Boxoffice-October.01.1955
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•<br />
OCTOBLf^<br />
CT OF INDUSTRY<br />
ARBITRATION PLAN<br />
IN THIS ISSUE<br />
I<br />
I<br />
I<br />
PoQci 34 38<br />
/ne TuiAe en me M&toSfv Hctu/ue yncLcd^<br />
t I<br />
y<br />
Th^ul.c Owners oi America v.iil cpcn its onnuol convention in Los Angeles<br />
Wednesday, with the new industry arbitration plan the principal subicct on<br />
the agenda. Three top officials of the association, shown here, ore Walter<br />
Rcadc jr. (left), chairman of the board, E. D. Martin (center), president, and<br />
Alfred Starr, choirman of the executive committee. Convention story on pogc 9<br />
fie« of KotHoi<br />
Publahad<br />
,, . . .<br />
wiiUy^ty Aooaatad Publlcatioru,<br />
Brunt 3lvd., Koruoi City, Mo. Subscrrption ratai:<br />
JIdttion, S3.00 per y«or; Natiorvil Edition, $7.50.<br />
INAL EXECUTIVE EDITION<br />
Pa«» o« All Editioni<br />
IN THIS ISSUE:<br />
MOMRW<br />
TEBATUB<br />
SECTION-
"It<br />
cost a fortune to send a whole<br />
company over to England and<br />
France to film ^The Adventures of<br />
OUENTIN DURWARD' in the<br />
magnificent locations of the Sir<br />
Walter Scott story, but Tm glad I<br />
did it. You remember I did the<br />
same thing with 'Ivanhoe' which<br />
had the same star, author, producer<br />
and director. I'm happy to<br />
say they've brought back another<br />
terrific, really BIG attraction."
SIR<br />
M-G-M presents in<br />
CinemaScope<br />
WALTER SCOTT's<br />
••THE ADVENTURES OF<br />
QUENTIN<br />
DURWARD<br />
ROBERTTAYLOR<br />
KAY ROBERT<br />
KENDALL- MORLEY<br />
Screen Play by ROBERT ARDREY<br />
Adoptolion by GEORGE FR0E5CHEL<br />
rhoiog.ophed 1^ EASTMAN COLOR<br />
Directed by RICHARD THORPE<br />
Produced by PANDRO S. BERMAN<br />
{Arailabte in Maijnctic Stereophonic,<br />
Perspecia Stereophonic or 1-Channel Sound)
WARNER BROS.<br />
present the<br />
sensation-star<br />
of 'East of Eden'<br />
ES<br />
Dea<br />
in a challenging drama<br />
of today's<br />
teenage violence!<br />
THERE WILL BE<br />
NATIONWIDE<br />
APPLAUSE FOR<br />
"^^i^<br />
IMlMf<br />
CinemaScop£<br />
WarnerColor<br />
„s?.JATALIE WOOD. SAL MINED<br />
JIM BACKUS • ANN DORAN • COREY ALLEN WILLIAM HOPPER<br />
BEEN PLAY BY PRODUCED BY 1^ DiBECTEoov Music l)y<br />
ITEWART STERN DAVID WEISBART T^tf^l NICHOLAS RAY • Leonard Rosenman<br />
i r/<br />
i
20th Century-Fox announces<br />
with pride the November availabihty of<br />
Alexander Korda's London Film Production<br />
r^rr^<br />
.^^T-^^i^<br />
by TERENCE RATTIGAN<br />
starrjn?<br />
VIVIEN LEIGH<br />
KENNETH MORE<br />
The 3-year London<br />
and New York dramatic<br />
stage success combines the talents of<br />
two-time Academy Award winner Vivien Leigh<br />
...as a married woman trapped by the devil of<br />
infidelity; Kenneth More, acclaimed star of "Genevieve"<br />
and "Doctor in the House"... and the brilliant productiondirection<br />
of Anatole Litvak, distinguished director of "The<br />
Snake Pit."<br />
/s if worffi<br />
>\ f/Tlsf<br />
AN ANATOLE LITVAK<br />
^-|_ PRODUCTION IN<br />
^<br />
CINemaScoPE<br />
'"^ COLOR by DE LUXE<br />
• Released by 20th Century-^Fe<br />
''it's a pleasure to do business with 20th!'
1<br />
^i^e ofi/ie 7/M(c^n f/'c/wie /m/wi/?//<br />
HE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY<br />
Publilheij in Ninr Sfctionll Edilioni<br />
BEN<br />
SHLYEN<br />
"dilor-in-Chief and Publisher<br />
10 M. MERSEREAU Associate<br />
Publisher & Generol Monoge'<br />
,ES M. JERAULD EditoiTHAN<br />
COHEN. Executive Editor<br />
iE SHLYEN Monoging Editor<br />
FRAZE Field Editor<br />
AN SPEAR Western Editor<br />
L. THATCHER Equipment Editor<br />
IS SCHLOZM AN . Business Mgr<br />
Published Every Soturdov bv<br />
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS<br />
ion Odices: S3S Van Brunt Blid<br />
Olr S-l. Mo N.ilhan fohen. Execu-<br />
Wttor: Jt^se Shiyen. Manelnj! Edl-<br />
Morrb Schloiman. Rii«lness Manaeer<br />
Tnxt. Fldd Filler: I. L. Thatcher.<br />
Th« Modfm Theatre Sectloo Telfrnestnut<br />
TTTT.<br />
Orticts: 49 RMkerellrr Plata. Nea<br />
J<br />
ft !0. N T Oonald M. MerserMu.<br />
mrtate ruhlUher t Ofneral Manaeer<br />
on W Jerauld. Editor: Ijirry Goodman<br />
Itor Promnilon-Shontn.mdlier Sfflinn<br />
J Sloeker. EqiilpmenI Adrerllslng<br />
ef>hone CONtmhii^ 5-6370.<br />
itr»l Ollrces: Editorial—920 No MIchI<br />
1 Aie. rhirico 11. III.. Frances B<br />
«- Telephone Sl'perlor 7-.'?972. .Adver-<br />
5 BasI Wacker Drlie. Chicago 1<br />
vine Hutchison and E. E. Yeck<br />
.*Ndoter 33042.<br />
OfficM: Editorial and Film .Adier-<br />
04 Hollywood Bird,. Ilnllywood<br />
Cillf Iran Spear, manager. Telenoilrtnod<br />
5-I18H<br />
film Adierllsing—fi72<br />
F>iulpment and<br />
S Ijifayette<br />
I* Place. I/is .\ngeles. C.ilir. Bob Well<br />
,to.<br />
manager. Telephone DCnklrk 8-22Sfi<br />
ihlton OKiee: .\1 Hnldsmlih, 1365<br />
lloiul Press BIdg. Phone Metropolltir<br />
mn. Sara Young. 415 Third St . N.W<br />
0(fic«: .Anthony finmer. 41 Ward-<br />
Telephone nETtard 5720/8282<br />
f MODRBN TIIEATnE Section Is In<br />
M Id the first l«ue of each month<br />
Ma: Paul Jones. The Constitution.<br />
aj: J. 8 Conners. 21-23 Walter .Are<br />
Uaore: George Browning, Stanley Thea<br />
biham: Eildle Badger. The Nevs<br />
itai: Frances Harding. 2-!'305<br />
I,lb<br />
1U«: Charle-s Taylor. 421 Pearl St<br />
irhttc Annie Mae Wllllamv EI) 2-1254<br />
itl: Lillian l^ianiii. 1746 Carrahen<br />
Elsie Loeb. Falrmount 1-0046<br />
Fred Oestrelcher. 646 Ithoades<br />
fktt.<br />
hi: Frank Bridler. 2n08A Jackson Bt<br />
Of. B. J Rose. 1645 LaFayette 81<br />
Holno: Run Schoch. Register-Tribune<br />
l»»: H. F Beies. Foi Theatre BIdg<br />
Corbin ralrlck. The Star<br />
Tlobert Com«ell. 323 E Bay<br />
111! Adams. 707 Spring 8t<br />
Ktlly nar»ood. 6R nibljcus<br />
S<br />
»ioket: Wm. NIchol. 636 N 14th St<br />
rwiPolU: l,es Bees. 2123 Fremont Sq<br />
Haiefi Walter fludar. The Register<br />
Orleans L. n«yer. 8818 Prilchard PI<br />
thona City Poll; Trindle. 1315 Broad-<br />
«» Place<br />
*»: Irrlng Baker. 911 N 51st 81<br />
adelphia: Norman Shlgon. 5363 Berk<br />
*wih: R. F Kllngensmlth. 518 Jeanetle.<br />
WIIMnsburg. Churchill 1-2809<br />
:l«lld. Ore.: Arnold Marks. Jnum»l<br />
Looh: Pate Barrett. 5149 Rosa<br />
Uke City: II Pearson. Tleseret Neus<br />
Antonio: I,. Ketncr. CA 3-7266<br />
Fnneism- Gall Mpman. 2R7-2Sth<br />
"..Skyline 1-4355: Advertising: Jerrt<br />
••ell. noward BIdg. Yr 6 2522<br />
tie: Pate B.illard. 1303 Campus Pk»v<br />
'tlhfton Sara Young. 20rh-Fox<br />
In<br />
Canada<br />
trtal: 300 Umoyne St.. Jul« L»ro<br />
llohn 116 Prince IMinrd. W. MeViilty<br />
Into: 1675 Rayilev Aie . Wlllowdale.<br />
Gladlsh<br />
l-oiner: l.yrlc Theatre BIdg . Jack Droy<br />
lilpeg 282 Rupertsland. Ben Sommers<br />
I<br />
taker Audit Bureau of Circulations<br />
r«l as Second Class matter at Post<br />
'. KaiMS City. Mo. Sectional F/lltlon<br />
|0 It" year: Nat1on.il Rdlllni 17 50<br />
: T B E R 1,<br />
67<br />
19 5 5<br />
No. 23<br />
A<br />
KEYS TO HARMONY<br />
rCREEMENT reached, at l.,r,g<br />
last, nil a voluntary arbitration plan for the inilustrv<br />
holds opportunity for the amicalde<br />
setlliiu.i ol riuiny of the industry's most pernicious<br />
internal pioLlenis. \X'ith the approval given the<br />
plan hy the exhibitor and distributor committees,<br />
who long have had it under consideration, the<br />
way has been cleared for the subsequent steps<br />
necessary to its implementation. These call for<br />
approval by at least four participating exhibitor<br />
organizations, the participating film distributing<br />
companies, the Department of Justice and the<br />
New York Federal District Court.<br />
Action on the plan is expected at the Theatre<br />
Owners of America convention at Los Angeles.<br />
If favorable, which indications are that it will<br />
be. the other important exhibitor groups are<br />
seen to follow the ajiproving action already taken<br />
by the Independent Theatre Owners of .New<br />
^ ork. Allied States AssTi is the only exception,<br />
refraining from participation, because its insistence<br />
that film rentals be included as an<br />
arbitrable subject had not been heeded. However,<br />
individual .Allied members and unaffiliated<br />
exhibitors may avail themselves of the use of<br />
arbitration, if they so desire.<br />
F"or the purpose of settling disputes as quickly<br />
as possible, a conciliation |)lan has been incorporated<br />
into the arbitration draft. It is hoped that<br />
through conciliation many exhibitor-distributor<br />
controversies can be settled without need even for<br />
arbitration, let alone having to go to court.<br />
This could very well prove a most important<br />
factor, tending, as it would, to bring the disputants—exhibitor<br />
and branch manager—together<br />
in an endeavor to reconcile their points of<br />
difference. It is conceivable that this might even<br />
work to effect the so-called local autonomy for<br />
branch heads, so often advocated by exhibitors.<br />
It would seem incumbent on both jjarties to a<br />
controversy to try to reach an understanding,<br />
if only to avoid the costs that would be incurred<br />
by resort to arbitration, small though they may<br />
be. The availability of arbitration, however,<br />
provides another avenue of approach to settlement<br />
of the problem at hand.<br />
U'hile film rentals, per se. are not included<br />
among the arbitrable or conciliating subjects,<br />
other points of controversy that have a direct<br />
bearing thereon are admissable. These include<br />
clearance, runs, competitive bidding and availability<br />
of prints. .MI of these, sejiarately or combined,<br />
affect the rental value of films. Making<br />
possible adjudication of differences arising over<br />
these buying and booking factors should go a<br />
long way toward reducing much of the exhibitor<br />
( iiiili'iilioii that liliii costs are disproportionate<br />
to performance records.<br />
The merits of arbitration haxe many limes<br />
been cited throughout the \ears that it has bei-n<br />
under cunsideratioii by this industry. There is<br />
widespread belief in its principle and it is<br />
being successfully applied by many industries;<br />
its institution by the film industry has been<br />
recommended by the judiciary and legislati\e<br />
branches of the government as well as by industry<br />
leaders. It needs but a chance to prove<br />
itself, which it can and will do, if it is not<br />
hampered by prejudice or unfair tactics.<br />
I Remembering the debacle that occurred in<br />
1912. resulting from disagreement over the<br />
financing and apportionment of the sharing of<br />
costs of the system then existent, it would be well<br />
to settle these points fully before the new system<br />
becomes operative. I<br />
No one expects arbitration to be a panacea<br />
a cure-all for the industry's ills. But it can be of<br />
help to ease, if not eliminate, many of them.<br />
[^roposed for a 12-months trial, the industry has<br />
iiothiii"' to lose, perhaps, much to gain by accepting<br />
it. if only on this basis, if it should fail<br />
in its intended purpose, it can be dropped.<br />
Meanwhile, exhibitors—who are the onlv ones<br />
who may file claims with the arbitration boards<br />
are not forced to do so; they are free to take<br />
their trade disputes to court, if they so desire.<br />
It may, however, be pointed out that court procedure<br />
is a long, drawn-out, costly method. Conciliation,<br />
where the problem is not too complex,<br />
and arbitration, if required, are the easier.<br />
quicker and far less costly keys to harmonious<br />
trade relations.<br />
Right You Are, Jack!<br />
John Ford, who with Mervyn LeRoy shared<br />
the credit for directing "Mister Roberts," Avhich<br />
received the <strong>Boxoffice</strong> Blue Ribbon .Award for<br />
July, sent us the following acknowledgement:<br />
"There are awards and awards, but the<br />
BoxOFFiCF. Award is certainly treasured by me<br />
because it is what it says—<strong>Boxoffice</strong>. After all.<br />
we are in the business and we want to keep it<br />
going. / have found thai a good, clean American<br />
picture that can shou' a little profit is the hr^t<br />
means for keeping this great business aliv<br />
\£c^^ /OOvUyt^'i^
ARBITRATION PLAN DRAFTED;<br />
AWAITS EXHIBITOR APPROVAL<br />
If Justice Dep't Gives OK.<br />
May Become Effective<br />
In Next Three Months<br />
NEW YORK—An industry arbitration<br />
and conciliation plan finally has been approved<br />
by the distributor-exhibitor committee<br />
which has had it under consideration<br />
since April 25, 1953. The draft carried<br />
the date Jan. 10, 1955—an indication that<br />
the text of the plan had been agreed on<br />
by the exhibitor-distributor conferees<br />
nine months ago, although some modifications<br />
were known to have been made in<br />
May.<br />
One exhibitor organization. Independent<br />
Theatre Owners of New York, already has<br />
approved it. It probably will go before the<br />
Theatre Owners of America convention at<br />
Los Angeles October 6-9. In the meantime<br />
committee meetings will discuss it.<br />
The Southern California Theatre Owners<br />
Ass'n is expected to act shortly.<br />
TO BE TESTED FOR ONE YEAR<br />
The next move then will be to pre.sent<br />
It to the attorney general in Washington to<br />
find out whether it violates any provisions<br />
of the consent decrees in the antitrust litigation.<br />
It is expected that these preliminaries will<br />
be completed within three months and that<br />
the plan will then go into effect for a 12-<br />
month test period.<br />
If it is not renewed at the end of the 12-<br />
month test, the plan will continue until<br />
cases on which orders have been issued .shall<br />
have been disposed of.<br />
No definite plan for financing the project<br />
is contained in the mimeographed forms, but<br />
provision for charging fees on all cases filed<br />
is made. These facts will be fixed later.<br />
There also will be fees on appeals.<br />
A simplified conciliation plan is appended<br />
to get quick, inexpensive decisions in controversies.<br />
Complainants can write to exchange<br />
managers. They will hear the complaint.<br />
If no decision is reached by the exchange<br />
head, the exhibitor can take the<br />
matter directly to the general sales manager<br />
who can hear the case himself or designate a<br />
representative. If the exhibitor isn't sati.sfied<br />
with the ruling, he still has the privilege of<br />
going to arbitration.<br />
The entire method of procedure is less<br />
complicated than the old American Arbitration<br />
Ass'n plan set up by Judge Goddard.<br />
That system cost $350,000 a year. Al Llchtman,<br />
director of sales for 20th Century-Fox,<br />
recently estimated that this plan would cost<br />
$150,000, with the costs equally divided between<br />
exhibitor complainants and distributors.<br />
UNDER NATIONAL SUPERVISION<br />
A Nntloniil Administrative Committee will<br />
supervise the over-all activities and al.so the<br />
work of the exchange center boards, which<br />
will be .served by paid clerks.<br />
Exhibitors are the only ones who can file<br />
complaints, although distributors can file appeals.<br />
Each side. Including Interveners, can<br />
be represented by one lawyer each.<br />
Two principal subjects discussed in the plan<br />
New York ITOA Okays<br />
Full Arbitration Plan<br />
NEW YORK—Independent Theatre<br />
Owners Ass'n of New York has approved<br />
the arbitration plan and a proposal for<br />
a new ticket tax campaign to remove the<br />
tax entirely. The action was taken at the<br />
first fall meeting. Max A. Cohen, who<br />
was the ITOA representative on the allindustry<br />
committee, explained the details<br />
of the proposed arbitration.<br />
The ITOA urged the Council of Motion<br />
Picture Organizations to go ahead<br />
with a tax drive. It also was decided to<br />
notify members that every effort should<br />
be made to forestall legislation designed<br />
to bring about federal control of the<br />
business.<br />
New directors were elected as follows:<br />
Richard Brandt, Samuel Einhorn. Norman<br />
Elson, Sam Freedman, Jack Hattem,<br />
Ben Knobel, Larry Kurtis, MuiTay Le-<br />
Boss, Martin Levine, Al Margolies, Melvin<br />
Miller, Walter Neithold, Irving Renner.<br />
Ray Rhonde, Jack Rochelle. Al Shukat<br />
and David Weinstock.<br />
New members of the association are the<br />
72nd Street Playhouse, operated by Martin<br />
Lewis, and the Avon and Stamford<br />
theatres, operated by Samuel Weiss at<br />
Stamford, Conn.<br />
are clearance and runs.<br />
Exhibitors can complain that clearance is<br />
being granted by the distributor against the<br />
complainant's theatre and in favor of a theatre<br />
or theatres not in substantial competition<br />
with complainant's theatre, or<br />
Clearance is being granted by the distributor<br />
against the complainant's in favor of a<br />
theatre or theatres in substantial competition<br />
therewith in excess of what is reasonably<br />
necessary to the licen.se of a competitive theatre<br />
on the runs granted to it.<br />
The burden of sustaining the reasonableness<br />
of clearance is on the distributor.<br />
Factors to be taken into consideration are:<br />
Admi.ssion prices, character and location of<br />
the theatre, type of entertainment, appointments,<br />
transit facilities, etc.<br />
Arbitrators can dismi.ss complaints, find in<br />
favor of complainant, i.ssue cease and desist<br />
order: award damages, if asked. Distributors<br />
can institute further proceedings for a<br />
modification if they can prove conditions<br />
have changed.<br />
Controversies on runs originating before or<br />
after effective date of the arbitration plan<br />
can be considered. If the exhibitor can show<br />
that he has been refused product. Arbitrators<br />
will take into consideration type of theatre<br />
and other factors similar to clearance,<br />
including capacity of theatre for producing<br />
revenue.<br />
Competitive bidding must close ten days<br />
before an award of a picture and an exhibitor<br />
must be allowed to .see the picture In<br />
advance of bidding.<br />
Failure to deliver prints in time for exhibition<br />
is arbitrable.<br />
Conditioning one license upon another is<br />
forbidden. This includes shorts, newsreels, or<br />
reissues, westerns or foreigns. An exhibitor<br />
must mail his complaint to the arbitrators not<br />
less than ten days after the request for conditioning<br />
takes place.<br />
Under the heading: "General Provision" It<br />
is stated that unless damages are claimed at<br />
the time of filing a complaint, none shall be<br />
awarded.<br />
A National Administrative Committee is to<br />
be formed. Apparently there will not be a<br />
single national administrator. The committee<br />
will have three members designated by<br />
Theatre Owners of America, one by Independent<br />
Theatre Owners Ass'n of New York,<br />
one designated by Southern California Theatre<br />
Owners Ass'n, one by International<br />
Drive-In Theatres Ass'n and three by the<br />
distributors signing the agreement. Others<br />
may be added later, but not more than three.<br />
There will be local arbitration committees<br />
subject to the supervision of the national<br />
group. Each local committee will include a<br />
member chosen by exhibitor members of the<br />
national group, an equal number chosen by<br />
the distributor members of the national body.<br />
The national group will decide the location<br />
and area of authority of local groups.<br />
Each local committee must provide a panel<br />
of neutral arbitrators and file it with the<br />
national committee. Each regional committee<br />
will have a clerk. Arbitrators will be<br />
entitled to fees and expenses.<br />
A national appeals board will be organized<br />
by the national committee. It will consist of<br />
three impartial non-industry members. First<br />
terms of office will be for 18 months. Thereafter<br />
tenure will be decided by the national<br />
body. Appeals will be heard in various cities.<br />
Rules of practice and procedure say complainants<br />
must supply three copies of all<br />
names and addresses of those who may be<br />
affected by a complaint. Where only one<br />
exhibitor and distributor are concerned they<br />
shall pick a third arbitrator.<br />
Expenses and other payments will be fixed<br />
by the national group. Witnes.ses must testify<br />
under oath. Exhibitors can withdraw complaints.<br />
If no request for damages is included and<br />
no request for a stenographic record, none<br />
will be made.<br />
After an award has been made the case<br />
can be reopened for correction of errors.<br />
Appeals must be filed, with a fee, with local<br />
clerks. Tlic appeals board may increase or<br />
decrease an award.<br />
NT Hearing Set on Bid<br />
For Las Vegas Drive-In<br />
WASHINGTON—National Theatres will<br />
have a hearing on October 10 in New York<br />
City on a bid to acquire a 1,200-car capacity<br />
drive-in at Las Vegas, Nev., according to<br />
Justice Department officials on Tuesday (21).<br />
Interested parties may testify.<br />
The drive-in is already in operation, but<br />
the present owners wish to dispose of it.<br />
National Theatres at the present time does<br />
not have any Las Vegas theatres.<br />
The hearing will be at 2 p.m. before Federal<br />
District Judge Clancy.<br />
8<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1, 1955
October<br />
704 CONVENTION DECISIONS<br />
AWAITED WITH KEEN INTEREST<br />
Exhibition's Relationship<br />
To Distribution. New Tax<br />
Campaign Major Topics<br />
irrognim on Vnf^e I'l)<br />
NEW YORK—This coming week the<br />
eyes of the industry will be focused on the<br />
Theatre Owners of America national convention.<br />
Its discussions and decisions will<br />
be the big news. Because of widespread<br />
complaints about trade practices and a<br />
search for solutions, includinp: recourse to<br />
arbitration and conciliation, there are<br />
likely to be more issues raised and questions<br />
asked than at any previous TOA national<br />
gathering. National Allied will be<br />
mentioned more than once.<br />
TO SET NEW POLICIES<br />
Policies will be set for the new year. Speaking<br />
as an indi^ndual exhibitor and not as TOA<br />
board chairman. Walter Reade jr. said during<br />
the week that to him the mo.-it important<br />
topics will be the relationship of exhibition<br />
to distribution and the inauguration of a new<br />
federal tax repeal campaign.<br />
Who will become president? TOA officers<br />
have been mum on that point. It isn't thought<br />
likely that E. D. Martin of Columbus, Ga.,<br />
will serve again. It i.^ believed he feels he<br />
has made his contribution and that someone<br />
else should take over the taxing job.<br />
Reade, who is chairman of the nominating<br />
committee, claimed that he didn't know. He<br />
added that if he did know, he wouldn't give<br />
out any advance information. The belief here<br />
In the east is that the post will go to -some<br />
exhibition leader in the midwest or on the<br />
coast. Perhaps MjTon N. Blank of Des<br />
Moines, Iowa. He is a vice-president. That.<br />
however, is only a guess. Several outstanding<br />
exhibitors believe themselves well qualified<br />
for the post.<br />
The fact that the convention will be held<br />
ftt the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles has<br />
enlisted the interest of the major companies<br />
whose studios are nearby. A number of them<br />
will participate in one way or another.<br />
PRODUCERS TO BE HOSTS<br />
Y. Frank Freeman of Paramount will conduct<br />
a production seminar. The A.ss'n of Motion<br />
Picture Producers will be host at a<br />
cocktail and buffet supper party. Hollywood<br />
TESMA Board Okays<br />
Joint TOA Tradeshow<br />
NEW YORK—The TESMA board of<br />
directors has approved a partnership with<br />
the Theatre Owners of America in an allindustry<br />
fair exposition and tradeshow<br />
at the New York Coliseum in September<br />
1956. The action was taken Tuesday *27>.<br />
The agreement is subject to the approval<br />
of the TOA board which will meet during<br />
the TOA convention in Los Angeles<br />
October 6-9. The TESMA board will take<br />
final action at Chicago during November.<br />
ERNEST G. STELLINGS I.F.STKU It. KKorr<br />
studio tours and a luncheon will be hosted<br />
by MGM, 20th Century-Fox, Paramount, Universal-International<br />
and Warner Bros. There<br />
will be an advertising and promotion seminar<br />
at which three of the speakers will be Don<br />
Hartman and Jerome Pickman of Paramount<br />
and David A. Lipton of U-I.<br />
Allied Artists, Columbia and MGM have<br />
rented exhibit space. Warner Bros, representatives<br />
will attend the opening of the exhibit.<br />
They will include Jack L. Warner,<br />
Steve Trilling, Mort Blumenstock, Leland<br />
Hayward, William T. Orr, Fred Greenberg.<br />
Henry Blanke. David Weisbart, Willis Goldbeck,<br />
Stuart Heisler, Bill Hendricks, Gordon<br />
Douglas, David Butler and Max Bercutt.<br />
Mike Simons, customer relations director, will<br />
be there for MGM.<br />
While the convention won't open officially<br />
Convention Co-Choirmen<br />
until Thursday i6>, there was a meeting Friday<br />
1 301 of the co-chairmen with Herman M.<br />
Levy, general counsel; George Gaughan, field<br />
representative, and Joseph G. Alterman, headquarters<br />
office manager. They will complete<br />
convention plans at another meeting Monday<br />
i3i.<br />
Scheduled for the next day is a meeting of<br />
Exhibitors Film Financial Group and of the<br />
nominating and finance committees. Mitchell<br />
Wolfson is chairman of the latter. Registration<br />
will follow Wednesday (5). There also<br />
will be a meeting of the executive committee,<br />
headed by Alfred Starr, and of the board,<br />
headed by Reade. At its conclusion the committee<br />
members will have a buffet supper.<br />
Martin will be in the chair when the convention<br />
opens Thursday (6i. Mitchell Wolfson<br />
will make the keynot* addre.ss. Reade will report<br />
for the nominating committee. Elmer C.<br />
Rhoden on the Audience Awards campaign<br />
and Starr on subscription TV. There will be<br />
convention announcements by J. J. Rosenfield.<br />
Ernest G. Stellings and Lester R. Kropp.<br />
Luncheon will follow with Pat McGee the<br />
toastmaster.<br />
Wolfson will chair the afternoon .session<br />
at which the production seminar will be held.<br />
The AMPP will be host at cocktails and a<br />
buffet supper.<br />
Rosenfield will chair the Friday morning<br />
.•icssion when committee reports will be heard.<br />
Jack Keller will be toastmaster at the<br />
luncheon.<br />
.lOSKPIl J. KOSINHKl.I)<br />
In the afternoon Frank Whitbeck will be<br />
moderator at the advertLslng-promollon<br />
seminar. Exhibitor participants will be Frank<br />
Rubel of Central States and Thornton Sargent<br />
of Fox West Coast. A trip to Disneyland<br />
will follow.<br />
The Saturday sessions will be for exhibitors<br />
only. John Rowley will chair the morning<br />
session. After a meeting of the board and<br />
executive committee. R. M. Kennedy will preside<br />
over a conventional theatre forum at<br />
which lime there will be dLscu.ssions on trade<br />
practices, film rentals, operations, concessions,<br />
equipment, advertising and promotion.<br />
James S. Carbery will be toastmaster at<br />
luncheon.<br />
Lester R. Kropp will chair the afternoon<br />
session. The board and executive committee<br />
will report further on their deliberations.<br />
Horace Denning and Michael Redstone will<br />
conduct a drlve-ln theatre forum on substantially<br />
the same topics as at the earlier conventional<br />
theatre forum. Special attention<br />
will be paid. next, to the problems of small<br />
theatre owners, followed by a "speak-yourmlnd"<br />
se.sslon that should be productive of<br />
much discu.ssion.<br />
Will that wrap it up? Reade and the others<br />
preparing the agenda aren't quite certain so<br />
they have provided for a continuation of the<br />
Satiu-day agenda and for unfinished business.<br />
Star-of-the-Year Award<br />
For James Stewart<br />
LOS ANC'.ELKS— The TOA 1955 "Star<br />
of the Year" trophy will be given to<br />
James Stewart. "Good citizenship."<br />
"active civic participation" and his gallery<br />
of motion picture portrayals, including<br />
such recent successes as Paramount's<br />
"Strategic Air Command" and "Rear Window,"<br />
Columbia'.'. "The Man From Laramie"<br />
and the forthcoming film biography<br />
of Charles A. Lindbergh. Warners' "The<br />
Spirit of St. Louis." as well as the Alfred<br />
Hitchcock production for Paramount.<br />
"The Man Who Knew Too Much.<br />
The award will bo made a^ 'hr rlrrlng<br />
banquet.<br />
iS BOXOFFICE :<br />
1. 1955
BS^BBRMHR^KB<br />
1<br />
.your stars of<br />
tomorrow ^<br />
from 20th!<br />
•THE VIEW FROM<br />
POMPEY'S HEAD"<br />
(October)<br />
Rita Moreno<br />
*"SEVEN C;TiF.S OF GOLD"<br />
(September)<br />
Kipp Hamilton<br />
"eOOD MORNING, MISS DOVE"<br />
(November)<br />
Virginia Le<br />
"ON THE THRESIJ<br />
OF SPACE"<br />
j<br />
(In production) :<br />
Specials Reprint of this ad available FREE for yff
lyfilby! Contact 20th Century-Fox Advertising Dep't, 444 West 56 St., N.Y. 19, N.Y.
"^UiUc ^C^lt^<br />
Cinerama World Gross Goes<br />
Over $22,200,000 Mark<br />
Milo J. Sutliff, president of Cinerama Productions,<br />
Inc., reports to stockholders first<br />
production, "This Is Cinerama," topped that<br />
figure: second, "Cinerama Holiday," now at<br />
$4,600,000.<br />
•<br />
16tnm Suit Is Limited<br />
To Document Filing<br />
First week in government suit consists principally<br />
of doing legal spadework preparatory<br />
to presentation of testimony: industry fights<br />
many DofJ documents.<br />
*<br />
SMPTE Convention to Learn<br />
Todd-AO Technical Details<br />
To be described for first time Tuesday (4i<br />
at Lake Saranac gathering by Dr. Brian<br />
O'Brien, American Optical Co. vice-president,<br />
including projector aperture and dimensions<br />
of 65mm camera film and 70mm<br />
composite prints.<br />
•<br />
Film Stocks Stage Comeback<br />
After Bad Wall St. Scare<br />
Sales off from one to 5'1: points first of<br />
week as news of Eisenhower illness drives<br />
stocks down generally in biggest drop since<br />
1928; spirited recovery follows.<br />
*<br />
Gregory Peck, Sy Bartlett<br />
^ Form Producing Unit<br />
Actor and producer-writer organize Melville<br />
Productions, Inc.: fir.st association was<br />
in the production of "Twelve O'clock High"<br />
in collaboration with Beirne Lay Jr.<br />
•<br />
Academy Seeking $500,000<br />
In Suit Over Oscar Use<br />
Mercury Records Corp. of New York<br />
charged with "unauthorized reproduction" of<br />
the statuette on the cover of an album of<br />
records.<br />
"Academy Award Favorites."<br />
*<br />
'Miracle' Censorship May<br />
Go Back to High Court<br />
American Civil Liberties Union studying<br />
ingles of latest Chicago ban under ruling<br />
that It is ob.sccne and immoral before appealing:<br />
this was first of films that Jeopardized<br />
censorship.<br />
*<br />
Nat'l Screen Service Making<br />
Progress on British Setup<br />
William B. Brenner, vice-president, going<br />
to London to arrange for production and<br />
distribution of special display accessories<br />
along U. S. lines.<br />
Bermuda Legislators Decide<br />
On Censorship Application<br />
Board of Education cither will approve re-<br />
•: for unrestricted .showings, limit them<br />
:;1-^ only or ban them outright: will be<br />
u'.led by U. S. and British ratings; only<br />
.'atures are controlled.<br />
12<br />
TOA Convention Agenda<br />
TUESD.\Y, OCTOBER 4<br />
10 a.m.—Meeting of EFFG stockholders in<br />
Oaleria Room. 2 p.m.—Meeting of Nominating<br />
Committee: Chairman, Walter Reade jr.<br />
2 p.m.—Meeting of Finance Committee:<br />
Chairman. Mitchell Wolfson.<br />
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5<br />
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—Registration. 10 a.m.—<br />
Joint meeting of executive committee and<br />
board of director.s.<br />
President's report—E. D. Martin<br />
Treasurer's report<br />
Finance committee report — Mitchell<br />
Wolfson<br />
Nominating committee report—Walter<br />
Reade jr.<br />
Field reports-George Gaughan<br />
All other business appropriate for meeting<br />
12:30 p.m.—Luncheon—Galeria Room<br />
2 p.m.—Continuation of joint meeting of<br />
executive committee and board of directors.<br />
6:30 p.m.—Convention committee buffet<br />
.supper in Panel Room, Biltmore Hotel.<br />
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6<br />
E. D. Martin, chairman, morning session<br />
10 a.m.—Opening of convention—E. D. Martin<br />
in the Biltmore Theatre<br />
Keynote Address—Mitchell Wolfson<br />
Nominating committee report—Walter<br />
Reade jr.<br />
Audience Awards—Elmer C. Rhoden<br />
Subscription TV—Alfred Starr<br />
Convention announcements—J. J. Rosenfield,<br />
Ernest G. Stellings, Lester R.<br />
Kropp<br />
12:30 p.m.—Luncheon—Pat McGee, toastmaster—<br />
in Biltmore Bowl: Host: Mis.sion<br />
Dry Corp.<br />
12:30 p.m.—For the Ladie.s—Hollywood<br />
fashions and luncheon. Crystal Room, Beverly<br />
Hills Hotel; Host: International Seat Corp.<br />
iVIitchell Wolfson, chairman, afternoon session<br />
2 p.m.—Production seminar, Y. Frank Freeman,<br />
Biltmore Theatre.<br />
7 p.m.—A Hollywood Evening, cocktails and<br />
buffet supper, grand ballroom suite, Beverly<br />
Hilton Hotel: Host: A.ss'n of Motion Picture<br />
Producers.<br />
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7<br />
.F. J. Rosenfield, chairman, morning session<br />
10 a.m.—Committee reports and discussions.<br />
Biltmore Theatre<br />
Joint Allied-TOA committee—E. D.<br />
Martin<br />
Arbitration— Mitchell Wolfson, Herman<br />
M. Levy<br />
EFFG report—Samuel Pinanski<br />
Field Activities— George Gaughan.<br />
Organization and membership—George<br />
Kera.sotes. Walter Morris, Art Adamson<br />
Insurance— Arthur H. Lockwood<br />
COMPO—Samuel Pinanski<br />
National Legislation—A. Julian Brylaw.skl<br />
State, local legislation—LaMar Sarra,<br />
Robert Bryant<br />
Film reviewing—H. F. Kincey<br />
Labor relations—Abe Blumenfeld<br />
Building, safety codes—Henry Anderson<br />
Public relations—Jack Keller<br />
"Planned Theatre Safety and What It<br />
Means for You"—C. J. Seroka, The Travelers<br />
Insurance Co.<br />
12:30 p.m.—Luncheon—Jack Keller, toastmaster,<br />
in the Biltmore Bowl; Hosts: Motion<br />
Picture Advertising Service, Popcorn Institute,<br />
Cretors Corp.. Savorol Co.<br />
10:30 a.m.—For the Ladies, Hollywood studio<br />
tours and luncheon; Hosts: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,<br />
20th Century-Fox, Paramount<br />
Pictures, Universal-International Pictures<br />
and Warner Bros. Pictures.<br />
Ernest G. St«llings, chrm., afternoon session<br />
2 p.m.—Advertising and promotion seminar<br />
—Frank Whitbeck. Moderator<br />
Jerome Pickman—Paramount<br />
David A. Lipton—Universal Pictures<br />
Frank Rubel—Central States Theatres<br />
Thornton Sargent—Fox West Coast<br />
Theatres<br />
4:30 p.m.—Trip to Disneyland: Host;<br />
Pepsi-Cola Co.<br />
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8<br />
(Exhibitors Only)<br />
John Rowley, chairman, morning session<br />
9 a.m.—Meeting of board of directors and<br />
executive committee<br />
10:30 a.m.— Convention Theatre Forum—<br />
R. M. Kennedy in the Biltmore Theatre:<br />
trade practices, film rental, reports, discussions<br />
on operations, concessions, equipment,<br />
advertising, promotion.<br />
12:30 p.m.—Luncheon, James S. Carbery,<br />
toastmaster, in the Biltmore Bowl: Hosts:<br />
Alexander Film Co.. Manley. Inc.. Motiograph,<br />
Inc., Nestle Co., Projection Optics Co., Theatre<br />
Seat Service Co.. Fepco Theatre Advertising.<br />
Lester R. Kropp. chairman, afternoon session<br />
2 p.m.—Report of joint meeting of the<br />
board of directors and executive committee,<br />
in the Biltmore Theatre.<br />
Drive-In Theatre Forum—Horace Denning<br />
and Michael Redstone presiding, in<br />
the Biltmore Tlieatre; trade practices,<br />
film rental, reports, discussions on operations,<br />
conce.s.sions, equipment, advertising,<br />
promotions<br />
Problems of Small Theatre Owners<br />
Speak-Your-Mlnd Session<br />
2 p.m.—For the Ladies—Showing of Haute<br />
Couture gowns w'orn in Paramount Pictures<br />
"Lucy Gallant." by the pool of the Ambassador<br />
Hotel, narrated by Edith Head.<br />
6:30 p.m.— Cocktail party. Gold Room, Ambas.sador<br />
Hotel; Host: National Carbon Co.;<br />
dais cocktail party, Lido Room. Amba.ssador<br />
Hotel: Host: National Carbon Co.<br />
7:30 p.m.—Piesident's banquet. Cocoanut<br />
Grove, Amba.ssador Hotel: Host: Coca-Cola<br />
Co.; Star-of-thc-Year Award. E. D. Martin<br />
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9<br />
2 p.m.—Continuation of Saturday agenda<br />
and unfinished business, if necessary.<br />
BOXOFFICE October 1, 1955
Pinanski Finds Favor<br />
For New Tax Drive<br />
BOSTON- By (lie viist uunibor ol letters<br />
coming to the desk of Samuel Pinanski from<br />
exhibitors all over the nation, the president of<br />
American Tlieatres Corp. stated that they<br />
are overwhelminRly In favor of his sugRestion<br />
for the elinunation of the admissions tax.<br />
At his office here. Pinanski said: "In my<br />
opinion, more than ever today, the whole<br />
Industry should work in linison for the purpose<br />
of taking the offensive against our<br />
economic and competitive enemies. Otherwise<br />
we will find the opposing forces adopting the<br />
old trick of dividing us up Into small pieces<br />
and conquering each piece at a time. We<br />
proved the potency of our combined unified<br />
striking power In the last tax campaign, which<br />
should prove to all int
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT REINS<br />
RAISE HAVOC WITH FILM TRADE<br />
More Exist on Admissions<br />
Than on Rentals; Variety<br />
Of Other Restrictions<br />
By SUMNER SMITH<br />
NEW YORK—Government controls of<br />
the film industry in foreign countries reach<br />
out in as many directions as the tentacles<br />
of an octopus. Here, there and everywhere,<br />
often undergoing revision, they constitute<br />
a source of headaches for American film<br />
men and the native film talent.<br />
SPOT SURVEY IS MADE<br />
A spot survey of foreign countries, based on<br />
information in the files of the Motion Picture<br />
Export Ass'n and major companies, has revealed<br />
some interesting facts. Perhaps of outstanding<br />
interest is the fact that there are<br />
far fewer controls on film rentals than on<br />
admi-ssion prices. Here is a breakdown:<br />
Rental controls: Britain, in an indirect<br />
way (that will be explained) ; France,<br />
Italy, Norway, in a limited way; Sweden.<br />
No rental controls: Germany, Japan,<br />
Australia. India, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil,<br />
Bolivia, Chile and Israel.<br />
.Admission price control: Britain (indirect),<br />
France, Sweden, Mexico, .Argentina,<br />
Brazil, Bolivia and Israel. No admission<br />
price controls: Italy, Germany, Norway.<br />
Japan, Australia (one exception), India<br />
and Chile.<br />
Let's look first at the important British<br />
market. While there are no official government<br />
controls on film rentals, the Cinematograph<br />
Elxhibitors Ass'n has recommended<br />
a top of 50 per cent on percentage pictures,<br />
and its recommendation carries weight. As<br />
to admi.ssion price control, at first glance<br />
there doesn't seem to be any. However, the<br />
entertainment tax is in effect a control, since<br />
it scales sharply upward as admissions are<br />
increased. It is said to make admissions over<br />
12 shillings ($1.58) prohibitive. So you can<br />
say there are controls on rentals and admissions.<br />
SITUATION IN FRANCE<br />
In France there is a rental restriction in<br />
that French law says rentals to all but the<br />
smallest theatres must be on a percentage<br />
basis. As for admission prices, they are<br />
limited by the government, except in theatres<br />
where the highest price Is about 29 cents<br />
or less. That's a pretty low admission, so<br />
control is widespread.<br />
Now Italy. Rentals are controlled at 40 to 50<br />
per cent, except for exceptional widescreen<br />
pictures which are freely negotiable. There<br />
are no admission price controls. However, admission<br />
prices here are very low, with varying<br />
scales depending on seat location in the<br />
house, even in de luxe first runs.<br />
Norway has limited rental controls. There<br />
the Industry is run by an exhibition monopoly.<br />
There are no admission controls.<br />
Sweden? The answer Is yes. The maximum<br />
rental in Stockholm first runs is 50 per cent<br />
and elsewhere 45 per cent, with a minimum<br />
Rentals Control Interest<br />
Motivates Global Survey<br />
With federal control of film prices a<br />
goal of Allied States Ass'n, BOXOFFICE<br />
presents a report on how the film industry<br />
is controlled by goverimient in<br />
other parts of the world. As some opponents<br />
of film rentals control have raised<br />
the point that if rentals are controlled,<br />
what could prevent admission prices from<br />
being regulated by government edict, the<br />
report includes information on countries<br />
where ticket prices are set by the government.<br />
of 30 per cent. Admission prices are also<br />
controlled.<br />
Now those countries where there are controls<br />
on admissions but not on rentals;<br />
Mexico City and environs, from which, by<br />
far, the greater part of Mexican film revenue<br />
comes, limit admissions to roughly 45 cents.<br />
It is a political limitation that has been<br />
fought vigorously, but unsuccessfully, by both<br />
foreign and local film interests.<br />
Argentina has controls on admissions and<br />
.so do Brazil and Bolivia. Israel has a modified<br />
admission control of 20 per cent of theatre<br />
seats at a fixed price.<br />
The existence or non-existence of government<br />
controls on rentals and admissions tell<br />
only part of the story of government supervision.<br />
Controls are frequently spotlighted in<br />
statements by the foreign department heads<br />
of the major companies. At the recent Miami<br />
convention of United Artists. Arnold M.<br />
Picker, vice-president, .speaking of Latin<br />
America, said currency devaluation and government-fixed<br />
admi.ssion prices have cut<br />
profit. He cited Chile where local receipts<br />
have been running 54 per cent ahead of 1954,<br />
but the dollar return has lagged 52 per cent.<br />
He gave the Brazil figures as 16 per cent<br />
ahead and 43 per cent behind. Latin America<br />
accounted for 25 per cent of UA's total overseas<br />
receipts in 1953; this year it may be less<br />
than 20 per cent.<br />
Ben Cohn, Universal-International as.sistant<br />
general foreign manager, back from a worldwide<br />
tour, recently made similar statements.<br />
Al Lowe, U-I Latin American head, described<br />
the difficult situation there. Such statements<br />
are common. Free trade doesn't exist. There<br />
are local economic reasons, of course, but it<br />
is difficult to stop a government finger from<br />
dipping into a luscious pie once it's tasted.<br />
So:<br />
Britain restricts remittances to foreign distributors.<br />
There is an exhibition quota of 30<br />
per cent of first features to insure the showings<br />
of British films. There is censorship by<br />
private groups with the encouragement of<br />
the government.<br />
France hii-s remittance and dubbing restrictions.<br />
There is an import quota and there<br />
in an exhibition quota providing for showings<br />
of French films for four weeks in every quarterly<br />
period. There is also government cen-<br />
.sorship, but it Is not strict .<br />
Italy and the U. S. have reached a "gentlemen's<br />
agreement" on a voluntary limit on<br />
imports, but it allows only theoretical freedom<br />
of action. Remittances are controlled. An<br />
exhibition quota provides for the playing of<br />
Italian features 20 days a quarter, ItaUan<br />
shorts for at least half of the year and newsreels<br />
the other half. Theatres pay an annual<br />
tax according to size and location, and there<br />
is a 30 per cent turnover tax.<br />
Germany imposes another "voluntary" import<br />
quota and there is a dubbing tax. A<br />
tacit understanding calls for percentage deals.<br />
There is an admission tax of 20 to 30 per<br />
cent, which is four times higher than before<br />
the war.<br />
Norway has remittance control, an admission<br />
tax of 40 per cent and government censorship.<br />
SWEDISH TAXES HIGH<br />
Sweden does not officially limit imports,<br />
but tliey can be controlled as licenses are required.<br />
There is no exhibition quota. The<br />
admission tax is 60 per cent of the net price,<br />
of which 75 per cent goes to the national<br />
government and 25 per cent to the local<br />
municipality. There is government censorship.<br />
Japan limits imports and remittances.<br />
There are no admission controls, but there<br />
a 50 per cent national tax on admissions.<br />
is<br />
Australia has an indirect limitation on imports,<br />
an exhibition quota and government<br />
censorshp. Although the national government<br />
has ended collection of admission taxes, they<br />
are still collected under local option in western<br />
Australia and the state of 'Victoria. There<br />
are admission controls only in the state of<br />
Victoria.<br />
India has import and remittance controls<br />
and censorship. While there is no government<br />
price control, distributors seek uniformity.<br />
There is no exhibition quota except<br />
that exhibitors are expected to show government<br />
propaganda films. There is no government<br />
admission tax, but there ai'e state and<br />
municipal taxes varying from 25 to 40 per<br />
cent.<br />
Mexico exercises indirect import quota control<br />
through the issuance of import licenses.<br />
There is no screen quota. A tax of 16 per cent<br />
is levied on gross theatre receipts in Mexico<br />
City and environs, and there are similar taxes<br />
of 10 to 20 per cent elsewhere.<br />
Bolivia restricts remittances, has no exhibition<br />
quota, censors backed by the government<br />
and an admission tax of 45 per cent.<br />
FILM QUOTA IN BRAZIL<br />
Brazil licenses imports, has an exhibition<br />
quotii, supports censors and imposes a federal<br />
tax of 10 per cent on admissions, plus municipality<br />
taxes of 10 to 15 per cent.<br />
Chile controls remittances, has no exhibition<br />
quota, goes in for censorship and imposes<br />
an admissions and turnover tax of 31 per cent.<br />
Israel controls imports and remittances,<br />
censors and has an admissions tax of 100 per<br />
cent in Tel Aviv and Haifa. 83 per cent in<br />
Jerusalem and 80 per cent elsewhere.<br />
Argentina has import license control and<br />
demands a censorship permit before a picture<br />
can play. Native product gets percentage protection<br />
and there are high admissions taxes.<br />
16 BOXOFFICE October 1. 1955
ecause<br />
More Companies Now<br />
In Atlas-RKO Plan<br />
NEW YORK Ucl.iil.s oi ii wKloiiod merger<br />
plan that will t-ake in four companies of the<br />
Atlas Corp. Kroup as well us KKO Pictures<br />
Corp. arc now beinR worked out by Floyd<br />
Odium and his n-ssociates He expects these<br />
will be completed within tliree weeks.<br />
The companies now Included in the proposed<br />
merger are: All-fleets. Inc.; San Diego<br />
Corp.; Albuquerque Associated Oil Co. and<br />
Wasatch Corp., all owning oil properties and<br />
uranium holdings.<br />
There will be a general exchange of stock<br />
for shares In the proposed new corporation,<br />
with some of them rated down to small percentages<br />
of a share. Alrfleets, for instance,<br />
would be exchanged for 0.6 of a share of<br />
Atlas Corp.<br />
Odium said one or more additional companies<br />
will be Included In the merger and<br />
that there might be a split of the present<br />
Atlas Corp. stock.<br />
Some opposition developed when the<br />
Wasatch merger proposal w'as first mentioned,<br />
but this probably will await further development<br />
of the new plan.<br />
How far the oppwsition will get cannot be<br />
predicted. Hughes owns 1,262,000 shares and<br />
Atlas owns 907,100.<br />
RKO Pictures has about $18,000,000 in cash<br />
on hand and a tax loss carryover estimated<br />
to be worth S30.000.000 in three years.<br />
The market value of the RKO stock has<br />
been declining. Atlas sold 66.400 shares during<br />
August and 20.000 during July. The stock Is<br />
now quoted at $7.12 S.<br />
RKO Rad:o Pictures, recently acquired by<br />
General Teleradio, is not affected by any of<br />
these negotiations.<br />
Technicolor to Diversify<br />
By Doing Amateur Films<br />
NEW YORK—Technicolor Motion Plctiue<br />
Corp. is going in for diversification by engaging<br />
