rocky Mountain Screen club: Western
Service & Supply at the Park Lane, and
Paramount at the "Branch-o."
Theatre folk on Filmrow: Neal Beezley,
Burlington: John Steele, Limon: Mrs. Fred
Lind, Rifle: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hall, Akron:
Frank Aydelotte, Fort Collins: Lloyd Greve,
Eagle: Leon Coulter, Loveland: C. E. Mc-
Laughlin, Las Animas: John Cabot. Frederick:
Elden Menagh, Fort Lupton: Glen
Wittstruck, Meeker: R. D. Ervin, Kremmling:
Dave Warnock, Johnstown: George Nescher,
Springfield: W. F. Davis, Idaho Springs:
Lynn Zorn, Julesburg: Herbert Gumper,
Ceter, and Sam Reed, Fairplay.

New Colorado ATO Five-Point Program
DENVER—A five-point program has
been set up for the newly organized Colorado
Ass'n of Theatre owners, which will
hold its first convention here February
1. 2. Ted Gamble, president of ATOA, and
R. J. O'Donnell. president of Variety Clubs
International, are among the speakers
slated. George Murphy, film star, will act
as master of ceremonies at the banquet
following the convention.
According to the incorporators the aims
of the group will be:
(11 To promote the general welfare of
all motion picture theatre owners and
operators in Colorado by providing a medium
thi-ough which their common problems
may be met and in which they may
unite for their common mutual benefit,
protection and improvement.
(2) To foster and cultivate the highest
possible standards in motion picture exhibition
and theatre mana'gement, in trade
relations and business conduct.
(31 To encourage among the members
closer acquaintance and a friendly spirit
of mutual cooperation.
(41 To initiate, institute, conduct, carry
on and promote or in any further manner
add to or assist in publicity campaigns for
the furtherance and betterment of the interests
of the members, and the promotion
of amicable relations between the members
and other groups, and the public at large.
(51 To examine, analyze, discuss and
disseminate information concerning the
general welfare and prosperity of theatre
owners and operators, and to improve by
all lawful and honorable means their status
and condition.
Testing Gadget Being
Extended to Video
HOLLYWOOD—Preferences and reactions
of television audiences were discussed by Jack
Sayers of Audience Research, Inc., at a meeting
of the Academy of Television Arts and
Sciences. Sayers reported on "pilot" studies
done by his organization in Los Angeles and
in the east, and also demonstrated how the
Hopkins "televote" machine, which measures
audience reactions to motion pictures, is being
adapted to video programs.
Reports that the newly organized Television
Film Producers Ass'n might merge
with other video groups were denied by Hal
Roach jr., president of the group, who characterized
the rumors as "well-intentioned
but erroneous." Roach emphasized that
TFPA plans to cooperate fully with other
organizations but added that in such a large
field there is room for a number of such
groups, "each with its separate goals and
functions."
'Bad Boy' Premieres
In 50 Variety Cities
HOLLYWOOD—Simultaneous world premieres
on February 22. Washington's birthday,
are being set up in 43 cities where Variety
Club tents are located for "Bad Boy,"
produced by Paul Short for Allied Artists,
under sponsorship of Variety Clubs International.
The openings will include Dallas, Los
Angeles, San Francisco and other key centers.
On the following day the vehicle, starring
Audie Murphy, Jane Wyatt and Lloya
Nolan, will open day-date in 500 situations.
With premiere admissions to range from
$1.50 to $10, local tents will participate in
the grosses on a sliding scale.
Meantime Short is setting up a special advance
screening on January 3 in Dallas for
For Quick Results in Sale of Your Theatre
PHONE

Over 650 Celebrate
6lh Allied Birthday
CHICAGO—The sixth anniversary of the
Allied Buying & Booking Organization of
Illinois was celebrated at a recent dinnerdance
held at Chicago's swank Chez Paree.
The occasion also honored Jack Kirsch,
leader and president of Allied, on his birthday.
Over 650 persons attended the affair,
including Mayor Kennelly, judges, civic leaders,
union officials, exhibitors and exchange
heads, columnists and the press.
Van A. Nomikos, circuit head, was toastmaster
and introduced the celebrities. Nomikos
said the Allied association was formed
to serve the interests of the many independent
theatre owners in and around Chicago
in the purchase of motion pictures and
to discuss many important matters in theatre
operation.
Kirsch said the annual gatherings were designed
to spread a feeling of friendship within
the framework of the local motion pictiu-e
industry and thanked everyone for being present
and joining in the spirit of the occasion.
The highlight of the occasion was the cutting
of a huge birthday cake by Mrs. Jack
Kirsch. Many radio, stage and night club
stars took part in the festivities which included
the Chez Paree revue, headed by Gracie
Barry and Harvey Thomas, with dancing to
music by Cee Davidson and his band.
Personalized Date Strips
Is Offered by Filmack
CHICAGO—Filmack Trailers has designed
a new series of personalized date strips and
presentation headers for theatre use. Harold
Perlman, Filmack Advertising head, says exhibitors
prefer to have the theatre name on
all date strips because it serves as an added
reminder.
Canton and Springfield
Theatre Improvements
CANTON, ILL.—A new marquee and porcelain
front will be installed on the Capitol
Theatre here by the C. Bendsen Co. of Decatur.
The Bendsen firm also is erecting a
new vertical on the Great States Orpheum
Theatre in Springfield, 111.
ATOI Directors Meet
INDIANAPOLIS—At a recent monthly
luncheon and business meeting, the board of
directors of Allied of Indiana voted unanimously
in favor of the Allied States twin
resolutions pertaining to the disciplining of
stars, as proposed by Joe Finneran and Syd
Samuelson.
$70,000 Damage to Bell
CHICAGO—Fire damage to the Bell Theatre
here has been estimated by Leon Kaplan,
part owner of the house, at $70,000, $35,-
000 each to the building and its contents.
Cause of the fire was undetermined.
Build Waukegon Airer
WAUKEGON, ILL.—Construction work is
under way on the Keno Family Drive-In,
being built here by C. J. Papas, S. J. Papas
and Andrew M. Spheeris of Kenosha. Tentative
opening date is set for next May.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 194«
ITOW Board Urges Rein
On Pictures for Video
MILWAUKEE—Directors of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Wisconsin, at a
meeting in its offices Jiere, unanimously
voted to submit to all motion picture producers
and distributors a request that film.s
should not be released for use in television
until they are at least five years old. If
pictures are being reissued, the directors urge
that a still longer period elapse before they
are made available for video.
Board members passed a resolution confirming
the stand of the national Allied organization
against forced percentage deals
on pictures. Local trace practices are to be
Hudson Circuit to Rebuild
Strand at Angola, Ind.
ANGOLA, IND.—Robert Hudson, head of
the Hudson circuit, Richmond, Ind., is planning
a $150,000 remodeling program at the
Strand here. The present building is of the
old opera house type.
Hudson plans to remove the entire interior
of the house, leaving only the four walls
standing. Plans are now being made and
work wiD begin as soon as possible. The entire
front of the building wiU be modernized.
New sound and projection equipment, seating
and air conditioning will be installed.
Eddie Kay Scores 'Tuna Clipper'
Producer Lindsley Parsons has set Eddie
Kay to score "Tuna Clipper" for Monogram.
NEW RKO DIVISION MANAGER—
Jerry Shinbach (right) talks things over
with Sol A. Schwartz, vice-president and
general manager of RKO, in their first
conference since Shinbach's recent appointment
a s RKO Theatres division
manager. The new division manager
succeeds Frank Smith, who was Chicago
representative for labor relations for
RKO. Shinback's headquarters will be
in Chicago and he will have charge of
the Palace and Grand in Chicago, Orpheum
in Kansas City, Virginia and Orpheum
in Champaign, Orpheum and Liberty
in New Orleans, Keith's and Regent
in Grand Rapids, Uptown in Detroit and
Brandeis in Omaha.
scrutinized more completely by members of
the ITOW board.
Cooperation in the observance of American
Brotherhood week, February 20-27, was
urged by the group.
Members of the board attending the meeting
included Mrs. Helen Hanke, Charles
Trampe and Edward Johnson, all of Milwaukee:
Ainold Brumm, North Milwaukee;
L. V. Bergtold, Westby; George Panka,
Prairie du Chien; F. J. McWilliams, Madison;
John Hanus, Antigo; Sigmund Goldberg,
Wausau; Floyd Albert, Mount Horeb; Russell
Leddy, Green Bay, and John P. Adler.
Show at St. Louis Adds
$1,000 to Heart Fund
ST. LOUIS—Tommy James, chief barker
of the Variety Club, gave a report at a luncheon
meeting Tuesday on the recent testimonial
dinner given for Bob O'Donnell, head
of Variety Clubs International, at the Baker
hotel in Dallas, which James attended along
with representatives of all the other 32 tents.
He reported also the Heart fund will net
$1,000 from the recent Variety-sponsored
Horace Heidt show staged at the Municipal
auditorium. The union sta'^ehands who
worked at that show had Jonated their
$108.96 in wages to the Heart fund.
Chief Barker James also read a letter he
received from L. L. Tate, director of health
and hygiene, and Martin Kouri, his assistant.
It follows;
"We want to take this opportunity before
the yuletide season to thank you, and aU the
officers and members of the Variety Club, for
the splendid contributions you have made
in helping to save the vision of our public
school children. You would be more than
gratified if you could witness the relief and
pleasm-e shown by these children when they
realize the ease with which they can carry
on their work by the aid of the glasses."
The Heart fund during the past year has
provided eye glasses free of cost to a number
of school children whose parents were unable
to buy these needed purchases.
A $3 contribution for the Heart fund was
made by Bob Edele. manager for Film Classics,
in memory of the late Johanna Kaufman,
aunt of Maury Davis, manager of the
Will Rogers Theatre, who died a few days
previously at the age of 76.
Barker James also appealed to exhibitors
who haven't already done so to show the
short subject. "Tobaccoland," handled
through National Screen. Those who exhibit
this picture receive a fee that goes into the
Heart fund.
Terre Haute Amusement
Buys Orpheum Theatre
TERRE HAUTE, IND.—Tlie Terre Haute
Amusement, Inc., has filed a warranty deed
for the purchase of the Orpheum Theatre
here from the Rose Foundation Corp. Revenue
stamps attached to the deed indicate the
purchase price was nearly $100,000.
59

. . Jack
. . Edward
. . The
. . . Eddie
. . . Marge
. . Jack
. . Don
. .
Gallant
MILWAUKEE
A I
. . Albert
.
Burns, who recently purchased the Pastime.
Horicon. was in town .
Mannheimer. New York, director of exchange
operations for Film Classics, huddled with
Matt Sullivan, local manager new
Film Classics exchange building is slated for
finishing touches by January 1 and moving
day from the old quarters is set.
Carl Doty, Wisconsin manager, finally located
a home. He will bring his family from
Chicago . Sullivan of the Carl Thelin
firm is now known as "Gramp" . . . Russell
Leddy. Orpheum, Green Bay, and Sig Goldberg,
Hollywood, Wausau, were wearing burly
storm coats when here recently . . . Roy
Johnson of National Screen was in a local
hospital for an operation and is on the mend.
Herb Greenblatt, Chicago, RKO district
manager, was in for conferences with Lou
Elman, Milw'aukee manager. The boys talked
with circuit heads about the 1949 Ned Depinet
drive product . . . Al Bondi of General Electric
Film department, en route from the
coast, was in for sessions with Winnie De-
Lorenzo of Independent exchange, GE film
representative . . . Al Sickles, Film Service
dispatcher, is back at his desk after a nineweek
stay at home due to illness . . . Jack
Frackman, Republic manager, and family
shoved off for Buffalo, N. Y., for the holidays.
This is the first vacation for the Republic
manager in 15 years.
Just about everybody in the industry
dropped in at the annual Christmas party
sponsored by Charley Trampe, Monogram
manager . . . Helen Harsh, RKO inspector,
walknig on one foot after dropping a film
is
Harry Riskin. 20th-Fox shipper, and
can . . .
family are spending the holidays in Los
The new dumb waiter at RKO,
Angeles . . .
built to increase film handling in the shipping
department, was finished in time for
extra duties at the Christmas party.
Twentieth-Fox held its annual Christmas
party at the exchange . White,
RKO cashier, provided cake for the visiting
exhibitors and office gang, while celebrating
his birthday . . . Sally RoUman, secretary
I ^easion'si Greetings! |
.......
I
Illusion?
I
The Miracle Picture! %,
"CITIZEN SAINT"
I
and %
"ROMAN VATICAN
CHOIRS"
I
Good Will and Good Box-office a
CLYDE ELLIOTT
ATTRACTIONS
% 230 East Ohio St. Chicago, 111, |
5 Phone Superior 7-1269 S
I
I
I
to John G. Kemptgen, MGM resident manager,
was another birthday celebrant . . . The
Warner exchange staff held its annual Christmas
party at the exchange . Deakin,
Dells, Wisconsin Dells, was in for heUos . . .
The U-I Christmas party was voted the best
in history. The entertainment committee arranged
talent acts that highlighted the event.
Things are pretty rough for Film Service
drivers who ply the highways delivering and
calling for film at the theatres. Recent rains
turning to sleet made skating rinks of the
roads and Walter Puddy, veteran Film Service
driver, was hauled out of ditches four
times while making the Marinette run.
Joe Imhof, Eagle Lion manager, and the
staff are all steamed up over the Jack
Schlaifer Testimonial drive. Exhibitors have
a chance to win a New York or Hollywood
trip by placing a number in the slotted film
can at the Eagle Lion office . . . The Eagle
Lion office is well decorated with drive material
and posters . . . Merchandising and
Supurdisplay held its annual Christmas party
Solomon, Chicago, 20th-Fox exploiteer,
was beating his drums around town
on new product . . . Elsie Seidl, Metro contract
clerk, will be married February 5.
Metro's Christinas party at Hotel Wisconsin
saw John G. Kemptgen, resident manager,
handling the Santa chores. There was dinner,
dancing, exchanging of humorous gifts and
plenty of cheer. Some of the gang demonstrated
solo dancmg prowess. Hildegarde
Albrecht furnished the records and record
player.
Carl TheUn in addition to doing several
outdoor Christmas display jobs for exhibitors,
distributed some very attractive calendars
Kennedy, formerly with National
Screen, writes she's spending her free time
in Texas, viewing all the new pictures . . .
Bob Gross, manager of the drive-in on the
Blue Mound road, was struck by a heart attack
while driving. Rushed to the hospital,
he recovered but again entered the hospital
for further treatment and checking.
Most of the film salesmen were off on vacation
trips over the holidays . . . Harry Olshan,
Columbia manager, and famUy departed for
a New Orleans and Florida vacation, returning
January 3 . . . S. Chapman, Columbia
salesman, also is spending the holidays in
Florida . . Betty Lipschutz joined the Co-
.
Umibia office staff as biller and telephone
operator Lenehan, Paramount
.
booker, and Office Manager Ken Siem were
in Chicago attending a district meeting .
James R. Grainger, Hollywood, executive vicepresident
for Republic, huddled with Jack
Frackman, local manager. Grainger returns
to the west coast shortly.
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Holiday Slump Fell
In Chicago Grosses
CHICAGO—Chicagoans were so busy buying
things to go into yule stockings, they had
little time to buy tickets to Loop theatres and
the pre-holiday slimip was on in a big way.
The only exception was the Oriental, which
had a nice week with "The Girl From Manhattan"
on screen and a stage show headed
by the King Cole Trio. "Hills of Home" had
a fair week at the United Artists and "Live
Today for Tomorrow" did average at the
RKO Palace. Other Loop houses, playing
holdovers, were way off, except the Rialto,
which had a banner week with a second
downtown rim of "Ravaged Earth." "Hamlet"
at the Apollo on a two-a-day reserved seat
policy had a very good third week.
(Average Is 100)
Apollo Hamlet (U-I), 3rd wk. reserved
seats -
Very good
Chicago An Innocent Aifair (UA), plus stage
show. 2nd vjV 95
Garrick—The Snake Pit (20th-Fox), 5th wk 95
Grand—Unknown Island (FC); Bodyguard (RKO),
2nd wk 90
Oriental—The Girl From Manhattan (UA), plus
stage
-Uve Today for Tomorrow (U-I)
Rialto—Ravaged Earth (Elliott), 2rjd d. t. run
Roosevelt—The Plunderers (Rep); Angel on th
Amazon (Rep). 2nd v.-k
State-Lake—Decision of Christopher Blake (WB)..
Studio—Lysistrata (Dist); Fric Frac (Oxford), 4t:
wk
Home (MGM) U: Artists-mils of
Woods—A Song Is Born (RKO), 8th wk
90
90
World Playhouse—The Lost One (Col), 5th wk lOb
Milwaukee Grosses Spotty;
"Venus' Is Tops With 115
MILWAUKEE — Last - minute
Christmas
shopping dented grosses at the first runs considerably.
It was evident that most patrons
had their minds on holiday subjects, and
attendance generally was spotty. "One Touch
of Venus," showing with "Kidnapped" at the
Warner, topped the newcomers.
Alhambra—Fighter Squadron (WB); Angel in Exile
(Rep), 3rd d t. wk 100
Palace—Johnny Apollo (20th-Fox); Show Them No
Mercy (20th-Fox) _ 95
Riverside—Rachel and the Stranger (RKO),- Winner.
Take All (Mono) 110
Strand—When My Baby Smiles at Me (20th-Fox),
3rd d. t. wk
; Blade (Col), 2nd wk 98
Towni^-So This Is New York (UA); Kings of the
Olympics (SR) 100
Wisconsin—Time of Your Life (UA); Take My Life
(EL) 95
Warner—One Touch of Venus (WB); Kidnapped
(Mono) _ 115
Big Range in Grosses
Reported in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS—Grosses at first run theatres
the past week ran all the way from poor
to fairly good with business falling off in the
neighborhood theatres as well as over the
state where grosses hit new lows in several
spots.
Circle For the Love of Mary (U-1); Moonrise
(Rep) 60
Indiana—Fighter Squadron (WB); Million Dollar
Weekend (EL) 103
Keith's—Road House (20th-Fox); Trouble Preferred
(20th-rox), 2nd d. wk
Loews—lulio
t,
Misbehaves (MGM); The Search
(MGM) , 8 days 130
Lyric—Drums (FC); Four Feothers (FC), reissues.. 90
Theatre Party Given for Kids
VIROQUA, WIS.—Children, 3 to 13, were
guests at a free theatre party at the Temple
Theatre here December 24 at 2 p. m. The
party was sponsored by B. C. Brown, veteran
theatre operator, and the Viroqua
Eagles. Treats were distributed to the kids
after the show.
60 BOXOFFICE :: December 25, 1948

. . Sympathy
. . Harry
. .
Sex Education Picture
Is Okayed in Madison
MADISON—A sex education film,
"Human
Growth," has been given almost unanimous
approval by more than 400 parents and teachers
here, with only nine parents objecting
that children see it, according to the public
school department of health education.
The film was loaned to local schools by the
state board of health, and was shown to parents
and teachers representing 12 elementary
and two high schools.
"While the movie demonstrates the fact
that children feel a little embarrassed, they
quickly recover because of the fine attitude
of the teacher shown in the film," the school
department reported.
A large majority of both parents and teachers
indicated they felt that the film was
best suited for the age group of 10 to 12
years. Nearly all parents said the film helped
them answer children's questions about sex,
and it was suggested that parents be given
an opportimity to .see the movie before their
children do, so that the children's discussion
of the picture at home will not catch them
unawares.
Medaryville Harper Open
MEDARYVILLE, IND.—The new Harper
Theatre was opened formally recently after
final approval of the structure by the state
engineering department.
Theatre Confections
all the Popular Brands
CANDY BARS — GUM
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Cazidy Lists
Chicago's
Request
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Filmrow
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Best Wishes
|
for a
Happy
and
Prosperous
New Year
I BRENTON CO. i
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8 6525 S. Harvard Ave. Chicago 21. HI. g
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CHICAGO
fl n elderly visitor popped into the B&K's ad
chief's office, but Bill Hollander couldn't
place him. Nate Piatt entered. He couldn't
identify the visitor and neither could Ed
Seguin. Finally, the visitor said, "I'm Paul
Ash." Twenty years have passed since Paul
was made the toast of the town by Hollander
and his gang ... J. Arthur Rank is negotiating
for property on the near north side, where
he plans to erect a theatre to feature his
own film^,
Dave Balaban, B&K executive, will go to
Miami with his family for the winter . . .
James R. Grainger, Republic executive,
stopped over en route to Los Angeles for
Christmas ... Dr. Herbert Kalmus, Hollywood,
head of Technicolor, was a visitor en
route to New York ... At an election of
officers of Chicago loge of the Colosseum of
Motion Picture Salesmen, Robert Funk, U-I,
was elected president; Jack Eckhardt, 20th-
Fox, treasurer, and Simon Lax, Columbia,
secretary.
Fete Jimmy Savage week was observed in
Chicago when Jimmy moved from B&K publicity
over to his new columning desk at the
Chicago Tribune. The ad lads and the front
office executives toasted Jimmy at the
Standard club luncheon. B&Kers, press and
Filmrow friends cocktailed with Jimmy at a
Shangri-La party. Christmas eve he was
toasted again at the B&K office party . . .
Ray Lumsden, Des Moines distributor, accompanied
by Dwain Esper, Hollywood producer,
were guests of Henri Elman at a
Variety Club luncheon. Esper's production,
"Freak," cm-rently showing at the RKO
Grand, is released by Henri Elman Enterprises
in this area.
Doug Fairbanks jr., just back from his trip
to Europe on behalf of CARE, paused here
to visit his mother, Mrs. Jack Whiting .
Att'y Miles Seeley, representing eight major
film companies, and Sam Block, representing
Paramount and Balaban & Katz Corp., were
in New York for a conference . . . "Fedora,"
starring Luisa Fedia, Italian star, entered a
second week at the Annex Theatre, doing
record business, reports owner Charles Lindau
. to Dan Pegan, State-Lake
Theatre electrician, whose wife Frances died
recently.
Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Burndahl announced the
engagement of their daughter Marilyn Joy
to Quentin Gustin. Burndahl is controller
for Balaban & Katz . Thomas, EL
executive, came in from New York for a confab
and left for Los Angeles ... A salute to
Morris Silver, talent agent, and Frank Smith,
RKO official, for their aid in promoting
shows for the veterans at both Hines and
Vaughan hospitals . . . Bill Galligan, manager
of the Esquire, is known for his sense of
humor. He recently featured Barbara Stanwyck's
"Sorry, Wrong Number," because Miss
Stanwyck long has been a favorite of his
patrons. For some reason the film failed to
draw and Galligan withdrew it after two
days. He then placed a sign in the lobby:
" 'Sorry, Wrong Number' no longer playing
here. Sorry, Wrong Picture!"
Lee Kokena, in charge of con'cessions for
RKO Theatres, came in from New York to
look over theatres in this area . . . The twin
bill, "Last Days of Pompeii" and "She," which
did record business at the RKO Grand in the
Loop, opened very strong at the Empress
Theatre on the far south side. The Empress,
a Chicago landmark, recently was remodeled
completely by operator Van A. Nomikos.
The yule party for youngsters held in the
Variety Club rooms was a gala affair. About
150 children, sons and daughters of Variety
Club members and their friends, arrived at
noon and enjoyed the festivities which included
refreshments, gifts, prizes and entertainment.
All of the children brought gifts
which were sent out to the invalid kiddies
at LaRabida Jackson Park sanitarium, the pet
charity of Variety Club of Illinois. Chuck
Moses of Goldblatt's department store sent
over Santa Claus and Sparkle, the reindeer,
to entertain the children. Jack Irving, head
of the Vaudeville Artists Ass'n, sent over
Frankie Little, midget, H. & I. Confection
Co., Manuel Smerling, Irving Davis and
Maurice Salkin gave generous gifts of bags
and boxes of candy which were distributed
to the children.
Department stores and camera shops report
record sales of projectors for showing of 8mm
and 16mm films for home use. Projectors
can be bought as low as $19.95, $2 down, $1
weekly payments. They also have a huge
choice of films such as cartoons, comedies,
adventures, pictorials, travels and sports
events priced at $2.75, or on a weekly rental
basis.
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ADoms 8107
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948 61

. . . George
. . Salesmen
. .
SPRINGFIELD
pmployes of the Fox Lincoln were guests of
the management at a Christmas dinner
party held at the Farm Monday (20) . . .
The Morrell Packing Co., Ottumwa, Iowa,
worked out a cooperative deal with John
Kerasotes at the Senate Theatre here on the
showing of the new Lassie pictm-e, "Hills of
Home." The company markets Red Heart
dog food and sponsors Lassie's NBC radio
show. The tieup included a lobby display,
grocery store displays, free pictures of Lassie,
identification tags free to cliildren at Saturday
matinee, a free case of dog food to every
person adopting a dog from the local humane
society shelter, display ads in local papers
and radio announcements.
To point out the authentic story of "Canon
City," Howard Yomig, manager of the Capitol,
Canton, offered free admission to everyone
bringing in the issue of the local paper
that carried the story of the actual prison
break last December. This caused a rush
at the "back issue counter" of the Canton
Daily Ledger, but it was to no avail as the
newspaper charges 50 cents for back issues
and the admission to the theatre is 48 cents.
The Springfield Theatre Ass'n is sponsoring
its annual Ten Best Films contest with
GEB^^AR
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13138 Olive NE. 7644
ST. LOUIS 3, MO.
season passes for the best local guesses. This
is an annual event conducted in cooperation
with the Illinois State Journal-Register with
additional coupons distributed in the theatre
lobbies.
Harry Hershey, Taylorville, attorney for and
associate of the Frisina Amusement Co., was
the downstate campaign manager for the
newly elected governor of Illinois Adlai
Stevenson. It is reported that he may be the
new attorney general for the state of Illinois
. . . Tlie traveling display of studio costumes
from "The Three Musketeers" will be
on exhibit in Peoria and Springfield late in
December in cooperation with the showing of
the MGM special in these cities.
Visitors to Springfield recently included
Dave Ross of Eagle Lion, Chicago; Sam StoU
of Paramount, Chicago, and Herman Gorelich
of Screen Guild, St. Louis . . . John
Balban and Dave Wallerstein, Chicago B&K
heads, were in Springfield recently on an
inspection trip. They were met at the Orpheum
Theatre by Izzy Wienshienk, district
manager for southern Illinois.
ST.
LOUIS
Johanna Kaufman, aunt of Maury Davis,
' manager of the Will Rogers Theatre, died
recently at the age of 76 . . . Robert Good,
former Benton, 111., restaurant owner, has
succeeded Harry CruU as eastern Missouri
salesman for National Screen. CruU will
enter theatre business in the east. Good is a
brother-in-law of H. M. "Gilley" Buniet*,
city manager in Mount Vernon, 111., for Fox
Midwest.
The young son of Hugh Houston, Melba
Theatre, Houston, Mo., is recovering from
measles . . Thi-ee south St. Louis youths
have
.
been arrested for entering the new
Shenandoah Theatre the night of December
12 and carrying off 128 candy bars and
$1.04 in change. They said they were strolling
by the theatre about 12:30 a. m. when a
woman outside the theatre door told them
her young son was locked inside. They decided
to help and told the boy how to open
a side door, which lie did. Later, after the
ycutlis went home, they returned to the theatre
"because the temptation of that open
door proved too much." They were nabbed
a short distance from the theatre by patrolman
Stanley Cunningham who investigated
the contents of a quilt in which they were
carrying the candy bars.
Military Funeral Held
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. — Miltary funeral
services were held recently for flight officer
James B. Crawley, former manager for Kerasotes
theatres in Chillicothe, 111. He was
killed while flying paratroops over Holland
Sept. 20, 1944.
/ una
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IDDTIOII PICTURE SERVICE C".
125 HYDE ST. * S

Theatre Licensing
Repeal Is Upheld
TOPEKA—That the city of Topeka acted
within its legal right in repealing an ordinance
licensing theatres, and that Topeka's
theatres, therefore, are within their legal
rights in
•
denying admittance to Negroes,
were rulings of the Kansas supreme court.
In a decision written by Justice Parker, the
court unanimously affirmed action of Judge
Magaw of the Shawnee county district court
in sustaining a demurrer to a petition by
Arthur Lee and Ava Louise Stovall seeking
to force admittance of Negroes to local motion
picture theatres.
Under a Kansas law, any city which provides
a licensing system for theatres is barred
from restricting admittance of patrons because
of race, color or creed.
The city of Topeka repealed its theatre
licensing ordinance several years ago. Recently
the Stovalls were denied admittance
to a theatre. In the absence of a licensing
system, the supreme court decision declared,
the theatre in question was within its rights
in refusing admittance to the couple.
Abolition of the ordinance by the city of
Topeka gives theatres there, and in view of
the supreme court decision those in other
cities similarly situated, the right to define
their own rules and pohcies regarding admittance
of patrons.
Another Obstacle Faces
Betty Secrest License
MINNEAPOLIS—Another obstacle has
been placed in the path of Mrs. Betty Secrest,
former exhibitor, who has been trying for
more than a half-year to obtain a license.
This time the council roads and bridges
committee voted to recommend the Secrest
license, but conditioned its issuance on the
question of whether the proposed site would
create a traffic hazard in connection with
the route of a new highway to be built in
the vicinity. This has the effect of holding
up the license for another minimum of 90
days.
The alderman agreed that after the highway
route is decided upon Mrs. Secrest is
to have first preference for a theatre license,
with the showhouse location, however,
to be subject to approval of traffic
engineers, the city planning commission and
other regulations.
S. D. Kane, North Central Allied executive
director, appeared before the council
committee to oppose the Secrest license.
Allied is fighting all new theatre construction
here.
Plan 6-Week Season
MINNEAPOLIS — A six-week dramatic
stock season has been underwritten by civicminded
Minneapolitans and will start January
10 with "The Front Page," offered by
a cast including many local newspaper people
and the Hennepin county sheriff playing
their prototypes in the comedy drama. The
venture has been promoted by Don Stoltz
who operates the Old Log. strawhatter where
"The Front Page" was presented similarly
last summer to great success. Plays will be
presented at the Lyceum, legitimate roadshow
theatre, but not on consecutive weeks. Stoltz
plans an equity company and guest stars.
Fightin' Mayor and Circuit Schedule
Peace Parley in
MINNEAPOLIS—Minnesota Amusement
Co. officials will meet with Mayor G. A.
Gilbert of Watertown, S. D., and town
council members in an effort to end the
feud that has caused the council, ostensibly
at the mayor's instigation, to refuse to
renew the circuit's licenses for the Lyric
and Plaza theatres.
The feud is due to the circuit's refusal
to reopen the Metropolitan Theatre at
the mayor's request. Circuit officials contend
the house is too dilapidated and the
location is poor. They are remodeUng the
Colonial, which will be called the Plaza,
and they do not believe the town could
support three theatres. The Lyric is the
only theatre novv in operation.
Before the meeting. Mayor GUbert declared
that he still would insist on the
reopening of the Metropolitan. The MAC
now controls the town, but the mayor
threatened that if the circuit fails to act.
Bill Elson Will Be Guest
At Variety Club Dinner
MINNEAPOLIS—Northwest Variety Club
will give a party next month for Bill Elson,
retiring chief barker. Elson, who has held
the post three nonconsecutive terms, also is
retiring as a director so that both Harold
Kaplan and Sol Torodor, who were tied in
the voting on new directors, may both become
board members. At its next dinner the
club will show pictures of last season's Minnesota
football games.
New Arc Lamps at Tama
TAMA, IOWA—New arc lamps have been
installed in the projectors at the Mills Theatre
here.
Feud Over Theatre
he will reopen and operate the Metropolitan.
•With only one theatre in operation during
recent months, city officials have
charged that the MAC is depriving the
town of "adequate motion picture entertainment."
They accuse circuit officials of
"stalling" in getting the Colonial remodeled
and opened. On their part, circuit
officials explain the delay has been caused
by difficulties in obtaining building materials.
The Watertown Public Opinion, daily
newspaper, has come to the Minnesota
Amusement Co.'s defense and lambasted
the city officials for what it calls "a badly
timed move that has put the city on a spot
from which it will have to retreat in disorder."
It points out that the license refusal
action was taken at a star chamber
council session and accuses the aldermen
of acting under the mayor's orders.
W. R. Frank to Minneapolis
To Sell 19-Theatre Chain
MINNEAPOLIS—W. R. Frank has returned
here from Hollywood to sell the 19-theatre
circuit, the territoi-y's largest independent
chain, which he heads. Nine of the theatres
are in the Twin cities.
Frank says he already has a $3,400,000 offer
among several dozen others, and is hopeful
a deal will be closed before the first of
the new year. While he'll devote himself
largely to film production at Hollywood after
the sale of his circuit, Prank said he still
would retain his holdings in several drive-ins
in the territory and probably will build more
such theatres.
Frank's "The Great Dan Patch" is now in
production in Hollywood. It will be released
through United Artists.
NEW REFRESHMENT SERVICE LAUNCHED—Publicized by special newspaper
advertising which referred to the event as a "world premiere," a new refreshment
counter was opened December 15 at the Paramount Theatre, Kansas City, Mo. Shown
left to right, in the accompanying picture taken during the "premiere" are M. D.
"Babe" Cohn, Paramount Theatre manager; Ben Rittmaster, Manncraft Display Co.;
James B. Killian jr., sales engineer. National Theatre Supply Co.: Ray Green, office
manager. National Theatre Supply Co.; D. L. "Doc" Hartley, motion picture editor,
Kansas City Star, and Tommy Gialde and C. W. Moore, Commercial Candy Co.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 194« MW 63

. . . Morris
. . . LawTence
. . Missouri
. .
KANSAS
rom Edwards and Frank L. Plumlee, partners
in the Edwards & Plumlee circuit,
. . . Dick
Farmlngton. Mo., were visitors on Filmrow
Schweitzer, formerly Paramount
Pictures branch manager in St. Louis, visited
friends and acquaintances here
Orear, Commonwealth Theatres purchasing
agent, and Mrs. Orear were at the Mayo
clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Mrs. R. K. Biechele, wife of the Kansas
City, Kas., theatre operator and KMTA legislative
chairman, was convalescing after a
recent illness . . . Maurene Kupperman. formerly
at the local U-I exchange, joined the
Film Classics office staff . . . Mrs. J. R.
Stowers, a member of the Kansas State
Board of Review, had recovered from influenza
at her home in Kansas City, Kas.
Cooperating in the local campaign to reduce
traffic fatalities, the Dui-wood-operated
Roxy Theatre was showing the MGM short,
"Drunk Driving," following a special screening
for police and safety council officials
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. I. KIMBRIEL. Manager
Phone GRand 2864
^ 115 W. 18lh Kansas City 8, Mo. ^
PDCIIT MfCPTCDM
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
We Cover the U. S. Market
A diiierent service ot long
experience and reputation
ARTHUR LEAK THEATRE SALES
CITY
Lehman, Orpheum Theatre
manager, was host to staff members at a
Christmas party following the final show at
the house last Thursday night i23i.
Larry Biechele, booker at Film Classics for
nearly two years, will shift to selling in eastern
Kansas and western Missouri territory
Don "Hi Pi" Davis, RCA-
after January 1 . . .
Victor district manager, was expected back
from Denver and other Colorado points . . .
Arthur de Stefano, National Theatre Supply
Co. branch manager, was host to his staff
at a Christmas party last Thursday (23i.
Eighty-five applicants for the position of
municipal film censor to succeed Mrs. Eleanore
C. Walton, who will retire February 1,
will take an examination for the post next
Thursday at the city hall . . The Gauntier
.
and Home theatres, Kansas City, Kas., entertained
kiddies at free Christmas shows
Friday (24), with a neighborhood bank acting
as the host for the two fetes.
The theatre being erected by Russell Harris
at Hugoton, Kas., has been named the
Rusada, the coined word being a combination
of letters from the first names of the
operator and his wife ... A new canopy
and heating system have been installed at
the New Baxter, Baxter Springs, Kas. .
The new Iris Theatre being- built by Albert
Orear at Bonner Springs, Kas., is nearing
completion.
Among Kansas operators seen on Filmrow
were Kenneth E3iret, Star, Clay Center; R. R.
Winship. Majestic, Phillipsburg; G. R.
Crocker, Rialto, Lyndon: Lynne E. Alexander,
Garanson, Wamego, and Ray Miner, Miner,
Moran . theatremen glimpsed
included Fred Wilcox, Cozy, Lockwood;
Frank Weary, Farris, Richmond; John Courter,
Courter, Gallatin, and Francis E. Meyers,
Civic,
Brookfield.
.?»• 2/tuiA SeAMice Situx fS99
STEBBINS THEATRE
Equipment Co.
V>^ > ^
KMTA Board Session
Set for January 18
KANSAS CITY—The initial 1949 meeting
of the Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n board
of directors is being planned for January 18
at the Phillips hotel here, conforming with
a motion changing its monthly session from
the third Thursday to the third Tuesday
adopted by its members during its final 1948
gathering December 16.
Since the motion changing the date of the
monthly board meeting specified that the
change is to be temporary, the sessions will
be held according to the new schedule only
for two or three months, Elmer Bills. KMTA
president, said after the December 16 session.
Subjects to be introduced for discussion
during the January 18 meeting are expected
to include additional appointments to the
legislative committee recently established by
the KMTA, a proposal to replace the annual
fall convention of the organization with semiannual
gatherings of its membership, and
plans for intensive efforts to foster more
effective public relations for the motion picture
industry.
Various district members of the new legislative
committee, of which R. R. Biechele
is chairman, are expected to be special guests
at the January 18 meeting. Homer F. Strowig,
Abilene, is co-chairman for Kansas, and C. E.
"Doc" Cook, Maryville, is co-chairman for
Missouri.
Among legislative committee members from
Kansas districts present at the December 16
session were Ed Dorrell, Emporia, foiu-th, and
Huston Sterrett, Kinsley, fifth. Members from
Missouri districts in attendance were Dick
Brous, Kansas City, fifth, and Charles Borg,
Osceola, sixth.
Members of the new KMTA grievance committee
at the December 16 meeting were H,
B. Doering, Garnett, and Marcus Landau,
Horton, Kas.
C. A. Morris Is Manager
MORGAN, MINN.—C. A. Morris is manager
of the new Morgan Theatre here, a fire
proof, 360-seat situation. Equipment for the
new house includes Century projectors. Voice
of the Theatre sound, radiant heat and coil
type air conditioning.
Esther Howard in
'Hellfire'
Esther Howard has been assigned a comedy
part in the Republic picture, "Hellfire."
iii^'
CARPETS
ENTRANCE MATS
Alexander Smith-
U. S. Royalite
Colors - Lettering - Designs
Crestwood
Shad-O-Rug
Masland Wilton -
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• » * a ^^ * • • » «
t % • * * ^ » » ».»
k « « » * ^'
R. D. MANN CARPET CO
928-930-932 Central Victor 1171 Kansas City, Mo.
Hood Asphalt Tile
American Rubber Tile
Linoleum
64 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

. . . There
. . . Lionel
. . Manager
. . Morris
. .
. .
. . . H.
'Pompeii' Duo Resists
Seasonal Doldrums
DES MOINES—With the exception of the
Orpheum, which had two reissues on a split
run, theatre business here continued below
normal- last week. The attendance slump
has been pretty general during the entire
month. There has been a variety of weather,
from unseasonally warm to bitter cold and
from rain to snow, but none of which appeared
to have any effect one way or another
on theatre business. Retail stores, on
the other hand, were crowded and seemed to
be enjoying a brisk trade.
The pictures at the Orpheum which proved
the exception to the rule were the "Last
days of Pompeii and "She."
(Average Is 100)
Des Moines—Hills of Home (MGM)
Orpheum—Last Days oi Pompeii (RKO); She
80
(RKO), reissues - 160
Paramouril Rose oi Washington Square (20th-
Fox); Privates Buck (U-I), reissues 90
Strand—Cry ol the City (20th-Fox) 85
"Road House' Touches 100
For Minneapolis Lead
MINNEAPOLIS—Business the past week
was in the usual pre-Christmas slough of
despond. The only major newcomers were
"An Innocent Affair," "Raw Deal" and
"Smart Girls Don't Talk." and all suffered
from the seasonal slump. Holdovers were
"When My Baby Smiles at Me" and "Road
House" in their fourth and third weeks, respectively,
and "Rogues' Regiment" and
"Elysia" in their second.
Aster—The Goy Intruders (20th-Fox); Whispering
City (EL)
- - 90
Century—Smart Girls Don't Talk (WB) 80
Gopher—Flirting With Fate (MGM), Great Guns
(20th-Fox), reissues 90
Lyric—Road House (20th-Fox), 3rd d. t. wk 100
Pix—When My Baby Smiles at Me (20th-Fox),
4th d t. wk 100
Radio City—An Innocent Affair (UA) 90
RKO Orpheum—Angels With Dirty Faces (WB);
They Drive by Night (WB), reissues 90
RKO Pan—Rogues' Regiment (U-1), 2nd d. t. wk 95
Stale—Raw Deal (EL) 90
World—Elysia (SR), Znd wk 90
Grosses Near Average
In Omaha Film Parade
OMAHA—Local grosses couldn't get over
the average mark as Christmas attractions
and a couple of days of unfavorable weather
held the boxoffice take down.
Omaha—So EvU. My Love (Para)
Orpheum—Road House (20lh-Fox); Music Man
90
(Mono) 100
Paramount—Julia Misbehaves (MGM) 85
RKO Brandeis—The Return of October (Col);
Leather Gloves (Col) 90
Stale— Let's Live a Little (EL): Million Dollar
Weekend (EL) 100
Town—Sinister Journey (UA); Her Husband's Affairs
(Col); Killer at Large (EL); split with The
Black Arrow (Col); Montana Mike (Mono) 100
OMAHA
pilm salesmen thankfully pulled in for the
holidays after one of their worst stretches
on the road. Ice made travel a constant
worry. Murray Greenbaum wrecked his auto
near Brainard, Neb., and suffered a slight
knee injury . . . Leon Mendelson and William
Wink, Warner salesmen, are on vacation.
Leon's daughter. Elaine, will be home from
the University of Missouri for the holidays
. . . Carl Johnson, Red Oak, Iowa, exhibitor,
went to Rochester for a routine checkup .
A. Myric, president of the Iowa-Nebraska
Independent Theatre Owners, took his wife
to the same spot.
Rolland Swanson, Columbus, Neb., is the
new assistant U-I booker. He succeeds William
Laird who became a salesman recently
. . . Bill Miskell, Tri-States district manager,
went to Des Moines at midweek for a sales
meeting . Larry Caplane of the
RKO Brandeis passed out bonuses of one
week's salary to all members of the staff
who had been on the job at least six months.
The same evening the staff gathered for a
party at the theatre.
Omaha and Orpheum employes held their
Christmas party at the Orpheum, Paramount
employes at the Paramount . Smead,
Council Bluffs exhibitor, left on his annual
extended winter trip to California, which will
include as always seeing the Rose Bowl game
were two .surprises at the 20th-Fox
Christmas party. The appearance of salesman
Hymie Novitsky who recently underwent
an operation and that of Harold Beecroft,
assistant to the division manager,
Elmer Svendsen, Alta, Iowa, exhibitor, also
drives a consolidated school bus . . . Mary
Pahls, Eagle Lion secretary, is spending
Christmas with her parents in Kansas .
RKO held its Christmas party at the office
. . . J. S. Sanders, owner of the F>rincess,
Sanborn, Iowa, is down with the flu.
Joe Jacobs, Columbia manager who collects
neckties, now is getting a kick out of wearing
a special tie with the Columbia emblem
Grosses Drop Belo'w Par
on it . . . Walter Hoffman, 20th-Fox exploiteer
from Minneapolis, was in the city
At Kansas City Houses
KANSAS CITY—Grosses at the local first
Wasson, former manager of the
run houses continued to spiral downward as Paramount Theatre, is back in the city . . .
Christmas shopping reached its climax. All Silent films of the 1920s again are being
de luxe theatres reported trade under par. shown at Joslyn Memorial . . . Stan Blackburn,
Two reissues dualed at the Midland. "San
Paramount Theatre manager, has put
Francisco" and "A Night at the Opera," registered
the highest total for the week.
Midland—San Francisco at the
Opera (MGM), reissues
- 90
Orpheum—Angels With Dirty Faces (WB); They
Esquire—How Green Was My Valley (20th-Fox),
reissue; Arthur Takes Over (20th-Fox) 55
(MGM); A Night
PURE VEGETABLE OIL
POPCORN SEASONING
Drive by Night (WB), reissues 70
Paramount—The Decision of Christopher Blake
(WB), 9 days 50
Disaster Roxy—Isn't It Romantic? (Para); (Para) 55
Tower, Uptown, Fairway—Kiss the Blood Off
My Hands (U-1) 60
out a local call for a cigar .store Indian for
exploitation purposes,
Ed Gannon closed his old theatre at
Schuyler with the opening of the new Sky
S. Spindler of Crawford, Neb., has
purchased the theatre at Culbertson . . . Given
the assurance by the local musicians that
there will be no more trouble, Tri-States
Theatres has gone ahead and booked three
stage shows for 1949.
Visitors along Filmrow: Don Campbell,
Central City; Carl Johnson, Red Oak, Iowa;
Ben Jureck, Cedar Rapids, Neb,; Wesley
Mansfield, Ida Grove. Iowa; Edward Kugel,
Holstein; F. W. Nalteus, Holstein, Iowa; Otto
Schneider, Osceola; Raymond Brown, Harlan,
Iowa; Frank Cook, David City; John
Fisher, Valley; H. O. Qualsett, Tekameh; D,
H. Heyne, Hooper; Mort Ives, Shelby, Iowa;
Frank Good, Red Oak, Iowa; George Baughman,
Cambridge; Eugene Bohnker, Charter
Oak. Iowa; Walter Jancke, Lincoln; Wally
Johnson, Friend.
HYBRID POPCORN
Best Quality
Seazo Cocoanut Oil Seasoning
Popcorn Boxes, lOc Size
Plain and PrintetJ Popcorn Bags
V4 Lb. and 1 Lb. Sizes
m^^a i^ THEATRE SUPPLY
51 r^i/if • COMPANY •
217 W. 18th iA. 7849 K. C. Mo,
FLAV-0-NUT
with Rich Yellow Coloring
The same popcorn seasoning that won such wide acclaim
during the war -years.
SPECIAL ON POPCORN BOXES
95 L?uiaf"- Regular $715
6^ 10c Sellei 7'
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Modified «p
Per 1000
HYBRID POPCORN
Top Quality Indiana-Grown
Absolutely highest grade "POPSCO" Purdue Brand.
Amazing expansion. Tender, tasty, flaky.
All Prices FOB Kansas City and subject to change.
RUBE nUDL MELCHER
JYlLLlinLn POPPERS SUPPLY CO.
114 W. 18th STREET KANSAS CITY 8, MO.
BOXOFFICE
:
December 25, 1948
65

. . Jerry
. . The
. .
21 1 that
18 1 and
DES MOINES
M'ews from former Filmrowers arrives each
Christmas season and this year is no exception.
Donnie Snow, former Warner
stenographer, addressed her Christmas card
from Cherry Point. N. C. where she now
lives. She wrote she would travel to Norfolk,
Va.. for the holidays to be with Pat Manchester,
former Monogram and Warner employe,
whose husband is stationed there.
Maxine Shepherd, also a former Warner
employe, writes that she is the mother of
two children . . . Gail Carris Hancock, former
Warner biller, sent greetings from herself,
her husband and their two children Dana
and Danny. The Hancocks now live in Missouri.
.
. . . Ludy Bosten of the
. . . The
R. L. Long, Warner traveling auditor, left
here in time to get home to Virginia for
Christmas . Russell, Columbia manager's
secretary, drove with her parents to
Hiawatha, Kas.. for Christmas day
Esther Needham and her husband spent the
holidays in Oilman where Esther anticipated
a joyous time with her mother and five
sisters, all together for the first time in a
number of years
Uptown and Palace theatres in Muscatine,
had his annual illuminated Christmas display
at his home. It attracts visitors from
miles around.
RKO held its Christmas party in the office
where a buffet supper was served
girls at MGM held their annual Christmas
dinner and gift exchange at the Chesterfield
club. The party for the entire office force
was set for December 29 at Club 100 .. .
Clara Epping, MGM contract clerk, spent
Christmas in Oscaloosa . girls at Republic
had dinner together recently at
Tony's. Included in the affair were two former
employes, Betty Cheetham and Nora
Johnson.
Xmas Carols at Theatre
LOGAN, IOWA—Christmas carols are being
heard daily from the Logan Theatre
here. An amplifier has been set up in the
theatre lobby and phonograph records played
over it.
'LEAK THiATRE SALES
A New Proven Method Baaed on
Reputation and Experience. We ^^>.
* cover the U. S. Market Privately.

