Boxoffice-January.07.1950

Film Problems Form
College Forum Topic
ALBION, MICH.—Under the theme, "Light
in Our Dark Rooms," problems and prospects
of motion pictures will be discussed by representatives
of the industry, educational and
cultural groups at Albion college here, January
n.
Dean Emil Leffler will introduce the afternoon
speakers, including: "Forces That Have
Molded the Movies," Charles W. Snyder, executive
secretary of Allied Tlieatres of Michigan;
"Movies—Friend or Foe of Education,"
by Mrs. E. L. Church, president of the Michigan
Congress of Parents and Teachers; "Art
or Artifice." Richard E. Osgood, theatre commentator
for Detroit radio station WXYZ;
"Who Controls Hollywood?" David M. Idzal.
managing director of the Fox, Detroit, and
George Campbell, owner-manager. Colony,
ister of education, Central Methodist chui'ch,
Lansing, and a forum.
Others who will take an active part in the
program are: Howard Sharpley-Woner, manager
of the Mecca, Litchfield, Mich.; George
Bohm, owner-manager, Bohm, Albion, and
R. W. Beechler, vice-president. Allied Theatres
of Michigan.
Schreibet Drlve-ln Is Sold
To Community of Detroit
First Runs, Stage Bills
At Paradise, Detroit
DETROIT—First run pictures and stage
shows will be featured at the Paradise Theatre,
principal house of the Cohen circuit,
when it reopens January 13. Two musical
groups, headed by Dizzy Gillespie and Charles
Browni, will be featured on the opening bill,
with Duke Ellington to follow. Normally the
film policy is secondary to the stage show at
this house.
"Anna Lucasta." legtimate show which featured
an all-colored cast, played the house
Detroit.
in November, its only bill since its closing last
The afternoon session, which will include
spring. Availability of strong attractions will
a discussion period after each speech, will be
determine the length of the present season
closed by a question and answer period. The
at the house which is normally closed for several
months each year. Oscar Adelman of
evening session, on the theme, "Have the
Movies Accepted Their Social Responsibility?,"
the Paradise staff was in New York last week
will be devoted largely to consideration of the
to line up bookings.
whole problem of social standards and values
of motion pictures as a mass medium, with
Stephen J. Roth, attorney general of Michigan,
presiding.
Amusement, License Tax
Problems of censorship versus freedom,
Slated in Monessen, Pa.
realism versus escapism, great art versus
boxoffice appeal and discrimination versus
MONESSEN, PA.—A new city budget recently
approved by the mayor and council-
accurate representation will be included in
men-elect provides for a 10 per cent municipal
the discussion.
Richard E. Osgood of WXYZ and an unnamed
speaker will discuss "Have Motion
amusement and license tax by which approximately
$25,000 is expected to be collected.
If passed, the new levy will become effective
Pictures Accepted Then- Aesthetic Responsibihty?";
Mrs. E. L. Church of the PTA, and
Febi-uary 1, All types of amusements will be
taxed, temporary permits will be sold for $1
Dr. J. L. Leech, Michigan president of the
and full time licenses will cost $2. The penalty
for violation of the ordinance will be a
National Ass'n for the Advancement of Colored
People, "Have the Motion Pictui'es Accepted
Their Cultural Responsibility?";
fine of $100 or 30 days in the county jail.
Charles W. Snyder of Allied Theatres, and the
Rev. John D. Slowey, Catholic Social Services,
Lansing, and Rev. Kearney Kirkby, min-
DETROIT—Ti-ansfer of the two-year-old
1,100-car Grand River Drive-In, located
northwest of Detroit, to the Community Theatres
circuit, operated by Charles Komer and
Irving and Adolph Goldberg, climaxed several
weeks of negotiations with Alex Schreiber,
senior partner in Associated Theatres, which
opened the house. The price involved in the
deal was not disclosed.
The lengthy discussions have caused a flood
of rumors along Filmrow, many of them
without apparent foundation. Background is
the known intention of Schreiber, who has
been practically commuting between here and
Los Angeles in recent months, to dispose of
his interests here ultimately, and concentrate
in California, where he is at present
building the Paradise Theatre, with two
other sites selected for additional construction.
About two years ago the Associated
group disposed of four theatres to Coirmiunity
and four others to Affiliated Theatres.
The Grand River gives the Community
group a major drive-in on the same side of
the city as its Town Drive-In, and about four
miles from its key Redford Theatre. The
Community partners have also a minority
interest in, but do not operate, the Gratiot
Drive-In, which is operated by Schreiber and
Louis M. Parine.
Food Show at Toledo Guild
TOLEDO—Every youngster bringing a can
of nonperishable food to the Guild Theatre
Christmas day between 1 and 2 p. m. was
admitted without charge. Contributions went
to the St. Vincent de Paul society.
Two Suburbans Settle
Lawsuits Out of Court
DETROIT—Tliree parallel actions brought
by Universal, Paramount and Loew's against
the East Detroit and Roseville theatres in the
suburbs of the same names have been settled
out of court for a total amount understood
to be less than $100. Original suits, seeking
totals of several thousands, were filed on the
basis of charges that there was a "conspiracy
to defraud — by rendering false returns on
percentage pictures."
According to Arthur J. Hass, attorney for
the defendants Jeff Williams. C. A. Ruedisueli
and Kenneth D. Newton, partners in the
theatres, records showed the distributors were
entitled to "some pocket money." It was not
considered worth while to continue fighting
the case when a settlement became possible
because the differences were said to be the
result of bookkeeping errors.
AT FITTSBITRGH HOLIDAY PARTIES—Holiday parties were given on Filmrow
in Pittsburgh, and shown in the photos above are Filmrowites and exhibitors. Top
left: Part of the RKO gang extends good wishes to Mrs. Gordon Gibson at the Filmrow
open house party at Atlas Theatre Supply. Left to right: Ir^nnj: Frankel. Jack Lange,
Lawrence Carettie, Sam Milberg, Mrs. Gibson, David C. Silverman and William Scott.
Top right: Fred J. Herrington and Harr>- Williams, seated, are surrounded by Ben F.
Stahl, Wallace Battiston, Norman Fleishman, Fred Elmer Haslcy and Tom Zaimes.
Bottom left: Filmrow's letter carrier Lou Brill stopped at the Atlas party to deliver
mail and to be photographed nith Gordon Gibson and George Saittis, seated, and
Eugene Naccarato and Nick Saittis, standing. Center: Mr. and Mrs. Ted Manos are pictured
at the Atlas party. Right: At the Hanna Theatre Service open house are Herb
Shearer. Toni Armenti. Sid Soltz and Lou Hanna.
BOXOFFICE JanuaiT 7, 1950 ME 63