in the business of processing amateur<br />
Kodachi-ome film when such film becomes<br />
available under license from the Eastman<br />
Kodak Co., Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, president<br />
and general manager, told the directors at a<br />
meeting here Tuesday i27».<br />
At the same time Dr. Kalmus said orders<br />
for manufacture and delivery during the last<br />
part of 1955 showed a drop of about 30 per<br />
cent from the previous quarters. About 400<br />
employes of the 2.000 on the payroll will be<br />
laid off.<br />
Diu-ing the fourth quarter a large number<br />
of release printing schedules have been postponed.<br />
The new Technicolor process will require<br />
a few more months to reach large scale<br />
operations. Dr. Kalmus .said.<br />
With September earnings estimated, consolidated<br />
profit, after taxes, is estimated at<br />
$1,775,000 for the first nine months of 1955,<br />
or 89 cents per share. This compares with<br />
$1,427,000. or 73 cenUs per share in the corresponding<br />
period of 1954.<br />
The board voted a dividend of 25 cents per<br />
share on the common of Technicolor, Inc.,<br />
payable October 25 to holders of record at<br />
the close of business October 10.<br />
Cinema Chain in Campaign<br />
NEW YORK—The Cinema Circuit here,<br />
with nine theatres, has joined in the Audience<br />
Awards campaign, according to the<br />
Council of Motion Picture Organizations.<br />
Magnetic, Optical Sound<br />
Combined in One Print<br />
Florida Film Studio<br />
Receives Citation<br />
Empire Studios, Inc., the Florida film<br />
company uiiirh produced the motion<br />
picture, "Vellowneck," has boon cited by<br />
Gov. Leroy Collins for its "foresight in<br />
recognizing the state of Florida as a<br />
natural God-given stage for the production<br />
of motion pictures." The governor<br />
(left) is shown presenting the colorful<br />
scroll to R. John Hugh, president of<br />
Empire.<br />
ORLANDO. FLA.— Empire Studios, Inc., the<br />
young Florida film company, whose first<br />
feature film production, "Yellowneck," is<br />
now in worldwide release, has received a citation<br />
from Gov. Leroy Collins for its successful<br />
efforts in establishing the state's first<br />
major film production company.<br />
In his commendation, presented to company<br />
President R. John Hugh of Orlando, who both<br />
wrote and directed "Yellow'neck," Gov. Col-<br />
Uns cited executives, officials and technicians<br />
for their "foresight in recognizing the state<br />
of Florida as a natural God-given stage<br />
for the production of motion pictures."<br />
Republic Pictures is distributing "Yellowneck."<br />
which was released last March, and.<br />
according to Hugh, has signed to distribute<br />
"The O.sceola Story." Empire's second featurelength<br />
production and two more features now<br />
in the planning stage.<br />
Empire maintains administrative offices in<br />
Orlando and Its properties Include sound<br />
stages on a private island near St. Petersburg.<br />
Jacon on Sales Trip<br />
LOS ANGEX,ES ^ Bernard Jacon. vicepresident<br />
In charge of sales for IFE Releasing<br />
Corp.. met with local exhibitors the latter<br />
half of last week. He Is .scheduled to go to<br />
Oakland on Monday i3) for a week's stay,<br />
then to Dallas and New Orleans, returning<br />
to the New York home office on October 13.<br />
Nt;W YORK The development of u slnnle<br />
motion picture print that in-rmlLs the u.m;<br />
of either magnetic or optical ^ound ha« come<br />
about lus a result of high distributor print<br />
costs and exhibitor complaints about an inability<br />
to obtain the type of .sound prints<br />
suitable to their projection equipment.<br />
The new type of print also Is expected to<br />
Increase the number of usable prints available.<br />
Distributors now l.ssuc some Cinema-<br />
Scope prints with magnetic sound and others<br />
with optical .sound.<br />
.\WAIT EXIIIBITOIIS- INTEREST<br />
Tlie new print Is the result of research and<br />
experimentation that has been going on for<br />
months. It has been perfected by engineers<br />
of the Motion Picture Research Council in<br />
Hollywood and of Columbia. MGM, Universal-International<br />
and Warner Bros. It has<br />
passed tests both in Hollywood and here<br />
Production will be started when enough<br />
exhibitor Interest has been aroused. The distributors<br />
say they won't make a move until<br />
that time. Tliey argue that exhibitors have<br />
complained about an existing situation, that<br />
relief is now available and that exhibitors<br />
must ask for it in sufficient numbers.<br />
Projectors equipped for stereophonic Cinemascope<br />
sound won't have to be changed.<br />
Others win have to have a minor mechanical<br />
correction. This would entail replacements<br />
of sprocket wheels at an estimated cost for<br />
two projectors of not more than $75 and<br />
perhaps as low as $35, de{>ending on the age<br />
of the projectors. There would not have to<br />
be any changes in laboratory equipment.<br />
There are four magnetic sound stripes on<br />
stereophonic CinemaScope films. All would<br />
remain. The one optical sound stripe Ls next<br />
to the No. 2 magnetic stripe. There will be<br />
some effect on the 2.55 to 1 CinemaScope<br />
aspect ratio, but distribution engineers noted<br />
that some theatres already arbitrarily<br />
shorten it.<br />
ANNOYANCES IN PAST<br />
The current two-print system has been an<br />
annoyance to exchange personnel as well as<br />
to exhibitors. Exhibitors have called on exchanges<br />
for optical prints when only magnetic<br />
prints were available, and vice versa.<br />
There have been instances when the wrong<br />
type of sound print has been delivered to a<br />
theatre. Distribution engineers now believe<br />
all that sort of thing can become a thing<br />
of the past, if exhibitors show their interest,<br />
and also that the distributors will save large<br />
amounts in print costs.<br />
A dim view of the development was taken<br />
by Earl I. Sponable. 20th Century-Fox technical<br />
expert. He objected to the need for<br />
reducing picture size to make room for the<br />
optical .sound stripe, .saying the size would become<br />
2.35-1. He also said the sound would<br />
be "degraded " a theatre would be<br />
getting only "half-track" optical sound. He<br />
preferred installations of magnetic heads<br />
that could utilize only the No. 2 track if<br />
stereophonic sound wasn't wanted.<br />
VOTE YOUR AUDIENCE AWARDS<br />
BALLOTS<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1. 1955 17
I<br />
Rhoden Denies Awards<br />
Conflict With Oscars<br />
LOS ANGELES—Sharp exception to Information<br />
contained in a story in a local<br />
tradepaper, reporting Hollywood guilds and<br />
organizations which are members of the<br />
Motion Picture Industry Council are refusing<br />
to cooperate with COMPO's Audience<br />
Awards poll, was taken by Elmer C. Rhoden,<br />
president of National Theatres and national<br />
chairman of the poll committee, in an official<br />
statement issued September 28.<br />
Rhoden reminded that there are "scores<br />
of polls." but that the COMPO-sponsored<br />
event can be considered the first national<br />
public election of its kind.<br />
"We should welcome the opportunity to<br />
hear from our audiences as to what pictures,<br />
stars and new personalities they prefer,"<br />
Rhoden declared. "I cannot conceive of<br />
even a small group of people in show business<br />
opposing the idea of acknowledging the public<br />
vote."<br />
The story to which he had reference had<br />
asserted the film capital groups were failing<br />
to lend their support to the COMPO balloting<br />
on the grounds it conflicts with and is in<br />
direct competition to the yearly Academy<br />
Awards event. Rhoden denied this, asserting<br />
the Oscar affair is an important one in<br />
stimulating Hollywood's creative genius, but<br />
that the industry should be "equally aware<br />
of the fact that our job is to entertain the<br />
public."<br />
Simultaneously, at previously announced<br />
meetings held here and in San Francisco to<br />
brief the personnel of Fox West Coast's<br />
northern and southern California divisions<br />
on subjects covered at the recent NT conclave<br />
in Colorado Springs, Rhoden discussed<br />
the business outlook and said he was looking<br />
forward to the Motion Picture Festival<br />
planned for staging here next March. The<br />
need for good pictures and competent manpower<br />
were cited and toll-TV and color video<br />
as competitive media were analyzed.<br />
Reveals Cost of Wiring<br />
For Jerrold's Toll TV<br />
NEW YORK—A wired system for bringing<br />
subscription television into the 285,000 homes<br />
in the greater Cincinnati area would cost<br />
$16,000,000 or less than $60 per home, according<br />
to Milton J. Shapp, president of Jerrold<br />
Electronics Corp. of Philadelphia. This cable<br />
system would span the 1,600 miles of streets<br />
in Cincinnati and its suburbs In Ohio and<br />
Kentucky.<br />
The cost for Zenith, Skiatron and Telemeter<br />
would be at least $25,000,000, or $90 per subscriber,<br />
to install 285,000 of their decoders,<br />
Shapp estimated from data furnished to the<br />
FCC.<br />
The cost comparison was presented by<br />
Shapp on a recent three-day panel discussion<br />
on "Fee vs. Free TV" telecast over WCPO-<br />
TV, Cincinnati. Other panelists were Trueman<br />
Rembusch, Allied Theatres; Ted Leitzel<br />
and Greg Flettelan, Zenith; Robert Hall,<br />
Skiatron, and Paul McNamara, International<br />
Telemeter.<br />
Ampex Employes to Share<br />
In Company's Profits<br />
REDWOOD CITY, CALIF.—Employes of<br />
the Ampex Corp. will share in the company's<br />
profits after May 1, 1956, George I. Long,<br />
Ampex president, announced last week at a<br />
meeting attended by more than 800 employes<br />
of the tape recorder manufacturer.<br />
Effective with the beginning of Ampex's<br />
next fiscal year the board of directors has<br />
approved the establishment of a profitsharing<br />
fund to consist of 15 per cent of the<br />
company's profits before taxes. Had the plan<br />
been in effect during the past fiscal year, employes<br />
would have shared $114,000. Long<br />
pointed out.<br />
Continental to Handle Guinness Film;<br />
Also Four Other Foreign<br />
NEW YORK — Continental Distributing,<br />
Inc., will distribute Alec Guinness' "The<br />
Ladykillers" and four other foreign films in<br />
the western hemisphere, according to Frank<br />
Kassler, president, and Walter Reade jr.,<br />
board chairman. Releases for 1955 will total<br />
five films and the total for 1956 will be at<br />
least seven or eight. The company would<br />
like to and is equipped to handle 12 a year,<br />
all quality productions. It is prepared to<br />
handle American product.<br />
The four other foreign films are "The<br />
Night My Number Came Up," also from the<br />
J. Arthur Rank Organization and starring<br />
Michael Redgrave; "Adorable Creatures,"<br />
French-language comedy starring Martine<br />
Carol, Danielle Darrleux, Edwige Feuillere and<br />
Daniel Gelln; "The Snow Is Black," a drama<br />
of post-war France, also starring Gelln and<br />
based on a novel by Georges Slmenon. and<br />
"Hill 24 Doesn't Answer," multi-lingual<br />
Features<br />
Israeli picture about Israel's fight for independence.<br />
The last named will open November<br />
2 at the World Theatre here and the next<br />
day in Washington and Chicago.<br />
Kassler and Reade reported that the Guinness<br />
film, "To Paris With Love," has played<br />
550 engagements in six months to a gross of<br />
over $400,000. There were 70 prints of it.<br />
The company has a "Continental plan"<br />
whicli encourages exhibitor financing of coproductions<br />
and in the acquisition and distribution<br />
of product. It is seeking further coproduction<br />
via Israeli-American financing.<br />
Exhibitors invest according to a percentage<br />
figure based on the revenue potential of their<br />
areas, get a picture for first run in their<br />
areas and receive a percentage of all western<br />
hemisphere revenue from a picture.<br />
Kassler and Reade will go to Europe early<br />
in 1956 in search of more product and to<br />
close pending co-production deals.<br />
A Diamond Jubilee<br />
In 1956 Suggested<br />
NEW YORK—The idea of a motion picture<br />
diamond jubOee celebration in 1956 has<br />
been devised by Sigmund S. Maitles, former<br />
advertising copy chief at MGM, who now<br />
has his own advertising and promotion company.<br />
He has taken it up with the Council<br />
of Motion Picture Organizations and is seeking<br />
support from the major distributors.<br />
As outlined to date, Maitles' plan is to<br />
feature "60 years of progress in motion picture<br />
entertainment" by reissues to theatres<br />
of 60 "all-time greats" during 1956. There<br />
would be a national institutional advertising<br />
campaign, trailers and accessories and personal<br />
appearances of 60 stars.<br />
The project would become international in<br />
scope through a worldwide touring "exposition<br />
of progress" and a reception at Hollywood<br />
which would be reported overseas by<br />
radio and television.<br />
Maitles is located at 1560 Broadway. His<br />
company has handled work for Columbia.<br />
United Artists. Universal-International and<br />
Cunningham & Walsh, advertising agency,<br />
among others.<br />
John N. Krier Is New Head<br />
Of Intermountain Circuit<br />
NEW YORK—John N. Krier has been<br />
named vice-president and general manager of<br />
Intermountain Theatres. Inc.. a subsidiary of<br />
American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres<br />
in Utah and Idaho, by Leonard H. Goldenson,<br />
president. Krier will fill the vacancy created<br />
by the death of Ray M. Hendry.<br />
Krier has been a booker and buyer for<br />
the circuit since 1952. He joined the circuit<br />
originally in 1937 from Tri-States Theatres.<br />
He is a graduate of Augustana College, Rock<br />
Island, 111., his home town, and also the<br />
Paramount-Publix Theatre Manager Training<br />
School of 1930. He began his theatre career<br />
as an usher at the Fort Theatre, Rock<br />
Island.<br />
He lives in Salt Lake City with Mrs. Krier.<br />
A son. John, is with the U. S. Army in<br />
Friedelberg, Germany.<br />
Levey Drops Importations<br />
To Re-Enter Production<br />
NEW YORK—Jules Levey will leave soon<br />
for Hollywood where he will re-enter production.<br />
He has been importing films since<br />
1946 when the Italian film, "Fabiola," which<br />
he dubbed, became an outstanding United<br />
Artists release. Previously, since 1940, lio<br />
organized Mayfair Productions and made a<br />
number of features, among them "Boys from<br />
Syracuse" and "Hellzapoppin."<br />
Levey entered the industry in 1913 as a<br />
Universal-International salesman. He resigned<br />
as RKO general sales manager to<br />
i<br />
form Mayfau-. He was critical of exhibitors<br />
|<br />
for refusing to play dubbed foreign films.<br />
Republic is handling his present release, "She<br />
|<br />
Wolf," an Italian film.<br />
Extra Warners Dividend<br />
NEW YORK—Warner Bros. Pictures. Inc.,<br />
voted a special dividend of 30 cents per sharel<br />
on the common stock at a special meetingi<br />
held September 22. It is payable November 5|<br />
to stockholders of record October 14.<br />
18 BOXOFFICE October 1, 1!
IIKKHKRT J.<br />
|»lf^t'^l^<br />
YATKS<br />
ill » «iiMtii));uiHheii motiuii |iiiiuri*<br />
VKS STEKLE<br />
lif niai) vvlut Mif^ka<br />
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rfii^e from a<br />
otoriouK reputation<br />
iiti<br />
co-Marring in<br />
(Hiually exciting y<br />
ILCORRIGA<br />
WES STEELE says:<br />
**Me8a is a rotten little town—with<br />
more rotten people than it's worthbut<br />
for once you're going to<br />
listen to the truth—"
TRUl<br />
Directe,! I.v R. MILLAND S,.„...,.|.h,> h, JOHN "I
Ill—OR BY CONSOLIDATED FILM<br />
INDUSTRIES<br />
i«A'n LE >„.,. „v MOKT BMisKiN A REPUBLIC PICTURE
. . On<br />
. . "Raquel,"<br />
. . Attorney<br />
. . Walter<br />
. .<br />
^oUtptmod ^cfimt<br />
TV Story of Jim Piersall<br />
Bought by Paramount<br />
still another literary property was plucked<br />
from television when Paramount purchased<br />
"Fear Strikes Out," the true-life story of<br />
baseball star Jim Piersall, for early production.<br />
Presented recently on TV's "Climax"<br />
show, the yarn was published as a biographical<br />
novel after being serialized in the Saturday<br />
Evening Post, and was later reprinted, in<br />
condensed form, in the Readers' Digest.<br />
Piersall, an outfielder with the Boston Red<br />
Sox. suffered a mental collapse as a victim<br />
of amnesia. This necessitated a series of<br />
electro-shock treatments that resulted in his<br />
complete recovery. Don Hartman, Paramount<br />
production chief, reported arrangements are<br />
being made for Piersall to come to Hollywood<br />
to be tested, with the prospect that he may be<br />
inked to portray himself in the film, to<br />
which a producer will be assigned shortly . .<br />
Sam Spiegel's Horizon Productions acquired<br />
"End As a Man," the best-selling novel by<br />
Calder Willingham, which has been added to<br />
the unit's docket for Columbia release.<br />
Spiegel plans to lens it next spring after he<br />
has made "The Bridges Over the River Kwai,"<br />
on which photography—also for Columbia<br />
is to start in December in Malaya . . . Another<br />
novel found its way into the Hollywood<br />
stockpile when Audrey Ei'skine Lindop's<br />
tome, "The Singer Not the Song." was picked<br />
up by Robert Bassler on behalf of his independent<br />
Libra Productions. Now being<br />
scripted by Allan Scott for shooting in Mexico<br />
this fall, the opus concerns the battle<br />
between a village priest and a bandit for<br />
control of the people in a rural Mexican area.<br />
MGM Plans Record Budget<br />
On 'Raintree County'<br />
Just how big a bankroll is being earmarked<br />
for the opus was not specified, but that<br />
MGM's projected "Raintree County" will<br />
boast considerable magnitude was made clear<br />
Foreign Talent Signed<br />
By Warners and U-l<br />
In their search for new faces, filmdom's<br />
moguls are apparently concenti-ating<br />
a substantial portion of their attention<br />
on foreign talent, as indicated by<br />
two newly inked commitments.<br />
Rossana Rory, platinum-blonde Italian<br />
actress, has arrived from Rome to start a<br />
long-term contract at Warners. She<br />
headed the cast of "The River Changes,"<br />
recently filmed by Warners in Germany.<br />
And. in his first film deal with an<br />
American company, O. W. Fischer, said<br />
to be one of Europe's foremost screen<br />
.stars, was signed to a five-picture contract<br />
by Universal-International. The<br />
German thespian is said to be a "dashing,<br />
forceful actor" who has a "tremendous"<br />
following on the continent.<br />
Neither Fischer nor Miss Rory have<br />
been given assignments as yet under their<br />
respective U-I and Wrirnrr tirkrt>^<br />
By<br />
IVAN SPEAR<br />
when production chief Dore Schary announced<br />
it will be the most expensive film<br />
his company has ever made in this country.<br />
That covers a lot of budgetary territory.<br />
Being scripted by Millard Kaufman from<br />
the 400,000-word prize-winning novel by Ross<br />
Franklin Lockridge jr., "Raintree County"<br />
is a story of the north and its people before,<br />
during and after the Civil War. It will have<br />
a minimum running time of three hours and<br />
will be photographed in MGM's new 65mm<br />
process. Elizabeth Taylor w-ill head an all-star<br />
cast of 11 principals in the David Lewis production.<br />
Byron Haskin to Direct<br />
'First Texan' lor AA<br />
Megaphonist ByTon Haskin has been inked<br />
by Allied Artists to pilot "The First Texan,"<br />
a Joel McCrea starrer in Cinemascope, which<br />
will roll early this month . a<br />
costume drama localed in 12th-century Spain,<br />
has been added to Lawrence Weingarten's<br />
production agenda at MGM . . . R. G. Springsteen<br />
is directing and William J. O'SuUivan<br />
producing a new Republic melodrama, "A<br />
Shot in the Dark" . the casting front,<br />
Wendell Corey was booked for the Glenn<br />
Ford starrer, "The Rack," at MGM . . . Marking<br />
her return to pictures after an absence<br />
of several years, Gail Russell will enact the<br />
femme lead in Batjac Productions' "Seven<br />
Men From Now," starring Randolph Scott<br />
for Warner release . . . Character actor Gene<br />
Lockhart was added to the cast of 20th<br />
Centiu-y-Fox's "Carousel."<br />
Allied Ai-tists added another independent<br />
property to its distribution lineup with the<br />
announcement that it will release "The Four<br />
Seasons," a La Salle production rolling immediately<br />
w'ith David Wayne in the starring<br />
spot. Josef Shaftel is producer and director.<br />
Based on a story by Helen S. Bilkie. "Sea-<br />
.sons" concerns the adventures of a prospector<br />
in California's gold fields at the turn of<br />
the century.<br />
Screen Producers Guild<br />
Starts a Scholarship<br />
As a contribution towai-d the development<br />
of trained motion picture manpower, the<br />
Screen Producers Guild has established a<br />
SI,500 scholarship in filmmaking for the department<br />
of theatre arts at the University of<br />
Califoi'nia at Los Angeles.<br />
The scholarship, accepted by the university's<br />
board of regents, will be administered<br />
by the head of the department, Arthm- Ripley.<br />
SPG president Samuel G. Engel expressed the<br />
hope it would be a factor in "inspiring additional<br />
creative activity" among students.<br />
The Battle of Gettysburg'<br />
To Be December Release<br />
MGM's 'The Battle of Gettysburg," first<br />
documentary featurette in Cinemascope, is<br />
being readied for December release.<br />
Written and produced by Dore Schary,<br />
studio head, and directed by Herman Hoffman,<br />
the opus was lensed at the Gettysburg<br />
National Military Park in Pennsylvania.<br />
More than 2,500 statues and monuments on<br />
the battleground were used to tell the story.<br />
'The Amazing Nelly Biy'<br />
On MGM's Schedule<br />
This, apparently, is the season for<br />
globe-girdling epics.<br />
For one. there's Michael Todd's filmization<br />
in Todd-AO of the Jules Verne<br />
saga, "Around the World in 80 days," in<br />
which David Niven portrays the intrepid<br />
Phileas Fogg, who some 70 years ago or<br />
thereabouts made his frenzied fictional<br />
trek to win a bet.<br />
Fogg, however, was a bit of a slowpoke<br />
in comparison with the real-life junket<br />
made in the 1880s by Nellie Bly. America's<br />
first great woman reporter. She did it<br />
in 72 days.<br />
Now MGM has scheduled a screen version<br />
of that journey, "The Amazing<br />
Nelly Bly," as a romantic comedy with<br />
music, in which Doris Day will be the<br />
title-roler. Based on a Good Housekeeping<br />
story by Mignon Rittenhouse, it's<br />
being penned by Ruth Brooks Flippen and<br />
William Ludwig, and will be produced and<br />
directed, respectively, by Roger Edens and<br />
Stanley Donen.<br />
John Beck Joins Warners<br />
In Executive Capacity<br />
Short takes from the sound stages; John<br />
Beck, at various times a production executive<br />
with Universal-International and RKO Radio,<br />
as well as having been affiliated with MCA,<br />
has joined Warner Bros, in an executive<br />
capacity . Sidney Lipsitch has<br />
been appointed an administrative executive<br />
with the Hecht-Lancaster organization .<br />
Officers for Curtleigh Productions, the new<br />
independent unit organized by actor Tony<br />
Ciu'tis, include—in addition to Curtis as<br />
president—Manuel Schwai-tz, vice-president;<br />
Myrt Blum, secretary; Roger Graham, treasurer,<br />
and E. W. Wheeler and Fi'ed Morrison,<br />
assistant secretaries. The outfit recently acquired<br />
"Cory," a story by Leo Rosten, to serve<br />
as its first venture . N. Reilly, for<br />
five years executive aide to Dore Schai-y,<br />
MGM studio head, is assuming expanded<br />
duties as an associate producer on future<br />
Schary productions, in addition to continuing<br />
in his present capacity. His fu-st assignment<br />
under the new arrangement will be "The Red<br />
Car," a story of juvenile delinquency on the<br />
highways.<br />
Randolph Scott Scheduled<br />
For T'wo More Westerns<br />
There's plenty of saddle-and-stirrup work<br />
ahead for Randolph Scott, square-jawed hero<br />
of many a galloper epic.<br />
Having just completed "My Gun Commands"<br />
for Columbia release under the banner<br />
of Scott-Brown Pi-oductions—in which<br />
his as.sociate is Harry Joe Brown— the sagebrush<br />
star has swung over to Batjac, the<br />
John Wayne-Robert Fellows unit, for the lead<br />
in "Seven Men From Now," which Warners<br />
will distribute. He'll hardly have time to<br />
reload his six-shooters after completing that<br />
one before heading down Mexico way. in mid-<br />
October, for another Scott-Brown venture,<br />
"The Return of Custer."<br />
This one, scripted by Peter Packer, is a<br />
yarn about a man who searches for the truth<br />
behind the tragedy immortalized as "Custer's<br />
Last Stand." In Technicolor, it is set for<br />
Columbia distribution.<br />
22 BOXOFFICE :: October 1, 1955
1 23).<br />
I<br />
Movies vs. the Stage<br />
Subject of Debate<br />
NEW VOliK— Kcpii-.'.ciitaUvo ul the film<br />
industry and the stage hit at eacli other<br />
Tuesday i27> on the question of the relative<br />
merits of the two eiuertainmeiu media. The<br />
occasion was the annual luncheon of the<br />
Film Estimate Board of National Organizations<br />
at the Hot*l Gotham. The FEBNO<br />
represents 40.000.000 American women, reviews<br />
films and through the Motion Picture<br />
Assn of America publishes joint estimates of<br />
current entertainment filins. widely known<br />
as "the green sheet."<br />
HoUls Alport, film critic of the Saturday<br />
Review of Literature, termed films a major<br />
theatrical form and one superior to the contemporary<br />
theatre. Lawrence Langner. coadministrator<br />
of the Theatre Guild, called<br />
the statement "absurd." He said many of the<br />
best films are made from stage plays, that if<br />
the stage ever went out of existence the fllm.s<br />
and television would have to revive it by<br />
subsidy to obtain material, that the films<br />
can't "speak their minds on controversial<br />
subjects" as the stage can do. that they have<br />
yet to develop enough topflight writers and<br />
that "the great men of literature do not write<br />
for the movies."<br />
Bosley Crowther. New York Times critic,<br />
held that the two are different media and<br />
that both should subscribe to the "theory of<br />
live and let live." He said the greate.=;t films<br />
have been "created" and not made from plays,<br />
called the medium "the most respected" in<br />
the world and noted its contributions to world<br />
understanding.<br />
Norris Houghton of the Phoenix Theatre.<br />
off-Broadway group, said he couldn't take<br />
issue with the "quantitative decline of the<br />
theatre and the rise of the movies." and<br />
accused the theatre of not having met the<br />
challenge of "an upstart system." He said<br />
no widescreen could bring the players into the<br />
presence of an audience as the theatre does.<br />
Arthur Kennedy, director-producer in both<br />
media, said actors preferred playing in the<br />
theatre but realized that Hollywood offered<br />
"economic well-being." Don Mankiewicz.<br />
script writer, called it unfair to say the level<br />
of screen writing was low.<br />
Others on the dais were Mrs. Jesse Bader<br />
of the Motion Picture Protestant Council.<br />
Ralph Hetzel jr., vice-president of the Motion<br />
Picture Ass'n of America: Mrs. Henry Daw.son<br />
of the MPAA Community Relations Department,<br />
Dr. Sigmund Spaeth of the National<br />
Federation of Music Clubs, and Mrs. Herbert<br />
Langner, Mrs. Louis Alexander and Miss Irene<br />
Gould of the American Jewi.^h Committee.<br />
'Peacemaker' Stars Set<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Producer Hal R. MakeUm<br />
uiked James Mitchell and Rosemarie Bowe to<br />
co-star in 'The Peacemaker," his first film<br />
under the Makelim plan of releasing directly<br />
to exhibitors on pre-sold contracts. Based on<br />
a novel by Richard Poole, it will be filmed<br />
in De Luxe Color, starting almost immediately.<br />
Schaef er to Aid Bible Week<br />
.NEW YORK—George Schaefer, president<br />
of Selected Pictures, will act as the industry<br />
representative for the observance of National<br />
Bible Week, October 17-23. "Day of Triumph,"<br />
a religious picture, was produced by Selected.<br />
Hot Bingo Fight in N.Y.<br />
As Exhibitor Plans Test<br />
American Seating Post<br />
Goes to P. R. Bialas<br />
UHANU UAl'IUa V U. Blala.s has been<br />
appointed sales service manager for American<br />
Seating Co., Grand<br />
Rapids, Mich, accord-<br />
^^^^<br />
^fl|P|i^ ing to J. J. Thompson,<br />
^^^ ^^ the company's general<br />
V J .sales manager.<br />
"^'^ '^'-'^<br />
^("-^ iBSSf<br />
"^* position,<br />
-T^^ ^Tj' Mr. Bialas will co-<br />
•-<br />
ordinate and manage<br />
all of A m e r 1 c a n 's<br />
public seating installation<br />
activities ranging<br />
from the complex<br />
craftsmanship involved<br />
in furnishing church<br />
P. R. Bialas interiors, to bolting<br />
down seats in a stadium or theatre," Thompson<br />
said.<br />
Prior to this, Bialas had been installation<br />
manager for the company's eastern division.<br />
He has been with American Seating Co. since<br />
1947. During World War II he .served with<br />
the infantry. The Bialas family will reside in<br />
Grand Rapids.<br />
Disney Describes New TV<br />
Plans on Closed Circuit<br />
NEW YORK—Walt Disney gave a description<br />
of his new television program, Mickey<br />
Mouse Club, which will go on the air five<br />
afternoons a week starting October 3, over<br />
a closed TV circuit to 82 stations on Friday<br />
The program originated in New York<br />
at the ABC-TV studios.<br />
The purpose was to give 18 advertisers who<br />
have paid $15,000,000 to sponsor the program<br />
and other persons interested an opportunity<br />
to hear the format explained.<br />
Disney said it was his personal opinion that<br />
the program would "revolutionize daytime<br />
television." It will go on in each time zone<br />
at 5 p.m. and run for an hour. One segment<br />
will be the Mickey Mouse Club newsreel<br />
the first quarter hour of the show on Monday,<br />
Wednesday and Friday. Between 35 and 40<br />
Disney cameramen will gather material for<br />
this throughout the world.<br />
Jiminy Cricket will take over as master of<br />
ceremonies every other week. There also<br />
will be a troupe of Mouseketeers, boys and<br />
girls in singing and dancing specialties. The<br />
third segment will be a serial. In this there<br />
will be a 'What I Want to Be" series<br />
Allied of Kentucky Sets<br />
First Annual Meeting<br />
LOUISVILLE. KY. The newly formed<br />
Allied Theatre Owners of Kentucky will hold<br />
Its first annual all-day meeting at the Seelbach<br />
Hotel here October 18. All Kentucky<br />
exhibitors have been Invited to attend and<br />
to participate in the discussions of (Urn<br />
prices, trade practices, COMPO, the federal<br />
amusement tax and a film clinic. Officers<br />
and directors will be elected to succeed those<br />
appointed when the organization was formed.<br />
NEW YORK- Bingo again has become ii<br />
hot potato here and Is very much buck In the<br />
news, with Mayor Robert P. Wagner declaring<br />
It Ktlll illegal. whllc< having the<br />
corporation coun.scl study a 1952 court of<br />
appeals ruling; with Nassau County officials<br />
Indicating they won't oppose the game and<br />
with at least one theatre manager ready to<br />
make a test In .somewhat hectic surroundings.<br />
The court ruled In a Niagara Falls case<br />
that bingo Is legal if played In connection<br />
with entertainment for which admission Is<br />
charged. Admission cannot be charged for<br />
bingo alone. In the meantime, the legislature<br />
has pa.ssed a bill calling for a referendum on<br />
bingo and local option by 1958. Tills city has<br />
a bin which would limit the game to operation<br />
by church, charitable, veteran and welfare<br />
groups, but It hasn't come up for a votf<br />
CHANGE OF SITUA-nON<br />
That was the situation early in the week.<br />
It changed somewhat later when Peter Campbell<br />
Brown, corporation counsel, ruled that<br />
bingo might be legal. If played under the<br />
terms of the 1952 court decision. He said<br />
the three main elements of a lottery are<br />
"chance, payment of a consideration for the<br />
chance and a prize." He added that bingo<br />
may be legal, if one of the elements of the<br />
lottery is absent from Its operation. Then<br />
he laid the matter in the lap of the police,<br />
saying it was up to them to supply "a Judgment<br />
as to the presence or absence of the<br />
essential statutory elements of a lottery."<br />
Mayor Wagner apparently will not object<br />
to a test case, and that will be supplied by<br />
Nat Renaud, manager of the Avenue U Theatre,<br />
Avenue U and East 16th Street in Brooklyn.<br />
Renaud said early in the week he will<br />
test the legality of bingo. There was the<br />
likelihood others will do likewise.<br />
Renaud told BOXOFFICE that for .several<br />
months three churches and a synagogue In<br />
his neighborhood have been staging bingo<br />
games to the detriment of attendance at the<br />
500-seat theatre, which is owned by Albert<br />
Green. He said he will start Monday evening<br />
games October 3 under the name of Cha-Cha.<br />
Tlieir conduct will be in accordance with the<br />
1952 court ruling in that there will be no<br />
admission charge for the game. He claimed<br />
furthermore that bingo is a game of skill<br />
rather than of chance. There will be a $50<br />
cash prize and a S50 U. S. savings bond prize<br />
DIFFICULTIES EXPECTED<br />
The theatre has been existing prccarlou.sly.<br />
according to Renaud, not only because of<br />
film rental and product problems but also<br />
becau.se of the nearby bingo competition. He<br />
said his average Monday evening attendance<br />
has been 300. He expected Cha-Cha to Increase<br />
It to 500 to 600.<br />
Renaud also said he expected difficulties<br />
arising out of the fact he will furnish competition<br />
to existing bingo games. He claimed<br />
to know of plans to pack his theatre lobby<br />
to make entry to bingo difficult If not Impossible,<br />
and said that If necessary the police<br />
will be called.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1. 1955 23
Yates Predicts Top Year<br />
For Republic Films<br />
HOLLYWOOD—With productional activity<br />
at the studio now at its highest level in the<br />
company's history, Republic president Herbert<br />
J. Yates on Monday (26) forecast "a most<br />
optimistic outlook" for his organization and<br />
the film industry in general during this year's<br />
final quarter and the first six months of 1956.<br />
"Domestic and foreign business will show<br />
increases this year," Yates declared, and<br />
1955-56 will be "the greatest production year<br />
in Republic's 20-year history."<br />
He pointed out that all 19 stages at the<br />
valley studio are occupied with feature and<br />
TV production, music scoring and dubbing,<br />
and said all technical departments are working<br />
overtime to complete Republic's production<br />
program, which has seen 15 features<br />
already completed thi.s year.<br />
More than $1,000,000 will be expended before<br />
the end of 1955, Yates reported, on additional<br />
construction, technical equipment and further<br />
development of Republic's new Cinepanoramic<br />
lens.<br />
Seven theatrical features and TV subjects<br />
are currently shooting, two features are being<br />
scored and dubbed and 17 other properties are<br />
in various stages of preparation.<br />
In work as Republic ventures are "The<br />
Maverick Queen," being shot in the Cinepanoramic<br />
process: "Shot in the Dark" and<br />
"Stranger at My Door." Being scored and<br />
dubbed are "Circus Girl" and "Come Next<br />
Spring," while other stages are occupied with<br />
four video projects leasing the studio's facilities.<br />
The 17 upcoming subjects, some of which<br />
will be shot in Cinepanoramic and Trucolor,<br />
include:<br />
"Lisbon," to star Ray Milland: "Annie<br />
Jordan." "Portrait of a Hero," "Little Lady<br />
of the Big House," "Brother Van," "Man of<br />
Violence," "The Deerstalker," "The Long<br />
Watch." "Back of Beyond," "Renegades and<br />
the Woman," "Jesse James Was My<br />
Neighbor," "And Suddenly You Run," "Below<br />
the Summit." "Lady in Lace." "Sophisticated<br />
Lady." "The White Leopard" and "The Long<br />
Way Back."<br />
DISNEY HONORED BY SMPTE—Walt<br />
Disney receives a certificate of honorary<br />
membership in the Society of Motion Picture<br />
and Television Engineers from Dr.<br />
John G. Frayne of Westrex Corp., president<br />
of the Society. The certificate was<br />
awarded to Disney at a ceremony at the<br />
.•\BC Telecenter, New York City, for his<br />
lifetime of important contributions to the<br />
field of animated motion pictures, and for<br />
his excellent handling of nature subjects.<br />
Four to Receive Awards<br />
At SMPTE Convention<br />
NEW YORK—The Society of Motion Picture<br />
and Television Engineers announces<br />
four awards that will be presented October<br />
4 at its 78th convention at Lake Placid. Dr.<br />
Harry S. Olson of RCA has been chosen for<br />
the Samuel L. Warner Memorial Award. Dr.<br />
Elmer W. Engstrom. who will receive SMPTE's<br />
Progres.s Medal Award, is executive vicepresident<br />
of research and engineering and a<br />
director of RCA. Bernard D. Loughlin, consulting<br />
engineer with the Hazeltine Corp.,<br />
will be recipient of the David Sarnoff Gold<br />
Medal for his work in color television. R. S.<br />
O'Brien, senior project engineer of the Columbia<br />
Broadcasting System, will be presented<br />
SMPTE's Journal Award.<br />
Now It's a Drive for an Exhibifor<br />
In the Minneapolis Territory<br />
MINNEAPOLIS—There's a new kind of industry<br />
drive on In the territory, and theatre<br />
owners are particularly interested in it. It's<br />
an exhibitor's Instead of film company drive<br />
and Bill Danelz, owner of the Border Theatre<br />
In Elmore, Minn., conceived the switch.<br />
He launched it as the "Morgan Theatre Exhibitor's<br />
Drive" in "honor" of theatre owner<br />
Clarence Morris in nearby Morgan.<br />
Film companies here that have a practice<br />
of staging playdate campaigns, etc., from<br />
time to time In "honor" of one of their<br />
executives, have been notified by Danelz that<br />
his drive will continue from October through<br />
December.<br />
Its goals, he says, are lowering of film<br />
rentals, getting earlier playdates, obtaining<br />
only top grossing pictures and securing a<br />
few shorts gratis.<br />
"This is our first drive, Mr. Distributor, and<br />
how about getting behind it?" asks Danelz<br />
in his letter sent to all film exchanges here.<br />
"You have advised us to refurbish and clean<br />
our theatre, to put in new equipment, to get<br />
out and exploit.<br />
"Well, friend, we have done all this and<br />
we still need your help. We have cooperated<br />
with you in your sales and playdate drives<br />
in the past. Now is your opportunity to cooperate<br />
with us In our first Exhibitor's<br />
Drive."<br />
Danelz says he feels sure the territory's<br />
exhibitors will watch the drive's results with<br />
great Interest.<br />
Four MGM Releases,<br />
Six Reprints Set<br />
NEW YORK—Four new features are<br />
scheduled for MGM release, plus six reprints<br />
and two more pictures for special engagements<br />
only for the final three months of<br />
1955.<br />
The October releases will be "Trial."<br />
starring Glenn Ford. Dorothy McGuire.<br />
Arthur Kennedy and John Hodiak: "Quentin<br />
Durward." in CinemaScope and Eastman<br />
Color, starring Robert Taylor. Kay Kendall<br />
and Robert Morley. and two reprints, "The<br />
Philadelphia Story." starring Cary Grant,<br />
Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart, and<br />
"Green Dolphin Street." starring Lana<br />
Turner, Van Heflin and Donna Reed.<br />
The leadoff picture for November will be<br />
"The Tender Trap," in CinemaScope and<br />
Eastman Color, starring Frank Sinatra.<br />
Debbie RejTiolds. David Wayne and Celeste<br />
Holm. There will also be two reprints, "A<br />
Guy Named Joe," starring Spencer Tracy,<br />
Van Johnson and Irene Dunne, and "Thirty<br />
Seconds Over Tokyo," starring Tracy, Johnson<br />
and Phyllis Thaxter.<br />
Samuel Goldwyn's production of "Guys and<br />
Dolls," in CinemaScope and color, starring<br />
Marlon Brando. Jean Simmons. Frank<br />
Sinatra and Vivian Blaine, has been booked<br />
for several special engagements during<br />
November and, for special engagements in<br />
December. MGM will have "I'll Cry Tomorrow,"<br />
starring Susan Hayward, Richard Conte.<br />
Eddie Albert and Jo Van Fleet.<br />
"Kismet." in CinemaScope and Eastman<br />
Color, will be the Christmas picture. It stars<br />
Howard Keel. Ann Blyth. Dolores Gray and<br />
Vic Damone. Two reprints for December will<br />
be: "Billy the Kid." starring Robert Taylor<br />
and Brian Donlevy, and "Honky Tonk."<br />
starring Clark Gable and Lana Turner.<br />
Carl Siegel Services;<br />
Executive With SW<br />
NEW YORK—Funeral services for Carl A.<br />
Siegel. 44. executive head of Stanley Warner<br />
Corp. service department, were held at the<br />
Riverside Memorial Chapel Wednesday i28>.<br />
Siegel died suddenly September 25 of a heart<br />
attack.<br />
Originally in the wholesale dress business.<br />
Siegel began his theatre activity In the Newark<br />
zone office of Warner Bros. Theatres, in<br />
the booking department, from which he was<br />
transferred to the advertising department<br />
and given charge of the zone concessions. His<br />
talent for merchandising resulted In his becoming<br />
the operating head of the service<br />
department for the entire circuit in 1951.<br />
remaining In charge when the circuit became<br />
Stanley Warner Corp.<br />
He is .survived by his wife. Cecile: a brother.<br />
Arthur St«el. and his mother and stepfather.<br />
Major and Mrs. Albert Warner.<br />
Mrs. Orville Crouch<br />
INDIANAPOLIS—Funeral .services for Mrs.<br />
Oiville Crouch. 40. wife of the eastern zone<br />
manager of Loew's Theatres, were held here<br />
Wednesday i28>. Mrs. Crouch was fatally<br />
injured in a traffic accident in Washington<br />
September 24. as she was crossing the highway<br />
to enter her husband's car. Besides her<br />
husband. Mrs. Crouch is .survived by her<br />
mother, five sisters and a brother in Indianapolis.<br />
26 BOXOFTICE October 1. 1955
. . Let<br />
Federal Film Co. Sues<br />
Filmakers on 'Bold'<br />
BOSTON A bill ill eqiiily ha.-- been filed m<br />
Suffolk superior court hero by Albert Swerdlove<br />
and Federal Film Co of Boston against<br />
Filmakers Releasing Organization of California.<br />
Swerdlovc and Federal Film hold the<br />
exclusive franchise to distribute In New England<br />
eight pictures to be released by<br />
Filmakei-s. four of which have already been<br />
released, and the fifth "Tlie Bold and the<br />
Brave." ready for release.<br />
Tlic complaint alleges that Irving H. Levin,<br />
president of Filmakers. tried to get Albert<br />
Swerdlove to relinquish "The Bold and the<br />
Brave" from the franchise so that Levin<br />
could sell the picture or distribute it through<br />
a national distributor. Upon Swerdlove's refusal<br />
to agree, the complaint continues,<br />
Filmakers has served notice of t.ermlnation<br />
of Federal Film Co.'s rights as franchise<br />
holder under the franchise agreement.<br />
A temporary injunction was issued by the<br />
superior court restraining Filmakers Releasing<br />
Organization from licensing or distributing<br />
"The Bold and the Brave" in the New<br />
England territory excepting by and through<br />
Federal Film Co. and Albert Swerdlove as<br />
franchise holders. The court also issued an<br />
order of notice to Filmakers to show cause<br />
on Wednesday (28 • why the temporary relief<br />
asked for should not be granted. Mintz.<br />
Levin & Cohn of Boston appeared as<br />
counsel for the franchise holder.<br />
The four films already released by<br />
Filmakers and distributed by Federal Film<br />
are "The Bigamist." "Private Hell 36." "Mad<br />
at the World" and "Crash-Out." The remaining<br />
three films have not as yet been<br />
started in Hollj-wood by Filmakers. "The<br />
Bold and the Brave" stars Mickey Rooney<br />
and Nicole Maury and has Wendell Corey<br />
and Don Taylor in .supporting roles.<br />
Black Hills Theatres Join<br />
Audience Awards Program<br />
NETW YORK—Word has been received here<br />
at the Council of Motion Picture Organizations<br />
headquarters that Richard Klein,<br />
general manager of the Black Hills Amusement<br />
Co., has instructed his 11 theatres in<br />
South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming to<br />
take part in the Audience Awards election.<br />
The participating theatres are: Elks and<br />
Rex and the Rapid and Starlite Drive-ins,<br />
' all of Rapid City, S, D.; Belle Theatre, Belle<br />
Fourche, S. D.; Dakota Theatre, Sturgls,<br />
S D.: Hot Springs, Hot Springs, S. D.; Dogle<br />
Theatre. New Castle, Wye; Pace, Chadron,<br />
Neb., and Pace, Gordon, Neb.<br />
20th-Fox May Make Eight<br />
CinemaScopes in England<br />
LONTHDN— Plans for the production of<br />
eight British Cinemascope pictures for 20th<br />
Century-Fox yearly are under discussion here<br />
between Sir Alexander Korda and Sumar<br />
Productions. Six would be from Korda and<br />
:he remaining two from Sumar.<br />
Spyros P. Skouras, 20th-Fox president, and<br />
Darryl F. Zanuck. vice-president in charge<br />
of production, have gone to southern France<br />
to put the finishing touches on the deal.<br />
Korda is recovering there from an illness.<br />
Audience Awards Poll<br />
Praised by Newspapers<br />
NEW YORK—Newspaper editors and columnists<br />
are showing much Interest In the<br />
Audience Awards election. Editorial comment<br />
and stories and pictures about It are appearing<br />
with increasing frequency. Here are .some<br />
quotations from prominent papers:<br />
Richmond (Va.) News-Leader: "Biggest<br />
news to come out of the movie Industry In<br />
many months is the decision to let the theatregoers<br />
bestow their own Oscars. The Council<br />
of Motion Picture Organizations has hit upon<br />
a scheme that should benefit Just about<br />
everyone who Is interested In the movies."<br />
Virgil Miers in the Dallas Times-Herald:<br />
"It sounds as if the gentlemen of COMPO<br />
have gone Into the project with a lot of<br />
thought behind it. It should be a most Interesting<br />
gauge of the popularity of the stars<br />
and pictures. What is .selected may not be<br />
anyone's 'best picture of the year," but it<br />
certainly will be the people's selection of the<br />
best picture released between Oct. 1. 1954,<br />
and Sept. 30, 1955."<br />
Arthur Spaeth, Cleveland News: "The nation's<br />
film critics and the Academy Awards<br />
people will watch this balloting with fascinated<br />
interest. It will be so good to know<br />
how far out of step with the popular viewpoint<br />
the pros can get."<br />
Elinor Hughes, Boston Sunday Herald: "I<br />
strongly suspect that we'll all be in for some<br />
surprises."<br />
Allen M. WIdem, Hartford Times: "The<br />
film industry will do it-self as well as audiences<br />
a distinct favor by not only paying attention<br />
to the poll results, but also by taking<br />
care to see that the newly acclaimed faces<br />
are not lost In the shuffle from the scriptwriter's<br />
office to the location set."<br />
Edith LIndeman, Richmond Times-Dispatch:<br />
"This will not be an election by the<br />
movie industry who decide on the Academy<br />
.Awards, nor by women's groups or subscribers<br />
to any magazine or film critics. It will be by<br />
the people who ought to know best—the<br />
moviegoers—and the chances are that this<br />
particular poll will w'ind up as the most<br />
significant of them all."<br />
Hamilton B. .*IIen, Rochester Times-Union:<br />
"HollyT^ood is going to get a few answers<br />
from the ticket buyers. Mr. John Q. is going<br />
to have a chance to get off the bench and<br />
take a few swings at bat. The results may<br />
be very Interesting."<br />
Rasper Monahan, Pittsburgh Press-Sun:<br />
"Obviously, Hollywood by tabulating these<br />
votes win have an indisputable valuation of<br />
moviegoers' likes and dislikes. Sounds like<br />
a sensible gimmick. Hope It works."<br />
Ruth Elguttcr, Toledo Times: "Such a poll<br />
has a double value. Not only will It enable<br />