Labor Delegates Ask
Repeal of Tax Law
HARRISBURG— Six hundred delegates to
the Penhsylvania Federation of Labor conference
voted almost unanimously for repeal
of the 1947 local "tax anything" law. The
much abused law permits municipalities and
school boards to tax anything not taxed by
the state of Pennsylvania.
A state tax on fuel oil and natural gas was
proposed by the United Mine Workers as a
substitute for the "tax anything" law.
Opponents of daylight saving time in
Pennsylvania will fight a determined battle
in the 1949 general assembly to wipe out fast
time.
New Castle, Pa., has joined 78 towns levying
a wage tax. To offset the proposed tax of 1
per cent on income at Altoona, Pa., Logan
township, Martinsburg. Bellwood, Antis
township and other political subdivisions near
Altoona, will enact their own wage tax. Export,
Pa., on January 10 will determine
whether a wage and salary tax will be enacted.
Butler, Pa., operating with a special
license tax, now is faced with a business
privilege tax.
More than 100 political subdivisions have
enacted local admission taxes.
Governor Duff is opposed to a state sales
tax. He has proposed another 2 cents a gallon
tax on gasoline which would bring the
state tax on it to 6 cents a gallon.
The general assembly convenes here within
two weeks, and from all indications the 1949
session will be one of the most bitter and
hard-fought in the history of the commonwealth.
Mark Goldman Appointed
As Monogram Salesman
CLEVELAND—Nate Schultz, Monogram
franchise owner for northern Ohio, has
named Mark Goldman as salesman to handle
circuits. Prior to joining Monogram, Goldman
was local Eagle Lion manager.
Appointment of Goldman to the newly
created post is another milestone in Schultz's
expansion program. Starting out about 25
years ago as a shipper for Harry Lande's independent
exchange, he advanced to where
he finally operated his own exchange. He
gradually absorbed practically all of the
other small independent exchanges here and
wound up as owner of the Monogram franchise.
In addition to his exchange operations,
Schultz is head of a circuit of seven theatres
in Cleveland, Lorain, Lima and Marion. Goldman
will relieve him of much of the sales
burden which, until now, he has carried with
the help of only one salesman.
Exhibitors Hold Keys in New EL Drive
EL PRESENTS KEY—.Maurice White of the White-Libson circuit in Cincinnati,
fourth from left, is shown above receiving a key from Manager Harris Dudelson of
EL to open the container holding the number wliich will entitle some exhibitor to
a two-week trip to the west coast, all expenses paid, as part of the current Jack
Schlaifer testimonial drive. Others pictured, left to right: Jack Desmond, office manager;
Ralph Morley, salesman; Marty Warshauer, salesman; Maurice White; Dave
Litto, salesman; Sterling Wilson, salesman; Dick Breslin, booker, and Harris Dudelson.
Eagle Lion film exchanges in Cleveland
and Cincinnati recently opened the Jack
Schlaifer Sales drive in their respective territories
by urging exhibitors to participate
in the drive, purported to be the first such
occasion in which the exhibitor is invited to
share the prizes.
In both cities the EL exchanges formally
presented keys to exhibitor representatives for
Cc(i«af'3»l« Waaaaer
Jack Essick of Essick & Reif circuit is
shown here receiving the key to the
Jack Schlaifer film case from Robert
Richardson, Cleveland EL manager.
a large, locked film case in which numbered
coupons are placed. Cleveland Manager Robert
Richardson, on presenting the key to the
case in that exchange to Jack Essick of the
Essick & Reif circuit, explained that in each
film case sent out of an EL exchange a
numbered coupon would be placed.
Stubs with corresponding numbers go into
the film cases in the exchanges. Then on
June 3, in the presence of three exhibitors
and the usual company officials, the winning
numbers of each of the 31 EL exchanges will
be tossed into a hopper in the home office
from which the grand prize will be drawn.
Richardson urged exhibitors to keep the
coupons from the film cases sent to them
and, in a letter to exhibitors in his territory,
explained that every exhibitor had an
equal opportunity to win the grand prize,
a two-week all expenses paid vacation trip
for two to either New York or Hollywood as
guests of Eagle Lion.
In the letter Richardson pointed out that
inasmuch as a numbered coupon was sent out
with each shipment, it was obvious that the
exhibitor with the most numbers had the
best chance of winning the grand prize.
Mrs. Mary Laskey Buried;
Wife of Pa. Exhibitor
CLARKSBURG, W. VA.—Mis. Mary Kaites
Laskey, 28. wife of George Laskey, Uniontown,
Pa., exhibitor, died recently following
a short illness. She was a sister-in-law of
Ted and John Laskey, indoor and outdoor
theatre owners of the Uniontown-BrownsvDle
area. Surviving in addition to her husband
George, as her parents, brothers Jolm and
Peter and sister Jean of Clarksburg. Mrs.
Laskey was a member of the Greek Orthodox
church where services were held Sunday (19).
To Design New Playhouse
PITTSBURGH—Jo Mielziner, theatre designer,
has been contracted to contribute
plans for the new million dollar theatre
which the Playhouse will build in the Oakland
district. Chairman of the architect's
committee of the American National Theatre
& Academy. Mielziner will collaborate with
Charles N. and Edward Stotz, architect and
engineer. He will assist in the design of interior
plans, decorations, color schemes, etc.
Marty Shearn New Pilot
Of Warner Fairmount
FAIRMONT, W. VA.—Marty Shearn has
replaced Arthur Pearce as manager of Warner's
Fairmont. Pearce is taking a leave of
absence because of ill health and probably
will be with the New York circuit office on
his return. Shearn has been with the circuit
for 19 years, the last ten at Tarenton, Pa.
Formerly he managed one of the Warner
houses in East Liberty.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1946 ME 67

. . . John
. . . Max
. . Floyd
. . Edward
. . Dewitt,
. . Mel
. . Mrs.
. . Jack
. . Henry
. . Floyd
. .
. .
. .
...j'
DETROIT
prank Jones of RKO has moved out on
Faust road . . . Eddie Potash, formerly with
U-I here as booker, has moved to Washington
. . . Bennett & Straight, theatrical architects,
are in their new quarters at 15624
Michigan Ave. . . . L. J. Boulet of RCA is
.
busy making nightly rounds of different
booths around town . . Casper J. Bondy.
army projectionist, was due home for the
Christmas holidays, and was to be married.
Ed Long- of Long 'Sign Co. left for a quick
'
trip to California to join his wife, who will
return with him after a. vacation . . . Sol
Krim is starting general remodeling at the
newly acquired Belmont and will change the
DELUXE
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
* BRENKERT PROJECTORS
* RCA SOUND SYSTEMS
*RCA RECTIFIERS
* RCA SOUND SCREENS
* BRENKERT LAMPS
INTERNATIONAL CHAIRS
MOHAWK CARPET
HORSTMAN MARQUEES
*ADLER LETTERS
CENTRY GENERATORS
KOLDRINK BARS
STAR POPCORN MACHINES
NEUMADE PRODUCTS
COINOMETER CHANGERS
STAGE EQUIPMENT
DRIVE-IN THEATRES OUR
SPECIALTY
ERNIE FORBES
THEATRE SUPPLY
Film Bldg., Detroit 1, Mich.
Days
WO 1-1122
WO 1-1123
Nights
WE 4-9080
name, probably to the Guild . William
Crowley, who has been on the sick list for
several months, is improving . Zapp
is chairman of arrangements for the big Variety
New Year's eve affair . . . Charles
Shafer. general manager of the Shafer Theatre
Co., operating the Wayne and Garden
City houses, has been elected president of
the Wayne Board of Commerce.
C. J. Feldman, U-I western sales manager,
was rumored due here for a visit . . . Bill
Thulin. in charge of the print department
at Jam Handy, is the father of a new son
Robert . Salzberg, Cincinnati chief
for Dezel Pi'oductions, was here for a sales
conference at the home office . . . Norman
Neal, manager of the Victory, is staging a
special Saturday children's show.
Franklin Woodling, son of Earl Woodling,
who was back for a visit recently, is the new
operator at the Victoi-y, replacing Edward
Nielson, who moved to Chicago . . Eddie
.
Albert was here for a conference with Jam
Handy and Marshall Templeton . . . Al Boudoris
has closed the Detroit office of the
Theatre Equipment Co. of Toledo, formerly
in the Charlevoix building . Goldhar
and Ben Zimmer, formerly with UA, were
hosts at a big party for west side youngsters
that took over both the Royal and Varsity.
Frank J. Downey, MGM manager, headed
for Pittsburgh for a sales meeting . . . Jack
Morgan. MGM sales manager, left for his
sister's farm near Tampa for several weeks'
convalescence following a recent heart attack
. Chrysler is pinch-hitting for
Morgan . Mich., has a new mystery
theatre. Exchanges are shipping out prints,
but nobody knows who runs it or even the
name of the house around Filmrow.
Mr. and Mrs. George Haskin celebrated
their silver anniversary December 22 with
a party at home . Donlon ordered
a round of hot dogs for the whole gang .
G. M. "Power-Saw" Studebaker is the newest
member of the Nightingales, and is going
to try out his nickname on the alley
Yellich of the Stanley is anohter
bowler . . . Gilbert Light managed to
new
show up late for his own meeting. Roy
Thompson did most of the talking at the
session, ably a.ssisted by Charles MacFarlane
and Donald Lewis.
Past president Ed Douville and the Mrs.
iBea Vester) had a nice visit at the old
Colony with Earl Woodling . Akins
reports the Cleveland projectionists league
is cooking up a home and home match game
with the Nightingales for early next year .
Matt Haskin got a nice hand for his 6-10-7
split, with son Ralph Haskin in the gallery
Lindenthal managed to become a
cheering section for the opposing team, while
his own lost four points . . . Cecil Cox of the
Colony scored his first missout
Douville is sporting a new pair of shoes to
pep up her bowling with the Nightingale
girls.
Jack Colien, National Screen Service chief,
engineered a Christmas party for the staff
at the Fort Wayne hotel . . . Mrs. Frances
Tucar and Thelma Wetzel handled arrangements
for the Warner Chri.stmas party .
Clive R. Waxman. upstate independent
booker, was a visitor . . . Two formerly theatreless
towns now have new houses. Harley
Ennest opened the Posen at Posen, and Chester
Mates opened the new 340-seat Hopkins
at Hopkins. Frank R. Spangler is opening
the new 1.000-seat DeLux at Utica the first
week in January and will keep the old 532-
seat Capitol open weekends only.
. . . Alex Schreiber of Associated
John Penrod, manager of the Sheridan, sent
the first of the season's greetings . . . Jack
and Gladys Smukler sent a classic shepherds'
scene
reminisces over the old-fashioned
sleigh rides . . . Projectionists Local 199 and
Stagehands Local 38 both sent out traditional
greetings.
New Roof ior Oil City Drake
OIL CITY, PA.—The Drake Theatre building
is to have a new roof. The city has approved
a building permit for the new roof
placement.
Your Heywood - Wakefield
Seating Representative.
14021
Detroit 23, Mich.
Phone: VEnnont 7-316S
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen 's Drug Store
Drugs * Cosmetics * Prescriptions
Personal Service from Two Showmen
MAX BERNBAim lACE GALLAGHER
Pharmacist
Manager
Phone CLifford 1527. CUfiord 3694
MICHDGAN SPORTSERVICE, Inc.
Operating Concessions in Theatres, Boll Parks
and Arenas for over 50 years.
1. EISEN, Mgr.
5047 Chene St. Detroit 11. hfich.
Phone: Off. 'WAlnut 1-5524 Res.: TYler 5-9002
TheatrfSign and Marquee Maintenance
/^^^ Our Specialty
^
WJtforstman 4 Co,
WOodard i-4050
2821 Brooklyn
EQUIPMENT
MeARTHUR THEATRE
COMPANY
454 COLUMBfA ST WEST - DETROIT I. M ICH
IDEAL SLIDE BACK CHAIRS
Phone: CAdiUac 5524
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore. Detroit — TR 1-5477
68 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

: December
McARTHUR-DETROIT
MICHIGAN INDEPENDENT OVER 24 YEARS
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
IDEAL SLIDE BACK CHAIRS
CENTURY PROJECTORS 6l
sound
STRONG LAMPS &L
RECTIFIERS
NATIONAL PROJECTOR carbons
HOLMES 16MM- PROJECTORS €l
SOUND
LEEDOM THEATRE CARPET
McARTHUR ll
454 WEST COLUMBIA • DETROIT 1, MICH.
CADILLAC 5524-5524
BOXOFFICE
:
25, 1946 69

w
Detroit Variety Committees for '49
DETROIT — Chief Barker H. Edward
Stuckey of the Variety Club of Michigan has
announced the following committee for 1949:
House committee—Lew Mitchell, chairman;
Jack Zide, vice-chairman; Joseph Busic, Irving
Belinsky. Carl Buermele. Sidney Bowman.
Fred C. Dickely and Leonard Brooks.
Membership committee—Ben Rosen, chairman;
Harold Brown, vice-chairman; Floyd
Chrysler. Fred DeLodder. Ted Levy, Edward
C. Murphy. George W. Sampson and Milton
Zimmerman.
Exhibition section—David Flayer, vicechairman;
Art Koskie, Irving Katcher, Henry
Zapp, Harold Sandelman and Arthur Leazenby.
Allied industries section—Larry C. Becker,
vice-chairman; Norman Birnkrant, Charles
Costello, Mike Falk, Ross Mulholland, John
Slagle and James G. Riddell.
Finance committee—George Berger, chairman;
Charles Perry, vice-chairman; Frank
Wetsman, Barney Kilbride, Adolph Goldberg
and Del Ritter.
Publicity—Bill Hendricks, chairman; Arvid
Kantor. Charles Dietz and Lee Johnson.
Welfare—Charles Garner, chairman;
Charles Snyder and Al Ackerman.
Football game committee—Joe Busic, chairman;
James F. Sharkey, Harry Gilbert and
Joseph Lenahan.
Cancer fund committee—H. E. Stuckey,
chairman; E. J. Hudson. M. H. Gowthorpe,
Lew Wisper, B. Kilbride, Charles Komer and
David M. Idzal.
Entertainment committee—Jack Zide, general
chairman; Joe Busic, general vice-chairman.
This committee is being set up in 12
monthly project subcommittees, outlining the
year's activity program as follows, with the
first named as chairman in each case;
January—Installation on banquet—Charles
W. Snyder. Charles Perry, Jack Goldhar.
February — Valentine
party — Ben Robins,
Ralph Raskin and Art Koskie.
March — Pioneer party — Frank Hensler,
Lew Wisper and Fred Bonnem.
April — Baseball party — Leonard Brooks,
Joseph Lee and Joseph Lenahan.
May — Outstanding merit awards — Henry
Zapp, Arthur Robinson and James Olsen.
June—Variety cruise—Floyd Chrysler, Irving
Goldberg and Barry Cohen.
July—Golf tournament—James G. Riddell,
Lew Mitchell and Harold Sandelman.
August—Football party—Oscar Gorelick, H.
E. Stuckey and Mort Winston.
September—Welfare fund games party
Irving Belinsky. Del Ritter and Don Fill.
October—Theatre party—Harry Lush, Jack
Zide and Eddie Loy.
November—Lew Halbert, Sam Seplowin and
Bernard Brooks.
December—New Year's Eve party—Harry
Gilbert, Alex Schreiber and Ben Rosen.
John L. Barcroft Elected
Columbus Chief Barker
COLUMBUS—John L. Barcroft, publicity
manager of the RKO Palace and Grand, is
the newly elected chief barker of Tent 2,
Columbus Variety Club. Other officers for
1949 are Ralph I. Shiflet, first assistant
chief barker; Ben Co well, second assistant
chief barker; Arthur Robinson, secretary,
and Milton Staub, treasurer. Members of the
board chosen include Virgil Jackson, Leo
Yassenoff, William Pullin jr., Leo Kessel and
U. G. Hazelton.
August DeFere Re-Elected
lATSE Local 578 Chief
FARIMONT. W. VA.—August DePere has
been re-elected president of lATSE Local
578. Other officers: Richard D. Herstine, vicepresident;
H. D. Kelley. secretary-treasurer,
and C. P. DeFere. business agent. Hamilton
Zehrbach, Ord Weaver and Alex Christy were
named trustees.
The Super Heavy Duty Cleaner
especially designed for theatre cleaning
CLEANS QUICKLY — EASILY — THOROUGHLY
Hi up Tube permits cleaning 15 feet up—extra sections are available for
greater heights—drapes, box fronts, lamp house, screen, upholstered furniture,
carpets, bare floors and ornamentation—clean them all with the same
Super. The Super Blowrer boosts debris and popcorn boxes out from under
seats, down front to be disposed of easily. The Super Spotlight enables
the operator to see readily into dark places, saves house lights. The Super
Screen Brush gives longer life to your screen—keeps it clean and bright,
sound holes clear.
24-Hour Projection and Sound Service
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
106 Michigan St., N. W., Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
Telephone GLendale 4-8852 Njghts and Sundays 3-2413
Lane Theatre Opens
In Columbus Center
COLUMBUS—The newest neighborhood
theatre here is the Lane, which was opened
December 16 in the new West Lane shopping
center as the tenth addition to the Academy
circuit. The house is of Colonial design,
built of natural local limestone and white
painted brick, with Indiana limestone coping.
The green tile roof has a cupola topped
with a weather vane. Green shutters trim
the attraction panels on the stone lower portion
of the theatre front. Six bone-white
entrance doors also carry out the early American
architectural style.
Soft delicate coloring distinguishes the
main auditorium, with shimmering blue and
silver spun glass fabric covering the back
wall. Wainscoting is of drak gray, and sidespun
glass. Sidewalls are further decorated
by four large panels of a similar fabric in
a rose leaf pattern.
LOUISVILLE
fxr E. Carrell, president of the Falls City
Theatre Equipment Co., was in Chicago
attending the NAPM convention at the Sherman
hotel, and contacting various theatre
equipment and supply companies in the Chicago
area . . . J. M. Ingram. Kentucky theatre
architect, moved his offices from the
Citizens Bldg. to 419 West Main St. in downtown
Louisville.
A. Edward Campbell's new Lyric Theatre
. . .
in Lexington, Ky., was opened December 14.
Campbell is a showman of long standing,
having operated four theatres in Louisville
during recent years. He also owns interests
in drive-ins in Kentucky and Indiana
Mrs. Gratia Locke, co-owner of the Savoy
here, was back in town after a visit in New
York. While there Mrs. Locke was the guest
of Leon J. Bamberger of RKO at a Music
Hall show, and she also made a sightseeing
torn' of the big theatre.
"Gone With the Wind" again was being
shown in theatres throughout the state at
nominal admission prices. According to reports
of exhibitors, the masterpiece still retains
Mr. and Mrs.
its drawing power . . . George Jaeggers were visiting In Indianapolis.
Jaeggers manages the Elks Theatre in New
Albany . . . Remodeling of the first run
National Theatre is being planned. Jimmie
Robertson is manager of the house, which
is said to be owned by I. Jerome Riker,
Brooklyn, N. Y.
James F. Willard, service engineer for the
Strong Electric Corp., Toledo, spent several
days at the Palls City Theatre Equipment
Co., checking on recent installations in the
territory . . Out-of-town exhibitors seen
.
on the row recently included: Mrs. Frances
Wessell, Royal, Carrollton: George Lindsay,
Lindsay, Brownsville: C. K. Arnold, Arco and
Melody theatres, Bardstown: Jack Story,
Mary Agnes, Jamestown: Ed Campbell, Lyric,
Lexington, Ky.; A. N. Miles, Eminence, Eminence;;
R. L. Gastrost, Victory, Vine Grove,
and Edwin St. Clair, St. Clair, Lebanon Junction,
Ky.; Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Ornstein,
Rialto, Marengo; Homer Wirth, Crane, Crane,
and G. M. May, Dream, Corydon, Ind.
70 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

„
roadshow
. . Wade
. . Ray
Boxoffice Lag Felt
In Christmas Whirl
DETROIT—A slow downward trend was
apparent in local boxotfices, but exhibitors
generally were not discouraged, blaming the
lag on the usual holiday celebrations. Individually,
"Hamiet" led the town grossing 125
per cent in its third week. Others clung near
the average mark.
(Average Is 100)
Adcrms—Kiss the Blood Oil My Hands (U-I), The
Strange Mrs. Crane (EL) ^ 95
Cinema—Hamlet (U-I), 3rd wk 12b
Downtown—San Francisco (MGM), A Night at the
Opera (MGM), reissues, 2nd wk 80
Fox—Sofia (FC),- Belle Starr's Daughter (20th-Fox) 95
Madison Moonrise (Rep); Angel on the Amazon
(Rep) 85
Michigan—Johnny Belinda (WB); Adventures of
Gallant Bess (EL), 3rd wk - 90
Palms-Slate-Red Hiver (UA), 3rd wk 100
United Artists—For the Love of Mary (U-I): The
Saxon Charm (U-I) 105
'Road House' Gets 130
To Lead Cleveland
CLEVELAND—Theatre business took second
place in public interest here while Santa
Claus ruled the entertainment waves. However,
"Road House" broke the jinx by hitting
a high 130 per cent at the Allen where it
was held a second week. Third week of
"The Three Musketeers" on a moveover to
the Stillman, topped the house average by
10 per cent, "Fighter Squadron" was just
over average at the Hippodrome and other
downtown houses got by with fair records.
CLEVELAND
. . . Mrs. Louis
l^at Wolf, Warner zone manager, held his
annual midwinter managers meeting, an
all-day session which culminated in a banquet
at the Statler hotel . . . Alex Schimel,
U-I salesman, has been transferred to the
New Haven office, only a short distance from
New York, his hometown
Seltzer, former president of the Cleveland
Federation of Women's clubs and wife of the
editor of the Press, on behalf of Crile General
hospital, accepted a piano from the local Variety
Club as a Christmas gift.
Bob Blxler, Warner salesman, is spending
his holiday vacation at home in Texas . . .
Bill Lissner, Columbia salesman, is utilizing
his time off collecting a Florida suntan . . .
Jack Sogg, MGM manager, was in Pittsburgh
for a division meeting called by J. J. Maloney
. . . Morris Lefko, RKO district manager and
division captain of the Ned Depinet drive, returned
after three-day sessions in Cincinnati,
Indianapolis and Detroit. First of the series
of meetings was held here.
There's going to be a big New Year's eve
shindig at the Variety Club if the members
have anything to do about it. At the last
board of directors meeting the following committee
was named by Chief Barker Milton
Mooney to work out the details: Irwin Shenker,
chairman; Nat Barach, Manny Stutz,
Ray Schmertz and Milton Grant . . . Shep
Allen—Road House ( 20th-Fox) 130 Bloom, 20th-Fox salesman, and Oscar Bloom,
Esquir^High Fury ( UA) - - 105
Hippodrome—Fighter Squadron (WB) salesman for Warner Bros., are spending the
..._ 105
Lower Mall Jenny Lamour (Vog); Lucrezia
holidays in New York . M. Carr, district
Borgia (Vog), 2nd wk 90
Ohio—Hamlet (U-I), Vih wk. of roadshow manager for Manley, Inc., reports he
engagement
100 has completed a twin Manley installation In
Palace—The Return of October (Col) 80
State—Night Has a Thousand Eyes
the Center-Mayfield Theatre which has jtist
(Para) 75
Stillman—The Three Musketeers (MGM), 3rd d. remodeled the lobby to allow for a concession
wk. ..110
room.
Trade Slackens in Pittsburgh; Bill Gross, Columbia city salesman, drove
'Musketeers' Continues Lead to South Bend, Ind., to pick up his Notre
PITTSBURGH -Grosses slacked off at
Dame freshman son George who is spenddowntown
theatres. "The Three Musketeers" ^"5 ^^ Christmas vacation at home Rube
. . .
was out in front in its second week at Loew's Jackter, Columbia sales manager, and Sam
Galanty, district manager, were here to talk
pgjjj^
_,.'
. „ .MiiiTj with local Manager Oscar Ruby ... J. Stuart
1, I',
Fulton—Rogues Regiment (U-I), 2nd wk 75 °
^ r^ ,. ,„j..,«
Harris—When My Baby Smiles at Me (20th-rox), Cangney. sales manager for Theatrecraft Mfg.
2nd wk,
.
„ , , Vv/V-ui 9„;i" 19S Corp., was in Charlotte and Greensboro,
Penn—The Three Musketeers (MGM), znd wk IZD ^
, ....
Ritz—Hamlet (U-I), 5th wk , 95 N. C, recently in response to inquiries on
Senator—Commandos Strike at Davm (Col); The
jjjg company's new combination Mobiltone
, . , ,
the (RKO) 110 heater-speaker, now in demand
Warner-Fighter Squadron (WB), 2nd d. t. wk 90
j-Qund drive-in operation.
Invaders
Stanley—Blood
(Col),
on
reissues
Moon
9U ,
for year-
ager, was here on a routine visit with city
Manager Max Mink . . . Ernest Schwartz,
president of the Cleveland Motion Picture
Exhibitors Ass'n, and his wife went to Chicago
to spend the holidays with their son and
daughter . Allison, manager of the
Shaker Theatre, de luxe neighborhood house,
held his annual special children's Christmas
party. In addition to a specially selected
program, Allison provided door prizes.
Ted Minsky, Warner fUm buyer, and Nat
Wolf, Ohio zone manager, were back from a
home office seasonal meeting . . . Harry
Weiss, 20th-Fox exploiteer, is holding a series
of "The Snake Pit" screenings for groups of
doctors, psychiatrists, social workers and civic
leaders prior to its local release in January
. . . "Hamlet" folded after a record eightweek
engagement at Loew's Ohio, during
which it grossed an estimated $110,000. Robert
Wile, roadshow manager of the local run,
is now in Cincinnati supervising the opening
of the picture at the Guild Theatre.
Saul Frifield, Paramount manager, is back
from a four-week vacation in Florida . . .
Associated circuit heads, following their annual
custom, entertained all of their managers
at a Christmas dinner party held at the
Statler hotel . . . Visitors included Bill Twigg,
head booker for the Peter Wellman circuit;
Chuck Meyer of the Carolyn Theatre, New
London; George Foley of Mount Pelier and
Jesse Chinich, Northio booker from Cincinnati.
^
Holdovers Perform Well
In Pre-Xmas Quiet
CINCINNATI — Pre - Christmas activities
still were paramount and boxoffice figures
were good evidence of it, although holdover
pictures gave a very good account of themselves.
.
Albee—Pitfall (UA) 90
Capitol—When My Baby Smiles at Mo (2Qth-Fox),
3rd wk _ 100
Grand—Northwest Stampede (EL) 90
Keiths—The Three Musketeers (MGM), 3rd wk 100
Lyric—In the Navy (U-I); Who Done It? (U-I),
reissues -. 120
ooked MUe (Col)... _ 110
he Moon (RKO), 2nd d. t. wk._ 80
Crowd for 'Juan' Premiere
PITTSBURGH—A crowd of 2,000 filled the
Warner recently for the Press Old Newsboys'
world premiere of Warners "Adventures
of Don Juan." The special performance was
the highlight event of the 1948 campaign for
funds to help crippled, sick and ailing children
of the Pittsburgh district.
Jack Gertz of Theatrical Enterprises went
deer hunting but failed to bring home any
evidence of his prowess . . . Gerry Shartln,
who deals in rubber floorings, reports that
her dad Bill, who manages the Film Classics
exchange in Seattle, gave her mother a pedigreed
riding horse for Christmas . . . The
U-I Christmas party was staged at Grosse's.
popular west side eating place, with exchange
of presents in the exchange before
the party dinner.
Emit Groth, RKO Theatres division man-
CANDY SALES, INC.
CONCESSIONAIRES and
CONCESSIONAIRE SUPPLIES
Sidney Garfield
1400 E. 105th St. Phone: GAriield 5458-5459
Cleveland. Ohio

. . . Tony
. . Lawrence
. . The
. . UA's
. . The
. . Jim
. . Pete
. . Louis
. . . Jack
. . . Harry
. . Several
PITTSBURGH
'rbe 20th anniversary banquet of Local 211,
AFL Newspaper, Magazine and Film Delivery
Drivers, Helpers and Handlers, attracted
750 guests . . . Rube Jackter and Sam Galanty,
Columbia executives, were here conferring
with Art Levy, branch manager, whose "My
Drive" is progressing very satisfactorily . . .
Pat Kennedy of Exhibitors Service Co. and
a network tenor a decade ago, was at the
MacFadden physical culture resort in Dansville,
N. Y.
A son was born at Magee hospital to the
Paul Bechsteins. Bechstein manages the Avenue
on uptown Fifth avenue, and he is a
brother of Mrs. Paul Bronder . theatre
partnership of John Allison Gribble and
Nick Notopoulos has terminated. Gribble, a
former local film salesman, will operate the
theatres at Greencastle and Shippensburg,
and Notopoulos takes over operation of the
BeUwood and Osceola Mills theatres . . . BUI
Blowitz, Hollywood publicity agent who is
working on Enterprise's "Forces of Evil," visited
recently with his parents, the Joe
Blowitzes. His father is manager at the Warner
Manor in Squirrel Hill.
Some form of mercantile and amusement
taxes may replace the income tax at Monessen
. . . Henry Schmitt's Imperial at Imperial
has been extensively remodeled and
renovated . . . Max Cohen. Universal branch
manager here several years ago, made his
initial visit as Film Classic's new eastern
sales manager . Herbert, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Jules Lapidus, and Lois Elaine
Liff, were married in New York recently.
Jules, former local exhibitor and film salesman
and manager, is Warner eastern and
Canadian division manager.
QUICK, FRIENDLY SERVICE?
QUALITY
Andy Battiston had some ui-gent business
in New York City the other day and Jen-y
Castelli, Library exhibitor, flew him there
Pastor's band was at the new
Manos in Monessen, and Johnny Long's
orchestra appeared at the Capitol in Wheel-
.
ing . "This Is New York" was playing
some theatres in the area under the
title of "The City Slicker" . . Altoona's
revenue from the city amusement tax in
November was $13,455.47 ... A 1 per cent wage
and income tax has been proposed at Bradford
. . . Bill Smith, who handles the Sun-
Telegraph amusement accounts, is appearing
in the Playhouse production of "She Loves
Me Not." He's cast as a newspaperman.
Guy Oglietti, Leechburg exhibitor, is active
in Lions club activities . . . Milt Young. Columbia
exploiteer. was here working on "The
Return of October" . Quiter, U-I office
manager turned salesman, and his branch
manager, Francis Guehl, were in charge of
the annual Christmas party at the Variety
Club . Lindsay, formerly with the
Harris circuit and recreation director for
Allegheny county parks, now is coordinator
of education at Carnegie Institute, which
will present a Sunday afternoon series of
old silent motion pictures patterned after
those exhibited in the New York Museum of
Art.
.
Charles Dortic, former film salesman now
representing Columbia in upper New York,
was a visitor . . . Bill Walker of Crafton and
Henry Schmitt of Imperial were at Berkley
The Saxton borough
Springs, W. Va. . . .
council was considering a wage and Income
tax Columtous Symphony orchestra
was heard in concert at the Robinson Grand,
Clarksburg, W. Va. . Michael, veteran
local exhibitor, was hospitalized for treatment
of a heart condition. Several weeks ago
his brother Chris, pioneer exhibitor associated
with the southside Rex, was hospitalized
following a heart attack but he has returned
home.
John J. Maloney, MGM central sales manager,
held a meeting here December 16, 17
with Branch Managers Saal Gottlieb, Pittsburgh:
Edwin M. Booth, Cincinnati; Frank
J. Downey, Detroit, and Jack Sogg, Cleve-
PRODUCTS?
LOWER FREIGHT
Then order your BEE-HIVE Hybrid popcorn
and supplies direct from Blevins' Ohio processing
plant at Arcanum, near Dayton. Offering
superb BEE-HIVE
at $10.25 per cwt.
("5
-bog lots and standing orders)
BLEVINS POPCORN CO.,
Popcorn Square
Popcorn Village
Arcanum, Ohio
Nashville,
Tenn.
RATES?
Inc.
Stocks in Dixie Warehouse, 11 th and Main Streets, Louisville, Ky., and Lawson Warehouse,
425 Campbell Ave., E., Roanoke, Va.
land . . . Howard Minsky, former Warner
salesman here and now a 20th-Pox home
office executive, was convalescing at home
following a leg operation at Johns Hopkins
hospital.
Minnie Steinberg and her children will go
to California by automobile. She purchased
a car, and with her son Fred will drive to the
west coast to make their home in Los Angeles.
She has been employed by Film Classics
since the death of her husband, Mannie
Steinberg . independent theatre
owners here will install television sets in
their theatre lobbies . . . Lou Harma held
an open house Christmas party at the Acme-
Pranklin-Hanna quarters, and Gordon Gibson
was host at the Atlas Theatre Supply
Cohen, former film salesman, is
clerking at the state liquor store in East
Liberty.
Sam Fineberg, theatre supply dealer, has
been in Phoenix visiting his family, and he
will not return here until after January 1
Rees, UA salesman, was back on
the job after a brief illness . . . Raymond
"Bud" AlUson of the Rivoli and Hollywood
circuits suffered a painful injury diu-ing a
hunting trip when he dropped into a clump
of bushes and a twig punctured his left eye.
The injury has responded to treatment and
there wiU be no permanent impairment of
his vision.
Al Wheeler, new UA salesman who returned
here after 20 years in the industry in Boston,
located an apartment in Squirrel Hill
and he has been joined by his wife Ella and
. . . Bill Leibovitz, Mount
daughter Viola
Pleasant exhibitor, has been visiting a sister
who is hospitalized here.
Flash floods stopped several film salesmen
around Clarksburg and Weston, and there
was water damage at several theatres. At
Mannington, Dr. C. P. Church had to pump
water from the basement of a theatre.
TOLEDO
Tnstead of having a banquet in January, officers
of Toledo Variety Club were installed
recently for the coming year with little fanfare.
Jack Lykes, chief barker, announced
that Marvin Harris, manager of the Paramount,
was named chairman for shut-ins
committee.
One of the most unusual holiday decorations
in all Toledo was put up in the Colony
Theatre, de luxe neighborhood house, where
two real poinsettia trees with large flowers
in bloom were set up on each side of the
lobby. Since many Toledoians had never seen
a real poinsettia tree, the decorations have
been attracting much comment.
"Hamlet" is booked for the Palace for a
week beginning January 12, with a two-a-day
roadshow policy . . . Sports Arena has booked
the Gene Autry troupe for two shows on
Friday. February 4. Autry attracted two capacity
audiences in the Arena last March.
Bob Hope may also appear on Sunday, January
23, although no contracts have been
signed yet, according to Virgil Gladieux of
the Arena.
Bridget Carr, native of Toledo whose life
was reviewed on the Ralph Edwards' "This
Is Your Life" radio program over the NBC
network December 14, received a contract
from MGM studio for a part in "Midnight
Kiss," which goes into production January 10.
f
72 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