every person who cares to voice an opinion<br />
to do so, but It aUso will give moviemakers<br />
an Idea of the type of film the public actually<br />
appreciates, something which Is not always<br />
clear In cross-section sampling or even Indicated<br />
by attendance records."<br />
Edwin Howard, Memphis Preas-Sclmltar:<br />
"We plain moviegoers can at last talk back<br />
to Oscar. The artists and technicians who<br />
make the movies—the 2,500 members of the<br />
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences<br />
—sit In judgment on them.selves to bestow the<br />
Academy Awards. Now the movie producer.-*<br />
and performers will receive rccognHlon from<br />
the millions who decide the succe.ss or failure<br />
of motion pictures anyway— the ticket buyers"<br />
Bill DIehl. .St. Paul Pioneer Prnm: "Oscar<br />
presentations didn't start until the late 1920s<br />
and It wasn't until the '30s that they rccclVTd<br />
real stature . . . The COMPO people have u<br />
long lead to overcome, but by letting the<br />
ticket buyer pick the winners, they enhance<br />
the poll."<br />
William H. Mooring, The Pilot, Boston:<br />
'This Is going to be a big thing. It Is com-<br />
.<br />
mercial, right enough. It Is Intended to Increase<br />
public Interest In movies, and I find<br />
nothing WTong with that us try to<br />
.see that honor goes where honor Is due."<br />
Norman Clark, Baltimore News-Post: "An<br />
audience movie poll— that sounds sensible."<br />
Theatres Are Asked to Sign<br />
Audience Awards Pledges<br />
NEW YORK-Theatre enlistment pledges<br />
for the Audience Awards election are being<br />
mailed to all circuit operators and 16,000<br />
theatres in the U. S. by the Council of Motion<br />
Picture Organizations. Each pledge contains<br />
the official rules for the public balloting<br />
November 17-27. It notes there Is no entrance<br />
fee and that a signer does not commit himself<br />
to cash expenditures except those necessary<br />
for promotion of the election.<br />
A letter from Elmer C. Rhoden, national<br />
committee chairman, accompanies the<br />
pledges. In it Rhoden says he is aware of<br />
the average person's reluctance to sign<br />
pledges.<br />
"I am sending you this pledge blank for<br />
two reasons," the letter says. "First, when all<br />
the returns are in we will have a clearer Idea<br />
of the number of participating theatres<br />
Secondly, this pledge blank will advise theatremen<br />
what will be expected of them In the<br />
conduct of the voting and In reporting the<br />
results of the poll, and will thus help to<br />
protect the Integrity of the election, which of<br />
course must be preserved If the Audience<br />
Awards project Is to be the success we expect<br />
it will be.<br />
"I wish to emphasize that the signing of<br />
this pledge Is entirely voluntary. I feel<br />
confident, however, that you will appreciate<br />
my position as national chairman of the<br />
Audience Awards committee and that you will<br />
give me your cooperation in this matter."<br />
Theatre operators are asked to sign the<br />
pledges and mall them as soon as possible to<br />
Rhoden at COMPO headquarters In the<br />
addressed, postage-paid envelope Inclosed for<br />
that purpose.<br />
Ralph Russell Will Speak<br />
At Canton Awards Lunch<br />
CANTON, OHIO—Ralph Russell of the<br />
Palace Theatre, Canton, will be the principal<br />
speaker at the kick-off luncheon for the<br />
Audience Awards program. He has conducted<br />
.several programs In the past.<br />
Harry B French of the Minnesota Amusement<br />
Co. and Ben Berger. president of North<br />
Central Allied, are co-chairmen of the meeting.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1. 1955<br />
27
HERE COMES<br />
ENTERTAINMENT!<br />
HERE COMES C^tteAeo/tsee/f<br />
EXCITEMENT!:::<br />
'\..sfrong box office..."<br />
-MOT/ON ?\Zl\i\(^ Oh\Vi<br />
''...ranks with the best..."<br />
-HARRISONS REPORTS<br />
"...Strong box office pull..."<br />
'\..a critical and<br />
box office success...'<br />
-HOLtyWOOD REPORTER<br />
"...a box office success..<br />
-F/IM DA/tY -SHOWMEN'S TRADE iVin<br />
SMASHING HOUSE RECORDS IN FIRST NEW YORK RlN
Most ^0Ci7iA/&<br />
True-Life Adventure f^7l(^£/<br />
e best ever.. ."-wEEKty VARIETY<br />
eserves an a^vard..." i,OtOff\Zi<br />
OlSNIT PIOOUCTIONS<br />
Rl^^PENING FINE ARTS THEATRE, LA., OCTOBER 13th
. . later<br />
. . Earl<br />
. . The<br />
. . Elstree's<br />
. . The<br />
.<br />
.<br />
A(mdo*t ^c^iont<br />
TOPIC<br />
number one in the entertainment<br />
business here has been televisioncommercial<br />
television. On Thursday<br />
night, September 22, history was made in<br />
Britain when, before an estimated viewing<br />
public of over a million people, the first<br />
commercial television show was telecast from<br />
London.<br />
Blessed by the presence of no less than the<br />
Postmaster General, Dr. Charles Hill, the<br />
Lord Mayor of London and the chairman of<br />
the Independent Television Authority, 800 or<br />
more leading figures in the financial, political<br />
and the entertainment world attended a<br />
banquet at the historic ancient Guildhall to<br />
celebrate the launching of the new opposition<br />
to the British Broadcasting Co. and, in particular,<br />
the film industry. The cameramen of<br />
Associated Rediffusion and Associated Broadcasting<br />
focused viewers attention on this distinguished<br />
gathering which received almost<br />
the same awed commentary as the BBC gave<br />
the Coronation. The banquet was followed<br />
by a slickly produced variety show, extracts<br />
from three plays starring Margaret Leighton,<br />
Sir John Gielgud, Alec Guinness, John<br />
Clements and Kay Hammond; 50 minutes of<br />
first-rate boxing presented by Jack Solomons,<br />
a mannequin parade, a newsreel, some firstclass<br />
cabaret, plus, of course, the commercials.<br />
In Britain, all commercial TV programs<br />
are the responsibility of the program contractors<br />
and are not sponsored, as in the<br />
United States, by the advertiser. Press comment<br />
on both the shows and the commercials,<br />
which were inserted before, at the end<br />
of, and in between certain definite natural<br />
breaks in the shows, ranged from "fair" to<br />
"good." Many newspapermen, however, noted<br />
that few of the commercials surpassed those<br />
presented with much .skill and ingenuity on<br />
British cinema screens by the J. Arthur Rank<br />
and the Pearl and Dean .screen advertising<br />
services.<br />
Bearing in mind the commercial television<br />
operators had slightly less than ten months<br />
to organize a TV counterpart of the BBC,<br />
the job was well done and commercial television<br />
proved to possess as much know-how<br />
and show-how of entertainment techniques<br />
to satisfy the most critical viewers. The big<br />
problem facing the program contractors,<br />
A.s.sociated Rediffusion, Monday to FYiday in<br />
the London and Home counties region, Associated<br />
Broadcasting, London weekends and<br />
Birmingham weekdays, Granada, Manchester<br />
in the North weekdays, and As.sociated British<br />
Cinemas (Television), Ltd., Manchester<br />
and North, Birmingham and Midlands weekends,<br />
will be the question of how much money<br />
advertisers will place at their disposal. To<br />
begin with, not a lot. The Midland and<br />
Manchester stations will not be operating, at<br />
least, before the end of the year, and a large<br />
percentage of potential viewers are not hurrying<br />
to have their sets adapted to the new<br />
wave band.<br />
There was hardly any reaction to business<br />
in the London cinemas. A 5 per cent decline<br />
was noticed In those cinemas showing below<br />
average programs; the big films held their<br />
own.<br />
It Is difficult to realize that Wardour<br />
Street will not see Maxie Thorpe, chairman<br />
— By ANTHONY GRUNER<br />
of Columbia Pictures, around any more.<br />
Maxie died last week after a prolonged illness.<br />
He was only 58. He represented a<br />
breed of showman that is fast dying out in<br />
the business. A shrewd, dynamic personality,<br />
Maxie treated the film business in the way<br />
that General Patton treated war ... he was<br />
a blood-and-guts salesman who fought to the<br />
last farthing for his company and its product.<br />
Maxie entered the industry shortly after<br />
the first World War, a student salesman with<br />
Universal at Newcastle-on-Tyne. Soon he<br />
became Manchester branch manager and then<br />
London manager. He next became sales manager<br />
of Warners and launched their talking<br />
picture sales policy in Britain. He joined<br />
Columbia in 1933 and three years later was<br />
invited to join the board of directors.<br />
Maxie did a terrific job of work in holding<br />
the fort for his company during the war and<br />
was appointed managing director of Colum-<br />
affection.<br />
Sir Alexander Korda must have got the<br />
surprise of his life, when he learned that<br />
"Richard III," with Laurence Olivier, had not<br />
been selected as this year's choice for the<br />
Royal Film Performance. Instead, Paramount's<br />
VistaVision light comedy thriller "To<br />
Catch a Thief," directed by Alfred Hitchcock,<br />
starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant was<br />
chosen. The committee responsible for the<br />
choice had quite a selection to view, including<br />
John Huston's "Moby Dick," "Oh. Rosalinda,"<br />
with Mel Ferrer and Michael Redgrave,<br />
but it was "Richard III" that everyone<br />
in the know said would get the award.<br />
Sir Alex had even cancelled a special premiere<br />
which a member of the Royal Family<br />
would have attended in order not to prejudice<br />
his chances for this year's Royal Show. Now<br />
he will have to think again. Knowing Sir<br />
Alex, however, he is bound to turn up with<br />
something quite sensational. Meanwhile<br />
Queen Elizabeth and Piince Phillip will see<br />
"To Catch a Thief" on October 31 at the<br />
Odeon, Leicester Square, the night's proceeds<br />
of which will go to Cinematograph Trade<br />
Benevolent F^ind.<br />
Sir Michael Balcon, chief of Ealing Studios,<br />
has been airing his views on the effect<br />
that television will have on the boxoffice.<br />
In an interview with Roy Nash, film critic<br />
of one of Britain's biggest national papers.<br />
Sir Michael says he doesn't believe Britain<br />
win suffer the drop In cinema admissions<br />
that followed the reintroduction of television<br />
in Britain Just after the war. "This, unfortunately,<br />
coincided with a run of very poor<br />
films. Those being turned out today are of<br />
a much higher quality." In answer to<br />
whether the cinema can bring back audiences<br />
lost to television. Sir Michael Is very optimistic:<br />
"People will never lose the urge to go<br />
out to see a show. The cinema with its two<br />
feature films and a newsreel is still the best<br />
value-for-money entertainment of them all!"<br />
Sir Michael, who has maintained a steady<br />
output of four to five features a year, mostly<br />
in color, has not yet been sold (as far as<br />
Ealing Studios is concerned<br />
i on the new<br />
techniques, such as Cinemascope and stereophonic<br />
sound. When Roy Nash asked him<br />
whether film producers should concentrate on<br />
the more spectacular type of story using all<br />
the latest screen processes. Sir Michael said<br />
•No—not merely for spectacle's sake, although<br />
the cinema should. I admit, do the things<br />
that TV cannot do.<br />
"What interests people at the cinema is a<br />
good story about real people with whom they<br />
can identify themselves. All the rest is<br />
really trimming."<br />
Sir Herbert Wilcox is nothing, if not a<br />
great showman. Unscared of television is<br />
this veteran film producer, whether BBC or<br />
commercial. Already he has amiounced plans<br />
for his new film, "Kings Rhapsody," starring<br />
Anna Neagle and Errol Flynn, to be thoroughly<br />
publicized on television in no fewer<br />
than six key spots. He scored a great achievement<br />
in persuading Associated Rediffusion<br />
to give him a 30-minute show on October 26<br />
bia in 1949 . becoming a vice-president<br />
of Columbia Pictures International Corp.<br />
It was his serious internal illness that forced<br />
him to resign the managing directorship last<br />
in connection with the premiere of the film.<br />
month. Maxie's belief in Columbia and the<br />
The interesting point is that the viewers will<br />
film industry was a byword in the trade. He<br />
not see one minute of "Kiiigs Rhapsody."<br />
never sought personal popularity, but he<br />
They will see Miss Neagle leaving home for<br />
achieved the respect of exhibitors and renters<br />
the theatre, arriving there with the other<br />
alike. When his death was announced<br />
leading personalities, will watch performances<br />
there were few people in the trade who did<br />
not remember him with a warm burst of<br />
of Robert Farnum's orchestra on the stage,<br />
and will generally hear everything about<br />
"Kings Rhapsody" from the cast, producer<br />
and friends of the late Ivor Novello, who<br />
wrote the original musical comedy. If this<br />
shouldn't tantalize the viewers, nothing will.<br />
"Kings Rhap.sody" will be distributed by<br />
United Ai-tists in the U. S.<br />
News in Brief: Arthur Abeles. British chief<br />
of Warner Bros., held a three-day conference<br />
of his branch managers on September 27 to<br />
discuss the handUng of new product. They<br />
were shown "Pete Kelly's Blues," "Mister<br />
Roberts," "Land of the Pharaohs" and "Helen<br />
of Troy" .<br />
and Lady Mountbatten<br />
are to be the guests of honor at the next<br />
luncheon of the British Variety Tent on<br />
October 11 at the Savoy Hotel, at which Sam<br />
Eckman jr. will be King for the Day .<br />
For the first time in the history of the circuit.<br />
Associated British Cinemas will be<br />
bringing back a film for general release<br />
within a month of having completed its<br />
London release. The picture is the recordbreaking<br />
"Dam Busters," starring Richard<br />
Todd and Michael Redgrave and directed by<br />
Michael Anderson . Cinema Exhibitors<br />
Ass'n will be holding a meeting on October 5<br />
to consider proposals for a revision of the ne<br />
association's constitution. Object being<br />
streamline the organization in line with thi<br />
current shortage of finance owing to th 3<br />
absence of the Rank theatres affiliation witl"<br />
this body . Film Industry Publicitj<br />
Circle will hold a testimonial luncheon foi<br />
Connery Chappell, former editor of Kinf<br />
Weekly and Picturegoer, and now edltor-li<br />
chief of Illustrated, one of Britain's top pic<br />
ture magazines Robert Clark ha<br />
.<br />
bought the film rights of "H.M.S. Ulysses,<br />
an outstanding first novel by Scottish school<br />
master Allstair MacLean. This is the story c<br />
the perilous wartime operations of the Britlsl<br />
convoy route to north Russia.<br />
30<br />
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LETTERS<br />
Analyzes Film-Pricing Problem<br />
Regarding AUied's desire to get film rentals<br />
into Congressional jurisdiction, I wonder if<br />
this just really could accomplish any good.<br />
I believe that there are times I pay too much<br />
for pictures. I have always believed that percentage<br />
pictures are fair to both exhibitor<br />
and distributor, except when they DON'T do<br />
business. Then, even though the rental may<br />
be small, the rest of the money just doesn't<br />
cover the bills.<br />
Without exhibitors the movie industry must<br />
sell to TV, or quit. If they can't make money,<br />
they won't produce. If the little theatre<br />
doesn't make money, it can't stay open either.<br />
Those small theatres help carry the ball to<br />
tell people that movies everywhere! With<br />
movies as fine a low-priced entertainment as<br />
there Is—then they should be helped.<br />
But, if even giving away pictures to those<br />
theatres can't help them break even or make<br />
a profit, then it isn't just good economics to<br />
keep them open. Local management must<br />
determine, in all honesty, if it is the terms<br />
that break them, or their own lack of salesmanship<br />
in their community.<br />
My dad operated a drug store. He bought<br />
merchandise and resold it at a profit. If it<br />
didn't sell, he made NO money. He even lost<br />
the interest on the money invested. He<br />
gambled on selling day after day. He knew<br />
his business, however, and bought wisely. He<br />
operated on margins that varied from a<br />
third to more on prescriptions, where his<br />
pharmaceutical knowledge came Into being.<br />
He did not tell his supplier what price to<br />
charge him for his merchandise. He resold<br />
the merchandise, basing his price on his cost.<br />
And WHEN HE DIDN'T DO BUSINESS, HE<br />
DIDN'T MAKE ANY MONEY. He did not<br />
write Congress or his supplier and ask for an<br />
extra discount to stay in business!<br />
I grant that we are in a different type of<br />
business than the drug busines.s—but I can<br />
remember when my dad sweated through the<br />
depression and took in from $15 to $30 per<br />
day gross! In the drive-in, we think nothing<br />
of a thousand dollar Saturday night gross<br />
between boxoffice and concession.<br />
I believe too many exhibitors look upon the<br />
entertainment business as a beautiful opportunity<br />
to get rich quick off a long-suffering<br />
public. I myself have played some films that<br />
afterwards I believed would have been better<br />
left unfilmed. Even more, too many exhibitors<br />
feel that a title on the marquee (and<br />
sometimes not thati in crooked, illegible letters,<br />
and a musty, unswept, dilapidated interior,<br />
with flickering, bungUng projection<br />
technique wUl jam the houses as well as<br />
their pocketbooks. When it doesn't, they<br />
blame the film terms.<br />
Knowing how my booker, William Clark of<br />
Clark Theatre Service, scrapes to keep from<br />
giving away our margin of profit through<br />
exorbitant rentals, I know that I wouldn't<br />
be operating successfully without his help.<br />
We have paid good prices for a lot of pictures,<br />
too much for some, and not enough for some<br />
but as long as we do business, and can operate<br />
at a profit. I think the distributors are entitled<br />
to their fair share.<br />
I do believe there are too many scalawags<br />
in both exhibition and distribution who would<br />
take advantage of the honest men in both.<br />
That makes it tough for those of us who like<br />
to play it square, and do play it square.<br />
I would like to make a percentage deal on<br />
every picture I play, for it would be fair to<br />
the distributors. The big pictures get too<br />
much, the little good pictures don't get<br />
enough. So the big get bigger, and the little<br />
companies stay small.<br />
I can't stay in business on 40 or 50 per cent<br />
pictures—because as a rule they don't do<br />
enough business.<br />
So, the upshot of this rambling letter is to<br />
say, what-the-hell can Congress do that<br />
would be any better than the fighting<br />
scramble we've got now? Maybe they can<br />
fair-trade the deal a bit—but what right<br />
have they got to tell anybody what tneir costs<br />
are? I run a printing plant daytimes. The<br />
costs in that plant control my retail prices.<br />
If my costs are too high, I can't make a<br />
profit—or sell either! I either balance the<br />
two or get the heck into some other business.<br />
Maybe that applies to the movie business, too.<br />
Sky Drive-In Theatre,<br />
Adrian, Mich.<br />
ROBERT B. TUTTLE<br />
CALENDAR Of EVENTS<br />
OCTOBER<br />
Vandals Push Over Drive-ln Posts<br />
Vandals pushed over more than half of the speaker posts at the Riverside Drive-In<br />
Theatre, Hill City, Kas., after a recent midnight show. Several teenage boys were<br />
responsible. They also tos.scd a chair to the roof of the snackbar, broke one wire<br />
and damaged two speakers.<br />
The Kivcrsldc is operated by Lily Welty, Rex Welty and Eva Wclty Miles, children<br />
of J. N. Welty, retired, who started with the Midway Theatre and later built the<br />
drivc-ln. Lily Welty said that prior to this vandalism there was never a speaker stolen.<br />
The boys paid for the damage and also surrendered several home privileges for<br />
two weeks.
I<br />
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MOTION ncruM t NMH.riotufr
TEXT OF INDUSTRY ARBITRATION PLAN<br />
DRAFT<br />
VOLUNTARY ARBITRATION<br />
AGREEMENT<br />
Including the rules and procedure under<br />
which the arbitration system shall operate.<br />
THIS AGREEMENT was entered into on<br />
the date shown in the concluding paragraph<br />
by and among the defendant distributors<br />
in the case of United States v.<br />
Paramount Pictures, Inc. et al. and certain<br />
non-defendant motion picture distributors<br />
(parties of the first parti and certain associations<br />
of motion picture exhibitors<br />
'parties of the second part) for the purpose<br />
of establishing and maintaining a<br />
voluntary system of arbitration to serve as<br />
an expeditious and inexpensive means of<br />
settling controversies of the kirid hereinafter<br />
specifically described between motion<br />
picture distributors and exhibitors.<br />
This agreement shall not become effective<br />
unless or until it is consented to by<br />
the attorney general of the United States.<br />
If. at the end of the 12 months' test period,<br />
this agreement is not renewed, the arbitration<br />
system herein provided for shall nevertheless<br />
continue in effect and the obligations<br />
of the parties hereto shall continue until all<br />
arbitration proceedings Instituted prior to the<br />
expiration of the test period have been finally<br />
dispo.sed of. but in no event longer than three<br />
months after the expiration of the .said 12<br />
months' test period provided for herein. Any<br />
(1) Whenever the word "distributor," exhibitor" or<br />
"rcsDondent" is followed by on asterisk, the singular<br />
shall include the plural consistent with the context.<br />
if<br />
Unless otherwise stated, the word "distributor,"<br />
when used to dcsionoto a respondent, may include<br />
not only a distributor defendant but any distributor<br />
signing this agreement.<br />
Whenever the term "respondent*" Is used hereinafter,<br />
it shall be understood to Include the distributor*<br />
comptoined ogainst, and ony intervening<br />
distributor*<br />
or exhibitor*, depending upon the context.<br />
complaint filed prior to the expiration date<br />
of the test period may proceed to hearing<br />
during three months following the expiration<br />
of the test period. Any complaint in which<br />
there is no award in the regional arbitration<br />
tribunal prior to the expiration of three<br />
months after the expiration of the test period,<br />
shall be dismissed without prejudice in the<br />
same manner as though the complaint had<br />
never been filed. All appeals to be heard by<br />
the National Appeals Board, whether pending<br />
at the expiration of the test period or arising<br />
from awards made during the three<br />
months' period after the expiration of the<br />
test period as above provided, shall continue<br />
to be heard until all .such appeals have been<br />
heard and determined by the National<br />
Appeals Board. It is of course understood<br />
and agreed that no new proceedings nor proceedings<br />
for a modification of an award upon<br />
the ground of changed conditions shall be instituted<br />
after the expiration of the test period.<br />
The provisions of all arbitration awards and<br />
judgments entered thereon, except those<br />
denying or awarding damages and judgments<br />
entered thereon which are unsatisfied, .shall<br />
terminate and cease to be effective and binding<br />
on a date 12 months fhereinafter called<br />
the final date) after the expiration of the<br />
test period. Such termination shall be without<br />
prejudice to the rights of any party to<br />
prosecute at law or in equity any claim for<br />
violation of an award occurring prior to the<br />
final date or to prosecute at law or in equity<br />
any claim for relief in regard to the subject<br />
of the award predicated upon changed conditions<br />
arising diu-ing the period between the<br />
expiration of the test period and the final<br />
date. The rights of any .such party shall,<br />
however, be subject to the provisions of subdivision<br />
(c) Section 7 of Article V hereof.<br />
Except as otherwise specifically provided in<br />
this agreement, the burden of proof with<br />
respect to the complaint and the damages<br />
thereunder .shall be upon the complainant<br />
exhibitor.<br />
ARTICLE II<br />
SCOPE OF ARBITRATION<br />
SECTION 1—CLEARANCE<br />
Controversies arising upon the complaint of<br />
ARTICLE I<br />
Availability of Arbitration<br />
A system of Regional Arbitration Tribunals<br />
land a National Appeals Board) as hereinafter<br />
more particularly described shall be<br />
organized, maintained, and operated by the<br />
joint action of the motion picture distributors<br />
and motion picture exhibitor organizations<br />
signing this Agreement.<br />
The work of organizing the system shall be<br />
completed within three months after the entry<br />
of an order by the United States District<br />
Court approving the Voluntary Arbitration<br />
Agreement. The system shall remain in operation<br />
for a test period of 12 months beginning<br />
on the day that the National Administrative<br />
Committee shall proclaim that the Regional<br />
Tribunals land the National Appeals Board:<br />
are open and ready to function.<br />
The Regional Arbitration Tribunals shall<br />
hear and determine complaints of the kind<br />
described in Article II when any such complaint<br />
is filed by a qualified exhibitor against<br />
any distributor* that is a party to this agreement:<br />
and any other distributor' or qualified<br />
exhibitor' may intervene in the proceeding<br />
as an additional respondent* upon a showing<br />
that its business or property may be affected<br />
by the award (1).<br />
an exhibitor that at the time of the filing of<br />
the complaint<br />
A "qualified exhibitor" is a person, firm, or A. cleai-ance is being granted by the<br />
corporation who has a theatre or theatres distributor* against complainant's theatre<br />
and in favor of a theatre or theatres<br />
which may be affected by the award and<br />
which, at the time he files his complaint or<br />
seeks to intervene (a) he is actually operating,<br />
not in substantial competition w-ith complainant's<br />
theatre; or that<br />
or ib> is temporarily clo.sed, or (c) is a new B. clearance is being granted by the<br />
theatre about to open.<br />
distributor* against the complainant's<br />
The Regional Arbitration Tribunals (and theatre and in favor of a theatre or theatres<br />
the National Appeals Board) shall have only<br />
in substantial competition there-<br />
the powers and shall perform only the duties with in excess of what is reasonably<br />
granted to or imposed upon them by this necessary to protect the licensed competitor<br />
agreement and the rules and procedure<br />
theatre on the run or runs<br />
herein prescribed, and in rendering decisions<br />
and making awards, they shall comply strictly<br />
with this agreement and -said rules and procedure.<br />
granted to It<br />
shall be subject to arbitration.<br />
Claims in re.spect of clearance arising after<br />
the inauguration of this arbitration .system<br />
shall be evidenced by a written request for<br />
a change in clearance, or the elimination<br />
thereof, addressed to the distributor's home<br />
office or exchange and such requests for a<br />
change in or an elimination of clearance will<br />
be deemed to have been refused<br />
fa) when the exhibitor has received a<br />
written refusal; or<br />
(b) if not granted within 21 days after<br />
receipt by the distributor of such request.<br />
Clearance, as u.sed in this acrcemcnt. means<br />
the neriod of time stipulated in license contractus<br />
between rims of the same feature<br />
within a particular area or in specified theatres.<br />
Clearance rea-sonable as to time and<br />
area, is essential, in the distribution and<br />
exhibition of motion pictures, and arbitrators<br />
In deciding clearance complaints shall give<br />
effect to this principle.<br />
In any proceeding under this section the<br />
burden of sustaining the reasonableness of<br />
the clearance complained of shall be upon<br />
the distributor who granted the clearance.<br />
In determining whether any clearance<br />
complained of is reasonable, the arbitrators<br />
shall take into consideration the following<br />
factors, according to them the importance<br />
and weight to which each is entitled, regardless<br />
of the order in which they are listed<br />
li) The admission prices of the theatres<br />
involved as set by the exhibitor*;<br />
(ii) The character and location of the theatres<br />
involved including the size, type of entertainment,<br />
appointments, transit facilities,<br />
etc.;<br />
The policy of operation of the theatres<br />
fill)<br />
involved, such as the show-ing of double<br />
featiu-es. gift nights, giveaways, premiums,<br />
cut-rate tickets, lotteries, etc.;<br />
liv) The rental terms and license fees paid<br />
by the theatres involved and the revenues<br />
derived by the distributor* from such theatres;<br />
IV) The extent to which the theatres involved<br />
compete with each other for patronage;<br />
ivi) The fact that a theatre involved is<br />
affiliated with a circuit of theatres shall be<br />
disregarded;<br />
iviii All other business considerations.<br />
The power of the arbitrators in deciding<br />
any such controversy shall be as follows:<br />
lai If the arbitrators find in favor of the<br />
distributor*, they shall make an award dismissing<br />
the complaint:<br />
ibi If the arbitrators find in favor of the<br />
complainant under sub-division A of this section<br />
that the theatres involved are not in<br />
substantial competition, they shall make an<br />
award directing the distributor* to cease and<br />
desist from granting clearance between them;<br />
if the arbitrators find in favor of the complainant<br />
under sub-division B of this section,<br />
they shall make an award fixing the maximum<br />
clearance between the theatres involved<br />
which may thereafter be granted by the distributor';<br />
(ci If the complainant asked for damages<br />
and the arbitrators find in his favor, they may<br />
also award him damages from the date of a<br />
written demand for a change of the clearance<br />
complained of but only for the period<br />
of time during which the clearance complained<br />
of was in force, and subject to the<br />
provisions of Article III.<br />
Any distributor, the complaining exhibitor<br />
or any intervening exhibitor affected by such<br />
an award may institute a further arbitration<br />
proceeding for a modification thereof upon<br />
the ground that, since the making of the<br />
award, conditions with respect to the theatres<br />
involved therein have so changed as to<br />
warrant modification. In the event that the<br />
arbitrators find there has been such a change<br />
they shall make a new award fixing the<br />
maximum clearance, if any. which may be<br />
granted thereafter between the theatres involved,<br />
but no damages shall be awarded<br />
The burden of proving such change shall be<br />
upon the party asserting it. A proceeding<br />
to modify an award upon the ground of<br />
changed conditions shall follow the rules of<br />
practice and procedure prescribed in<br />
Article V.<br />
SECTION 2—RUNS<br />
Controversies arising upon the complaint<br />
of an exhibitor that, either prior to or after<br />
the inauguration of this arljitration system<br />
the distributor* has, after request, refused,<br />
otherwi.sc than on the merits, to afford the<br />
complainant a fair opportunity to license<br />
feature motion pictures for exhibition in his<br />
theatre on a desired run equal to the opportunity<br />
afforded by the distributor* to another<br />
exhibitor who then is exhibiting pictures of<br />
the distributor* on said run in a competinj<br />
theatre, shall be subject to arbitration.<br />
A claim involving an alleged refusal t(<br />
afford such opportunity to license thai<br />
occurred subsequent to the inauguration Ol<br />
34<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
:<br />
: October 1, 1951<br />
:
; mt<br />
'<br />
; ey<br />
this aibitration system sluiU bt- i-viclonccd<br />
by a \vrittcni2> request adressed to the distributor's*<br />
home office or cxchaniie. and such<br />
request will be deemed to have been refused<br />
lai when the exhibitor has received a written<br />
refusal or ib^ If not sranted within 21 days<br />
after the receipt by the distributor* of such<br />
request.<br />
recognized that the licensing of feature<br />
It is<br />
pictures by run is essential In the dis-<br />
tribution and exhibition of motion pictures,<br />
and arbitrators in deciding run complaint.';<br />
shall give effect to this principle. Runs means<br />
the successive exhibitions of motion pictures<br />
in a given area, first run being the first<br />
exhibition in that area, second run being the<br />
next subsequent exhibition therein, and so on.<br />
In determining whether the exhibitor's<br />
complaint is established by the evidence, the<br />
ai-bitrators shall take into consideration,<br />
among other things, the following factors and<br />
accord to them the importance and weight<br />
to which each is entitled, regardless of the<br />
order in which they are listed<br />
il> The admission prices of the theatres as<br />
set by the exhibitor':<br />
The character and location of the theatres<br />
(ill<br />
involved, including the size, type of en-<br />
tertainment, appointments, transit facilities,<br />
etc.:<br />
The policy of operation of the theatres<br />
iiil><br />
involved, such as the showing of double<br />
features, gift nights, giveaways, premiums,<br />
cut-rate ticket-s. lotteries, etc.:<br />
(ivi The capacity of each theatre for producing<br />
revenue for the distributor*:<br />
I VI The character and extent of the area<br />
and population each theatre serves:<br />
(vi> The competitive condition in the area<br />
in which the theatres are located:<br />
iviii The character, financial responsibility,<br />
and ability of the exhibitor OF>erating each<br />
theatre and his reputation generally in the<br />
industry and in the community:<br />
iviiii The policy under which each of the<br />
theatres has been operated and the policy<br />
under which the complainant proposes to<br />
operat* his said theatre if he obtains the<br />
run requested:<br />
iix> All other business considerations.<br />
The power of the arbitrators in decidine<br />
any such controversy shall be as follows:<br />
(a> If the arbitrators find in favor of the<br />
distributor* they shall make an award dismissing<br />
the complaint:<br />
lb) If the arbitrators find in favor of the<br />
complainant exhibitor, they shall make an<br />
award directing that the respondent distributor*<br />
in good faith afford the complainant an<br />
opportunity to license feature pictures for<br />
exhibition in his theatre on the desired run.<br />
equal to the opportunity afforded the exhibitor<br />
operating a competing theatre to whom the<br />
pictures of such distributor are then being<br />
licensed on such run:<br />
(c) If the complainant asked for damages<br />
and the arbitrators find in hLs favor, they<br />
may also award him damages but only for<br />
the period of time during which he was denied<br />
such opportunity to license the pictures, and<br />
subject to the provisions of Article III.<br />
Any distributor, the complaining exhibitor<br />
or any intervening exhibitor affected by such<br />
an award may institute a further arbitration<br />
proceeding for a modification thereof upon<br />
the ground that, since the making of the<br />
•.vard. conditions with respect to the theatres<br />
volved therein have so changed a.s to warmodification.<br />
In the event that the<br />
: bitrators find there has been such a change<br />
shall make a new award in regard to<br />
:-.e run in question to take effect thereafter,<br />
out no damages shall be awarded. The burden<br />
of proving such change shall be upon the<br />
party a.sserting It. Proceedings to modify<br />
an award upon the ground of changed conditions<br />
.shall follow the rules of practice and<br />
procedure prescribed in Article V.<br />
(2) Wherever in this agreement, except in Articles<br />
and VI, notice or communication by a distributor<br />
an exhibitor is required to be, or moy be, made<br />
• writing, it may (except where the context indicates<br />
•herwise) l>e by tclegrom.<br />
SKt TIO.\ 3— I O.MrKTirn K ItlDDINii<br />
Controversies arising upon the complaint<br />
of an exhibitor that, subsequent to the inauguration<br />
of the arbitration system —<br />
A. A distributor. In llccnsiiiK feature motion<br />
pictures by means of competitive bidding,<br />
licensed to another exhibitor operating<br />
a theatre in substantial competition with<br />
complainant's theatre a feature or features,<br />
on which complainant al.so made an offer<br />
or offers, which license to such other exhibitor<br />
wa.s made otherwl.se than theatre by theatre,<br />
solely upon the merits and without discrimination<br />
in favor of such competing theatre:<br />
or<br />
B. A distributor has Instituted competitive<br />
bidding In any competitive area or situation<br />
except<br />
( 1 > upon the WTltten request of one or more<br />
of the exhibitors In any such area or situation:<br />
or,<br />
1 11 1 upon the WTltten request of an exhibitor<br />
in any area or situation for a run of a<br />
picture or pictures which the distributor is<br />
propo.slng to license on such run to another<br />
exhibitor or exhibitors In such area or situation:<br />
or,<br />
(iiit to comply with the judgment, decree<br />
or order of a court of competent jurisdiction:<br />
or,<br />
livi in good faith to protect itself where<br />
it has reasonable grounds to believe that there<br />
is collusion among exhibitors in such area or<br />
situation in the licensing of its pictures: or,<br />
C. A distributor has breached any of<br />
the following rules in conducting competitive<br />
bidding:<br />
(ii The Invitation for an exhibitor to submit<br />
an offer for the picture or pictures described<br />
in the invitation shall specify a closing date<br />
for bids (hereinafter called the closing date),<br />
which shall be not less than ten days after<br />
the mailing of the invitation, and only offers<br />
or revised offers submitted in pursuance of<br />
.such invitation, received on or before the<br />
closing date, shall be considered:<br />
If prior to the closing date for bids, a distributor<br />
has not afforded an opportunity to<br />
the exhibitor to view, at a trade show or other<br />
screening, the picture or pictures referred to<br />
in the invitation to bid, then the distributor,<br />
at the exhibitor's written request, shall afford<br />
the exhibitor an opportunity to view such picture<br />
or pictures in the exchange city of the<br />
distributor.<br />
(ii) Any exhibitor submitting an offer for<br />
any designated picture or pictures, in response<br />
to an invitation by the distributor,<br />
may request in writing (but under separate<br />
cover) at the time he submits his offer, that<br />
the successful offer for such picture or pictures<br />
shall be revealed to the exhibitor making<br />
such request and the distributor agrees<br />
to do so at the exchange office serving the<br />
theatre for which such exhibitor submitted<br />
said offer, within 14 days after there has<br />
been an award of the picture or pictures by<br />
the distributor, and at no other time.<br />
I Hi) Nothing contained in this section<br />
shall be deemed to compel the distributor to<br />
accept an offer which it considers to be<br />
inadequate and the distributor may reject<br />
all offers: when, however, all offers are rejected<br />
the notice of rejection shall state the<br />
reason therefor and in such case the feature<br />
motion picture shall be made available In<br />
accordance with the provisions of this subdivision<br />
C to exhibitors, including tho.se who<br />
submitted offers in the first instance, for a<br />
new offer: provided, however, if there be<br />
only one offer submitted, and that one offer<br />
is rejected, the distributor may, at its option,<br />
in lieu of the foregoing, negotiate with and<br />
license the motion picture to the exhibitor<br />
who submitted said offer,<br />
(iv) Only offers in writing can be considered<br />
:<br />
(V) The distributor shall within 14 days<br />
after the closing date. If any offers have been<br />
submitted on or before the closing date, announce<br />
acceptance to the maker of the<br />
accepted offer or announce to all bidders rejection<br />
of all offers:<br />
(vi) If the new offers are also rejected, the<br />
(ll.itrlbutor may thereafter, at ils<br />
iieKotlat with the exhibitor nutklng i:<br />
offer and license the motion plctin<br />
exhibitor If the distributor<br />
tcrm.s .satisfactory, or may negc<br />
license the picture to such othr;<br />
exhibitors as the distributor may chuu.t<br />
(vlli If no offers arc submitted, the dl<br />
trlbutor may Ilcen.se the picture to any exhibitor<br />
It choases upon terms acceptable !<br />
the distributor:<br />
shall be subject to arbitration.<br />
The rules and principles set forth In thl<br />
Section 3 shall have application only In arbitration<br />
procecding.s under this section.<br />
Nothing contained In this section shall bo<br />
construed to prevent a distributor from .selecting<br />
It-s own customers In bona fide transactions<br />
and not In violation of any provision<br />
of this agreement.<br />
Nothing contained In this .section shall bt<br />
construed to mean or Intend to mean that a<br />
distributor may lastltute competitive blddlniotherwise<br />
than under the terms and conditions<br />
as set forth In this section.<br />
The power of the arbitrators In dccldlnt'<br />
any controversy under thLs section .shall b<<br />
as follows:<br />
(ai If the arbitrators find in favor of the<br />
distributor, they shall dismiss the complaint<br />
(b) If the complaint Involved Is the first Ut<br />
be filed by the complainant agalast the distributor<br />
under sub-division B of this section<br />
and the arbitrators find in favor of the complainant,<br />
they shall make an award directing<br />
the distributor thereafter to cease and desist<br />
from competitive bidding In the competitive<br />
area or situation until such time as the<br />
institution of competitive bidding in .such<br />
competitive area or situation would not violate<br />
the provisions of said sub-dlvlslon:<br />
(ci If the complaint Involved Is the first<br />
to be filed by the complainant against the<br />
distributor under sub-division C of this .section,<br />
and the arbitrators find in favor of the<br />
complainant, they shall make an award directing<br />
the distributor thereafter to conduct<br />
competitive bidding affecting the complainant<br />
in accordance with the provisions of said subdivision:<br />
(dl If it shall appear that an award has<br />
been made in favor of the complainant with<br />
respect to the same theatre in a previous<br />
arbitration with the same distributor imder<br />
the same sub-division of this .section, and<br />
the arbitrators shall find In complainant's<br />
favor in the instant case, they may award<br />
damages under the provisions of Article III<br />
except that exemplary damages may be<br />
awarded only in respect of violations under<br />
sub-division A of this Section 3.<br />
If in any proceeding under this section the<br />
arbitrators shall find that the competitive<br />
bidding was conducted by the distributor<br />
fairly and in accordance with .sound business<br />
practice and that there was no piu-pose to<br />
discriminate against the complainant or to<br />
favor the exhibitor to whom the picture In<br />
question was licensed, they shall find In favor<br />
of the distributor: and, in the absence of any<br />
showing of a violation of the rules and<br />
principles, the arbitrators .shall not attempt<br />
to substitute their judgment for that of the<br />
distributor as to which of the several offers<br />
was best or as to the propriety of rejectlni;<br />
all bids on grounds of Inadequacy.<br />
:<br />
SECTION 4—CONDITIONING ONE<br />
LICENSE IPON ANOTIIER<br />
Controversies arising upon the complain'<br />
of an exhibitor that<br />
(ai the distributor In licensing a particular<br />
feature or group of features has dlrrotI\<br />
or in any manner conditioned such ;<br />
upon the complainant exhibitor licen ;:<br />
or more other features, or upon mm;<br />
licensing one or more short sul<br />
reels, trailers or .serials (herr;:<br />
called "shorts"), or upon compl.i;<br />
Ing re-Issues, westerns or forcitrn^ •'..•vcollectively<br />
called "forelgns"): or<br />
(b) the distributor has directly or in any<br />
manner refu.sed to license to complainant exhibitor<br />
a particular feature or group of fea-<br />
BOXOFTICE ;: October 1, 1955 35
tures except upon the condition that complainant<br />
also license one or more other features,<br />
shorts or foreigns shall be subject to<br />
arbitration.<br />
An exhibitor shall have no right to assert<br />
any claim under (a) above unless he shall<br />
have mailed to the distributor, at the exchange<br />
out of which he is served, a notice in<br />
writing of such claim and of the grounds<br />
therefor, not later than ten days after receipt<br />
by the exhibitor from the distributor of the<br />
license which he claims to have been so conditioned.<br />
An exhibitor shall have no right to assert<br />
any claim under (b) above unless he shall<br />
have mailed to the distributor, at the exchange<br />
out of which he is served, a notice In<br />
writing of such claim and of the grounds<br />
therefor not later than ten days after the<br />
day on which the distributor, as claimed by<br />
the exhibitor, rcfu.sed to grant a license unless<br />
so conditioned.<br />
The power of the arbitrators in deciding<br />
any controversy under this section shall be<br />
as follows:<br />
area In which his affected theatre us located—<br />
lai By pnyiiiK to the clerk a filing fee to<br />
be fixed by the Administrator; and<br />
(bi By filing with the clerk a submls.sion.<br />
In the form V>reNcribcd by the Administrator,<br />
which shall provide, in substance, that such<br />
complainant submits the controversy to arbitration<br />
and agrees to abide and be bound by<br />
and fully comply with this agreement and<br />
with whatever final award may be entered in<br />
such arbitration: and<br />
u'l By filing Willi the clerk a complaint,<br />
entered on a form prescribed by the Administrator,<br />
which document shall set forth in<br />
substance: the name and address of the comphunmg<br />
exhibitor: the name and address of<br />
each of complainant's theatres involved in<br />
the controversy: the name and address of<br />
each distributor against whom complaint is<br />
made: the name and address of every other<br />
distributor or exlilbitor whose business or<br />
property complainant believes may be affected<br />
by an award in the proceeding: and a brief<br />
statement in clear and simple language of<br />
the claim and the relief sought: and<br />
idi At the time of filing the complaint, the<br />
complainant shall deliver to the clerk enough<br />
copies thereof to enable the clerk to deliver<br />
one copy to each respondent named therein<br />
and to each other distributor or exhibitor<br />
named therein as liable to be affected by the<br />
award, and the clerk shall forthwith make<br />
such dehvery.<br />
Within t«n days after any respondent receives<br />
from the clerk a copy of the complaint,<br />
each respondent may sign and file with the<br />
clerk the names and addresses of any distributors<br />
or exhibitors not named in the complaint<br />
whose business or property such respondent<br />
believes will be affected by an<br />
award in the proceeding. The clerk shall<br />
forthwith deliver a copy of the complaint<br />
to each distributor or exhibitor named in such<br />
list, calling upon the complainant for the<br />
additional copies needed to perform this duty.<br />
Any exliibitor or distributor, who believes<br />
that his business or property may be affected<br />
by the award, may intervene in the proceeding<br />
at any time prior to the appointm»nt of<br />
the neutral arbitrator or arbitrators as a matter<br />
of right, and thereafter with the consent<br />
of all parties to the proceeding, and thereby<br />
become a party to the proceeding by filing<br />
with the clerk a .submission as provided for in<br />
(bi above, together with a brief statement<br />
setting forth his interest in the proceeding.<br />
and by paying a filing fee. as fixed by the<br />
Administrator, to the clerk. The clerk shall<br />
forthwith deliver to each other party to the<br />
proceeding a notice of each intervention and<br />
a copy of the brief statement accompanying<br />
the same.<br />
If prior to the selection of the arbitrators<br />
in any proceeding ail the parties thereto, including<br />
Intervenors. shall by written agree-<br />
:.ent select another tribunal hereunder as a<br />
alter of preference or convenience, and shall<br />
K such agreement with the clerk of the<br />
tribunal of original jurisdiction, he shall at<br />
once forward the complete record in such<br />
proceeding to the clerk of the tribunal so<br />
selected, and the latt«r tribunal shall thereby<br />
be invested with jurisdiction of the proceeding<br />
and shall proceed with the hearing and<br />
determination thereof, and any award made<br />
by it shall have the same validity as though<br />
made by the Tr.bunal in which the proceed-<br />
.'ig was Initiated.<br />
SECTION 2—SELECTION OF<br />
ARBITR.^TORS<br />
Not less than 20 nor more than 30 days<br />
.ifter the filing of the complaint, the parties<br />
to a proceeding shall notify the clerk of their<br />
choice of arbitrators. Arbitrators shall be<br />
.selected in the following manner:<br />
Ti from the designation<br />
of the second arbitrator, the neutral<br />
arbitrator shall be selected by the local arbitration<br />
committee from the panel of neutral<br />
arbitrators compiled by it.<br />
(b) In those Instances where, In addition to<br />
the parties named In lai above there are one<br />
or more exhibitor Intervenors, and if such<br />
intervenor or intervenors and the respondent<br />
distributors unanimously agree upon an<br />
arbitrator, that arbitrator shall be dieiiu'd to<br />
have been designated by the respondent distributors<br />
and the Intervenors. If the exhibitor<br />
intervenors and the respondent distributors<br />
fail unanimously to agree on such arbitrator<br />
withiti the aforesaid 30-day period, tlien the<br />
proceediiig shall be heard and determined by<br />
a tribunal of tliree neutral arbitrators<br />
selected by the local arbitration committee<br />
from the panel compiled by it.<br />
The neutral arbitrators shall be paid for<br />
their services a sum to be fixed by the Admuiistrator<br />
on a per diem basiS tfor each<br />
day while actually silting in any proceeding),<br />
plus travel expenses.<br />
SECTION 3—HEARINGS<br />
Hearings shall be held at any place agreed<br />
and<br />
there be no agreement, the place of hearing<br />
upon by ihe parlies and the arbitrators;<br />
if<br />
shall De fixea uy uie aroiLrauors.<br />
Arbitrators will proceed with the maximum<br />
speed consisienl with the adequate presentation<br />
and proper consideration of the coses in<br />
which Ihey sil. They shall fix the time for the<br />
beginning of the hearings which sliall be as<br />
soon as practicable after they have been appo.nted.<br />
They may adjourn the hearings from<br />
time to time with the consent of the parties<br />
or tor reasons winch, m their juagiiient,<br />
warrant such action.<br />
At least five days prior to the initial hearing<br />
in any proceeding the clerk shall deliver<br />
to the part.es written notice of the names of<br />
the arbitrators and of the time and place of<br />
such hearing.<br />
SECTION 4—PROCEDURE AT HEARINGS<br />
Before commencing the hearing in any ca-^e<br />
Ihe arbitrators shall take the oath of office<br />
in the form prescribed by the Adminlslrator.<br />
Counsel appearjig at arbitration proceedings<br />
shall be limited to one at;orney lor the<br />
complainant and one attorney for all of the<br />
distributor respondents, and if there be an<br />
intervenmg exhibitor, one attorney may appear<br />
for each intervening exhibitor.<br />
Witnesses shall testify under oath or, its<br />
legal equivalent and each parly shall have<br />
the right to examine or cross-examine all<br />
witnesses.<br />
Evidence shall be received only at hearings<br />
of which all parlies have been given due<br />
notice and the arbitrators in making their<br />
awards shall consider only evidence so received<br />
and such inspections as they may make<br />
hereunder.<br />
The arbitrators shall have power to require<br />
any party to any proceeding, including intervenors,<br />
to produce such books, records and<br />
documents as the arbitrators may determine<br />
to be necessary to a proper determination of<br />
the controversy. In lieu of producing or<br />
offering original books, records or documents,<br />
any party may, with the permission of the<br />
arbitrators, produce or offer sworn copies<br />
thereof or sworn excerpt-s of the relevant or<br />
material portions thereof. The authenticity<br />
of any such copy or excerpt, if brought Into<br />
question, shall be determined by the arbitrators.<br />
All exhibits offered in evidence shall<br />
be numbered and marked by the clerk to showthat<br />
they were so offered: and if received In<br />
evidence, they shall be marked to show that<br />
they were so received.<br />
The arbitrators shall rule on the relevancy<br />
and materiality of the evidence offered.<br />
Observance of the legal rules of evidence<br />
shall not be necessary.<br />
Whenever the su-bitrators deem It advisable<br />
they mav. upon notice to the parties, make<br />
an inspection of any theatre or other place<br />
or .^ubJect iiuatcr involved in iiii* cuiuruvn.<br />
The arbitraturx .shall hear urKument aiio<br />
receive briefs.<br />
SEC .KIN i—UnillUlAWAI, ANIl<br />
nKKAILT<br />
A complainant may wiUulraw his arbllrutlon<br />
pruceuding at any time prior to the<br />
appointment of the neutral arbitrator or<br />
arbitrators without liability except an to<br />
accumulated costs.<br />
If any party to an arbitration ))roccvdlnt(<br />
defaults by failure to comply with any of tlie<br />
provisions hereof, or withdraw.s alter the appointment<br />
of the neutral arbitrator or<br />
arbitrators, the proceeding ncverthele.sa shall<br />
proceed to an award unless all of the other<br />
parties thereto con.sfiil in wrllliiK to u dlaiiiLssal.<br />
SECTION 6—STENOGHArUK IttCOKU<br />
If the complaint does not ask for damages,<br />
and a stenographic record l.s requested by any<br />
party, the cierK shall make me iiece.ssar><br />
arrangements for the recording of the testimony,<br />
the cost thereof to be borne by the<br />
party making such request; but the parties<br />
may by agreement share such cost.<br />
Unle.ss the parties respectively waive their<br />
rights to appeal, such record shall be made<br />
in any case in which the complaint asks fur<br />
damages. It is essential for the record on<br />
appeal (Article VI, Section 3). The cost<br />
thereof shall be borne as assessed by the<br />
arbitrators pursuant to sub-division (a) of<br />
this section.<br />
SECTION 7—AWARDS<br />
Time for making award, etc. The<br />
award shall be filed by the arbitrators with<br />
the clerk not later than 28 day.'! after the<br />
close of the hearings or after the date fixed<br />
by the arbitrators for oral argument or the<br />
filing of briefs, whichever is later. By written<br />
consent of all parties to the arbitration, the<br />
time for filing the award may be extended<br />
The clerk shall deliver a copy of the award<br />
to each party to the proceeding.<br />
At any time within ten days after the<br />
award has been filed or within 30 days with<br />
the consent of the parties, the arbitrators<br />
may reopen the proceeding for the purpose<br />
of correcting inadvertent errors in the award<br />
A corrected award shall be in the same form<br />
as the original award and shall be filed with<br />
the clerk and delivered to the parties in the<br />
same manner as the original award.<br />
(c Finality of award. An award shall<br />
become effective and binding upon the partie-s<br />
on the date but not earlier than ten dayafter<br />
filing, specified therein and shall remain<br />
effective unle.ss reopened, as provlde
: October<br />
-.<br />
decision on appeal is filed with the clerk of<br />
the regional tribunal.<br />
A final arbitration award hereunder shall<br />
bar the complainant and any intervening<br />
exhibitor from initiating any arbitration or<br />
litigation against the respondent distributor*<br />
or against any intervening distributor* based<br />
on claims arising out of the act or acts of<br />
such distributor* or intervening distributor*,<br />
which act or acts could have been or were<br />
the basis of the complaint and shall release<br />
the respondent distributor* and each intervening<br />
distributor* and each intervening exhibitor-<br />
from any and all claims ante-dating<br />
the period for which a recovery of damages<br />
may be had under this agreement. A final<br />
arbitration award based upon a claim under<br />
Article II, Section 1 or Section 2 or both<br />
.shall release the respondent distributor*,<br />
each intervening distributor* and each intervening<br />
exhibitor* from any and all claims<br />
based upon run or clearance or both which<br />
ante-date the period involved in the complaint<br />
upon which such final award was<br />
made. Failure of a complainant to claim damages<br />
in his complaint shall be a full and complete<br />
waiver and release of any and all<br />
claims for damages which he might have<br />
made.<br />
(di Allocation of damages. If the award<br />
contains a provision that the respondents<br />
shall pay damages, and if such damages are<br />
not paid within 20 days from the date on<br />
which the award was filed, any party to the<br />
proceeding may apply to the neutral arbitrator<br />
or arbitrators to allocate the damages,<br />
already awarded, among the several respondents<br />
in the proportion in which the neutral<br />
arbitrator or arbitrators shall find the respondents<br />
have contributed to the total damage<br />
awarded. Such allocation shall be made<br />
by the neutral arbitrator or arbitrators within<br />
five days after such application, after a<br />
hearing at which each of the respondents<br />
may be represented by counsel, and the damages<br />
so allocated shall be paid respectively by<br />
each re.spondent within three days after receiving<br />
notice of such allocation or, in the<br />
event of an appeal, upon the date when the<br />
award with respect to damages becomes final.<br />
If, upon appeal, an award of damages is<br />
affirmed or modified, the final award shall<br />
be allocated among the several respondents<br />
in the same proportion as determined by the<br />
neutral arbitrator or arbitrators as to the<br />
original award.<br />
ARTICLE VI<br />
Appeals<br />
SIX'TION 1—RIGHT OF APPEAL<br />
Where there has been an award in favor<br />
of the complainant exhibitor, any party to<br />
the arbitration proceeding affected thereby<br />
may appeal to the National Appeals Board<br />
from such part of the award as awards or<br />
denies damages. No other part of the award<br />
may be appealed by the parties or reviewed<br />
by the appeals board.<br />
SECTION 2—NOTICE OF APPEAL<br />
Any party desiring to appeal from such<br />
part of the award as awards or denies damages<br />
may do .so by filing a notice of appeal<br />
with, and paying a filing fee as fixed by the<br />
Administrator to, the clerk of the regional<br />
tribunal, not later than 20 days after the<br />
date on which the award or the corrected<br />
award was tiled. The clerk shall thereupon<br />
deliver a copy of the notice of appeal, with<br />
the date of filing endorsed thereon, to each<br />
party to the proceeding and to the appeals<br />
board.<br />
Within ten days after filing the notice of<br />
appeal the party or parties taking the appeal<br />
shall file with the said clerk three copies of<br />
the transcript of the stenographic record of<br />
the hearing.<br />
SECTION 3—RECORD ON APPEAL<br />
Upon receipt of three copies of the transcript<br />
filed by the party or parties taking the<br />
appeal, the said clerk shall forthwith prepare<br />
the appeal record which .shall consist of the<br />
following:<br />
(a) The submission and complaint.<br />
(b) Submissions and statements of interveners.<br />
(c) Notices of appointment and signed<br />
acceptances of the arbitrators.<br />
(d) Clerk's record of hearing.<br />
(e) Three copies of the transcript of the<br />
stenographic record of the hearing.<br />
If) Exhibits received in evidence and<br />
exhibits offered but not received in evidence,<br />
except such as may be omitted by agreement<br />
of the parties.<br />
ig) The award and memorandum of decision.<br />
The clerk then transmits the appeal record<br />
to the appeals board.<br />
SECTION 4—PROCEEDINGS ON APPEAL<br />
Within 30 days after the filing of the notice<br />
of appeal, each party shall deliver a copy of<br />
his brief or written statement of his position<br />
on the appeal to<br />
every other party and shall<br />
file six copies of such brief or statement with<br />
the appeals board together with a statement<br />
that copies thereof have been delivered to the<br />
parties.<br />
Within 45 days after the filing of the<br />
notice of appeal, each party shall deliver a<br />
copy of any answering brief or statement to<br />
each other party and file six copies thereof<br />
with the appeals board together with a<br />
statement showing that copies have been<br />
delivered to the parties.<br />
Within 35 days after the filing of the<br />
notice of appeal, any party may apply to<br />
the appeals board for permission to present<br />
oral argument, stating the reasons therefor.<br />
Notice of such application shall be delivered<br />
by the appeals board to all other parties, who<br />
may file with the appeals board written<br />
objections thereto, if any, within five days<br />
thereafter.<br />
If the appeals board grants oral argument,<br />
it shall deliver to the parties notice in writing<br />
of the time and place of such argument, at<br />
least ten days in advance of the date fixed<br />
therefor.<br />
On appeal, all parties may be represented<br />
by counsel.<br />
SECTION 5—DECISION ON APPE.AL<br />
(a) The powers of the appeals board with<br />
respect to the award appealed from shall<br />
be limited to<br />
(i) affirming the part of the award which<br />
awards or denies damages, or<br />
(ii) increasing or decreasing the amount of<br />
damages awarded, or<br />
reversing the part of the award which<br />
(iiit<br />
awards damages and dismissing the complaint<br />
therefor.<br />
The appeals board shall base its decision<br />
.solely upon the record certified to it.<br />
An award of damages .shall not be reversed<br />
because made or computed on an erroneous<br />
theory if it can be sustained on any valid<br />
theory.<br />
(b) The appeals board shall make their<br />
decision in writing, and it shall be signed by<br />
them and acknowledged before a notarypublic<br />
or other officer authorized to administer<br />
oaths.<br />
The concurrence of two of the three<br />
members of the appeals board shall be<br />
essential to a valid decision.<br />
The appeals board may a.ssess the costs<br />
(excluding counsel fees) of the appeal against<br />
the losing party or they may apportion such<br />
costs among the parties in such manner as<br />
they deem Just.<br />
The appeals board shall file with the<br />
decision a memorandum setting forth their<br />
reasons therefor.<br />
(c) The decision shall be filed by the<br />
appeals board not later than 21 days after the<br />
filing of the final briefs or after the date<br />
of the oral argument, whichever is later.<br />
(di The decision and memorandum shall<br />
be filed w-ith the records of the appeals boai'd.<br />
which shall forthwith file a copy thereof<br />
with the clerk of the regional tribunal concerned<br />
and shall forthwith deliver a copy<br />
thereof to eacli of the parties. The clerk of<br />
the regional tribunal shall forthwith notify<br />
each of the parties of t.lie date of filing with<br />
him.<br />
(e) At any time within 30 days after the<br />
decision has been filed or within 45 days<br />
with the consent of the parties, the appeals<br />
board may reopen the appeal for the purpose<br />
of correcting inadvertent errors in the<br />
decision. A corrected decision shall be in the<br />
same form as the original decision and shall<br />
be filed w'lth the records of the appeals board<br />
and delivered to the clerk of the regional<br />
tribunal and to the parties in the same<br />
manner as the original decision.<br />
(f) The decision or the corrected decision<br />
of the appeals board shall become the final<br />
award with respect to damages and shall<br />
become binding on the parties ten days after<br />
it is filed with the clerk of the regional<br />
tribunal.<br />
ARTICLE VII<br />
Conciliation<br />
Section 1—Controversies which an exhibitor<br />
has not been able to settle with a particular<br />
distributor, arising on the merits out of the<br />
relationsliip between such exliibitor and distributor,<br />
including controversies which are<br />
subject to arbitration under this agreement,<br />
shall, if the exhibitor so desires, be submitted<br />
to conciliation in an endeavor to dispose of<br />
such controversies amicably, informally and<br />
quickly.<br />
Section 2—Conciliation shall be conducted<br />
as follows:<br />
(a) An exhibitor desiring a meeting for the<br />
purpose of conciliation shall send to the<br />
brancli manager of the distributor at the<br />
exchange for the area in which the exhibitor's<br />
theatre is located, a written request for such<br />
a meeting, and shall state in such request the<br />
controversy or controversies with such distributor<br />
to be conciliated, and may name<br />
therein not more than one other person, who<br />
will accompany him and assist in the efforts<br />
to conciliation. The meeting shall take place<br />
in the exchange between the exhibitor, (his<br />
associate if named i, and the branch manager<br />
and not more than one other person with the<br />
branch manager, on the first Monday or<br />
Friday, as specified by the distributor in advance,<br />
following the lapse of seven days after<br />
the receipt of such request.<br />
tbi If the controversy or controversies are<br />
not disposed of at the conciliation meeting<br />
with the branch manager, the exhibitor may<br />
apply in writing lo the general sales manager<br />
of the distributor for a further meeting witli<br />
respect thereto. Such meeting shall be held<br />
at the distributor's homeoffice at a time to<br />
be fLxed by the general sales manager on<br />
seven days' written notice to the exhibitor,<br />
and shall be attended by the exliibitor and<br />
not more than one other person, and the<br />
general sales manager or a sales manager<br />
designated by him, and not more than one<br />
other per.son of his selection.<br />
^c) The exhibitor and the distributor may<br />
arrange conciliation meetings at any time or<br />
place mutually satisfactory without regard to<br />
subdivisions lai and (bi of this section.<br />
Section 3—The function of the as.sociates<br />
of the exhibitor and distributor shall be<br />
limited to the endeavor to assist in the<br />
disposition of the controversies being<br />
conciliated. Neither the exhibitor nor the<br />
distributor shall be under any obligation to<br />
dispose of the controversy under conciliation<br />
in the manner proposed by the other party,<br />
and the judgment and good faith of any<br />
party failing so to dispose of any such controversy<br />
shall not be questioned.<br />
Section 4— (ai Tlie discussions in regard to<br />
conciliation shall be confidential and without<br />
prejudice, and the exliibitor and the<br />
distributor and their associates, by participating<br />
in the conciliation meetings, agree that<br />
nothing said, written or done by any party in<br />
or in connection with the conciliation shall<br />
constitute an admission or statement against<br />
interest, or be used as such.<br />
(bi Conciliation hereunder is not intended<br />
to change, interfere with or delay the usual<br />
negotiations between an exhibitor and a<br />
distributor for the licensing of pictures.<br />
(c) Conciliation hereunder shall not bar<br />
an exhibitor from resorting to arbitration<br />
under this agreement, or to litigation.<br />
38<br />
BOXOFFICE :<br />
1, 1955
Sylvan Gcismar, Executive V<br />
''How to lose your shirt on the road!''<br />
"On Oaober 4th, our salesmen take to the road in the annual<br />
race for Spring orders. And it's a tough race. If every<br />
sample isn't up-to-the-minute in st)'lc, we can lose our shirt!<br />
"But we keep our Manhattan and Lady Manhattan salesmen<br />
out in front — with Air Express I<br />
"As trends unfold, we deliver the newest shirt-styles to<br />
our men in a few hours. When hot items sell out, we fill<br />
buyers' re-orders just as fast! Air Express is indispensable in<br />
maintaining our leadership with our retail accounts.<br />
"Yet we save money on most of our Air Express shipments!<br />
A 15-lb. shipment from New York to Milwaukee,<br />
Wise, for instance, costs $5.15. That's the lowest-priced<br />
complete service by SI. 85!"<br />
O^LX. >\/n<br />
£3
BOXOFFICE BAROMETER<br />
This chart records the pertormonce of current attractions in the opening week of their first runs in<br />
the 20 key cities checked. Pictures with fewer than five engagements are not listed. As new runs<br />
ore reported, ratings are added and averages revised. Computation is in terms of percentage in<br />
relation to normal grosses as determined by the theatre managers. With 100 per cent as "normal,"<br />
the figures show the gross rating above or below that mark.<br />
Ain't IVIisbehavin' CU-I)
^<br />
/he<br />
mcfti&ft r
CLOWN ON MARQUEE SELLS MARTIN-LEWIS COMEDY CARNIVAL<br />
1^<br />
Reruns of two Martin and Lewis films,<br />
peppered up with extra exploitation effort,<br />
snared far above average business at the<br />
Roxy in Hamilton, Ont., for an entire week.<br />
G. F. Gotts, manager, labeled the package<br />
a Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis Comedy<br />
Carnival then went on to turn in a good<br />
selling job. The films were "Living It Up"<br />
and "Money R-om Home."<br />
Three and six-sheets were found to be<br />
just perfect for a lively front (center<br />
photo) , including cutouts on the glass en-<br />
trance and exit doors. Since Gotts did<br />
the work himself, the only cost was for<br />
paper and paint. Cutouts also were grouped<br />
on top of the spacious marquee ilefti.<br />
Gotts rented a clown costume and hired<br />
a young fellow to perform clown tricks on<br />
the marquee roof 'center photo). "Needless<br />
to say he drew the attention of all<br />
passersby, and had the crowds lined up all<br />
week to see the show," Gotts reports. When<br />
the clown was not on the marquee, he was<br />
downtown doing his clowning acts.<br />
The Roxy showman took 3,000 heralds in<br />
his car and drove to factories and other<br />
spots while the clown passed them out.<br />
Rfty passes were given away nightly via<br />
the numbered heralds.<br />
A laughing record, played through a<br />
loudspeaker at the front, could be heard for<br />
several blocks. Lewis and Martin records<br />
were played over the local radio station<br />
several times a day at a nominal cost.<br />
Even the lobby floor helped advertise the<br />
Comedy Carnival (see photo at right).<br />
DAY-LONG PETE KELLY' RADIO BARRAGE<br />
HERALDS OPENING AT MIAMI THEATRES<br />
Other Circuits Duplicating Wometco Campaign<br />
A Pete Kelly day on the radio—a daylong<br />
succession of spots and interviews<br />
about the picture, the 1920s and the stars<br />
plus music from the production—started<br />
"Pete Kelly's Blues" off on an extended<br />
run at three Florida State theatres in<br />
greater Miami. From 6:30 a.m. to 11 at<br />
night, the area was blanketed with material<br />
from and about the Jack Webb film over<br />
WINZ, the section's largest Independent<br />
station.<br />
The theatres were the Olympia, Beach<br />
and Gables.<br />
In preparation for the day-long campaign,<br />
Jack Webb was contacted in New<br />
Orleans via telephone, and from a prepared<br />
list of questions an interview was taped<br />
with Joel Salzman of WINZ. According to<br />
Bernard Necry, station manager, request.<br />
came in by the hundreds for favorite blues<br />
and jazz tunes of the 20s. PST supplied<br />
pas.ses to the picture, which were given<br />
away each hour, along with records from<br />
the film's score.<br />
Four of the albums from the soundtrack<br />
were used during the promotion. The station's<br />
disk Jockeys cut announcement records<br />
that were played In the three theatres<br />
prior to opening.<br />
Manager James Barnett of the Olympia<br />
and Bob Battin of the Beach put up giant<br />
standees of Jack Webb in the outer lobbies.<br />
They, and Manager Harry Margolesky of<br />
the Gables, used the soundtrack music over<br />
auditorium speakers.<br />
Restaurants and lounges in the area were<br />
Shown at the contract signing ceremonies between<br />
Florida State Theotres and radio stotion<br />
WINZ in preparation for the day-long promotion<br />
of "Pete Kelly's Blues," ot FST's Olympia,<br />
Beach and Gables theatres in Miami. Standing:<br />
Al Click, FST ad-publicily man; Howord Pettengill,<br />
head of od-publicity in Miami, and Joel<br />
Salzman ond Curt Guthrie of WINZ. Seated arc<br />
Bernard Neery, station manager WINZ, and<br />
Harry Botwick, FST district manager.<br />
supplied with table tents, using a cutout<br />
of Jack Webb and inscribed with place and<br />
playdates. Local bands included the film's<br />
.songs in their nightly repertoires.<br />
District Manager Harry Botwick and advertising<br />
manager Howard Pettengill were<br />
particularly pleased with the excellent display<br />
cards which were used on taxis and<br />
on Miami Transit buses. Another eyecatcher<br />
was the giant billboard on the<br />
mainland between the two main causeways<br />
to Miami Beach.<br />
Other media were employed to call attention<br />
to the actors, the drama and the<br />
jazz music.<br />
In cooperation with Manny Brookmlre,<br />
local Decca distributor, Burdine's record<br />
department, largest in town, had a window<br />
display with an attractive arrangement of<br />
a cornet, the album and credit card.<br />
Herb Pickman, Warner representative,<br />
save valuable assistance in arranging the<br />
telephone interview with Jack Webb.<br />
The picture was a holdover at all three<br />
liouses. Requests for outlines of the campaign<br />
have been received from other cir<br />
cults for duplicating the promotion in their;<br />
areas.<br />
Uses an Old One<br />
A venerable street ballyhoo stunt provec<br />
effective for "You're Never Too Young,'<br />
according to Ray McNamara of the Allyil<br />
in Hartford, Conn. He had two aides ii<br />
.sailor suits walking through downtowf<br />
areas ahead of the opening, carrying sma)<br />
placards reading, "We're on our way to th<br />
Allyn Theatre for laughs and recreatior<br />
See ..."<br />
42 — 306 — BOXOFTICE Showmandiser :: October 1, 191
Model Plane and Ship<br />
Building Contest Is<br />
'McConneir Event<br />
A model anpl.iiU' and ship building contest<br />
which tied in hobby shops, a toy<br />
manufacturer, department stores and local<br />
Air Force and Navy units was developed<br />
in St. Louis by Tony Peluso. manager of<br />
the Fox. for The McConnell Story." Bevell.<br />
Inc.. manufacturer of model plane kits,<br />
co-sponsor of the event, and local Air<br />
Force and Navy units supplied judges of<br />
model planes made by contestants.<br />
Posters and displays were set up in hobby<br />
shops and department stores throughout<br />
the St. Louis area, with details on the contest<br />
included In store displays as well as<br />
in newspaper advertising and radio spots.<br />
Some of the model planes were also displayed<br />
on a TV program carried on KETC-<br />
TV. St. Louis' educational television channel.<br />
Some of the models entered in the contest<br />
were suspended from the ceiling of the<br />
huge Fox lobby by Peluso as part of a<br />
colorful display used to call attention to<br />
the film showing.<br />
Several trophy cups and prizes of portable<br />
radios and other merchandise were<br />
awarded to the winners. The awards were<br />
included in a lobby display.<br />
Lcmiont Drive-ins Appeal<br />
To the Hard-of-Hearing<br />
Alerted by a recent <strong>Boxoffice</strong> story to<br />
the large number of persons with impaired<br />
hearing and to the advantages which<br />
drive-ins. with individually adjusted speakers,<br />
held for their entertainment, Harry<br />
Lamont directed his drive-in theatre managers<br />
in the Albany, N. Y., area to spotlight<br />
this angle in their advertising.<br />
One manager, Clif Swick at the Vail<br />
Mills, also featured the angle on program<br />
folders. An illustration of a human ear<br />
was capped by the words, "Individual In-a-<br />
Car Speakers and Tone-Control!" An inside<br />
page foUowup read: "Are you partially<br />
deaf? Because of individual sound<br />
control, the drive-in theatre will unlock the<br />
imaginative screen world for you! Come<br />
and hear for yourself!"<br />
Lamont reports good response to this<br />
approach. He said he had been aware that<br />
patrons with impaired hearing frequently<br />
"lost" dialog in a conventional theatre, but<br />
he had not realized the percentage was so<br />
large or the "plus" to an outdoor situation<br />
so great until he read the <strong>Boxoffice</strong><br />
article.<br />
"I acted promptly once the industry<br />
magazine called it to my attention." Lamont<br />
stated.<br />
ROCK N' ROLL JAMBOREE ON STAGE FILLS<br />
BOXOFFICE TILL AND EARNS REPEAT<br />
Sports Store Sponsors Bayonne, N J ,<br />
With the popularity of rock 'n' roll music<br />
at a peak with the younger generation, a<br />
heads-up showman in Bayonne, N. J., got<br />
on the bandwagon last month and put<br />
over a show that went over so well he plans<br />
to run a repeat as soon as he can line up<br />
comparable talent.<br />
"The audience just couldn't get enough,<br />
Manager Nyman Kessler of the DeWitt<br />
Theatre observed in his report on his staged<br />
Rock 'n' Roll Jamboree. "Everyone is still<br />
talking about it in this city: the entire<br />
show went over in a blaze of glory."<br />
Kessler used displays in and around the<br />
theatre, heralds, newspaper ads and screen<br />
trailers to publicize the event.<br />
One inside display was spotlighted so<br />
that all patrons could see it on entering.<br />
Another was in the outside lobby near the<br />
street, while a third was in the inner lobby.<br />
An overhead banner was also hung under<br />
the marquee, around both sides.<br />
Admission was $1, which included the<br />
price of seeing two features as well as the<br />
music-rhythm entertainment. Kessler lined<br />
up a sports goods dealer to foot the bill<br />
for the stage show, in return for which he<br />
got his ad on the back of all heralds, mention<br />
of his name in lobby displays and on<br />
the screen trailer.<br />
Two local stores selling rock 'n' roll records<br />
placed their ads above and below the<br />
theatre's attraction ads. making an effective<br />
tie with the stage show.<br />
. fcw:ifcH^<br />
Event
. . The<br />
. . Our<br />
: October<br />
. .<br />
Outline for Drive-ln Fun Day<br />
Lots of Contests for Mom. Pop. Kids<br />
Are Feature of Wometcos Jamboree<br />
Format of Labor Day Program Offers Tips<br />
For Staging Halloween Festivity<br />
Wometco's four drive-in theatres at<br />
Miami planned their Labor Day program<br />
as a group this year, with Burton Clark,<br />
veteran Boulevard Drive-In manager, as<br />
the coordinator. Managers J. C. Cunningham,<br />
Oran Cohen and Del Powell assisted<br />
in the planning and put activities into operation<br />
at the 27th Avenue and the Coral<br />
Way in Miami. The other airer was the<br />
North Andrews in Fort Lauderdale.<br />
Clark put in more morning-till-midnight<br />
days than he cares to count on the ambitious<br />
program and ended up "not just up to<br />
my neck in details, but over my nose." Just<br />
one of his last-minute chores was an 80-<br />
mile roundtrip to the edge of the Everglades<br />
to pick up in his trailer seven bales<br />
of hay! The hay was for one of the contest<br />
stunts.<br />
LONG TRIP FOR HAY<br />
"Kind of hard to find baled hay around<br />
here," said Clark, who says he figured he<br />
must be in the trackless wilderness when<br />
he finally found where they baled it up.<br />
He asked the man in charge of baling<br />
where a certain road led. and was told the<br />
man didn't rightly know as he'd only lived<br />
thereabouts 12 years and had only been<br />
down the road a short piece.<br />
This year marked the seventh annual<br />
Liibor Day celebration at the Boulevard<br />
Drive-In, and every one with fireworks.<br />
Due to proximity of business and residential<br />
buildings, the other circuit airers<br />
have to forego fireworks, and this may,<br />
Clark said, be the last year the Boulevard<br />
will be able to shoot them off. The city<br />
is gradually growing too close to the<br />
Boulevard for safety from skyrockets.<br />
The Labor Day program featured a lot<br />
of contests with commercial sponsors supplying<br />
some very fine prizes. Screen mentions<br />
for four weeks in advance provided<br />
publicity for spon.sors and program.<br />
CIRCUS STYLE ADS<br />
Wometcos art department came up with<br />
gala, circus-style ads on the Labor Day<br />
jamborees, the regular screen shows having<br />
a separate .space to themselves in order to<br />
underline the fact that regular film fare<br />
was on hand as usual, in addition to the<br />
big fun day.<br />
The airers opened at 4 in the afternoon,<br />
so that everyone had a chance at the<br />
contests, games, prizes, free balloons and<br />
entertainment by clowns. Children were<br />
invited to take free rides on a fire engine.<br />
First event was the Mr. Pop Corn contest<br />
for gentlemen only. Fathers were fed popcorn<br />
by their kids— all they could hold<br />
before competing. But it was worth the<br />
stuffing for a try at the prize, a Skll drill<br />
44<br />
°!l;T:'!r"r;;.. Ytuow sky- [i<br />
\_"W, MiUEsn o'KgFf ..'-;:;.-.-;n.<br />
J<br />
T* iWIWCOW COUTBT<br />
set.<br />
The whole program, Clark said, was de-<br />
5?M.'HUHHi««niu uos-<br />
Tj'lS, IN TW HAVSTACir 5iS?<br />
WOMETCO Drive-ln THEATRES<br />
One of the circus style ads used for the Wometco<br />
circuit's Labor Day program at its Miami driveins.<br />
This ad was two columns wide.<br />
signed so that the adults participated, assisted<br />
by their children. Thus the whole<br />
family, not just the children, was able to<br />
take part. Prizes, if not the fun. made the<br />
effort attractive.<br />
Second event was for women only and.<br />
literally, was a hunt for a needle in a haystack.<br />
That's where Clark's baled hay<br />
came in. Ladies had previously been asked<br />
to register for the contest, and there were<br />
already more than 30 signers at the Boulevard<br />
alone a number of days before the<br />
event. Idea of signing up, Clark said, was<br />
to give the management a chance to suggest<br />
that the ladies wear shorts or slacks<br />
and save their dresses. The needle-finder<br />
was well rewarded for that hunt through<br />
the haystack, however. A 21-inch TV set<br />
was the award for this event.<br />
In a tie-in with WINZ. their three top<br />
disk jockeys made in-person appearances<br />
at the three local airers. Bob Landers was<br />
at the Boulevard. Jerry Wichner at the<br />
27th Avenue and Kirby Brooks at the Coral<br />
Way. Very popular locally, especially with<br />
the younger set. these radio personalities<br />
conducted bop dance contests, with prizes<br />
for the winners.<br />
The stunt, however, which drew the<br />
biggest laughs, was one which patrons at<br />
the three airers provided for themselves. A<br />
— 308 —<br />
$35 basket of groceries was awarded to the<br />
driver of the passenger car, arriving anytime<br />
up to 5:30, carrying the largest number<br />
of passengers.<br />
An evening display of fireworks, courtesy<br />
of the Hygrade All Meat Frankfui-ters Co.,<br />
was the Boulevard's program-ender before<br />
the regular movie show.<br />
Asked if he wasn't pretty worn out by the<br />
Labor Day festivities, Clark said: "Oh,<br />
that's over. What we're planning now is<br />
Halloween."<br />
Own Film of Scout Trip<br />
Added to Sunday Bill<br />
"Maybe this is the answer to our product<br />
shortage." commented Ralph B. Mann, city<br />
manager for Fi'ed T. McLendon Theatres<br />
at Monroeville, Ala., in reporting on the<br />
success of his own 38-minute film on a Boy<br />
Scout trip.<br />
Tongue-in-cheek or no, Mann already<br />
has shown his opus to 2,0000 persons in<br />
Monroeville, and arranged to make the<br />
print available to about 3.000 school children<br />
in town. Here's the way it came<br />
about:<br />
Mann recently made a trip to Washington<br />
with 45 Boy Scouts, and took along<br />
enough film to shoot the entire trip in<br />
16mm color film. He edited it, titled it.<br />
and wound up with 38 minutes of continuity<br />
which he called "After Three Years."<br />
It played his theatre for one day only, a<br />
Sunday, along with "So This Is Paris" at<br />
regular admission prices.<br />
His ad copy read, in part. "See . . . Our<br />
Boys as They Visit Our Nation's Capitol .<br />
Our Congressman, F^-ank Boykin . . . Historic<br />
Monuments . Changing of the<br />
Guard at Arlington . Boys at Work,<br />
The Pentagon. Ti-avel With<br />
at Play . . .<br />
Them on the Trip That Helped Change<br />
Our Big Boys Into Little Men!"<br />
County Fair Shifts Its<br />
Auditions to Theatre<br />
Ray Leveque is one manager who knows<br />
how to turn opposition to his advantage.<br />
This year the Herkimer County fair at<br />
PYankfort. N. Y., featured a program of<br />
activities in connection with the three-day<br />
run. As there was nothing Ray could do<br />
to keep people from going to the fair, hej<br />
joined 'em.<br />
In connection with a talent contest beingl<br />
held at the fair, Ray talked the officials!<br />
into holding auditions on the stage of the|<br />
Capitol at Ilion. Tliere were two auditions,<br />
plus an appearance of the winning|<br />
amateurs at the fair's completion. This<br />
has meant a great deal of publicity for<br />
Ray and the fair officials cooperated by<br />
running 3-colunm. 5-inch ads in the search<br />
for contestants.<br />
Mokes Front Page<br />
Sal Adorno sr.. • general manager of<br />
M&D Theatres, Mlddletown. Conn., landec<br />
front-page space for a back-to-school shov<br />
he and his assistant. Michael Adorno. hel(<br />
at the Palace Theatre. Admission was frei<br />
to the Saturday kiddy matinee.<br />
BOXOFTICE Showmandi.ser :<br />
1. 195
That Extra Effort Pays,<br />
Billy Clifford Affirms<br />
Just ii sel lew posters and some iiewspiiper<br />
advertising can't be expected tr,<br />
bnns patrons out of their homes away from<br />
their daily hves. No, it takes some mmniick.<br />
some promotional idea to wake them<br />
up. yet them out to the theatre boxoffice."<br />
With this precept to go by, H. E. "Billy"<br />
Clifford, manager of the Chakeres circuit's<br />
Harrod in Harrodsburt;. Ky.. has for the<br />
past three years promoted many top pictures<br />
with more than just routine ballyhoo.<br />
His recent efforts in behalf of "Strategic<br />
Air Command," however, outdid any other<br />
promotional endeavor, in his opinion, and<br />
resulted in one of the largest grosses for his<br />
theatre to date.<br />
Breaking the picture at the same time<br />
as National Air Force Week helped Clifford<br />
set his record. In addition to his regular<br />
ads and lobby displays, he arranged for<br />
a parade of all the "top brass" of the<br />
Strategic Air Command in Kentucky, whose<br />
main office is in Louisville. Also taking<br />
part in the parade, which stretched out<br />
five blocks long, was the Harrodsburg band,<br />
the top hiKh school band in Kentucky;<br />
Mayor Dudley L. Lacefield: all the war<br />
veteran groups, civic clubs, the PTA. the<br />
Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. From<br />
convertible cars, three of the loveliest local<br />
girls tossed miniature jet-bombers to the<br />
crowds that lined the avenue of the parade.<br />
The manager summed up his feelings<br />
on his "extra" effort: "The money is<br />
in every pocket, in every home, and it can<br />
be diverted with some efforts upon the part<br />
of theatremen into paid returns."<br />
Books Cooking School<br />
Iz Perlin of the Stanley Theatre in Camden,<br />
N. J., has lined up a $500 Cooking<br />
School program for his theatre, making<br />
good use of the house when it would otherwise<br />
be dark.<br />
FEAT BY HYPNOTIST FOR SVENGALI<br />
DRAWS CROWDS, MAKES EM GASP<br />
Word of Mouth Publicity Builds Up as Girl<br />
Is Put to Sleep in Window of Store<br />
Object of all eyes in the crowd is Miss Trilby ot 1955,<br />
to promote a word-of-mouth buildup of "Svcngoli."<br />
The kind of stunt that's sure to drawbig<br />
crowds and leave 'em gasping was engineered<br />
by Maury Schwarz when "Svengah"<br />
opened at his Rio Theatre. San Fi-ancisco.<br />
Schwarz secured the services of Dr.<br />
Zarro, a hypnotist, who made radio and<br />
television appearances for three days before<br />
the opening. He hypnotized volunteers<br />
from the studio audience on Don<br />
Sherwood's This is San Francisco TV show,<br />
on Marjory Trumbull's Exclusively Yours<br />
and on Sandy Spillman's KPIX show.<br />
The hypnotist also performed for film<br />
critics at their special screening.<br />
ho is being hypnotized<br />
The piece de resistance, however, came<br />
out on the day of the premiere. Dr. Zarro<br />
set up his act in the Market street window<br />
of the Coronet Convert-a-Bed store, where<br />
he put to sleep, in hypnotic trance, a girl<br />
dubbed Miss Trilby of 1955. This occurred<br />
at 11 ajn. with crowds outside informed<br />
via loudspeaker as to what was going on.<br />
She "slept" there all day until 7:30.<br />
drawing thousands of curious viewers during<br />
the day. Then, she was rushed by ambulance<br />
to the Rio, and wheeled onto the<br />
stage, where the hypnotist awakened her.<br />
He followed this up by hypnotizing several<br />
volunteers from the capacity audience.<br />
The dimensional display is used successfully by Tom Daley, monagcr of the Uni»er$ity Theatre, Toronto. They arc designed by Ooley ond built by a<br />
local studio Often, the troditionol accessories are used and adapted to the porticulor needs of the theatre, olthough frequently entirely new illu»troli»c<br />
ideas arc developed. The disploys arc spotted in the foyer, but ore shifted to a huge picture window which faces Bloor street—Toronto's Fifth ovenue<br />
during the run of the picture. For the "Eost of Eden" display, a color scheme of light ond dork blues; siUer and white wot used. For "Mombo," it woi<br />
red, yellow, block ond white, while for "The Man Who Loved Redheads," o combmotion of pink, turquoise, dork blue and white was used.<br />
.jl BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: October 1, 1955 — 309 — 45
A Display for Special Type Marquee<br />
A special marquee construction at the<br />
State in Manchester, N. H., a Jamestown<br />
Amusement Co. house, permits use of the<br />
center part above the canopy for unusual<br />
giant displays. The "what's playing"<br />
legend on this marquee appears on each<br />
of two wings, one left, one right. Both<br />
slant back to the wall of the building at<br />
approximately 45-degree angles, permitting<br />
easy view of the signs from either direction.<br />
The center portion, however, is left open,<br />
unobstructed by regular marquee frontage.<br />
Here, above the canopy, manager F. D.<br />
Scribner can make use of special signs and<br />
WANTED ... TO BUY<br />
other horizontal display pieces which most<br />
other theatres have to bypass because of<br />
state Rights<br />
lack of space.<br />
The open area, extending clear across<br />
For Oklahoma<br />
the outside of the theatre, is lit up at<br />
night, further enhancing visibility of the<br />
display in the neighborhood of the theatre.<br />
FEATURE<br />
Floodlights give it illumination from below.<br />
MOTION PICTURE For the recent showing of "The Glass<br />
Must Have Strong<br />
Slipper," Scribner mounted a huge cutout<br />
display of Leslie Caron and a slipper<br />
Potential <strong>Boxoffice</strong><br />
one week in advance and during the run.<br />
Sign was lit at night by floodlights.<br />
UNITED THEATRE OWNERS<br />
In the Magazines<br />
OF OKLAHOMA, INC.<br />
Columbia's "My Sister Eileen" gets top<br />
p. O. Box 1342 Phone Forest S-7904<br />
rating in<br />
OKLAHOMA<br />
a review in the October issue of<br />
CITY, OKLA.<br />
Compact. "Joyous," "outstanding" and<br />
ED THORNE RED SLOCUM<br />
"sprightly" are the adjectives used in describing<br />
the film.<br />
ore Hotel<br />
TOA C<br />
A photograph<br />
Angeles^<br />
of Anita Ekbcrg graces<br />
Calif.<br />
the cover oj the current Cue mth a<br />
tioo-page story on her appearance in<br />
Warner Bros.' "Blood Alley."<br />
BLOWERS<br />
ATOMIC JIT LAMPHOUSE BLOWERS<br />
uti rn bolli Driit-ln ind Indoor A«a<br />
Ttititrii.<br />
ngle unilt (or inch lamp and doub a "T'<br />
i (or<br />
pipt Kitpi LaiTid Cool and CItan. . . . Cl<<br />
CASY TO INSTALL. PRICED RIGHT<br />
TICKET<br />
lEIUIlT $<<br />
IKE NEW ,<br />
pfiUNiT<br />
"The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing" is<br />
given four pages of stills, background and<br />
commentary in the October 4 Tempo. "Intelligent<br />
script" and "absorbing drama"<br />
are two of many compliments the author<br />
bestows upon the 20th-Fox opus.<br />
REGISTERS m coin changers<br />
ONE YEAR<br />
GUAIANTEE<br />
WE BUY - SELL- TIADE<br />
ALL MAKES-ALL MODELS<br />
TICKET<br />
1223-7 South Wobotk A<<br />
REGISTER<br />
IRANDT ^MODELS<br />
LIGHTNING t<br />
INDUSTRIES<br />
Treasures in Lobbies<br />
For Patrons of 'Villa'<br />
"The Tieasure of Pancho Villa" was<br />
given away, figuratively, to patrons when<br />
it opened at four Texas theatres from<br />
September 28 through October 1. A treasure<br />
chest, containing envelopes with prizes,<br />
was made available to ticket buyers in the<br />
lobbies of the Majestic in San Antonio,<br />
the Metropolitan in Houston, the Palace in<br />
Dallas and the Worth in Fort Worth. The<br />
prizes were promoted from merchants for<br />
plugging merchandise at the theatres.<br />
The film title also was used in an essay<br />
contest sponsored by a leading newspaper<br />
in each of the four Texas cities. Readers<br />
were asked what they'd do if they found<br />
the treasure purported to be around somewhere<br />
in the area. The winner received a<br />
free roundtrip to Mexico via American Airlines.<br />
The newspapers were the Dallas<br />
News, the Houston Post, Fort Worth Press<br />
and San Antonio Express.<br />
Local Woman Appearing<br />
In Film Aids Promotion<br />
When Manager Stan Goodman of the<br />
Hollywood Theatre, Sioux Falls, S. D..<br />
learned that a local housewife had a brief<br />
part in "Ti-ial," he advised MGM's press<br />
representative in the area, Norm Levinson,<br />
that here was something worthy of publicity.<br />
Levinson contacted the housewife, Betty<br />
Hanson, and found that she had also appeared<br />
in "The King's Thief," "The Bar<br />
Sinister" and "Guys and Dolls." She also<br />
was an extra in over 50 Hollywood productions<br />
and plans to return to filmmaking<br />
soon.<br />
He invited her to the screening of "Trial,"<br />
and afterwards had her pose with the Sioux<br />
Falls mayor and chief of police as well as<br />
with exhibitors from nearby towns. The<br />
photos plus stories broke in papers in the<br />
surrounding area. The Sioux Falls Argus-<br />
Leader, for one, devoted a three-column<br />
photo plus a nine-inch story to the writeup<br />
on the local celebrity.<br />
Parade in Bare Feet<br />
Manager M. A. Elkins of the Colbert in<br />
Sheffield, Ala., installed three lovely young<br />
"Annie Oakleys" in the Tri-Cities Labor<br />
Day parade to create interest for "Shot<br />
gun." The female sharpshooters were thret<br />
local belles armed with guns, holsters, cow<br />
boy hats and Wild West attire. No shoes<br />
though: the pretty outlaws, who paid of:<br />
at the boxoffice, paraded in bare feet.<br />
A Break on Marines<br />
Di.scovering that there were four Marine<br />
from Bellingham, Wash., appearing ii<br />
"Battle Cry," city manager Leroy Kastne<br />
of National Theatres sent an invitation t<br />
Lheir parents to attend the opening at th<br />
Mount Baker In that city. The local Marl<br />
Reserves unit and recruiting station helpe<br />
publicize the opening which got goo<br />
breaks on radio and in newspapers. I<br />
46<br />
— 310- BOXOFFICE Showmandiaer :<br />
: October 1, 19l!