. . Ground
. . Ben
. . Marie
COLUMBUS
T ocal theatremen are watching developments
in a proposal to build a million dollar
spdrts arena on city property to be operated
by private interests. Mayor Rhodes has
declared that the city needs such an arena
and will do "everything we can to get it." He
said the arena would be patterned after
those in Toledo, Indianapolis and Cincinnati.
The arena, with a minim.um of 7,500 seats,
could be used for sports events and would
be in addition to the 8,500-plus capacity convention
hall to be erected as part of the
Franklin County Veterans' memorial on the
Scioto riverfront.
Theatremen also are interested in a proposal
by Traffic Engineer Harry H. Turner
suggesting that the city set up a 2,500-car
downtown parking lot, cut into streets with
parking meters, on a 18-acre site near the
proposed new veterans' memorial. Turner
cited Cincinnati and Cleveland as cities in
which this system has been employed.
Friends of Larry Caplane, former manager
of the RKO Grand, are congratulating him
on the birth of a daughter Ronnie GaU. Larry
and his wife are now living in Omaha, Neb.,
where he is manager of the RKO Brandeis
. . . Phil Cochran, former local resident, will
be technical adviser with Bieirne Lay jr. in
preparation of the screenplay for RKO's "Jet
Pilot." Colonel Cochran, inspiration for Flip
Corkin in "Terry and the Pirates," attended
Ohio Stat-e university and was the commanding
officer of the air commandos in Btu'ma
during World War II. Howard Hughes has
set "Jet Pilot" as one of the most important
pictures on the 1949 schedule at RKO.
Harold Goodin, former student assistant at
Loew's Ohio, stopped off here on the way
from a training center in San Antonio to
Boiling Field, Washington, where he will be
stationed . . . Tom Gleba, WCOL staff announcer,
succeeded Bill Burt as Inquiring Reporter
on the WCOL program broadcast dally
from under the Loew's Ohio marquee . . .
Winter vacations were enjoyed recently by
John Barcroft. Harry Simons and B. L. Mc-
Graner of downtown houses.
Committee members who helped make the
Variety Club's Kiddies Christmas Karnlval a
success Included Floyd Gooding, rides; Ben
Cowall, arrangements: John Barcroft, entertainment
and special events; John Hardgrove,
decorations; Leo Yassenoff. executive committee;
Leo Haenlein, operations; John Murphy
and Sandy Hallock. gifts and giveaways;
Paul Winkhaus, publicity; Sidney Katz, children's
committee; Gene Hazelton. transportation;
Kenneth Agee. control; Art Robinson,
safety, and Oscar Little, grounds. Cecil Sansbury
of the club and Ramon Cram, Columbus
Dispatch promotion manager, were co-chairmen
of the four-day event.
P. J. Wood wants to know if Ohio exhibitors
are getting bad prtjits. The Cincinnati Exhibitors'
Ass'n complained to distributors about
the bad condition of prints plus insufficient
number . has been broken for the
new Bucyrus drive-in and incorporation
papers have been issued. Incorporators include
Baird Johnson. Margaret Mayer, Roberta
Vevenka and the firm of McConnell,
Blackmore, Corey & Burke. The corporation
was authorized to issue 1,700 shares of common
stock with $1 par value per share and
750 shares of preferred stock at $1 per share.
The project will be completed in the spring.
NTS Retains Leadership
In Detroit Booth Play
DETROIT—National Theatre Supply retained
the lead in the Nightingale Club Bowling
league by a close margin. Team standings;
Wo
National Theatre Supply
National Carbon Co.
Projectionists Local 199
Lorenzens Flower Shop
Altec Sound Service
Brenkert Projectors
McArthur Theatre Equipment
Ernie Forbes Theatre Supply
200 scores were rolled by; Ralph Haskin,
235; Roy Thompson, 213; Jack Colwell, 231,
and Edgar Douville, 201.
Scharun's retained the lead in the FUm
Bowling league with Alhed and Monogram
tying for a close second place. Team standings;
24
Won
27
Lost
Scharun's
25
31
Allied
Monogram
Republic
Theatrical
RKO
Co-operative
26
UA 21 35
High 3 team—Monogram, 2,547; Republic,
2.542, and UA, 2,532.
High 1 team; RKO, 974; Republic, 901, and
Theatrical, 892.
High 3 individual: C. Sheran, 635; E. England,
626, and R. Forman, 620.
High 1 individual: C. Sheran, 265; E. Eng-
245, and W. Goryl, 244.
"200 club": C. Sheran, 210; D. Fill, 201 and
208; D. Kaplan, 205, and R. Forman, 204.
Alhambra Leads League
Of Cleveland Bowlers
CLEVELAND—Following is the latest score
of the Movie Operators' Bowling league which
meets weekly at the Alhambra alleys, as announced
by Secretary Tom Fitzgerald:
Alhambra Theatre 20 9
Union Federated Insurance 18 11
National Theatre Supply 18 12
Auto Voice Speakers IG 14
R.C.A. Service Co. 15 15
Oliver Theatre Supply 12 18
Ohio Theatre Supply 11 19
Mobiltone In-Car Speaker 9 21
The Alhambra Theatre squad stepped out
and made the Union Federated team bite the
dust in two of three encounters and tied one
game up at 952 to take over the league leadership.
The tie game point will be rolled off
in the first game next week. The Alhambra
boys moved into second high team threegame
total and third high game team score
with the 2,971 and 1,030 results. Responsible
for this change in standings were "Emmy"
Fitzgerald, Bill Riter, Red Hillegas, Bert
Williams and Capt. Paul Collins.
A clean sweep of all three games by the
RCA Service Co. quintet from the MobUtone
Speaker team was due to the nice scores contributed
by Millard Ogle's 200-523, Ralph
Gertz' 177-474, George Donelan's 187-417 and
"Buzz" Buzek's 455.
To Distribute 'Room 20'
DETROIT—Albert Dezel, representing Albert
Dezel Productions, Inc., has completed
negotiations with John Jenkins of Astor Pictures
Co. of Dallas, to distribute Astor's new
all-Negro picture, "Girl in Room 20," in
Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit,
Cleveland and Cincinnati.
SPRINGFIELD
fhakeres Theatres, Inc., managers attended
an annual holiday meeting at the Bancroft
hotel. Forty out-of-town managers of
the circuit were present at the all-day affair.
The managers were guests at a cocktail
party following the meeting, and then
they and other theatre personnel attended
a Christmas dinner given by the company.
Gifts from the company were presented to
managers and employes.
Michael H. Chakeres, David Sawyer and
L. F. Weinsz of the Regent-State Corp. attended
the annual Warner Bros, meeting
and Christmas party in Cleveland . . .
Woody Owens, manager of the Majestic,
launched the new Superman serial with a
drawing for kiddies, giving away watches
and other prizes ... All Springfield theatres
have gala decorations denoting the holiday
season.
Art Longbrake, manager of Chakeres'
Frances Theatre m Mechanicsburg, was on
a leave of absence because of illness. Substituting
for him is Dwight East, assistant
manager of the Pi-incess Theatre in Springfield
Ed Paul, manager of the Logan
, . .
Theatre in Logan, was on the sick list and
the house was being managed by his assistant.
Dale Brooks . Wilkm, manager
of the Cliftona Theatre m Circleville,
was spending a vacation In Florida. Al
Spare was acting manager during her absence
. Hathaway has been appointed
assistant manager of the Chakeres Capitol
Theatre in Frankfort, Ky.
AKRON
Juvenile authorities are seeking six youths
who tried to crash into the Orpheum December
16 and succeeded only in crashing a
plate glass window in an adjoining store.
Claud Self, the doorman, said the boys tried
to enter the show and engaged in a scuffle
on the street, where one of the youths fell
through the store window. The youths disappeared
before police arrived.
The Palace pulled out "Berlin Express" and
replaced it on Friday (17) with "The Plunderers"
. . . This Christmas weekend the
Liberty showed a British musical, "The Great
Mr. Handel."
Two free Christmas parties for children
were held Saturday

. . . "Catherine,"
. . . Picture
. . The
. . Sam
. . Dave
. . Harold
. . The
. . Colleen
. . The
. . The
Variety of Cleveland Reaches Peak
Of Activity During Xmas Season
CLEVELAND — This was Variety Club's
busy week, beginning with the big Christmas
party for some 200 needy and underprivileged
children, which included a fuU course dinner
and entertainment, after which each child
received a warm article of clothing and a
basket of food to take home.
Then came the gala screen and stage show
in behalf of the Will Rogers Memorial hospital
drive. Nat Wolf, general chairman of
the event, featured a long list of popular
entertainers including Janis Paige, Warner
star, who flew in from Hollywood to add
glamor to the event; Bobby Breen, Emmett
Kelly, baUadeer Peter Higgins, the Dancing
Beaucaires, Dave Apollon & Co., composer
Harry Carroll with Polly Baker, Lindsay's
Adorables and Lindsay's Lovely Ladies, the
Arthur MuiTay dancers and these four orchestras—Sammy
Watkins of the Hollenden
Vogue room, Joe Baldi of the Continental,
Pittsburgh
Farnkie Strasek of the Alpine Village and
Carl DeMarco of the Palace Theatre.
All actors, musicians, stagehands and motion
picture operators gave their services
free. Big moment of the evening was the
awarding of a 1949 Cadillac, a mink coat,
television set and a dozen other valuables.
At another event, the children and grandchildren
of members were guests of Variety
Club at the annual holiday party. The ladies
who comprise the League of Showmen's
Wives came into the picture later with a
dinner-dance in the clubrooms with their
husbands as their guests. A big Christmas
tree was surrounded with gag prizes for the
guests which were distributed after the dinner.
Dancing and games completed the entertainment
arranged by the entertainment
committee consisting of Annette Shenker,
Alice Gottlieb, Edna Sunshine, Selma Leavitt
and Mollie Weiss.
Filmrow 20 Years Ago
Pittsburgh
The Christmas spirit captured Pittsburgh's
A number of our Christmas advertisers of
a score of years ago are actively engaged in
Filmrow in 1928, our files show, and even the motion picture industry as they were in
Hari-y Rees. UA, did an Apache war dance December 1928. Among those extending holiday
Mort England
greetings on these pages 20 years ago
at the P&the holiday party . . .
and Fred Solomon furnished Phototone were:
music for Filmrow and set up special units William Kupper and his Fox Film Corp.
in the exchanges Silverman of staff at the Pittsburgh exchange; Allan S.
.
Pathe was expected to announce his wedding Moritz, manager, Tiffany-StaW Productions;
date . Pete Aldermans welcomed a Roy H. Haines, First National Pictures;
daughter and the Abe Schnitzers, FBO, announced
the birth of a son.
Price, George Collins, Jack Graham, Pathe;
Arthur Goldsmith, Mannie Steinberg, Harry
Construction on the Latonia in Oil City M. S. England and Fred Solomon, Phototone;
was progressing . Dyggert and Harry F. Grelle and Lee McGovern, Supreme
Larry Jacobs, publicity heads for the Stanley- Film Co.; James H. Alexander, Sam Fineberg,
Hymen Wheeler, Andy Cherry and
Davis-Clerk Co., were taking bows for their
boxoffice record-breaking campaign on Al Meyer Goldstein, Columbia Film Service;
Jolson's "Singing Fool" . Davis was Joseph P. Lefko. World Wide Pictures.
on the great two-a-day vaudeville schedule Harry Milstein. Francis J. Guehl, Leo
at $1.50 top . . . Theodore Roberts, "grand Wayne, Charles L. Dortic, Harry Rupp, A. C.
old man of the screen," died . Moore Gammon, Lou Padolf, Bill Lebarton and
and Gary Cooper in "Lilac Time" were breaking
records . Askenase and Hermoine Smythe. Theatre Premiums; James F. Shar-
C. W. Dickinson, Universal; Harry K.
Greenberger were engaged.
key, Ed Elder, Sam Jacobson, Lou Engel ^nd
The holidays were interrupted for Bill Kupper
who was promoted from Fox's local Stearn, United Artists; Steve Forrest, Theat-
Bill Liebler, Columbia Pictures; Bert M.
branch to special duties at the home office, rical Exchange.
with Ira H. Cohn coming here from Cincinnati
. . . Jim Balmer was named manager Lapidus, Abe Eskin, Bob Haughton, George
John J. Maloney, J. Allison Gribble, Jules
of the Enright which opened December 28 Bernet, A. E. Rohlfs, Tommy Skelton, Red
1-month-old baby recently Caldwell, Esther Mayer, MGM.
abandoned in the Sheridan Square, was Other Pittsburgh names in the news on
adopted by the Variety Club of Pittsburgh these pages 20 years ago:
of the week was Richard Barthelmess
in "Scarlet Seas."
Charlie Mergen
Ernie Dock
Harry Flarity
Anthony P. Jim
Harry Mrs- Mary J. Laskey
E. Reilf
Ben Shlyen's Christmas edition editorial in Calherine Bohn
Ralph M. Lutes
Stanley Elkins
BOXOFFICE a score of years ago saluted George Lenahan
M. A. Sybert
Bill Gratier
Abram F. Myers, who had been signed to
O. J. Sybert
lack Maloy
Joseph S. Skirboll
head Allied States Ass'n of Motion Picture Ben Engelberg
C. B. Pascoe
Exhibitors, The editorial was titled "A Big Ben Nadler
Ann Cohen
John H- Harris
Joe Davidson
Man for a Big Job." A photo showed the Hayes Garbarino
Harry Latide
Allied organizers and Myers signing the James H. Nash
Mrs. F. C. McGinley
George Olte
George Dawson
agreement. Several weeks ago Allied celebrated
its 20th anniversary at the New Ted ToUey
Bernard Armstrong
Tred J. Herrington Teddy Joyce
Veronica Flynn
Mc I Wie
Orleans convention and issued a 42-page loseoh I. Scnnitzer
Helen Brogar
brochure "Twenty Glorious Years" which featured
Art Morrono
Jack Cohen
the photograph.
David A. Victor
Isaac Victor
S. S. Crangi
W. M. Wear,
CINCINNATI
pilmrow employes enjoyed annual Christmas
parties, some in the exchanges and others
at various hotels. RKO had a dinner party
at the Kemper Lane hotel. Salesmen in for
the affair included Jack Furrer and his
wife from West Virginia and Joe McKnight
and wife from Kentucky . Paramount
gang had their get-together at the Alms
hotel and the U-I party was held in the
office with Peter Rosien, district manager,
whose headquarters are in Cincinnati, among
those present.
Marion Conley, cashier at Paramount, was
to spend Christmas weekend at her home
in Portland, Me. . Cincinnati Warner
office holds second place in the current drive,
being exceeded by a very few points by the
Dallas exchange. Jim Abrose's gang is pulling
hard for victory.
. . . Bill
IMrs. Louise Vinson, Paramount ledger clerk,
was saddened by the recent death of her
father. Visitors on the Row were Charlie
Behlen and his manager, L, Costillo, of Lexington,
Ky.; A. J. Sexton jr.' and Mrs, Pon
Sexton, Ashland, Ky.; R. Prill, Warsaw, Ky.;
William Thomas, E. Bernstadt, Ky., and
Louis Shore, Williamson, W. Va.
Garner of Logan, W. Va., visited the local
exchanges and left for Atlanta, where he
will handle booking details for theatres recently
acquired in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Fanny Voss, head inspector at Paramount,
IVIrs.
and the girls of her department,
celebrated the holiday season with a dinner
The State The-
at the Latin Quarter . . .
atre, Middletown. Ohio, formerly owned by
Mitchell Blachschleger, now the property of
the Elks Lodge, was taken back by them and
will be converted into a bar and clubroom
for members of the Elks.
Rex Carr, general manager of Theatre
Owners Corp., and his wife attended the
national Allied convention in New Orleans.
On Carr's return home, he suffered a mild
attack of flu but has recovered. The Realart
combination of Abbott and Costello, "In the
Navy" and "Who Done It?" recently did
terrific business at the Lyric Theatre here.
rating additional playing time.
Lee Goldberg, Popular Pictures, has set the
Abbott and Costello combination at Loew's
Broad, Columbus; RKO State, Dayton, and
Loew's Majestic, Evansville, Ind. ... A large
number of key city bookings have been set
for "All Baba and the 40 Thieves" and
"Phantom of the Opera."
D. "Dinty" Moore
Sam Fineberg
1705 Blvd. of the Allies
PITTSBURGH 19, PA.
Phone EXpress 0777
NATIONALIY ADVERTISED BRANDS CANDY
82c per 24—5c bars. Peanuts 70c. Gum—^Oc.
MINIMUM PREPAID SHIPMENTS 1.200 bars of any
manufacturer's products. Smaller shipments f.o.b. our
warehouse.
UNIVERSAL SOUND MOVIE CO.
Calhoun. Kentucky
We are distrihutors for Nationally Advertised brands.
74 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

Three New Theatres
In Hartford District
HARTFORD—As the New Year opens
three major theatre construction jobs are
well under way in the Hartford territory,
one in East Hartford, another at Norwich,
Conn., and the third at Meriden, Conn.
The East Hartford situation, an 800-seat
theatre located at 582 Burnside Ave., is being
constructed by Morris Keppner, owner of the
Glastonbury Theatre at Glastonbm-y, Conn.,
and president of the Burnside Theatre, Inc.,
the firm which will operate the new house.
Completion date on the $200,000 structiu-e
is expected by March 1949. Being erected in
the traditional Connecticut colonial design,
the theatre is of masonry construction with
red brick and white trim. The building
measures 131x60 feet. Herbert Gibson of
Hartford is architect for the house with Morris
Rothenberg of New York as associate
architect.
NO COMPLETION DATE
Construction has been under way for several
months on the 1,400-seat theatre at
Norwich, Conn., but completion date has not
been set. Bergman Bros, of Norwich is handling
the construction job. The new house
will be operated by Loew's Poll New England
Theatres, Inc., which also operates the
Broadway Theatre in Norw^ich. Harry Shaw
is division manager for the Poli interests.
A late winter completion date has been set
for the 1,000-seat theatre being constructed
in Meriden, Conn., for Nick Kounaris and
Paul Tolls, partners in the Newington Theatre,
Newington, Conn., and George Ulyssis,
a New Britain, Conn., businessman. The entire
building will contain all steel and brick
with only a little wood being utilized for
decorative lobby finishing.
Paul Purdy, manager of the circuit's Newington
Theatre, said advertising would stress
the seating capacity. Another feature will
be the theatre's adaptability to television.
Purdy said adequate space would be allowed
in the booth to permit immediate installation,
if necessary, of the latest television
equipment.
LOT FOR 600 CARS
Provisions are being made for a 600-car
parking lot adjoining the theatre and an
ice cream parlor will be situated in the same
building with the theatre.
Nick Kounaris has been associated with
exhibition in the Hartford territory since
1940, when he took over the Rialto Theatre
in New Britain. Conn., with Nick Marlames,
now living in Florida. Kounaris and Tolls
acquired the Newington Theatre in 1943.
Tolls has been in fUm business in this area
for the last 25 years. Purdy, who is manager
and booker for the Newington, started
in the trade in 1932 as service staff aide at
the Granada Theatre, Maiden, Mass.
Angelo Sette Hosts Staff
SPRINGFIELD—Manager Angelo A.
Sette
of the Capitol Theatre grabbed himself some
good page one publicity in the local newspapers
when he invited the public information
staff at Westover air and members of
the 131st Fighter squadron of the Massachusetts
national guard to attend the opening
of Warners' "Fighter Squadron." produced
in cooperation with the air force.
New Perakos Elm Theatre Is Nucleus
For Hartford Suburb Development
Pictured above are executives of the Perakos Theatre interests talking with the
architect of the new Elm Theatre at West Hartford, Conn., newest link in the Perakos
circuit. Left to right: Peter Perakos, circuit head; Steve Pei-akos, one of his sons;
C. A. Bullock, theatre architect, and Sperie Perakos. general manager for the circuit.
HARTFORD—The Perakos interests, in the
motion picture industry in this territory for
the last 25 years, have opened metropolitan
Hartford's first postwar theatre, the Elm,
a 1,000-seater situated in suburban Elmwood.
The theatre is a part of an eight-store
shopping center, with a canopy extension
forming a roof overhang connecting the entire
front length of the theatre and stores.
"All refinements of postwar theatre building
have been used in the construction," according
to Sperie Perakos. district manager
for the circuit, which has its headquarters
in the Palace Theatre Bldg. at New Britain.
The Elm is being operated by the Elmwood
Theatre Corp., of which Peter G. Perakos
is president and Sperie is general manager.
The corporation has 17 theatres, with 13
in Boston, and the Eastwood. East Hartford:
State. Jewett City: Strand, Thompsonville,
and Palace. New Britain, all in Connecticut.
Two additional theatres are under
construction in Bridgeport, one to be knowfn
as the Beverly and the other the Highway.
The Elm was designed by E. C. A. Bullock,
New York architect, and built by the B.
Stein Building Co. of New Britain, the concern
which also erected the stores at the
center, plans for which were drawn by
Irving W. Rutherford, local architect.
The theatre building has a semicircular
front, abutting at a 45 degree angle to the
shopping center. An innovation in the center
is the Kawmeer metal molding canopy
extending all along the store fronts. Patrons
may alight from automobiles directly under
the protective canopy. The entire structure
sets well back from the street, allowing adequate
parking space in front of the stores
and the theatre.
The theatre exterior is built of brick, glass
block, red rubino marble imported from
Italy, plate glass wth alumilite trim and
Indiana limestone laid up in ashlar or irregular
pattern. Solid glass doors lead to
the lobby.
The lobby and common lounge of the theatre
have been paneled in matched Zebra
wood, African mahogany and prim avera.
The panel extends to the outer exits. A
V-shaped marquee is situated above the wide
overhang of the outer lobby, and recessed
in the underside or soffit part of the overhang
above the theatre front are lights which
carry into the lobby and give a feeling of
depth and length.
Lobby flooring consists of black and red
terrazzo. Wall-to-wall carpeting covers the
concrete flooring. The lobby includes a refreshment
bar and a checking service. The
manager's office is connected directly with
the boxoffice on the ground floor.
Auditorium features blue walls, a high
white ceiling and coral-colored Kroehler
push-back seats. It is rounded in front, for
better acoustics. The standee rail in the auditorium
has birch trim and indirect lighting
from below.
An artesian well provides 325 gallons of
water a minute for air cooling. The seating
capacity is 1,070, including 250 seats in the
balcony. A stairway, winding to the mezzanine,
has an aluminum curved handrail,
and walls along it are covered with flexglass
and African mahogany panels oS wood.
The lounge, just off the main lobby, has
built-in furniture to conform with the wood
decorative treatment of the lobby.
The stage curtains are tangerine hue and
full drape.
Vincent Capuano, former manager of the
Warner circuit's Capitol in Danbury, Coim.,
has been appointed manager.
Initial newspaper advertising for the theatre
stressed the availability of parking
space.
William Riseman Associates, Boston, were
the interior decorators while National Theatre
Supply provided booth and sound
equipment.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948 NE 75

. . Dave
. . Plans
EL)
. . Walter
. . Stamford
. . Leo
. . George
. . John
. . Jim
. . Election
NEW HAVEN
•The State, New Britain, recently taken over
by Otto L. Teffs from Howard Richardson,
retained Amalgamated for its booking
and buying service. Richardson will remain
at the house as projectionist temporarily before
shifting to other endeavors . for
construction of a 600-car drive-in at Montville
were said to be under consideration by
the E. M. Loew circuit.
. . .
Allied members declared they will not join
with TOA in the formation of a conciliation
board to hear industry complaints here . . .
Prudential was planning remodeling of the
Playhouse at New Canaan ... A safe at the
Newington Theatre was robbed of $150 . . .
Columbia, 20th-Fox and Republic employes
The
had Christmas parties at Donat's
Columbia staff presented Walt Silverman,
branch manager, with an electric mixer.
More than 100 persons attended the Warner
theatre and exchange yuletide party at
Racebrook Country club . . Carl Goe, Warner
.
exchange manager, was in New York
several days for a sales meeting . . The new
.
Burnside Theatre being erected by Morris
Keppner in West Hartford is expected to be
ready for opening in March . Skvirsky,
20th-Pox salesman, had his name
changed legally to Dave Squires. His engagement
to Ellean Weltman of Springfield
recently was announced.
Variety Club has most of its furnishings
and plans an open house in December and
installation of new officers in January. Several
new members and associates have enrolled
and it is expected the membership will
increase greatly now that attractive clubrooms
are available ... By special arrangement
with Jim Darby of the Paramount,
the New Haven weekly "Glimpse" announced
a Xmas celebration December 23.
For Theatre Premiums
YOU WILL ALWAYS DO BETTER
WITH
SAM DAVIDSON
TOP GROSSES FOR YOUR BOXOFFICE
"VENEZIA"
23 Kt. Gold Dinnerware
Exclusive Distributors
Cameo Screen Attractions, Inc.
Samuel J. Da
Pres.
SO Melrose St.
Boston. Mass.
Telephone HAnc 6-3880
ick
Dual Leads Boston
In PreXmas Week
BOSTON—Trade at the first run houses
was off considerably because of Christmas
.shopping, with most of them reporting belowaverage
figures. "Rogues' Regiment," paired
with "Indian Agent" at the Memorial, led
the field. "Hamlet" wound up a five-week
run at the Beacon Hill following 12 weeks
at the Astor. "The Red Shoes" continued to
show strength at the Majestic.
(Average Is 100)
Astor—A Song Is Born (RKO); In This Comer
(EL), 5th wk 85
Beacon Hill—Hamlet (U-I), 5th d. t. wk 80
Boston— Live Today ior Tomorrow (U-I); Nanook
of the North (RKO), reissue 100
Exeter Street—The Paradine Case (SRO), 2nd run 85
Majestic—The Red Shoes (EL), 4th wk 100
Memorial Rogues' Regiment (U-I); Indian Agent
(RKO) 125
Metropolitan—The Black Arrowr (Col); Lulu Belle
90
(Col)
Paramount and Fenway—Road House (20th-Fox);
Miraculou3 Journey (FC), 2nd wk 95
State and Orpheum—Walk a Crooked Mile (Col);
Racing Luck (Col) 90
Yule Shopping Hits Trade
At New Haven First Runs
NEW HAVEN—Trade at local first runs
was hit hard by Christmas shopping. "Don't
Trust Your Husband," paired with "Million
Dollar Weekend" at the Roger Sherman, was
the best of the newcomers.
Bijou—Frankenstein (U-I); The Ghost of Frankenstein
(U-I), reissues 50
College—Road House (20th-Fox); Blondie's Secret
(Col), 2nd wk 80
Loew Poll—Good Sam (RKO); Docks of New
Orleans (Mono) 77
Paramount—The Velvet Touch (RKO); S.O.S.
Submarine (SG) 60
Roaer Sherman—Don't Trust Your Husband (UA);
Million Dollar Weekend I
80
'Kiss the Blood' Grosses 110,
High in Hartford
HARTFORD—Business was only fair here
as several of the first runs featured revivals.
Other downtowners did only average.
Allyn—Hold That Ghost (Realart); Hired Wife
(Realart), reissues 60
M Loews—Men E. of Texas (Realart); Mutiny
on the Blackhowk (Realart), reissues 75
Loews Poll—Kiss the Blood OH My Hands (U-I);
Anna Karenina (U-I) -HO
Palace—Rogues' Regiment (U-I); Bodyguard
(RKO), 2nd wk 80
Reool—The Velvet Touch (RKO); Indian Agent
(RKO), 2nd wk 55
Stale—Betrayed (Mono), plus stage show 90
Strand—One Touch of Venus (U-I); Thunder in the
Pines (SG) -100
NEW BRITAIN
/^ommander and Mrs, Herman Miller were
due in from the naval air station at Key
West, Fla,. to visit the Perakos family. Mrs.
Miller is the former Artemis Perakos, daughter
of the circuit chief.
The New Britain Herald, this city's only
afternoon daily, ft'ill increase amusement ad
rates from the present $1.25 an inch to $1.40,
Howard Oakley,
effective February 1 . . .
formerly projectioni-st at the Stuart. Lakeville,
is new projectionist at the Newington.
Stanley Cuddy, former Newington projectionist,
has re-enlisted in the army and has
been assigned to projectionist duties,
. . . Mrs.
Eileen Noriss and Eleanor Atwell are the
new aides at the Newington, according to
Manager Paul Purdy. Purdy's three sons all
have recovered from pneumonia
Purdy designed the new usherette uniform
for the staff at the theatre.
H ARTFORD
n number of Connecticut theatremen have
dropped in on Vince Capuano, manager
of the Perakos Elm, West Hartford, during
the last month or so to look over the
new 1,000-seater. Charlie Atamian of the
Strand and Jim Cotia of the Regal, both
local showmen, were among those visiting
Capuano . Myotka, projectionist
at the Eastwood. East Hartford, has shifted
to the booth at the Strand, Thompsonville,
succeeding George Goodrow, resigned. Peter
Gillespie replaced Myotka in East Hartford.
I. J. Hoffman, zone manager; Cy O'Toole,
zone engineer, and Jim Bracken, contact office,
Warner cii'cuit, were visitors at the
Warner Hartford theatres . of
lATSE Local 84 officers will be held in
January with installation slated for some
time in February . O'Niel is the
new usher and Jean Urban cashier at the
E. M. Loew's.
. . . Bobe Hope
Paul W. Amadeo, manager of E. M. Loew's
Hartford Drive-In, was in New York for a
few days. He saw the musical. "Inside
George E. Landers. Hartford
U.S.A.!" . . .
division manager for E. M. Loew's Theatres,
was in Boston on business
is coming east on a cross-country tour of
one-night stands in January, and the trade
is wondering if Connecticut will be included
in the bookings this time. Several years
ago, Hope's announced tours included Hartford,
but was later changed.
Tradename was filed with city clerk's of-
. . . Mike Piccirillo.
fice by Community Amusement Corp. for
Star Theatre, the new name of the circuit's
1.800-seater on North Main
Center manager, says he has oooked
a series of weekly amateur shows with Al
Monty starting January 6 to run for an indefinite
period. Before getting into radio
and stage shows, Monty managed theatres
in New Britain and Waterbury.
W. E. Gilson of Altec called on Manager
Joe Giobbia of -the Crown . McCarthy,
Warner Strand manager, made a quick trip
into New York . Benway is the
new manager of the Interstate Saybrook,
Saybrook .
Theatre, Stamford,
gave away free dog-training books to kiddies
attending the showings of "Hills of Home."
Elsie Jardin, Loew's Poll cashier, ill for
some time, has resumed her duties at the
theatre . . . Lee Pi'uden, Poll cashier, has
resigned . Young, formerly with a
number of New England theatre circuits, is
understood to be doing exploitation work
out of St. Louis for RKO Radio.
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76 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

Two Bay Stale Bills
Request Censorship
BOSTON—Two censorship bills have been
filed in the state house of representatives,
one calling for a state censorship committee
and the other asking a committee to
censor comic books and motion pictures for
minors.
The first bill would provide for a board of
five members chosen by the governor to
serve without compensation on the state
censorship committee. The members would
elect a chairman who would receive a salary
of $5,000 a year. Under the provisions of
the bill the committee would be called upon
to censor a film upon complaint by any five
citizens. If. in the opinion of the majority
of the committee the film is objectionable,
the board may prohibit exhibition throughout
the state. A fine of not more than $5,000
or imprisonment of not more than two years
or both would be the penalty for violation
of the board's decree.
tTnder the provisions of the second bill
the commissioner of public safety would be
the chairman with the Boston police commissioner
as clerk and other members such
as the superintendent of schools, a Catholic
priest, a Protestanc minister and a Jewish
rabbi. Each member would serve three years
without compensation but with an expense
account to be approved by the governor and
his coimcil. All motion pictures and comic
books would be passed by this committee
and any violation of its dictates would be
punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.
The present state censorship board consists
of three members from the department
of public safety who approves films for Sunday
showing only.
Educational Film Group
Is Organized in Boston
BOSTON—The nucleus of a Boston film
council which will serve as a clearing house
to help promote the use of educational films
in this sector was formed when more than
100 representatives of church, school, college,
social welfare and other groups interested
in the use of audio-visual aids to education
met at the public library here. The meeting
was sponsored by the library, Boston
university, the community recreation centers
of Boston and the public relations department
of the New England Telephone & Telegraph
Co. Those attending heard Glen Burch,
executive director of the Film Council of
America, outline the work being done by
similar councils now organized in more than
100 cities and towns in all parts of the
country. Dr. Abraham Krasker, director of
the bureau of teaching aids at Boston university,
presided at the meeting.
Sam Schubouf Substitutes
HARTFORD—Sam Schubouf.
manager of
Loew's Poll Lyric, Bridgeport, Conn., has
been shifted temporarily to Loew's Poll,
Springfield, Mass., as assistant manager,
pending appointment of a permanent assistant
for the house.
Holly Sweeney, Loew's
Poll, Springfield, assistant, has resigned to
enter the meat business. He was previously
with the Loew Theatres in 'Waterbury, Conn.,
and Hartford.
Arthur Lockwood Dinner
At Boston January 11
BOSTON—A testimonial dinner honoring
Arthur Lockwood of Lockwood & Gordon
Enterprises, who recently was named presi-
J
F"
M dfk
Arthur Lockwood Sam Pinanski
dent of TOA, will be held at the Copley-
Plaza hotel's main ballroom at 6:30 p. m.,
January 11.
A stag affair, the dinner is sponsored by
the 'Variety Club of New England, of which
Joseph Giobbia Manages
Crown Theatre, Hartford
HARTFORD—Joseph Giobbia, a veteran
of 25 years in the film industry, has been
appointed manager of the Crown Management
Corp.'s Crown Theatre here, replacing
Joseph B. La'Vista. who resigned to enter
the vending business.
Giobbia, whose home town is Brooklyn,
comes here from the Happy Hour Theatre,
Brooklyn, a P>i-esident Amusement Corp. situation.
Giobbia formerly was assistant manager
at the Metro. Los Angeles.
The new manager tied up with 11 area
merchants to sponsor giveaway of two children's
bicycles on Saturday afternoons, with
youngsters asked to secure "lucky numbered"
coupons from merchants with each purchase.
New policy of giving away free candy and
toys to kids attending Saturday matinee
performances has been instituted. New personnel
includes Patricia Stevens, candy girl,
and Sara Nelson, cashier.
Maxwell Alderman Gives
Report on Convention
NE'W HA'VEN—Alhed Theatre Owners of
Connecticut met for a Towne House luncheon
recently to hear Maxwell Alderman, executive
secretary, report on the recent national
Allied convention in New Orleans. The Connecticut
group approved and endorsed all
resolutions passed at the southern meeting,
including those opposing percentage pictures,
opposing voluntary arbitration of grievances
under the consent decree ruling and opposing
joining with TOA in conciliation boards.
The membership voted 100 per cent cooperation
with and all possible assistance to
the celebration of Brotherhood week. In addition
to Alderman, who flew to and from
New Orleans, Al Bookspan of the Fishman
circuit drove to the Allied conference and
appeared as a delegate.
Lockwood has long been an active officer.
Tickets at $10 each may be obtained from
E. Harold Stoneman, chief barker, at Interstate
Theatres, 260 Ti-emont St., or from
Bill Koster, 'Variety Club's director at the
Hotel Statler.
Samuel Pinanski is the general chairman
and working closely with him is a large committee
consisting of E. Harold Stoneman,
Joe Cifre, Martin Mullin, Murray 'Weiss,
Harry Browning, Ted Fleisher, Louis Richmond.
Samuel Marshall, John Dervin, Ben
'Williams, Max Levenson, Stanley Rothenberg,
Louis Gordon, Phil Smith, Herman
Levy. Al Kane, 'Walter Brown, Al Clark, John
Ford, Steve Broidy, Phil Marget, Arnold
Van Leer and Abe Yarchin.
A large group of out-of-towners is invited
to attend, and 'Variety Club officials
say that the list will include important names
from the "'Who's Who" of the industry. The
toastmaster and emcee will be announced
shortly.
New England Allied
Sets May Conclave
BOSTON—Plans for the 1949 convention
of Independent Exhibitors of New England,
Inc., to be held May 25, 26 at the Copley-
Plaza hotel here, were among subjects discussed
at its December meeting following
a luncheon and directors meeting here. Daniel
Murphy, president, called the meeting to
order.
_
Because of many requests that it be made
a permanent part of services rendered by the
organization, continuation of 'the Caravan
was unanimously voted by members. The
unit also voted to participate in Brotherhood
week in cooperation with the national committee
established for the observance, with
Nathan Yamins as New England representative.
Leslie Bendslev and 'Walter Mitchell, cochairmen
of preparations for the annual
convention, outlined plans for the two-day
convention. The membership was informed
of details relating to the proposed 2 per cent
sales tax, and of the introduction of two
proposed censorship bills.
Following a discussion, members voted
imanimously to combat any violations of the
recent court decree against forced selling.
mnsTER moTion picturEc
I
so PIEDMOnT ST. • BOSTOn IE MH55.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948 77

. . Judge
Treasurer Confesses
Fake $5,000 Holdups
PROVIDENCE—Two supposed robberies
at the RKO Albee Theatre here, involving
loot totaling more than $5,000, were solved
when Russell Mowry. 34-year-old, $46-aweek
treasurer at the house, broke down
under persistent questioning by Providence
and insurance detectives and admitted that
his stories of the "holdup" last week when
$3,429 in cash was taken from the theatre's
safe, and of a similar "robbery" last August
when $1,638 was lost under similar circumstances,
were faked to cover up his own embezzlements.
After making the admission, Mowry took
detectives to a basement storage vault in
the theatre building, climbed a stepladder
and brought out from behind a pile of old
theatre records two paper bags containing
$3,150, all that remained of the money stolen
in the two incidents.
He told police he took the money to repay
loans and to "live well," finding his $46
salary not enough to do that and support his
wife and 4-year-old daughter. He said he
explained his sudden wealth to his wife by
telling her that he had been lucky in
gambling.
Mowry's original story to police after the
most recent defalcation was that he was
attacked by two hatless bandits, hit on
the head with a revolver butt and forced
to open a safe in the treasurer's office containing
the cash. He finally admitted that
he hit himself on the head with a metal
money sealing machine.
BOS T ON
.
Julian Casineli, Playhouse, Bartlett, N. H.,
who said he will take over the Town
Hall, Jackson, N. H., for one night a week
shows, was a visitor. The two theatres are
16 miles apart Pike, Playhouse,
Lisbon, N. H., and his assistant, Miss Beryl
Aldrich, were here for the December meeting
of Independent Exhibitors . . . Ralph
Roberts, Powers, Caribou, Me., spent a day
in the district as did Arch Lade who operates
theatres in Kingfield and Phillips, Me.
There is a, gay and festive air around the
Warner exchange this holiday season and no
wonder. The Boston office finished third
in the nationwide annual playdate drive
which means a nice prize of $250 for each
booker and salesman. Jack McCarthy, western
Massachusetts and Rhode Island salesman,
finished eighth in the country in the
newsreel contest, receiving an extra prize
of $350 . . Bill Horan has moved upstairs
.
to his new office as district manager, while
Al Daytz, newly appointed branch manager
succeeding Horan, takes over in the main
office downstairs. Al has returned from
Florida where he and his wife enjoyed a
two-week vacation.
Saul Levin of Eagle Lion is the chairman
for the second annual children's party of the
Motion Picture Salesmen's club which was
held at the Variety Club rooms in the Hotel
Statler. About 30 children enjoyed refreshments,
gifts from Santa Claus, motion pictures
and a professional magician.
Fay and Stanzler Head
R. I. March of Dimes
PROVIDENCE—Gov. John O. Pastore appealed
to Rhode Island theatre managers and
owners at a luncheon meeting here to support
the 1949 March of Dimes drive with
audience collections, which have been so successful
in the last few years. More than 30
theatres were represented at the meeting.
Governor Pastore pointed out that theatres
made the largest single contribution
to the March of Dimes in past years, and
this proved that the public is not adverse to
audience collections. His request was unanimously
endorsed by the meeting.
Edward Fay, Providence exhibitor, was appointed
chairman of the state drive and
Mever Stanzler was named theatre chairman.
Mortensen Feted
Bill
HARTFORD— Bill Mortensen, managing
director of the Bushnell Memorial, downtown
theatre, and former mayor of Hartford
was given the Jewish War Veterans
1948 Hartford Citizens award for his part in
promoting interfaitli activities in the city.
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78 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

Real Christmas Spirit Infuses
Dallas Row
Parties Less Lavish This Year But Feeling of the Season Is More Evident
DALLAS—Harrison C. Gunter, owner of
the Buckhorn Drive-In at Alice, played Santa
Claus in plain clothes to everyone on Filmrow.
He had good luck on a deer hunt in
the southwest cattle country and shared it
with the many Filmrow workers who served
his drive-in during the last year. Gunter
brought the deer 500 miles in his car and
had Mitchell's barbecue shop prepare it.
Then he walked all over the Row asking
guests to come and get it later that day.
Buddy Harris was to be at the door to
admit only film employes but he had made
other commitments so Truman Hendrix filled
in at the job. The 168-pound buck was pronounced
ready and the crowd began forming.
Gunter personally got behind the counter
to help Mitchell supply the himgry line.
For several hours the two sliced all the
venison that could be eaten and many tasted
it for the first time. They said here that
Gunter's Christmas token ranked with the
best in recent years.
Gunter's home is in Celins. Buddy Harris,
who operates the Ritz there, said Gunter
worked behind the drug store soda foimtain
before the war. He joined the marines as
a private and came out a captain. He used
some of his army training to build his drivein
for 350 cars and he equipped it with incar
speakers and other modern services. Because
he had picked off quite a few Japs
under worse conditions, Gunter found it easy
to go out one afternoon and bag the two
deer before starting the night show.
J. A. Prichard, district and branch manager
for Monogram, has had the exchange
torn up from front to back, but it will come
out with a new look for the New Year. Everything
is being made all new. His office will
be the former cashier's department. Booking,
shipping and other facilities are being
streamlined to meet comparison along the
Row, which boasts several top streamlined
offices in one block, particularly National
Theatre Supply, Universal and R&R Theatres.
Although In the throes of remodeling,
the ustial Christmas cheer was observed by
Prichard and his staff.
The Columbia exchange personnel had its
yule party at Roth's restaurant on the Fort
Worth cutoff, with dinner, dancing and the
usual refreshments. A tree and exchange of
gifts at the exchange preceded the dinner.
Paramount Pep club reserved Casa Linda Log
Cabin, a nite spot, for a chuck wagon turkey
dinner and dance.
The Robb & Rowley Theatres booking department
held an informal party for film
men, but the Friday before Christmas was
reserved for the R&R family. This event
was quite an affair when the late H. B.
Robb would don his ermine trimmed Santa
Claus suit and hand out gifts from an overladen
tree. This time, however, Christmas
was to be observed in a quieter tone as in
the last several years, but there were to be
many gifts, food and refreshments. It was
to be the first Christmas in the newly remodeled
general office. E. H. Rowley left
earlier to spend the season in California,
Uncle Joe Improved
As Is W. W. Spruce
Dallas—The good news which came from
the sick rooms of J. E. Luckett and \V.
VV. Spruce was
welcomed for the
Christmas season.
The former, who
is manager of the
White Theatre
here, suffered a
heart attack after
returning from a
visit to Chicago.
He will remain at
home with his wife
in the Sanger hotel
for the next
J. E. Luckett
few weeks and
hopes then to return to his job. A former
film exchange manager for many
years. Uncle Joe, as he is widely known,
recently celebrated his 78th birthday, and
was still going strong.
Spruce, MGM office manager, was
resting easier in Veterans hospital at
McKinney, where he was taken recently.
He underwent a leg amputation in a
Dallas hospital previously. LeRoy Whitington
said, he visited Spruce the other
day and that his morale is picking up.
Friends who wouold like to send Spruce
a card may reach him in Ward 60 at the
hospital.
partly on business, but offered his greetings
to film men and to his employes before departure.
Eagle Lion had its family party with presents
and a tree Thursday afternoon. The
Warner club had its Friday night party in
Pappy's Showland. J. D. Hillhouse, manager
of the Maple Theatre, scheduled a free
kid show with A Christmas Carol as the
main attraction. There were to be cartoons
and Christmas songs by the audience. Candy,
nuts and fruit were to be distributed. The
Maple is owned by Forrest White and M. K.
McDaniel. Jimmy Cain, manager of the
Lakewood, had a similar program there. Admission
was by an old toy which could be
repaired for other kids. Each child received
a gift donated by merchants of the neighborhood.
The Lakewood is an Interstate
theatre.
Don Douglas did the unusual again in
getting up the Robb & Rowley Christmas
card. It was a miniature souvenir cover of
the 24 Sheeter, with a modernized Texas
theatre sketch, the circuit using that name
generally. Inside are pictures of the home
office executives Frank Dowd, C. V. Jones,
Deacon Bell, H. B. Robb jr., E. H. Rowley,
John Rowley, Ray Elkins and Douglas. Pictures
of the top feminine stars are between
the R&R men's photos.
Christmas cheer was spread abundantly
at the four Filmrow equipment houses. Berber
Bros.. National Theatre Supply. Modern
Theatre Equipment Co., and Southwestern
Theatre Equipment Co., each had special
departments arranged for the refreshments
and nicknacks. Each house passed out presents
or souvenirs to customers.
The MGM club gave a turkey dimier and
dance in the Danish room of the Adolphus
hotel. National Screen Service had its turkey
dinner and tree in the office a few days
earlier. Republic ordered the caterer's best
turkey dinner served in the exchange and
plenty of eggnog was there. It was Manager
John J. Houlihan's first Chi-istmas on
the Dallas Filmrow, he having been transferred
here last summer from Memphis.
Carl Craig, the little hunchback of Filmrow,
probably didn't realize just how much
the exchanges and circuit offices appreciated
his services during the year. Nearly all
offices took up collections for him, which
amounted to over $50. Carl is well in his
teens, although the deformity diminished his
size. He fell out of a tree when much
younger and injured his back. He was smart
in school and now it's shoving telegrams for
show business with him. Carl and his customers
are pleased with each other.
As usual, very few exhibitors were in during
the week as compared to other years
when they came by scores, especially to make
all houses on the Row for lavish yuletide
entertainment. It is some different now but
the Christmas spirit is perhaps more fully
realized during these times than it was then.
Seen along the Row were Joe Hackney of
Canton, S. G. Fry, Tyler; T. L. Richey, Linden;
L. A. Allen, Crawford, and Ernest
Rockett and Ben Knoch, Itasca. Others
dropped in as the week closed but nearly all
remained close by their homes and theatres.
Louise Jones, film actress, arrived from
Hollywood with her 9-year-old son George
for a holiday visit with C. 'V. Jones, her
father. She had parts in "This Time for
Keeps" and "The Razor's Edge." George
soon may be in pictures, too. He was given
a screen test recently, chosen from 200 applicants.
P. G. Cameron, who moved to Los Angeles
last summer, read in BOXOFFICE
two weeks ago that he was planning to
move back to Dallas. This week he was
back, hoping to complete a sale of three
theatres here to the J. G. Long circuit which
has operated them the last two years. He
said his son Guy and son-in-law Claude
Kennell want to come back anyway. All
have been in the motel business in Los
Angeles.
The opening of Alfred Sach's foreignlanguage
Coronet Theatre December 28 will
be one of the more prominent Christmas
week festivities here. The initial attfaction
is "The Barber of Seville" with Tagliavini.
The Dallas Symphony orchestra members
will attend a special showing the night before
opening.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948 sw 79