Comerford Heirs Sue;<br />
Charge Frank Walker<br />
SCHAN'I\>N. PA ItKinuu. l> . Micluu'l U<br />
Hiid WilUimi M Comi'iford. Miugnrel C.<br />
O'Hiini. Joiiii Comerford Feeney and Holoii<br />
Comerford Ekiiii. children of M. B. Comerford<br />
who wa-s a nephew of M. E. Comerford,<br />
founder of an extensive theatrical chain, have<br />
filed suit in Lackawanna County orphan.s<br />
court accusing former postmaster general<br />
Frank C. Walker of mismanaging and "maniplating<br />
the assets" of the M, E. Comerford<br />
estate, of which he is executor.<br />
Walker, who is also a nephew of M. E.<br />
Comerford. also acts as co-trustee with J. J.<br />
O'Leary. general manager of the Comerford<br />
theatre enterprises, of the estate of M. B.<br />
Comerford, who died in 1935.<br />
First accounting of M. E. Comerford's<br />
estate was filed by Walker last February, and<br />
It fixed the value of the estate at $1,052,777<br />
as of Dec. 31. 1954. A new accounting was<br />
filed last month fixing the value as of June<br />
30 at $3,475,422.<br />
The complainants charged that this increase<br />
arose from 'a wholly fictitious credit"<br />
which Walker created by "employing the device<br />
of altering and changing original book<br />
entries." They further accuse Walker of<br />
"manipulating the assets of the (M. E<br />
Comerford<br />
I<br />
estate and comingling funds and<br />
assets of the estate with funds and assets of<br />
other individuals and Comerford companies<br />
to the point where it has become virtually<br />
impossible to ascertain the true nature, extent<br />
and value of the assets."<br />
The court was asked to surcharge Walker<br />
for losses allegedly resulting from "waste,<br />
mismanagement and maladministration."<br />
Pennsylvania High Court<br />
Hears Picketing Case<br />
PITTSBURGH—Opening of the State<br />
Supreme Court fall session here brought the<br />
owners of the Skyline Drive-In in Lawrence<br />
County seeking to halt picketing of the outdoor<br />
theatre by lATSE Local 461 of New<br />
Castle.<br />
Arguing that there was no written contract,<br />
the Skyline owners appealed to the<br />
high court after Judge John C. Lamoree.<br />
Lawrence County common pleas court, refused<br />
to stop the lATSE from picketing when a<br />
union projectionist was replaced by the<br />
owner's son. Attorney Alvah M. Shumaker.<br />
representing the union, argued that peaceful<br />
picketing was allowed by the anti-injunction<br />
act of 1937.<br />
Attorney John A. Robb. representing the<br />
outdoor theatre, insisted there was no contract<br />
and that "even peaceful picketing could<br />
be enjoined." He said: "The actions of the<br />
union cannot be sustained on any public<br />
policy. They will indeed leave no alternative<br />
for the small businessman who hires no outside<br />
help but to go out of busine.ss or accede<br />
to the union demands. The freedom to compete<br />
fairly, unfettered by outlandish demands<br />
of aggressive unions, must be protected, or<br />
small businesses without outside employes<br />
must cease to exist as a part of our economic<br />
way of life."<br />
Robb also represents Ranalli's Drive-In<br />
near Bakerstown in a similar ca.se involving<br />
lATSE Local 171. this case to be argued<br />
before the Supreme Court in Philadelphia<br />
In November.<br />
.\T HFXL .AND BA( K' ori;.MNG— rrenii.re of Auciie .Murpliy.s war adventurr<br />
at the Capitol, .New York, turned out to be one of the events of the new film .sea.soii.<br />
Shown here, left to right: Milton R. Itac-hmil. president of Universal; .MaJ. (ien.<br />
Willim H. Coburn. depuay romnuinding general. I'irst .Vrmv; .Mun>hy and Charles<br />
J. Feldman. vire-president and general sales manager of lnivers;il.<br />
The U. S. .Army helped to promote the opening with special military displays and<br />
the First Army Band played in front of the Capitol. The major part of the evening<br />
activities was taped and broadcast over the "Luneheon at Sardi's" radio show over<br />
WOK. Irving Berlin. Kdward K. .Murrow and Gloria Vandcrbilt. as well as others,<br />
were invited to the evening performance.<br />
Dietz Discusses Promotion<br />
For 'Guys' in Washington<br />
NEW YORK—Howard Dietz. MGM vicepresident<br />
and dii'ector of advertising, publicity<br />
and exploitation, discussed plans for<br />
the Washington. D. C. opening of Samuel<br />
Goldwyn's "Guys and Dolls" at Keith's Theatre.<br />
November 16, with representatives of<br />
RKO Theatres. Goldwyn and MGM, at his<br />
office.<br />
Attending from RKO Theatres were Jay<br />
Golden, division manager for upper New<br />
York State. New England and Washington;<br />
Jerry Baker, manager for Keith's Harry<br />
Mandel, RKO Theatres advertising and publicity<br />
head, and his assistants. Blanche Livingston<br />
and Ed Kestenbaum. Dave Golding.<br />
Goldwyn advertising and publicity head, sat<br />
in with Dietz' staff, including: Dan S. Terrell.<br />
Emery Austin. Arthur Canton, all from the<br />
home office, and Judson Moses, southern division<br />
field press representative from Atlanta,<br />
and Tom Baldridge. Washington and<br />
Charlotte press representative.<br />
Exhibitor Gives COMPO<br />
1st Signed Award Pledge<br />
NEW YORK—Maury Miller of the Harry K.<br />
Hecht Theatres. New Jersey. Wednesday (28<br />
became the first exhibitor to file a signed<br />
pledge for the Audience Awards election with<br />
the Council of Motion Picture Organizations<br />
here. The participating theatres in the circuit<br />
are the Central in Passaic and the Plaza in<br />
Paterson.<br />
Elmer C. Rhoden. national Awards chairman,<br />
has mailed pledge forms to all circuit<br />
executives and 17.000 theatres.<br />
Now It's 'Guys' and 'Dolls'<br />
PFTTSBURGH^ Re.-tro..ni.s .it the MGM<br />
exchange, formerly "Men" and "Women",<br />
now are marked "Guys" and "Dolls."<br />
11 Counterfeit Tickets<br />
Turn Up in Pittsburgh<br />
PITTSBURGH— OiUy 11 counterfeit fight<br />
tickets turned up at Loew's Penn Theatre<br />
here Wednesday (21) night for the Marclano-<br />
Moore fightcast, although the theatre had<br />
prepared for possible trouble with what the<br />
Post-Gazette called "a police guard capable<br />
of protecting the gold supply at Fort Knox."<br />
More than 14,000 persons saw the fightcast<br />
in the five local theatres which carried<br />
the telecast, but only at Loew's Penn were the<br />
phony ducats involved.<br />
In addition to the police, the city treasury<br />
and the Internal Revenue Service posted a<br />
representative at each entrance because of<br />
their interest in the tax on the counterfeit<br />
tickets. The theatre called in experienced<br />
ticket takers with a knack for spotting a<br />
phony ticket from the real thing. At the<br />
side of each ticket taker a legitimate ticket<br />
was thumbtacked to a board. Only 11 tickets<br />
were detected as of doubtful origin.<br />
Although rejected at the door, all the owners<br />
of the phony tickets took the situation In<br />
good spirits. E^ach was asked to describe to<br />
police where he bought the phony ticket,<br />
under what circumstances and to describe<br />
the seller.<br />
Shortly after the start of the fight, extra<br />
police stationed at the Penn were called to<br />
the Harris to quell noisy customers demanding<br />
refunds. The TV picture had blurred<br />
through the beginning of the fight and<br />
customers were protesting. A number of refunds<br />
were made, the police quieted down Uie<br />
disturbance and the picture cleared up within<br />
a few minutes.<br />
Airer Nears Completion<br />
POTTSVILLE. PA.—Bernard Friedman's<br />
new 750-car drlve-ln seven miles from here<br />
is nearing completion. The ozoner has a 46x<br />
108-foot<br />
jIBOXOFTICE October 1. 1955 47<br />
screen.
. .<br />
riirt<br />
To Hell and Back' in Big First Week<br />
On Broadway Series Boost Others<br />
NEW YORK—"To Hell and Back" at the<br />
Capitol did the best first week's business of<br />
the three important Cinemascope features<br />
that opened on Broadway during the week.<br />
The Left Hand of God" did good, if not<br />
sensational, business in its first week at the<br />
Roxy and "My Sister Eileen" was just fair<br />
in its opening week at the Victoria, despite<br />
favorable reviews. "Kiss of Fire" also was<br />
strong in its single week at the RKO Palace,<br />
where the many out-of-towners always flock<br />
to see the film-vaudeville program.<br />
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from behind at the seat level.<br />
Maintenance is reduced, as scuffing<br />
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When planning your seating or reseating<br />
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Union City, Indiana<br />
York, "It's Always Pair Weather" at the<br />
Radio City Music Hall, also attracted the<br />
visitors in New York for the World Series<br />
and had a smash second week at the world's<br />
largest theatre. "To Catch a Thief," in its<br />
eighth week at the Paramount, and "Ulysses,"<br />
in its sixth week at the Globe, both held up<br />
exceptionally well and both continued for<br />
another stanza. "The PhenLx City Story" also<br />
did well in its fourth week at Loew's State.<br />
"Summertime" closed a long and profitable<br />
14-week run at the Astor and "You're Never<br />
Too Young" did well enough in its fifth week<br />
at the Criterion, where it will stay just one<br />
more round.<br />
"Svengali" opened to strong business at<br />
the Trans-Lux 52nd Street and joined the<br />
other art house pictures in the smash category,<br />
including "Tlie African Lion," which<br />
had a big second week after an opening round<br />
which set a new house record at the Normandie;<br />
"The Sheep Has Five Legs," in its<br />
seventh strong week at the Fine Arts: "I Am<br />
a Camera," still big in its seventh week at<br />
the Little Carnegie, and those two veterans,<br />
Gate of Hell," in its 41st week at the Guild<br />
Theatre, and "Marty," in its 24th week at<br />
the Sutton—all of these set to continue indefinitely.<br />
"Othello," however, was mUd in its<br />
second week at the Paris and was succeeded<br />
by a French film, "One Step to Eternity,"<br />
111<br />
Ṫhe McConnell Story" opened at the Astor<br />
September 29 and "Night of the Hunter"<br />
started the same day at the Mayfair.<br />
. 1<br />
(Average Is 100)<br />
Astor Summertime (UA), Mfh wk 110<br />
05<br />
Baronet The Red Shoes (UA), revivol, 3rd wk .<br />
Capitol To Hell ond Bock {U-l) 190<br />
Criterion— You're Never Too Young 5fh wk 1 1<br />
(Para),<br />
Fine Arts The Sheep Has Five Legs (United),<br />
7th wk 150<br />
55th St Ballet de France (Hotfberg) 100<br />
Globe Ulysses (Para), 6th wk 115<br />
Guild Gate of Hell (Harrison, 4Ist wk 110<br />
Little Carnegie— I Am a Camera (DCA), 7fh wk 120<br />
Loews State The Phenix City Story (AA), 4th wk 120<br />
Mayfair The Kentuckion UA), 4th<br />
105<br />
Normandie The African Lion<br />
Visfo),<br />
2nd wk<br />
200<br />
Palace Kiss of Fire (U-l), plus vaudeville 125<br />
Paramount—To Catch o Thief (Para), 8th wk. . 120<br />
Pons-Othello (UA), 2nd wk<br />
105<br />
rivote Wor of Mo|or Benson (U-l),<br />
3th<br />
.100<br />
Radio City Music Hall It's Always Fair Weothe<br />
(MGM), plus stage show, 2nd wk 150<br />
Rivoli—Reopens Oct. 13 with Oklahoma!(Todd A-0)<br />
Roxy— The Left Hand of God (20th-Fox) 150<br />
Sulton<br />
Trans-Lux<br />
Marty (UA), 24th wk<br />
52nd— Svengali iMGM)<br />
130<br />
150<br />
Victoria My Sister Eileen (Col) 125<br />
Warner—Cineramo Holiday (SW), 33rd wk of<br />
two-a-day 125<br />
World Foreign revivals<br />
'Fair Weather' Rates 310<br />
First Week in Philly<br />
PHILADELPHIA -Tile newcomers opened<br />
with a bang in first run situations as some<br />
of the holdovers failed to hold their own.<br />
"It's Always Pair Weather" was a strong 310<br />
in its first week at the Arcadia. There were<br />
several holdovers which continued strong.<br />
Among these was "To Catch a Thief" which<br />
was a big 175 at the Tians-Lux.<br />
Arcadia— It's Alwoys Fair Weather (MGM)<br />
Boyd—This is Cineroma (Cinerama), 31st<br />
310<br />
90<br />
wk. . .<br />
Fox Love Is a Many-Splcndorod "Thing<br />
(20th-Fox), 6lh wk 65<br />
Goldman—The Kentuckion (UAI 140<br />
Mostbaum-To Hell and Back (U-l), 4th wk 60<br />
Midtown—The Private War of Mojor Benson (U-l). 80<br />
Randolph— Footsteps in the Fog (Col), 2nd wk. . . 55<br />
Stanley—Biood Alloy (WB) 100<br />
Stonton— Night Freight (AA); Betrayed Women<br />
(AA)<br />
no<br />
studio—Morty (UA), 1 5th wk 120<br />
Trans-Lux To Catch a Thief (Poro), 8th wk 175<br />
Viking Desert Sands (UA) 90<br />
Trans-Lux-World Lody and the Tramp (BV),<br />
)3th wk 133<br />
'Hell and Back' and Fight<br />
Score 250 in Baltimore<br />
BALTIMORE—The Marciano-Moore fight<br />
films bolstered business at two local houses<br />
to the point where one of them broke all<br />
existing boxoffice records. The fight pictures,<br />
in that particular instance, were teamed with<br />
"To Hell and Back." The same Marciano-<br />
Moore feature added to the attendance of<br />
To Catch a Thief." Elsewhere among the<br />
first runs, business was better than average.<br />
. .<br />
Century Female on the Beach (U-l) 95<br />
Film Centre Summertime (UA), 3rd wk 100<br />
Hippodrome To Catch a Thief (Para), 2nd wk.,<br />
plus Marciano-Moore tight (UA) 150<br />
Keiths Ulysses ,Pafa) 100<br />
95<br />
Little The Night of the Hunter (UA), 3rd wk.<br />
New—Seven Cities of Gold (20th-Fox)<br />
Mayfoir The Noked Street (UA)....- 100<br />
Playhouse—We're No Angels (Para), 4th wk 105<br />
Stanley—The McConnell Story (WB) 95<br />
Town—To Hell and Bock (U-l), plus Morciono-<br />
Moore tight (UA) 250<br />
The Cinema The Red Shoes (UA), reissue 85<br />
"Blood Alley' at 140<br />
Is High in Buffalo<br />
BUFFALO—Business was faii-ly good all<br />
along first run row, with 'Blood Alley" at<br />
the Paramount tacking up a 140 and "Night<br />
of the Hunter" hitting 120 in Shea's Buffalo.<br />
"Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing" had a<br />
115 third week at the Center, aided by two<br />
sneak previews.<br />
Buffalo Night of the Hunter (UA) 120<br />
Center Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing<br />
(20th-Fox), 3rd wk 115<br />
Century The Warriors (AA), Finger Man (AA..100<br />
Cinema Court Martial (Kingsley) 110<br />
Lafayette One Desire (U-l); Francis in the Navy<br />
(U-l) 115<br />
jnt— Blood Alley (WB) 1 40<br />
'Pete Kelly Blues' Leads<br />
Pittsburgh First Runs<br />
PITTSBURGH—Downtown theatres exploited<br />
three new entries and offered one<br />
holdover. Best grosser was "Pete Kelly's<br />
Blues."<br />
Fulton Love Is o Many-Splendored Thing<br />
(20th-Fox), 3rd wk 50<br />
Horns The Left Hond of God (20th-Fox) 100<br />
Penn It's Always Fair Weother ,MGM) 90<br />
Stanley— Pete Kelly's Blues iWB) 120<br />
Darmstaedter to Handle<br />
Oxberry Camera Line<br />
NEW YORK— Ei-ic Daj-mstaedter has been<br />
appointed by Animation Equipment Corp.,<br />
New Rochelle. N. Y., to handle the complete<br />
line of Oxberry camera installations in all<br />
foreign markets except Franch and England.<br />
He is vice-president and general manager of<br />
Reeves Equipment Corp., New York.<br />
Dai'mstaedter left for a semiannual business<br />
trip to Havana, Caracas, Maj-acaibo,<br />
Baranquilla, Bogota. Mcdellin, Panama City<br />
and Mexico City, where he will contact film<br />
companies and TV stations.<br />
Caras Joins Columbia<br />
NEW YORK -Hosier Carxs. wlio has promoted<br />
films, stage television and radio shows<br />
for the past 12 years, has joined the Columbia<br />
Pictures home office exploitation department.<br />
He was last connected with Michael Myerberg<br />
and Jed Harris on promotion of 'Hansel and<br />
Gretel."<br />
HELP YOURSELF BY HELPING THE<br />
AUDIENCE AWARDS.<br />
48<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1, 195
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iBOXOFFICE<br />
:<br />
1. 1955 49
. . Ronald<br />
. . J.<br />
. . Susan<br />
. . Ruth<br />
. . Joseph<br />
. . Skippy<br />
. . Fred<br />
. . Ted<br />
BROADWAY<br />
Dalph Bellamy, who has completed his first<br />
film in ten years. "The Court-Martial of<br />
Billy Mitchell," for Warner Bros., is back in<br />
New York for a TV show . . . Claire Bloom.<br />
British film star, is here for rehearsals for<br />
Jose Ferrer's TV production of "Cyrano de<br />
Bergerac," on NBC October 17 . . . John<br />
Forsythe flew to Paris to play in Norman<br />
Krasna'.s "The Ambassador's Daughter,"<br />
which UA will release. Myrna Loy, who will<br />
return to the screen in the same picture, also<br />
left for Paris . . . George Murphy. MGM<br />
studio public relations head who appeared in<br />
the first MGM TV show September 14, arrived<br />
from the coast . . . Natalie Wood, featured<br />
in Warner Bros.' "Rebel Without a<br />
Cause," IS in New York for personal appearances<br />
to plug the film.<br />
Rosalind Russell and her producer-husband.<br />
Frederick Brisson, and Jack Wrather,<br />
TV producer, and his actrass-wife, Bonita<br />
Granville, and George Abbott, theatrical producer,<br />
sailed for Europe . Bellport.<br />
RKO general European manager, sailed for<br />
Paris after three weeks of home office conferences.<br />
Edward Arnold was on the same<br />
boat . Squire. British film actor,<br />
arrived from London, bringing with him the<br />
two children of Stewart Granger, now an<br />
MGM star in Hollywood . Sanford,<br />
chief Todd-AO camera engineer, has returned<br />
from England and France, where he<br />
gave technical advice on Todd's new production,<br />
"Around the World in 80 Days,"<br />
now being filmed.<br />
Betty E. Box, British film producer, flew<br />
back to England . Stephen. British<br />
film actress, came in from England as did<br />
Diana Cilento, who will play in the new play,<br />
"Tiger at the Gates," starring Michael Redgrave<br />
. C. Latta, managing director of<br />
As-sociated British and David E. Rose, British<br />
producer, arrived from London . . . Machiko<br />
Kyo. star of "Gate of Hell." and Masaichi<br />
Nagata. president of the Daiei company of<br />
Tokyo, planed to Hollywood after five days<br />
in New York meeting the American press.<br />
Walter Vincent, veteran exhibitor and<br />
president of the Actors Fund of America, and<br />
Mrs. Vincent recently celebrated their golden<br />
wedding anniversary . Lipinski, secretary<br />
to L. J. Patton, Altec eastern division<br />
manager, left on a vacation trip which will<br />
embrace a tour of the leading European<br />
cities. Patton has returned to his Newark<br />
headquarters after a trip to the west coast<br />
cities . . . William D. Kelly, who retired from<br />
MGM after 37 years with the company, left<br />
with his wife to live in Florida . . . Mrs.<br />
-,r»»v,.w.vi:-,:„.,m..T.>,...„;..:-v.,<br />
50<br />
Leonard Kahn, the former Minna Jackter,<br />
daughter of Rube Jackter, Columbia assistant<br />
general sales head, gave birth to a sevenpound<br />
daughter, named Penny, at Mt. Sinai<br />
Ho.spital September 19.<br />
Walt Disney arrived from the coast . . .<br />
Marion Jordan, general sales manager for<br />
Universal International in Europe, arrived<br />
from Paris . . . Judson Moses, MGM southern<br />
division field press representative, left for his<br />
Atlanta headquarters . Richmond.<br />
Tyrone Power's associate in Copa Productions,<br />
is in New York to discuss the release of<br />
"Count Three and Pray" with Columbia executives<br />
. Kohlmar. producer of the<br />
forthcoming "The Solid Gold Cadillac" for<br />
Columbia, and Richard Quine. who will direct<br />
the Judy Holliday picture, are in New York<br />
to select locations,<br />
Robert Mitchum. who filmed "Foreign In-<br />
. . Louis<br />
trigue" in Europe for United Artists release,<br />
returned with his wife and left for the coast<br />
by plane . . . Claire Trevor, who has been<br />
filming "The Mountain" for Paramount in<br />
Europe, flew in from Geneva . . . P. F. Thomas,<br />
Altec Service Corp. treasurer, went to Chicago<br />
for a series of meetings with F. C.<br />
Dickey, central division manager .<br />
Lober, general manager of United Artists<br />
foreign department, returned from the Latin-<br />
American convention held in Miami . . . Edward<br />
E. Sullivan, 20th-Fox publicity manager,<br />
was in Hollywood for studio conferences<br />
with Harry Brand, publicity head, on<br />
campaign plans for new releases.<br />
John Evans of Australia<br />
To Be Dinner Host Here<br />
NEW YORK—John Evans, director and<br />
chairman of the executive committee of<br />
Greater Union Theatres, Pty. Ltd., Australia,<br />
arrived in New York September 30. He was<br />
accompanied by Mrs. Evans. Tliey are stopping<br />
at the Essex House.<br />
I?vans and Capt. Harold Aulen, American<br />
representative for GUT theatres, will be hosts<br />
at a "Tliank You" dinner for foreign managers<br />
and others who do business in Australia.<br />
The dinner will be at the Lotos Club,<br />
,5 East 66th St., Friday. October 7. If Eric<br />
Johnston, MPA president, returns from<br />
Europe by that time, he will be present. If<br />
not, Ralph Hetzel jr. will represent him.<br />
Al Floersheimer Sr. Dies<br />
NEW YORK— Al Floersheimer jr., head of<br />
the concessions department of Walter Reade<br />
Theatres, flew to Honolulu September 23 to<br />
attend the funeral of his father, who died<br />
after a heart attack. The elder Floersheimer.<br />
his wife and two sisters had moved to Honolulu<br />
four months before for the sake of his<br />
health, and the son had planned a vacation<br />
trip there .soon.<br />
Rowe Advances Leonard<br />
NEW YOHK -Raymond H Leonard has<br />
been named vice-president in charge of<br />
manufacturing by Robert Z. Greene, president<br />
of Rowe Manufacturing Co., Inc.,<br />
makers of automatic vending machines.<br />
Leonard will be responsible for production,<br />
research, engineering and personnel at the<br />
Whippany. N. J., and Stamford, Conn., plants.<br />
Machiko Kyo, Jap Star,<br />
On a Visit to U. S.<br />
NEW YORK—Machiko Kyo, Japan's leading<br />
film actress and star of "Gate of Hell,"<br />
"Ugetsu" and "Rashomon," all of which won<br />
international film prizes and long runs in<br />
U. S. art houses, planed in from London<br />
September 19.<br />
Miss Kyo was guest of honor at a private<br />
screening September 21 of her latest film,<br />
"Yang Kwei Fei," produced by Daiei Motion<br />
Picture Co. of Tokyo, which also produced<br />
the other Japanese films in which she<br />
starred. The showing was followed by a cocktail<br />
reception for the press in the Sculpture<br />
Garden of the Museum of Modern Art, which<br />
was attended by Joshua Logan, Nedda Harrigan,<br />
Dorothy Masters, Regina Wallace and<br />
magazine and press representatives. "Yang<br />
Kewi Fei" was shown at the Venice Film<br />
Festival, which Miss Kyo attended early in<br />
September. Matsutaro Kawaguchi, managing<br />
director of Daiei in Japan, accompanied Miss<br />
Kyo.<br />
Miss Kyo was also guest of honor at a reception<br />
September 22, sponsored by the Japan<br />
Society and the East Asian Institute of Columbia<br />
University.<br />
Edward Harrison is distributing "Gate of<br />
Hell," now in its 42nd week at the Guild<br />
Theatre, New York City, and "Ugetsu" in<br />
the U. S.<br />
Stars. Air Force Attend<br />
'McConneir NY Opening<br />
NEW YORK—Tab Hunter, Natalie Wood,<br />
Perry Lopez and Nick Adams, all of them<br />
featured in forthcoming Warner Bros, pictures,<br />
joined Air Force, Navy and Marine<br />
officers and their wives at the invitation<br />
opening of "The McConnell Story," the<br />
Cinemascope salute to America's first triple<br />
jet ace, at the Paramount Theatre Wednesday<br />
(281.<br />
Ruth Nichols, first winner of the Harmon<br />
trophy; Marjorie M. Gray, a member of the<br />
Women Air Service, and top female aviators<br />
\<br />
from all over the U. S. were also present, as<br />
were Mrs. Eddie Rickenbacker and Mrs. Jimmy<br />
Etoolittle. who presented a citation honoring<br />
the wives of Air Force pilots to officers<br />
of the Air Force Wives Ass'n on the .stage of<br />
the Paramount. The First Air Force marching<br />
band from Mitchell Field paraded down<br />
Broadway to the Paramount and played in<br />
front of the theatre until 9 p. m. Capt. Pete<br />
Fernandez, jet air force ace and close friend<br />
of McConnell. who acted as technical advi.ser<br />
on the picture, flew from California to attend.<br />
Plaza Is First Art Spot<br />
To Install CinemaScope<br />
NEW YORK—The Plaza Tlieatre will b<br />
the first New York art theatre to instal<br />
CmemaScope, in preparation for the showin;<br />
of the 20th Century-Fox release, "The Dee<br />
Blue Sea." produced in England by Sid Alex<br />
ander Korda with Vivien Leigh and Kennet<br />
More starred.<br />
The Plaza entered one of the largest bic<br />
ever received from an art house to play th<br />
Korda picture. 20th-Fox reported. The Plaz.<br />
which has a British picture. "Will Ar<br />
Gentleman?" current, recently concluded a<br />
eight-week run for "The Private War<br />
'<br />
Major Benson," Universal-International fill<br />
BOXOFFICE ;: October 1, 19'
'<br />
.'h<br />
. . . Manager<br />
. .<br />
Widescreen Hogs Stage;<br />
N. Granz Cancels Show<br />
BUFFAI.ci N.Mii in Grnnz of Beverly<br />
HIUs. lnt«'n.,ui"ii.ill> famous Jazz Impresario,<br />
canceled his pcjieciuled performance of "Jazz<br />
at the Phllhajmonio," half an hour before<br />
curtain time Tliursday evening (22> because,<br />
he said, the Granada Theatre stage was too<br />
small Tlie Granada is a Schine community<br />
theatre here Granz claimed a local disk<br />
jockey arransod the date in the Granada for<br />
Uie show and said "I don't have any criticism<br />
of the Granada manaRement: the disk<br />
jockey should have checked more closely.<br />
"We got in lat« just before show time and<br />
found it was Impossible. Tlie band boy had<br />
tried to put some of the instruments on the<br />
stage, but with the theatre's big. new screen.<br />
It wa5 just impassible."<br />
The cast of the canceled concert included<br />
Ella Fitzgerald. Flip Philips. Illinois Jacquet,<br />
Dizzy Gille.spie. Roy Eldridge. Oscar Peterson<br />
and his trio. Buddy Rich. Gene Krupa and<br />
Ray Brown Granz refunded some S3.000 in<br />
ticket receipt-s as well as money received for<br />
programs and said he felt especially sorry for<br />
out-of-town patrons who had come from as<br />
far as Rochester and Jame.stown.<br />
It is reported that a representative for the<br />
.show tried to lease one of the big downtown<br />
theatres for the show, but was unable to find<br />
one; and it seems that Kleinhans Music Hall<br />
has banned the show because of the possibility<br />
of damage to the hall. "We'd welcome<br />
Mr. Granz if his audiences would behave,"<br />
said Mrs. Winifred E. Corey, director of the<br />
Kleinhans Music Hall.<br />
Tent 7 Drive in High Gear,<br />
Marvin Jacobs Reports<br />
BUFFALO—Marvin Jacobs, first assistant<br />
chief barker and chairman of the heart committee<br />
of Variety Tent 7. has a herculean<br />
Job on his hands. He is directing the club's<br />
drive for funds for the Children's Hospital<br />
Cerebral Palsy Clinic, which has been going<br />
jon most of the year and comes to a climax<br />
with collections in the theatres in and around<br />
Buffalo during Thanksgiving week.<br />
Jacobs reports there already is $11,000 in<br />
the fund, but S19.000 more is needed by the<br />
end of the year. Mary M. Ryan, office manager<br />
at MGM, is chairman of the Women's<br />
League committee for the theatre collection:<br />
and Audrey Wagner of the Allied Artists<br />
branch is in charge of the collectors, all of<br />
whom are members of Variety's Women's<br />
League and all of whom volunteer their<br />
services.<br />
Helen Huber. cashier at the Paramount exchange<br />
and a member of Paramount's 25-Year<br />
Club, has been in charge of collections at<br />
all the big shopping plazas.<br />
During the season about to close for the<br />
drive-ins. the outdoorers raised S5,000 for the<br />
fund in western New York. Last year the<br />
1 indoor theatres raised S8. 163.52. and Jacobs<br />
i' hopeful this will be doubled in 1955.<br />
H. J. Yates Honors Goetz<br />
NEW YORK—Jack Goetz was guest of<br />
honor Tuesday i27i at a cocktail reception<br />
T- the Essex House given by Herbert J. Yates.<br />
Republic president. Goetz has been associated<br />
Con.solldated Film Industries since its<br />
•eption in 1924. He will leave October 7<br />
' California to join Consolidated on the<br />
ast. He and Mrs. Goetz will reside peranently<br />
at Beverly Hills.<br />
BUFFALO<br />
T fster rnllock, manngcr of Loew's Theatre<br />
in Rochester, is doing a great Job In<br />
aiding the firefighters in Kodak Town to<br />
put on their annual<br />
Rochester firemen's<br />
benefit stage show to<br />
be held In the Eastman<br />
Theatre October<br />
7-9. Proceeds of the<br />
show are iLsed to<br />
maintain the firemen's<br />
death benefit fund<br />
from which insurance<br />
i> paid to families of<br />
deceased firefighters.<br />
Lester has helped to<br />
promote and stage the<br />
Lester Pollock show for the fiiemen<br />
for many years.<br />
.<br />
.\bout 400 persons have been invited to the<br />
fifth annual dinner and show sponsored by<br />
the Newspaper Guild of Rochester in the<br />
Sheraton Hotel in Kodak Town on October<br />
18. Actors and stagehands will be guild<br />
members from the news staffs of the<br />
Democrat & Chronicle and the Times-Union.<br />
A three-act comedy, entitled "Ivan, It's<br />
Terrible." will be presented. George and<br />
Harriet Warren, co-directors of the Community<br />
Players, will direct the play<br />
Ed Sullivan, columnist and TV star, has<br />
lost a suit to prevent Ed Sullivan of Buffalo,<br />
seller of radio and TV sets, from using that<br />
name on his shop. "There were Ed Sullivans<br />
without number long before plaintiff was<br />
born." ruled Supreme Court Justice Walter<br />
A. Lynch of New York in turning down the<br />
entertainer's request for a temporary injunction.<br />
A man, the judge added, has a right<br />
to use his own name in business and no one<br />
can obtain a trademark monopoly on a name<br />
"whose bearers are legion."<br />
Ray Wander jr.. a transplanted Buffalonian,<br />
is writing the entire 44 shows of the<br />
MGM Parade, an ABC television chain event.<br />
"Tlie Clue." a detective series which WBEN-<br />
1948. launched Wander<br />
TV pioneered back in<br />
on his writing career. He just has finished<br />
adapting "Waterloo Bridge" for motion pictures<br />
under the altered title of "Gaby." Ray's<br />
TV writing credits include "Big Town." "My<br />
Friend Irma" and "The Millionaire."<br />
Phil Isaacs, who back in 1946 was head<br />
booker and office manager at the Buffalo<br />
Paramount exchange, has been named manager<br />
of Paramount's new Rocky Mountain<br />
sales division with headquarters in Denver<br />
Charlie McKernan gathered in<br />
some extra shekels at the Seneca. South<br />
Buffalo UPT community house, when he put<br />
on two matinees last Saturday. His attraction<br />
was Disney's "Lady and the Tramp."<br />
McKernan started one matinee at 12:45 and<br />
the other at 4:40. The program ran continuously<br />
from 12:45 p.m.<br />
Dewey Michaels booked the Marciano-Moore<br />
fight films into his Palace theatre In Buffalo<br />
two days after the fight and Jammed 'em in<br />
at this downtown hou.se which has a<br />
burlesque policy ... All went well at the<br />
telecast of the championship bout on the<br />
Century's screen. Manager Robert T. Murphy<br />
had no trouble with anyone trying to present<br />
fake tickets. Anyone who held one of the<br />
alleged phony ducats probably remained<br />
away on reading that police would be<br />
stationed at entrances to the theatre to<br />
confiscate any fake tickets offered It wii:. .i<br />
.sell-out .scveriil days before the fight. Murphy<br />
snld.<br />
Harry Hollander, brother of Bill Hollander.<br />
B
. . John<br />
. . Auto<br />
. .<br />
. . . Alexander<br />
. . Seymour<br />
. . There<br />
ALBANY<br />
pilm men viewing the Marciano-Moore fightcast<br />
at the Grand included Norman Jackter,<br />
Columbia manager; Norman Weitman,<br />
U-I manager: Jim Biondo. U-I exploiteer in<br />
town to focus public attention on "To Hell<br />
and Back," opening at the Strand October<br />
5: Burt Toppal, United Artists salesman: Pat<br />
Patterson. Leland manager, who had a day<br />
off; Gene Ganott, assistant manager of the<br />
nearby Palace; George H. Schenck, Tri-State<br />
Automatic Candy Corp. manager; Jack<br />
Hamilton, Berlo Vending Co. chief; Irwin Ullman,<br />
area Fabian drive-in supervisor: Frank<br />
Lynch, Paramount office manager-head<br />
booker, and Al Kellert, head of a local advertising<br />
agency servicing some theatre accounts.<br />
.<br />
George Econome, brother of Irene Econome,<br />
is night assistant to Paul Wallen at the<br />
Grand. The ruggedly handsome Econome<br />
works as a carpenter in the da}i,ime<br />
Paul Leppard, manager of Schine's Rialto,<br />
Amsterdam, conducted a fine exploitation<br />
campaign for the premiere of "To Hell and<br />
Back." This is the word which Jim Biondo,<br />
U-I field representative, brought back from<br />
the premiere of the Audie Murphy picture<br />
in the Rug City. Through the cooperation<br />
of the Army, a tank and other equipment<br />
were displayed. Miss Amvet, an Amsterdam<br />
girl chosen in a national contest, appeared<br />
on the stage with representatives of four<br />
veterans organizations. A short parade also<br />
was staged.<br />
Fabian's Palace used small insertions on<br />
the television pages of Albany dailies to advertise<br />
Hal March's role in "It's Always Fair<br />
Weather." The copy, one-column wide by<br />
3 '-J inches deep, had a cut of March with<br />
the caption, "He's a Riot in His First Important<br />
Movie Role." Below the picture,<br />
March was identified as "Master of Ceremonies<br />
of the Sensational $64,000 Question<br />
TV program" . Festa manages the<br />
Orvis in Massena for hLs brother-in-law,<br />
Joe Agresta. Rocky Carbone directs the<br />
Rialto, Massena, for Agresta. Both men hold<br />
daytime jobs, too.<br />
United Artists has 21 prints working in<br />
the Albany exchange district and 30 in<br />
the Buffalo territory of the Marciano-Moore<br />
heavyweight championship fight . . .<br />
"Female<br />
on the Beach" proved a potent draw with<br />
women at the Strand . Vision Theatre<br />
Corp. maintains an office at 545 Broadway,<br />
where Paramount Film Distributing Corp.<br />
and Perlmutter Theatres also have quarters.<br />
Alan I.selin operates the Auto-Vlsion at East<br />
Greenbush.<br />
Representatives of Fabian and of Stanley<br />
Warner Theatres conferred in the Palace<br />
Theatre building Wednesday with officials of<br />
the stage employes union on a new contract.<br />
The employes have been working without a<br />
formal agreement.<br />
Mary Miles Daugrhters, who as Miss Texas<br />
finished a runnerup In this year's Miss Universe<br />
contest, filled a busy schedule of press,<br />
radio, and television and Army recruiting<br />
dates in the Albany area Monday on behalf of<br />
"To Hell and Back." The 19-year-old beauty,<br />
whom Audie Murphy, a fellow Texan, met at<br />
the U-I studies during the production of the<br />
picture, and whom Gov. Allen Shivers appointed<br />
queen of Texas premiere engagements,<br />
was piloted In this city, Schenectady<br />
and Troy by Jim Biondo, U-I exploiteer.<br />
52<br />
ROSALIND IN ALBANY — Rosalind<br />
Russell, star of "The Girl Rush." was in<br />
Albany a day recently on a promotion<br />
tour. She attended a reception in the<br />
Sheraton-Ten Eyck and appeared on the<br />
stage at Fabian's Palace on opening<br />
night. She is pictured here with Dan<br />
Houlihan, Paramount manager at Albany,<br />
and Fred Brisson, her husband and producer<br />
of the film.<br />
Gerry Schwartz Manages<br />
New L500-Car Drive-In<br />
SPRING VALLEY. N. Y.—The new 1,500-<br />
car Rockland Drive-In here is managed by<br />
Gerry Schwartz, who for some years had<br />
been associated with Harry Lamont in the<br />
operation of automobilers. A Seabee during<br />
World War n, Schwartz is experienced in<br />
construction as well as in management. The<br />
Rockland ozoner, which has a beautiful<br />
cafeteria-type concession stand, is owned by<br />
J. E. Appleman, who also conducts the<br />
Somerville Drive-In at Somerville, N. J. The<br />
Rockland is being serviced by Berlo Vending<br />
Co.. Albany.<br />
Refurbishing by Proctor<br />
Is Nearly Completed<br />
TROY, N. Y.—Tri-State Automatic Candy<br />
Corp. will install modernistic concession<br />
stands at Proctor's Fabian, and in the Troy,<br />
Stanley Warner, here according to Manager<br />
George H. Schenck. The one for Proctor's<br />
will be larger than the present stand. When<br />
the job is fini.shed, the refurbishing and<br />
modernizing of the 2,350-seater—begun last<br />
spring—will be complete. Fabian construction<br />
engineer Fred Haas directed the job: House<br />
Chief Dick Murphy cooperated. Sid Sommers<br />
manages the Troy.<br />
Shapiro Is Executive V-P<br />
For Cinema Lodge Work<br />
NEW YORK—To insure<br />
the smooth functioning<br />
of the New York Cinema lodge of<br />
B'nai B'rith during the frequent absences of<br />
Max E. Youngstein. president, a new jxist of<br />
executive vice-president has been created, and<br />
Robert K. Shapiro, managing director of<br />
the Paramount Theatre, has been named to<br />
fill it.<br />
Shapiro is chairman of the fund-raising<br />
project of Cinema lodge on behalf of the<br />
B'nal B'rith agencies, the sale of 500 contribution<br />
share certificates at $25 each.<br />
VOTE NOW IN AUDIENCE AWARDS.<br />
NEWARK<br />
A 12-week run of "Doctor in the House" set<br />
a record at the Bellevue Theatre In Montclair.<br />
For the last two years, this theatre<br />
has shown a steady run of foreign films and<br />
special American pictures like Disney's True<br />
Life Adventure series . . . Richard Bracken,<br />
assistant at the Bellevue for five years, has<br />
been promoted to manager . is a<br />
new manager at the Center in Bloomfield<br />
Frederick B. Dressel. He was with the Warner<br />
circuit for 12 years before coming to this<br />
area in January.<br />
At the Elmbassy in East Orange, Manager<br />
Adolph Finkelstein and Casper Gabriele, assistant,<br />
arranged a "Going Back to School<br />
Party." "We're always promoting here." said<br />
Finkelstein, and he mentioned a turkey giveaway<br />
show already planned for Thanksgiving,<br />
the Christmas show sponsored by local merchants,<br />
and the Halloween show for kiddies<br />
Davidson, projectionist at the<br />
Embassy and president of Local 244 is going<br />
on a Florida vacation with his wife in November.<br />
. . . William<br />
Robert Phillips, manager of the Hollywood<br />
in East Orange, enjoyed a siunmer vacation at<br />
Miami. He has a new assistant, David Lawrie.<br />
Harold Flannery has been at the Newsreel<br />
in Newark for the last eight months as<br />
assistant manager. He formerly was with the<br />
Skouras chain . Weiss is the newmanager<br />
at the Capitol here<br />
Beattie, manager of the Capitol in Belleville,<br />
arranged a Saturday Pencil Box matinee,<br />
a special kiddy show of cartoons lasting about<br />
31= hours. A local radio and TV store sponsored<br />
this show and everyone admitted got<br />
a free pencil box.<br />
Gabriel Zvenia is the new assistant manager<br />
at Loew's State in Newark. He came<br />
here from Loew's 72nd Street, New York.<br />
Dorothy Gorski. cashier for about four or<br />
five years, is now being broken in as a student<br />
assistant to Murray Sharf, manager.<br />
Redstone Airer Circuit<br />
Installs Kiddy Rides<br />
BUFFALO—Redstone Drive-In Theatres,<br />
operating len drive-ins between Virginia and<br />
Massachusetts, is going in for kiddy rides in a<br />
big way. As a starter, two Allan Herschell<br />
rides have been bought and more will bei<br />
purchased next season, according to Edward:<br />
Redstone, vice-president.<br />
The two rides are for Redstone's 2,500-carj<br />
drive-in at the intersection of U. S. 1 and the|<br />
New Jersey Turnpike, said to be the largeslj<br />
drive-in in the country. The rides are<br />
tank and a sky fighter.<br />
"Free rides will be given to children befon<br />
the show and during the intermission," Red-|<br />
stone explained. "We are certain our play^<br />
grounds not only keep the children happ;<br />
while they are at the drive-in but a<br />
motivate the parent-s to choose our drive-ii<br />
in the fir.sl place."<br />
Emanuel Gets 'Wiretapper'<br />
NEW YORK—Dave Emanuel of Phoeni<br />
Films hiis at-quired distribution rights L<br />
"Wiretappers." life story of Jim Vaus. fdj<br />
metropolitan New York. Buffalo, AlbanJ<br />
Philadelphia. Pittsburgh. Cleveland and Ciij<br />
'<br />
cmnati.<br />
BOXOFFICE :; October 1, 19 'j
. . Elizabeth<br />
. . Mrs.<br />
. . Mr.<br />
. . Sympathy<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
. . . Pat<br />
. . Dorothy<br />
. . Warner<br />
. . Many<br />
. . Paramount's<br />
. . Metro's<br />
. . Belated<br />
. . Shep<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
. . . Michael<br />
WASHINGTON<br />
PHILADELPHIA<br />
TViTr. .111(1 >lr>. ll.irlt'> Davidson have returned<br />
(roiii New Hiivcn. Conn., after driving<br />
their son Duane to Yale University, where<br />
he IS enrolled ivs a freshman In tlie Yale<br />
rauKlc school. Duane is an accomplished<br />
nuis:cian and compaser and plays French<br />
horn in the imiver.-ilty band . is<br />
extended to Mr. and Mr.--. Harry Robertson.<br />
Strand and Visullte Theatres. Covinsion.<br />
Va . In the death of their daughter. Miss<br />
Mildred Robertson. 49. who died suddenly<br />
on Monday . and Mrs. Eddie<br />
Fisher, with Debbie sporting a seven carat<br />
emerald cut diamond in addition to her<br />
wedding ring, were in Washington Wednesday<br />
i28> when Eddie came in town to make<br />
arrangements for a singing engagement .<br />
.^ri Jacobson is in Sibley Hospital . . . Mrs.<br />
Frank Boucher, who underwent surgery last<br />
week for a broken hip. will have to go<br />
through surgery again sometime this week in<br />
order to complete the first operation. Mrs.<br />
Boucher is in Georgetown Hospital.<br />
. . .<br />
.<br />
Marty Kutner. Columbia Pictures salesman,<br />
who was promoted this week to branch manager<br />
of the Columbia exchange in Jacksonville.<br />
Fla.. was presented with a beautiful<br />
desk set by the local branch personnel<br />
Ruth Wehrman is resigning to become Mrs.<br />
Raymond Ching. Wedding will take place on<br />
October 17 Martin is vacationing<br />
.. . Exploiteer Sid Zins is in Doctor's Hospital,<br />
where he underwent an operation on<br />
Wednesday for a spur on his heel.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. John Marsh, one of the young<br />
couples starred in Louis De Rochemont's<br />
"Cinema Holiday." made a personal appearance<br />
at the Warner Theatre on Tuesday<br />
evening i27' in conjunction with the trade<br />
and press showing of this latest release.<br />
Judging from remarks heard from the folks<br />
present w;th showbusiness know-how, "Cinerama<br />
Holiday" tops the first release, "This<br />
Is Cinerama." Wednesday night was the premiere<br />
with Variety Club, Tent No. 11, sharing<br />
in the receipts for the benefit of Children's<br />
Hospital.<br />
Mrs. Eileen Oliver, 20th Century-Fox, has<br />
been elected a delegate to represent the<br />
Washington chapter of WOMPIES at the<br />
national convention in New Orleans .<br />
Birthday greetings to sales manager John<br />
CLeary . . . Allied Artists' secretary Florence<br />
Garden was out sick for several days this<br />
week ... It is reported that Sam Bendheim<br />
Jr., Neighborhood Theatres, is making satisfactory<br />
progress after a recent heart attack.<br />
.<br />
RKO's Washin^on office is elated over the<br />
promotion of auditor John DeWaal to the<br />
position of branch operations head . . . Office<br />
manager Joe Kushner is vacationing<br />
Svlvia Hodgins is out nursing an infected<br />
. . Frieda Herman injured her hand<br />
.<br />
-eriously that it was necessary to take<br />
hes Sidney Lust is on a<br />
literanean Cruise with her sister . .<br />
.<br />
erly Goodman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.<br />
I'KIZi: WI.NNKKS — ll.irr.\ l.ohin. vir,<br />
center, district manaKcr and Krnest Wells,<br />
right, manager of the Kennedy Theatre,<br />
are lonKratulatcd by f;eorge .\. Crouch,<br />
Stanley Warner zone manager at Washington,<br />
D. ('., during the recent .Stanley<br />
Warner Festival Drive. WclLs won the<br />
S400 manager's prize, and Lohmeyer the<br />
S250.00 district manager's prize for their<br />
outstanding work on conce.s$ions during<br />
the three-month period of the Drive.<br />
Max Goodman, EUicol Theatre, EUicot City,<br />
Md., has entered Columbia University, where<br />
she is studying for a degree in medicine .<br />
The WOMPIES held a board of directors<br />
meeting on Tuesday evening. President<br />
Lucille Traband also held a meeting of the<br />
chairmen and vice-chairmen of her various<br />
committees . PBX operator Corrinne<br />
Berlin resigned and has been replaced<br />
by Mrs. Mildred Sample . birthday<br />
greetings to Connie Hurlock. who resigned<br />
this week . Rose resigned and has<br />
been replaced by Margie Mogel, who was<br />
promoted from the booking department with<br />
Pat Goode being upped fi-om assistant biller<br />
to replace Miss Mogel.<br />
Lucille Brown of District Theatres spent<br />
her vacation visiting her mother at Colonial<br />
Beach. Forty-six members of Miss Brown's<br />
family gathered for the celebration of her<br />
aunts 78th birthday this week . Allen<br />
attended the World Series . . . George<br />
Wheeler's son Bennett has entered the Langley<br />
Hebrew School . Tom Baldridge<br />
entertained about 50 members of the Metro<br />
staff over the weekend at his home in Front<br />
Royal. Va. happy returns to<br />
Catherine Murphy who celebrated a birthday<br />
on Thursday . . . Rudolph Berger's secretary,<br />
Elizabeth Myers, is vacationing in Florida .<br />
Hazel McCarthy has returned from a vacation<br />
in Minneapolis, where she visited 20th<br />
Century-Fox booker Anne Griffin . . . Esther<br />
Blendman and hubby .spent the weekend in<br />
New York.<br />
Earl Westbrooke, Fabian Theatres Norfolk<br />
city manager, made a flying trip to Reading,<br />
Pa., this week . Lillian Lee<br />
and Ann Bales celebrated birthdays this week<br />
Atwood is the new biller . . . Guyetta<br />
Beaver is resigning to take a government<br />
position . . Lillian Lee is spending a week's<br />
.<br />
vacation in New York.<br />
'KAikc Katz hu.s resigned ua sale.smiiii (or<br />
Harold ScldenberK.<br />
Allied ArtlatJS . . .<br />
miuiuKhiR director of Fox Theatre, gave hi*<br />
answer to u4i Inquiring reporter from one of<br />
the dally newspapers a.s to what he would do<br />
first If he were elected mayor. He said. "1<br />
would immediately call for changett in our<br />
traffic .setup. I'd ask the council to put<br />
'•irough a bill, permitting the city to operate<br />
iiproflt parking lots In central Phlladel-<br />
...a. This would bring the shopper and Iheitrcgoer<br />
buck into town again."<br />
Pretrial conferencca have been held before<br />
Judge Van Deu.sen between attorneys for the<br />
defendant film companies and Harry Norman<br />
Ball, attorney for the Roxy Amusement Co<br />
Felt, acting head of the slaUcensors<br />
board, reports that his daughter<br />
Judith Ajin has become engaged to Ralph<br />
Segal, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Segal of<br />
Elkins Park, Pa. . . . The crowd at the telecast<br />
of the Marclano- Moore fight at the<br />
Stanley reveals the importance that similar<br />
telecasts can have in this business. The bout<br />
was a sellout.<br />
Henry Friedman, exhibitor, had planned to<br />
open his Roxy for the title fight telecast.<br />
The theatre hud been shut for ten years, but<br />
It was in good condition and it had been approved<br />
by Fire Commissioner Frank Mc-<br />
Namee. Telecast equipment had been ordered<br />
from Nate Halpern (TNT) when Henry took<br />
a double-take at the financing. He reasoned<br />
that with S4.80 per ducat, he would wind up<br />
with S8,000 for the 2,000-seat house. Of<br />
this, $4,000 would go directly to the fight promoters<br />
and $4,075 to fix the theatre. With<br />
this type of arrangement, Friedman would be<br />
$75 in the red. There was the further possibility<br />
that the equipment might go on the<br />
blink at fight time and Friedman would have<br />
to pay refunds to patrons. Taking all this In<br />
consideration. Friedman took a raincheck on<br />
the idea.<br />
By the way, we were wondering why none<br />
of the Philadelphia area drive-ins installed<br />
telecast equipment for the fight. It was done<br />
. . .<br />
. . Victor<br />
in some other areas. Drive-ins could really<br />
M.<br />
jam the patrons in for a show!<br />
Leonard Matt, Variety Club member, has been<br />
appointed counsel to Guatemala<br />
il. Blanc, prominent lawyer and past chief<br />
barker of Variety Tent 13, has been elected<br />
chairman of the board of Philadelphia chapter<br />
of the Infantile Paralysis Foundation,<br />
and Ralph W. Pries of Berlo Vending Co.,<br />
also a past chief barker, has been elected<br />
chairman of March of Dimes campaign with<br />
Edward Emanuel, Howard Mlnsky and Ray<br />
Thomas as co-chairmen.<br />
John P. Horlacher, founder of Horlacher<br />
Delivery Service, died at the age of 75. Prior<br />
to his retirement, Horlocher sold the company<br />
to James P. Clark, his partner. The firm Is<br />
now the Highway Express Lines. Inc.<br />
ipei<br />
JoiVtOMt^<br />
OONTON, N. J.<br />
Large Core<br />
Greater Crater Area<br />
MAXIMUM LIGHT<br />
l^9n\y DUtribufd<br />
-NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY, Phila — Tel Locuit 7-6156<br />
SUPERIOR THEATRE EQUIP., Philo—Lombard 3-9020<br />
PROJECTOR CARBON Co, Torcntum—Torcntum 2341<br />
. iJljlOXOFFICE October 1. 1955 53
. . Jimmy,<br />
, . Margaret<br />
. . "The<br />
. . Mrs.<br />
. . The<br />
. . Oscar<br />
. . Charles<br />
j<br />
PITTSBURGH<br />
11 ntitrust case brought by the Eastwood Theatre,<br />
Perm Township, against film distributors<br />
and theatres here, is on schedule<br />
for hearing soon before Federal Judge Joseph<br />
P. Willson . McGeever. MGM<br />
booker, was confined to her home with a<br />
leg injury as the result of a fall from a<br />
street car step.<br />
Charles Baron, Cinerama house manager at<br />
the Warner Theatre, is vacationing in New<br />
Pat Martin, Homestead projectionist,<br />
York . . .<br />
and owner of the Triangle Cafe, pulled<br />
a scoop when he was the first to install and<br />
present the TV-color telecast of the World<br />
Sam Yakish jr.. son of the ownersmanagers<br />
Series . . .<br />
of the Auto Drive-In, Titusville, has<br />
moved his family to that city. He has been<br />
appointed to a teaching post in nearby<br />
Penn here sneak-previewed<br />
Pleasantville . . .<br />
"Trial" and the Squirrel Hill sneaked "The<br />
Dave Leff, former local<br />
Divided Heart" . . .<br />
film man who was selling theatre printing<br />
here, returned to Buffalo ... A nmnber of<br />
outdoor theatres in the area ha\'e gone dark<br />
week nights and are playing only weekend<br />
dates.<br />
Workmen started clearing the "parking lot"<br />
property between the UA-NTS-20th-Fox<br />
building and the Paramount building September<br />
27. This was the beginnmg for construction<br />
of the new 20th-Fox one-and-a-half<br />
story building. Reports are that an aluminum<br />
fabricating outfit will occupy the present<br />
20th-Fox quarters next spruig, and that UA<br />
and NTS will remain in present quarters if<br />
a new lease is signed. Contractor for the new<br />
20th-Fox building .said that the new structure<br />
will be completed by Christmas, although<br />
20th-Fox may remain in the present quarters<br />
until early spring next year.<br />
C. C. Kellenberg, 20th-Fox sales manager<br />
here, was named "Mr. Variety" by Andy Battiston,<br />
theatre broker, who presented "Kel"<br />
with a six-inch statuette of the Barker, a<br />
special hand-created plaster job complete<br />
with paint and a diamond stud. Kellenberg<br />
is a former chief barker of Tent 1 and he<br />
has been a Fox employe here for about 37<br />
years . son of Variety Chief Barker<br />
I. Elmer Ecker, and a brother of Leona Ecker<br />
of the Warner exchange, reported to Uncle<br />
Sam at Port Jackson, S. C. . . . Mrs. John<br />
Moriarty, wife of the SW auditor, is home<br />
from Shadyside Hospital following an emergency<br />
operation.<br />
A free show at the Manos Theatre, Tarentum,<br />
marked the celebration of national Kiwanis<br />
Kids Day. Bud Fike, manager, entertained<br />
the community's youth while Kiwanis<br />
brothers were busy on Tarentum streets .selling<br />
copies of a special edition of the Valley<br />
Daily News, proceeds of which go to underprivileged<br />
children ... A. John Mayer, MGM<br />
cashier, vacationed<br />
.<br />
Kentuckian<br />
paintings of local artist Robert R. Young are<br />
bin:- rii-niayed in the lobby of the Penn<br />
i;uth Ann Lindsay, recently as-<br />
SAM FINEBERG<br />
TOM McCLEARY<br />
JIM ALEXANDER<br />
84 Von Broom Street<br />
PITTSBURGH 19, PA.<br />
Phone Express 1-0777<br />
Uoviu Art Betttr Than E«cr How"! Your Equipment?<br />
sociated with the Harris Amusements here,<br />
and Joseph J. New, formerly of the WiUiam<br />
Penn Hotel here who is taking over as manager<br />
of the Saxony Hotel in Miami, were<br />
married October 1 in Los Angeles.<br />
.<br />
Mrs. Mario Battiston, wife of the Export,<br />
Pa., exhibitor, underwent surgery at Braddock<br />
Hospital . Paul Kleeber, wife<br />
of the SW circuit accountant, was in Pittsburgh<br />
Hospital for surgery . Joyce Schweitzer<br />
of the<br />
.<br />
Warner exchange billing department<br />
and William Heidkamp were married<br />
September 24 at St. Basil's Church, Carrick<br />
... A U-I visitor was Joe Lawler jr., publicist.<br />
George R. Carey Stricken;<br />
Theatre Electrician<br />
PITTSBURGH—George R. Carey, 69, local<br />
theatre electrician whose career backstage<br />
spanned lialf a century of the city's entertainment<br />
history, died September 26 in St. Fi-ancis<br />
Hospital after a brief illness. He was chief<br />
electrician at Loew's Penn since the opening<br />
of the Sixth street house in 1927. Carey had<br />
been with the old Alvin for 16 years and he<br />
had been an expert in his trade at various<br />
local theatres since his youth. He was married<br />
for 42 years to the former Frances Levenson,<br />
whom lie met while she was a theatre pianist<br />
here. Surviving are Mrs. Carey, a daughter,<br />
two sons and eight grandchildren. Funeral<br />
services were held September 29 and burial<br />
was in the Ti-ee of Life Memorial Park.<br />
License Tax on Theatre TV<br />
Proposed by Pa. Solons<br />
HARRISBURG— Under a bill introduced<br />
into the general assembly, theatres with<br />
closed circuit telecasts of fights and other<br />
events would be requii-ed to pay a $2,000<br />
annual license fee to the treasurer of the<br />
county in which the theatre is located.<br />
Violators, under the bill, would be subject to<br />
a $5,000 fine or, in default of payment, jail<br />
terms ranging from six months to a year.<br />
The proposal for the theatre-TV fee is<br />
sponsored in the House by Reps. Francis X.<br />
Muldowney and Thomas A. Prascella, Philadelphia.<br />
Jess Cramblett Acquires<br />
Roxy in Meyersdale, Pa.<br />
MEYERSDALE. PA. — Jess Cramblett.<br />
owner and manager of the beautiful Village<br />
Theatre in nearby Salisbury, on October 1<br />
acquired the Roxy here, formerly operated by<br />
the Steifel Brothers. About two years ago the<br />
local State was taken over by the Salisbury<br />
exhibitor.<br />
To Vote on Sunday Issue<br />
PITTSBURGH—Third political<br />
subdivision<br />
in Allegheny County to raise the Sunday<br />
movie issue is Franklin township. A referendum<br />
on this question will be put to voters<br />
there at the general election. Sunday movies<br />
al.',o will be voted on in Wilkinsburg borough<br />
aiui in North Versailles township.<br />
BEAVER, PA.—The Sunday showing of<br />
motion pictures issue will be before voters<br />
ol Chippewa, North Sewickley and Franklin<br />
Townships in the next election.<br />
UK Hn A HOI.Dir: — .\ s|Hii.il lampaifjii<br />
for "Wichita" at the Ellis Drive-In<br />
at Clarksburg, W. Va., was directed by<br />
I. T. "Ike" Sweeney, veteran Pittsburgh<br />
film man. Gal employes were costumed<br />
in western outfits and each wore .shoulder<br />
sashes which had illuminated letters<br />
spelling out the title "Wichita." .\ street<br />
parade was featured, and a special herald<br />
pointed out that the Ellis Brothers were<br />
celebrating their fifth anniversary as<br />
owners and operators of the Drive-In. In<br />
the photo two of the "Wichita" gals turn<br />
tlie tables on Sweeney.<br />
Former Milo at Rockville<br />
Renamed Villa by ORBO<br />
ROCKVILLE, MD.—Redecorating<br />
and re-:<br />
modeling is to begin immediately on the<br />
former Milo Theatre here, which was recently<br />
taken over by the newly formed ORBC<br />
Corp. Purchased by ORBO from the Sidnej<br />
Lust interests, the house has been renamec<br />
the Villa Theatre. Ed Lmder, Rockville manager<br />
for ORBO. is hopeful that the new Villi<br />
will reopen by November 1.<br />
BALTIMORE<br />
Diehard Dizon is resigning as manager<br />
the Town Theatre. His successor has nd<br />
been appointed . Coblenz jr., ownq<br />
of the Alpha at Catonsville, is a patient<br />
Wilmer Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospit<br />
for eye surgery . McCleary, ma<br />
ager of the New Kensington at Buffalo, N.<br />
was visiting old friends here last week,<br />
was a former manager of the Parkway ar<br />
Century here.<br />
Richard Smith, theatre chain operator<br />
Boston, was in town to check on his newe<br />
project, the Timonium Drive-In at TimonluJ<br />
Md. . 23.S Drive-In at California, Mj<br />
closed October 1 for the season, according<br />
General Manager T. L. Harrison jr. of SoutJ<br />
ern Maryland Theatres.<br />
Manager Jack Barton was alert, signal!<br />
for police and averted a near-riot when I<br />
gang of hoodlums stormed the exit doors f<br />
the Royal Theatre . , . George A. Crouch al<br />
Charles Grimes, zone manager and distrt<br />
manager, respectively, for Stanley Warri<br />
Thearcs in this territory, visited the Stanlf<br />
54<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1, 111
1 'ecurity<br />
1<br />
The<br />
I esponsible<br />
[<br />
Before<br />
' HoUvwood<br />
EWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CENTER<br />
O/ltce— Stitte ZIV ai h->U4 HuUvwood Blvd.: Ivan Spear. Wrmrrn Manaurr<br />
Producers Analyze<br />
How Stars Are Made<br />
HOLLYWOOD— "Breaking Through the<br />
Ca.-iting Barrier" will be the subject of the<br />
Screen Producers Guild's fourth roundtable<br />
;uncheon Monday i3>. Frank P. Rosenberg,<br />
rhiiirman of the SPG's public relations coni-<br />
Tiittee. said the discussion will center around<br />
jresent competition for the services of box-<br />
3ff.ce names and the system of creating new<br />
itars.<br />
More than 150 musicians, composers and<br />
ndustry leaders attended the recent tenth<br />
inniversary banquet and dance of the<br />
screen Composers Ass'n. Dr. Miklos Roza of<br />
ilGM was installed as president, succeeding<br />
Vdolph Deutsch.<br />
speaker was Dore Schary, MGM studio<br />
— jiead, who said the association has been<br />
for providing its members with<br />
and higher earnings.<br />
its formation, Schary said, a comiioser<br />
might net S300 a year; after SCA "the<br />
>'ame composer could realize perhaps $15,000.<br />
•je^ cannot think of a better reason for an<br />
:v rganization to be in existence." Schary<br />
JOdded that in recent years classical film<br />
:/: corings have emerged to become part of the<br />
i24 jnerican anthology of musical literature.<br />
The entire executive board of the Screen<br />
Sctras Guild acted as pallbearers at services<br />
3r George Barton, 58, second vice-president,<br />
'ho died after suffering a stroke several<br />
wnths ago. He had been an actor and extra<br />
for more than 30 years.<br />
Plans for organizing nonstudio blurbers<br />
were discussed at the third quarterly session<br />
of the executive board and member.ship of<br />
the Publicists Ass'n Local 818, lATSE.<br />
Dewey Martin Is Making<br />
'Desperate Hours' Tour<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Dewey Martin, who stars<br />
with Humphrey Bo3;art and Fredric March<br />
in Paramount's "The Desperate Hours," took<br />
off on a two-week round of interviews<br />
and personal appearances in New York In<br />
connection with his role in the William<br />
Wyler production, which will world-premiere<br />
Wednesday c5) at the Criterion in Gotham.<br />
An 18-Pound Camera<br />
HOLLYWOOD— Paramount has developed<br />
a hand-held VistaVision camera, made of<br />
magnesium and weighing only 18 pounds, for<br />
use in obtaining difficult exterior location<br />
shots. It is being utilized initially on "The<br />
Mountain." the Spencer Tracy starrer, now<br />
being filmed on location in the French Alps<br />
with Edward Dmytryk producing and directing.<br />
Sign Shirley MacLaine<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Actress Shirley MacLaine,<br />
who made her film debut in "The Trouble<br />
With Harry," an Alfred Hitchcock entry for<br />
Paramount, has been signed by that studio<br />
for another picture. The vehicle will be<br />
scheduled later<br />
Trial' io Open Ocl. 19<br />
In LA Area Theatres<br />
HOLLYWOOD -"Trial." MOM^ Charle.s<br />
Schnee production starring Glenn Ford and<br />
Dorothy McGuire, will open October 19 in 11<br />
theatres In the Los Angeles area. It Is directed<br />
by Mark Robson. The feature was<br />
booked Into the State, Hawaii, Village, Torrance.<br />
United Artists In Pasadena and six<br />
drive-ins.<br />
After a run of more than two years, "This<br />
Is Cinerama" will bow out of the Stanley<br />
Warner Hollywood Theatre November 13 and<br />
on the following day "Cinerama Holiday"<br />
will take over.<br />
A special screening of "The Phenlx City<br />
.Story" was held on Thursday at Allied<br />
Artists for council officers and motion picture<br />
chairmen of the Los Angeles tenth district,<br />
California Congress of Parents and Teachers.<br />
When Paramount's "The Desperate Hours"<br />
is given its west coast premiere October 12<br />
at the Stanley Warner Beverly Theatre in<br />
Beverly Hills, first-nighters will Include stars<br />
of past films made by William Wyler, who<br />
produced and directed the new opus, as well<br />
as players and craftsmen who have won<br />
Academy Oscars In Wyler pictures. The guest<br />
list will include Humphrey Bogart, who stars<br />
in "Hours" with Fredric March, Martha<br />
."-cott, Arthur Kennedy and Dewey Martin.<br />
1 AM, MKN" I'KKMIIKi:!)—The s|)ollii;lit> flcani.-.l<br />
luloer.iph hounds were nut in full force whin :iOth Contury-Fox's<br />
The Tall Men," starring (lark Clable and Jane Ru.s.sell. was world-<br />
)reniiered recrntly at the famed Grauman's Chinese Theatre In<br />
|loll>-H'ood. .\mong the first-niRhters:<br />
I Left: The king himself—Gable—with the new Mm. Gahli- and<br />
rdu'in V. Zabcl. in rhargr of Tarifir Co.ast oprrallons for National<br />
Theatres.<br />
Ontor: Raoul Walsh, who Hlrcrtrd, wilh Mrs. Walsh.<br />
Right: Maureen f)'Ilara with >Irs. William Hanks and Il:iwks,<br />
ro-produrer with William .\. Barher of the historiral frontii-r drama,<br />
filmed in CinemaScopc and De Luxe Color.<br />
l»XOFnCE October 1, 1955 55
STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES<br />
Meggers<br />
Allied Artists<br />
BYRON HASKIN will direct the Joel McCrea<br />
arrer, "The First Texan," which will be produced<br />
1 Cinemascope by Walter Mirisch.<br />
Options<br />
Columbia<br />
RALPH GAMBLE was set to portray the late<br />
Jimmy Walker, one-t-ime moyor of New York, in<br />
the Tyrone Power starrer, "The Eddy Duchin Story."<br />
Contractee KATHRYN GRANT was cast in Phoenix<br />
Productions' Bette Dovis starrer, "Storm Center,"<br />
being megged by Daniel Taradosh.<br />
Independent<br />
JOHN LUPTON was added to the cast of "The<br />
Great Locomotive Chase."<br />
Cost additions to "Around the World in 80 Days"<br />
include ROBERT NEWTON and BUSTER KEATON.<br />
Michael Todd Productions inked JOHN CARRADINE<br />
for the Todd-AO entry, which Michael Anderson<br />
directs with David Niven m the stellar part.<br />
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer<br />
JACK DEMPSEY wos set to portray himself in<br />
"Somebody Up There Likes Me," the upcoming film<br />
biography of boxer Rocky Groziono, which Charles<br />
Schnee will produce.<br />
Stage actor SCOTT MARLOWE drew a feotured port<br />
in "Gaby," the Leslie Caron starrer, which Curtis<br />
Bernhardt is megging for produc2r Edwin H. Knopf<br />
Inked to portray a comedy maid in "The Swon,"<br />
starring Grace Kelly and Alec Guinness, was EDITH<br />
BARRETT. The Dore Schary production is being<br />
piloted by Chorles Vidor.<br />
Title<br />
Changes<br />
Allied Artists<br />
'<br />
Calculated Risk to SUDDEN DANGER,<br />
20th Century-Fox<br />
"The Wrong Mon" to THE OTHER MAN.<br />
Certificate for 'To Hell'<br />
Audie Murphy<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Univer.sal's<br />
starrer, "To Hell and Back," has been<br />
awarded a certificate "of outstanding merit,"<br />
with four stars, by the Southern California<br />
Motion Picture Council. This organization<br />
is affiliated with the National Screen Council,<br />
which each month selects "the best picture of<br />
the month for the whole family," and which<br />
selection is the recipient of the BOXOFPICE<br />
Blue Ribbon Award.<br />
Republic<br />
MARJIE MILLAR, TOM DRAKE ond SLIM PICKENS<br />
are the cast topliners in the William J. O'Sullivan<br />
production, "A Shot in the Dark," which is being<br />
piloted by R. G. Springsteen.<br />
20th Century-Fox<br />
inked for top roles in "The Other Man," which stars<br />
Van Johnson and Joseph Cotten, were RUTH ROMAN,<br />
JACK CARSON ond BRAD DEXTER. The last-nomed<br />
also was set for a featured lead in "The Day the<br />
Century Ended." Both ore Buddy Adier productions,<br />
the former being megged by Henry Hathaway, the<br />
tatter to be piloted by Raoul Walsh. Character<br />
comedian PEDRO GONZALEZ-GONZALEZ was signed<br />
for<br />
the picture as were BRUCE BENNETT and SHAWN<br />
SMITH.<br />
Inked for "Carousel," starring Gordon MacRae and<br />
Shirley Jones, was GENE LOCKHART. The Henry<br />
Ephron production tias Henry King os the megaphonist<br />
United Artists<br />
Producer-dtrector-writer Norman Krosna bookc!<br />
EDWARD ARNOLD for the cast of the Olivia do<br />
HaviMond vehicle, "The Ambossador's Daughter."<br />
Universal-International<br />
Added to the cost of "Congo Crossing," Technicolor<br />
odventure drama starring Virginia Mayo, George<br />
Noder and Peter Lorre, was MICHAEL PATE. The<br />
Howord Christie production is being directed by<br />
Joseph Pevney.<br />
Warner Bros.<br />
Marking her return to pictures after o lengthy<br />
obsence due to illness, GAIL RUSSELL wos inked for<br />
the fcmme lead in "Seven Men From Now."<br />
JESSE WHITE drew a featured role in "The Bod<br />
Story Buys<br />
Independent<br />
Producer Hornet Parsons obtained on option on<br />
^creen rights to "Miss Hargrcaves," a novel by Frank<br />
Baker, as o proboble addition to her agendo.<br />
Film rights were ocquircd to "Fear Strikes Out,"<br />
an outo-biogrophical tome by Jim Picrsoll, Boston<br />
Red Sox outfielder. It deals with his mentol collapse,<br />
OS a victim of omnosia, and his subsequent recovery<br />
through electro-shock treatment.<br />
Technically<br />
Columbia<br />
MILTON FELDMAN will serve os the ossistant di<br />
rector on "The Harder They Foil."<br />
Warner Bros.<br />
OWEN MARKS will edit "The Bod Seed."<br />
Set OS comoromon and art director, respectively, on<br />
Seven Men From Now" were LES THOMAS ond<br />
WILLIAM CLOTHIER. NATE EDWARDS was set as<br />
production monager on the Botjac entry.<br />
56
Eiirl<br />
Hal<br />
Fred Zinnemann to Start<br />
Series of Films for WB<br />
HOLLY\VUOI> Anau^emcnts have been<br />
compleU'd whereby Fred Zinnemann. film<br />
megaphonist, will produce and direct a scries<br />
of f 1ms under the banner of his newly<br />
orRanized FRZ Co. for Warner Bros, distribution.<br />
In announcing the signing of Zinnemann.<br />
Jack L. Warner, executive studio head<br />
HAT, for want of a better<br />
at Warner<br />
name,<br />
Bras., said hi.-; first project will<br />
might be termed the suspenseterror<br />
drama has been a perennial<br />
be announced shortly.<br />
Zinnemann recently completed piloting the<br />
feature film staple for these<br />
Todd-AO entry. "Oklahoma!" for Rodgers &<br />
many years. One<br />
of the early colossals, and one fondly remembered<br />
by the oldsters among 19'3 for his megginc job on<br />
Hamnicrstein. He won the Academy Oscar in<br />
movie fans,<br />
Columbia'.s "From<br />
was -The<br />
Hon til Eternitv "<br />
Petrified Forest," a film version<br />
of the stage success, which Warners made in<br />
'T by MGM. All the W.1V from Chamonix. Mi>nt Blanr,<br />
1936 with Leslie Howard, Bette Davis and<br />
Humphrey Bogart in the stellar roles.<br />
Ca.ec44,iUjie j^ao^le^d. During comparatively recent months, there<br />
seems to have been an abnormally high<br />
number of such edge-o'-seat offerings. Among<br />
East : I. Sponable, research director<br />
them was "Suddenly." independently produced<br />
for United Artists release by Robert<br />
for 20th-Fox. returned to his Manhattan<br />
headquarters after two weeks here checking<br />
Bassler. which starred Frank Sinatra as a<br />
on the company's new 55mm Super-Cinemahomicidal<br />
maniac intent upon assassinating<br />
Scopc camera.<br />
the President of the U. S. Then there was<br />
East: Walter Branson. RKO sales chief:<br />
"The Night Holds Terror." produced by Andrew<br />
Stone, distributed by Columbia, and<br />
Herbert Greenblatt. domestic sales manager, the recipient of ringing acclaim because of<br />
and Nat Levy, eastern division head, checked its precedentially-high quotient of engrossing<br />
out for their New York offices after spending<br />
entertainment and the startllngly-low<br />
several days at the studio viewing completed budget devoted to its making.<br />
product.<br />
Now comes Paramoimt with its 64.000<br />
goose-pimple entry in the time-honored<br />
West : Wallis. independent producer cycle, namely "The Desperate Hours." which<br />
releasing through Paramount, returned from coincidentally toplines Bogart—an appreciably<br />
older and even more talented Bogie than<br />
an extended stay in Europe and New York.<br />
the one who chilled spines in the abovementioned<br />
West: John Schlesinger of South Africa's<br />
"Forest." Filmed in screen-filling<br />
Schlesinger organization stopped off briefly VistaVision, "The Desperate Hours," produced<br />
en route to Canada for business conferences.<br />
and directed by William Wyler from<br />
While in the film colony he declined comment an adaptation by Joseph Hayes of his bestselling<br />
novel and enthusiastically praised<br />
on the status of the sale of his circuit's theatre<br />
holdings to 20th Century-Fox beyond the<br />
play of the same name, is so impressive that<br />
it<br />
disclosure that notice of the pending deal<br />
easily could be the hair-raiser to end all<br />
has been sent to Schlesinger stockholders for<br />
hair-raisers. And such superiority obtains<br />
approval<br />
as concerns<br />
or rejection.<br />
every element—scripting, acting,<br />
technical and, above all, Wyler's incisive<br />
piloting.<br />
East: Lawrence Weingarten. MGM producer,<br />
planed to Gotham with prints of "I'll<br />
This department has never subscribed to<br />
the practice of too many Hollywood railbirds<br />
Cry Tomorrow" and "The Tender Trap,"<br />
of predicting, throughout the year. Academy<br />
which will be screened for homeoffice executives.<br />
Awards nominations for scores of features<br />
and performances. If all the films and troupers<br />
so mentioned were given the coveted<br />
East: Edward Muhl. U-I vice-president in Oscar nod, the lists of nominees would be<br />
charge of production, and producer Aaron longer than a stuntman's dream.<br />
Rosenberg planed out for Manhattan to catch<br />
"<br />
During the same week that "Hours was<br />
the Broadway plays.<br />
unfurled for the edification of film appraisers<br />
in both New York and Hollywood, Jerry<br />
West: Jules Buck, independent producer. Pickman, tack-sharp Paramount vice-president<br />
arrived from Paris to seek a story and di-<br />
in charge of drumbeating, was in the<br />
-'*'<br />
rector for the initialer in a group of films film capital. One of the obvious reasons for<br />
^ which he will make in Europe, for Columbia his trek westward was to start rolling the<br />
2*t release, in association with Louis Dolivet. politics and publicity procedures that result<br />
in Awards nominations. In this connection<br />
West: Eugene Zukor, Paramount studio<br />
Pickman. and his minions at the Marathon<br />
executive, returned from a three-week<br />
Street film foundry, made no bones about<br />
visit<br />
to Manhattan.<br />
the fact that the Wyler opus is the object of<br />
"J<br />
their affections and activities.<br />
West: Don Hartman. Paramount executive Considering their past performances in<br />
producer, returned from a key-city tour during<br />
b.^oting home winners in the Oscar sweep-<br />
which he plugged the William Wyler pro- stakes, and with a weather eye to the picture's<br />
^J duction. "The Desperate Hours."<br />
boundless merits, one could do worse than<br />
wager a few bob that "Hours" will be substantially<br />
represented<br />
East: Producer Samuel Goldwyn<br />
when the Academy<br />
will leave<br />
for Manhattan next week to attend the world<br />
Awards ballots appear next spring.<br />
premiere of "Guys and Dolls." his hlgh-<br />
-^j<br />
'_. budget filmusical which is being distributed<br />
KruiK-r. rcinirs .i brcrry, KOMlpy approach to<br />
si>:i('r-Mi;it
. . . The<br />
. . Also<br />
. . Herb<br />
. . The<br />
. .<br />
SEE THEM AT THE T.O.A.<br />
AND THEN SEE<br />
US!<br />
SHOW<br />
UP-TO-THE-MINUTE FURNISHINGS<br />
AND EQUIPMENT TO INSURE<br />
REGULAR PATRONS<br />
LOS ANGELES<br />
. . .<br />
JJmong Southland visitors were Raymond<br />
Willie, assistant general manager of the<br />
Interstate chain in Texas, and his granddaughter,<br />
Joyce Willie, both of Dallas<br />
J. H. Maclntyre, RKO western division sales<br />
chief, took off on a two-week junket to conduct<br />
sales meetings in Salt Lake City,<br />
Seattle, Portland and San Francisco .<br />
Heading out this way on a regional trek was<br />
Burton Robbins, vice-president and sales<br />
chief for National Screen Service, who<br />
planned stopovers in Denver, Salt Lake City,<br />
Seattle and San Francisco en route here to<br />
attend the Theatre Owners of America convention.<br />
Currently observing their 25th anniversary,<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Stem have announced the<br />
engagement of their daughter Carole to<br />
Jerry Rubin, an architect. Stern, a Filmrow<br />
attorney, is chief barker of Variety Tent 25<br />
gals at National Theatre Supply<br />
tossed a baby shower for Shirley Wallen,<br />
secretary to Bundy Smith, branch manager<br />
... A visitor on the Row was Abe Teitel, who<br />
operates an exchange in New York.<br />
Here from San Francisco to visit his<br />
brother Dan was Ed Sonney of the Sonney<br />
Bob Benton, general<br />
Amusement Co. . . .<br />
manager of Sero Amusement Enterprises, has<br />
been on the sick list; ditto Jack Brower,<br />
operator of the Town Theatre, who's recuperating<br />
at home after undergoing surgery .<br />
Planning to become an independent cameraman,<br />
Gail Parker has resigned as a booker<br />
at Paramount.<br />
. .<br />
.<br />
. . . Manacr:<br />
Having completed a hitch in the navy, Sol<br />
Goldberg, son of Jack Goldberg of Aladdin<br />
Enterprises, has returned to school<br />
Arriving from the east for branch conferences<br />
was Roy Haines, western dlvisior<br />
manager for Warners Jacks, theatre<br />
seat supplier, and his wife are celebrating<br />
their 40th anniversary<br />
M. J. E. McCarthy was "king for a nigh;'<br />
and the Allied Artists exchange picked ui<br />
the tab for a recent Variety Club party a<br />
the Ambas.sador hotel.<br />
In from Tucson to do some booking am<br />
buying for his Arizona circuit was Georg<br />
Diamos . on the Row was Eat<br />
Brothers, who operates the Boulder i:<br />
Boulder City, Nev., and the Victory in Hen<br />
derson, Nev. . . . Joan Katz has left he<br />
berth in 20th-Fox's billing department t<br />
become secretary to Milt Frankel, office mar<br />
ager at Favorite F^lms . Fanchon<br />
Marco circuit has closed its Alto, suburba<br />
theatre on the south side, and leased ttj<br />
property for use as a church.<br />
New England Governors<br />
Assist in 'Harry' Debut<br />
HOLLYWOOD— Governoi-s of five Ne<br />
England states and the mayors of t\,<br />
Vermont cities were the guests of Gov. Joseij<br />
B. John.son of Vermont at the September<br />
benefit world premiere of Alfred Hitchcocli<br />
"The Trouble With Harry," a Paramount i<br />
lease. Starriiig John Forsythe and Shirl<br />
MacLaine, the Technicolor-VistaVision en(|<br />
bowed at the Paramount in Barre, Vt. Hitc|<br />
cock and Miss MacLaine joined Goveri)<br />
Johnson as hosts at the affair, proceed.s fn<br />
which are being donated to the New Engl;<br />
flood relief fund.<br />
58 BOXOFFICE October 1, 1B5
Soil<br />
..<br />
'<br />
PORTLAND<br />
"Fheatres here had a break when civil defense<br />
officials pulled a city-wide Operation<br />
Oreen Light evacuation test Tuesday afternoon<br />
rather than Wednesday. The first<br />
major cltywide evacuation of a U. S. city went<br />
off without a hitch M. M. Mesher. Portland<br />
Paramount theatre president, was chairman<br />
of the motion picture committee. In downtown<br />
theatres an announcement was made<br />
that the test was underway. Patrons were<br />
Invited to either sit out the test in the<br />
theatre or to follow their own plaits. City<br />
streets were cleared within a half hour of<br />
all traffic, including parked cars and<br />
pedestrians. Those theatre patrons who desired<br />
were given a rain check. Projection<br />
booth operators, ushers and most theatre<br />
personnel joined in the evacuation, which<br />
within an hour, took more than 200,000<br />
persons to staging areas outside the city.<br />
Heading the Portland contingent to the<br />
TOA convention in San Francisco w.ll be Al<br />
Forman. Art Adamson and Martin Foster<br />
... A new telephone gadget, a speakerphone.<br />
has been installed in the cashier's box a*, the<br />
Orpheum Theatre. The telephone enables the<br />
cashier to answer questions or carry on a<br />
conversation without using the l»ndphone.<br />
The telephone, as the name indicates, has a<br />
small speaker with a volume control. When<br />
someone is on the line, a visual signal notifies<br />
the cashier. If necessary. It is possible to<br />
use only the handphone as in an ordinary<br />
telephone. The Orpheum is the first theatre<br />
in Portland to have such equipment.<br />
Both the Rosy and Liberty were filled to<br />
near capacity for the Marciano-Moore closed<br />
circuit fightcast. Will Hudson, John Hamrick<br />
city manager, estimated the gross at<br />
around $13,000. Delay of the fight because<br />
of weather caused some turnback on tickets.<br />
Some patrons did not purchase new tickets<br />
for fear the fight would be cancelled again.<br />
Some 2.500 fans were on hand.<br />
Evergre«n managers are attending the<br />
annual circuit meeting in San Francisco, new<br />
headquarters for Evergreen. Attending are<br />
Oscar Nyberg. Ken Hughes. Rex Hopkins,<br />
Dean Matthews, all of Portland. Carl M.Uer,<br />
Vancouver, Wash.: Alton Robbins and<br />
Richard Goldsworthy of the Eugene theatres.<br />
Jack Barber, associated with the Modern<br />
Theatre Supply Co. for the last seven years,<br />
has become a partner in Interstate Theatre<br />
Equipment Co., 1923 NW Kearney St. He will<br />
represent the company in Seattle as Washington<br />
representative. Plans call for establishment<br />
of a branch office in Seattle to service<br />
Washington. Idaho and Montana. He is<br />
a Navy air veteran who participated in the<br />
Invasion of the Philippines and Borneo. A<br />
Seattle native, he is a Ballard high school<br />
graduate. Barber is married and has two<br />
children.<br />
Clark Gable in 7all Men Runs Away<br />
With <strong>Boxoffice</strong> Honors at<br />
LOS ANGELES—Oable Is back— In "The<br />
Tall Men"— and the movie customers like It.<br />
The feature racked up a solid 310 per cent<br />
In Its opening canto to overshadow other<br />
first run offerings, although "I Am a Camera,"<br />
with 300 In its second week, came mighty<br />
close. Otherwise trade wasn't exactly brl.sk.<br />
Avorage is 100)<br />
Beverly Canon— UgaHu ,Doioi). 3rd wk 90<br />
Chinese—Th« Tall Man [20lh-Fox) 310<br />
Downtown Poramount, Panloges— Dial M for<br />
Murder (WB); Strangers on o Train (WB)<br />
reissues 40<br />
Egyption, Orpheum—The Raol Glory, (Goldwyn);<br />
The Secret Life of Woltar MItty (Goldwyn),<br />
reissues. Orpheum onlv, Morciono-Moore fight<br />
pictures 90<br />
El Rey The Groat Advantura (DeRochomont) . ... 100<br />
Four Stor I Am a Comaro (OCA), 2nd wk .<br />
. . 300<br />
Fine Arts Morty (UA). 11 th wk<br />
.<br />
110<br />
Fox Wilshire Summartlma (UA), 6th wk 90<br />
Hillstreet, Fox Hollywood, Warners Wiltern Famole<br />
on the Beach (U-l) 110<br />
Hollywood Porarrounf—To Cofch a Thiaf (Para),<br />
8th wk 100<br />
Los Angeles, .Fox, Uptown, Loyolo Savan CItlat<br />
of Gold (20th-Fox1; King DlnoMur (LP), plus,<br />
Uptown and Loyola only, Morciono-Moore<br />
tight pictures 1 40<br />
Worners Beverly—The Shrlka fU-l), 4th wk .... 80<br />
Worners Downtown, Hawoii Benqoil (RKO),... 90<br />
Warners Hollywood Thli li Clnaromo (Cineramo),<br />
125th wk 100<br />
All Denver First Runs<br />
Above Average<br />
DENVER—Business was generally good at<br />
all the first runs; with only one holdover,<br />
however. "To Catch a Thief" stayed at the<br />
Denham for a fourth week.<br />
AKaddin K-2 Victory (SR) 110<br />
Centre The Lett Hand of God (20th-Fox). 4th wk 120<br />
Denham<br />
Denver—S-^ven<br />
To Cotch o Thief (Pora), 3rd wk<br />
ri»i-s o» Gold !20th-Fox);<br />
130<br />
Nighfmorc<br />
A'ley (20th-Fox) reissue 120<br />
E:qjire Green Magic lIFE) M5<br />
Paramount Femole on the Beoch (U-l); Yellowneck<br />
(Rep) 160<br />
Sunny Skies Are Blamed<br />
For Frisco's Slow Week<br />
SAN FRANCISCO—An average week of<br />
first run grossss was reported for this area,<br />
with top honors going to "The Kentuckian" In<br />
its third week with 125 per cent. Perhaps the<br />
fair weather was largely responsible for the<br />
lack of theatre attendance.<br />
. . .125<br />
Fox—The Left Hond of God (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 100<br />
Golden Gate The Shrike (U-l), Caw of tha Red<br />
Monkey (A A) 110<br />
Loew s Warfic'd— Bedevilled (MGM) 90<br />
Paramount The Night Holds Terror; Chicago<br />
Syndicate (Col) 100<br />
St Francis To Catch o Thief (Pora), 3rd wk .100<br />
..<br />
United Artists<br />
.<br />
The Kentuckian (UA), 3rd wk .<br />
'Roberts' Ninth Week Stays<br />
Top Grosser in Seattle<br />
SEATTLE— "Mister Roberts" in its ninth<br />
week at the Blue Mouse continued to lead the<br />
field with 125. "The Left Hand of God" in<br />
its second week at the Fifth Avenue chalked<br />
up 110. "Marty." which held for a fourth<br />
week at the Music Box, scored 100 along with<br />
"The Night Holds Terror" at the Coliseum,<br />
L,A,<br />
, 10<br />
which had as an added attraction the Mar<br />
clano-Moore fight film.<br />
Blue Mou^)<br />
2nd wk . .<br />
110<br />
Music Box—Marty lUA, ^'h To Catch a Thief iPr,,^^ jnH ^i, ^qO<br />
Dismissed as Defendant<br />
SPOKANE. WASH — Evrrzrecn Theatre<br />
circuit has been dl-^mlssed as a defendant<br />
in the $15,821 suit of Thomas Head, local<br />
barber who claims the Orpheum Theatre<br />
failed to protect him from an a.ssault In June<br />
1954 when he was a patron there. Judge<br />
Louis F. Bunge dismissed the Evergreen circuit<br />
but refused to dismiss the action againn<br />
Spokane Amusement Co., the second defendant.<br />
Harry A. Morey. defense attorney,<br />
told jurors in his opening statement h.<br />
would show the theatre management had rrn<br />
warning of any assault on Head in time to<br />
intervene.<br />
1317 S. WAMSH. CMICA0O>*le NINTH AVL.NfW TMR<br />
WE CAN SELL YOUR THEATRE<br />
SUBURBAN HOMES CO.<br />
TMIATM SALES DIVISION<br />
CALL- IRV BOWRON -WKITl<br />
rk. r*. 4.1I7S<br />
I74S.S I.<br />
tlii^<br />
KE. 1374<br />
r*rtlw>4 M. Or*.<br />
Washington- B F SHEARER Co., Seattle— Eliol 8247<br />
Colif— B F. SHEARER Co., Son Francisco— Undcrh.ll 1)816<br />
n<br />
n Uloh—WYCOFF Co, Inc ,<br />
Lake City—» 1835<br />
n Colilornio— B. F SHEARER Co, Los Angeles— Republic 3-1145<br />
n Oregon— B F SHEARER Co, Portland— Alwotcr 7543<br />
59
. . Mary<br />
. . Jim<br />
. . Upon<br />
. . The<br />
. . Jim<br />
. .<br />
Denver Is Hoping to Make<br />
Festival Annual Affair<br />
DENVER^A fabulous "first" in international<br />
publx relations for theatres was scored<br />
here in the Festival of Italy which turned the<br />
town upside down for a week and reverberated<br />
over several countries. The promoters<br />
envision this as the beginning of an annual<br />
international festival, similar to the Edinborough<br />
Festival in Scotland, bringing tourists<br />
from every corner of the earth to see<br />
the creme de la creme of the creative arts<br />
and the industrial products of all countries.<br />
The comprehensive program included the<br />
appearance of film stars flown from Rome,<br />
two world and four American premieres of<br />
new Italian films, retrospective showings of<br />
"Fifty Years of Italian Cinema." a spectacular<br />
two-n:ght International Symphony fashion<br />
exposition for the benefit of the Denver<br />
Symphony, and an Italian fair featuring<br />
Italian products at the Daniels & Fisher department<br />
store. The affair was sponsored<br />
by the Italian ambassador, the state of Colorado<br />
and the city of Denver, and aroused cooperative<br />
interest all the way up to the State<br />
Department and received floods of publicity<br />
in many mediums.<br />
The idea of the festival started, quietly<br />
enough, with a visit by the Italian consul at<br />
Denver, Dr. Giulio Bilancioni, to Joseph<br />
Ross, dynamic new president of Daniels &<br />
Fisher, a store recently purchased by William<br />
Zeckendorf for Webb & Knapp. Dr.<br />
Bilancioni broached the idea of an Italian<br />
fair at Daniels & Fisher, with official Italy<br />
helping to clear the way for the imports.<br />
The idea fired Ro.ss' imagmation. He<br />
conferred with Frank H. Ricketson jr.. president<br />
of Fox Intermountain Theatres, and<br />
Robert W. Selig, FIM division manager.<br />
OnlfourScretii<br />
ORDER 'eetteamoTion<br />
PICTURE<br />
SERVICE C!<br />
US HYM^* SIRItT<br />
[<br />
SAN FRANCISCO 2, CAIIF<br />
P^RALD L.KARSKI<br />
i|<br />
.JHEATRE<br />
BUY<br />
I Absentee owner says $10,000<br />
year net from 650 scofs, only<br />
theatre in large payroll town.<br />
Out of TV area. Others, write for list.<br />
THEATRE EXCHANGE COMPANY<br />
5724 S.E. Monrot St.<br />
Portland 22. Orejon<br />
260 KHrny Street<br />
in Francisco 8. Ca!<br />
Helen Black, manager of the Denver Symphony<br />
orchestra and former advertising<br />
manager for Daniels & Fisher, suggested the<br />
fashion exposition as a benefit for the orchestra.<br />
Motion picture stars were needed<br />
to give the project the needed publicity<br />
angle.<br />
DIRECTED BY PAUL ANGLIM<br />
Fox Intermountain assigned Paul G. Anglim.<br />
in charge of special films, to the job of<br />
festival director. He began with a search for<br />
the best available pictures for world and<br />
America premieres and started negotiations<br />
with IFE Releasing Corp. for the Italian<br />
stars. He also went to work on official proclamations<br />
by Gov. Ed C. Johnson and Mayor<br />
Will P. Nicholson. The Italian ambassador.<br />
Manlio Brosio. and his staff cleared the way<br />
of a multitude of difficulties.<br />
In addition to Ambassador Brosio. distinguished<br />
visitors included Silvana Pampanini<br />
and Irene Genna. Italian film stars; two<br />
members of the Italian parliament and several<br />
members of the Naples city council. Italian<br />
trade commissioners and consuls from several<br />
American cities, the Countess Simonetta<br />
Visconti Fabiani of the Italian haute couture,<br />
who showed her collection at the fashion<br />
exposition, and numerous members of the<br />
Italian nobility and the international set.<br />
The film phase of the festival was launched<br />
with the premiere of "Madame Butterfly."<br />
Italo-Japanese production of Puccini's opera,<br />
at the Denver Theatre, following a dinner<br />
given at the Denver Art Museum by Mayor<br />
Nicholson for the ambassador and the stars.<br />
The theatre was jammed, and thousands were<br />
turned away.<br />
AWARD TO MRS. GEORGE SKOURAS<br />
At the Grand Awards ceremony which preceded<br />
"Butterfly," the state of Colorado presented<br />
Golden Aspen Leaf awards to Ellsworth<br />
Bunker, president of the American<br />
Red Cross, president of the American Italy<br />
Society, and former ambassador to Italy; to<br />
Mrs. George P. Skouras for her philanthropies<br />
to the Boys Towns of Italy, and to the Italian<br />
film industry for its postwar recovery and<br />
the general high standard of recent Italian<br />
films.<br />
The Denver Post-National Film Critics<br />
Award went to the best Italian film of 1954<br />
and up to September 1. "Romeo and Juliet."<br />
selected by 60 critics of wire services, magazines<br />
and newspapers.<br />
The brilliant first premiere was followed<br />
up the next night with the premiere at the<br />
Aladdin of "The K-2 Victory." Later in the<br />
week, the Rocky Mountain News made a<br />
special award for this film to the Alpine<br />
Club of Milan.<br />
Four premieres followed at the Esquire<br />
"Llna. Too Bad She's Bad." with Sophia<br />
Loren and Vittorio de SIca: "Bread, Love<br />
and Jealousy" (Frisky), with Gina Lollobrigida<br />
and de Sica; "Maddalena." with<br />
Marta Toren. and "Green Magic," the Brazilian<br />
Jungle documentary produced by Count<br />
Leonard Bonzi.<br />
Retrospective programs, changed daily at<br />
the Bluebird Theatre covered Italian filmmaking<br />
from the first newsreel of 1908 to "The<br />
Bicycle Thief," and included one program,<br />
"The Great Actresses," that starred Lyda<br />
Borelli. Eleanore Duse. Lollobrigida and Anna<br />
Magnani.<br />
The festival was front-paged and given column<br />
after column of space every day in Denver<br />
daily newspapers. Wire services and<br />
Fox Movietone News covered all major events.<br />
The U. S. Information Agency and the Voice<br />
of America recorded radio programs, shot<br />
newsreels and filmed TV shows for 31 countries.<br />
The whole project was underwTitten by<br />
Fox. Daniels & Fisher, the Italian diplomatic<br />
service, IFE, and hundreds of official and<br />
commercial participants In the festival. The<br />
theatres and the store did not expect to make<br />
any profit from their part in the big venture,<br />
except public-relationswise and for the future.<br />
SE ATT LE<br />
Tack J. Engerman of Northwest Releasing<br />
Corp. returned from a two-week trip covering<br />
the Idaho and Washington territory,<br />
including Spokane and the Yakima Valley.<br />
Zollie Volchok is now in southern Oregon .<br />
The Rex Theatre at Newport, operated by<br />
Snyder and Adams, has reverted to its former<br />
owner Charles Bishop, who has closed<br />
the house for the time being . Rose<br />
Theatre at Colfax, formerly owned by F. C.<br />
WeskU and sons, ha.s been sold to Vince Paskan.<br />
Now Weskil operates at only Pullman<br />
and Sand Point.<br />
Bill Stahl, National Theatre Supply salesman,<br />
attended the Independent Theatre<br />
Owners convention at the Florence Hotel in<br />
Missoula, Mont. . recommendation<br />
of the Seattle censor board, no one under 21<br />
years of age will be admitted to "I Am a<br />
Camera," which opened at the Paramount<br />
following the fifth week of "To Catch a<br />
Thief."<br />
"Borscht Capades of 1955" were presented at<br />
the Palomar for a single performance October<br />
1 . . . Sherman Beidler, operator of the<br />