DALLAS
IJerbert Stroud got in one last booking trip
in 1948 for his two theatres at Hamilton,
in 1948 for his two theatres at Hamillon.
Jack Arthur of Crosbyton. an exhibitor and
furniture store owner, was doing likewise.
Sam Lewis of the new Ward Theatre in
Monahans stopped a few hours on his way
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federal court how pictures were played by his
theatre and two others operated by Theatre
Enterprises.
Jake Webb of the Bantex Theatre in Bandera
said he brought Tuesday's welcome rain
to this city. It wasn't raining when he left
but later radio reports said precipitation was
nearly general over the state before the end
of the day. M. J. Birdwell was here from
Las Ci'uces, N. M.. and bought drive-in equipment
for the new airer he and a partner are
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in the Columbia home office, has arrived for
a visit to the local exchange. His mission is
to check on availabilities for various theatres.
All film salesmen are taking a customary
two-week Christmas vacation from December
18 to Jan. 3. Exhibitors do not usually buy
during this period anyway, which was the
reason the yuletide holiday was established
a number of years ago.
H. L. Holzendorf, who has served the Manley
organization for several years, particularly
in Florida and more recently with Herb
Turpie in Colorado, has been transferred to
New Orleans to sell in the Crescent City
territory. Holzendorf spent a few hours in
Dallas visiting the local office en route to
his new assignment.
The National Screen Service Christmas observance
was for Friday, too, but at noon and
for employes only. A. program of songs and
recitations was carded. A real Santa Claus
was booked to distribute gifts and then a
big turkey dinner as the windup. Other
Christmas affairs were to be plentiful along
the Row but most of them were to be staged
in the coming week.
The Warner club was all set for a big
Westerns-Featyres-Serials
Tower Pictures Co.
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80 BOXOFTICE :: December 25, 1948

. . Plans
Christmas blowout Friday night in Pappy's
Showlanfl. A tree, refreshments, dinner, gifts
and dancing were on the agenda. Over 50
employes and some of their family members
were there. Bob Willies, Warner booker, has
been on the sick list with a stomach ailment
and remained at home for two weeks. His
case was not serious, however. Bob is a son
of the late Leslie Wilkes, a veteran and popular
film man for many years.
A. W. Smith, 20th-Fox general sales manager;
Herman Robbins and George Dambow,
heads of National Screen Service; Oscar
Neu, Neumade Products. New York, and
Oscar Oldknow, National Theatre Supply of
Los Angeles were other notables who came
down on the Row before going to the O'Donnell
dinner.
On the sadder side for this Christmas was
the death at his home in Fort Worth of
former publicist Leon Friedman. He had
worked for Ziegfeld, Will Rogers, Marilyn
Miller and Al Jolson.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
(Twenty Years Ago)
^ILLIAM McILHERAN, one of the oldest
exhibitors in Texas and the first Dallas
exhibitor, died recently at the age of 78 . . .
Fire destroyed the booth and caused con-
.siderable damage to the Mutual Theatre,
Hamlin, Tex., recently . for rebuilding
the Crawford in El Paso, Tex., have
been announced.
Harry Burke, former manager of the Palace
in Dallas, has been made district manager
of the Publix theatres in Texas and Kansas
City, succeeding John J. Friedl, who is said
to be transferred to New York . . . Tlie new
Circle, built by A. B. Momand in an ideal
location in Capitol Hill district of Oklahoma
City, was opened recently. Capitol Hill adjoins
the new oil field discovered a few days
ago. Manager E. C. Robinson was almost
overwhelmed with compliments at the opening.
Aulry Show to Return
DALLAS—Gene Autry will bring his show
back to Fair Park auditorium in February.
It will include performers familiar to film
and radio audiences. A one-day stand last
fall played to SRO, both matinee and night.
The colored boys at the Variety Club do
things in concerted action and their Christmas
card to members was a novel example.
A simple and attractive greeting bore the
names of Edgar, Nash, Billups. John Henry,
Leaman, Chance and Albert. Only last
month the same boys acted in unison on
another proposition, also thought to be
imusual. They voted the Democratic ticket
straight.
Adreon to Produce 'Rocket Man'
Franklin Adreon has be'en assigned to produce
"Adventures of the Rocket Man," for
Republic.
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BOXOFFICE December 25, 1946 81

. . . Dick
. . . Ronnie
. . Another
SAN ANTONIO
T eon Glasscock, owner and manager of several
south Texas theatres, is constructing
a new class B house in Luling, where
he now has the New Tower, a first run situation.
The new cinema will seat 875 . . .
Theatre business has been spotty downtown
but the drive-ins and suburbans are enjoying
an increased volume of trade. The
Christmas rush packed them into downtown
and neighborhood stores.
Eph Charninsky, head of Southern Theatres
here, never smokes a cigar, but chews
them down to a wad.
.
Commonwealth Pictures, New York City,
is shooting scenes hereabouts for a forthcoming
production crew headed
by Lee Orr, Fox Movietone cameraman, is
making aerial shots at a local army flying
field for release next year. It is rumored
that two other companies will be in town
within a fortnight to produce films.
the New Eagle, Eagle Pass. Located across
from the post office, the new house will be
owned by Butler Bros, and will seat aroimd
700. It will cost about $125,000. Spillman &
Spillman are the general architects and
engineers for the project.
James Herman SoUack, who has been
managing the Uptown, has been appointed
house manager of the Prince, a Southern
theatre. He replaces Mary Grimes, who resigned
to enter a private business . . . Henry
Bergman, former actor and now manager of
the Empire, returned to duty following an
attack of intestinal flu.
Lou Emerson, actor, singer, guitarist and
former minstrel man now he&rd regularly
over WOAI, played Santa Glaus at a party
December 24 at the community house.
6
6
6 66
USTER
CRABBE
BILLY THE KID SERIES
WITH AL (aiZZY) ST. JOHN
GEORGE
HOUSTON
THE LOtE RIDER SERIES
WITH AL (njZZY) ST. JOHN
BILL (SirjGING)
COWBOY RAfi«LER SERIES
WITH ART DAVIS
BOB
STEELE
ADVENTURES OF
BILLY THE KID SERIES
GEORGE
ADVENTURES OF THE
LOr£ RIDER SERIES
BOYD
HOUSTON
TIM M C COY
ADVENTURES OF THE
WESTERN OUTLAW SERIES
Louis Landy, head of the visual aids training
department at Kelly Field, has had eight
of his pictures approved by the government
for telecast release over several north Texas
television stations. Lou is also a news commentator
for KCOR, bilingual station, and
KYFM, a frequency modulation station
owned and operated by the Express and
News Publishing Co. here.
Thomas Hart, first cousin to the late twogun
Bill Hart, is the grandfather of Diane
Hart, now visiting friends and relatives here.
Miss Hart has a trained horse named "Silver"
which she has ridden for seven months. He
is one of the few dancing horses in these
parts.
Leo H. Kidd, known professionally as Claude
Powers, now is residing here. He has been
in show business for over 40 years. Kidd
made and worked in some of the first talking
pictures produced in St. Louis many
years ago under the supervision of O. T.
Crawford, producer, director and former theatre
manager and owner, who controlled the
Shamrock Pictures Co. of Missouri.
Austin Squibs: The screen of the Eddie Joseph
Drive-In can be seen from the highway
Dropping into Caruso's for a late
. . . breakfast, we learned that Pete is a cousin
of the late Enrique Caruso ... It really
takes Bill Heliums, manager of the State, to
pick a winner in more ways than one . . .
They say that Buster Novy, manager of the
Capitol and son of Interstate City Manager
Louis Novy, soon will go into the candy business
and make Buster's Clusters and Novy's
Nugats.
San Antonio sidelines: Dorothy Andricks
is the new cashier in the Aztec boxoffice.
She has an ambition to become a vocalist
Wick, former Palace employe, goes
to the Harlandale as skipper come February
Perkins, secretary to Karl Hoblitzelle,
Dallas, was in the Alamo city. The
Interstate chief was en route to the valley
on his annual holiday vacation.
Gordon Dyer, Southern Theatres projectionist,
has taken over as the new president
of the operators Local 4P7 . . . Mary Palafox
is back at the Empire following a stay in
the hills of Idaho . . . Plans are completed
and construction will start inmiediately on
AZTECA FILMS
Inc.
Head Office:
1907 S. Vermont Ave.,
Los Angeles 1, Calif.
ALBERTO SALAS PORRAS.
President
RUBEN A. CALDERON.
Secretary-Treasurer
\A^ITE — PHONE OR WmE
907 S. Alamo St. Garfield 2882
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
J. TRUEX, Branch Manager
i-!Sr«?Sr«?*«??**??»''?**?ft'*?^^^
Season's Greetings
u.
Spillman & Spillman
Architects & Engineers
Members A. I. A.
10-11 Chandler Bldg.
San Antonio, Texas
Garfield 7063
|
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

. . Fred
. .
fort. Tex. Every third child attending was
admitted free of charge, according to Manager
Prank Zimmermann. who owns the hill
country theatre.
William Keeler, local projectionist, was
elected business manager of local union 4P7
at a recent meeting. He will serve for a sixmonth
period . McGahey now is
editor of the San Antonio Evenings News .
Al Kaufman, public relations director for the
Alameda Teatro, said that the new Mexican
house will be opened January 22.
Ed Cruz of this city reported to police that
he was held up at knife point and robbed of
a silver saddle ring valued at $5 by two imknown
Mexicans while at the State Theatre
. . . Visitors along Filmrow included Jose
Guerra. manager of a new Mexican theatre,
Los Angeles; Dutch Cammer, Screen Guild
and Realart. Dallas, and Irving Dreher, new
south Texas film salesman for Sack Amusement
Enterprises, Dallas.
T. L. Richey Will Construct
Theatre in Linden, Tex.
LINDEN. TEX.—T. L. Richey, owner of the
Ritz, will start construction on a 600-seat
theatre soon after the first of the year. He
has retained Ray S. Smith, Dallas theatre
architect, to do the job. He also owns the
Joy in Mount Vernon, and before the war
owned the Texas at St. Jo. Richey lives in
Atlanta where his family is engaged in the
lumber industry. His buying and booking
problems are handled by the Ind-Ex Booking
Service at Dallas.
Miss Musgrave
Jerry Musgrave Named
JB Exchange Cashier
DALLAS—Jerry Musgrave. who has served
in the office of Sack Amusement Enterprises
for C. C. Bounds when
he had four theatres
the last five years,
has been employed as
cashier in the Jenkins
& Bourgeois exchange.
Miss Musgrave had
several years actual
theatre experience before
moving to Dallas.
She formerly lived in
Texarkana and worked
in the vicinity. Her
duties were buying,
booking and often full
operation of those houses. Her duties on
Filmrow have included regular exchange
booking.
Miss Musgrave has always been partial to
canaries and likes to hear them sing after
a heavy day at the office. Sunshine, her pet,
is an all yellow Hartz Mountain bird with
one tiny black spot on a wing. She has
taught the warbler several tricks, one being
to perch on her head at command. He is the
best singer she has ever owned.
House Destroyed by Fire
AMHERST. TEX.—The Majestic, owned by
O. M. Cosby jr., was destroyed by fire during
the week. Some of the booth equipment,
however, may be salvaged. It is believed
Cosby will rebuild.
Rain Over Texas Ends
Severe Dry Period
DALLAS—Glorious ran fell five hours Tuesday
morning (14). breaking the worst drouth
this territory has experienced in 30 years.
Radio reports said the rain was almost general
over the state. Exhibitors in small towns
had begim to feel the pinch of the drouth
as stock tanks and shallow wells at farm
homes dried up and farm patronage slowed
down.
Around Wichita Falls the wheatlands didn't
raise a green blade and cattle had begun to
starve. A bad winter might yet wipe them
out. Much of this picture was similar over
most of Texas. Agricultural and business
authorities had started saying things might
soon be desperate. That gloomy picture is
believed changing now. It wiU take ten inches
to restore the rainfall to normal.
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MODERN THEJiTRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
214 SOUTH SAINT PAUL STREET DALLAS, TEXAS
Phone Day—Riverside 5009 Night—Madison 2547
Distributors for America's Leading Manufacturers of Motion Picture Theatre Equipment
BOXOFFICE :: December 25, 194« 83

Headquarters for . . .
New or Rebuilt Equipment
(Retail or Wholesale at Terms to Suit)
COMPLETE CENTURY EQUIPMENT
Projectors
- Sound Systems - Pedestals - Magazines
STRONG LAMPS AND RECTIFIERS
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AUTOCRAT IN-CAR SPEAKERS
Are you planning a Theatre or Drive-In? Then iwrite. wire or call
HARDIN THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
714 S. Hampton Road M-2235 Dallas, Texas
USE BOXOFFICE ADS FOR RESULTS
Oklahoma Exhibitors
Buy 2 Texas Houses
HENRIETTA, TEX.—Claud Thorp of Ryan,
Okla., and Aaron Burns of Grandfleld, Okla..
have purchased the Dorothy and Royal theatres
here from C. C. Hamm. The deal was
consumated through Joe Joseph, Dallas theatre
broker.
Thorp, a veteran of over 26 years in show
business and at one time a rodeo headliner,
owns three or four theatres in his section of
Oklahoma. He and Burns plan to build a
circuit in north Texas.
Hamm has owned and operated the Majestic
in Vernon, Tex., for many years. He
resides in Vernon.
Willis Davis Asks Caution
On Tax-Aided Amusement
From Southeast Edition
ATLANTA—Pointing out the power of the
screen as a propaganda medium, Willis J.
Davis, executive of the Georgia Theatre Co.,
warned against encroachment by the government
on commercial recreation in a recent
address before the Georgia Citizens council
here.
Davis discussed "The Place of Commercial
Recreation in Community Programs" at the
council's annual conference of the council,
which was established by the state assembly
in 1945 to promote greater opportunities for
physical, mental, emotional and moral development
of the state's future citizens.
"Should the screens of the nation's motion
picture houses become propaganda media
under a central governmental agency supported
by tax money, they would lend themselves
readily to government encroachment
on individual liberty," said Davis,
Cecil Vogel's Father Dies
MEMPHIS—Col. Cecil Vogel, manager of
Loew's Palace Theatre here, was caUed to
Owensboro, Ky., by the death of his father,
Charles Ernest Vogel. Vogel was a former
newspaperman and large landowner and had
visited Memphis frequently.
84
The Seal that lives . . . and lets live
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The result? Since 1907 it is estimated that they
have helped save an average of ninety thousand lives
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As always, the 1949 program of the tuberculosis
associations will be financed by your purchase of
Christmas Seals. So please, take just a moment —
send in your contribution today.
Because of the
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BOXOFFICE
I
SEASON'S GREETINGS
§ From
I Monogram Pictures
Allied Artists
I
i Milt Lipsner
S Don Cole
g
Marcheta Pickney
| Wilma Barnes
I J. L. (Joke) Guiles
I
Iim Pnchard, Dist. Mgr.
BOXOFFICE :: December 25, 1948

New Year's Big Day
For TV Programs
DALLAS—Television stations all over the
nation and. particularly in this area, will
enter the new year with a football bang and
exhibitors here believe their theatres will feel
the competition, perhaps for several days.
The four major networks will telecast seven
bowl games on New Year's day and many
theatre patrons are expected to gather around
home television sets for the events. Programs
will start at 10 in the morning and last until
late in the afternoon.
Columbia Broadcasting System's TV channels
will handle the Rose Bowl game on the
west coast and the Orange Bowl fracas in
Miami. Fla. NBC will send out the Gator
Bowl in Jacksonville. Fla.. and the Harbor
Bowl in San Diego, Calif. Mutual will televise
the Cotton Bowl game here and the
East-West all stars in San Francisco, and
ABC will transmit the Sugar Bowl game in
New Orleans.
Aside from the competition of television at
least 70.000 potential theatre patrons are expected
to view the Cotton Bowl game here in
person.
Video film will 'oe made of all the games
for later use by outlying stations such as
WBAP-TV in Fort Worth, and it is expected
that football on television may last for several
days after January 1. However, after
football cames the video play for patrons on
January 20 when President Truman will be
inaugurated.
A few theatres in the Dallas-Fort Worth
area have been using TV sets in their lobbies
and more are expected to use them for the
January 20 event.
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
Your Deal Handled Personally T
27 years experience
We Cover the U. S. Market
Arthur Leak
Theatre Sales Exclusively
3422 Kinmore Dallas 10, Texas
Phone T3-202G
FLAV-O-NUT
Pure Vegetable Oil Popcorn Seasoning, with Rich Yellow
Color. The same popcorn seasoning that won such wide
acclaim during the war years.
'Henry V College Tieup
Profitable for Theatre
FORT DAVIS, TEX.—L. E. Wolcott, owner
of the Apache Theatre, had a profitable run
recently of "Henry V," prompted mainly by
authorities at nearby Sul Ross State College
at Alpine. On learning from the theatre
manager in Alpine that the picture would
not be shown there, the school man came
to Walcott. .some 12 miles distant and made
the tieup.
Walcott had Ind-Ex Booking Service at
Dallas buy and book the picture. An increased
film rental was paid and the admission
price raised. Business for two nights
was profitable. Walcott plans to show on
the same basis several other pictures the
school wants its students to see.
We Can Supply
Everything • • •
OKLAHOMA CITY
(^ B. "BroBTiie" Akers, who headed Senatorelect
Bob Kerr's campaign sotim. was
one of the speakers at the recent TOO parley.
. . .
He talked on legislative problems More parley flashbacks include the talk by
Johnny Giffin of Miami who spoke to the
exhibitors on the Enabling act, proposed by
the Municipal League of Oklahoma. This
act proposes to levy taxes for benefit of
city governments where the governments require
it. He said it was a threat of additional
ticket taxes, and that it should be opposed
vigorously in case it comes out in the legislative
hopper. Giffin, mayor of Miami and
a leading showman of the town, lives in a
city that is practically tax free because
of municipal owniership of various services.
The operator will find in our showrooms everything
needed to equip a modern theatre . . . and also everything
except film to operate it profitably! In addition,
we maintain a complete stock of parts, and a competent
staff of service men who are ready to answer your call
any time! Pay us a visit soon!
RCA-Victor Distributor
OKLRHOmn THEflfRE SUPPLV
J. ELDON PEEK Telephone 7-8691
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628 West Grand
OKLAHOMA CITY 2, OKLA.
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HANDY

Shreveport Theatre
Back to Don George
SHREVEPORT—Don George, owner of the
Don theatres in Shreveport and Alexandria,
and the Davis in Bossier City, across Red
river from Shreveport, says that the Glenwood
Theatre is again a member of his
chain. Since July 1, the Glenwood has been
under the management of M. Trelles, New
Orleans business man who leas-ed the theatre.
Trelles is returning to New Orleans,
according to M. V. McAfee, manager of the
Don.
The Glenwood will strive to bring to
Shreveport largely first run films, George
.said. The first feature will be "Letter From
an Unknown Woman." The Glenwood will
be managed by James Lowry, formerly with
the Shreveport Recreation department.
Bill
Shaw Sells Cedar
CEDAR HILL, TEX.—Bill Shaw has sold
the Cedar Theatre to Pat Murphree, successful
theatreman and road show operator, who
formerly was a manager for Phil Isley Theatres.
Shaw is a booker for Eagle Lion and
conrunuted some 15 miles between his theatre
and job.
Frels Theatres Charter
VICTORIA, TEX.—A 50-year charter of
incorporation has been granted to Frels Theatres
listing as incorporators: Majorie Steele
Frels, Rubin Frels and Sam Cowden. Authorized
capital stock is $150,000.
SEATING
Complains Print Shortage
Misused by Distributors
From Midwest Edition
OMAHA—The Allied
Independent Theatre
Owners of Iowa and Nebraska meeting here
passed a resolution asking that a complaint
on the shortage of prints be put on the agenda
for the board of the national Allied States
Ass'n. The resolution was passed after a
Nebraska exhibitor asserted that the shortage
of prints, under the disguise of economy,
is nothing more than a method of setting
up illegal clearance.
More than a hundred attended the oneday
meeting here, which was preceded by
a board session. Bill Ainsworth, Allied national
president, telegraphed his regrets at
not being able to appear due to iDness, and
said, "we are proud of the success of your
unit which has now become one of the
largest, strongest and most aggressive units
in national Allied."
Other subjects discussed and actions taken
include:
Conduct of stars—Talked at length, but
no direct action to be taken until it comes
before national boai'd.
Advertising accessories—Resolution passed
urging members to see that all advertising,
11x14s, one-sheets, 30x40s, etc., are returned
promptly to the seurce in good shape, using
care in wrapping, to aid exhibitor who uses
the material the following time.
Print damage—Members urged to use care
in handling prints and check machines regularly.
The tension on a rewind can cause
a print to be slipped so it becomes "rainy,"
it was pointed out.
Allied Caravan—Its use was gone into
thoroughly and it was suggested by one
member that a universal 100 figure he worked
out for each theatre to simplify the interpretations.
Organization activity—President Myrick
gave an account of this year's activity, pointing
out that the Allied of Iowa and Nebraska
is the most active exhibitor unit in
the country. Fourteen meetings have been
held this year, membership is at an all-time
high, many local problems members have
had with distributors have been worked out
with the film companies who have shown
a willingness to cooperate.
The Smith plan—It was decided so long
as 20th-Pox insists on forcing percentage
pictures, CRI checkers, etc., it was not interested
in any kind of a plan.
Tailor-made trailers—An Iowa member
suggested that all film companies be urged
to make two trailers on pictures that have
appeals for both class and action houses.
For- example a picture that has high class
music would have a trailer for key runs that
would show this music, and for the action
and small town houses scenes that whet the
appetite of that type patronage—comedy
angles, etc. It also was suggested that many
trailers are too long.
Elk City, Okla., Airer
Started by Griffith
ELK CITY, OKLA.—Construction work is
under way on a new 400-car drive-in on
highway 66 two miles west of here. Griffith
Consolidated Theatres, Inc., is builder of the
ozoner, which is scheduled for completion
about March 1.
'Enchantment' Will Open
At Boston Astor on Xmas
BOSTON—Lynn Farnol, director of advertising
and publicity for Samuel Goldwyn
Productions, was here to set plans with Dan
Finn, Newell Stepp and Al Margolian of the
Astor Theatre, and Ralph Banghart, New
England field representative for RKO, to set
plans for the premiere of Goldwyn's "Enchantment,"
which will open at the Astor
here on Christmas day and date with the
Astor in New York. One of the biggest newspaper,
radio and posting campaigns will
launch the feature.
R&R Men Hit Oil
DALLAS—E. H. Rowley, C. V. Jones and
L. M. Rice of Robb & Rowley Theatres have
hit an oil well on a lease they own on Copano
bay near Rockport. The oil is of high quality
but the amount of production has not been
determined, although a good producer seems
sure. These men own a lot more acreage in
the vicinity. Ed Rowley jr. has been staying
with the weU. He studied geology when attending
the University of Texas several years
ago.
Luling, Tex., Tower Opens
LULING, TEX.—Gidney Talley of San Antonio
has opened the Tower Theatre, which
he remade from the old Princess. He is in
competition with W. D. Glasscock, who is
completing an all new $100,000 theatre to
open within a few weeks. Glasscock also
operates in other Talley towns.
Annual Free Show Given
WASHBURN, ILL.—A free show in both
the afternoon and evening was given at the
Washburn Theatre here by Clifford W.
Cordes, owner of the Washburn Oil Co. The
event is an annual custom.
THEATRE SEAT INSTALLATION
:0 years experience — Satisiaction guaranteed.
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Johnnie Boutwell
Temple, Texas
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86
Box 630
Behon, Texas
L. L. Barrow Reopens Eutex
EUSTACE, TEX.—L. L. Barrow of Dallas
has reopened the Eutex Theatre. Until recently
he was projectionist in a neighborhood
theatre there and owns and operates
the Martha Washington candy store in the
Highland Park shopping village in that city.
Eustace is an inland village between Athens
and Mabank.
4JUJk
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

RESTORATION OF TICKET TAX
THREATENED IN N. CAROLINA
State's Showmen Also Fear
Move to Authorize City
Theatre Levies
RALEIGH, N. C—The forthcoming session
of the North Carolina general assembly, which
convenes January 6, has Tar Heel state exhibitors
expressing apprehension over the fate
of the present motion picture theatre tax
structure, which almost got the ax from the
1947 legislative term.
On top of whopping demands from all
state-supported institutions, pay raises for
state employes and school teachers are a certainty,
with the popular good health program
coming in for a large slice of funds. To top
off these appropriations. Gov. W. Kerr Scott,
whose inaugm-ation will take place prior to
the assembly meeting, was elected on a
program that promised hard-surfaced rural
roads. Scott, an Alamance county dairy
farmer and former state commissioner of
agriculture, is a fighter and speaks his mind
regardless of the consequences. There is little
doubt but that the legislature will give him
his road program.
It is also practically certain that attempts
will be made to put the 3 per cent general
sales tax back on theatre admissions. The
theatre sales tax was repealed during the
1943 session and replaced with a flat sliding
scale state licensing plan. Theatre operators
also fear that the North Carolina League of
Municipalities will attempt to put through
a bill that will allow towns to tax theatre
admissions. Municipal bodies are at present
prevented by state law from taxing admissions
and have other financial restraints from
the legislature. A proposed constitutional
amendment that would greatly liberalize municipal
bond issues was defeated in the November
elections. Many town governments
are reported as desperate for new revenues
to support expansion programs and increased
administrative costs.
Even the legislators admit that the 1949
session will be one of the "toughest" in history.
Santa Claus Featured
In 2 Memphis Lobbies
MEMPHIS—Santa Claus did his stuff at
the Rosemary and Luciann theatres here.
All this week, jolly old St. Nick was on duty
in the lobby of both theatres, passing out
free comic books and talking to the kiddies.
December 23 a free show—in fact, two free
shows—were presented at Rosemary for children.
"A Christmas Carol" was shown at
12:30 p. m. and again at 2:30. Both shows
were free, said owner Augustine Cianciola.
Henry Tarbes Is Dead
MIAMI BEACH—Henry Tarbes died suddenly
at his home here. He was a member
of the Miami Showmen's Ass'n. He is survived
by his widow Beatrice and one daughter,
Mrs. Estelle Belle. Interment was in
New York City.
State Theatre Lobby in
Tallahassee
Boasts Rotating Christmas Tree
TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—For 14 years
Perry and Giles Neel have been cooking up
ideas for unusual Christmas trees in the
lobby of their State Theatre on College
avenue. This year the Neel brothers combined
their ingenuity, experience and a few
steel stays from a corset to produce a tree
that rotates.
In 1935 the Neels introduced the first aUsilver
tree to the city. The year after, "the
silver trees appeared in almost every show
window and in many homes," recalled
Perry.
Perry does most of the "idea phase" for
brother G. B., in the production of the unusual
trees, and the electrical work. The
actual construction is by G. B.
The first tree appeared in the State's
lobby 13 years ago; it was the silver tree.
Since then they've appeared regularly,
about two to three weeks before the visit
of St. Nick.
The second year tree was an all-cellophane
tree ; the third was a spruce painted
with blue gun metal paint; the fourth was
snow white; fifth, a red tree and the sixth
was a natural colored evergreen with novelty
trimmings, each gaily lighted.
Diu'ing the war years, the Neels had
sightly trees but they had to throttle their
"gay trimmings," because of shortages resulting
from war-time scarcities.
In 1947 the 13th tree was really a
whiz.
The tree was painted in stroblite fluorescent
colors, had no bulbs but the ornaments
were in the stroblite and the utilization
of black light produced one of the
most unusual yule season trees ever seen
in Tallahassee.
This season's tree is an evergreen.
First it was treated in white lacquer and
silver glass was sprinkled on before the
lacquer dried.
The large wreath that circles it is made
of wallboard. There are more than 3,000
individually cut-out green foil leaves which
were glued on the weath.
Toys for Admission
FORT LAUDERDALE—Cln-istmas toys
for
every needy child in the county was the
goal of the Warner Theatre when it staged
its tenth annual Christmas party In conjunction
with the local Salvation Army. Admission
for either adults or children was
one or more toys per person. Last year more
than 1,000 usable toys were collected. The
program lasts from 10 a. m. till noon. Bill
Russell is manager of the Warner.
The rotating Christmas tree in the
State Theatre, Tallahassee, Fla., is admired
by Peggy Ann Neel, daughter of
Perry Neel who, with his brother Giles,
manages the theatre.
The tree rotates and that is where the
steel corset stays come in.
Power for the motion of the tree is
furnished by a little motor used in show
window display, loaned by Moon's Jewelry,
and the flashing circuit was loaned by
Culpepper sign company.
Breaker points— to switch on the tiny
bulbs around the inner circle of the wreath
—at the base of the tree are made of the
steel corset stays.
Perry said he encountered a bit of trouble
trying to find steel stays. The new
fangled "shape helpers" have plastic or
bone stays. They wouldn't do. After a
search, a corset with steel stays was purchased
at Mendelson's.
What's new for 1949?
"Heck, that's a year away, a lot of ideas
can be produced before then," chimed the
Neels.
F. E. Hall to Fort Myers
As Circuit City Manager
FORT MYERS, FLA.—Floyd E. Hall, manager
of the Sunset Theatre in Fort Lauderdale,
has been transferred here by Florida
State Theatres to assume the post of city
manager for the chain. He has been active
in many civic organizations since his return
from active service in World War II, and
is past president of the Exchange club of
Fort Lauderdale.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1946 SE 87

. . Guy
MIAMI
The slogan, "Wometco Theatres ... All
Over Town," is being stressed in the circuit's
advertising. Wometco admission books
of coupons are being called "Books of Happiness"
. . . Freddie Stewart, appearing here,
names 12 picture titles under which his name
has appeared in the last three months; but
all belong to the same picture, which finally
was named "The Music Man."
Brandt's Flamingo on Lincoln road is giving
wide publicity to the Florida premiere
of "The Red Shoes" there on Christmas day.
Seats are being reserved for the two evening
shows, and the matinee. A five-day run
has been scheduled. Daily advertising in
newspapers, publicity stories giving interesting
sidelights on the film, and a large sign
above the marquee herald the event . . .
ABC Television, Warner Bros., Pathe and
MGM are scheduled to give national publicity
to a water show and ballet featuring
a number of aquatic stars, held recently at
an ocean-front hotel.
Wometco's new Miracle Theatre sent out
"Free for Nothin' " invitations to youngsters
of Coral Gables and southwest Miami. For
its first Saturday of operation the Miracle's
management introduced its policy of special
shows for children with a free matinee, starting
at 12:45 p. m. A western feature was
shown and children received gifts of bubble
gum . Rennie, entertainer from the
Bar of Music, did the exterior emceeing for
the Miracle's premiere.
A! Brandt of the Flamingo received a complaint
from a patron for not labeling British
pictures as "foreign." Brandt naturally
disclaims any intention of using misleading
advertising, but is of the opinion that the
name of the producer is obvious enough.
The incident, however, seems to point up
the conviction of many theatremen who
find that people seldom take notice of the
producer of a picture, only the actors.
When Joyce Voelker, Miami Daily News
fashion editor, arrived to interview Terry
Moore, star of "Return of October," in her
Miami Beach hotel, she found ten news
and radio representatives there for the same
purpose. The star solved everybody's problem
by making a recording, answering questions,
and posing in various costumes for
everybody at the same time. And she had
energy left over to ask reporters more questions
than they asked her.
George Bonrke tipped off Miami Beach
night club operators to see the current Capitol
Theatre show If they wanted to audition
numerous big variety and cafe stars en
masse. The double bill Included "Hellzapoppln"
and "Argentine Nights" ... A recent
ad for Claughton's Embassy and Variety
carried this amusing line: "We threw
away the fancy ads and give It to you
straight . . It's not just another murder
.
story—it's strong, stark realism at its best."
The feature was "The "Velvet Touch." Claughton
advertising has been attracting notice
designs.
for the originality and variety of its
Babs Beckwith Noble, daughter of the J.
Holden Beckwiths of Miami Beach, is In Los
Angeles with RKO. She assists future stars
to become acclimated to their new life, helps
them buy the proper clothes, coaches them
on hair-styling and makeup, and even etiquette
when necessary.
Bernstein Rushing
Two Miami Houses
MIAMI — Robert O. Bernstein, executive
vice-president of Bernstein Theatres, is rushing
work on the Little River Theatre here,
due to open in a few weeks with many celebrities
attending. Initial boxoffice receipts will
go to the Optimist club for furnishing the
Youth Center.
Construction has begun on the circuit's
LeJuene Park Theatre in the business section.
This outdoor house will have Australian
pines in double rows instead of a fence, a
large concession building and a walk-in seating
arrangement in the shape of a ship's
deck. It will open in March. Joe Hornstein,
supply dealer, has the contract for both
houses.
Building Work Is Started
On Jacksonville House
JACKSONVILLE—Work has been started
on an 800-seat motion picture theatre at
932 Edgewood Ave. in the Murray Hill district.
The theatre is being built for B. J.
Phillips, real estate dealer, who plans to
lease the plant to other interests for operation.
The building will be of modern design and
of fireproof construction. It will be air conditioned.
In addition to the main floor there
will be a mezzanine where the manager's
office, projection booth and restrooms will
be located.
William H. Marshall is the architect, and
H. S. Brownett, contractor. The structure is
part of a building started several years ago,
but delayed because of government regulations.
It is expected the entire project will
be completed within five months.
Lack of Interest Halts
Saturday Morning Show
JACKSONVILLE—When Manager Jack
Futch offered a morning matinee for children
at the Beach Theatre, he felt he was
being good to both parents and youngsters.
The matinee was planned for Saturday morning,
at a time when mothers might feel free
to park the kiddies in the theatre while
they went shopping. However, because of lack
of interest and consequent slim attendance,
the matinees have been called off. Futch
has not altogether given up the idea of
having such a performance and is announcing
that at some future date the matinees may
be resumed.
Free Matinee for Kids
GAINSVILLE, FLA.—Ushering in the
Christmas holiday shopping season was the
offer of a free motion picture for boys and
girls on Saturday morning at the Florida
Theatre. All children whose parents wanted
to shop during the morning hours were welcomed.
This was a tiein with local merchants
in promoting early morning shopping
hours.
Gaston Corp. Gets Charter
RALEIGH, N. C—The secretary of state
has issued a charter to Gaston Drive-In
Corp. of Charlotte allowing the corporation
to operate theatres. Authorized capital stock
is $100,000 with $300 stock subscribed by A. B.
Graver, P. E. Young and T. M. Chisholm, all
of Charlotte.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

Glitter and Festivity in Miracle Opening
Some 6,000 Attend Coral Gables Ceremonies, Including Star Terry Moore
MIAMI—Revised estimates of the number
of people who jammed the streets in front
of the Miracle Theatre, unveiled by Wometco
on the evening of December 7, run close
to 6,000. Bleachers, which had been erected
in the streets to accommodate the overflow,
held only a fraction of the crowd.
All of Coral Gables seemed thoroughly to
enjoy itself at this tumultuous affair, and
traffic officers had almost more than they
could cope with trying to keep any open
space for the arrival of celebrities and other
honored guests. Some of the guests who were
to appear on the stage had to be spirited in
the rear entrance in order to get them there
in time.
ENTHUSIASTIC
OVER TERRY
Terry Moore, star of the pictui'e, was practically
borne, car and all, on the shoulders of
the enthusiastic crowd to the theatre entrance.
Nearly overcome by her reception,
she nevertheless did her very best to let as
many people as possible get a good look. It
was an event the like of which has never
before been seen in this municipality.
Even the fact that the Miracle's interior
was still in the finishing stage did not
dampen the gaiety of the evening. Wometco's
staff, as a matter of fact, turned this to advantage.
Sprightly signs were placed here
and there indicating what would eventually
go where.
"Mirror, mirror, on the wall; w^hy is it you're
not here at all?" was followed by the explanation,
"You'll be able to see yourself here
when the mirror goes up."
"We carped at the carpenters," said another
sign in another place, "but we stUl
haven't got the time. A clock goes here, one
of these days."
On the powder room wall one read, "Hang
it all, the paperhanger was supposed to have
finished this wall but he didn't, and we'd
like to hang him."
WOMETCO COMPLIMENTED
The public apparently appreciated this
astute touch of showmanship, and Wometco
is receiving many comments from patrons
who were highly amused.
Many prominent Coral Gables citizens attended
the premiere. Evening gowns, fur
wraps, and the glitter of sequins were set
off by the white dinner jackets of their
escorts. Dr. BowTnan P. Ashe, president of
the University of Miami, dedicated the theatre.
He was accompanied by Mrs. Ashe and
their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Dunn. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Meyer
were acconapanied by their attractive daughter.
Mrs. Roy Schecter, and were in a party
with Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Wolfson. Wolfson
and Meyer head the chain.
Noted in the lobby also were Mr. and Mrs.
Van E. Huff and Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Patton.
Mrs. Huff was gowned in black velvet
and Mrs. Patton wore a print evening gown
topped with a fur cape.
Among early arrivals were Dr. and Mrs.
P. E. Kitchens. Mrs. Kitchens wore a blue
gown and long mink coat. Mrs. Carl
Kowaty's gown of red crepe was topped with
a mink wrap. Mrs. R. W. Apte wore black,
also with a mink wrap.
Traffic was routed one way down Miracle
Seen in the top photo is W. Keith Phillips, Coral Gables mayor, presenting
the key to the city to star Terry Moore. At bottom the crowd in front of the new
Miracle Theatre on opening night, with the Ponce de Leon High School band.
Mile for opening night, but was halted entirely
during the band concerts.
Jimmy Burns, Herald sports editor, in
writing of the feature race at Tropical park,
named in honor of the occasion, said: "Terry
Moore's here for the gala premiere of her
picture. "Return of October," at the new
Miracle Theatre. The theme of the movie
involves horse racing and Columbia is to be
congratulated for building the film around
Florida State. Inc., Buys
St. Petersburg La Plaza
ST. PETERSBURG—After nearly two
years of negotiation the La Plaza Theatre
block has been sold to Prank Rogers, president
of Florida State Theatres, Inc., and
George Gandy. Purchase price was not disclosed.
Rogers announced that the company
has made no plans for changes in the
property.
The theatre was built in 1912 by George
a sentimental angle, rather than the usual
sordid ones. People who like horse racing
and redheads will go all out for the picture,
which is better than good entertainment, and
the actual horse racing scenes are terrific."
"Return of October" played to excellent
business during its run at the Miracle. After
the premiere the film opened at the Miami
and the Lincoln theatres, and wUl be shown
at neighborhood houses soon.
S. Gandy sr. and has been in use ever since.
Since 1920 it has been operated under the
management of the Florida State Theatres.
Florida State owns a number of other theatres
in St. Petersburg, including the Florida
Theatre Bldg., the Roxy, the drive-in building
and property, the Ninth Street Theatre
Bldg., and property recently purchased on
22nd street as a future site for the Carver
Theatre.
Dallas, Ga., Theatre Open
DALLAS, GA.—Mr. and Mrs. Price Kincaid
have been named managers of the new
Dallas Theatre, opened here recently by
Wendell Welch to replace the old Strand
which was destroyed by fire last spring. The
new theatre, seating 800 patrons, is nearly
twice as large as the Strand.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948 89

. . The
. . Rome,
C H A R L
O T T E
/Columbia held the first Christmas party of
the season December 10 at the exchange
on West Fourth street. Hank Hearn, head
of Exhibitors Service, gave a party for employes
and friends at the Variety Club in
the Charlotte hotel. U-I held its annual party
for employes at the New China restaurant,
UA at the El Morocco club, Warner Bros,
at the Variety Club, Republic at the exchange
and 20th-Fox at the exchange Monday
night. RKO postponed its party because
so many employes were going out of town,
but last week Christmas bonus checks were
distributed. MGM held open house for its
employes at the exchange Thursday afternoon.
Eagle Lion held open house Pi-iday
afternoon.
The Variety Club held its annual kiddys
Christmas party in the clubrooms Thursday
(23).
Col. J. B. Harvey of the Carolina at Clover,
. . . Mrs.
S. C, left to go bird hunting on J. C.
Long's plantation in Charleston. R. B. Hildebrand,
York lawyer, and Senator W. Lewis
Wallace, York, accompanied him
Ben L. Strozier, Stevenson, Rock Hill, was
re-elected to the city council of Ebenezer,
a suburb of Rock Hill.
George Sandore, RCA service manager for
this district, and Ralph Heacock, RCA sales,
Camden, N. J., were here conferring with
Manager W. P. White of Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co. . . . Mr. and Mrs. John
H. Vickers of Carolina Delivery Service have
announced the engagement of their daughter
Margaret to Louis G. Ratcliffe jr. The
wedding will take place in February.
The case of W. G. Driver, salesman for
Screen Guild, against Carolina Coach Co. in
civil superior court has ended with an outof-com-t
settlement. The plaintiff was
awarded $7,500. He had alleged that he was
injured' in Rocky Mount in September 1946,
when hit by a bus of the defendant concern.
The trial was virtually concluded when the
settlement was arranged.
Roy P. Rosser, Sanford Theatre owner,
Sanford, N. C, was guest speaker at the
regular weekly dinner meeting of the San-
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ford Lions club recently. Rosser discussed
the motion pictm-e industry.
Horace Heidt and his talent show, now
touring the nation, will perform here January
30 at 10:30 p. m. under the auspices
of the Charlotte Junior Chamber of Commerce.
The show will be broadcast from the
Armory-Auditorium over WSOC.
Drive-In Ass'n to Meet
Jan. 30 at Charlotte
CHARLOTTE—The Drive-In Theatre
Owners Ass'n, Inc., at its regular meeting
here recently decided to hold the first annual
meeting of 1949 on January 30, the date
on which the Theatre Owners of North and
South Carolina begins its 37th annual convention.
President R. O. Jeffress presided at the
meeting, held in the Selwyn hotel, and later
gave an account of his contracts with distributors
regarding equitable film rental for
drive-ins remaining open during the winter.
Among subjects discussed at the meeting
were advisability of hability insurance coverage,
the connection of theatres who donate
to the litigation fund, services available to
the members by the association, progress of
law suits in connection with Park-In Theatres,
Inc., inadvisability of closing for the
winter and the lack of objection to increasing
admissions.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
(Twenty Years Ago)
a NEW THEATRE, costing $1,500,000, will
be built in Birmingham by the Interstate
Amusement Co. as soon as that city sees fit to
allow the showing of motion pictures on Sunday,
according to Robert J. O'Donnell, general
manager. Interstate owns and operates
the Ritz and Trianon and owns property on
Fifth avenue and 19th street, where the proposed
theatre will be erected when a more
tolerant and liberal view is dominant in
Birmingham. Plans call for 4,000 seats. "It's
up to Birmingham now," says O'Donnell.
Fire destroyed the Lyric Theatre and contents
in Jasper, Ga. . Ga., is to have
a new theatre to cost approximately $75,000,
the house to be constructed by a group of
business men, including John M. Graham,
W. B. Broach, and Fred R. Johnson, for the
Lam Amu.sement Co., operators of several
theatres in Rome. Present plans call for a
location on Broad street, between Fifth and
Sixth avenues. Seating capacity will be approximately
1,500.
The new Lyceum Theatre at Monroe, La.,
is now under construction and will cost approximately
$100,000. Its seating capacity
will be 1,100. It is owned and will be operated
by the Saenger Amusement Co. of
New Orleans . Capitol at Shreveport,
La., is now under the management of Saenger
Theatres, Inc. Edward L. Conroy is
manager.
Alabama Managers
Give Benefit Shows
BIRMINGHAM — Alabama theatre managers
"went all out" again this year in giving
pre-Christmas benefit shows for the needy
and free matinees for kiddy patrons.
The Alabama Theatre here held its annual
Christmas party on Tuesday (21). Admission
was two cans or more of food. Cosponsors
of the program were station WSGN,
the News-Age-Herald and local merchants.
Prizes were awarded to the youngsters who
brought the most cans of food for the city's
poor families.
Another main benefit was the midnight
show at the Pittman, Gadsden, for the benefit
of the city's Goodfellow fund. Charles S.
Pittsman, owner, and John Teague, manager,
donated use of the house for the show and
provided the pictures.
HELPS 50 FAMILIES
A usable toy or a can of food was the
price of admission to the Capitol Theatre-
Salvation Army matinee in Decatur. Paul
Stroud, Capitol manager, said the matinee
helped provide Christmas for about 30 families
in Decatur and 20 more in the surrounding
area. The same admission scheme
prevailed for the Marengo Theatre at Demopolis
on Wednesday (22), when Manager Henry
Webb helped collect gifts to be distributed by
the department of public welfare.
Te the Elba Theatre, where Dozier Roberts
is manager, the matinee collected toys to be
given to the needy families of Coffee county
after they were repaired by the Elba fire
department.
BOY SCOUTS HELPED
The Ritz at Scottsboro helped the local
Boy Scout troop collect items of food, clothing,
fruit and candy to be distributed to unfortunate
families.
A bring-a-toy show was held at the Heflin
Theatre in Heflin with Lloyd's bakery of
Anniston cooperating in offering a bicycle,
two pairs of skates and two Christmas cakes.
The donated toys, of course, went to needy
children. The Progressive Mothers club of
Marion collected toys, food and clothing at
Lester Neely's Neely Theatre in Marion when
an hour's program of cartoons was shown.
Virtually every theatre in the Martin circuit
in Alabama gave a free show for kiddy
patrons with "Bill and Coo" as the screen
attraction. Some of these included: Fix,
Evergreen, C. E. Moses, manager; Strand,
Florala, J. B. Shuman, manager; Ritz, Greenville,
Sam Carr, manager, and Ritz, Brewton,
Howard Schad, manager.
'Shoes' Opens Long Run
In Atlanta Art Theatre
ATLANTA—"The Red Shoes," Britishmade
film based on the Hans Christian
Anderson story, opened a ten-week run at
the Peachtree Art Theatre here Christmas
day, and Manager Mel Brown predicted the
film would outdraw "Hamlet," which set a
six-week record at the same house.
Brown said he based his prediction on
the success of the film in eastern cities.
Negotiations for the picture were concluded
with Joe Sugar, manager of EL, and Grover
Parsons, southern district manager for the
company.
I
90
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