Grand, Elma, was on the Row . Griffith<br />
and Ed Walyer of the Selah, Selah. were<br />
also visitors . Bonholzer was in from<br />
Ephrata. Howard McGhee from Walla Walla<br />
and Joe Rosenfield was over from Spokane<br />
.... Glen Haviland. 20th-Fox salesman, is<br />
convalescing a little longer before returning<br />
to fuUtime work.<br />
Shirley Davidson, secretary at Columbia, was<br />
to be married to Dale Hallgren October 2 . . .<br />
Wedding bells will ring too. for Lois Tonchock,<br />
cashier at Northwest Releasing Corp.<br />
who will become Mrs. Harvey Roeder on<br />
October 15. She will be replaced by Louise il<br />
Welle . Carey. 20th-Fox cashier,<br />
returned from a California vacation . . . Peter<br />
Barnes was on the Row from Okanogan<br />
and Oroville.<br />
The Lido Theatre, Mount Vernon, owned<br />
by R. A. Gardiner, has just installed new<br />
Walker screen and ultra Panatar lenses for<br />
widescreen presentations. Equipment was<br />
supplied by National Theatre Supply.<br />
Robert Boyle Is Speaker<br />
HOLLYWOOD— Robert Boyle. Universal<br />
art director, discussed his craft's Influcnci<br />
on home fashion trends when he spoke a<br />
a National Home Fashion League luncheon<br />
60<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
:: October 1, 195
October<br />
. . Joe<br />
. . Ruby<br />
. . Jack<br />
. . DaLsey<br />
. . Dave<br />
. . Charlotte<br />
. . Arthur<br />
. . Mirry<br />
, . The<br />
. .<br />
. . The<br />
Yakima Reopening<br />
Depends on Ciiy Tax<br />
YAKIMA. WASH The Liberty Theiltrt-,<br />
severely diuiuiKed in a $25,000 fire early In<br />
September, probably will not be reopened as<br />
a theatre because of the city amusement tax.<br />
It was revealed this week.<br />
Freder.ck Mercy Jr.. owner of the theatre,<br />
said that he is attempting to lease the building<br />
for use as a store and if a tenant can be<br />
found, will not resume operation of the theatre.<br />
He said the amount of amusement tax the<br />
theatre company is required to pay the city<br />
makes closing of the theatre advisable. He<br />
said that about 7 per cent of the theatre's<br />
gross receipts are paid in city ticket tax. The<br />
company operates tJiree theatres here.<br />
"That's the difference between a profit<br />
or loss," Mercy continued. "The city officials<br />
have said the city must have the tax,<br />
but they aren't going to get it if operation<br />
of the theatre is discontinued.<br />
"I would love to have a theatre there," he<br />
added, 'but, we are a specialized business and<br />
we pay the highest business tax of any operation<br />
in the city. It amounts to between<br />
$35,000 and $40,000 a year ... No business<br />
can stand that kind of assessment. That's<br />
why we recently closed the Roxy."<br />
Meantime, City Finance Commissioner<br />
Stephen H. Huza said the amusement tax<br />
paid by the theatres and licenses .some others<br />
are required to pay are the type of discrimination<br />
which has prompted him to urge the<br />
adoption of a general business tax by the<br />
city, which he asserted would be more equitable.<br />
T!ie fire which hit the Liberty broke out<br />
under the stage floor and was spotted by<br />
Blazer Miller, night janitor. It worked Its<br />
way through the floor and destroyed the<br />
screen, front curtain and sound equipment,<br />
curtain control motors and paint shop equipment.<br />
Smoke and water damage was suffered<br />
in the auditorium.<br />
Arch Bartholet, general manager of the<br />
theatre firm, said the damage was covered<br />
by insurance, but added that the theatre<br />
company had experienced difficulties in<br />
theatre business on a paying basis because of<br />
the city ticket tax.<br />
"We have closed one of our theatres," he<br />
"We are thinking of closing another and<br />
said.<br />
we may go out of the business altogether. We<br />
A.mt to continue operat.ons if the community<br />
ints motion pictures, but the situation as it<br />
at pre.^ent ls not encouraainc."<br />
De Luxe L250-Car Ozoner<br />
Opened at Las Vegas. Nev.<br />
LAS VEUAS. NEV. — Manager John H.<br />
Echols has opened the 1,250-car de luxe Nevada<br />
Drive-In on the Salt Lake highway at<br />
Nellis boulevard here. The new first run<br />
drive-in was started a year ago by Bernie<br />
Leavitt, California theatre owner: Sam<br />
Decker, theatre owner and picture producer,<br />
and Woody Wickersham, theatre owner and<br />
dnve-in builder.<br />
Echols previously managed Grauman's<br />
Egyptian in Hollywood, the Beverly in Beverly<br />
ills, the Arlington in Santa Barbara and<br />
f Criterion in Santa Monica, and was gen-<br />
• lal manager of the Denham Theatre in<br />
Denver.<br />
SAN FRANCISCO<br />
JS^W three local theatres showlnK the Marcluno-Moore<br />
fight telecast were sold out<br />
several da>-s before the event. In fact, one<br />
theatre reports that the house was oversold.<br />
Showing the telecast were the Telenews,<br />
Paramount and Golden Gate . California<br />
Theatres Ass'n board at a meeting<br />
Thursday (22 1 laid plans for continuing work<br />
on the Audience Awards campaign. The<br />
third boUot is to be sent to exhibitors . . .<br />
L. S. Hamm, president of CTA and treasurer<br />
of the Exhibitor Film Finance Group, will<br />
attend the TOA convention in Los Angeles<br />
along with Roy Cooper, regional TOA vicepresident,<br />
and a large delegation of theatre<br />
executives from this area.<br />
Fred Johnson, drama editor of the Call<br />
Bulletin since 1915, was honored at a testimonial<br />
Tuesday (20) by Bay area theatremen.<br />
Attending were drama critics and press folk<br />
from the area and Celeste Holm, currently<br />
fulfilling a night club engagement. Johnson<br />
was complimented by theatremen, union officials<br />
and executives for his many years of<br />
service. A scroll was presented to him with<br />
more than 60 names of theatremen attesting<br />
to his fine workmanship.<br />
E. I. Rubin was back from a business trip.<br />
His sister Rose Marfisi from Omaha is visiting<br />
here . Smith, former RKO manager,<br />
was back visiting<br />
his many friends. Joe,<br />
now located in New- York, handles film rights<br />
for television . . . Elmer Sedin, Buena Vista,<br />
was in from Los Angeles . Petersen,<br />
Western Theatrical Equipment Co., was vacationing<br />
. Silverman, and Oriette<br />
Philpott, both from Paramount exchange,<br />
returned from vacations . Halburton,<br />
W. G. Preddey Theatre Supplies, was<br />
vacationing . . . Pat McGuinness Thompson,<br />
Loew's Warfield Theatre, returned from a<br />
vacation . . . Visitors to the Row included<br />
Rudy Buchanan, Lakeside, Stateline; Robert<br />
Reese, Lakeport Theatre. Lakeport: Jack<br />
Neugebauer, Brockway at Kings Beach and<br />
the Donner at Truckee; Al Stanford, Oaks<br />
Drive-In, Paso Robles, and A. J. Longtin,<br />
Guild, Sacramento.<br />
The Motor-In at Mooney Park near Visalla,<br />
formerly an Affiliated theatre, has been sold<br />
to Harvey Amusement Co., effective Sunday<br />
(25 1, for an undisclosed sum . Unger<br />
has opened a Los Angeles branch of his<br />
popcorn and concession supplies company on<br />
Filmrow . Stevenson, manager at<br />
Paramount, was a happy man last week.<br />
Mrs. Cary Grant stopped off in town between<br />
trains and was shown our fair city by the<br />
very able Mr. Stevenson.<br />
. . . Laverne<br />
.<br />
A. C. Brown, auditor, is at Paramount .<br />
Gladys Beaupre, receptionist at Paramount,<br />
returned from Los Angeles . Gilbert,<br />
Paramount, celebrated a birthday<br />
Stamey, new Paramount blller, has a<br />
southern accent Kehoe, Paramount<br />
ledger clerk, is recovering from a bite<br />
in the cheek from her friendly dog ....<br />
Robert Bemis, W. G. Preddey Theatre Supply.<br />
is on tour of the valley on business.<br />
. . . Lucille<br />
Changes in the management In Charles M<br />
Pincus' district for the Blumenfcld Theatres<br />
include: Carroll Bradley, to the Vogue In<br />
Pittsburg; Lou Spllzler, manager of the Auto<br />
Movies Drive-In, and Dee De Witt back at<br />
the Motor Movies in Stockton<br />
Negri, formerly with Herbert Rosener Co. and<br />
now retired. wiLs.seriously Injured neiir Suntu<br />
Crua when the car In which she and in<br />
woman were driving plunged over a dc<br />
,<br />
bankmcnt. The women were trapped n<br />
car. Luclllc's condition was described it<br />
Internal Injuries.<br />
"fair." She hos u fractured pelvLs ond po.sdibli-<br />
Keports are that representative!! of thi<br />
new Todd-AO movie process, which Is said<br />
to utilize a screen even larger than Clncramn.<br />
have been In town shopping for a theatre<br />
adequate for Installation of the $Kiii.(Hmj<br />
screen. Already surveyed are the Fox, Ooklen<br />
Gate and State theatres. First film to come<br />
her;; under the Todd-AO banner will bv Oklnhoma!"<br />
. Hugh.son Lions Club contributed<br />
$500 toward the purchase of the Del<br />
Rcy Theatre by the Hughson Youth Center.<br />
Hold Briefing Meets<br />
For FWC Executives<br />
LOS ANGELES—Theatre and district managers,<br />
department heads and executive officers<br />
of Fox West Coast's northern and<br />
southern California divis.ons were briefed on<br />
the various subjects covered at the recent<br />
National Theatres conclave In Colorado<br />
Springs, in meetings held here and In San<br />
Francisco September 28, 29. respectively.<br />
Speaker.'^ at the Los Angeles se.'^sion included<br />
Elmer C. Rhoden, NT president: John B.<br />
Bertero, president of FWC: Edwin F. Zabel.<br />
NT vice-president in charge of Pacific<br />
coast operations: M. Spencer Leve, FWCsouthern<br />
California division chief: Bert<br />
Pirosh, Thornton Sargent, R. H. McCullough,<br />
A. M. Ahlskog, Andy Krappman, Stan<br />
Brown, Jesse Elliott, Bob Smith, Harold<br />
Wyatt, Dick Smith, Russ Brown and John<br />
E. Lavery.<br />
At the San Francisco huddles these speakers<br />
were supplemented by William Thedford,<br />
James Runte, John Klee. Bob Bracken and<br />
G. G. G. Patterson. Zabel presided at both<br />
meetings.<br />
John Newton Purchases<br />
California Theatre<br />
FAIR OAKS, CALIF.—John Newton h8><br />
purchased the Fa.r Oaks Theatre from C. J<br />
Remington, who had owned and operated the<br />
house four years to a day. Newton is an<br />
Oregon showman and accountant.<br />
The theatre building is owned by Walter<br />
Preddey. theatre equipment dealer, who i.';<br />
leasing It to Newton. The theatre sale effective<br />
October 1. was handled by Theatre<br />
Exchange Co., Portland and San Francisco<br />
SALE Of THEATRES<br />
ALL J SHOWS. INCLUDING DRIVE-IN,<br />
TROL IV TIX KEY CITY<br />
Allracllitly Fricid. libtral Ivmt. Eirningt h>|hlr<br />
altrwtivr. Oil pliy. Irrlgatloci. ttry large trade<br />
ttrritory. Ftdcral tai rrco-dt arailabli Unuiual<br />
dtai dut to relirtmtnt. S50.000 down. Liberal timf<br />
on balance.<br />
Box «012<br />
80X0FFICE, 83S Van BrunI Blvd. K C. 24, Mo.<br />
:OXOmCE<br />
:<br />
l, 1955 61
. . Tommy<br />
. . Paul<br />
. . While<br />
. . Reggie<br />
. . Norman<br />
. . Dave<br />
. . Les<br />
. . Jim<br />
. . Joe<br />
HLM FAMILY HONOKKI) — Steve<br />
Broldy, r ght, president of Allied Artists,<br />
presents a plaque to Samuel and Irving<br />
Bri.'kin, veteran studio executives, commemorating<br />
the dedication of the Briskin<br />
building at Hollywood's Temple Israel.<br />
The ed:fice was erected in honor of the<br />
parents of the Briskins, the late Rose<br />
and Benjamn Briskin, and houses the<br />
religious school and administration<br />
offices. Broidy and the two Briskins all<br />
are past presidents of the temple.<br />
John N.Krier Is Named<br />
I-M Vice-President<br />
SALT LAKE CITY—John N. Krier was<br />
elevated this week from buyer and bocker<br />
of Intermountain Theatres to vice-president<br />
and general manager, succeeding Ray M.<br />
Hendry, who died two weeks ago after a heart<br />
attack.<br />
Acor Peck, Sy Barlle t<br />
Form Producing Unit<br />
HOLLYWOOD— Gregory Peck and producer-writer<br />
Sy Bartlett have formed Melville<br />
Productions as an Independent film unit.<br />
Plans for the new outfit were completed In<br />
New York by Peck and Bartlett, who will<br />
establish offices here next month and announce<br />
the first picture under the company's<br />
banner.<br />
Peck is committed next to 20th-Fox for<br />
"The Man In the Gray Flannel Suit." His<br />
most recent starrer, "Moby Dick," is being<br />
planned for early 1956 release by Warners.<br />
New Film Sizes Hold<br />
Montana Interest<br />
MISSOULA. MONT.— Nearly 100 members<br />
cf the Montana Theatre Ass'n at the annual<br />
fall convention here this week heard President<br />
Carl Ander.son of Kalispell pledge continued<br />
cooperation with Theatre Owners of<br />
America in efforts to prevent federal restrictions<br />
on the motion picture industry.<br />
Anderson said united action by TOA was instrumental<br />
in reducing the amusement tax<br />
and that such united action and vigilance<br />
against federal controls would be necessary<br />
in the future.<br />
The board of directors met in closed session<br />
Monday (26). Present officers of the<br />
association are President Anderson: Tom<br />
Grady of Shelby, vice-president, and Jack<br />
Suckstorff of Sidney, secretary-treasurer.<br />
They will remain in office until the spring<br />
meeting in Billings May 7, 8. The 1956 fall<br />
convention will be held at Butte.<br />
Most discussion at the meeting here centered<br />
on the impact that 55 and 70mm film<br />
would have on motion picture houses, both in<br />
a bid for increa-sed attendance and in the cost<br />
of converting to bigger screens, new projection<br />
equipment and, in some cases, new theatres.<br />
A screening of "The Phenix City Story"<br />
and "The TaU Men" and a social hour and<br />
dinner dance comprised the nonbusiness portions<br />
of the convention.<br />
Sign Two U-I Contractees<br />
For 'Amazing' TV Show<br />
HOLLYWOOD—Lux Vido Theatre has<br />
set Barbara Rusli and Grant WilLams, U-I<br />
contractees, for the stellar parts in "The<br />
Amazing Mrs. HoUiday," due for telecasting<br />
Thursday (6). The property also was obtained<br />
from U-I, which filmed it as a<br />
Krier started his career In the Industry<br />
as an usher in Rock Island. 111. He held managerial<br />
posts with Paramount Theatres in the<br />
Deanna Durbin starrer some years ago.<br />
Middle West until 1937, when he joined Intermountain<br />
Theatres, an affiliate of United<br />
Additionally, Lux has secured the script<br />
of "Two Dollar Bettor," produced in 1950<br />
Paramount.<br />
by Jack Broder. as a future TV entry. Meantime<br />
Broder. who recently purchased "Loud<br />
He served as manager of the Capitol and<br />
Utah in Salt Lake and was manager of<br />
Law," a "Studio One" teleplay, sold it to<br />
houses in Twin Falls, Ida.; Logan and Provo,<br />
Frank Sinatra, who has earmarked it for<br />
Utah.<br />
theatrical filming as a part of his schedule<br />
In Provo. he was active In civic affairs,<br />
for United Artists release.<br />
serving as president of the Provo Rotary Club,<br />
vice-president of the Provo Chamber of Commerce<br />
and as Utah County war bond drive<br />
Succeeding Armand Schaefer, Hal Roach<br />
jr. ha.s been elected president of the Alliance<br />
chairman.<br />
of Television Film Producers. Other new<br />
In 1946, he became purchasing agent for<br />
officers are Maurice Unger, vice-president;<br />
Intermountain Theatres and moved to Salt<br />
John Zinn, treasurer, and John Flndlater,<br />
Lake. In 1952, he became buyer and booker.<br />
secretary. William F. Broidy remains as<br />
The Kriers have two sons, Gary, attending<br />
chairman of the executive board.<br />
the University of Utah, and John, in the<br />
Army in Germany. Krier is a member of<br />
TCF Productions, 20th-Fox's video subsidiary,<br />
booked Macdonald Carey. Teresa<br />
Salt Lake Variety Tent 38.<br />
Wright and Thomas Mitchell for the leads in<br />
"Miracle on 34th Street," tclcversion of the<br />
theatrical feature made by the parent company<br />
eight years ago. Robert Stevenson will<br />
direct the TV opus.<br />
Plaque to Jean Hersholt<br />
HOLLYWOOD Actor Jean Hersholt was<br />
jjre.sented a plaque at the sixth annual<br />
Brotherhood testimonial dinner given by the<br />
apparel and textile division of the National<br />
Conference of Christians and Jews. With<br />
Dirk Powell as emcee, the affair honored<br />
Hersholt for his efforts In promoting brotherhood.<br />
DENVER<br />
.<br />
R/rel Madero, manager of the South Drive-In,<br />
has resigned and has gone to Cheyenne<br />
a,", field representative for the Wyoming<br />
Newspapers, Inc. on the way from<br />
Rawlins to Denver, Robert Bode, salesman<br />
for National Screen Service, played good<br />
Samaritan following a head-on car collision.<br />
Seven people were hurt, and Bode did first<br />
aid until the state patrol came.<br />
George Hodges, manager of the Gothic,<br />
has a fire-engine red Buick . Shirk,<br />
who operates a tape service, set up the<br />
speaker system for the arrival of the stars<br />
for the Italian Film Fest.val, and also for<br />
the National Theatres convention in Colorado<br />
Springs . Allmeyer has closed<br />
the Lake at Grand Lake. The location is<br />
pnncipalii- a summer resort.<br />
Henry Friedel, MGM manager, is spending<br />
a vacation at his mountain cabin . . . Jerry<br />
Banta, salesman, underwent an appendectomy<br />
at St. Luke's Hospital , Levinson,<br />
MGM publicity man from Minneapolis,<br />
was here assisting Frank Jenkins with the<br />
campaign for the world premiere of "Trial"<br />
at the Orpheum.<br />
Burton Robins, vice-president of National<br />
Screen Service in charge of sales, was in<br />
Denver on his first trip around the exchanges<br />
since taking his new post. He called on<br />
theatres and conferred with Jim Parsons,<br />
manager . McMahon, salesman<br />
for Buena Vista, was in from his Salt Lake<br />
City headquarters for conferences with Marvin<br />
Goldfarb, district manager . Ashby,<br />
general manager Allied Rocky Mountain Independent<br />
Theatres, went to Steamtxaat<br />
Springs and Oak Creek to look over theatres<br />
in which he Ls a partner, and to confer with<br />
Robert Smith, his partner.<br />
Mary Lee King, booker at Buena Vista,<br />
went to New York to attend the World Series<br />
. . . Patricia Pattison, clerk at Buena Vista,<br />
has resigned to return to college . . . Gene<br />
Gerbase, Republic manager, made a sales<br />
trip to Albuquerque, N. M. . Davis,<br />
general manager for Atlas Theatres, visited<br />
company theatres in Gunnison, Monte Vista<br />
and Salida . . . C. U. Yaeger, Atlas Theatres<br />
president, went to New York to fulfill his<br />
annual chore of attending the World Series.<br />
Harry Mandell, vice-president of Pilmakers,<br />
was here conferring with Tom Bailey, franchise<br />
holder, and also made a deal with<br />
Bailey to handle Gibralter Pictures for Denver<br />
and Salt Lake City . Laramie,<br />
Universal salesman, and Mrs. Laramie, spent<br />
their vacation in Minnesota . Ricketts,<br />
Paramount manager, went to Des Moines for<br />
his vacation.<br />
Theatre folks seen on Filmrow included<br />
Mrs. R. H. Magor and Mrs. O. D. Stevens,<br />
Pine Bluffs. Wyo.; Mr. and Mrs. Nathan<br />
Greer, Santa Fe, N. M.; E. Merle Gwinn,<br />
Benkelman, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell<br />
Kelloff. Trinidad; Elden Menagh, Fort Luplon;<br />
James Peterson, Littleton and Carman<br />
Romano. Louisville.<br />
Ted Post to Direct<br />
HOLLYWOOD -Ted Post, heretofore active<br />
as a video film pilot, has been signed to direct<br />
"Tlie Peacemaker."<br />
62 BOXOFFICE October 1, 1955
Rep)<br />
10th<br />
Eight Hit 200 or More<br />
In Big Chicago Week<br />
CHICAGO<br />
N'fwcunu'is were m the iniiiority.<br />
but opened with nice buslne.-tf. They did<br />
not. however, outdo the holdovers which have<br />
continuously kept grosses to such a high par.<br />
Cinerama Hohday" is still a complete sellout<br />
even though it passed Its 15th week at Eitcl's<br />
Palace. "The McConnell Story" at the<br />
Chicago, where Nat "Kin?" Cole head.s the<br />
stage revue, again did exceptionally well.<br />
Others which have carried on with high boxoffice<br />
honors were "The Shrike" at the<br />
Woods. "Maddalena" at the Ziegfeld, "To<br />
Catch a Thief" at the United Artists and<br />
"The Red Shoes" at tlie World Playhouse.<br />
I<br />
Average Is 100)<br />
Carnegie— Not As a Stronger lUA)<br />
Chicago—The McConnell Story (WB) plus stage<br />
195<br />
275<br />
175<br />
Eitel s Hoiidoy (Cineromo),<br />
revue, 2nJ «k<br />
Cinema—Notorious RKO),<br />
Palace—Cincromo<br />
reissue<br />
I5fh wk 350<br />
Esquire—The Virgin Queen (20th-Fox), 3rd wk, ..195<br />
Grand— Phantom From Spocc (UA), Gog (UA),<br />
3rd wk 165<br />
Loop -Summertime L A<br />
, wk 190<br />
McVickers -The Cobweb ,MGM) 195<br />
Monroe-Not As o Stronger (UA) 190<br />
Oriental—Gentlemen Morry Brunettes (UA) plus<br />
Morctana-Moore tight films 210<br />
Roosevelt—The For horizons iPoro); Hell's Island<br />
(Paro) 205<br />
State Lake— Mister Roberts (WB), 5th wk 200<br />
Surt—The Divided Hcort ;Rep), 2nd wk 190<br />
United Artists—To Cotch a Thief (Pora), 4th wk..215<br />
Woods—The Shrike U Ij, 3rd wk 230<br />
World Playhouse—The Red Shoes (UA) reissue,<br />
2nd wk 220<br />
Ziegfeld—Moddoleno (IFE), 3rd wk 225<br />
'Queen' Is No Whiz, While<br />
•McConnell' Holcis Up<br />
KANSAS CITY—The two art houses did<br />
good business last week, the Glen with "House<br />
of Pleasure" and the Vogue with another<br />
return engagement of two Alex Guinness pictures.<br />
"The Virgin Queen" was disappointing<br />
at the Uptown, although bolstered by a<br />
return engagement of "A Man Called Peter."<br />
The splitting of the four Fox houses into<br />
three groups this time was an innovation.<br />
The Midland's second week of "Tlie Kentuckian"<br />
was helped by the Marciano-Mooie<br />
fight reels the latter part of the week. "We're<br />
No Angels" was held over a day in its second<br />
week at the Paramount.<br />
The Orpheum Theatre will reopen October<br />
6 with "The Tall Men."<br />
Glen— House of Pleosure (Kingsley); Annopurno<br />
IK'ngsley) 175<br />
Kimo— Innocents in Poris (Tudor), 4th wk 90<br />
Midland—The Kentuckian (UA); The Top of the<br />
World SUA), 2nd wk 100<br />
Missouri—The McConnell Story (WB); Wokambaf<br />
(RKO). 2nd wk 150<br />
Poromount—We're No Angels Pore), 2nd wk 100<br />
Roxy, Fairway and Granada— How to Be Very,<br />
Very Popular 20th-Fox> 125<br />
Tower—The Shepherd ol the Hills (Para); The Troll<br />
of the Lonesome Pine Para), reissues 110<br />
Uptown—The Virgin Queen (20th-Fox); A Man<br />
Colled Peter 20th-Fox) 90<br />
Vogue—The Lovender Hill Mob (U-l); The Man<br />
in the White Suit (U-l), return engagements. . . .200<br />
'Many-Splendored' Leads<br />
Indianapolis First Runs<br />
I.N'DIANAPOLIS—Over-all business was<br />
moderately good at the first run theatres<br />
here. "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing." at<br />
'he Indiana, has been attracting the most<br />
ention. "Night of the Hunter," supported<br />
• the Marciano-Moore fight film, got a<br />
moderate play at Loew's.<br />
Circle—The Lost Command (Rep); The Twinkle in<br />
God $ Eye<br />
:<br />
80<br />
Esqu.ro— Morty UA), 3rdwk 90<br />
Indiana- -Love Is a Mony-Splendored Thing<br />
t20th.F3. '. ," '<br />
,40<br />
^c.ths— Moniko Hallmork); Mixed-Up Women<br />
Hallmork) 100<br />
-*s---Nlght of the Hunter (UA); Top of the<br />
World (UA)<br />
too<br />
David Dallas Moves Up<br />
To Home Office Staff<br />
MANlIA'rrAN David Dallas, who hu.s been<br />
city iiianiiKcr foi Mid-Ccntnil Ttuiitre.s hero<br />
for II niunbci- ol years, has Jciincd the Man-<br />
DA\1D DALLAS<br />
hattan home office staff as director of advertising<br />
and public relations. Bob Fellers, general<br />
manager, said the long experience which<br />
Dallas has had In the motion picture business<br />
and his work and interest in the field<br />
of civic endeavor have especially qualified<br />
him for the position.<br />
Fellers said no new city manager will be<br />
named. Bill Mall, who has been Dallas'<br />
assistant for many years, will manage the<br />
Campus. Leo Casey, who has been managing<br />
the Edgewood Drive-In, is being transferred<br />
to the State, and Raymond Miller will run the<br />
Coed. No replacement for Casey at the Edgewood<br />
has been announced.<br />
J. B. Harper Will Remodel<br />
Campbell. Mo.. Theatre<br />
CAMPBELL, MO.— J. B. Harper, grocer of<br />
this city, who recently purchased the Missouri<br />
Theatre here, plans a full-scale remodeling<br />
program. The interior will be redecorated;<br />
all new projection and sound equipment will<br />
be installed and a new screen added.<br />
The new owner also plans to furnish the<br />
theatre with new seats with cushion backs as<br />
well as cushion bottoms. A new heating system<br />
is also in his plans. Harper said, adding<br />
he could not say exactly how long the house<br />
will have to close down, but that he would<br />
have it open for business as soon a-s possible.<br />
Harper purchased the Missouri early in<br />
September from Nathan Reiss of Memphis,<br />
who had owned and operated the theatre<br />
since 1947.<br />
At one time. Harper operated the Harper<br />
Theatre here, and more recently operated a<br />
theatre In Medaryville, Ind.<br />
M. E. Berman Resigns<br />
SPRINGFIELD, ILL Moriimcr E. Berman.<br />
Orpheum Tlieatre manager here for the<br />
last 19 years, has resigned his position with<br />
the Balaban & Katz organization, operator<br />
of the theatre, to undergo medical treatment<br />
for a recurring ailment dating from World<br />
War I. Berman was awarded a Purple Heart<br />
for his war service.<br />
Fox Midwest Circuit<br />
In 26th Convention<br />
KANSA8 CITY—A dinner ol the Saddle<br />
and Sirloin Club, to which Industry leader.')<br />
n the area were Invited, wound up the 26lh<br />
convention of Fox Midwest Theatres at the<br />
Hotel Muchlebach this week. Elmer C.<br />
Rhodcn .sr.. former president who resigned<br />
to head National Theatres, of which Fox<br />
Midwest Is a .subsidiary, opened the convention<br />
of the 130 theatre managers and offlcipersonnel.<br />
Rhoden recounted that the National Theatres<br />
lineup hod been Incren.sed by acquisition<br />
of the Lawrence circuit of Salt Lake City,<br />
composed of six Indoor houses and one drlvein.<br />
Another drlve-ln was acquired at Los<br />
Vegas. These arc the only drlve-lns owned<br />
by NT. Pox Midwest has none.<br />
He told the values to be had from researcli<br />
projects, such as the public-know-about tests<br />
made in an Oklahoma area where it was<br />
found that 730 out of 1,000 knew about<br />
the production of "Oklahoma!" The ex-<br />
|)anslon of such tests is being considered, hi-<br />
.-aid. and that In from six months to a year<br />
I the time needed to develop techniques'.<br />
Cinemiracle will be launched and shown exclusively<br />
by National Theatres.<br />
President Rhoden spoke of the importanci'<br />
of the coming Audience Awards, declaring<br />
that never before in the 50 years of motion<br />
picture exhibition has the public been asked<br />
to help choose the stars of the future and<br />
to decide what type of pictures should be<br />
produced.<br />
"There will be no commercial sponsor for<br />
the televised broadcast of these awards<br />
December 5." Rhoden emphasized. "The program<br />
will be planned to .sell the motion picture<br />
industry to the public, not some other<br />
product."<br />
Chicago Suburb Fights<br />
Proposed Twin Airer<br />
OAK LAWN. ILL.—Some 150 residents appeared<br />
at recent rezonlng hearings to protest<br />
the Installation of a drlve-ln twin theatre<br />
at 79th street and Harlem avenue. Most residents<br />
were not against the proposed rezonlng.<br />
but loudly protested the theatre Installation<br />
Originally the rezonlng petition asked for<br />
a change to light Industry, but the attorney<br />
for the petitioner amended the request so<br />
that the 57 acres of land at the northeast<br />
corner could be used for the drlve-ln.<br />
Residents expre.ssed approval of buslne.--.-^<br />
zoning If stores or shopping districts were<br />
installed, but felt the traffic load on the<br />
streets adjoining the only place of recreation<br />
for the children was too hazardous. Nottingham<br />
school and playground are situated on<br />
ten acres at the northeast section of the proposed<br />
rezonlng area.<br />
The petition was requested by Sam Levin of<br />
Ohio, who told the zoning board he had installed<br />
four such theatres In Ohio and one<br />
in Springfield. 111.<br />
Only Theatre Reopens<br />
ROSEVILLE, ILL.—The La Rose Tlieatre<br />
here reopened September 16 under the managership<br />
of Raymond Hopwood of Peoria.<br />
Hopwood disclosed that Rosevlllc's only movie<br />
house will operate on a Friday. Saturday and<br />
Sunday pobcy with a change of feature on<br />
Sunday.<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1, 1955 63
. . . Dan<br />
. . The<br />
. . Bill<br />
. .<br />
. . "Five<br />
CHICAGO<br />
n west side city war against trash in streets some rapid and extensive remodeling. When<br />
and alleys has been helped along by the theatre reopens, "Ulysses" will start a<br />
200 free tickets to a triple-feature show at six-week run . . . "The African Lion" opened<br />
the Garfield Theatre. The cleanup committee<br />
distributes the tickets to children who new 15-minute cartoon, "Peter and the 'Wolf"<br />
at the Loop Theatre Friday with Disney's<br />
as an added feature. "The Lion" was previewed<br />
at the Carnegie while clips of the<br />
aid in the drive.<br />
Leonard Grossmann reported that business picture made the rounds of children's TV<br />
at the Rena, reopened a couple of months programs.<br />
ago, is humming. Grossmann. one of the oldtime<br />
theatremen in the city, knows all the Mr. and Mrs. Irving Mack and the Joseph<br />
angles and his method of operation proves Macks plan to attend the TOA convention in<br />
he uses them to advantage. A succession of Los Angeles next week. Mack announced he<br />
tie-in deals has paid dividends, according to is having the entire Filmack plant air conditioned.<br />
The newly organized Filmack bowling<br />
Grossmann, and he has another series lined<br />
up. On the extra feature agenda are a team soon will be ready to match other Filmrow<br />
leagues . . . Ralph Banghart. RKO pub-<br />
Halloween party and an Armistice Day program<br />
for children. Grossmann usually seeks licist, returned from a trip to Kentucky in<br />
the aid of the PTA on his kiddy programs. behalf of "Tennessee's Partner' . . . Fred<br />
Weppler of the Colonial at Colfax made the<br />
The Chicago Gospel Tabernacle Auditorium<br />
presented ''Martin Luther" Saturday and<br />
Sunday evenings with no admission charge<br />
Goldman has joined Allied Artists<br />
as office manager, moving from Republic . . .<br />
Charles Wolk, who has traveled to almost<br />
every corner of the globe, returned from a<br />
month's vacation in time to attend the tenth<br />
wedding anniversary of the Howard Wolks.<br />
Harvey Shapiro retui'ned to B&K after an<br />
absence of two years as co-manager at the<br />
Roosevelt Theatre . Methe. who managed<br />
the Berwyn Theatre, died Saturday<br />
morning (24) as a result of war injuries . . .<br />
Mi.ss Texas (Mary Miles Daughters) was due<br />
here Tuesday in promotion of "To Hell and<br />
Back," booked at the United Artists Theatre.<br />
The Fifth Army band will participate in a<br />
parade . Oriental, only theatre in the<br />
Loop showing the Marciano-Moore fight<br />
AA's "The<br />
films, reported fine business . . .<br />
Phenlx City Story" and "Las Vegas Shakedown"<br />
opened runs in 30 first class neighborhood<br />
houses.<br />
The Grand is closing for three days to do<br />
RCA NEW 200 PROJECTOR<br />
• Wc Represent the Finest ond Most<br />
Reliable<br />
Manufacturers.<br />
• We Give Real Service, Prompt Deliveries,<br />
Special Attention Either ot Your<br />
Theatre or at Our Store.<br />
• Every Day We Endeavor to Increase Our<br />
Line ond Our Capacity for Serving You<br />
rounds on Pilmrow.<br />
"Court Martial," distributed by A. Teitel<br />
Film Co., is doing a landslide business. Simultaneous<br />
openings are scheduled for B&K,<br />
Essaness, Schoenstadt, Coston and Allied<br />
theatres, and theatres in the Milwaukee area.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Dan McPhee are enjoying a<br />
fall vacation. She is in charge of B&K's<br />
mailroom, while McPhee is in the purchasing<br />
department ... A. Teitel, owner of the World<br />
Playhouse, returned from a California trip<br />
to find that "The Red Shoes" was doing a<br />
tremendous business at his theatre. A number<br />
of tie-in projects have proved very<br />
profitable, among them a "Red Shoe" day at<br />
Goldblatt's department store.<br />
.<br />
Sam Kaplan of Albert Dezel's office reported<br />
"Mobs, Inc." was playing selected<br />
B&K, Wai-ner and Essaness theatres<br />
Charles Teitel and his wife went to New York<br />
City where they will celebrate their 14th wedding<br />
anniversary, and transact some business<br />
. . Messrs. Panagos, Doerr and Gregory<br />
.<br />
of Alliance Amusement Co. went to Washington<br />
state to make the rounds of circuit in-<br />
CALLING ALL<br />
EXHIBITORS!<br />
Steady pro|Cction (or a successful showing of wide-screen<br />
presentation. Low originol cost mokes for on easy budget<br />
Scaled tor life ball bearings require no lubrication. Film<br />
compartment lighting aids accurate threading and glass<br />
doors on operating compartments a low on easy check<br />
on vital mechanisms.<br />
ON DISPLAY AT OUR STORE<br />
Ask For<br />
ERWIN PETERSON SPIRO CHARUHAS LOUIS AURELIO<br />
Place Your Orders for Any of tfie Following:<br />
CinemoScopc • Wide<br />
Sound • Lamphouscs<br />
Equipment • Bulbs •<br />
Admission Siqns • D<br />
Notional Carbons • N<<br />
parts for the Peerless<br />
Surveys af Theatres Without Obligation.<br />
phouses • Repair work on all<br />
protectors, movements and arc lomp lamp c( controls • Marquees<br />
• Folding Chairs •Oaten i • Film ( Cement • Curtain<br />
Control and Tracks • 8 and 16<br />
M/M Bell e, Howell • Portable Equipment<br />
• Jonitor Supplies — Spotllgtits<br />
— Film Spllcort • Reflectors.<br />
ABBOTT THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO., INC<br />
nil So. Wabash Ave. Chicago 5, Illinois Harrison 7-7573-4-5 6<br />
ens • Lenses • Stercoplionic<br />
hoirs • Draperies • Hold-Out<br />
minum Reels • Generators •<br />
jers • Motors • Ladders •<br />
dc Products • Genuine McAuley<br />
terests there. Doerr's daughter Rita Jean was<br />
married to John McDonald.<br />
Jerry Cohn was appointed manager of the<br />
Will Rogers. He formerly was assistant at<br />
the Chicago . . . Mickey Gold, assistant at the<br />
Oriental, vacationed in New York . . . Tony<br />
Steuber returned to the Oriental managerial<br />
staff . . . Frances May, who has been David<br />
Barrett's assistant at the Carnegie, is taking<br />
over while Barrett spends six months in England<br />
. Guns West." an American<br />
Releasing Corp. film distributed by Capitol<br />
Film Co., is scheduled for a citywide break<br />
in major houses October 7.<br />
. . . Bob<br />
"Hill 24 Does Not Answer" will open at the<br />
Ziegfeld November 3. Manager Tom Dowd<br />
said admission will be upped to $1.50 . . . Roy<br />
Rogers passed through the city en route to<br />
the Madison Square Garden rodeo<br />
Lewis of Republic will combine his vacation<br />
with a honeymoon when he goes to New York<br />
next week. He is marrying Gretchen Kohler.<br />
Business Upsurge Noted<br />
In Springfield Houses<br />
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—Theatre business in<br />
Springfield for the first eight months of<br />
1955 indicates that it is at its highest standing<br />
in five years, according to a survey made<br />
recently by the Illinois State Joiu-nal-<br />
Register.<br />
Wayne Allen, staff writer for the paper,<br />
said in a recent article that where August<br />
ordinarily is the worst month at local theatres,<br />
"this year ranked as much as 25 per<br />
cent above boxoffice figures of the same<br />
periods from 1950-1954."<br />
The article continued:<br />
"The local August upturn in attendance<br />
made the month compare favorably with<br />
June and July, other doldrum months, despite<br />
competition from the Illinois State Fair and<br />
the pre-Labor Day weekend American Legion<br />
convention, not to mention that ever present<br />
takeaway threat by television.<br />
"Credit for the surprising strength of<br />
August in the over-all attendance survey is<br />
given to top product by local theatre managers.<br />
'Mister Roberts,' a three-week spectacular<br />
at the Roxy; 'Love Is a Many-<br />
Splendored Thing.' a two-week grosser at the<br />
Fox-Lincoln: 'Summertime,' a Senate hit,<br />
and 'You're Never Too Young' at the<br />
Orpheum w-ere responsible . .<br />
.<br />
"The forecast for fall and winter business<br />
at the four downtown first run theatres is<br />
for a continued rise in 1955 turnstile figures.<br />
Like exhibitors over the country, local theatre<br />
managers are banking on public interest in<br />
several new screen processes to offset television's<br />
elaborate lineup of 'spectaculars.' "<br />
Shows' Community Values<br />
Stressed in Lions Talk<br />
FULTON. MO.—Gordon F. Halloran, St.<br />
l,ouis manager for 20th-Fox, discussed "Main<br />
-Street and You" at a Lions Club meeting here<br />
Wednesday (7). Arrangements for Halloran's<br />
appearance were made by Don Fike, cot)wncrs<br />
of the Fulton Drive-In on Route 54.<br />
Halloran pointed out the importance of.<br />
motion picture tlieatres to other businesses<br />
ol a community, and brought out that motion<br />
pictiue.s help create consumer desire for many<br />
Items sold by merchants in any American<br />
city.<br />
64 BOXOFFICE :: October 1. 1951
%rPemr,<br />
f<br />
0
KANSAS CITY<br />
l^G.M gave an invitational screening at T.<br />
H. Slothowei's Sunset Theatre in<br />
Wichita recently of "The Trial." It was attended<br />
by about 80 judges, bar association<br />
members, civic leaders and members of the<br />
press, radio and TV. Bernie Evens, publicist,<br />
arranged the screening. He is expecting "five<br />
gorgeous gals" from Samuel Goldwyn's "Guys<br />
and Dolls" here the last week in October to<br />
promote the Goldwj'n picture . . . Commonwealth<br />
President R. M. Shelton was still hospitalized<br />
at this writing but was reported<br />
improving . . . R. R. Biechele. veteran Kansas<br />
City fKas.) exhibitor retired by the 1951<br />
flood, has been in Bethany Hospital but was<br />
able to return home.<br />
G. M. Harttmann, who owns the Armour<br />
Theatre but has lived in Chatsworth, Calif,,<br />
for a number of years, is reported returning<br />
to Kansas City to live. He has been in ill<br />
health recently.<br />
Instead of attending the KMTA board<br />
ED HARTMAN'S<br />
New 1956<br />
BOOKING BOOK<br />
Now on<br />
Sale<br />
$]50<br />
Perfect for Circuit Managers<br />
More Space for Exhibitors' Use<br />
When on filmrow. Drop in and See It<br />
or<br />
Write<br />
MOTION PICTURE<br />
BOOKING AGENCY<br />
1717 Wyandotte Victor 7379<br />
Konsos City, Missouri<br />
^
I am<br />
;roater<br />
MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION<br />
o£ Greater Kansas City<br />
ARTHUR H COLE<br />
HONOR FUND<br />
Be Shiyon<br />
Cha<br />
Richard P. Brout<br />
Scnn Lowlcr<br />
\'icc-Chairmcn<br />
Robert F. Withers<br />
Treosurcr<br />
Dear Friends:<br />
Last July the Motion Picture .<br />
Kansas City decided uj^ :<br />
a plan to honor Arthur H. Cole in recognition and appreciation ol the fine work<br />
he has for so long done on behalf of the industry, both locally and nationally.<br />
That plan is now ready to be launched and we believe you will feel if a privilege<br />
to participate in it.<br />
Horry Homburg<br />
Jomci Lewis<br />
Ed Hartmon<br />
Rube Finkelstcin<br />
George Bokcr<br />
T. R. Thompson<br />
Rolph LiBcou<br />
Throughout his more than 40 years in the industry, Arthur Cole has constantly<br />
served as its "diplomat without portfolio," always at the beck and call of exhibitors<br />
and distributors alike, wherever and whenever the need arose. This took in many<br />
things, not the least of which was a constant effort to improve the industry's public<br />
relations; to deal with censorship, legislation and taxation.<br />
Arthur has been a key factor in the development of goodwill with the many and<br />
varied public groups, some of which, at times, have been hostile to the industry<br />
Always he has won them over, enhancing the industry's status in the eyes of civic<br />
leaders and the general public and strengthening its position.<br />
Directly or indirectly his work for the industry has benefited each and every<br />
person in it; particularly exhibitors and distributors, who have been helped to save<br />
and to make money.<br />
Because of his humanitarian interests and activities, the Committee has thought<br />
it would be most fitting to do something on behalf of Arthur Cole's favorite charity<br />
—the YMCA Boys Camp for underprivileged youngsters on the outskirts of Kansas<br />
City. The funds raised will be used to provide additional housing facilities at the camp.<br />
We believe that all who know Arthur Cole will want to have a part in this<br />
project. And that all others, with a sense of pride in their industry and gratitude for<br />
the good that is done for it, will welcome this opportunity to do honor to a fine man<br />
and, at the same time, aid a worthy cause. By so doing Arthur Cole and a lot of people<br />
will be made very happy.<br />
Gifts are tax deductible.<br />
Sincerely<br />
yours,<br />
\^dv^^<br />
Chairman<br />
Please Return This Coupon With Your Contribution<br />
ARTHUR H. COLE<br />
HONOR FUND<br />
For Underprivileged Boys<br />
Genflemeri:<br />
pleased to participate in honoring Arthur H. Cole.<br />
Enclosed is my contribution of $<br />
Robert F. Withers<br />
Treasurer<br />
215 West 18th St.<br />
Kansas City, Mo.<br />
Nome<br />
Address<br />
Moke Checks Povoblc to Robert F Withers<br />
Dote<br />
lOXOFTICE :: October 1. 1955 67
. . John<br />
. . Bud<br />
Elmer C. Rhoden addresses the Fox Midwest convention at Kansas City. At<br />
left is Senn Lawler, general manager, and at right, Richard Brous, president of Fox<br />
Midwest.<br />
KANSAS CITY<br />
(Continued from preceding news pagei<br />
Guy Bloom, Nevada; WUliam Bradfield,<br />
Carthage; Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Batman, Oregon;<br />
Ray Cook. MaryvUle; Jack West, Harrison<br />
ville; Walter Eisenhauer. Slater . . .<br />
Kansa.s visitors included Lily Welty, Hill<br />
City; Virgil Harbison, Tarkio; Jim Snyder,<br />
Oakley; C. S. Schafer, Blue Rapids; George<br />
Wadlington, Fredonia (who insisted nothing<br />
ever happens to him except daylight and<br />
dark); Leon Pugh, Ft. Scott; Bill Flynn, Emporia;<br />
Dan Blair, Smith Center.<br />
James Lewis, RKO manager, spent part of<br />
last week in Manhattan and in Wichita. Inspector<br />
Ruth Davis was back to work after<br />
hospitalization and Nellie Bradbury was home<br />
with a tooth infection . . . Rube Perlman, DCA<br />
representative, conferred with Harry Gaffney<br />
about the midwest premiere of "I Am a Camera"<br />
at Pox Midwest's Apollo Theatre . . .<br />
Patt Turner, office secretary at Buena VLsta,<br />
was wearing a new wrist watch Monday (26i,<br />
a birtliday gift from the boy friend . . . Beverly<br />
Miller, Kansas City, says he has a new<br />
permanent wave in the left rear fender of<br />
hi.': rar without knowing whom to blame. Le-<br />
Roy Kirk, maintenance man. was back at the<br />
WIDE SCREENS<br />
c<br />
'<br />
CINEMASCOPE and PROJECTION |<br />
LENSES OF ALL KINDS<br />
THE WIDEST LINE OF THEATRE<br />
CHAIRS BY IDEAL<br />
"Better Seot/'ng Means Better 'I<br />
Business"<br />
'A<br />
STEBBINS THEATRE<br />
EQUIPMENT CO.<br />
1804 Wyondoltc GRand 0134<br />
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI<br />
'i<br />
Cowtown Drive-In in St. Jaseph after illness.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Spindler, Fort Drivein<br />
managers, took state fair vacation in<br />
Topeka.<br />
. . . Mr.<br />
The Allied Artists office is expecting Jack<br />
Leewood in to handle the coming promotion<br />
for "The Phenix City Story"<br />
and Mrs. Robert McCollum, who operate the<br />
Jewel at Clarence, Mo., recently became the<br />
parents of a third boy . Rickert, U-I<br />
branch operations representative who was<br />
in town on vacation visiting his parents,<br />
called on the Row to see the new Universal<br />
building. Rickert says he is having his usual<br />
bad luck. He travels by plane and his trunk<br />
has been lost, which should have arrived here<br />
by railway express. When in Salt Lake City,<br />
he got a ticket for jay-walking. He goes<br />
from here to Memphis, wondering what is<br />
in store for him there.<br />
L&L Popcorn and Poppers Supply have<br />
placed a Cretors popcorn machine and Cretors<br />
warmer, along with a new Buckingham drink<br />
dispenser, in the new concession counter<br />
which has been installed in Fox Midwe.st's<br />
Uptown. It is the 11th drink dispenser installed<br />
in this area . Truog. office<br />
manager for United Artists, is wearing a<br />
broad smile because UA bookers are having<br />
the biggest demand for the Marciano-Moore<br />
fight pictures that they have ever had for<br />
any fight picture the office has released.<br />
Stebbins Theatre Kquipment Co. sold a pair<br />
of Ultra Panatar lenses to Ken Winkelmeyer<br />
for the Fayette at Fayette, Mo., which he<br />
operates along with the Casino at Boonville<br />
... A dozen or more of tJie "boys" on Filmrow<br />
kept in touch with the World Series by<br />
having lunch together in a room at the<br />
Muehlebach Hotel where a television set<br />
showed the game. Another bunch had a<br />
little bad luck when they were betting on<br />
football games in one of the bars.<br />
5.250 See Fightcast<br />
INDIANAPOLIS — The Moore-Marciano<br />
fight played before an SRO crowd of 5,2,')0 at<br />
the Indiana and Lyric theatres here. This<br />
was the only city in the state to show the<br />
tight on theatre TV. Admission price was<br />
$3.50. Both houses are owned by Greater<br />
Indianapolis Amusements.<br />
Vandals Wreak Havoc<br />
In Remodeled Theaire<br />