. . . Bob
. . Ann
Seek Amusement Tax A T L A N T A
At Montgomery, Ala.
MONTGOMERY—Faced with a revenue
deficit of $440,(>00 in 1949, the city of Montgomery
is studying new sources of revenue.
A report just issued by the city commission
suggests several possible new taxes, including
an amtisement tax, about which the
report said:
"Many cities in the country, including a
number in Alabama, have turned to this
means of augmenting their revenue. It is
estimated that a 10 per cent rate would produce
approximately $100,000 per year. This
would be placed on all forms of entertainments
and amusements operated for a profit,
except strictly amateur athletic events and
performances, and those where the proceeds
are dedicated to purely charitable and religious
purposes."
Other forms for raising revenue included
parking meters (.already contracted for), an
increase in city water rates, garbage collection
service charge, a new license schedule,
and a 1 per cent city sales tax. The state
already collects a 2 per cent sales tax.
At a recent meeting of the city commission
and representative citizens, the city
sales tax seemed to be favored. However,
there is sonre opposition among merchants.
The new licensing schedule already has
been adopted, and includes the following
provision: "For giving theatrical performances,
balls or other entertainments, except
when the entire proceeds are to be used for
recognized charitable purposes, a license or
privilege tax of $10 for each performance
or sum equal to 1 per cent of the gross receipts
of each performance, whichever is
greater."
Christmas Gift Offer
CORAL GABLES—At the Miracle Theatre,
a Wometco unit, and the Coral and Gables
theatres of the Paramount Enterprises chain,
"Books of Happiness" are being offered as
Christmas gifts. The books are available at
prices ranging from one dollar to five, and
are redeemable at any theatre in the circuit
from which it is purchased.
To Begin New Drive-In
MEMPHIS, TENN.—Construction of the
new Park Avenue Drive-In will get imder
way immediately. The corporation building
the drive-in is headed by H.H. Roth.
START NOW
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BIRMINGHAM 3. ALABAMA
TWTrs. Sara Smith, head of the accounting
department at U-I, was confined to the
hospital because of illness . . . John Lawrence,
manager of the Dalton Tlieatre, Dalton,
Ga., has returned to his post after a
ten-week illness . . . Katie Evans and Betty
Howell of Screen Guild celebrated birthdays.
Charlie Durmeyer, president of Southern
Automatic Candy Co., checked in at his office
after a Florida trip . . . Local holdovers were
"June Bride" at the Roxy, a reissue bill at
the Rialto and "A Song Is Born" at the
Peachtree Art following five weeks at the
Rialto.
Mrs. B. A. Barlette jr., daughter of J. E.
McLeory, salesman for Monogram in Charlotte,
was ill in an Atlanta hospital . . . All
exchanges held Christmas parties on Christmas
eve . . . Miller Richardson, son of W. M.
Richardson, Astor Pictures, retm-ned to New
York . . . Harvey Smith, manager of the
Tower Theatre, and his wife have a new
jeep.
Dick Brown, star of Stop the Music, appeared
here December 22 . . . Jimmy Hobbs
called his sales force in for the hoUdays and
Jimmy Campbell and Ben Jordan will enjoy
Christmas at home this year ... At the
Astor Christmas party, William Richardson
gave employes two weeks pay and many
presents.
.
Leaving Film Classics was Mrs. Gloria
Carlisle. Taking her place is Marian Brafford
. . Alice Williams was added to the
booking department at Republic . . Not
.
only was a Christmas opening planned for
the new drive-in at Eustis, Fla.. being constructed
by Golden Triangle Enterprises, but
also there will be a Launderette on the premises
for the convenience of customers.
On the Row visiting were J. E. Edge, Mar
Theatre, Fayette, Ga.: A. L. Sheppard, Grand,
Waynesboro. Ga.: R. E. Hook, Hooks in
Alabama; C. N. Green, Broadway, Ybor City,
Fla.; H. Keeter, EL manager in Charlotte;
J. M. Miller, Dixie, Cordova, Ala.; Mose
Lebowitz, Grand Amusement Co., Chattanooga,
Tenn.; Roy Mitchell, Stone Mount
Theatre, Stone Mount. Ga.; E. Martin, Grand,
Montezuma, Ga.; C. S. Pitman, Pitman, Gads-
Ala.; Ward Wright, Coosa, Gadsden, Ala., and
Jay Solomon, the showman from Chattanooga,
Tenn.
Other exhibitors visiting here were Gault
Brown, Hollywood, Madisonville, Tenn.; Mrs.
V. M. Edwards, Wrens, Ga., Dixie Theatre;
E. P. Clay, Woodbury, Ga.; Nat Williams,
Interstate Enterprises, Thomasville, Ga.; W.
E. Griffin, Vienna, Vieima, Ga.; Mr. and
Mrs. Fred Weis, Weis theatres, Macon and
Savannah, Ga.; J. S. Tankersley, Royal, Summerville,
Ga.; W. L. McDaniel, Senoia,
Senoia, Ga.; O. C. Lam, Lam Amusement
Co., Rome, Ga.; R. H. Brannon, Roswell,
Roswell, Ga., and Mr. and Mrs. Shingler,
Buena Vista, Buena Vista, Ga.
Ginger Prince, daughter of Hugh P>rince of
the Coed Theatres in Atlanta, has returned
to the film capital from Lawton, Okla.. where
she has completed "The Lawton Story." FYom
Hollywood, she and her mother were to come
home to spend the Christmas holidays with
the family . Mayo has resigned as
head of the accounting department at U-I
Hope has signed with the Georgia
Theatres to bring his show to the Fox Theatre
for a week in January. This will be his
third trip to Atlanta.
Morristown, Tenn., Ritz
Reopens After Repairs
MORRISTOWN, TENN.—The Ritz Theatre
here has been reopened after repairs of
damages incurred when a flash fire struck
at the building. The theatre, operated by
the Crescent Amusement Co., installed a new
Western Electric sound system and projection
equipment.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948 91

MEMPHIS
Tom Robertson has bought out his partner
Ralph Prichart in Peerless Printing Co.,
and Poppers Supply Co., and has become the
sole owTier of the two Filmi-ow business establishments
here . . . W. E. Loader, regional
manager of army motion picture service in
Dallas, was a visitor ... A triple occasion
was celebrated at Paramount along with the
exchange's recent Christmas party. L. W.
McClintock, manager, who had been on leave
for several months due to his health, was
back on the job; Tom Bridge of Dallas, acting
branch manager, returned to Dallas for Paramount,
and Travis Carr, office manager, returned
from a business trip to Dallas.
N. B. Blount, manager of Monarch Theatre
Supply Co., made business trips to Nashville
and Little Rock . . . Col. Cecil Vogel,
manager of Loew's Palace, returned from
Owensboro, Ky., where he was called by the
death of his father.
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A midnight show was held at Loew's State
to raise money to provide Christmas baskets
for needy families. Manager Bill Kemp of
the State, Manager Vogel of Loew's Palace,
and Louis C. Ingram, MGM branch manager,
worked together to stage the show. Proceeds
went to the Commercial Appeal-American
Legion basket fund . . . Bob Hope and
his troupe will be presented January 15 at
Ellis Auditorium by Earl Maxwell Associates.
Ike Katz, Atlanta, was a visitor at the
Kay exchange . . . Jerry Lubin, New York
home office, and Jack Lutzet, division manager,
were visitors at Film Classics . . . Arthur
Greenblatt, New York, eastern general
manager. Screen Guild, was a visitor at the
Mempliis exchange . . . Charles Jones, former
assistant manager at Malco, went to
work as an apprentice booker at Columbia
and has been replaced at Malco by Jack
Alexander.
David Flexer, head of Flexer Theatres, Inc.,
was on a business trip to New York . . . Kay
Starr, Memphis songbird, whose career led
to big time radio and screen appearances,
was married iJi Hollywood last week to Harold
Stanley. The couple then flew here to
be married again to please the bride's parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Starks of Memphis.
Many local youngsters received a unique
Christmas present from their parents. The
presents were "Books of Happiness," containing
coupons which may be used for
admission tickets to the Rosemary and Luciann
theatres. Owner of the theatres, Augustine
Cianciola advertised the books as
Christmas presents to children and sales were
better than expected . . . "Voice of the Deep,"
a religious film intended to show the hand
of God in nature, will be shown January 24,
25 at the Bellevue Baptist church.
Midsouth exhibitors shopping on Filmrow
recently included M. E. Rice, Rice, Brownsville:
Amelia Ellis, Mason, Mason; Cleo
Spence, Times, Decaturville, and W. H.
Gray, Rutherford, Ruthford, all from Ten-
Arkansas exhiWtors included Douglas
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villa; J. T. James, James, Cotton Plant;
E. E. Reeves, Palace, Oil Trough; John
Staples, Carolyn, Piggott; Henley Smith, Imperial,
Pocahontas, and Gene Higginbotham,
Melody, Leachville.
From Mississippi came J. W. Green, Green,
Jonestown; J. A. Owen, Amory; Jackson
Watson, Palace, Tunica, and J. C. Bonds, Von,
From Missouri were: James
Hernando . . .
W. Seay, Grand, Cardwell, and C. A. Gilliland,
Cooter at Cooler and Semo at Steele.
Mrs. Jolly Wright, office manager's secretary
at U-I, has returned to her job after
her recent marriage and a honeymoon trip.
Weather, Late Hours
Up Atlanta Grosses
ATLANTA—Local grosses climbed over the
average mark as Christmas shopping, late
store hours and clear, warm weather brought
patrons downtown. High spot of the week
was "Kiss the Blood Off My Hands" at
Loew's Grand with 110 per cent.
(Average Is 100)
Fox—Road House (20th-Fox) _ 105
Loews Grand—Kiss the Blood OH My Hands (U-I)..110
Paramount Blood and Sand (20lh-Fox), reissue....l04
Roxy—Apartment lor Peggy (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t.
wk 101
Tower Mummy's Ghost (U-I); Mummy's Tomb
(U-I) , re'issues - 105
Amusement Tax Proposed
To Finance City Parks
BRE'WTON, ALA.—A 10 per cent tax on
"profit-making" amusements has been proposed
by the city planning commission to
finance a park and recreation program here.
Broox G. Garrett, secretary of the planning
board, forwarded the recommendations to
the city council, which tabled them for
study and possible future action. The board
plans call for general parks and play areas
for schools and neighborhoods throughout
the city.
Toys for Admission
CORAL GABLES—Youngsters with toys
to spare have an opportunity to trade them
off for admission at a special 10 a. m. matinee
at the Coral Theatre, a unit of the
Paramount chain. Toys thus collected will
be distributed to needy children by the
'29ers" of the Scottish Rite Masonic order.
In Hialeah the same program will be carried
out, with toys to be distributed by a
civic group.
Osceola Assistant Dies
OSCEOLA, ARK.—John W. Cox,
59-yearold
assistant manager of the Joy and Gem
theatres, died at a Memphis hospital recently.
He was a native of Am-ora, Ind.
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92 BOXOFFICE :: December 25, 1948

. . W.
Dixie Drive-In to Open
At Lake Worth, Fla.
LAKE WORTH, FLA.—A Clii-istmas week
opening has been set tentatively for the ultra
modern theatre and restaurant bemg built
by Harroldson & Cook. It will be known
as the Dixie Drive-In and is located between
West Palm Beach and Lake Worth.
The restaurant, which is being built next
to the highway, will not be ready for use
by the first of the year, but a concession
stand to serve theatre patrons will be ready
by the time the drive-in opens.
The restaurant, when completed, will include
parking space for 125 cars in addition
to the 600 cars provided for at the airer.
In-car speakers will be provided and a section
of seats for those who prefer to view
the picture from outside theh car will be
near the screen.
Special parking facilities have been provided
for buses, station wagons and cars
with visored windshields. Buses will be
parked parallel to the screen to allow
full vision for all occupants. A specially built
parking ramp is being provided for station
wagons and vehicles with long windshield
visors.
There will be a fully equipped playground
for children and only first run pictures will
be shown.
Rod Cameron Gives Party
For Charlotte Orphans
CHARLOTTE — Eighty-six orphans from
the Thompson Home were happy youngsters
this Christmas, all because film star Rod
Cameron went out of his way to fulfill a promise
to return, made last spring on a visit
here. At that time Cameron met the orphans,
gave them a party and bought each
of them a pair of blue jeans.
This Christmas, Cameron flew to Charlotte
from Oklahoma City, where he had been appearing
in connection with the showing of
"Strike It Rich," to give a Christmas party
for the family of 86 orphans which he more
or less adopted.
The tall, lanky star stopped at a Charlotte
store for the kids' Christmas presents—bright
cowboy shirts—and had each individually
wrapped with the child's name and the words
"Prom Rod" on the cards.
He was practically mobbed by the youngsters,
who climbed all over him fighting for
the honor of holding his hand. And, it was
a moot question as to who had more fun at
the party, the orphans or the film star.
"What a party!" Cameron said later. "You
never saw anything like it. I wouldn't take
a million dollars for the experience."
Cameron was a dinner guest at the orphanage
and after the diimer visited throughout
the cottages and the orphanage grounds.
Later in the day he arranged for a screening
of "The Plunderers" in a local high school
auditorium especially for the orphans.
Repair Judgment Given
ATLANTA—Judge Walter C. Hendrix of
superior court recently ruled that a landlord
is not responsible for repairs to a building
which is under long-term lease to another
person or corporation. The decision
was made in the $40,000 suit brought by the
Evans Theatre Corp., operator of Loew's
Grand.
NEW ORLEANS
As is the case each year, holiday business
in downtown houses was off and suburban
houses reported an even greater decrease.
The Saenger featured "Belle Starr's
Daughter" while "Larceny" was at Loew's
State, "Sealed Verdict" opened at RKO's
Orpheum and "Miss Tatlock's Millions"
moved to the Liberty for a second downtown
week. "The Loves of Carmen" was the Center
offering, the Tudor was showing "Road
House" for its second downtown week and
the Globe featured "Johnny Belinda." "Four
Faces West" was at the Joy, "The Private
Life of Henry VIII" opened at the Poche and
"40,000 Horsemen" and "Ti-ailing Double
Trouble" was the Rio's double bill. The
Strand doubled "Jungle Princess" and "Desperadoes
of Dodge City."
Ed Ganucheau, Theatres Service booker,
is able to return to his post after being confined
to a local hospital for some time . . .
Maurice Josephs of Lazarus Theatres was
confined to his home for a few days by illness
. . . Mrs. Henry Lazarus, Lazarus Theatres
head, motored to Los Angeles for the
maiTiage of a nephew.
.
Funeral services for KalU Sliman, father
of PhiUip Sliman, former PRC franchise
holder and present operator of the Evangeline
Theatre, New Iberia, La., were held at
New Iberia recently. The elder Sliman was
a native of Daher Safra, Syria, coming to
this country at the age of 25. At the time
of his death, Sliman had retired, having
turned the Evangeline Theatre over to his
son . . Employes of Dixie Films clerical
and inspection departments were the recipients
of an extra week's salai-y as a Christmas
gift.
.
Herbert Schlessinger, who recently transferred
from Independent Booking Co. to U-I
as office manager, has relinquished that position
for one as salesman for U-I. Herb is
replaced in the office by Eddie Stevens, former
Warner Bros, booker . . U-I held its
Christmas party Wednesday (22) . . . Fox's
Christmas party was held early this year,
on Friday (17 1. A number of other exchanges
made merry during the week at pre-Christmas
celebrations.
Leonard Duckworth, who several months
ago affiliated himself with the local Manley,
Inc., office after having been the local representative
of Charles Darden Popcorn Co.,
has been transferred to Dallas, where he will
handle special work in the supply phase of
the business, traveling throughout the Dallas
district for Manley. He will be replaced locally
by H. L. "Bud" Holtzendorf of Los Angeles.
Holtzendorf has been associated with Manley
in the west coast branch for the last 18
months and was in Atlanta prior to that.
Dan Brandon, Transway general manager,
was the recipient of two pieces of airplane
luggage, a Christmas gift from employes of
his company. Dan and his wife flew to Philadelphia
for the holidays which they spent
with her family . . . Frances Jackson, Kay
Films, flew to Memphis for the holiday . . .
Mrs. Annie Boyer, mother of Rene Boyer,
died at her home here recently. Rene, known
as Tom Mix, has been a general handy man
on the Row for the past ten or more years.
Lillie Blanchett, Dixie Films clerical employe,
was married recently to Eddie Mac-
Millan and honeymooned in Biloxi, Miss. . . .
Ike and Harry Katz, Kay Film Exchange executives,
were here from Atlanta for several
days at the local office.
Ametia Neidemeier is the new bookkeeper
for Joy Theatres, replacing Jennie Posey
Acosta who has accepted a position with a
local baking firm . . . Joyce Pascio, former
Exhibitors Poster Service employe, has transferred
to a local cordage company . A.
Miramon, former Manley, Inc., manager in
this territory, has accepted a position with
National Theatre Supply Co. as salesman.
Visitors included Wilbur Jolet, Smyles Theatre,
Weeks, La.; Sam Pasqua, who owns several
theatres in and around Gonzales, La.;
Tanos Josephs, Tech and Opera House, Franklin,
La.; Dr. A. C. DiBartolo, Classic, Hackberry,
La.; E. I. Hawkins, Delhi, Delhi, La.,
Lathan, Flora. Miss., and Hawkins, Newellton,
La.; A. Molzon and daughter Annie, Royal
theatres, Labadieville, La., Norco, La., and
Paincourtville, La.; Ira Phillips, Joy theatres,
Bordelonville and Moreauville, La.
Legalized Sunday Shows
Asked in Piedmont. Ala.
PIEDMONT, ALA.—A petition for the
legalization of Sunday shows is being circulated
here. The movement is a renewal
of one which started about a year ago when
a committee appeared before the former
mayor and city council. Now the citizens
are requesting the Sabbath shows "provided
they do not run during church services."
There is no ordinance at present which prohibits
Sunday shows. However, theatre owners
here have indicated that they will not be
shown until there is a law legalizing them.
The matter is up to the mayor and council
Vaudeville Actress Dies
NORTH MIAMI—Beatrice V. Appelt, 46,
former vaudeville actress who appeared under
the name of Verena Carvet, died recently
at her home here. Interment was at Southern
Memorial park. She is survived by her
husband, F. Martib Appelt, and one son,
Paul R.
New Sprinkler System
VIDALIA, GA.—A new sprinkler system
was to be installed in the Pal Theatre building
here, which recently was remodeled inside
and out. The building houses the theatre,
a bank and drug store on the first floor
and office and storage space on the second
and third floors.
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BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948 93

Colorful Ceremony Marks
Opening at Zephyrhills
ZEPHYRHILLS, FLA.—A colorful and interesting
ceremony marked the opening of
the new $50,000 Home Theatre, built here
by I. A. Ki-usen. The stage was banked
with floral offerings, and many prominent
citizens were in attendance. The ceremonies
were opened with an invocation by the Rev.
E. R. Meader, pastor of the Zephyrhills First
Methodist church. A number of mayors from
neighboring cities made brief congratulatory
addresses. The local high school band furnished
music. Ushers for the opening performance
were attractive young ladies in
evening gowns. Flowers and cigars were given
away.
W. Samuel Buys Laundry
COVINGTON, TENN.—W. S. Samuel, active
for nearly 20 years in various phases of
show business, has purchased the Covington
laundry and dry cleaning plant here.
Formerly a manager of theatres for the
Malco, Ruffin and Chickasaw circuits, Samuel
later traveled in the various southeastern
states for Manley, Inc. He plans to enter
the drive-in field in the near future.
and Coo' Free
"Bill
PIEDMONT, ALA.—"Bill and Coo" was the
screen attraction when the kiddies of Piedmont
and the surrounding community were
entertained with a free show at the Allison
Theatre Saturday (18). Manager of the Pied-
Olin Atkinson.
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Don Theatre Contest
Promotes 'Venus'
SHREVEPORT, LA.—Edna Alexander, employe
of the Continental-American bank, won
the title of Miss Venus in the contest staged
by the Don Theatre in connection with the
opening of the Ava Gardner film, "One
Touch of Venus." Odessa McNaughton was
runnerup.
The two young women, members of the
Beta Sigma Phi, business girls sorority, were
chosen winners in the elimination contest
staged at the Don on a Monday night, with
the finals held the following Wednesday.
Fourteen sorority girls competed.
Miss Alexander was presented a complete
wardrobe by the Palais Royal department
store here. Miss McNaughton was given a
cosmetic case by Kidd-Russ Luggage Co.
The Grecian goddess costume worn by Miss
Gardner in the picture was on display at the
Palais Royal department store through the
run of the film.
David Kent of radio station KTBS was master
of ceremonies and read congratulatory
telegrams to both Miss Alexander and Miss
McNaughton from the stars of the film. Miss
Gardner, Dick Haymes and Eve Arden.
The contest was conducted by M. V. Mc-
Afee, manager of the Don. The judges were
Anita Mary Steinau, Bob Manasco and
Arthur Morgan.
Fred Hoenscheidt Wins
Blevins Popcorn Prize
NASHVILLE—Fred P. Hoenscheidt of
Theatre Enterprises, Inc., Dallas, has been
named a $100 winner for November in the
"better popcorn business" ideas contest sponsored
by the Blevins Popcorn Co. here.
Hoenscheidt advanced a comprehensive fivepoint
popcorn merchandising program to
win the prize. The winning entry is published
in Blevins' Pointers to Poppers for
December.
Honorable mention and $25 went to A. S.
Dett of Calhoun Falls, S. C who doubled
his popcorn business by including free prizes
in every ten-cent bag of popcorn.
The contest, which will run for another
two months, offers $100 for the best idea for
increasing popcorn sales and profits.
Joins 'AH King's Men'
Raymond Greenleaf has been added to the
cast of "All the King's Men," a Columbia
picture.
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94 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

Taxation Bill Fight
Urged in Maritimes
ST. JOHN—The public relations committee
of the Maritime Allied Exhibitors Ass'n
recently advised New Brunswick exhibitors
to urge each member of the provincial assembly
to fight proposed bills aimed at giving
town and city councils authority to impose
a special tax on theatre tickets. The
legislature at Fredericton will open its annual
session in Febiuary and already Sackville
and Fredericton are seeking the right
to establish such a tax.
The MAEA committee also has suggested
that theatremen contact local merchants and
labor unions to ask support in opposing the
levy. The committee claims that the tax is
discriminatory, inasmuch as it is directed
against one kind of business. It points out
that now, when boxoffices are affected by
high living costs, another increase in theatre
prices necessitated by local tax«s, would
react unfavorably at the boxoffice.
It is maintained that theatres are paying
more in taxes than any other form of business
and each exhibitor is urged to show the
assemblyman from his respective district just
how much the individual theatre owner paid
for the year in income, provincial, civic and
municipal taxes.
Mrs. Fred G. Spencer Dies
In St. John Suddenly
ST. JOHN—Mrs. Helen Spencer, wife of
Fred G. Spencer, founder and president of
the F. G. Spencer Co., died at her home
here. Surviving besides the husband are two
sons, six grandchildren and one sister. The
sons are P. Gordon, general manager of the
Spencer chain, and Gerald, manager of the
Strand. Mrs. Spencer had not been ill and
death came suddenly.
She had been active as a concert and choir
singer for many years. She was a member of
Centenary United church and a member of
the choir there. At her summer home at
Westfield about 17 miles from St. John, she
was engaged in flower and fruit growing each
season. The Spencers were married 52 years
ago here.
Paramount Smoking Ban
Hearing Is Postponed
ST. JOHN—A one-week postponement was
given in county court here on a hearing of an
appeal against a smoking ban placed on the
new Paramount Theatre by the provincial
fire marshal. Affidavits will be presented by
both sides arguing the interpretation of the
law under which the ban was imposed.
One versions of the act is that a county
court judge alone can affirm or deny the
action of the marshal and that appeal to the
provincial and dominion courts is not provided
for. The outlook is that judgment will
not be given until some time after the end
of the hearing.
Frank Marshall Cited
VANCOUVER—Frank Marshall, manager
of the Marpole, is making a name for himself
as a community booster in his district
for his work with youngsters. He has a topflight
girls basketball team as well as a
junior soccer team.
Montreal Bars Owl Shows
On Big Year-End Holiday
BARBARA IN NEW YORK—Barbara
Ann Scott, Canada's triple crown skating
champion, is shown above with motion
picture executives on the eve of
starting her professional career at the
Roxy in New York. With Miss Scott are
A. J. Balaban (left), managing director
of the Roxy, and Charles Schlaifer, retiring
advertising and publicity director
for 20th Century-Fox.
Increased Capac Tariffs
Into Effect January 1
TORONTO— Subject to the approval of the
copyright appeal board of the Dominion government,
the new performing rights tariff
for Canadian theatres of the Composers,
Authors and Publishers Ass'n of Canada,
Ltd., will go into effect January 1 for a
period of three years.
The schedule calls for increases in different
theatre groups, the rates scaling from
10 cents a seat yearly for theatres with 499
seats or less, to 20 cents per seat for houses
with a capacity of 1,600 or over.
Paul L. Nathanson Buys
Into National Drug Co.
TORONTO—Paul L. Nathanson, prominent
in film circles here, is reported to have
purchased a substantial block of common
stock of the National Drug & Chemical Co.
of Canada. The amount of stock bought
does not represent control of the company
and is said to be regarded as a straight investment.
Nathanson's film interests include
Theatre Properties of Hamilton, Empire-Universal
Fihns and General Theatre
Investment Co.
Cuts to Four Nights a Week
TORONTO—Manager Dewey McCourt has
announced that the Brock at Niagara-on-the-
Lake is operating four nights each week for
the winter, the shows on Tuesday and Thursday
having been eliminated because of the
reduced local population during the cold
weather.
MONTREAL—Midnight shows and other
theatrical offerings were bamied for Christmas
eve and New Year's eve by local pohce
authorities. Director J. Albert Langlois of
the city police force notified district inspectors
to tell managers and owners of theatres
and other show places that the 25-
year-old bylaw, closing amusement centers
at midnight every night, will be put into
effect.
Despite the police department edict. Consolidated
Theatres, owner and operator of
first run houses on St. Catharine street,
revealed that it planned bigger and better
New Year's eve celebrations. At Loew's, the
Palace, Capitol, Princess, Orpheum and Imperial,
arrangements are under way for the
big celebration. In addition to a specially
selected feature, there will be community
singing and favors at all theatres.
This police action, however, will affect a
large number of east and west end theatres
which already have made arrangements for
midnight shows on the holidays. One west
end chain is reported to have signed contracts
with a theatrical agency and to have
purchased streamers and other holidays decorations
for the occasion.
A north end theatre was reported to have
sold 1,000 tickets for a midnight show on
New Year's eve, which the management will
have to reclaim. The move by city police
authorities has no connection with the curtailments
imposed by Premier Maurice Duplessis
on liquor selling establishments, which
have been warned to stop serving liquor at
11 o'clock on Christmas eve and at 2 o'clock
on New Year's morning.
The city bylaw brought in play warns
that any manager or owner of a showplace
who does not conform to the law is liable
to a $200 fine and court costs. An unofficial
source said that theatres stand to
lose $25,000 on the unexpected reapplication
of the bylaw. The money is lost in theatre
tickets printed and the booking of acts for
shows.
Arthur Gottlieb Marries
Gladys Glad at Ottawa
OTTA'WA—Arthur Gottlieb, film industry
executive here and at New York, was married
at a private ceremony here to Gladys Glad,
former Ziegfeld Follies star and widow of
Mark Hellinger, the writer.
Miss Glad became Mrs. Gottlieb at a midnight
ceremony at the residence of Dr. and
Mrs. Charles E. Shapiro, 221 O'Connor St..
at the expiration of the waiting-out period
prescribed by Ontario law following their
application for a marriage license at the
Ottawa city hall. The bride was given in
marriage by Dr. Shapiro and she was attended
by Mrs. Shapiro, with Miss Lee
Baughman, social secretary to Miss Glad, also
in attendance. Following a reception, Mr.
and Mrs. Gottlieb left on a wedding trip
to California.
Gottlieb is the president of Audio Pictures,
Ltd., and Film Laboratories of Canada,
Ltd., both of which are located in a
new studio plant at Toronto.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 194« K 95

. . . Jack
. . The
MONTREAL Cold Wave Freezes
jyfferry Christmas to all BOXOFFICE news
contacts, from Ray Carmichael, correspondent,
and his assistant Helena Boulerice
. . . Calling on Filmrow distributors
were Leopold Doyon, manager of the Marquette
Theatre, St. Joseph-de-Beauce; Art
Keane of the Clarke City Theatre, Clarke
City; Romeo Couillard of the Cinema Tache,
Montmagny; Ai-mand Gingras of the Canada.
Levis: Mr. and Mrs. A. Chouinard of
the Princess, Quebec, and Lucien Major of
the Bellerive, Valleyfield.
Calgary Grosses
ness which was bad even for
Duals Tried in Toronto
Week Before Christmas
borne out by the fact
(Rep)
State—We Will Come Back (Artkino)
Compliments
of the
vious year.
Season
There were fewer juvenile
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Armand Champagne of the Asbestos Theatre,
Asbestos, Que., is building a new theatre
in Sherbrooke to open January 15. A
contest will be held to name the theatre .
. .
M. Isman, Canada assistant general sales
manager for Empire-Universal, was here from
Toronto to confer with Owen Lightstone.
Montreal district manager.
Among those holding pre-Christmas
parties are Mort Prevost. manager of Quebec
Cinema Booking, who recently entertained
for managers, bookers and salesmen.
Gerry Chernoff. manager of International
Films, who entertained December 23; George
Ganetakos, president of United Amusement
Corp., who held his usual managers' party
December 22, and Eagle Lion who gave a
Columbia Kctures
party December 20 , . .
managers' play-date drive which started November
19 is scheduled to end February 15.
"Un Homme et Son Peche" (A Man and
His Sin I, second film produced by Quebec
Productions, will be shown simultaneously
in five Quebec province theatres starting
January 29. It will be premiered at the
St. Denis, Montreal. January 28, for the benefit
of La Ligue de la Jeunesse Feminine . . .
John Levitt, salesman for Columbia, has returned
from a selling trip to Lake St. John
mimicipalities.
Eloi Cormier, salesman for Peerless Films,
is back from a business tour of the Laurentians
Edgar Hamel has returned from
. . . La Tuque where he opened a Foto Nite at
the Lyric Theatre, owned by Dr. Thibeault
Roher, president of Peerless Films,
was here conferring with Arthur Larente,
Montreal manager.
$780 for Jewish Fund
MONTREAL—Three showings of the Palestine
film, "My Father's House" at the Adath
Israel synagogue here netted $780 which has
been donated to the Jewish national fund.
The presentation was under the auspices of
the Sons of Zion club, with Leon Mintzberg
and Irwin Light acting as joint chairmen.
CALGARY — Subzero temperatures, ranging
from 16 to 30 below, coupled with high
winds, kept folks huddled up with ear muffs,
fur coats and warm footgear. 'Women shoppers
braved the weather but theatre attendance
dropped with the thermometers to busi-
the pre-Christmas
season.
Capitol—Escape (20th-Fox) Fan
Grand—Lulu Belle (Col), One Night With You
(EL)
Pool
Palace—Old Los Angeles (Rep), While the Sun
Shines (EFD) Pool
TORONTO—As an inducement for business
during the week before Christmas some of
the leading theatres added a second feature
to programs, a dual bill being presented by
Shea's for the first time in probably years,
for instance.
That patronage was spotty was
that "Johnny Belinda"
was held for a third week at the Imperial,
and the engagement of "Miss Tatlock's Millions"
also continued for a third week at two
theatres. The weather was more seasonal
but not too rough.
(Average Is 100)
Biltmore—The Angel in Exile (Rep), The Pretender
(Rep) - _ 85
Danforth and Fairlawn—Master of Bankdom (EL).... 85
EgUnton and Tivoli—Miss Tatlock's Millions (Para),
3rd wk 80
Imperial—Johnny Belinda (WB), 3rd wk 85
Loews—San Francisco (MGM); A Night at the
Opera (MOM), reissues, 2nd wk 80
Norlown and Victoria-1 Became a Criminal (WB):
Night Wind (20th-Fox) 85
Odeon Toronto—Moonrise (Rep) 85
Sheas—Bungalow 13 (20th-Fox); Bill and Coo
(Rep) 90
Uptown—The Countess of Monte Cristo (U-I); Sons
of Adventure (Rep) 85
Holidays Force Grosses Do'wn
In Vancouver First Runs
'VANCOU'VER-First run business was
light here as the holiday season kept patrons
away from theatres. "Johnny Belinda" was
best locally at the Orpheimi while "Henry
V" in its second week at the 'Vogue also made
good. Others ranged from fair to average.
Capitol—Julia Misbehaves (MGM), 2nd wk Fair
Cinema—Lulu Belle (Col); Coroner Creek
(Col)
Average
Orpheum-Johnny Belinda (WB) Good
Plaza-The Spiritualist (EL); Train to Alcatraz
Fair
Moderate
Strand—Life With Father (WB), 2nd wk Average
Vogue—Henry V (UA) _ Very good
Juvenile Delinquency
Shows Drop in Canada
OTTA'WA-Moral reformers appear to
have been shooting at the wrong target in
their claims that the great increase in juvenile
delinquency is due to the influence of
the moving picture. The fact is that juvenile
crime has continued a downward trend in
Canada, according to a government report,
the number of court cases in 1947 being 8,265
compared with the total of 8,707 in the pre-
delinquents before
the courts in 1947 than at any time
since 1924, it was officially reported. Last
year's convictions also dropped from 7,956 to
7,545 in the past two years, the number of
major offenses having declined from 4,949
in 1946 to 4,683 in 1947. These figures are
important to theatre men because of the
recurring complaints that films are leading
the youngsters astray in increasing number.
OTTAWA
Construction ivill go ahead on the third
theatre of the Palace Amusement Co. in
Cornwall. The affiliate of Famous Players
Canadian Corp. already operates the Palace
and Capitol there. The former underdent
extensive improvements this year. Tenders
are being considered for the latest
project, the site of which is on Pitt street.
H. G. Duerr of Toronto is the architect.
A visitor was R. G. Lindstrom of Buffalo,
representing the Sportservice Corp., which
operates refreshment concessions in many
amusement places in the States. During the
past year the company had the candy bars
in the Skyway drive-ins at 'Windsor, London
and Hamilton, which were acquired by
Famous Players late in the season . . . There
were no Christmas eve midnight shows here
but practically all of the local theatres had
midnighters in conjunction with Boxing day
1
27 1.
With the Odeon Ottawa approaching its
final form after many months of construction,
C. J. Appel, eastern division manager
for Odeon Theatres, was here from the Toronto
head office for a personal inspection.
Also making the theatre rounds was Paul
Douglas, public relations manager of Eagle
Lion of Canada . FPC Capitol was
the scene of a special presentation of Handel's
"Messiah" by the Ottawa Choral Union
as a Christmas concert, the 2,400 seats of the
theatre being filled.
Max M. King, Hollywood producer and a
native of St. John, N, B., was here to make
preliminary arrangements for the making of
"Scarlet and Gold," a story of the Moimted
Police, with shooting to start in the spring.
Tlie script is being prepared by Art Arthur,
a former resident of Toronto and now in
Hollywood . . . Charles 'W. Lawson of Langley.
B. C, visited National Film Board members
and also conferred with the National
Film Society to discuss community film
activities. A retired railwayman, Lawson has
busied himself with a film council program
as a hobby.
Graeme Fraser, sales manager of Crawley
Films, has announced that his company has
produced its first television picture which
is being marketed in the United States.
. . . Although
The Famous Players Capitol here turned
over its large foyer for school exhibits which
were arranged by the local committee for
Canadian Education week
Ottawa is in semidarkness because of power
restrictions in Ontario, the sister city of Hull
on the Quebec side of the Ottawa river continues
to be ablaze with light. Therefore the
newly installed sign and special marquee
lighting on Donat Paquin's Laurier in Hull
has attracted wide attention.
Vancouver Arena Cost Up
VANCOUVER—Total cost of the unfinished
Victoria Memorial Arena, under construction
here, neared the $1,000,000 mark
as city taxpayers authorized civic fathers to
appropi-iate an additional $265,000 to complete
the barrel-roofed edifice. The Arena,
when completed, will seat 4,500 persons. The
$1,000,000 cost will include ice equipment and
seats.
96
BOXOFFICE December 25, 19'48

. . . The
Two More Theatres
Launched by Odeon
TORONTO—Odeoii Theatres opened two
new units just prior to Christmas, the Odeon
at Brantford and another at St. Thomas,
both in western Ontario. The launching of
these attractive urban theatres completed
the 1948 schedule of expansion, the next
to follow in the new year being the Humber
in the Toronto west end and the Odeon at
Ottawa.
The Odeon at London, Ont., opened October
22, has introduced pipeorgan entertainment
as a stage attraction, the staff organist
being Max Magee who conducted a
request week in conjunction with the engagement
of "Frieda." Patrons were invited
to wi'ite their requests for musical numbers
at designated performances.
Something new in the way of a theatre
feature was arranged by Manager W. C.
Tyers at the Odeon Toronto, ace house of
the chain, when the public was invited to
make reservations for a dinner for Christmas
or New Year's in the theatre's fullfledged
restaurant, special menus being prepared.
Incidentally, the trade gossip is that
various theatre managers are having their
meals at the Odeon Toronto so they can
check on its theatre patronage.
The head office advertising department of
Odeon. under the direction of Larry Graburn.
has been transferred from temporary
quarters at 431 Yonge St., to the Odeon
Toronto Bldg. at 22 Carlton St. The office
section of the theatre is not yet finished
and workmen may be kept busy for another
six weeks, after which more head office employes
will move in.
F. G. Spencer Acclaims
'Garnegie Hall' in Ads
ST. JOHN—For the second time in his approximately
35 years as an exhibitor, F. G.
Spencer, head of the Spencer circuit, personally
endorsed a motion picture, namely,
"Carnegie Hall," booked at the Strand, base
house of the chain.
In ads appearing in local dailies Spencer
emphasized that if the "Carnegie Hall" artists
were brought to St. John from New York,
the cost would not be less than $250,000. The
testimonial was captioned. "P. G. Spencer Endorses
'Carnegie Hall,' " and was addressed
to "St. John Theatre Patrons."
A preview was presented in the Strand, for
the Ladies' Morning Musical club. Backgrounding
the booking was the Spencer experience
as a musical entrepreneur when he
promoted tours of noted vocalists and instrumentalists
through the maritimes before
and since becoming a film exhibitor. Also
his wife was active as a concert and choir
singer.
Buys Rights for 'Magic'
TORONTO—President H. J. Allen of Cardinal
Films. Ltd., announced completion of
negotiations with Morris Safier for the Canadian
distribution rights for "Concert
Magic," a musical feature which stars Yehudi
Menuhin, Jakob Gimpel and Eula Bealx
in the the rendition of classic compositions.
Allen said that the picture would also be
available in 16mm form for presentation in
concert halls.
TORONTO CBC Head Sees Video
P
A. Ranicar of Warner Bros, has been appointed
liaison officer for the Manitoba
sub-committee of the film industry public
relations committee, sponsored by the motion
picture section of the Toronto board of
trade. The regional committee in Winnipeg
comprises Harold Bishop, manager of the
Capitol; H. Gray and I. W. Blankstein, whose
duty it is to cooperate in the promotion of
goodwill for all theatres.
"Joan of Arc" is scheduled to be the opening
attraction at the new FPC University
Theatre, which is expected to be completed
in January. Terry Tm-ner of the RKO New
York office was here to discuss details . . .
"Paleface" was given a sneak preview at
the suburban Capitol, then it became the
Christmas attraction at the Imperial. For
the regular sneak shows at the northend
Capitol Thursday nights, printed cards are
distributed to patrons for theii- comments.
If cards are signed, it signifies that the
amateur critics are willing to have their
comments quoted in newspaper advertising
or on the air.
After recovering from a long illness, Harry
A. Kaufman, general sales manager of Cardinal
Films, completed a trip to Montreal
and St. John, N. B. In the latter city he
conferred with Lew McKenzie, new manager
of the branch . . . President Harry J. Allen
of Cardinal Films announced the appointment
of Lew Miles as Winnipeg branch manager,
succeeding Martin Schwartz. A former
theatre manager and member of a veteran
theatrical family. Miles also has gained
fame as a star football player with the Winnipeg
Blue Bombers.
The Centre at Windsor added to its promotion
of sales of Christmas gift books of
admission tickets with a delivery service
anywhere in greater Windsor. Phone orders
were invited from patrons and the ticket
books were delivered COD ... A new facility
has been provided in the recently
opened Paramount in Peterboro, Ont. This
FPC house has a special screening room
which has been made available for private
parties on a rental basis for film showings
sneak preview idea has been adopted
by the Century in Hamilton, where new
pictures are screened without advance advertising
on Thursday nights. The stunt has
made a hit among theatregoers in various
Toronto and Ottawa theatres.
As Top Social Force
MONTREAL—When television becomes
well established in Canada, it will be basically
Canadian and probably the most important
single social force in the country, A. Davidson
Dunton, chairman of the Canadian
Broadcasting Corp.. declared in an address
at a meeting of the Press and Radio branch
of the Canadian Legion here.
"Surely it is worth while for us to wait
weeks or even months to insure that our
first steps set a pattern for futiu-e development
which will be in the best interests of
our country," the speaker declared.
"I think the time has come for Canada
to start in television but if the CBC had recommended
that licenses be granted to the
six parties requesting them at its last meeting,"
he said, "the stations would have to
rely heavily on American material, and we
want television in Canada to be basically
Canadian."
Dunton said that Canada's great distances
includes several time zones, and her two official
languages make government subsidies
necessary if Canada is to have a national
network in television. If this is not done,
Canadian stations would bring in many programs
from the U.S. because they could not
afford to produce their own. Yet television
would require even more programs than
radio, he said, because each program costs
from five to ten times more, and television
beams do not travel as far as radio beams.
"There are only 12 television channels
available for use with present sets, and since
this would make television broadcasting monopolistic,
its development must for this
reason be controlled in the public interest,"
he said.
He added that experiments were being carried
on in the United States to determine
how far apart stations of the same wave
length should be to prevent interference.
The ideal to which television in Canada
should look toward, according to Dunton,
was "the greatest possible amount of Canadian
material and talent, sei-ving the greatest
possible number of Canadians."
Odeon Plans New Theatre
VANCOUVER—The new $80,000 theatre
planned for the Praser district will replace
the present Odeon circuit theatre here. The
house is expected to be ready for occupancy
in August 1949. It will be of all-concrete
construction and will seat about 900 persons.
Screens — Arc Lamps — Rectifiers — Lenses — Carbons — Theatre Chairs
J. M. RICE & CO.
202 Canada Bldg. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Phone 25371
Everything For Your Theatre
COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
An Expert Repair Department
BOXOFFICE :: December 25, 1948 97

. . Jack
. . King
. . Offices
VANCOUVER Children's Library ST. JOHN
•Two projectionists who have worked together
at the Strand for the last seven years
have been in motion picture business for
over 40 years. They are Wally Woolridge
and George Gerrard who have come from the
days of hand-cranked silents and song slides
to official posts in unions and on labor
boards in British Columbia and Vancouver.
They are members of lATSE Local 348.
The Cascades Drive-In on Vaucouver's outskirts,
operated by the Steel-Johnson interests,
called it a day for the season. The
Cascades, the only drive-in west of Toronto,
will have competition next year in
two new ozoners being readied near here.
The two major circuits also are showing interest
in the drive-in business.
.
Pat Smith is a new member of the Strand
John Cooshek, assistant
Theatre staff . . .
manager of the Odeon Plaza, is back on the
job after a delayed vacation . . . Al Jenkins,
Plaza manager, will holiday south of the
border after the holidays Hughes,
chief provincial censor, wishes to correct a
news item which appeared in the tradepress
about Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein."
The picture, after a turndown by
both the censors and the appeal board, was
finally reconstructed and passed by the censors,
NOT by the attorney general of the
province, as reported.
A planned Sunday concert, sponsored by
the Canadian Legion in aid of Shaughnessy
hospital, has been canceled at the Orpheum
after Lord's Day Alliance heads refused to
approve it. A letter stating the Alliance
would not institute prosecution if the concert
was held was necessary before Famous
Players would denote the theatre.
. . .
With the drop in lumber sales to Great
Britain, British Columbia centers which depend
on lumber pay rolls say that amusement
dollars are being hoarded and that
theatre business is off, according to Harold
Warren, who operates three theatres in the
Alberni district of Vancouver Island
The Rev. Gerald Switzer of the Canadian
Memorial chapel, Vancouver, after seeing
"Apartment for Peggy." wrote a letter praising
it to Jack Randall, Strand manager. He
referred to the film in his radio sermon.
One of Vancouver's largest department
itores, Spencer, has been sold to the
T. Eaton Co. of Toronto for a reported $17,-
000,000. This deal may change plans for
Eaton's to demolish the old Vancouver hotel,
situated next to the Cinema here.
Jack Pechet, head of Canadian Screen
Publicity, was here from Toronto looking up
circuit heads and exhibitors. Pachet reports
that his screen advertising shorts are proving
popular across the Dominion and he is
placing sponsored films in 900 theatres.
New FPC Theatre
TORONTO—Work on the new University,
a Famous Players miit at 102-6 Bloor St.
West, is approaching completion and will
be the first new theatre here for the New
Year. The University will have a handsome
facade of natural stone. The architects are
Eric W. Hounsom and A. G. Facey and the
general contractor is the Dickie Construction
Co.
Is Ready in Canada
TORONTO—The motion picture section
of
the Toronto Board of Trade, of which Mon-is
Stein, eastern division manager for Famous
Players, is chairman, announced that the
Children's Film Library movement would
start in Canada in January when prints of
18 features will be available at Toronto,
Winnipeg and Vancouver. These pictures
have been approved by a reviewing group
of the Children's Film Library committee of
Canada which is made up of representatives
of many women's, commimity and educational
organizations.
The plan, which was described to 31 representatives
of the film industry at the Board
of Ti-ade meeting, is patterned after the
juvenile library of the Motion Picture Ass'n
of America, New York, and its preliminarj'
organization in Canada was sponsored by
the National Film society.
CALGARY
"The last of the film salesmen got home as
subzero weather hurried the stragglers.
They reported intense cold and some wind,
but few delaying sncw drifts. The late ones
came spinning down the frozen highways
from the Rockies, the prairies and the mining
districts, thankful roads were fau-ly clear.
As they headed for home, conscious of a job
well done, thoughts of the Yuletide fireside
hastened them on the way.
One of the most prominent staff cocktail
parties of the festive season again took place
this year at the Palliser hotel where the
snacks and beverages were supplied by head
office executives.
Leo Maher, managing the FPC Roxy and
Monarch at Medicine Hat, underwent a
minor nasal operation from which he has
successfully recovered. He returned to duty
this weekend.
Dropped dm'ing the war years, the Christmas
night previews are being revived in the
principal FPC units in Alberta this season,
as well as the usual New Year's eve frolic.
Preview will be held on the Boxing day night.
New Year's eve previews also will be held
at the Monarch in Medicine Hat, the Capitol
and the Roxy at Lethbridge and the
Capitol at Red Deer.
. . .
XJirtually a full house attended a Sunday
night showing of "My Brother's House"
at the Mayfair Theatre here, imder the auspices
of the local Hadassah . . . Joshua "Joe"
Lieberman was re-elected president
Emmanuel
of the
Shaari Zedek synagogue
Ruault-Cazier. owner of the Renaissance
Theatre at St. Pierre, was reported to be recovering
satisfactorily following a recent
operation. He has resumed management of
the theatre and the adjoining rink.
Indications were that Halifax will be the
first Canadian city to produce television sets.
The Cossar Co., an English firm, has been
preparing to start production, and the first
sets manufactured will be distributed in Ontario.
Workers at the plant came from England,
from which financing also has been
handled . Calder, who appeared with
the Carroll Players in stock at the Majestic,
Halifax, now is in the cast of "Bravo," playing
at the Lyceum, New York City.
Deer Islanders now find it unnecessary to
cross the channel to Campobello Island or
to St. Andrews for screen entertainment,
now that Ira Butler is showing films at the
Mayfair on Deer Island . of Abe
Garson now are in a building owned by him
in the financial zone. Lionel April, his sonin-law
and maritime supervisor for Odeon,
and Bob Irving, booker, also are in the same
building. A starting date for construction
of the new theatre to be built by Odeon as
a showcase for J. Arthur Rank filnxs has
not yet been disclosed.
Howard Binns, recently appointed manager
of the Garrick, Halifax, is not the only
former air force officer from Ontario to be
a theatre manager in the maritimes. Jimmy
Mitchell, recently transferred to the Capitol
here, preceded Binns to the maritimes, having
been situated at the Moncton Imperial
before succeeding Harrison Howe, who moved
across King Square to direct the new Paramount
for FPC.
Police were called at Amherst, N. S., when
the payoff of an $18 consolation jackpot was
disputed by the promoter. James Smith, one
of the persons concerned, has written to the
provincial attorney general seeking an investigation
of such enterprises ... St. John
exhibitors and distributors are cooperating in
sponsoring an annual dinner dance and entertainment
December 22 at a local hotel. A
similar party last year cost approximately
$500.
Tent 28 Lays School Conerstone
TORONTO—The cornerstone of the Toronto
Vocational Guidance school, chief
project of Variety Tent 28 here, was laid
December 21 by George A. Drew, former
premier of Ontario and minister of education.
Chief Barker J. J. Fitzgibbons was
master of ceremonies for the occasion, which
included presentation of the silver trowel to
Drew, who recently became the national
Pi-ogressive Conservative leader in the federal
political field.
Variety club members and their friends
met at the site of the school in suburban
Toronto for the ceremonial program, arranged
by a special committee headed by
Morris Stein.
Speakers included Premier T. L. Kennedy
of Ontario, Hon. George H. Doucett, minister
of highways, and A. P. Permy, representing
the Ontario Society for Crippled
Children.
Among those who took part were a Catholic
priest, a Protestant clergyman and a
Rabbi, all of whom participated in the dedication
of the institution. Appropriate band
music was provided during the ceremony.
Members of the Variety committee in
charge of arrangements included Morris
Stein, chairman; Aixh H. Jolley, secretary;
James R. Nairn, Larry Graburn, Hye Bossin,
James Cameron, Ben Geldsaler, Jules
Wolfe, Lome Green and Jack Chlsholm,
representing all branches of the amusement
industry.
98 BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948

BOXOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
FEATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITfPS BookinGuide
BOXOFFICE
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in iive or more of the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT OF THE WEEK
Blood on the Moon
Denver 160
Computed in terms of percentage in
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 for six months or longer, arid a three-star contributor
is a regular of one year or more, who receives a token of our appreciation. All
exhibitors welcome.
COLUMBIA
Adventures in Silverado (Col)—William
Bishop, Gloria Henry, Edgar Buchanan. This
is a good picture that they liked here. We
Straw^berry Roan (Col)—Gene Autry, Gloria
Henry, Jack Holt. We tried this western three
days, including Thanksgiving, and were rewarded
with happy patrons all three nights.
It has nice scenery plus usual rows, fights,
doubled billed with "Case of the Baby Sitter"
songs and galloping horses. Played Fri., Sat.
(SG) and got by in good shape. Played Fri.,
Weather: Good.—R. E. Halstead, Tri-Town
Sat. Weather: Cold.—Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Lindstrom, Minn. Rural and small
Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General patron^
town patronage.
age.
Triple Threat (Col)—Richard Crane, Gloria
Arkansas Svring, The (Col)—Gloria Henry,
Stuart Hart, June Vincent. The title was misleading
and those who expected a hot hill-
Henry, Mary Stuart. Amateurish acting and
of little appeal except to football addicts. We
billy show were disappointed. However, had a few walkouts and poor business. Played
it
Fri.,
was average entertainment and no one complained.
Business was average. Played Tues-
Custer, S. D. Small town patronage.
Sat.—Hobart H. Gates, Garlock Theatre^,
day. Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
EAGLE UON
Canon City (EL)—Ecott Brady, Jeff Corey,
Blondie's Anniversary (Col) — Penny Singleton,
Arthur Lake, Larry Simms. Ho, huml the younger set, which was my chief worry.
Stanley Clements. This wasn't too brutal for
What a waste of time, celluloid and talent The picture drew fairly well and satisfied the
(?). They should have left this in the original
can for good. I almost forgot the dogs. Garlock Theatre, Custer, S. D. Small town
crowd. Played Sun., Mon.—Hobart H. Gates,
They stole the show. Played Tues., Wed.— patronage.
Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont.
Small town patronage.
Lady at Midnight (ED—Richard Denning,
Frances Rafferty, Lora Lee Michel. This is a
Coroner Creek (Col)—Randolph Scott,
good little programmer as the girl is very
Marguerite Chapman, George Macready. This
amusing. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold.
is a very good action and western picture in
—Hobart H. Gates, Garlock Theatre, Custer,
Cinecolor. Some of the action is overly
S. D. Small town patronage.
rough, but it is just the kind of picture a
small town wants, so don't miss it. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage.
Big City, The (MGM)—Margaret O'Brien,
Robert Preston, Dariny Thomas. This pleased
Framed (Col)—Glenn Ford, Janis Carter,
our audience and it is fine for children as
Barry Sullivan. This was very good—better
well as for adults. Good moral in it and I
than almost anyone would think it would
believe it will please in the average small
be as the title fooled many, but it fit the
town theatre.—Mrs. Joe Stallman, Wyo-Lin
story perfectly. So was the ending. Pictures
Theatre, Lingle, Wyo. Small town patronage.
like this are what we need more of! A grand
job of acting. Played Sat-., Sun. Weather:
Good.—W. H. Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe,
S. D. Rural patronage.
Lana Turner, Zachary Scott. The exhibitor's
OCass Timberlane (MGM)—Spencer Tracy,
dream—a well-filled house and something on
Lady From Shanghai. The (Col)—Rita Hayworth,
Orson Wellez, Everett Sloan. This is
the screen to please them all. This is what
occurred here when we showed it on a Saturday
playdate. Weather: Rainy.—I. E. Rou-
a fair mystery picture which did only average
business. No complaints and no compliments.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather; Good.—E. M.
geau, Club Theatre, Seven Sisters Falls, Man^
Small town and rural patronage.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
On An Island With You (MGM)—Esther
Lady From Shanghai, The (Col)—Rita Hayworth,
Orson Welles, -Everett Sloan. I didn't Here is a swell musical show in Technicolor
Williams, Peter Lawford, Ricardo Montalban.
intend to have any bad comments to make
but 1 just couldn't help expressing my opinion
on this one. It is a clinker and I think Columbia
did Rita Hayworth plenty of harm in casting
her in this picture. She is one of my
Happy to Contribute
favorites and most of Columbia's pictures are $25 to JIM MOTE FUND
just right for the small town exhibitor, but
not this one.—E. C. Holt, Freeburn Theatre
Among the theatre circuits which are
Co., Freeburn, Ky. Mining and small town
swelling the JIM MOTE FUND with
patronage.
contributions is that of the William
Goldman Theatres, Inc. of Philadelphia.
Song of Idaho (Col)—Kirby Grant, June
Vincent, Tommy Ivo. The story was nil, but This comment accompanies a nice check:
the music was very good and saved the "We are very happy to enclose our
darned thing. Okay for a double bill. Played check in the amount of S25 as a contribution
toward the JIM MOTE FUND
Tues., Wed—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre.
Eureka, Mont. Small town patronage.
from the ten theatres which we operate.
Sport of Kings (Col)—Paul Campbell, Gloria "Congratulations on your sponsorship
Henry, Harry Davenport. A horse picture always
draws swell here and with a Three
of this very worthy project. We are glad
to
Stooge comedy, this made a fine program
be able to help this small exhibitor
for
Thanksgiving. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: get back in business again."—William
Good.—W. H. Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe,
S. D. Rural patronage. * *
Goldman.
*
Edwards and Plumlee in
On Exhibitor Project
'LJearts are big down in the heart of
the Ozarks, so F. L. Plumlee writes
from Farmington, Mo., site of the home
office of Edwards and Plumlee Theatres:
"Tom and I .are heartily in accord
with this good gesture of American exhibitors
in connection with the JIM
MOTE FUND. Mr. W. H. Hoffman is to
be commended for his plan of generosity,
and we just want to be counted among
the contributors. Attached is our check
for $10 and we wish this movement every
success."
and it pleased all who came in this small
town. Play it and advertise it properly and
you will do a nice business on it. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good.-E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
Search, The (MGM) — Montgomery Clift,
Aline MacMahon, Jarmila Novotna. This picture
gave us an insight into the conditions
in Europe and was played here at a most
opportune time, when solicitations for C.R.O.P.
were being made. A good picture of its
kind and it had a happy ending. Played
Sat., Sun. Weather: Good.—T. M. Patton,
Scenic Theatre, Lexington, 111. Small town
patronage.
Summer Holiday (MGM)—Mickey Rooney,
Gloria DeHaven, Walter Huston. This is a
pretty good show. The majority liked it.
Average attendance at a Wednesday showing.
Weather: Cool.—J. E. Rougeau, Club
Theatre, Seven Sisters Falls, Man. Small town
and rural patronage.
MONOGRAM
iiBabe Ruth Story, The (Mono-AA)—William
Bendix, Claire Trevor, Charles Bickford.
Many were disappointed in this picture. However,
1 think baseball fans enjoyed it. Played
Sal., Sun. Weather: Good.—T. M. Patton,
Scenic Theatre, Lexington, 111. Small town
patronage.
Jinx Money (Mono)—Leo Gorcey, Huntz
Hall, Billy Benedict. This is not as good as
"Angels' Alley," but okay for the middle of
the week. I ran this with a good short, "Jungle
Man Killers" in color. Comments and draw
were good. Played Mon., Tues.—L. Brazil jr.,
New Theatre, Bearden, Ark. Small town patronage.
Panhandle (Mono) — Rod Cameron, Cathy
Downs, Reed Hadley. Brother, you sure aire
missing a good picture if you don't play this
as this is the story of Johnny Sands, the fastest
trigger man in the good old west. We can
play a Rogers or an Autry and cannot fill
the house, but get a frontier picture with
Cameron and the boxoffice really soars. You
don't have to worry about hiding around a
corner when you have played this feature.
Played Sat., Mon. Weather: Very cold.—Sam
Holmberg, Regal Theatre, Sturgis, Sask. Ruraj
patronage.
PARAMOUNT
Calcutta (Para)—Alan Ladd, Gail Russell,
William Bendix. This oldie from Paramount
had an airplane in it, so it had some appeal
for the youngsters; also, there was quite a
bit of action and suspense, and a surprise
ending as no one really suspected beautiful
Gail Russell of being the culprit. This is okay
for small towns. Played Wed., Thurs. Weath-
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Dec. 25, 1948

er; Fair.—I. Roche, Vernon Theatre, Vernon,
Fla. Small town and rural patronage. * * *
I Walk Alone (Para)—Burt Lancaster, Lizabeth
Scott, Kirk Douglas. The trailer on this
picture didn't do it justice and kept the
cu.stomers away. Those that did see the picture
were as surprised as I was and went
away well satisfied. It sure fell flat at the
boxoffice but 1 insist that was no fault of
the picture. Played Tues., Wed. Weather:
Fine.—E. C. Holt, Freeburri Theatre Co., Freeburn,
Ky. Mining and small town patronage.
* * *
Road to Rio (Para)—Bmg Crosby, Bob Hope,
Dorothy Lam^r. Many fine comments on this
one. I can use all that Paramount can make
like this. Nothing but praise and look what
a cast—Hope, Crosby, Lamourl Played Sat.,
Sun. Weather: Good.—W. H. Swan, Auditorium
Theatre, Roscoe, S. D, Rural patronage.
Sorry, Wrong Number (Para)—Barbara
Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster, Ann Richards. Ano;her
feature that makes the average small
town exhibitor wonder where everyone is.
Stories like this might click on the radio, but
for me it really was "sorry, wrong number."
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Rained Sun., fair
Mon.—John N. Allison, New Vivian Theatre,
Carlisle, Ind. Small town and rural patronage.
*
Sorry, Wrong Number (Para)—Barbara
Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster, Ann Richards. Sorry,
but this certainly was the wrong number
here. Receipts at the boxoffice barely paid
the film rental and other expenses. How do
I get my bread and butter? We had a
number of walkouts and many who stayed
said they were worn to a frazzle. Stanwyck
did some good acting, however. Played Sat.,
Sun. Weather: Good.—T. M. Patton, Scenic
Theatre, Lexington, 111. Small town patronage.
* *
iiWhere There's Life (Para)—Bob Hope,
Signe Hasso, William Bendix. Very good and
all enjoyed it very much. Bob Hope is a
good comedian and did exceptionally fine
work in this one. Many laughs throughout.
Average attendance. Played Sat., Sun.
Weather: Good.—W. H. Swan, Auditorium
Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. 'Rural patronage. * * *
RKO RADIO
Fighting Father Dunne (RKO)—Pat O'Brien,
Darryl Hickman, Charles Kempner. This is
what we were needing for a Catholic town.
We gave it extra exploitation and business
was good. Playe.d Mon., Tues. Weather: Cold.
—Harland Rankin, Beau Theatre, Belle River,
Ont. General patronage. * * *
Fugitive. The (RKO)—Henry Fonda, Dolores
Del Rio, Pedro Armendariz. If "Fort Apache"
was the best play here this year, then "The
Fugitive" was absolutely the worst. There is
nothing about it that will appeal to these
farmers and rural folk. Any small town exhibitor
who plays this one should be run
through a long, long belt line! Played Mon
,
Tues. Weather: Fair.—I. Roche, Vernon Theatre,
Vernon, Fla. Small town and rural patronage.
* * *
01 Remember .Mama (RKO)—Irene Dunne,
Barbara Bel Geddes, Oscar Homolka. Well
liked by all the Scandinavians. It doubled
our midweek business and showed a profit,
for a change. I saw the stage play a year
ago. The picture followed the play very
closely and was almost as good as the play.
The only picture I could truthfully recommend
as excellent entertainment that I have playe.d
this year, and then only to Scandinavian
communities. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Fair.—G. B. White, Almo Theatre,
Poulsbo, Wash. Small town and rural patronage.
*
Rachel and the Stranger (RKO)—Loretta
Young, William Holden, Robert Mitchum.
Personally I have never' cared for Robert
Mitchum but this show was excellent and I
will give Mitchum credit for turning in a fine
performance. Loretta Young should be given
praise for peforming in a picture which
doesn't enhance her beauty. Played Fri., Sat.
—Hobart H. Gates, Garlock Theatre, Custer,
C. D. Small town patronage. * * *
Tycoon (RKO)—John Wayne, Laraine Day,
Sir Cedric Hordwicke. John Wayne is a great
favorite here, and this is one of his best pictures.
Good color, lots of action and romance,
and just enough comedy. Very fine attendance
and plenty of compliments. It's a small
town natural il you advertise it right. The
title fools em. Playe.d Sun., Mon. Weather:
Fair.—Mrs. Pat W. Murphy, Queen Theatre,
Holliday, Tex. Oil field worker patronage. * *
Under the Tonto Rim (RKO)—Tim Holt, Nan
Leslie, Richard Martin. One of the best westerns
we ever had. Tim Holt is always good.
He looks the same on the screen as when
I saw him last summer making "Indian Agent"
ai the studio in Hollywood. Would have liked
to shake hands with Tim, but he was too
busy carrying the baby that didn't want to
The basketball
cry right in the scene . . .
headliner was plenty good, too. It is right
in line with the season now. Played Wednesday.
Weather: Good.—W. H. Swan, Auditorium
Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. Rural patronage.
* * *
REPUBLIC
Fabulous Texan, The (Rep)—William Elliott,
John Carroll, Catherine McLeod. This
failed us miserably. No business. Played extra
time and as time went on, we felt worse.
Played Mon., Tues., Wed. Weather: Cold.
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont.
General patronage. * * *
Nighttime in Nevada (Rep)—Roy Rogers,
Andy Devine, Adele Mara. Another good
Roy Rogers musical western in color. The
new girl is okay—better than average draw.
Played Fri., Sat.—L. Brazil jr.. New Theatre,
Bearden, Ark. Small town patronage. * * *
Under California Stars (Rep)—Roy Rogers,
Jane Frazee, Andy Devine. Roy is up to his
usual antics in this fine western in which
Trigger gets kidnapped. There is an unusually
good plot to this western that is a little different
from the usual run-of-the-mill westerns.
You can't go wrong on it! Played Fri., Sat.
Grass Roots' Standards
Not Same as in Cities
TYCOON (RKO)—John Wayne, Laraine
Day, Sir Cedric Hardwicke. I can't
figure it out. This gets 8-pIus, 5 minus
in Review Digest and deserves a much
better rating, according to exhibitor reports.
Many pictures which click in small
towns get lousy ratings in Review Digest,
and some of its top ratings are prime
stinkers, so far as I am concerned. EX-
HIBITOR HAS HIS SAY gives us a truer
picture of what to expect but reports are
few and a day's job to locate.
Columbia, Republic and RKO make
good, entertaining, plausible 60/90-minnte
dramas, comedies and westerns, and what
do they rate in Review Digest? Usually
5-plus, 4-minus. That's all your lay and
trade reviewers know. New York, Boston,
Hollywood are loaded with jaded soupand-fish
critics whose reviews are poison
to small town exhibitors. Can't you figure
out some method of assembling reliable
reports from the grass roots section?
Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka,
Mont.
No one methodi seems to please everyone.
That's why we use several and leave
it to the exhibitor to find the one which
fits his situation.
Congratulations Oliered
E. C. Holt, Freeburn. Ky,
pxhibitors seem to be pretty normal
folk in that most of them get married
and seem to live as happily ever after
as the old fairy stories contended one
should. One of the latest of our contributors
to take a life partner is E. C.
Holt, manager for the Freeburn Theatre
Co. at Freeburn, Ky. Holt writes in:
".'\s I took three weeks off to get married
and take a vacation, I haven't been
having my say in BOXOFFICE for some
time."
It's a temptation to tell him this may
be the only place he can have his say
from now on, but we won't. We believe
in encouraging romantic illusions!
Weather: Fair.—I. Roche, Vernon Theatre, Vernon,
Fla. Small town and rural patronage.
* * *
SCREEN GUILD
Case of the Baby Sitter, The (SG)—Tom
Neal, Allen Jenkins, Pamela Blake. This did
okay with "Adventures in Silverado" (Col),
with which we doubled it and which they
seemed to like. They also liked this one
Screen Guild seems to make a lot of small
town hits. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold.
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont.
General patronage. * * *
20th
CENTURY-FOX
Kiss of Death (20th-Fox) — Victor Mature.
Brian Donlevy, Coleen Gray. A very good
picture, according to comments by those who
saw it—and they were quite numerous. Above
average attendance for midweek. Played
Wednesday. Weather: Rainy.—J. E. Rougeau,
Club Theatre, Seven Sisters Falls, Man. Small
town and rural patronage. * * *
UNITED ARTISTS
Angry God, The (UA)—Alicia Parla, Casimiro
Ortega, Mario Forastieri. I want to warn
exhibitdrs about this feature. For both your
patrons' sake and that of United Artists, don't
use this terrible feature. Lock up first.
Evert Holsel, El Rancho Theatre, Culver, Ind.
*
Small town patronage.
On Our Merry Way (UA)—Paulette Goddard.
Burgess Meredith, James Stewart. (Formerly
"A Miracle Can Happen"). This is a
strong cast but the story is weak. Business
was average but I had some walkouts and
complaints. Cast also includes Henry Fonda,
Fred MacMurray and Dorothy Lamour. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage. * * *
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Another Part of the Forest (U-I)—Frederic
March, Dan Duryea, Edmond O'Brien. Universal
seems to have a habit of making pictures
with a very fine cast, all of whom turn in a
great performance, and waste it on a story
which has no general appeal. This is one of
them. This strange family, ruled by hatred and
greed, is very realistically portrayed by the
stars but my patrons don't enjoy a fine performance.
They want a fine story—or at least
one they can understand. This did very poor
business and received not one compliment,
but plenty of unflattering remarks. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.-Mrs. Pat W.
Murphy, Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex. Oil
field worker patronage. * *
Red Ingle and His Natural Seven (U-I)
Short. This two-reeler drew good comments
so I thought I would pass it along to some
of the boys. It's as crazy as anything you
would ever want to play, but stuff that the
(Continued on page 14)
BOXOFFICE BookinGuido :: Dec. 25, 1948

'
.
'
'
I
FEATURE CHART
release
dtrte. Production number is at right Number in parentheses is running time, as
lurnished by home office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended
^°^^' '^'^—^ Picture
Di~"J?JZ®'"
Guide page number. Symbol U indicates BOXOFF'""
Blue Hibbon Award Winner. Symbol © indicates color photography.
FEBRUARY 21
(93) West-Dr 937 (109) Drama 935
©RELENTLESS
TO THE ENDS OF THE
liobert Young
EARTH
R—Jan. 17—PO-892 Dick Powell
^ (53) Western 965 Slgne Hasso
PHANTOM
R^an.
VALLEY
24—PQ-SM
Starrett-Burnette
R—Mar. 6—P0-8(W
(56) Western 854
H]]
TORNADO RANGE
Eddie Dean
Roscoe Ates
R—Mar. 6—PO-808
^
(74) Drama 816
TENTH AVENUE ANGEL
Margaret O'Brien
George Murphy
Angela Lansbury
R—Jan. 17—PO-891
g
(90) Drama 4709
©ALBUQUERQUE
Randolph Scott
Barbara Brltton
Gabby Hayes
B-^an. 24—Pa-g«3
g
FEBRUARY 28
(80) Drama 8:
TAKE MY LIFE
Greta Gynt
Hugb WUliams
R—Feb. 14—PO-901
|2| (84) Drama A/
PANHANDLE
Rod Cameron
Cathy Downs
R—Jan. 31—pa-son
MARCH 6
[e] (71) Drama 815
MAN FROM TEXAS
James Craig
Lynn Barl
Johnnie Johnston
R—Mar. 6—PO-908
[s] (115) Musical 817
OTHREE DARING
DAUGHTERS
Jeanette MacDooald
Jose Iturbi
Jane Powell
Edward Arnold
R—Feb. 14—PG-900
MARCH 20
MARCH 13
^ (58) Western 855 [g
RETURN OF THE
WHISTLER
Michael Duane
Lenore Aabert
Richard Lane
R—Mar. 13—Pa-912
MARCH 27
(63) Drama 920 §6) (75) Drama 902 (84) Drama 936 [J| (67) Drama
ADVENTURES IN SIGN OF THE RAM MY DOG RUSTY
SILVERADO
Susan Peters
Ted Donaldson
R—Mar. 13—PG-912
R—Feb. 21—PO-904 John Litel
§^ (66) Mus-Com 952
1—PQ-l
Starrett-Burnette SONG OF IDAHO
|s] (55)
WEST OF
Western
SONORA
966
Ann Doran
R—May
R—Mar. 27—Pa-916
Hoosler
R—Mar.
Hotsbots
27—PO-916
|27] (77) Drama 817 Reissues
©ENCHANTED VALLEY ^ (93) Drama
SUTTER'S GOLD
Alan Curtis-Ann Gwenn
R—Mar. 27—PG-915
(85) Drama
Edward Arnold
Drama
818 (86) lo]
OCTOBER HAN
I?]
SEVEN SINNERS
John Mills
Marlene Dietrich
R—Mar. 20—PO-913 John Wayne
^
^
APRIL 3
(76) Comedy 818 (98) Comedy 81B
ALIAS A GENTLEMAN BRIDE GOES WILD d] (108) DrasM 820
B. F.'s DAUGHTER
Wallace Beery
Van Johnson
Barbara Stanwyck
Tom Drake
June Allyson
Van HefUn
Dorothy Patrick Hume Cronyn
CSiarles Cobum
R—Jan. 31—Pa-896 Butch Jenkins
R—Feb. SI—PO-90S
E—Feb. 28—Pa-906
^
APRIL 1
(102) Drama 816 (54) Western
[3]
RUTHLESS
[10]
HAWK OF POWDER
RIVER
Zacbary Scott
Louis Hayward
Eddie Dean
B—Mar. 27—P(^916 R—Mar. 13—PO-OU
[t] (76) Drama 4705 Reissue
|2i| (67) Drama 4708 28] (56) Western 4761 (70) Drama
\J\
ROCKY ^ (60) Drama 4710
ANGELS' ALLEY OKLAHOMA BLUES DOCKS OF NEW '" .
Roddy McDowaU ROSE OF THE RIO Leo Gorcey
Jimmy Wakeiy
ORLEANS
Nita HunUr
GRANDE
Geneva Gray
Virginia Belmont R—Aug, -21—PQ-9J1
Gale Shervood
Movlta
Bowery Boys
[7] (85) Drama A,
R—Ang. 14—PO-959 John (^rroll
R—Jan. 24—PG-894
THE HUNTED
Preston Foster
R—Feb. 7—PG-89g
I
[|]
(81) Drama 47U [i^ (94) Drama 4170
^ (67) Drama 4712 [2] (146) Drama 4725
|T] (95) Drama Ml
CAGED FURY
SAIGON
MR. RECKLESS ©UNCONQUERED THE BIG CLOCK ^1
Buster Crabbe
Alan Ladd
William Eythe
Gary Cooper
Ray Milland
Richard Denning
Veronica Late
Barbara Brltton
Paulette Goddard
Charles Laughton
Mary Beth Hughes R—Fet). 7—Pa-89r
R—Feb. 21—PG-904 Boris Karloff
Maureen O'SulUvan
1—Feb. 14—PO-S99
Howard daSllva
R—Feb. 21—PO-90i
R—Oct. 4—PG-862
|2]] (42) tutd'r-Dr 4708
TRAIL OF THE
MOUNTIES
Russell Hayden
Jennifer Holt
g
Special
Reissua
(109) Coni-Dr 852
[|] (60) Western 885
UTHE BISHOP'S WIFE TROUBLE IN SUNDOWN
Gary Grant
Loretta Young
David NIven
R—Nov. aa—Po-MJ
^
(59) Western 753
OKLAHOMA BADLANDS
Allan "Rocky" Lane
R—Mar. 6—PQ-907
g (60) Drama 704
MADONNA OF THE
DESERT
B—Mar. 13—PO-Ml
Reissue
(71) [U
Western HC17
SILVER ON THE SAGE
William Boyd
Gabby Hayes
Russell Hayden
Special
(134) Comedy 866
ll
Ul REMEMBER MAHA
Irene Dunne
Barbara Bel Geddes
Oscar Homolka
Philip Dorn
B—Mar. IS—Pa-911
^ (87) Drama 705
INSIDE STORY
Marsha Hunt
William
(Charles
Lundlgan
Winninger
Oail Patrick
Gene Lockhart
R—Apr. S—PG-818
(58) M'drama 706
Is]
LIGHTNIN' IN THE
FOREST
Lynne Roberts
Warren Douglas
R—Apr. 24—Pa-924
Special
[3] (120) Drama I
MIRACLE OF THE
BELLS
Pred MacMurra;
Valll
Frank
Sinatra
R—Mar. 6^0-991
[T] (61) Novelty 728
©BILL AND COO
George Burton's Birds
R—Jan. 3—PO-887
(63) Mus-West 654
U]
©CALIFORNIA FIRE'
BRAND
R—May 8—Pa-928
Reissue
(10] (60) Westeml
RENEGADE TRAII
William Boyd
Gabby Hayes
Russell Hayden
(Tffli
I
iBi-n
ll»C«E
FIllTIEtSI
i'IIkT'Io
J i-tm
(111) Drama 805
CALL NORTHSIDE 777
James Stewart
Richard Conte
Helen Walker
R-^an. 24—Pa-894
(118) Drama Bl
GENTLEMAN'S
AGREEMENT
Gregory Peck
Dorothy McGulre
John Garfield
Celeste Holm
B—Nov. 22—PO-876
(68) Mystery 8(
THE CHALLENGE
Tom Conway
June Vincent
R—Feb. 28-PG-906
(69) Mystery 808
Drama 809 (84) Comedy
»6)
HALF PAST MIDNIGHT ©AN IDEAL HUSBAND SITTING PRETTY
Kent
Goddard
Young
Taylor
Robert
lette
Knudsen
Maureen O'Hara
Peggy
Michael Wielding
R—Feb. 21—PO-903
Wynyard
Webb
Diana
Clifton
Sir Aubrey ^mitta
Haydn
Richard
R—Jan. 17—PG-891 Louise Allbrltton
Feb. 28—PO-91
(95) Drama
©SCUDDA HOOI
SCUDDA HAYl
June Haver
Lon McCallister
Walter Brennan
Anne Revere
Natalie Wood
R—Mar. 6—PG-9(
0*4
MIIE
^
(99) Drama 627
SECRET BEYOND
THE DOOR
Joan Bennett
^Vlichael Redgrave
Natalie Schafer
B-^an. 10—PO-88e
(96) Drama 6!
©JASSY
Margaret Lockwood
Patricia Roe
Dennis Price
B—Feb. 14—PO-902
(104) Drama
DOUBLE LIFE
Ronald Colman
Slgne Hasso
Edmond O'Brien
R—Jan. 3—PG-887
(96) Drama 6i
NAKED CITY
Barry Fitzgerald
Dorothy Hart
Howard Duff
R^an. 31—PO-896
(80) Drama
©BUCK BART
Yvonne De Carlo
Duryea
Jeffrey Lynn
—Feb. 31—Pa-9:
(94) Muslct
CASBAH
Tony Martin
Yvonne De Carlo "j
Marta Toren
R—May
15—PG
BOFIHE^
Mom
(103) Drama 716
VOICE OF THE TURTLE
Ronald Reagan
Eleanor Parker
B— Dec. 27—PO-881
(78) [D Drama 717 Reissue
BECAME A CRIMINAL ^ (102) Drama
Sally Gray
ADVENTURE OF
Trevor Howard
ROBIN HOOD
Griffith Jones
Errol Flynn
Feb. 14—Pa-802 Olivia de Havllland
]27] (94) Comedy 719
APRIL SHOWERS
Jack Carson
Ann Sothern
Robert Alda
R—Mar. 20—Pa-913
jlo] (101) Dr;
TO THE VICTOR
Dennis Morgan
Viveca LIndfors
R—Apr. 3—PG-91I
--- PS
(64) Western New Bel
DEADLINE
Sunset Carson
Pat Btirllnt
(62) Western New Bel
FIGHTING MUSTAIG
Bunset Carson
Pat BUrllnc
(70) Comedy reissue
LI'L ABNER
Martha O'DrlaeoU
Edgar Kennedy
(57) Musical Reissue
ROAD TO HOLLYWOOD
Blng Crosby
B—Uir. 1—PG-T9«
(86) liuE-Dr Belann
SECOND CHORUS
Ptulette Goddard
rred Istilre
(60) Westeni New Bel
WESTERN TERROR
Dave "Tei" O'Brloi
Buoy Henry
(64) Western Reissue
WILD MUSTANG
Harry Carey
(60) Western Reissue
THE LAW COMES TO
TEXAS
"Wild BUI" ElUott
(67) Mus-Com New Bel
LOOK OUT SISTER
Louis Jordan
(66) Western New Bel
SUNSET CARSON RIDES
AGAIN
Sunset Carson
(62) Western Rita
RETURN OF DANIEt
BOONE . W.
WUd Bill" Elliott
( . ) Western RetastC
LONE STAR PIONEERh
"WUd BlU" niloU
BOXOFFICE BooIdnGuide
Dec. 25, 1948
-JOfTB

'f:
"'-^
3 If li

FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
R—Apr.
JUNE 12
17—POMl
JUNE 19
(76) Drama 824 [it] (54) Western 858
[9]
CLOSE-UP
.\Jan Baxter
THE TIOGA
Eddie Dean
KID
Virginia Roscoe Ates
Gllmore
Kollmar R—Mar. 20—PG-913
Richard
g
JUNE 26
JULY 3
(87) Drama 825 |30| (83) Drama 826
©MICKEY
CANON CITY
Lois Butler
Scott Brady
Bin Goodwin
Charles Russell
John Sutton
DePorest Kelly
Hattle McDanlel R—June 26—Pa-944
R—June 26—PG-944
^
JULY 10
(93) Comedy 928 [s] (77) Drama 904
FULLER BRUSH MAN THUNDERHOOF
Red Skeltoa
R—May IS—PG-932 Mary
Preston Foster
Stuart
Bishop
[T| (65) Western
William
968
R—July
BLAZING ACROSS THE
10—PG-949
PECOS
R—July 17—PG-9B1
JULY 17
JULY 24
(7«) Drama S29
SHED NO TEARS
Wallace Ford
June VUiceot
Robert Scott
B—Aug. 14—PG-»e«
JULY 31
(90) S'Western
ig
©CORONER CREEK
Randolpk Scott
B—June B—P(}-94*
@
(«B) Hoalul S
ARKANSAS SWING
Hooaier Hotabots
R—July 24—PG-8SJ)
i||IIII«US'
,1 i»m
(102) Miuleal 825
©THE PIRATE
Jud; Garland
Gene Kelly
Walter Slraak
R—Apr. 3—PO-918
(107) Comedy 828
©ON AN ISLAND WITH
YOU
Esther VVUUams
Jimmy Durante
Peter Lawford
Cyd Charlsse
R—May 1—PG-92e
(64) Western 4766 |l3] (71) Drama 4715 (56) Western 4752
[U
RANGE RENEGADES STAGE STRUCK TRIGGERMAN
Jimmy Wakely
Kane Richmond
Johnny Mack Brown
"Cannonball" Taylor Audrey Long
Virginia Carroll
R—Aug. 14—PO-959 K—May 22—PG-93B Raymond Hatton
[n] (72) Drama 4717
1^ (101) Drama 4719 |5] (64) Drama 4719 (106) Musical 4720
[U
©SHAGGY
HATTER'S CASTLE WATERFRONT AT ©EMPEROR WALTZ,
Brenda Joyce
James Mason
MIDNIGHT
THE
Robert Shayne
Deborah Kerr
William Gargan
Btag Crosby
R—Apr. 17—PG-922 R—Apr. 17—PG-922 Mary Beth Hughes loan Fontaine
R—May 8—PG-927 Richard Haydn
Lucile Watson
R—May 8—PO-928
Western 819
Group 5
1^ (93)
|26j (60)
GUNS OF HATE
Drama 816
FIGHTING FATHER Tim Holt
DUNNE
Nan Leslie
Pat O'Brien R-May 16—PG-931
Darryl Hickman
Myma Dell
R—May 16—PG-931
51]
(67) Mus-West 656
©THE TIMBER TRAIL
Monte Hale
Lynne Roberts
R—July 3—PO-947
^
^
(103) Musical 829
0®EASTER PARADE
Fred Astaire
Judy Garland
Peter Lawford
Ann MUler
R—May 29—PO-938
(69) Drama 4717
JINX MONEY
(66) Western 4762
U]
COWBOY CAVALIER
Leo Gorcey
Jimmy Wakely
Huntz Hall
Cannonball"
R—May 22—PG-93B
Taylor
Special
(172) Com-Dr 904
[3]
THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
Fredrlc March
Myma Loy
Dana Andrews
R—Dec. 7—PO-769
(60) M'drama 712
HU
TRAIN TO ALCATRAZ
Don Barry
Janet Martin
R—July 17—PO-952
Reissue
(126) Dr R7-3508
[9]
THE CRUSADES
Loretta Young
Henry WUcozon
(113) Com-Mus 831
©A DATE WITH JUDY
Jane Powell
Elizabeth
Wallace
R—June
Taylor
Beery
26—PG-946
In]
(66) Mystery 4718
THE SHANGHAI CHEST
Roland Whitcrs
Manton Moreland
Group 5
[n] (90) Western 817
RETURN OF THE
BADMEN
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
Anne Jeffreys
May 22—PG-934
^
(70) eutd'r-Mus 732
©EYES OF TEXAS
Roy Rogers
Lynn Roberts
Andy Devlne
R—July 24—PG-953
g
(54) Western 4757
BACK TRAIL
Johnny Mack Brown
Mildred Coles
Raymond HattoQ
5ao "
(1011
^ (86) Comedy 4721 ^ (82) Drama 47 nil «i ws
DREAM GIRL
BIG TOWN
Ulial
SCANDAL
Betty Hutton
Philip Reed m „
Macdonald Carey
Hilary Brooke
VhTlnIa Field
Stanley Clements (i(M
Patric Knowles
Darryl Hickman
ii-»m
R—May 8—PQ-QIT R—May 22—PO-938
Special
|4] (75) Musical 991
©MELODY TIME
.\ndrew Slaters
Roy Rogers
Dennis Day
R—May 22—PO-0S4
(82) Drama 41
|26l
©16 FATHOMS DEEf*
Lon (^aney »
"?
Arthur Lake
TaniB Chandler
R—June 12—PG-941
(88) Outd'r-Dr 7
THE GALLANT LEGiC
WUIlam
R—May
EMlott
29—PQ-SSg
(60) Western 7
J5]
MARSHAL OF
AMARILLO
Allan "Rocky" Lane
'iaitH
IMMH
'i—
Herald (Neuro)
(u] (71) Drama X-3
MIRACLE \U HARLEM
Stepln Fetchlt
Sbella Guyse
Savannah Churchill
B—Aug. 14—Pa-959
_
Reissue
(70) Western HC21
SANTA FE MARSHAL
WilUam Boyd
Russell Haydeo
Marjorle Bambeau
Reissue
Reissue
Rtlssut
(66) (89) Drama S-4 (71) Comedy S-3
Western HC
|l6]
KING OF THE TURF
Adolphe Menjou
|Z3]
RUNAWAY
Barbara Stanwyck
(3^
DAUGHTER THE SHOWDOWI
William Boyd
Tounf
Russell Hayden
Robert
Dolores Costello
(89) Musical 827 (73) Drama 819 Reissue
(91) Drama 823 (102) Drama 824 (85) Drama
©GIVE MY REGARDS THE COUNTERFEITERS (87) Dram. 830 STREET WITH NO MINE OWN
DEEP WATERS
TO BROADWAY John Sutton
BELLE STARR
NAME, THE
EXECUTIONER Dana Andrews
Dan Dalley
Doris Merrick
ScoU-Tlerney
Mark Stevens
Burgess Meredith
Cesar Romero
Charles Winnlnger Hugh
Lloyd Nolan
R—June 19—PG-944 Jean Peters
Beaumont
(71) Drama 831
Barbara Lawrence
Dean Stoctwell
Nancy Guild
FROSTIER MARSHAL
R—July 3—PG-94
R—July
R—May
10—PG-950
29—PO-937
Randolph Scott
Nancy Kelly
(67) Drama 825 Reissues
THE CHECKERED COAT (86) Musical 'IS II
Tom Conway
ROSE OF WASHINGTG'v
Noreen Nash
SQUARE
Hurd Hatfield
R—Aug. 7—PO-957
Tyrone Power
(92) Drama 0|Hl U-Km
SLAVE SHIP
Wallace Beery
g (79) Comedy
[15] (107) Comedy
ON OUR MERRY WAY SO THIS IS NEW YORK
A MIRACLE Henry Morgan
(formerly
CAN HAPPEN) Rudy Vallee
All-star
R—Feb.
Cast
Hugh Herbert
7^0-898 R—May IB—Pa-93a
[9] (89) Drama
FOUR FACES WEST
Joel McOea
Frances Dee
Charles Blckford
K—May 22—PG-933
(98) (109) Com.
TIME OF YOUR LI
James Cagney
William Be'ndtz
WajTie MorrlK
Jeanne Cagney
R—May 22-PG-9S8
(78) Drama
©RIVER LADY
Yvonne De Carlo
Rod Cameron
Dan Duryea
R—May 16—P0-(
(90) Drama
ANOTHER PART OF
(107) Drama 660 (87) Musical 662
UP IN CENTRAL PARK BAD SISTER
THE FOREST
Deanna Durbin
Margaret Lockwood
March
Dick Haymes
Hunter
Fredric
.^Jin Blyth
Vincent
Dan Duryea
R—June
Price
6—PQ-940
Dennis
R—June
Price
12—PG-9^
R—April 24—PG-924
(83) Comedy 664 (79) Drama 66
ABBOTT & COSTELLO MAN-EATER OF
MEET FRANKEN- KUMAON
STEIN
Abbott & Costello
Sabu
Joanne Page
Wendell Corey
Lon Chaney
Bela Lugosl
R—July 3—PG-947
R—June 26—PG-945
(78) Mus-Com 665 (80) Drama
FEUDIN', FUSSIN' THE END OF THE
AND A-FIGHTIN' RIVER
Donald O'Connor
Sabu
Percy Kilbride
Bibl Fcrreira
•
» Wow
R—June 19—P0.943 Esmond Knight
Torin Thatcher
R-^une 26—PG-945
[l|] (77) Drama 726
WALLFLOWER
Robert Hutton
Joyce Reynolds
Janls Paige
R—May 22—PG-934
(80) Drama 727 (99) Musical 728
|6]
THE BIG PUNCH
Wayne Morris
[3]
©ROMANCE ON THE
HIGH SEAS
MaiweU
Carson
Jack
Lois
Gordon MacRea
Janls Paige
R—May 29—PG-937 Don DeFore
R-^une 12—PG-942
Reissues
[it] (82) Drama 730
FLOWING GOLD
G,arfIeld-0'Brlen
(71) Drama 729
[17]
GOD'S COUNTRY AND
THE WOMAN
George Brent
1^ (101) Drama 7
KEY LARGO
Humphrey Bogart
Edward G. Roblnsoo
Lauren Bacall
Lionel Barrymore
R—July 10—Pa-94«
(131) Drama 103
O
©DUEL IN THE SUN
Jennifer Jones
CCi Gregory Peck
Joseph Cotten
t/5
Lionel Barrymore
B-^an. 11—PG-780
(61) Doeum-Dr
Eng. Films
CHILDREN ON TRIAL
R—Nov. 29—PQ-878
(30) Musical
Four Continents
SPRINGTIME
R—Feb. 14—PG-002
(89) Drama
Eng. FUms
SHOWTIME
B—June 12—PG-942
(72) Musical
BeU
CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE
B—Aug. 14—PO-OeO
(70) Alexander Dr*
THE FIGHT
.. ENDS
U B—Mar. 6—P0-9M
NEVEHU ^
(TS) Doeumenttry
Target
STRANGE VICTORY
R—July 24—PQ-98<
BOXOFFICE BooldnGuide Dec. 25, 1948

_
Janet
I
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
AUGUST 7
AUGUST 14
(19) Drama 827 (61) Drama 831
SPIRITUALIST LADY AT WIDNIGHT
a Be;
Rlcbard Denning
Barl
Frances Rafferty
J O'Doimell
Kalpb Dunn
ivg. 7—PO-958 Nana Bryant
R—July 24—PO-9S4
m
AUGUST 21
AUGUST 28
Reissue
Reissue
(86) Comedy 847 )6) Comedy
HOLD THAT GHOST HIRED WIFE
Bud Abbott
Rosalind Russell
L«u Coitello
Brian Abeme
Srelyo Ankers
Joan DaTls
SEPTEMBER 4 SEPTEMBER 11 SEPTEMBER 18 SEPTEMBER 25
^
[^ (64) WatBU 967 (87) Drama 94
|27] (76) Adv-Drama 942 (79) Western 982 (68) Drama 916 [la] (76) Western 903 (91) Drama ]
LULU BELLE
[U
TRAIL TO UREDO
THE BLACK ARROW ©THE STRAWBERRY GENTLEMAN FROM BLACK EAGLE, THE WALK A CROOKED
Dorothy Lamour
CharlM 8ttrr»U
Louis Hayward
ROAN
NOWHERE
STORY OF A HORSE MILE
George Montgomery
Dennis O'Keefe
SmUey Buraette
Blair
Gene Autry
Warner Baxter
WUIlam Blsbop
Albert Dekker
R—Sept. 11—PQ-96S
Jim Bannon
George Macready
Champion
Fay Baker
Virginia Patton
Otto Kruger
Viriinia Maiey
Edgar Buchanan
Gloria Henry
Luis Van Rooteo
Gordon Jones
B—June 19—PO-94S
g (62) Act-Mus 954
B-^ul7 17—PQ-951
Rhys Williams
Jack Holt
B—Oct. 2—PG-973 R—Sept. 4—PO-985
SINGIN' SPURS
R-^uly 10—P(3-949 R—Mar. 6—Pa-907
Hoosier Hotshots
(79) Outd'r-Dr
©NORTHWEST
STAMPEDE
Joan Leslie
James Craig
Jack Oaltle
Cbill Wills
R—July 10—PG-950
830 (88) Documentary 902
©OLYMPIC GAMES
OF 1948
Bill Stern. Commen.
Ted Husing
R—Sept. 25—Pa-971
P] (62) Drama 903
IN THIS CORNER
Scott Brady
Annabel Bbaw
Jimmy MilUcan
R—Sept. 4—PO-966
WH
04) Drama 83
SEARCH
gomery CUft
MacMahoo
liar. 20—PO-914
(10» Drama 4723
^1 EVIL MY LOVE
MlUand
Todd
IdlDS Fitzgerald
a. Carroll
liar 22—PO-933
(79) Drama 4719 (53) Western 4753
[U J5]
MICHAEL O'HALLORAN FIGHTING RANGER
Scotty Beckett
Jotinny Mack BrortTl
AUene Roberts
Raymond Hatton
Tommy Cook
Isabel Jewell
R-^une 19—PG-944
(lltl) Drama 4724
FOREIGN AFFAIR. A
Jeao Arthur
lobn Lund
Marlene Dletrlck
WUIlam Net(
Boyd Darti
B—J

I
FEATURE CHART
I
OCTOBER 2
(70) Spec-Act 104
|30]
TRIPLE THREAT
Richard Crane
Gloria
B—Oct.
Henry
9—PO-9r5
OCTOBER 9
m (68) Drama 113 (56) Western 165
ly]
SURRENDER DEAR EL DORADO PASS
(Horla Jean
Charles Starrett
David Street
Smiley Buroette
Don McQulre
Elena Verdugo
B—Oct. 9—P(3-»75 Steve Darrell
R—Dec. 11—PQ-9a3
Reissues
(83) M'drama 904
[U
(102) Mystery 734 HOLLOW TRIUMPH
INTEftNATIONAL UDY
Paul Henreld
George Brent
Joan Bennett
Basil Rathbone
Eduard Franz
m (117) Drama 737 Leslie Brooks
K—Aug. 21—PG-96
MY SON, MY SON
Brian Aberae
m (99) Comedy 903
JULIA MISBEHAVES
Greer Garson
Walter PldgeoD
Peter Lawford
Ellzabetb TaylOf
Cesar Romero
B—Aug. 14—PO-980
OCTOBER 16
(73) Drama 832
©ADVENTURES OF
GALLANT BESS
Gallant Bess
Cameron Mitchell
Audrey Long
Fuzzy Knight
R—July 31—Pa-956
OCTOBER 23
g
(69) Outd'r-Dr 111
RUSTY LEADS THE
WAY
Ted Donaldson
Sharyn Moftett
John Utel
Ann Doran
B—Oct. 16—PG-97r
(87) Comedy AA8 [3] (B5) Western 4754 |w] (86) Adv 4726
THE DUDECOES WEST THE SHERIFF OF SMUGGLER'S COVE
Eddie Albert
EDICINE BOW Leo Gorcey
Gale Storm
Johnny Hack BrswD Bowery Boya
E—May 1—PCl-928
(66) Western
THE RANGERS RIDE
jimmy Wakely
m (88) Comedy 4802
(81) Mystery 4803
m
ISN'T IT ROMANTIC
NIGHT HAS A
Veronica Lake
THOUSAND EYES
Iward G. Robinson
Mary Hatcher
Gall Russell
Mona Freemiui
lohn
Billy DeWolfs
Lund
Virginia Bruce
B—Aug. 21—PO-98a
R—July 17—PG-951
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
(61) Mys-Dr 906 Reissues
BEHIND LOCKED
§)| (119) Adv. 738
DOORS
COUNT OF MONTE
Lucille Bremer
CRISTO
Richard Carlson
Robert Donat
Douglas Fowley
(102) Adv. 739
Ralf Harolde
H
SON OF MONTE
R—Sept. 18—PG-969
CRISTO
Louis Hayward
^
OCTOBER 30
)8) Drama 129
©THE LOVES OF
CARMEN
BlU Hayworth
B—Aug. 21—PO-961
(79) Super West 130
©THE UNTAMED
BREED
R—Oct. 23—Pa-»7»
(71) Documentary
©THE SECRET UNO
Commentators
Robert Montgomery
Robert Taylor
Van Heflln
B—Aug. 28—PO-983
(57) Western 4764
OUTLAW BRAND
Jimmy Wakely
Christine Larsoi
NOVEMBER 6 NOVEMBER 13 NOVEMBE
(107) Blog-Dr AAIO
[U
yTHE BABE RUTH
STORY
William Bendli
Claire Trevor
Charles Blcktord
Sam Levlne
R—July 31—PO-OBB
U] (83) Drama 4804
SEALED VERDICT
Ray Mllland
Florence Marly
Broderlck Crawford
John Bolt
R—Sept. 11—PO-967
[u) (75) Drama 119 [is] (66) Drama]
LEATHER GLOVES RACING LUCK
Cameron Mitchell
Gloria Henry
Virginia Grey
Stanley Clementi
Jane Nigb
Uaild Bruce
Sam Levene R—Nov. 6—PO-98
R—Nov. 13—PQ-985
^ (96) Comedy 904
NO MINOR VICES
Dana Andrews
Lllli Palmer
Wyatt
Louis Jourdan
B—Oct. 9—PO-978
g
|l4] (85) Comedy
LErS LIVE A LI'
Bendy Lamarr
Robert Cummlogi
Anna Sten
Robert Sbayne
B—Oct.
i(^—PO-I
(55) Western 4758 [m] (110) Drai
GUNNING FOR JUSTICE TEMPTATION HARBI
Johnny Mack Brown
ne Simon
Evelyn Flnley
Robert Newton
Raymond HattOD
|l^ (101) Comedy 41 f
MISS TATLOCK'S
MILLIONS
lohn Lund
Wanda Hendrli
Barry Fitzgerald
Monty WooUey
R—Sept. 18—PO-ff
3i!t*il
m
(llil
fat TIIH
w
'"lllSIETUI!
BA
latm
Group 1
(92) Drama 901
RACHEL AND THE
STRANGER
Loretta Young
William Holden
Robert Mltcbum
;—Aug. 7—PG-958
Group 2
Special
(92) Outd'r-Dr 906 (110) Mus-Com 952
STATION WEST ©A SONG IS BORN
Dick Powell
Uanny Kaye
Jane Greer
Virginia Mayo
Agnes Moorehead
Steve Ck)chran
Burl Ives
Esther Dale
B—Sept. 4—PG-968 R—Aug. 28—PO-964
(88) West-Dr
,
BLOOD ON THE l(j
Robert Mltcbum
Barbara Bel OeddM;
Robert Preston
Walter Brennan
R—Nov. 13—PO-l
m (90) Drama 714
MOONRISE
Dane Clark
Gail Russell
Etbel Barrymore
R—Sept. 18—PO-970
m (60) Weatem 758
DENVER KID
(93) Drama 4805
U]
THE MOZART STORY
Ham Holt
Winnie Uarkua
Irene ron Meydeodorff
B—Not. 27—PO-990
(64) Western HC24
STAGECOACH WAR
WUllam Boyd
Russell Hayden
(60) M'drama 713
CODE OF SCOTLAND
YARD
B—Sept. 18—PO-970
Reissue
8utd'r-Mus
( . . )
SHINE ON HARVEST
MOON
[I] (86) Drama 720
ANGEL ON THE
AMAZON
George Brent
jyj (66) Western 861
SUNDOWN IN
SANTA FE
Allan "Rocky" Lane
[e] (60) WesUrn
DEAD MAN'S GOLD
Lash Larue
Fuzxy St. John
[12] (84) Western 4806
LAST OF THE WILD
HORSES
lames ElllsoD
lane Frazee
Mary Beth Hughes
n—Dec. 18—PG-995
[ig (67) Outd'r-Mui
©GRAND CANYON
TRAIL
Roy Rogers
Jane Fraze*
Nov. 27—PG-91
Isn
|IOl
ma OF
!H
(68) Come
(128) Drama
Slrltzky Int'
MARIUS
R-^une 19—PO-944
(100) Drama
Best Fllma
JEALOUSY
B—June 19—PO-943
(130) Drama
Siritzky-Int'l
THEY ARE NOT
ANGELS
R—June 36—PG-946
(100) Drama
Schaefer
DAY OF WRATH
B—June 26—PO-04B
(92) Com-Drama
Oxford Films
FRIC-FRAC
B—July 3—PG-948
(105) Drama
Blrltiky-Iot'I
NAIS
B—July 3—PO-947
(75) Documentary
Mayer-Burystyn
THE ILLEGALS
B—July 17—PO-952
(88) Drama
nisdna Int'l
BLIND DESIRE
R—July 17—PO-86J
(90) Comedy
(06) Drama (108) Drama
Sirltzky-Intn
Artklno r'Ums I"
PORTRAIT OF MURDERERS AMONG SYMPHONIE PASl
INNOCENCE
US R—Sept. 25—P(^
R—July 24—PO-954 (106) Drama
(81) Drama
Azteca Films (77) Document)
Creative
FRANCOIS VILLON
R— Aug u—PO-960
LA MORENA DE Ml Lopert __„
COPLA LOUISIANA STORy; S,
B— AMI! 38—PO-ORS B—Oct. 2—PO-974"^
BOXOFFICE BookinGuido Dec. 25, 1948

I
CHECK RUNIWNG TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
B2B OVEMBER 27
(89) Corn-Fantasy 131
THE RETURN OF
OCTOBER
ain Ford
-Oct. 23—PO-979
(81) Mdrama 132
», HE GALLANT BUDE
ry Parks
-Oct. 23—Pa-979
DECEMBER 4
[2] (54) Western
QUICK ON THE
TRIGGER
Charles Starrelt
Stnllcy Burnette
Helen Parrlsb
•* (80) Drama 910 (73) Act-Dr 908
.WALKED BY NIGHT MILLION DOLLAR
bard Basebart WEEKEND
>tt Brady
Gene Raymond
1 Roberts
Stephanie Paull
It BlsaeU
Frances Lederer
-No?. 13—Pa-98i Patricia Shay
B—Oct. 16—Pa-977
[3] (60) Drama 4806
DISASTER
Richard Denning
Trudy Marshall
WUl Wright
Jack Lambert
B—Oct. 23—PG-980
DECEMBER 11
DECEMBER 18
(68) Comedy 107
(%'i) Drama 133
Outd'r-Dr
.
©THE MAN FROM
(
JUNGLE . ) JIM
(23l
BLONDIE'S SECRET
COLORADO
Johnny
Penny
Welssmuller
Singleton
n Ford
Virginia Grey
\rthur Lake
Uolden
It—Dec. 4—PG-991
William
[le] (61) Mus-West 151
Ellen Drew
K—Nov. 20—PO-98!
SMOKY MOUNTAIN
MELODY
Roy A cuff
(82) Com-Dr 912
AN OLD-FASHIONED
GIRL
oria Jean
Jimmy Lydon
Fr.mces Rafferty
John Hubbard
R—Dec. 18—rG-996
DECEMBER 25
4| (91) Comedy 4807
THE PALEFACE
Bob Hope
Jane Russell
Robert Armstrong
John Utel
R—Oct. 23—PO-980
JANUARY 1 JANUARY 8
(60) Drama 9
THE STRANGE
MRS. CRANE
.Marjorle Lord
Kobert Shayne
liutbe Brady
Pierre Watkln
R—Oct. 30—Pa-981
(100) Musical
©THE KISSING
BANDIT
Frank Sinatra
Kathryn Grayson
Cyd Charlsse
J. Carrol Nalsh
R—Nov. 20—PG-!
JANUARY 15
[n] (106) Drama
©THREE GODFATHERS
uhn Wayne
Harry Carey jr.
Pedro Armendarlz
Ward Bond
R—Dec. 4—pa-992
[m] (100) Drama 4808
THE ACCUSED
Loretta Young
Robert C^jmmlngs
Wendell Corey
Sam Jafte
R—Nov. 20—Pa-98T
(87) Outdr-Dr 721
[T] (60) Mys-Dr 801 Reissue
(60) Western 862
4EGADES OF ©THE PLUNDERERS
[|]
HOMICIDE FOR THREE
ONORA
Cameron
Long
Itod
\udry
(..) Mus-West
OLD CALIENTE
[I5|
IN
ji "Rocky" Lane llona
Warren
sue
B—Nov. 6—PG-982 Grant
(72) Corned; 8601 Reissue
Dec.
Massey
Douglas
Withers
4—PG-992
Koy Rogers
Mary Hart
George "Gabby" Hayes
TTERBRAIN
(68) Comedy 8602
Canora
YOKEL BOY
I
(60) Western
RK OF THE LASH
1 LaRue
ly St. Jokn
^ (62) Outd'r-Dr
SHEP COMES HOME
Itobert Lowery
.Margla Dean
(85) Comedy 908
EVERY GIRL SHOULD
BE MARRIED
Cary Grant
Franchot Tone
Betsy Drake
Diana Lynn
Alan Mowbray
R—Nov. 20—PG-987
[it] (..) Western
FRONTIER REVENGE
Lash LaRue
Fuzzy St. Jobs
(62) Act-Dr
jI
THUNDER IN THE
PINES
George Beevee
Ralph Byrd
(T) (82) Fantasy
©THE BOY WITH
GREEN HAIR
Pat O'Brien
Robert Ryan
Barbara Hale
Dean Stockwell
R—Nov. 20—PU-98I
j9] (67) Outd'r-Mus 841
©THE FAR FRONTIER
Koy Rogers
Andy Devloe
1^ (..) Western
OUTLAW COUNTRY
Lash LaBue
Fuzzy St. John
(82) Comedy 992
©SO DEAR TO MY
HEART
Burl Ives
Beulab Bondi
Bobby Driscoll
Luana Patten
R—Dec. 11—PG-993
87) . Western
,LE STARR'S
AUGHTER
Cameron
Oct. 30—PO-9
Dranu
-

REVIEW DIGEST
and Alphabetical Picture Guide Index-
A
947 Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein
(S3) U-l 7- 3-4S +
9S7 Accused, The (100) Para 11-20-48 ff
997 Act of Violence (83) MGM 12-25-4S +
99S Adventures of Don Juan (113) WB..12-25-4S ++
956 Adventures of Gallant Bess (73) EL 7-31-48 ±
906 All Nly Sons (94) U-l 2-28-48 ++
Angel Exile (90) Rep
in
99S Angel on the Amazon (86) Rep 12-25-48
982 Angry God. The (57) UA 10-30-4S
±
=
925 Anna Karenina (111) 20-Fox 5- 1-48 +
924 Another Part of the Forest (107) U-l 4-24-48 ++
969 Apartment for Peogy (96) 20-Fox.. 9-18-48 ff
978 Appointment With Murder (67) FC. .10-16-48 ±
904 Arch of Triumph (120) UA 2-21-48 +
913 Are You With It? (90) U-l 3-20-48 +
923Aroyle Secrets, The (63) FC 4-24-48 +
917 Arizona Ranger, The (63) RKO 4- 3-48 +
953 Arkansas Swing (65) Col 7-24-48 ±
922 Arthur Takes Over (63) 20-Fox 4-17-48 +
929 Assigned to Danger (65) EL 5-8-48 ±
B
955 Babe Ruth Story, The (107) Mono... 7-31-48 +f
Back Trail (54) Mono
995 Badmen of Tombstone (75) Mono. .
.12-18-48
942 Bad Sister (90) U-l 6-12-48
+
±
969 Behind Locked Doors (61) EL 9-18-48
982 Belle Starr's Daughter (87) 20-Fox. 10-30-48
+
±
919 Berlin Express (S6) RKO 4-10-48 +f
929 Best Man Wins (75) Col 5-8-48 +
964 The (183) Astor 8-28-48 ±
944 Beyond Glory (82) Para
Betrayal,
6-19-48 ±
915 Big City (111) MGM 3-27-48 +
937 Big Punch, The (80) WB 5-29-48 ±
933 Big Town Scandal (62) Para 5-22-48 ±
949 Black Arrow, The (76) Col 7-10-48 +
965 Black Eagle, the Story of a Horse
(76) Col 9- 4-48 +
969 Blanche Fury (93) EL 9-18-48 —
the Col. . . 951 Blazing Across Pecos (55) 7-17-48 ±
935 Blonde Ice (73) FC 5-22-48 ±
941 Blondie's Reward (67) Col 6-12-48 d:
991 Blondie's Secret (68) Col 12- 4-48 ±
985 Blood on the Moon (87) RKO 11-13-48 (+
965 Bodyguard (62) RKO 9- 4-48 +
Borrowed Trouble (..) UA
897 Boy With the Green Hair (82) RKO. 11-20-48 ±
936 Brothers, The (90) U-l 5-22-48 +
Bungalow 13 (65) 20-Fox
c
946 Canon City (83) EL 6-26-48 ++
939 Carson City Raiders (60) Rep 6- 5-48 +
957 Checkered Coat. The (67) 20-Fox.. 8-7-48 ±
996 Chicken Every Sunday (91) 20-Fox. .12-18-48
921 Close-Uo (76) EL 4-17-48
970 Code of Scotland Yard (60) Rep 9-18-48
++
±
+
997 Command Decision (..) MGM 12-25-48 ++
940 Coroner Creek (90) Col 6- 5-48 -H-
943 Corridor of Mirrors (96) U-l 6-19-48 —
Counterfeiters, The (73) 20-Fox
984 Countess of Monte Cristo, The
±
(77) U-l 11-6-48
Creeper. The (63) 20-Fox
972 Cry of the City (95) 20-Fox 9-25-48 ±
D
955 Daredevils of the Clouds (60) Rep... 7-31-48 +
946 Date With Judy, A (113) MGM.... 6-26-48 ++
Dead Don't Dream, The {•) UA
945 Dear Murderer (90) U-l 5-22-48 ±
992 Decision of Christopher Blake
(75) WB 12- 4-48 —
948 Deep Waters (85) 20-Fox 7-3-48 +f
Denver Kid, The (60) Rep
896 Design for Death (48) RKO 1-31-48 +
968 Desperadoes of Dodge City (60) Rep.. 9-11-48 +
926 Devil's Cargo (61) FC 4-10-48 ±
980 Disaster (60) Para 10-23-48 ±
927 Dream Girl (86) Para 5-8-48 +
926 Dude Goes West, The (87) Mono... 5- 1-48 +
986 Dulcimer Street (112) U-l 11-13-48 ±
988 Dynamite (67) Para 11-20-48 ±
E
928 Easter Parade (103) MGM 5-29-48 ff
993 El Dorado Pass (56) Col 12-11-48 ±
955 Emhraceable You (SO) WB 8-31-48 ±
928 Emperor Waltz, The (106) Para 5- 8-48 -H
1 ll -s ° I- -is >^
CO ^oc > iZ ZGca.£zo
+

An interpretative analysis of opinions deducted from «>«
.'"^^"f °L!,°^
TOd trade press reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree
]avor or disfavor of the review. This dep^ent serves also as

-
. ngiiiijii
'
I
SHORTS CHART
Short subjects, listed by company, in order of release. Running tune follows
title. First date is national release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: tt Very Good.
+ Good, — Fair, — Poor, = Very Poor. © Indicates color photography.
>]^
Columbia
Pr«i). N*. Title del. Date Rating Rn'd
ASSORTED COMEDIES
9427 Pardon My Umb Chop
(17)
9440 Flat Feat (ITVi)
6-10
6-24
+
±
6-26
7-31
194S-49 SEASON
1421 Billie Gets Her Man (17) 9- 9 -)- 9-18
1422 Go Chase Yourtelf (17) -I-
1431 A Pinch in Time (16).. 11-11 ± 12-11
10-14 10-16
1423 Parlor, Bedroom and Wrath
(16) 12-16
1433 Miss in a Mess (..) 1-13
1432 He's in Aoain (..) 1-20
CAN YOU TOP THIS?
1948-49 SEASON
14U Can You Top This? (13) .11-18
COLOR FAVORITES
9608 The Untrained Seal (71/2) 7-15 ±
1948-49 SEASON
7-31
1601 The Stork Takes a Holiday
9-9
(8)
1602 Swing Monkey Swing (8). 10-14 + 10-16
1603 The Little Match Girl
(S1/2) 11-25 ± 12-U
1604 Glee Worms (TVa) 12-16
1605 A Boy and His Dog (7) .. 1- 6
COLOR PHANTASIES
9703 Short Snorts on Sports
(61/2) 6-3 ± 7- S
COLOR RHAPSODIES
1948-49
1501 Pickled Puss (O/s)
SEASON
9-2 ± 9-18
1502 Lo, the Poor BuffaJ
., . ^ „ ,
(61/2) 11- 4 * 11- 6
COMEDY FAVORITES
1441 Pest From the West
(ISI/2) 9-30 -f 10- 2
1442 Ay Tank Ay Go (16).. 10-21 ± 12-11
1443 Static in the Attic (19). 12-23
COMMUNITY SINGS
9658 No. 8 Manana (IOI/2)... 6- 3 -(- 6-26
9659 No. 9 California Here I Come
(9) 8-12 4- 9-4
1948-49 SEASON
1651 No. 1 Baby Face (9) 9-16 . . . . -t- 1?- J
1652 No. 2 My Happiness (9). .10-21 -|- 11- 6
1653N0. 3lfs Magic (10)... 12- 9
5657 No. 7 Series 8 Christmas
Carols (12) Reissue. .
.12- 9
FILM NOVELTIES
1948-49 SEASON
1901 Rhapsody on Ice (9)... 12-23
FOX AND CROW
1948-49 SEASON
1701 Robin Hoodlum (7) 12-23
ONE-REEL SPECIAL
1948-49 SEASON
1551 Candid Microphone (11) 10-21
.
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
9860 Friarf
9858 Hollywood Honors Hersholt __
(8) 5-6 + 5-22
9859 Hollywood Party (9) 6-10 H 6-26
Hollywood Honor George
Jesse! (91/2) 7-8 )+ 7-31
1948-49 SEASON
1851 Hollywood Holiday (9) . • 9- 2 -I- 10-16
1852 A Day at CBS. (91/2). 10- 7
1853 Stars lo Remember (91/2) 11-18
1855 A Rainy Day in Hollywood
(..) 1-27
1854 Hollywood's Santa Claus Lane
(9/2) 11-23
STOOGE COMEDIES
9408 The Hot Scots (17).... 7- 8 -(- 7-31
1948-49 SEASON
Daze (I6I/2) . . 9- 1401 Heavenly 2 -|- 9-18
1402 I'm a Monkey's Uncle
(16) 10- 7
1403 Mummy's Dummies (16). 11- 4
-I- 10-16
+ 11-6
1404 Crime on Their Hands
(171/2) 12-9
THRILLS OF MUSIC
9957 Gene Krupa & Orch. (10) 6-10
9958 Tony Pastor & Orch. (10) 7-23
±
+
6-26
9-4
1948-49 SEASON
1951 Elliott Lawretin & Orch.
(10) 9-23
f 9-18
1952 Ray Eberle & Orch. (10). 11- 4 -f U- 6
1953 Louis Prima & Orch (..). 12-10
1954 Buddy Rich & Orch. (..) 1-20
VERA VAGUE LAFF TOURS
1948-49 SEASON
1751 A Lass In Alaska (101/2)10-28 + 10-16
WORLD OF SPORTS
9B08 80 Rolds Barred (9) . . . 6-17 tt 7-3
9809 Agua Zanies (9) 7-15 + 7-31
1948-49 SEASON
1801 Diving Champions (10).. 9-23 ID- 2
1802 Acrobatic Babies O/j) . .10-14 + 10-16
1803 Babe Didrikson, Queen of
Sports (..) 11-25
SERIALS
9180 fcperman (Special) .... 7-15 + 7-17
15 Chapters
1948-49 SEASON
1120 Congo Bill 10-28
15 Chapters
12
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
CARTOONS
W-934 The Bear and the Bean
(7) 1-31 2-21
W-936 Make IWine Freedom (6) 3-10
-I-
-|- 5-15
W-935 What Price Fleadom
(7) 3-20 ± 3-20
W-938 Little 'Tinker (8) 5-15 H 7-10
W-939The Bear and the Hare
(7) 6-26 7-lB
-I-
W-941 Half-Pint Pygmy (7)... 8- 7 -I- 10-9
1948-49 SEASON
W-32 Lucky Ducky (8) 10- 9
FITZPATRICK
TRAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-913 Cape Breton Island (9) 5- 8 -t- 7-10
T-914 Chicago, the Beautiful
(10) 7-17 -f 8-14
1948-49 SEASON
T-U Wandering
(9)
Through Wales
10-16 + 11-27
T-12 Night Life in Chicago (9). 11-27 -f 12-18
GOLD MEDAL REPRINTS
(Technicolor)
W-923 The Milky Way (8)
. . . . 2-14 4+ J-20
W-924 The Midnight Snack (9) 3-27 + 5-15
W-925 Puss 'n Toots (7) 4-24 + 5-15
W-926The Bowllni Alley Cat
(8) 6-12 -I- 7-10
1948-49 SEASON
W-21 The Little Goldfish (8).. 11-20 -|- 11-27
W-22 Fine Feathered Friends
(..)
W-23The Blue Danube (..)
W-24 Sufferin' Cats ( . ) .
MARTIN BLOCK'S MUSICAL
MERRY-GO-ROUND
M-981 Freddy Martln-Keenan
Wynn (10) 2-14 H 3-6
M-9S2Tex Beneke & Orch. (10) 4-24 -f 3-6
M-9S3 Ray Noble-Buddy Clark
(11) 6-26 + 7-10
M-984 Les Brown-Virginia O'Brien
(10) 7-17 ± 8-14
M-9S5 Frankie Carle & Orch.
(10) 8-28 -I- 10- 9
M-986 Art Lund, Les Brown,
+ Tex Beneke (10) 8-3 10-9
NEWS OF THE DAY
(Released Twice Weekly)
PASSING PARADE
K-973 Goodbye Miss Turlock
(10) 1-24 H 2-21
K-974 My Old Town (9) .... 2- 7 4+ 2-21
K-975 Souvenirs of Death
(10) 6-19 + 7-10
K-976The Fabulous Fraud
(11) 8-28 + 10- 9
1948-49 SEASON
K-71The City of Little Men
(10) 11-20 -f 11-27
PETE SMITH SPECIAL'HES
956 1 Love My Mother-ln-Law
BUT (8) 2- 7 +f 2-14
957 Now You See It (9) 3-20 ± 3-20
958 ©You Can't Win (9) . . 5-29 + 5-15
959 Just Suppose (9) 7-17 ± 8-14
_ 960 Football Thrills No. 11
(9) 8-21 + 8-14
1948-49 SEASON
S-51Why Is It? (9) 9-11 -f 10-16
S-52 Pigskin Skill (9) 9-18 + 10- 9
S-53lce Aces (9) 11-16 + 11-27
SPECIALS
A-901 Drunk Driving (21) 5-27 + 3-20
A-902 Going to Blaies (21).. 4-24 tt 5-15
1948-49 SEASON
A-1 Mighty Manhattan (..)
TOM & JERRY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
W-937 Kitty Foiled (7) 5-1 +
W-940 The Truce Hurts (8)... 7-17 -f
1948-49 SEASON
W-31 Old Roekin' Chair Tom
(7) 9-18 -1-
W-33 Professor Tom (8) 10-30
W-34The Cat That Hated People
(7)
W-35 Mouse Cleaning (7) 12-11
+
Paramount
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
GRANTLAND RICE SPOHTLIGHTS
.
(Technicolor)
(Technicolor)
Climbers (reissue)
4-2
84.704 Alpine
R7- 5 Ail-American Swing Stars
7-3
6-5
(10) +f 1-16 2-14
(10) -I-
74.116 Daddy Outk (7) 4-16 -f-
±
R7- 6 Double Barrelled Sport
(10) 2-20 + 2-21 74.117 Bone Bandit (7) 4-30 ....
84.705 Woodland Cafe (reissue)
.
4-30
(10) - 3-26 ±
4-17
4-3
R7- 7 Big Game Angling
7. (8) 5-14 + 3
R7- 8 Riding Habits (10) -f-
74.118 Donald's Dream Voice
R7- 9 Big League Glory (10) . . 6-11
R7-10 Her Favorite Pools (10) 7-30
-f
+
6-26
8-7
(6) 5-21 ++ 7. 3
1948-49 SEASON
84.706 Three Little Pigs (9).. 9- 2
1948-49 SEASON
R8-1 Hot Rod Speedsters (10). 11- 5 -f 11- 6
RS-2 Acrobatic mini (10) 12-10
94.101 Pluto's Purchase (7) . 7- 9 ± 8-28
Trial of 94.102 Donald Duck
MUSICAL PARADES
(Technicolor)
FF7-1 Samba Mania (18) 2-27
FF7-2 Footlight Rhythm (19).. 4- 9
FF7-3 Gypsy Holiday (18)... 6-25
FF7-4 Tropical
Masquerade
(16) 8-6
FF7-5Big Sister Blues (14).. 10- 1
FF7-6CaUlina Interlude (18). 11-19
NOVELTOONS
(Color)
P7-2Cat-0'-Nine Ails (8) 1- 9
P7-3Flip Flap (8) 2-13
in P7-4 We're the Honey (8) 3-19
. . P7-5 The Bored Cuckoo (8) 4- 9
P7-6 There's Good Boo's Tonight
(9) 4-23
P7-7 Land of the Lost (7) . . . . 5-7
P7-8 Butter Scotch and Soda
(8) 6-4
1948-49 SEASON
P8-lThe Mite Makes Right
(8) 10-15
P8-2 Hector's Hectic Lite (7). 11-19
P8-3 0ld Shell Game (10) 12-24
PACEMAKERS
K7-3 Bundle From Brajil (11) 1- 2
K7-4 Musical Miracle (11)... 3-12
K7-5A Model Is Born (7)... 5-28
K7-6 Neighbor to the North
(13) 7-23
1948-49 SEASON
K8-1 Appointment With Baby
(11) 10- 8
K8-2 Mr. Groundling Takes the Air
(11) 12- 3
PARAMOUNT NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
POPEYE CARTOONS
(Color)
8-21
10- 9
U- 6
1-24
4- 3
4-10
4-17
-1- 4-10
11- 6
12-25
E8-2 Symphony In Spinach ( . . ) 12-31 . • - •
POPULAR SCIENCE
(Magnacolor)
J7-3 Streamlined Luxury (10) 2-20 ± 2-14
J7-4 Fog Fighters (10) 4-2 ± 4-17
J7-5The Big Eye (10) 5-21 + 7-3
J7-6 Flying Wing (10) 8-6
J8-1 Solar Secrets (10) 12-24
SCREEN SONGS
(Color)
. .
X7-2Base Brawl (8) 1-23 + 2-14
X7-3 Little Brown Jug (8) . 2-20 -|- 2-21
X7-4 The Golden State (8) . . . 3-12 + 4-3
X7-5 Winter Draws On (7)... 3-19 -R 4-10
X7-6Sing or Swim (8) 6-14 -H 6-26
X7-7 Camptown Races (8) - - . 7-16 -|- 8-7
X7-8Th« Lone Star State (9) 8-20 ± 8-21
1948-49 SEASON
X8-1 Readin', Rltin' and
10-22 10- 9
Rhythmetic (7) -ff
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
Y7-4 Home Sweet Hone (10) . . 2- 6 * 2-14
Y7-5 'Taint So (10) 4-16 ± 4-17
Y7-6 Headllners (10) 6-18 + 6-26
1948-49 SEASON
Y8-1 The Gnu Look (10) 10-29 -|- 10- 9
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
L7-2 Bagpipe Lassies
(Magnacolor)
(11) 1-2 * 1-10
L7-3 Modem Pioneers (11)... 2-13 -|- 4-3
L7-4 Nimrod Artists (10) 4-16 ±. 4-10
L7-5 Feather Finery (10) 5-14 + 6-26
L7-6 Aerial Hot Rods (10).- 8-13 - 8-21
1948-49 SEASON
L8-1 The Glass Orchestra (10). 11-26 -I- U-
RKO Radio
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd
DISNEY CARTOONS
Inferior Decorator 8-27 (7). 10-16
94.104
94.105 Fledgling (7).. 9-10
-H 10-30
Pluto's
94.105 Soup's On (7) 10-15 + 11-27
94.701 Goofy and Wilbur (7)
(Reissue) 10-1 -f U-13
94.107 Three for Breakfast
(7) 11- 5 + 12-25
94.108 Mickey and the Seal
(7) 12-3
94.702 Wynken, BIynken and
Nod (7), reissue 11-19
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
83.404 How to Clean House
(18) 5-14 6-5
83.405 Dig That Gold (17)... 6-25 ± 8-7
83.406 Home Canning (16).. 8-6-1- 8-28
1948-49 SEASON
93,401 Contest Crazy (17).... 10- 1 + 11-27
FLICKER FLASHBACKS
84.205 No. 5 (8) 4-19 db 5-8
84.206 No. 6 (9) 5-21 -|- 8-7
84.207 No. 7 (8) 7-2 -f 8-28
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
83.702 Don't Fool Your Wife _
(18) 3-5 3-27
83.703 Secretary Trouble (17) 4- 9 ± 6-5
83.704 Bachelor Blues (17) . . 9-17 -f- 10- 9
1948-49 SEASON
93.701 Uninvited Blonde (17). 11-12
93.702 Backstage Follies (19). 12-24 ....
MY PAL SERIES
6-11 + 10-30
.
83.202 Pal's Adventure
.
(20)
1948-49 SEASON
Return (19) 93,201 Pal's 11-26
PATHE SPORTSCOPES
Tars (8) -f- Teen-Age 3-5 54.307 3-27
84.308 Doggone Clever (8) 4- 2 5- B
...
84.309 Big Mouth Bass (8)... 4-30
-t-
+ 8-7
(Reissues)
1948-49 SEASON
93,501 Keep Shooting (16) - . . 9-10 ± 11-27
93 "^02 Range Rhythm (17)... 10-15
93,503 Cactus Capers (17) 11-19
SCREEN LINER
1948-49 SEASON
94.201 Jan August and Piano
,_ _
Magic (7) 10-29 -f-
U-2T
94.202 Block Party (7) 11-26
94.203 It Pays to Be Ignorant
(..) 12-24
SPECIALS
83,601 Twenty Years of Academy _ _
Awards (19) 4-2 +f 4-3
Basketball Headlines 83,801 of 1948 ^
(18) 4-23 4+
80,842 Louis-Walcott Fight No. 2
(18) 6-25
1948-49 SEASON
Headliners of 93,901 Football 1948
(16) 12-10
THIS IS AMERICA
83.105 Photo Frenzy (16) - - . 3- 5 -ft
83.106 Funny Business
4-1 (18) -t-
Democracy's 4+ 4-30 83.107 Diary (16)
83.109 Letter to i Rebel (17) 6-25 44
83.110 Sports Golden Age (17) 7-23 +
83.111 Glamour Street (16).. 8-20 44
83.112 Friend of the Family
(16) 9-17 44
83.113 Who's Delinquent?
(17) 10-15 -f
1948-49 SEASON
Fair (17) ... .11-12 93.101 County 44
Girls In 93.102 White (17).. 12-10 44
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Dec. 25, 1948
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SHORTS CHAIV]
20th Century-Fox
EDE
in
IM
- ^!I
- u
- n
- M
- n
- «!
- l«l
,U
Prod. No. Titis Rel. Date Rating R
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
8902 Dying to Live (9) May + 6-5
FEMININE WORLD
B601 Something Old—Something New
(lllQ Chase) (S) Feb. + 2-2S
8602 Fashioned for Action
(llita Chase) (8) Apr. ± 4-17
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 14, No. 5 The Presidential
Year (18) 12-2S
Vol. 14, No. 6 The Cold War
(18) 1-24 -H 1-31
Vol. 14, No. 7 Marriage and Divorce
(17) Feb...H 2-28
Vol. 14, No. S Crisis In Italy
(17) Mar. -|- 4-10
Vol. 14, No. 9 Life With Junior
(18) Apr.
Vol. 14, No. 10 Battle for Greece
(IS) May 5-15
-I-
Vol. 14, No. 11 The Fight Game
(18) June -f 6-12
Vol. 14, No. 12 The Case of Mrs.
Conrad (18) July +f 7-10
Vol.14, No. 13 White Collar Girls
(17) Aug. + 8-7
Vol. 14, No. 14 Ufe With Grandpa
H (19) Sept. 9-18
Vol. 14, No. 15 Battle for
Germany Oct. +| 10-16
Vol. 14, No. 16 America's New Air
Power (. .) Not.
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
8254 (^Copenhagen Pageantry
(8) Jan. + 4-10
8203 Sky Thrills (9) Mar. + 4-10
8255 0Scenic Sweden (8) June + 6-5
8204 Majesty of Yellowstone
(9) July tt 6-5
8256® Riddle of Rhodesia (8) ..July + 8-14
8257 ©Bermuda (8) Aug. + 8-14
8258 @Desert Lights (8) Aug. + 8-14
8259 ©Portrait of the West (S) . Oct.
8260 ©Way of the Padres (8) Dec.
. .
MOVIETONE SPECIALTY
8801 Synpluny of a City (11). Sept + 10-23
MOVIETONE NEWS
(Released
Twiu WeelUy
SPOHTS
839E QAqin Cupers (8) Jan.
8602 Olympic Class (10) Fek.
aBS3 ©Playtime in Scandinavia
(8) Apr.
Everglades May
8303 Adventure (9) . .
8304 Football Finesse (10) Sept.
8305 Olympic Water Wizards
(9) Nov.
B306 Yankee Ski-Doodle (9) Dec.
TERRYTOONS
(Technicolor)
8510 Talking Magpies in Hitch
Hikers (7) 12-a
8511 Mighty Mouse in Lazy Little
Beaver (7) 12-26
8512 Felix the Fok (7) Jan.
8513 Talking Magpies In Taming
the Cat (7) Jan.
8501 One Note Tony (7) Feb.
8514 Mighty Mouse and the Magician
(7) Mar.
8515 Gandy Goose and the Chipper
Chipmunk (7) .Mar.
8516 Hounding the Hares (7).. Apr.
8517 Mighty Mouse and the Feudin'
Hillbillies (7) Apr.
8518 Mystery in the Moonlight
(7) May
8531 The BuUher of Seville
(7), reissue May
8532 Mighty Mouse in the
Green Line (7), reissue.. May
8520 Talking Magpies in Sleepless
Night (7) June
8521 Mighty Mouse in the Witch's Cat
(7) July
8522 The Talking Magpies in Magpie
Madness (7) July
8523 Mighty Mouse in Love's Labor
Won (7) Aug.
8524 The Hard Boiled Egg (7). Sept.
8525 Mighty Mouse and the MysterJous
Stranger (7) Oct
8526 The Talking Magpies In Free
Enterorlse (7) Oct
8527 Mighty Mouse in Triple
Trouble (7) Nov.
8528 Talking Magpies in Out Again
in Again (7) Nov.
8529 Mighty Mouse in the Magic
Slippers (7) Dec.
+
4-24
2-28
8-14
jtf

SHORTS REVIEWS Opinions on tlie Current Short Subjetts- I
Mr. Groundling Takes
the Air
Paramount (Pacemaker) 11 Mins.
Good. An amusing short which is bound
to make many people forget their fears about
air travel. Tom Ewell, star of the Broadway
revue, "Small Wonder," is a perfect type for
an everyday citizen, John Groundling, who
goes through the anguish of his first ride in
a plane. He goes into the plane quaking
with fear and not caring whether he lives or
dies. When he lands after a smooth and
uneventful ride, he is ready to bolster the
courage of another first-timer.
The Old Shell Game
Paramount (Noveltoon) 7 Mins.
Good. Willie the Wolf is the star of this
amusing Technicolor cartoon but the wily
Teddy Turtle gets most of the laughs. Willie
IS so hungry that even the thought of a turtle
steak makes his mouth water. But Teddy is a
wary opponent and almost cooks Willie in
his own fire. The frustrated wolf finally gives
up and chases after a worm steak.
Solar Secrets
Paramount (Popular Science) 10 Mins.
Good. Latest developments in the study of
the sun for the benefit of mankind are shown
in this interest-holding short. High up in the
Colorado mountains, scientists are using the
coronagraph to reveal vast chemical eruptions
from the sun's fiery rim. Other subjects
shown are a new electric range which
can cook a turkey in 15 seconds and a type of
hobby horse used by Fred MacMurray in
keeping fit.
Frozen Fun
RKO (Pathe Sportscope) 8 Mins.
Fair. Similar to other shorts released during
the winter season, this has some well-photographed
shots of the ski enthusiasts and the
places where they gather following the [irst
snowfall. At the Chateau Frontenac, 'ski
trains make regular schedules to take care of
the legion of sports fans. The novices are
shown attending a ski class and then
Gretchen Fraser, only woman to ever win the
Olympic skiing title, demonstrates her rare
form.
Exhibitor Has His Say
(Continued from page 3)
patrons love and it will make them laugh.
Sam- Holmberg, Regal Theatre, Sturgis, Sosk.
Rural patronage. * * *
River Lady (U-I)—Yvonne DeCarlo, Dan
Duryea, Rod Cameron. While Universal may
not make as many good pictures for small
towns as Republic, this does well and is well
received. It did above average business. The
only criticism was the lack of songs. The
one song in the beginning of the picture was
well received. Played Sun., Mon., Tues.
Weather: Snow.—Agnes Fraker, Congress
Theatre, Palouse, Wash. Small town patronage.
*
River Lady (U-I)—Yvonne DeCorlo, Dan
Duryea, Rod Cameron. This is a very good
action picture for the weekend, in color, with
a good cast, and the picture moves right
along. Ployed with a western and had a
very good double bill that drew better than
average. This is not too long, with a short
western and cartoon. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Fair.—Mayme P. Musselman, Roach Theatre,
Lincoln, Kas. Small town patronage. * * *
Tap Roots (U-I)—^Van Heflin, Susan Hayward,
Boris Karloff. The best picture that
RKO
Girls in White
(This Is America) 16 Mins.
Very good. An extremely interesting, as
well as inspirational, story of one of the most
needed professions m the world—nursing.
The picture follows all the steps in the nursing
career of an average girl, from the time she
registers for her training. After many months
of pre-clinical work, she gets her nurse's cap
and enters hospital service. Eventually, she
either becomes a surgeon's assistant, or specializes
in obstetrics or public health.
Three for Breakfast
RKO (Walt Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Good. Donald Duck again mixes up with
two happy little chipmunks, Chip and Dale,
in this lively cartoon. The chipmunks interrupt
Donald while he is making pancakes
and his breakfast disappears before his very
eyes. In order to get even, Donald starts
making them out of rubber cement but the
gag backfires qxid his house becomes a
shambles.
The Talking Magpies in
Goony Golfers
20th Century-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Good. The two noisy and meddlesome magpies.
Heckle and Jeckle, go through another
mad and merry cartoon adventure. The mischief
loving birds are interrupted while playing
cards in the branches of a tree by a flying
golf ball. They decide to discourage golfing
by caddying for a tough dog. They torture
him at every hole and finally present him
with a trophy which blows up in his face.
Yankee Ski Doodle
20th Century-Fox (Sports) 9 Mins.
Good. A splendidly phoiogrophed review of
skiing in New England Two decades ago at
Woodstock, Vt., the first two rope in America
was built. Nowadays, four lifts carry 16,900
passengers in a single day. The camera also
catches leading exponents of French and
Swiss ski-art as they speed down the snow
slopes. Some of the experts even try a Viennese
waltz and a polka on skis.
Universal has ever made. I think that Susan
Hayward should be one of this year's Academy
award nominees for her fine performance.
I think she would have been a great
Scarlet O'Hara in GWTW. By all means play
this picture. Played Sun., Mon., Tues.—James
C. Balkcom jr.. Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small
town patronage.
WARNER BROS.
Life With Father (WB)—William Powell,
Irene Dunne, Elizabeth Taylor. Our patrons
liked this picture and it Was the first time
we had played it. We are not going for the
"advanced price" deal. With normal times
we would have done plenty of business on
it, because this is the type of picture that our
patrons like. It is worth a date on your best
time and will do you good. Played Tues.,
selman. Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas. Small
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.—Mayme P. Mustown
patronage.
My Girl Tisa (WB)—Lilli Palmer, Sam
Wanamaker, Akim Tamiroff. I liked this
wholesome human story of young people
but apparently the public didn't see it that
way, as crowds were below average and
there were several walkouts—an unusual
thing here. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather:
Fair.—R. W. Burgess, Roxy Theatre, McClus-
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 100: President Truman;
Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt; President Prio
greeted in New York; Russian airmen flee from
curtain; new type helicopter; water show;
horse racing—Citation wins $50,000 Tanforan
handicap; spirit of Christmas.
News of the Day. No. 230: Aviation's newest
marvel; Israel's president visits Jerusalem;
President Truman gets Christmas turkey; first
films of the new WACS; lighter side of the
news; pro-football playoff; wonder horse wins
again; new desert paradise.
Paramount News, No. 33: Helicopter magic;
women in uniform make news; Quebec welcomes
a favorite son; Newfoundland signs
to join Canada; preholiday visit with the
President; Palm Desert, Calif.—Wasteland to
wonderland.
Universal News, No. 204: Weizman in Jerusalem—Arabs
get aid; helicopter spectacle test
given new type; aluminum shoes; Perry
Brown's homecoming; San a Heim; football.
Warner Pathe News, No. 35: Racing—Citation
wins again; football—Bills vs. Colts; Pathe
News records Christmas spirit around the
world.
•
Movietone News, No. 101: Thousands of
lives lost in sinking of Chinese vessel; endurance
flyers; airlift training; fog fails to
halt Berlin airlift; season's greetings—New
York, Washington, Florida; boxing; bike racing.
News of the Day, No. 231: UN assembly ends
stormy Paris session; hundreds die in Chinese
ship disaster; baby gorilla enjoys modern zoo
life; deep sea "santa"; battling bambinos
make leather fly; bike marathon is bloody
affair; holiday greetings from embassy kiddies.
Paramount News, No. 34: Gloves in bloom;
zoo news; China ship disaster; UN ends Paris
session; charity at yule time.
Universal News, No. 205: UN adjourns Paris
session; thousands lose lives in Chinese shipwreck;
return of prisoners; baby gorilla; boxing
kids; season's greetings from Spellman
and embassy youngsters.
Warner Pathe News, No. 36: UN closing;
Pan-American trouble; Chinese disaster; endurance
flyers; kiddies at Christmas; color
fashions; Great Events—Washington crossing
the Delaware.
•
Telenews Digest, No. 50: Violence in Costa
Rica; Mexico—Anniversary of revolution; Germany;
France; England; Austria; the spy case;
Klan tries comeback; helicopter "flivver"; Virginia;
Washington: San Francisco; New York;
Citation wins $50,000 race; Buffalo wins football
title.
key, N. D. Rural and small town patronage.
* *
Romance on the High Seas (WB)—Jack Carson,
Janis Paige, Don DeFore. An excellent
Technicolor musical. It did over average business
here. Business was off due to sickness.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Okay.—D. W.
Trisko, Ritz Theatre, Jerome, Ariz. Mining patronage.
Treasure of Sierra Madre (WB)—Humphrey
Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt. This is a bit
rough in spots, but a good story with wonderful
acting by the stars. Apparently this isn't
the type of show for us as our crowds were
below average. I figured it would draw better.
Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Cold
and damp.—R. W. Burgess, Roxy Theatre, Mc-
Cluskey, N. D. Rural and small town patronage.
14 BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Dec. 25, 1948

Opinions on Current Productions; Exploifips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
Adventures of Don Juan
Warner Bros. (812)
113 Minutes
F
Melodrama
(Technicolor)
Rel. Jan. 29, '49
Command Decision
MGM ( ) 113 Minutes Rel.
F
War
Drama
Herein Errol Flynn reverts to the type of role which first
won him fame and fortune. The yarn of the swashbuckler
of easy virtues was bench-tailored for the considerable
Flynnian talents along those lines and resultantly the picture
looks like money in the bank for any show house in
which it is booked. Wisely the amorous passages of the
offering are written, directed and delineated with a very
obvious tongue-in-cheek approach, which phase will delight
the more sophisticated spectators. But the redoubtable Don's
toying with the tender passion merely serves as a hook
upon which is hung a good, old-fashioned cloak-and-dagger
melodrama, replete with spectacle, chases, fights, intrigue,
sword-play and other elements to warm the hearts of the
action devotees. Handsomely produced, the picture is lush
throughout. Directed by Vincent Sherman.
Errol Flynn, Viveca Lindfors, Robert Douglas, Alan Hale,
Romney Brent, Ann Rutherford, Robert Warwick.
Whiplash
Warner Bros. (811) 91 Minutes Rel. Jan. 15, '49
While in some phases the story tries to be so hard-boiled
that it challenges realism, the over-all effect of this highspeed
drama is one that will greatly appeal to the average
ticket-buyer, which endows the film with great promise as a
top-bracket grosser. The prizefight game is the backbone of
the yarn, but blended therewith is a torrid romance, a dash
of gangsterism and a garnishment of idealism. There's an
explosive climax which alone justifies the price of admission
and the fight sequences are sufficiently gory and convincing
to satisfy the devotees of legalized mayhem. Performances
are generally acceptable, most especially those contributed
by Dane Clark, possibly his best to date, and the characteristically
brittle comedy relief supplied by Eve Arden. Production
accoutrements reflect d generous budget and Lew
Seller's direction gives the offering its needed tempo.
Dane Clark, Alexis Smith, Zachary Scott, Eve Arden, Jeffrey
Lynn, S. Z. Sakall, Alan Hale, Douglas Kennedy.
If for no other reason than the marquee magnetism of its
striking lineup of male stars this should prove to be something
of a bonanza in any theatre into which it is booked.
And to assure its success, the film generously fulfills the
promise of its impressive cast. Different from earlier war
dramas built around the heroic activities of the army air corps
during the closing days of World V/ar II, there isn't a single
foot of air combat film. Rather, the story deals with the work
of the general officers who directed the brave lads who fought
the battles. Nor does it pull any punches in exposing some of
the mistakes, politics and foibles in such higher echelon.
Almost documentary in its approach and apparently unusually
authentic as to technical details, the film is thoroughly
engrossing while performances, of course, are excellent.
Directed by Sam Wood.
Clark Gable, Walter Pidgeon, 'Van Johnson, Brian Donlevy,
Charles Bickiord, John Hodiak, Edward Arnold.
Act of Violence
MGM ( ) 83 Minutes Rel. Feb. 11, '49
An intensive manhunt as the main theme of a motion picture
has proven its effectiveness in countless screen offerings.
Herein it is again employed with all of the suspense, grimness
and excitement inherent to the subject and bolstered by
a new story twist which generates considerable additional
entertainment worth. With such basically sound plot ingredients
entrusted to a star-dotted, hard-working, ablydirected
cast, the result is an above-average dramatic feature
which should score solidly in both critical reactions and
general patronage. Van Heflin is the hunted, Robert Ryan
the hunter, and they split a substantial jackpot of acting
honors, which is no meager accomplishment in view of the
strength and contribution of a name-heavy supporting cast.
Ryan, obsessed with a desire for vengeance, goes gunning
for Heflin, his former army captain who sold out his comrades
in a German prison camp. Directed by Fred Zinnemann.
Van Heflin, Robert Ryan, Janet Leigh, Mary Astor, Phyllis
Thaxter, Berry Eroeger, Taylor Holmes, Harry Antrim.
F
Angel on the Amazon Mr, Perrin and Mr. Traill F
Republic (720)
86 Minutes Rel. Nov. 1, '48
Starting out as a saga of high adventure in the jungles,
this winds up as a study in psychiatry in staid Pasadena,
Calif. And while covering that chunk of geography, it charts
a comparably wide range of literary license; so wide, in fact,
that spectators may find unbelievable the story premise
which has Vera Ralston in the title role as sort of a modern
"She" who stays just as young as her 20-year-old daughter.
Vera portrays both, of course. The picture's best bet is found
in the strong and effective co-starring lineup and in impressive
production mountings. Much of the motivation takes
place in Rio and through the adroit use of process shots, that
romantic city furnishes backgrounds and atmosphere which
give the film considerable of a boost in entertainment values.
For those productional assets and good direction credit goes
to John H. Auer.
George Brent, Vera Ralston, Brian Aheme, Constance Bermeit,
Fortunio Bonanova, Alfonso Bedoya, Gus Schilling.
Eagle Lion ( ) 91 Minutes Rel.
A splendid character study of life in a staid British school
for boys, this Rank picture concentrates on the personal problems
of the faculty rather than the students. David Farrar
has some following with feminine patrons, but the unfortunate
choice of title will hurt the picture's boxoffice draw
generally. It will cause favorable comment and do good business
in art houses and a few metropolitan spots. From a slow
beginning, which shows the dull, day-by-day life of a group
of frustrated professors, the story builds steadily up to a
gripping, suspenseful climax. The romantic angle is introduced
logically and the film is filled with amusing human
interest touches. David Farrar is excellent as Traill, a
young teacher who resents the deadly routine imposed by his
middle-aged colleague, Perrin. Marius Goring manages to
win sympathy in his portrayal. Lawrence Huntington directed.
David Farrar, Greta Gynt, Marius Goring, Raymond Huntley,
Finlay Currie, Edward Chapman, Mary Jerrold.
Siren of Atlantis
Jungle Jim
United Artists (574) Rel. Dae. 17, '48 Columbia (134)
Exotic stuff, this. So exotic, in fact, that some spectators
may encounter difficulty in trying to determine what it's all
about. The picture's first and best chance for commercial
success lies in its considerable exploitation quotient, which
exploitation can stress sex and adventure, the offering's
principal literary assets. Fitting into those elements, and
doing her level best to read drama into her over-accented
seductiveness, Maria Montez portrays the ageless queen of a
lost empire which periodically is rediscovered by hardy
hombres who go expeditioning. Those intrepid investigators
are, of course, always young and desirable—to the queen,
that is. So she enslaves them and toys with their love and
emotions until she tires thereof or a new victim stumbles in.
Producer Seymour Nebenzal mounted the vehicle to give
it an aura of productional opulence, which, too, will aid
in its merchandising. Directed by Gregg Tallas.
998
73 Minutes
F
Outdoor
Drama
ReL Dec. '48
Action drama without the appeal of Tarzan, since Johnny
WeissmuUer wears traditional tropic trousers and swings
from no trees. A number of jungle life closeups will appeal
to many, though some of the scenes are a bit terrifying for
young children, such as the battle with the lion. A woman
scientist heads a scientific expedition to find the drug which
paralyzes, used on native arrows, but which also has curative
powers for paralysis in small doses. This also results
in a treasure hunt, a renegade photographer attaching himself
to the safari. Finding a temple full of jewels and gold,
the white adventurers escape being sacrificed to an idol
in that old nick of time—all but the renegade villain who is
shown falling into a fiery pit. Some half-hearted romancing
but the best parts of the picture are the really good jungle
shots. William Berke directed.
Johnny WeissmuUer, Virginia Grey, George Reeves, Lita
Baron, Rick Vallin, Holmes Herbert, Tex Mooney.
BOXOFFICE December 25, 1948 997

. . . Mad
. . . Men
. . She
. . Unexplainable
. . Where
. . Romance
PLOITIPS
Suggestions for Selling; Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES:
"Command Decision"
In addition to plastering Clark Gable's name all over the
marquee, lobby easels and advertising, emphasize this is the
film version of one of Broadway's greatest recent hit plays.
Tie in with local U.S. air force recruiting stations—perhaps a
"branch" station could be set up in theatre lobby during the
picture's run. Check newspaper files for names of air force
pilots in your community and set up interviews. Invite them
and their families to attend the first-night showing as your
guests.
CATCHLINES:
The Most Adventure-Crammed Story the Screen Has Ever
Shown ... A Saga of Glory in the Air . . . Speeding to You
Out of the Blue . . . Reaching New Ceilings as Red-Blooded,
Power-Packed Dramatic Entertairunent.
There's a New Thrill in the Entertainment Sky . . . The
Compelling, Unforgettable Film Version of Broadway's Greatest
Hit . . . The Story of a Heroic Struggle for Supremacy . . .
In the Air Over Europe . . . During the Last War.
SELLING ANGLES:
"The Adventures of Don Juan"
Don Juan has been renowned through history for his
amorous exploitation.
prowess—an angle not to be overlooked in
Secure nev/spaper and/or radio backing for a con-
test in which women vote for or against Don Juan as "the
man of my dreams." Best entries pro or con win prizes.
Tieups with men's stores are indicated along the lines:
"Want to be a modern 'Don Juan'? Wear Blank suits," etc.
A life-sized cutout of Flynn, brandishing his sword, could
be used as lobby centerpiece.
CATCHLINES:
Flaming Love and Flaming Swords . . . The Most Famous
of All Romantic Adventurers Sweeps Across the Screen . . .
It's Errol Flynn as Don Juan . . . Dashing Soldier and
Audacious Lover . . . Entangled in a Web of Intrigue ... In
the Picture You'll Never Forget.
Adventure the World Has Thrilled to for Centuries ... In
a Picture It Will Never Forget ... As the King of Romance
Crosses Swords With Danger . . . Risking His Life for Love
and Glory.
SELLING ANGLES: "Act oi Violence" SELLING ANGLES: "WTiiplash"
Van Heflin's role as a hunted man could be incorporated
into a variation of the time-tried "identification" stunt. After
a suitable advance buildup, spot a man resembling Heflin
in prominent localities around town, with guest tickets going
to the first dozen people identifying him. Use the title in a
tieup on a safe-driving "crusade," with copy such as: "Don't
commit an 'Act of Violence'—your car can be a murder
weapon—drive safely 1" Use life-sized cutouts of Heflin and
Robert Ryan, as his pursuer, for your lobby centerpiece.
The picture's prizering atmosphere suggests many mutually
cooperative tieups with sporting goods dealers, including
window and counter displays. Distribute throwsheets at all
local sporting events. Arrange a special invitational showing
for newspaper and radio sports editors and members
of a local boxing team representing a high school or college.
Stuff special heralds in pulp sports magazines. Dress a
husky lad in boxing togs, including a sweatshirt with picture
and theatre billing, for street ballyhoo "roadwork."
CATCHLINES:
You'll Never Forget the Fury of Its Adventure . . . The
Suspense of Its Story . . . The Impact of Its Romance . . It's
.
the Picture That's Destined to Pursue Your Emotions Endlessly
. . . Relentlessly.
CATCHLINES:
It's the Drama-Packed Story of a Guy . . . Who Kissed His
Way Into Trouble . . . And Had to Fight His Way Out . . .
The Sock Sensation of the Year . . . With Scene After Scene
of Smashing Ring Thrills.
Never Has the Screen Searched So Deeply . . . Into the
Love, Fear and Passion . . . That Lie Hidden in the Human
Heart . . . Here's More Excitement and Suspense . . . Than
Any Picture You've Seen in All Your Life.
Action That Rocks the Screen .... Like an Uppercut to the
Jaw . . . The Story of a Born Fighter Who Tamed Them All
With His Fists . . . Women With His Kisses ... A
Knockout of a Romantic Action Drama.
SELLING ANGLES: "Mr. Perrin onS Mr. Traill"
The title has no selling value except tor possible book
store displays of the novel by Hugh Walpole. Play up the
romantic angle by a frame of stills of David Farrar, who
attracted feminine attention here in "Black Narcissus" and
"Frieda," and of Greta Gynt, who also played in "Dear Murderer."
Mention that Marius Goring has the male lead in
"The Red Shoes." Another prominent British player is Finlay
Currie, who scored in "Great Expectations."
CATCHLINES:
A Breath of Vigorous Life Comes into a Staid, Stuffy Classroom
. . . Love Blossoms Even in Dark and Dingy Places . . .
The Realistic Novel by Hugh Walpole Leaps to 'Thrilling Life
on the Screen.
David Farrar, Star of "Black Narcissus," in Another Great
Romantic Role ... Hopelessly in Love With One Woman
While Tied to the Apron-Strings of Another . . . The Stars of
"Black Narcissus" and "The Red Shoes" Unite in a Colorful
Tale of Students and Their Teachers.
in a
s, ic
e da
SELLING ANGLES:
"Angel on the Amazon"
Vera Ralston's portrayal of a woman who cannot grow old
suggests tieups with beauty parlors and with drugstores on
displays of cosmetics. Make a "jungle" front for the theatre,
using papier-mache tree trunks, bamboos and vines. Have
a girl dressed in shorts and pith helmet walk around town
with a hunting rifle. Using a stencil and whitewash, paint
"panther" tracks along the sidewalks leading to your theatre.
Stage a "beauty contest" for women over 60, enlisting a
newspaper or radio station to cooperate.
. . Fearless
. . . Yet at the Simple Notes
CATCHLINES:
The Strange Story of a Strange
Trembling
Woman .
Against the Jungle
of a Long-Forgotten
Untouchable .
No Fear .
Melody . . . She Was Unknowable . . .
... A Woman Who Knew
Was Desirable . . . Mysterious . . . And
Beautiful.
A Moment of Terror Led to a Lifetime of Strangeness . . .
It's Thrilling and Unforgettable ... A New and Triumphant
Screen Experience . and Terror Blaze Together
in the Story of a Strange Curse.
SELLING ANGLES: "Jungle Jim" SELLING ANGLES: "Siren of Atlantis"
Since this is based on the newspaper comic feature, make
a tieup with the paper locally which carries it and with comic
book distributors. Play up the "strong man" roles in which
Johnny Weissmuller plays and use stills of him in the lobby.
Also use jungle shots of animals in the lobby and stage a
jungle quiz for the youngsters in the audience. Or a contest
of the different wrestling holds shown in the film.
CATCHLINES:
Star of Tarzan Fame in His Most Exciting Role . . . Hunting
a Long-Lost Treasure Hoard Through Africa's Deadliest Jungles
. . . The Tarzan Star in a Great New Role as the Far-
Famed Jungle Daredevil.
The Jungle's Greatest Soldier of Fortune at His Thrill-
Tingling Best on the Screenl . . . The Adventure Idol of
Millions on the Screen at Last . . . An Action Roaring Safari
Elephants on a Death-Dealing Rampage . . . Handto-Hand
Struggle With a Mon-Eoting Lionl
In the picture Maria Montez, as "Queen Antinea," is both
ageless and beautiful. Based on this idea, organize a "Favorite
Age" contest for women, tieing in with a beauty salon
for beauty treatments or merchandise for the best answers.
In cooperation with a local travel bureau arrange a tieup
pegged on copy such as: "Let us help you find your modern
Atlantis—paradise on earth." Check with your local UA
exchange on the numerous commercial tieups effected for
Miss Montez, including jewelry, cosmetics and radios.
CATCHLINES:
Strange . . . Stirring . . . Spectacular . . . The Story of the
Fabulous Queen of a Lost Continent . . . Who Wrote Her
Own Laws of Love . . . Never Was There an Empress Like
Antinea . . . The Wicked, Wondrous Ruler of History's Most
Fabled Land . Each Man Found What He Wanted.
Come With Beauteous Antinea ... To the Fabled Continent
of Atlantis . . . Where You'll Find Your Paradise on Earth
... A Land of Endless Wonders . . . Untold Dangers . . .
Living Evil . . . Unforgettable Thrills.

]
; Acme
I New
'
games.
, must
IIVTES: 10c per word, minimum $1.00. cash with copy. Four insertions ior price of three.
ILOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to
Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. •
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
Small town exhibitors! We make your limited
9itAl go a long way I Complete C>'clex equipnt,
rebuilt, J49S: KCA soundheads, belt drives,
itors, rebuilt, $150 pair; Simplex magazines,
.95; DeVry XD projectors at very special price.
ite us. Weber portable outfit, complete, excelit,
$395; Strong suprex lamphouses, rebuilt,
Ir, $375; Powers mechanisms, rebuilt, $114.50.
lat r do you need? Star Cinema Supply, 459
' -• 4(ith St., New York 19.
Yes; SOS Sells for Less and good stuff.
Nothing leaves here unless it's absolutely
;ht. 50,000 customers the world over built SOS
i keep buying here since 1926 because SOS
Is for less. 1949 catalog ready. Dept. C,
S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St.,
York 19.
Dual Holmes Educator Portable projectors with
ge magazines: lens; lOOOW lamp; amplifier;
eaker; rebuilt, $667.50; Dual DeVry XD Transrtables
complete, rebuilt, $595; RCA low freency
folded baffles, worth $300, $99.75; Dual
Arc Sound Projector outfit, com-
51,295; Simplex Rear Shutter Mechanisms,
lellent, $195; other Slmplexes from $69.50.
ready. C, 49 catalog Dept S.O.S. Cinema Sup-
Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St., New Y'ork 19.
Complete booth equipment small drive-In. Used
tils, 1 pair Strong IKW high intensity
nps and rectifiers like new. Cash or terms.
ban Amusements. Inc., 1014 Broadway, Colum-
1. Phone 2-7337.
500 veneer chairs; arc lamps; generator sets; RCA
nd system; rectifiers; amplifiers; speakers.
any other items. Stebbins. 1804 Wyandotte,
insas City. Mo.
1 Pair Cyclex lamps complete with transmer.
generator, etc., in fine running condition,
a real bargain. Boxoffice, A-3271.
THEATRES WANTED
Louis 3, Mo.
Sell your th«atre privately. Confidential coripondence
Invited. Leak Theatre Sales, 3422
nmore, Dallas. 1109 Orchard Lane, Des
lines,
Iowa.
Is your theatre for sale? Our cash buyers are
iting. We get quick results. Will give you a
ampt estimate of your present theatre value.
Ite us today. "Joe" Joseph. 3409 Sunset Ave.
one Yale 2-7650, Dallas, Texas.
Is your theatre for sale? I have buyers with
;h for established theatres. Claude Crockett,
First 05 National Bank Bldg.. Dallas, Tex.
lephone R-9230.
Want to buy or lease theatre,
licago. Have ample cash. E.
Anaheim, Calif.
anywhere west of
II. Seekins. Box
Wanted to buy or lease theatre in Delaware or
iryland. Please state size, price, population, etc.
first letter. All answers confidential. Bosioe,
A-3252.
Theatre owner,
25 years experience, wants to buy
lease good theatre in Texas. 700 seats or
tter. Might consider partnership. Give com-
3te details. Must be good deal. Boxoffiee,
3253.
Wanted to buy theatres in Alabama and East
ississippi and Southern Tennessee. Confidential,
ffice. A-3254.
McCloughan. 125
Wanted to buy or lease theatre. Town 2,000
pulallon or more. All Information first letter,
nfidential. Prefer Virginia, North or South
irolina. Boxoffice, A-3266.
Couple want to lease small town theatre anjlere.
Have owned and managed such theatres
ven years. Need month to dispose of present
erests. Boxoffice, A-3272.
iRrVE-m OR OUTDOOR THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
Time deals to drive-ins. Order now. Skip paynts
until opening. Complete sound projection
tfits. $1,595 up; new 500-watt Western Elec-
Booster Amplifiers, $650; new Dual in-car
kers with junction box and transformer, $16.75;
driveway entrance and exit signs. Illuminated,
2.50; burial cable, 6c ft.; Super SnapUte fl.
lenses increase light 25%. from $150. Send
Time Deal Pl.in. Dept. C, S.O.S. (Snema Sup-
Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St., New York 19.
In-a-car speakers. No. 7600, waterproof, cast
limlnum cases. $16.75 per set. DaWo Co., 145
Erie St.. Toledo. Ohio.
PXOFFICE December 25, 1948
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW
In-a-Car speakers. No. 7600, waterproof, cast
aluminum cases. $16.75 per set. DaWo Co.. 145
N. Erie St.. Toledo. Ohio.
Projection bulbs. General Electric, 1,000-watt.
T.20 Mogul Pre-focus, C13D. Government surplus,
new, original packages. List $6.25 our price $1.25
each (minimum order one dozen) limited offer.
check, Send otherwise C.O.D. Jules Epstein, 601
Pelham Parkway. Bronx 67. N. Y.
Ask yo
STUDIO AND PRODUCTION
EQUIPMENT
thea-
Contemplating picture making? SOS has it.
Blimped 35mni Askania studio camera, lenses
3
magazines, synchronous motor, rebuilt, $995;
4
Neumade combination 16/35 mm Automatic Film
Cleaner, $350 value. $194.50; Giant Spotlite
ft. Tripods 8 high, $9.95; Belhowell 16mm Filmscoring
Viewers, government cost $300, $59.50;
lor Unit Eye shuttle Belhowell, $650; Bardwell
McAlister 5000W floodlights, $111.75; Dlnkie
Inkios. $11.95; Baby Keglites, $54.75; Baby
Boomlites, $114.50; 2000W Junior Spots,
$129.50; Double Broads. $114.65; 1/12 HP
IlOV Synchronous Motors, new, $57.50; B. Maurer
Variable Density Recording Outfit, $2,375; 35mm
threeway Sound Moviola, rebuilt, $895. Send for
Sturelab Catalog Supplement. Dept. C. S.O.S.
Supply Corp., St.. Cinema 602 W. 52nd New
York 19.
HELP WANTED
Wanted: Projectionists and theatre managers to
teach all phases of motion picture projection and
theatre management. High school education required,
college education preferred. Send summary
education, training, experience, refer-
of
ences, marital status, age and state when available.
Excellent opportunity for men seeking a
for secure future with opportunity advancement.
Institute. Address National Theatre P.O. Box
5769, Dallas, Tex.
Projectionist, general maintenance, Strawn, Tex.,
small town, ni^ts, Saturday, Sunday matinee.
Texas Theatre, Stanton, Texas.
Manager: Large neighborhood Deluxe. Only the
best apply. Must have personality and be good
house manager. E.xploitation. live wire willing to
work. Honest, reliable, sober. Send photo and
In first letter. experience All correspondence
confidential. Cleveland area. Boxoffice. A-3275.
Young, single assistant manager with plenty of
ambition. Deluxe San Diego neighborhood house.
Starting salary $35. Boxoffice. 3276.
POSITIONS WANTED
Veteran, 26, energetic, ambitious, 10 years in
small towns as owners-managers. Know all phases
operation. Would lease, or take the.ctre on percentage
or accept managerial position. Prefer
S. Southwest Midwest. Carl Hall, 103 South
or
Whitaker. Pryor. Okla.
Projectionist, age 45, family man. Sober, capable,
experienced. No drifter. Desires change and
permanent connection. $50 week. Available Jan.
1, 1949. References. Boxoffice. A-3246.
Manager available, over 20 years experience, all
phases theatre operation. Go anywhere. Oean
cut, sober, relable, best of references from the
top men in the business. Boxoffice, A-3256.
House manager, advertiser, exploiteer. projectionist
experience. Married, sober, reliable,
fer Virginia. North Carolina. Boxoffice. A-3258.
Go-getter, now assistant to general manager,
midwest circuit, must relocate immediately due
to wife's health: prefer California. Oregon. Washington.
Top man, 20 years all phases entertainment,
heavy on public relations. No reasonable
position, salary refused. Exchange complete details
first letter. Boxoffice, A-3267.
Certified Public Accountant desires executive
position with motion picture exhibitor. Experi
in enced circuit accounting and financing. Tei
years public accounting and tax experience. Avail
,ible immediately. Boxoffice, A-3268.
Positions wanted for Negro projectionists thoroughly
trained and qualified in our colored school
of projection. Write Placement Dept., National
Theatre Institute. P. 0. Box 5769. Dallas. Texas.
Purchasing Agent, six years experience. Large
chain background. Available now. Paul Kliebert
1817 N. 35th St.. Milwaukee. Wis.
MISCELLANEOUS
Complete 24-hour theatre service, new and used
pil"inment. plus film bookings. Globe Theatre
Service and Supply Co., MA 3971 or OL 3971,
Dayton. Ohio.
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatres for sale. Texas and southwest. Licensed
broker with long theatre backjround. Claude
Crockett, 1505 First N.ilional Bank Bids., Dallas,
Tex. Telephone K-92:i0.
Tlieatres for sale. Selected listings In Oregon
and Washington now available. Write for list
Theatre Exchange Co.. Fine Arts Bldg.. Portland.
Ore.
Large 900-5eat downtown plnd house, located
In busy street Denver, Colo. $20,000 buys
on
14-year lease. Cinema Amusements. Inc., 1756
Broadway. Denver. Colo.
Downtown Tulsa. Okla., 320-seat grind house.
Union booth. Buy direct from owner for approximately
one-half 1948 gross. Boxoffice, A-3247.
Southern California l)rlve-ln. Moneymakei
Stand Investigation. Excellent condition. Bo!
office. A-3250.
375-seat theatre and building, $16,000. located
Southwest Virginia. Will pay for Itself in three
years. T. D. Field, Tazewell, Va.
270-seat theatre centrally located California
tov of 1,200 population. Deal Includes complete
equipment, brick building and property. Selling
for approximate 1948 gross, $25,000. No dealers.
Boxoffice. A-3251.
Theatre. 360 seats, Mattoon, Illinois, newly
Lot 50x50, building 32x90. Parking.
constructed.
RCA. Floatingcumfort seats, new. Two Simplex
machines. RCA sound. New draperies, air conditioned,
new automatic oil heat. Price complete
$37,500. Ontinental Investment System, 3740
Lindell. St. Louis 8. Mo.
Unusual combination 412-scat lovely theatre,
modern complete ball room, two sub-rentals, fine
seven-room apartment, 1,000 capacity checking
and concessions. Includes all buildings covering
quarter block. Controls big area. Any part readily
sub-leased. Ballroom operating part time, owner
away Show-dance minded midwest. Showing good
profit. $71,500. $24,500 down. Private sale.
Arthur Leak. 1109 Orchardlane, Des Moines, Iowa.
3422 Kinmore, Dallas.
Family death sells central Missouri only theatre
good town 1,200. Building, nice apartment,
equipment. $11,000 down. Leak. 3422 Kinmore.
Dallas Also northern Missouri highly profitable
family theatre, fine college town. $12.500 down.
Near Enid, Okla., rich oil-wheat center, 1,300.
Brick building, good equipment. $8,500 down.
Leak, 3422 Kinmore. Dallas. Also near Tulsa.
Includes building, five apartments. Nice. $12,000
down.
Northwest Iowa, rich town 1,400. Building included.
$11,500 down. Leak, 1109 Orchardlane
Des Moines, ALSO complete amusement combination,
including 400-seat theatre. Real opportunity
$25,000 down.
North Texas progressive town 2,000. Moderr
building included. Photographs. $15,000 down
Leak, 3422 Kinmore, D.illas.
Small circuit; three theatres. Business good
Must sell due to ill health. Possession immedi
ateiv, Boxoffice, A-3263.
Theatre, grossed nearly $4,000 in seven months
250 ^eals. Inexperience forces sale. $5,000.
Rent $20, Near Springfield. Mo. Boxoffice.
A-32li4-
A beautiful theatre in central Wisconsin,
up-to-date equipment. Doing good business,
direct ^*itll owner. Boxoffice. A-3265-
250-seat theatre, small town 20 miles southeast
Decatur. III. Population 1,200. Building
included. $18,000. Doing good business. Reason
for selling, owner prosperous, moving on to larger
one. Boxoffice. A-3274.
Theatre For Sale. Pennsylvania city, population
75.000. within 90 miles New York. 800 scats.
O.vner retiring from theatre business. Will sell at
attractive price. L. A. Farmer. 31 N. M,iin St..
Creensburg, Pa
For Sale: Theatre. 450 seats, within 200 miles
Pittsburgh, Theatre will net $14,000 per ye.ar.
L A Farmer. 31 N. Main St.. Greensburg. Pa.
Two Florida outdoor theatres, excellent business
Wilson and Moore Enterprises, Inc., P. 0.
Box 2034. Atlanta. Oa,
THEATRES FOR RENT
CLEflRlflG HOUSE
Rent: Theatre over 600 seats, located
York, wonderful opportunity. Bo
A-3273.
AIR
CONDITIONING
Heavy duty blowers, ball-bearing equipped,
15,000 cfm to 50.000 cfm. Air washers, all
sizes. Hydraulic drives, two and four speed
motor and controls. Immediate delivery. Dealirs
wanted. National Engineering and Mfg. Co.. 519
St.. Wyandotte Kansas City. Mo
Complete air conditioning equipment; variable
hp motor. 25,000 SFC fan; air washer, spray
5
type, complete with recirculating pump: reasonable.
Boxoffice. A-3088
POPCORN MACHINES
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar
anleed. Price Irom $150. Consolidated Conlections.
1314 S. Wabash. Chicago 5, llL
Blevins Is national beadguarlers for popcorn
Silver machines. Stars, Super Stars, Corn Olbs.
ui Old machines taken trade. Blevins Popcorn
Co., Nashville, Tenn.
Bargain prices in used and completely reconditioned
popcorn machUies. Blevins Popcorn Co..
Nashville. Tenn.
Burch, Manley, Crelors, Advance, all electric
trench fry types. 50 Hollywood type, theatre
special electric poppers irom $250. Karmelkorn
Equipment, 120 S. llalsted. Chic.igo 6. 111.
Rebuilt popcorn machines, half price. Write
list. Drive-in poppers, bargain. Poppers Sup-
for
Box 838. Atlanta. Oa.
POPCORN MACHINES
Home of "Rush Hour" popcorn and popcorn
supplies. for price list. Send Prunty Seed L
Grain Co.. 620 N. 2nd Si.. St. Louis 2. .Mo.
Established 1874.
Bee Hive for '48 Is the best everl Blevins not
only gives you best popcorn but saves jou money
on all seasoning, bags, boxes, etc. Blevins Popcorn
Co.. Nashville. Tenru
Attractively printed jjopcorn cartons tor
I
10c size. $6 M; 25c size. $17.50 M.
Kontney. 609 N. Ashland. Green Bay. Wis
Sno-Flake white hulless popcorn. Give your customers
the best. Write us for your sample and
quotations. Sno-Wlte Popcorn Co.. Montlcello. la.
sell, $800 Manley popcorn manonths
old. $400 Snow Cone machine,
iimmer. $235 popcorn auto vendor. All
D or make offer. Ralph Davis, Shelley.
For Sale: Almost
Super Star model. V
sissippi St., Floydada.
SCHOOLS
Prepare now for ,i better .job at higher pay and
a fascinating career in the .Motion Picture industry.
Choose your obeclive and act now! Motion Picture
Operator; Motion Picture Equipment Technician;
Motion Picture Sound Technician; Motion
Picture Television Technician; Motion Picture Theare
Manager, Residence and correspondence
courses. Part time employment and housing available.
Free iilacement service. Approved for Veter.in
bill. training under GI Earn up to $290
per month while attending school if you are a
veteran. Act today. Don't delay. Write for
illustrated brochure and application blank. National
Theatre Institute, P.O. Box 5769, 1105
Camp St.. Dallas, Tex.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Investigate this. Bxchisive Chicago neighborhood.
Selling lot 200x125 ft. Included are complete
plans for recreation center {bowling alleys,
theatre, etc.) Owner. Tony .Sheftic. 14501 Sherm,in
Ave.. Posen, III.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Comic books again available as premiums, giveaways
.'It your kiddy shows. Large variety latest
48-nage newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co..
412B Greenwich St.. New York City.
(itii more action. $2.75 thoi
Novelty Games Co..
Brooklm, N. Y.
Only legal game for theatres. Legal in any
state. Biggest business booster since Bank Night.
"Listen to Win" copyright 1947 by L.T.W. Co.
Write today for information. Secure exclusive
rights for voiir town now. Listen to Win Co.. Box
336. Cambridge. Ohio.
Bingo die-cut cards. 75 i
M. Screen dial $20, Pn
44th St.. New York 18. N.
100
Comic books obtainable from world's largest
and oldest theatre distributor. Best titles and
latest Issues in stock. Price 3c each. Sidney
Ross. 334 W. 44th St., New York City.
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns.
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experience
needed for expert work. Write for free samples,
John Rahn, B-1329. Central Ave., Chicago
MORE CLASSIFIED
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