GREENUP. ILL.—Vandals, who broke into<br />
the Old Trails Theatre recently, started several<br />
fires in various parts of the building,<br />
which was being readied for reopening following<br />
the installation of Cinemascope and<br />
other improvements. They used a concrete<br />
block to batter in the east door of the theatre.<br />
Several panels were broken before they<br />
found the one nearest the lock. After gaining<br />
entrance, they started a blaze adjacent<br />
to the door by setting fii-e to piles of paper<br />
and a broom. Three fires were started on<br />
the rug in the lobby and another in a store<br />
room.<br />
Upstairs, they started a fire in the projection<br />
room. Two other fires were set near<br />
the stage. A window in the men's restroom<br />
was broken. Fingerprints were taken in an<br />
I<br />
attempt to trace the intruders. The theatre<br />
is owned by Paul Musser of Casey. 111.<br />
Municipal Auciitorium<br />
At Kansas City Gets TV<br />
KANSAS CITY—A coaxial cable which will<br />
connect the Municipal Auditorium directly<br />
with the Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. is<br />
being installed. This is being done to meet<br />
anticipated demands by amusement and industrial<br />
interests for television facilities.<br />
Four circuits will have three terminal points<br />
in the Arena, one each in the Music Hall, the<br />
Little Theatre and the Exhibition Hall. The<br />
telephone company is paying the cost of installation,<br />
estimated at $350,000.<br />
Closed circuit transmission and color telecasting<br />
will be included.<br />
Pettit Readying Avalon<br />
For October Opening<br />
AVA. MO.—L. H. Pettit, head of the Pettit<br />
Theatre Corp., hopes to have his beautiful<br />
new Avalon Theatre ready for its grand<br />
opening early In October. The theatre will<br />
cost in exce.ss of $50,000. It will have widescreen<br />
and be equipped for CinemaScope anc<br />
other scopes. Pettit also operates the Sfai<br />
here. He formerly operated a .second theatn<br />
under a lease but that building was converter<br />
to other use. He also owns the Pettit's High<br />
way 14 Drive-In near the citv limits.<br />
OUR BUSINESS IS SOUND<br />
THEATRE SERVICE CO., INC.<br />
827 Wayne Topeka. Kansa:<br />
RELIABLE SOUND SERVICE PAY!<br />
Dealers in BALLANTYNE<br />
COMPLETE LINE<br />
OF CONCESSION<br />
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIE<br />
L&L POPCORN CO.!<br />
Kansas City, Mo.<br />
Is<br />
68<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1, li8
. . . The<br />
. . Tom<br />
. . The<br />
. .<br />
I<br />
$125,000 Mullaney Suit<br />
To Be Tried This Fall<br />
CHAKLESTON, ILL.—Judge Robert F.<br />
Cotton of the Coles County circuit court here<br />
recently denied a defense motion for dismissal<br />
m the $125,000 suit filed by the administrator<br />
)f the John Mullaney estate, operator of the<br />
Ricky Tlieatre in Mattoon. against the Frisina<br />
\niusemenl Co., Springfield, which owns the<br />
IJl.irk. Mattoon and Times theatres there. The<br />
aicky went out of business in July 1952.<br />
The suit is to be tried before a circuit court<br />
lury. probably this fall. Motion to dismiss<br />
he .-iuit was argued here in August before<br />
Jud^e Cotton, who said the case may set<br />
egal precedent in Illinois courts.<br />
The petition, filed in November 1954.<br />
illeged that the Frisina company drove the<br />
?icky into bankruptcy by lowering the adnission<br />
prices of the rival theatres, which<br />
he defendant controlled, and by other unfair<br />
jraclices. The complaint charged the deendants<br />
with establishing a monopoly in the<br />
heatre busijiess in Mattoon.<br />
The suit was filed by Walter F. Mullaney<br />
jersonally and as the administrator of the<br />
.'State of his brother, John W. Mullaney. The<br />
:ase reportedly was dismissed in the federal<br />
lourts on a technicality before the state<br />
iction was brought.<br />
5t. Louis Area Drive-ins<br />
Set Their Closing Dates<br />
ST. LOUIS—Owners of a number of driven<br />
theatres in this area have announced<br />
entative dates for closing their theatres for<br />
he season.<br />
The Frisina Amusement Co. has named<br />
)ctober 15 closing dates for these drive-ins:<br />
iki-Hi. Hannibal, Mo.: Little Dixie, Mexico,<br />
lo.: Skylark, Keokuk. Iowa: and in Illinoi.s:<br />
tustic Starlight, Effingham; Charleston,<br />
iharleston; Sky-View, Litchfield; Kay,<br />
helbyville; Frisina, Taylorville, and Gordon,<br />
tobinson.<br />
The Sunset in Houston and Willow- in<br />
Villow Springs. Mo., both owned by R. D.<br />
"isher of the Star, Willow Springs will close<br />
)ctober 8.<br />
Airway, Memphis, Mo., C. W. Locke, Times<br />
"heatre. Memphis. Mo., owner, was to close<br />
)ctober 2.<br />
Pine Hill, Piedmont, Mo., A. B. and Maude<br />
efferis, closed September 29.<br />
I Salem, Salem, lU., Cluster Theatres, Loren<br />
''lu.ster, Salem, was to close October 15.<br />
Sunset Drive-In, Mount Olive 111., Louis<br />
idorizzi of Staunton, 111., owner, suffered<br />
•reen tower damage in a windstorm the<br />
Ight of September 21 and will be closed<br />
idefinitely.<br />
Hi-Y, Fredericktown, Mo., L. A. Mercier,<br />
lercier Theatre, owner, will operate on<br />
aturdays and Sundays only, beginning<br />
'ctol)er 1.<br />
IVest Quincy. Mo., Drive-In<br />
;)losed by Highway Job<br />
WEST QUINCY. MO.—The Quincy Drive-<br />
|i on Route 24 operated under lease by Mayor<br />
ay Parker of Brentwood. Mo., was closed<br />
iunday ii8i because highway construction<br />
|:tlvities in the vicinity made it difficult for<br />
itrons to attend the theatre. The early<br />
.oslng was unfortunate because the drive-in<br />
'Id enjoyed nice business, and weather con-<br />
Uons now are Ideal for<br />
I<br />
drive-in operations.<br />
ST.<br />
LOUIS<br />
Q.ip.iiily audU-nces enjoyed the Mnrdano-<br />
Moore fight via TV at LoeWs State here<br />
.md at the Majestic, East St. Louis, while<br />
the UA motion p.ctures of that brawl were<br />
voted "the best ever" by those who viewed<br />
them at a tradescreening at Ruby S'Renco's<br />
screening room the morning of Saturday (24i.<br />
•Every theatre should book Vm." wa.s the<br />
praise of one rival exchange manager. Others<br />
echoed that sentiment. Loew's State and<br />
Loew's Orpheum keyed off the local runs on<br />
the highlights of the big fight.<br />
The case of Northtown Theatre Corp. vs.<br />
Mickelson, trustee, et al (from Mlnne^ota»<br />
has been submitted on briefs without oral<br />
iirguments to Judges Woodrough. Vogel and<br />
Stone in the U. S. court of appeals here.<br />
be some time before the appellate court<br />
It w'ill<br />
issues its decision . . . J. G. Golladay, longtime<br />
midwest theatre manager, has succeeded<br />
William J. Souttar as manager of the Lincoln,<br />
a unit of Fox Midwest Theatres, in Springfield,<br />
111. Souttar resigned to become an<br />
assistant vice-president of Burton Reid, Inc.<br />
Golladay, with Fox Midwest for 25 years,<br />
recently had been manager of the Kennedy<br />
and Princess theatres in Kirksville.<br />
A baby girl was born September 20 to Mrs.<br />
John Edmundson, owner of the Edmundson<br />
Theatre, Bloomfield, Mo. Her husband is<br />
former county clerk for Stoddard County .<br />
Jim Castle, Paramount publicity and advertising<br />
manager for this territory, was in<br />
Chicago recently for the special .showing at<br />
the State Lake of the 70mm version of<br />
"Desperate Hours," shot with double frame<br />
cameras . Williamson, RKO manager,<br />
was in Springfield, Cairo and Paducah<br />
calling on circuit heads.<br />
Art LaPlant, St. Louis salesman for<br />
Columbia Pictures, was honored September<br />
20 upon completion of 25 years with the company.<br />
Carl Shalit, Detroit, division manager,<br />
was here for this special occasion. Art was<br />
presented with a beautiful wristwatch as a<br />
memento . . . Al O. Bondy, theatrical distributor.<br />
General Electric Films, was a visitor<br />
Granite City city council upheld the<br />
veto of Mayor Leonard R. Davis of the halfcent<br />
sales tax ordinance. Ten votes were<br />
needed to override the veto but proponents<br />
of the tax got only eight. Five voted to<br />
sustain the Mayor.<br />
Stretch Miller, a radio and TV sportscastcr<br />
here for the past nine years, has assumed his<br />
duties as sports director for Radio Station<br />
WIRL at Peoria, III. ... A motion picture<br />
travelog on Soviet Russia was shown by Oliver<br />
Vickery, president. Ferro-Bet Co., San Francisco,<br />
the man who shot this uncensored<br />
documentary, Friday (30i at the St. Loui-<br />
University gymnasium. Vickery took the film<br />
during an 8.000-mile trip behind the Iron<br />
Curtain . St. Louis Community Playhouse<br />
is discontinuing its activities because oi<br />
failure to obtain suitable quarters for lishows.<br />
Tom \V. Bridge of Dallas, recently appointed<br />
Paramount southwest district manager,<br />
wa-s here to confer with Harry H. Haa.'-.<br />
manager, and to meet the local staff. He wa.s<br />
accompanied by Al Fitter from New York.<br />
Vice-President Hugh Owen's assistant. A 26-<br />
year man with Paramount, Bridge was Dallas<br />
branch manager before assuming his new<br />
duties. His pri'ftent territory Include* Dallas.<br />
Kan.sos City, Oklahoma City, St. Loul« niul<br />
a new branch to open .soon In Houxton, Tex«h<br />
AmonK fumlllar faces from Illinois on Filmrow:<br />
Herman Tanner, Vandollu; Bernard<br />
Temborlus. Brecse; Eddie Clark. Metropoll.s:<br />
Charley Bcnlnatl, Carlyle; Tom Bloomer.<br />
Belleville; Joe Goldfnrb. Alton; Izzy Wlciishlenk,<br />
Piibllx Great States, Alton, aecompanled<br />
by PGS Vice-President Duncan<br />
R. Kennedy from Chicago; Rani Pcdruccl,<br />
Frisina Amusement Co.. Springfield; Loren<br />
Cluster. Salem; Dale Moody. Tuscola; Forrest<br />
Plrtle and Paul Horn. Jerseyvllle. and Paul<br />
Missouri Filmrou<br />
Stehman. Winchester . . .<br />
visitors Included: Judge Frank X. Rellcr,<br />
WentzviUe; William Dean Davis. West Plains;<br />
Russell Armentrout. Louisiana, and Bill<br />
Williams, Union.<br />
Open Five Nights a Week<br />
VILLA GROVE. ILL The Clem 'Hieatre.<br />
owned by George Barber, which wa-s reopened<br />
for business September 22 after being dark<br />
since early in June, will be open five nights<br />
a week until the picture booking .schedules<br />
permit nightly operation. The hou.se will be<br />
dark on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.<br />
I3J7 S. WAMSH. CHICA0O«6M NINTH AVL.NIW TCMII<br />
^ Contact RIO Immediately!<br />
j$erv«<br />
PIZZA P\f\<br />
AT YOUR CONCESSION |<br />
No<br />
Investment!<br />
RIO 7?to ^ifuip Cotnpojuj<br />
*•«»<br />
• «<br />
EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE<br />
St. Louis Theatre Supply Company<br />
Arch Hotlar<br />
]}I0 Ohva St'
. . Variety<br />
. . Bob<br />
.<br />
,'<br />
Too 'Doggone Many Problems Cancel INDIANAPOLIS<br />
Dog Matinee in Springfield, III.<br />
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. — John Kerasotes,<br />
Senate Theatre manager, had planned a dog<br />
matinee for local canines as a promotion<br />
stunt for "The Bar Sinister," but he<br />
abandoned the plan because of too many<br />
"doggone" problems. However, Kerasotes got<br />
his publicity when the State Register ran a<br />
story about the abandoned plans.<br />
"After preliminary screening of potential<br />
guests," the story read, "Kerasotes dropped<br />
his plan to throw open his theatre doors to<br />
the dogs. After numerous queries only three<br />
masters or mistresses would guarantee good<br />
cinema behavior on behalf of their pets.<br />
"Kerasotes' ironchain rules demanded: (1><br />
Owners accompany their dogs replete with<br />
leashes, (2) canines would be seated only in<br />
theatre seats designated by plastic covers, and<br />
(3) dogs becoming noisy or obnoxious would<br />
be removed via nearest alley exit."<br />
The article said that Kerasotes got the<br />
idea from a Hollywood preview for dogs, but<br />
added, "Since bull terriers are rare in this<br />
part of the country, according to a local<br />
kennel operator, Kerasotes planned a freefor<br />
all. (No admission charge to owners accompanied<br />
by dogs.)<br />
"Even the mo.st lavish preparations—a free<br />
bone for every canine plus gift biscuits and<br />
sample pellets— failed to bring on the dogs.<br />
(A glorified fire hydrant was to be placed<br />
outside the theatre).<br />
"The majority of dogs considered to be<br />
well mannered pets belonged to children,<br />
Kerasotes said. Since he planned a morning<br />
screening to avoid possible loud barks from<br />
two-legged moviegoers, only youngsters of<br />
preschool age could have attended.<br />
"Thfe biggest bone of contention, however.<br />
CANDY - POPCORN<br />
- SEASONING -<br />
For Theatres and Drive-Ins<br />
Dlitrlbuton<br />
LORRAINE CARBONS<br />
MISSION ORANGE<br />
of<br />
Send for Price List<br />
Freight Prepaid en $100.00 or More<br />
KAYUNE CANDY CO.<br />
1220 S Michigan Avenue Chicogo 5, II<br />
THE>WT^E EQUIPMENT<br />
441 N. ILLINOIS ST.. INDIANAPOLIS, IND.<br />
"Everything for the Theatre"<br />
"SELECT" FOUNTAIN SYRUPS<br />
DRINK DISPENSERS<br />
Select Drink Inc.<br />
42)0 W. Florlisont Av*. Phon*<br />
St. Louli, IS, Mo. Evergreen S-59]!<br />
was a public relations impasse. Would canine<br />
critics sit still for 90 minutes of a story telling<br />
of a bull terrier who takes on all fighting<br />
dogs in the Bowery, then is rescued from the<br />
fight pits and becomes a blue ribbon champ?<br />
Probably none has read the Richard Harding<br />
Davis tale.<br />
"How would it look to other Senate patrons<br />
if the dogs walked out?"<br />
Foiled Burglars Leave<br />
Mess at Illinois Airer<br />
BREESE, ILL.— Perhaps lightning may not<br />
strike the same place twice, but burglars<br />
don't apply any such rule to their operations.<br />
For the fourth time this season a burglary<br />
was attempted at the Avon Drive-In near here<br />
recently. The three unidentified men who<br />
broke into the concessions building escaped<br />
with food, milk and about $1.50 in change.<br />
They were surprised by a game warden,<br />
John F. Schulte, but managed to escape and<br />
drove northward in a late model off-white<br />
Chrysler or Dodge with a Missouri license.<br />
The robbers, apparently angered vvlien they<br />
failed to obtain a large amount of money,<br />
broke all of the soft drink syrup jars, and<br />
food and drinks were scattered all over the<br />
concessions building; even the walls being<br />
splattered.<br />
Sheriff Dan Parker suspects the same men<br />
may have burglarized a drive-in near Springfield,<br />
Mo., the same morning. An empty milk<br />
carton from Springfield was found in the<br />
Avon Drive-In. A checkup revealed that a<br />
drive-in at Springfield had been biu-glarized<br />
several hours before the burglary here.<br />
Louisville. 111., Louise<br />
Receives Good Support<br />
LOUISVILLE, ILL.—Vernal Elliott, owner<br />
of the Louise Theatre, has publicly expressed<br />
his thanks to Mayor Brice Jones for his introduction<br />
in connection with the fine program<br />
that marked the reopening of the theatre<br />
on September 11 after being dark for several<br />
months. Elliott also thanked the public for<br />
the fine business the theatre is enjoying and<br />
expre.ssed appreciation to the officers of the<br />
Rotary Club, the Flora Greenhouse, Lester's<br />
clothing and shoe store and the Louisville<br />
Business Men's A.ss'n for the beautiful flowers<br />
and best wishes they sent him at the reopening<br />
of the Louise.<br />
Tipton Theatre Reopens<br />
TIPTON, MO.- Tlie Tipton Tlieatre, closed<br />
during the summer, was reopened on a Friday,<br />
Saturday, Sunday and Monday basis, two<br />
changes a week. The theatre is operated by<br />
Joe Ghosen of Sedalia, who has other theatre<br />
lioldings<br />
Dickinson Shift at Joplin<br />
.JOPMN. MO. -Lester Cul|) is the new manager<br />
of the Glen Theatre, replacing Jim Farrcll<br />
who has moved over to manage the<br />
Lux. Both theatres are operated by the Dickinson<br />
circuit, with headquarters in Mission.<br />
Kiis.<br />
'Doth the Indiana and Lyric were filled to<br />
capacity, totaling 4,800, for the Marciano-<br />
Ken Collins has<br />
Moore fight telecast . . .<br />
resigned as manager of the Egyptian. Pete<br />
Fortune will do the buying and booking . . .<br />
Funeral services were held here Wednesday<br />
1 28) for Mrs. Cathryn O'NeUl Crouch, wife<br />
of Orville Crouch, Loew's Washington, D. C,<br />
division manager. Mrs. Crouch was injured<br />
fatally in an automobile accident there.<br />
Crouch was assistant manager of Loew's<br />
Theatre here before World War II.<br />
Ted Mendelssohn, for the drive-ins, and<br />
Joe Finneran, for indoor theatres, will be<br />
film clinic moderators at the Allied Theatre<br />
Owners of Indiana fall convention here November<br />
15, 16 . . . Dave Friedman. Paramount,<br />
was here to set up the state premiere of "The<br />
Desperate Hom-s" at the Ciixle October 27.<br />
He will have Joseph Hayes, Indianapolis-born :<br />
author of the novel, drama and screen play,<br />
back home for the day.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Gardner have bought the<br />
Strand at Paoli from Mi-, and Mi-s. F. W<br />
Brauer, taking possession October 1. Gardner<br />
new to the film business, is a Packard-<br />
Studebaker dealer at Paoli. The Brauers are<br />
going to Ai'izona for Mrs. Brauer's health<br />
William A. Carroll, ATOI secretary, reports<br />
a large Hoosier delegation will attend the<br />
National Allied convention at Chicago No<br />
vember 7-9.<br />
Don Steinkamp has changed the name o)<br />
the Dream at Fi-ench Lick to the Spring .<br />
T. O. McCleaster, 20th-Fox division manage^<br />
was here on business . Thome has sue<br />
|<br />
ceeded Ru.sh Williams as office manager an:<br />
.<br />
Women's<br />
Toom Won<br />
F. Jones ... 8<br />
Borg & Kim . . S<br />
Hcort 5<br />
Poppers .... 5<br />
Mode O' Day . 5<br />
Hortmon's .3<br />
Monlcv 3<br />
101 Service 2<br />
.<br />
.<br />
Men's<br />
Team Won<br />
8<br />
Alley Rots .<br />
Mode O' Day 8<br />
Shrcvc's 7<br />
United 7<br />
Dixie 6<br />
Peppers 5<br />
Questionm'rks 4<br />
Manlcy 3<br />
70<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1. 355 '!lCf]
-, iept^mber<br />
I<br />
CAMPBELL,<br />
Joe Simon, Showman<br />
At Memphis, Is Dead<br />
MEMPHIS JoL' Simon, ii.>.>i^l;iiU nuiiuiger<br />
3( tho Plazii. Luclami and Ro.seinary theitres,<br />
operated by Augustine Ciaiiciolo, died<br />
it Baptist Hospital here Saturday night i24><br />
liter a week's iUness. He was 62.<br />
Sinion came to Memphis 22 years ago. He<br />
lad tjeen assistant manager of the Warner<br />
Theatre, ticket salesman at Ellis Auditorium,<br />
nanager of the Rltz and associated with the<br />
,)peration of the Plaza, Luciann and Roseniuy.<br />
Simon was a friend of show people all over<br />
he Uivited States. He was born in Jones-<br />
X)ro, Ark. He went into show business very<br />
/oung. He was a clarinetist and played bit<br />
ij3<br />
jarts in stock companies. Then he settled<br />
lown as a musician and for many years was<br />
n the orchestra and was assistant to Merle<br />
'>ans. band master for Ringling Bros., Barium<br />
& Bailey circus.<br />
Cecil Vogel, manager of Loew's Palace, decribed<br />
Simon as "a trouper all his life."<br />
Vogel said; "He would do anything for<br />
nybody. night or day."<br />
Simon was active in the Shrine and Vaiety<br />
Club. He was a member of the Anshei<br />
Sphard Congregation. Funeral services were<br />
leld Sunday with Rabbi Morton Baum oficiating.<br />
Burial was in Anshei Sphard cemeery.<br />
Simon leaves a sister and four brothers.<br />
".<br />
B. Harper Will Remodel<br />
IJampbell, Mo.. Theatre<br />
MO.— J. B. Harper, grocer of<br />
his city, who recently purchased the MLssouri<br />
."lieatre here, plans a full-scale remodeling<br />
frogram. The interior will be redecorated:<br />
II new projection and sound equipment will<br />
€ installed and a new screen added.<br />
The new owner also plans to fiu'nish the<br />
heatre with neve seats with cushion backs as<br />
'eU as cushion bottoms. A new heating sysem<br />
is also in his plans. Harper said, adding<br />
.e could not say exactly how long the house<br />
'ill have to close down, but that he would<br />
jiJiave it open for business as soon as possible.<br />
2,300 Fight Fans Crowd<br />
Savannah Auditorium<br />
SAVANNAH, UA.— A capacity crowd ol<br />
2,300 witnessed the closed circuit TV showliiK<br />
of the Marcluno-Moore fight which wivs presented<br />
by a local promoter in the City Auditorium.<br />
Reception was reported by local sports editors<br />
as being very good, with very little Interference<br />
on the screen.<br />
The equipment wils<br />
brought to the city by the Theatre Television<br />
Network. Seat prices ranged from $2.30 to<br />
S3.45 for reserved seats in the orchestra. A<br />
special section was set aside for colored<br />
patrons.<br />
Small seating capacity of the local Indooi<br />
theatres was said to be the reason the pre.sentation<br />
was not made in a theatre. The<br />
largest theatre in the city seats 1,500, and<br />
because of the expense involved in bringing<br />
in the closed circuit setup, it was felt the<br />
price scale would have had to have been set<br />
tof) hich to make the venture pay off.<br />
M. J. Brummell Heads Sales<br />
For United Productions<br />
SARASOTA, KLA.— M. J. Brummell, lormerly<br />
associated with Eastin Pictures of Davenport.<br />
Iowa, has been appointed executive<br />
director of .sales<br />
for United Productions with<br />
offices in the Florida Theatre building here.<br />
United Productions, succes-sors to the Thomas<br />
organization as distributors of Movie Sweepstakes,<br />
will continue to operate their screen<br />
advertising and promotion facilities.<br />
Closes Temporarily<br />
CLEARWATER, FLA.—J. N. Dakos, owner<br />
of the Ritz Theatre, has closed the house<br />
temporarily. The Ritz is a neighborhood<br />
theatre.<br />
Lad Confesses Burglary<br />
TAMPA, FLA.—A 13-year-old boy has admitted<br />
burglarizing the Tower Drive-In. He<br />
was placed in the custody of juvenile officers<br />
Tristate Will Meet<br />
In Memphis Oct. 24<br />
MEMI'llIS A nujonllKlil bout ride on tin<br />
Ml.ssl.vslppl will hlghllRht the Trl.sUiU- Tlieaire<br />
Owners convention here Oct
. . . Other<br />
. . Ilena<br />
. . How'ard<br />
. . Maxine<br />
. . The<br />
. . Long<br />
CHARLOTTE<br />
l^any theatres in the eastern section of<br />
North Carolina and around the resort<br />
areas suffered from hurricanes Connie, Diane<br />
and lone. Damage was heaviest at New<br />
Bern, where the total loss was placed at 12<br />
million dollars. Other cities hit were Washington,<br />
Belhaven, Wilmington, Morehead<br />
City, Atlantic Beach. Beaufort, Rocky Mount.<br />
Williamston, Windsor and Edenton.<br />
Chunk Simmons, Charlotte actor, is a<br />
cavalryman in "Pillars of the Sky," and has<br />
been on location in Oregon . . . Billie Harris,<br />
booker at Republic, was ill several days .<br />
Pauline Griffith, secretary of the North<br />
. .<br />
&<br />
South Carolina Theatre Owners Ass'n, suf-<br />
SERVICE<br />
and<br />
COURTESY<br />
for oyer 20 yean<br />
OUR WATCH WORD<br />
•CENTURY ^ri^oZo' STRONG laTps<br />
CONCESSION EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES<br />
STANDARD THEATRE SUPPLY CO.<br />
30 YEARS OF DEPENDABLE SHOWS<br />
H. G. ARENSON<br />
3450 SELWTN AVE., CHARLOTTE, N. C.<br />
Always A Pleasing BoxoHice Attraction<br />
135 Bravord Court, ChorlotK, N. C.<br />
FRANK LOWRY — JOHN WOOD<br />
PHONE FR. 5-7787<br />
.<br />
fered a broken hip and has been in Charlotte<br />
Memorial Hospital Anderson<br />
of Mullin.s was in and booking . . .<br />
buying<br />
Mrs. Ella Austin of the Queen City Booking<br />
Agency staff reports she has 19 black scottie<br />
puppies for sale.<br />
Myrtle Parker, president of the local<br />
WOMPI chapter, and Gladys Hawkins, vicepresident,<br />
were to leave Friday (30) for New<br />
Orleans, where they will attend the Women<br />
of the Motion Picture Industry convention<br />
The local chapter sponsored a<br />
there . . .<br />
canned goods shower Wednesday (28 1<br />
for<br />
the Alexander Home for Retarded Children.<br />
The cans were collected at the MGM office<br />
and at the monthly WOMPI luncheon in<br />
Thacker's restaurant . . . Lois<br />
organizing a WOMPI chorus<br />
Summers is<br />
Crittenton<br />
Home extended<br />
.<br />
appreciation to the<br />
club for smocks given to the girls there . .<br />
.<br />
Billie Harris won the prize for selling the<br />
most tickets to the recent dance.<br />
.<br />
Naomi Sigmon of 20th-Fox was married to<br />
Jmi Carter McGee of U-I vacationed<br />
at Daytona Beach . Callicut.<br />
U-I, vacationed in Silver Springs, Fla.<br />
vacationers: Lottie Short and<br />
Mildred Hoover, Paramount, and Verda<br />
Looper, Screen Guild Betty Gosey is<br />
. . .<br />
expecting a baby and will-leave SG . . , Viola<br />
Wister will vacation in October when her<br />
twin sister will visit here.<br />
Billie Harris of Republic has succeeded<br />
Lillian Knowlin, who resigned at Columbia,<br />
as a member of the WOMPI board. Vera Ledbetter<br />
has taken over as corresponding secretary<br />
to fill the unexpired term of Margaret<br />
Baker.<br />
The WOMPI of Charlotte sponsored a<br />
"kiddie matinee" at the Center Theatre at<br />
9:30 a. m., Saturday (17). "Trail of Robin<br />
Hood" was the feature; three cartoons rounding<br />
out the program. The films were donated<br />
by Republic, Columbia and Fox. P^-oceeds of<br />
the matinee, which totaled $24.66, went to<br />
the WOMPI charity fund.<br />
Robert Schrader, manager of the Visulite<br />
Theatre, is enjoying the successful run of<br />
"The Green Scarf." To protect the surprise<br />
ending of the film, Schrader is asking patrons<br />
not to divulge its outcome and he is seating<br />
no one during the final ten minutes of the<br />
film. With the film, Schrader is running a<br />
crossword puzzle contest; the winner is to receive<br />
a $25.00 U. S. Savings Bond.<br />
Two Memphis Suburbans<br />
Bought by Neil Blount<br />
.MEMPHIS Tiif .sale
Octobei<br />
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FOR COMPLETE DETAILS WRITE DR. PEPPER COMPANY, FOUNTAIN DIVISION, DALLAS, TEXAS<br />
lOXOFTICE .<br />
1. 1956 73
I Theatre<br />
.<br />
LfH BOOIil OfflCf<br />
Experience — Industry — Integrity<br />
ALBERT E. ROOK, Owner<br />
160 Walton $t. n.w.<br />
^^ stR^^So**''*<br />
tel. alpine 8314 stvtt^Vlo^f;^'<br />
P.O. box 1422 ^tt^X^<br />
atlanta, ga. Tt*»»«t**'*<br />
l/fo-u (leceiae . . .<br />
QUALITY • SERVICE<br />
and<br />
• SATISFACTION<br />
^' when you entrust your business to:<br />
i THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc.<br />
f^ Complete Theatre & Drive-ln Equipment<br />
'^ & Supplies<br />
p )912-V,<br />
Morris Avenue Phone 3-8665<br />
Birminghom 3, Alabama<br />
SPECIAL TRAILERS<br />
Quality and Service<br />
Serving theatres In the South for 31 yean.<br />
12 cents per word<br />
Lowest cost onyyfhere<br />
STRICKLAND FILM CO.<br />
220 Pharr. Road, N. E. Atlanto<br />
DAVY CROCKETT BALLOONS<br />
Printed with<br />
Name and Date of Showing<br />
SOUTHERN BALLOON COMPANY<br />
6 Walton Atlanta, Georgia<br />
Tax-Supported Foundation Makes<br />
Children's Films in England<br />
MIAMI—Many Miami theatre managers<br />
are doing a good job of padding their regular<br />
programs with cartoon shorts and other film<br />
fare which they hope will appeal to the<br />
juvenile clientele which descends on the<br />
theatres before noon on Saturdays, reports<br />
George Boui-ke in a Sunday Herald story. He<br />
then informs readers that from a British<br />
Information Service release, it was seen<br />
that this "padding" is far short of the<br />
thoughtful building from the ground which<br />
has been done in England through the Children's<br />
Film Foundation, successor to J. Arthur<br />
Rank's Children's Entertainment Films Co.<br />
The foundation, financed by a $350,000<br />
annual grant from the British Film Production<br />
Fund, which is collected from entertainment<br />
tax receipts, has been providing the<br />
main films for England's Saturday morning<br />
.shows for the 12-year-oIds and under.<br />
Although American cartoons and other<br />
suitable short features may also be used, the<br />
main film is always one made specifically for<br />
this juvenile audience, which shells out its<br />
seven cents admission fee with the expectation<br />
of getting something new, not a film<br />
purporting to have juvenile appeal but actually<br />
produced with the idea of catering to<br />
adults rather than children.<br />
In Britain, films are classified according<br />
to their suitability—U for general showing:<br />
A for films desirable for adult audiences;<br />
and X for exhibit to adult (over 16) audiences<br />
only. "Until Rank started Entertainment<br />
Films there were no pictures produced esspecially<br />
for junior audiences—Disney features<br />
and certain cartoon shorts excepted,"<br />
the British Information report declares.<br />
The children's films are made without any<br />
consideration for the adult taste. At present<br />
the subjects are wholesome tales of outdoor<br />
activity—usually with animals and children<br />
of normal appearance and intelligence, not<br />
prodigies or cute tricks who might appeal to<br />
adults but would leave the kids themselves<br />
cold. But it wasn't always thus.<br />
"When we first began making these films,"<br />
a production spokesman said, "we had to deal<br />
mainly with crime and violence of some sort,<br />
because our audiences had been brought up<br />
on gangster and western pictures—not all<br />
from Hollywood by any means."<br />
Three big circuits, and the independent<br />
movie houses, all get the films in turn. Each<br />
new picture is allocated to one of the four<br />
groups, and is passed on to the next when<br />
it has completed the rounds. It is estimated<br />
that each picture takes four years to circulate<br />
nationally—by which time there is a<br />
new generation of under-12s and the film can<br />
be booked again.<br />
SAVANNAH<br />
^Organization of a Downtown Merchants<br />
Ass'n is being watched with interest by<br />
operators of the downtown theatres, who plan<br />
to cooperate in the movement. Its purpose<br />
will be a strong merchant organization<br />
planning events to bring more people into<br />
the downtown areas. Additional shopper<br />
buses may be one of the results. The new<br />
organization is apart from any Chamber of<br />
Commerce affiliation.<br />
Frank Kossiter, one of the Savannah Morning<br />
News editors, was flown to Washington<br />
as a guest of Paramount Pictures for i<br />
screening of "The Desperate Hours" ... At<br />
tendance records are being set at the local<br />
high school football games in the stadium<br />
Three straight weeks of rain cut into attendance<br />
at both the indoor and outdoor<br />
theatres, and the threat of a couple of hurri<br />
canes did not add to the situation.<br />
'everything for the theatre except film<br />
STEREOPHONIC<br />
wil-kin theatre supply, inc.<br />
allanta, 9a. . charlotte, n. c.<br />
.<br />
Bob Dyches, house manager of the Lucas<br />
Theatre, was married recently to Gincej<br />
Woods . . Robert Hardee, business agenl<br />
of the local projectionists union, was called<br />
to Daytona Beach because of the death of s<br />
brother killed in an automobile accident<br />
First run showings included "Night of th(<br />
Hunter" and the Marciano-Moore fight film,<br />
at the Weis, "Murder on Monday" at thi<br />
Savannah, "Tlie Phenix City Story" at thi<br />
Lucas and "Dam Busters" combined witl<br />
"Retreat Hell" at the Avon.<br />
Harry Ballance, southern district manage<br />
of 20th-Fox, has contacted the Chamber<br />
Commerce regarding a possible world pre<br />
miere of "The View From Pompey's Head,<br />
The chamber has been bombarding Fox of<br />
ficials with requests that the premiere b<br />
staged in Savannah. Several scenes of th<br />
Cinemascope attraction were filmed here an<br />
in nearby Brunswick . . . Albert Weis of We:<br />
Theatres and Earle M. Holden of the Luc:i<br />
and Avon theatres have been named cc<br />
chairmen of the theatre division of the Marc<br />
of Dimes drive to be staged in January .<br />
Local theatres will cooperate with the fii<br />
prevention drive by showing the official fii<br />
prevention tr;)iler.>i.<br />
74<br />
BOXOFTICE :: October 1, 19:
. . H.<br />
. . Joe<br />
. . Bob<br />
. , Mrs.<br />
. .<br />
•ITS (1)1.1) rr TUKKK—diaries<br />
TigTicr. owner of the Ili-V Drive-In and<br />
the Star Theatre in Conroe, Tex., flew<br />
with the lIunlsviMe llish School football<br />
team to Anehorase. .Alaska, where<br />
they were to play the .Anchorage Iligli<br />
football dull in a regularly scheduled<br />
game Saturday il7i. In addition to the<br />
game, the .\laskans laid out an elaborate<br />
entertainment and sight-seeing schedule<br />
that would take the Texans to a number<br />
of points of interest. Tigncr took along<br />
his motion picture camera to make a<br />
35mm picture story of the trip. The film<br />
will be shown in the theatres in tluntsville<br />
and Conroe, and Tigner also will<br />
make it available to other theatres desiring:<br />
to run it.<br />
MEMPHIS<br />
T oew's State was a complete sellout for the<br />
recent heavyweight championship fight<br />
telecast. Manager Arthur Groom reported<br />
that after all .seat.s were filled at S3.30 and<br />
$4. about 40 or 50 late arrivals had to be<br />
turned awa.v. The reception was perfect.<br />
Mrs. Helen Bnister, owner, has opened a<br />
new drive-in theatre, the Dickson at Dickson.<br />
Tenn. . R. Ewell, booker and buyer for<br />
Joy. Missouri and Moonlight Drive-In at<br />
Hayti. Mo., and Lyie Richmond, Richmond.<br />
Senath. Mo., were Memphis visitors . . .<br />
Louise Mask. Luez, Bolivar, Tenn.. and W. F.<br />
Ruffin jr., Ruffin Amu.sements Co., Covington,<br />
were among visiting exhibitors.<br />
From Arkansas came Mrs. O. W. Mc-<br />
Cutchen. Ritz. Blytheville; L. G. Renfro.<br />
Grove. Holly Grove: Jim Singleton. New.<br />
Marked Tree: W. R. Lee, Gem at Heber<br />
Springs and Rice at Des Arc: T. P. Ford.<br />
Ford, Rector: A. L. White. Rand, Imperial<br />
and Skylark Drive-In. Pocahontas: John<br />
Staples. Carolyn, Piggott, and Orris Collins,<br />
Capitol. Paragould.<br />
Edward P. Sapinsley, Malco Theatres. Inc .<br />
executive, is heading the exhibitors and distributors<br />
division of the Memphis Community<br />
Chest. He held a meeting of Filmrow<br />
managers and theatre owners and organized<br />
the campaign for the motion picture industry<br />
this week<br />
. Keifer. Malco office, spent<br />
a recent weekend in Kentucky.<br />
VOTE NOW IN AUDIENCE AWARDS<br />
JACKSONVILLE You can be<br />
gob Harris, confection .sale.-, miuumer of<br />
Florida Slate Theatres, loft on u -turvcy<br />
ol circuit hou.scs In the Miami area . . .<br />
Visiting Phil Longdon. 20ih-Fox salesman<br />
at his home in Diiytona Bench was Tom P<br />
Tidwoll, 20th-Fox manaKer .<br />
E.ither<br />
Skolls was here from Seattle. Wash., at the<br />
request of the Variety Tent 44 In connection<br />
with the group's Blind Children Foundation<br />
Matt S
mmm<br />
. . The<br />
. . Joe<br />
. . The<br />
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and International<br />
Theater Seats<br />
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that "homecomfort"<br />
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When seating or reseating your<br />
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costs because Internationals<br />
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because all-steel construction,<br />
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For complete information on International<br />
theater seats in the Southeast<br />
area, write, wire or phone —<br />
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160 Hermitage Avenue<br />
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Phone 42-1658<br />
%tematioTiaC<br />
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MIAMI<br />
•The most recent attempt of the Miami Board<br />
of Review to make "recommendations"<br />
about the showing of certain motion pictures<br />
locally seems to strike a generally discordant<br />
note. A letter to the editor in the Miami<br />
Herald expressed one layman's opinion: "Who<br />
knows just where this can lead us? Perhaps<br />
some day we'll have a board that will ban<br />
everyone from eating asparagus because they<br />
don't like it. Hurrah for the city commission<br />
who voted down giving them the power also<br />
to ban movies."<br />
Out of the four 'Wometco theatres which<br />
telecast the heavyweight championship fight,<br />
only a few seats remained untaken at the<br />
Capitol on the eve of the event, making<br />
Sonny Shepherd a happy man .<br />
Town<br />
has a high-powered double featui-e going:<br />
"From Here to Eternity" and "On the Waterfront,"<br />
with a midnight show to accommodate<br />
the stayer-uppers. The Town, which has<br />
made the midnight show a regular thing for<br />
.some time, finds the arrangement satisfactory.<br />
Always enough late customers come in<br />
off the downtown streets, says the management,<br />
to make the policy feasible at the boxoffice.<br />
E. M. Loew, theatre magnate, is scheduled<br />
to return to his Miami Beach home on October<br />
Now that complications have<br />
2 . . . been cleared away for the filming of "Old<br />
Man and the Sea," the big hitch is catching<br />
a large sea monster for one of the leads.<br />
Experts have been fishing the Caribbean for<br />
days without getting a nibble.<br />
The independent Tivoli departed from its<br />
usual format to present a double feature<br />
.shock show News Amusement Editor<br />
.<br />
Herb Rau was the guest of Paramount on a<br />
trip to Washington to see a preview of "The<br />
Desperate Hours." Screening was at Loew's<br />
Palace, and the film, says Rau, "is a natural<br />
to pick up a fistful of Academy Awards" .<br />
Championship fight films and highlights of<br />
the Miami-Georgia Tech football game,<br />
shown at FST main houses, brought in extra<br />
male patrons at the six theatres.<br />
Mrs. Lillian Claughton sends home word<br />
that .she is vacationing on a North Carolina<br />
farm that has its own trout lake. With her<br />
are Mr. and Mrs. Gifford Bunnell, sister and<br />
brother-in-law. Mrs. A. W. Corbett. mother of<br />
Mrs. Claughton and Mrs. Bunnell, journeyed<br />
with them as far as Rome, Ga. . . . Joel Hart,<br />
a Havana film distribution executive, was<br />
here for the meeting of the United Artists<br />
sales organization . Rines, film and TV<br />
producer, was due in Miami Beach for a vacation<br />
... It will seem like an old friend come<br />
back to town when "The Red Shoes" opens<br />
at the Roosevelt in November. It played here<br />
continuously for more than a year.<br />
.\ theatre patron recently wrote the Herald<br />
amusement page to say .she would like to .see<br />
the reissue of .some tine films instead of the<br />
Davy Crockett and science fiction reissues<br />
which have been showing recently. "There are<br />
probably a few fans still living," she states,<br />
who would like to see again 'The Barretts<br />
of Wimpole Street,' 'Mutiny on the Bounty,'<br />
and others of similar caliber. I enjoyed the<br />
reissue of 'Camille' as much as the first viewing<br />
of it." The Herald editor queries, "How<br />
about it, Mrs. Claughton? Do you think you<br />
could get MGM to take 'em out of the<br />
vaults?"<br />
Wometco executive Sonny Shepherd was<br />
pictured in a recent Sunday's Herald, and his<br />
opinion quoted, about<br />
establishing a landing<br />
strip for planes near<br />
the center of town.<br />
Shepherd said, "For<br />
several years I owned<br />
light planes before the<br />
war and had an interest<br />
in one after the<br />
war. Such airports as<br />
the late Miami Aviation<br />
Center and Sunny<br />
South were very<br />
close to town, in comparison<br />
to the 'sleeper Sonny Shepherd<br />
hop' it takes to get back and forth from<br />
Tamiami airport. I strongly feel there is need<br />
for such a landing strip on the Rickenbacker<br />
causeway. In Chicago, with Lakeside airport<br />
available, the owner of a private plane<br />
can land and get a cab into the heart of<br />
Chicago in a matter of minutes. It is my<br />
opinion that Miami is being by-passed by<br />
private aviation interests because of the<br />
lack of faciUties. If such a strip were available<br />
I for one would purchase or obtain<br />
interest in a light plane for pleasure flying<br />
—there's nothing like it."<br />
Ernie Hill, Herald correspondent, writes<br />
back from London that the London Daily<br />
Express claims Clare Boothe Luce made<br />
a grievous mistake when she forced the<br />
banning of "The Blackboard Jungle" at<br />
the Venice film festival. Instead, "The Kentuckian"<br />
was entered. In reviewing the films,<br />
now both showing in London, the Express<br />
finds the former picture very good and the<br />
latter very bad. "That 'Tlie Blackboard<br />
Jungle' could be made at all speaks for a<br />
nation's greatness," the Express says. "That<br />
other film speaks only for its silliness."<br />
Leo Samuels, Jesse Chenich and Ken Laer,<br />
associates of the Walt Disney organization,<br />
were in town on a round-the-country theatre<br />
tour . . . Bill Kelly. MGM studio liaison officer,<br />
has retired and is expected to become<br />
a Miami resident in the near future. Kelly<br />
started in the movie business as a reel boy<br />
in 1906 at the Nickelette on New York's 125th<br />
Street. He then worked for Kalcm and<br />
World Pictures before joining Goldwyn in<br />
1919. He served with the OSS in World<br />
War II and was in charge of distribution of<br />
16mm films to the armed services.<br />
Excellent critical reviews of "Summertime"<br />
emphasize the successful run of this film<br />
at FST's first runs. "Read what they are<br />
saying about the picture," says the circuit in<br />
advertising headings, and prints a changing<br />
series of written comments from feminine<br />
patrons. These so far have included such<br />
signed statements as: " . . . one of the best<br />
love stories, women will be thrilled: she<br />
missed love in her life ... In the arms of<br />
her first real lover she found- it. She was<br />
influenced in her love affair by being in<br />
Venice. Married, she did wrong! Single,<br />
she did right. If this happened to any woman<br />
at an age when 'summertime' is over, being<br />
human and lonely and unattractive, she<br />
would do the same. Love is a force that makes<br />
us do things that come naturally."<br />
MAIL YOUR AUDIENCE AWARDS<br />
BALLOTS.<br />
76<br />
BOXOFFICE October 1, 1955
Phone:<br />
Among Eastern Oklahoma Showmen<br />
Uy AKT LAMAN<br />
\I7eatlier in eastern Okliihoma cooled after<br />
rainfall, and the .schools opened with a<br />
record enrollment in the area. Ticket.s have<br />
Kone on sale in the downtown area for the<br />
fair, which open.s in October, and tickets are<br />
on .-^ale for "Holiday on Ice." the great ice<br />
review to be held in the pavillion duriim<br />
the entire week of the fair. The Horace<br />
Heidt show will play tiie Municipal Theatre<br />
October 1, featuring a TV show over NBC<br />
with national talent finals.<br />
Many civic clubs are announcing a variety<br />
of sponsored events. Ticket sales are under<br />
way in Tulsa for two circuses, both to be here<br />
during October. A number of name bands<br />
have been booked into tlie dance spots, and<br />
the football ticket campaigns are well under<br />
way.<br />
All these special shows and events just don't<br />
help theatie business in T-town. and theatremen<br />
are finding that their businesses require<br />
a lot of extra work, promotion gimmicks and<br />
advertising to help offset the many other attractions.<br />
Frank Love of Wewoka. Okla., staged a<br />
big style show at the Key Theatre. This is a<br />
top-flight attraction each year, with Allen's<br />
Style Shop presenting the very latest in fall<br />
and winter attii-e. The Wewoka Order of<br />
the Eastern Star was tied in as co-.sponsor.<br />
This is the type of local show and presentation<br />
that jam-packs the theatre.<br />
Frank is no "first of May" when it comes<br />
to filling theatre seats, having been a feature<br />
attraction, on the stage of many theatres ever<br />
since he was in high school, doing everything<br />
from magic to hillbilly numbers.<br />
Here is a recent picture of Frank's hillbilly<br />
act. known as the "Lovebirds." Mrs. Love,<br />
Gladys, is the female part of the team.<br />
When this writer geks his fall stage .show<br />
going in Muskogee one of the first guest<br />
stars to be invited will be the "Lovebirds."<br />
NOW with TWO convenient locations for<br />
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CONQUERS THE UNIVERSE<br />
ATLANTA —JACKSONVILLE<br />
CHARLOTTE — MEMPHIS<br />
SEW ORLEANS<br />
We know that Muskogee Theatregoers will<br />
enjoy those two hillbillies from the thea'r-'<br />
in Wewoka.<br />
Over in El Reno we ran into some new.-,<br />
that it might be well for theatre operators<br />
and managers to consider. Recently, as<br />
printed in BOXOFFICE, Jim Rush has been<br />
made city manager for Video Theatres there.<br />
The houses are the Center. Rocket and<br />
Squaw Drive-In. In. the last few years El<br />
Reno citizens have, to some extent, lost tht<br />
theatregoing habit. When Jim came to town<br />
he looked over the setup and decided that he<br />
would put on a special night during the off<br />
midweek. He chose Wednesday night, and<br />
put up a banner in front of the theatre<br />
heralding that night as 10-cent night, with<br />
admission scaled at that figure.<br />
Here's the payoff; At ten-cents the boxoffice<br />
take is double in dollars what it has<br />
been on regular admissions on that night.<br />
On top of that. Jim says the concessions<br />
business has doubled. I noticed that while<br />
walking up the street with Jim. everyone we<br />
met had a greeting like. "Hi, Jim," "Howdy,<br />
Jim," etc. In other words, he's making El<br />
Reno "Jim Rush-minded." In return, the<br />
paying customers are becoming theatreminded<br />
again. The lesson here could be that<br />
many theatres could fill up those empty midweek<br />
seats by a little more oldtime promotion.<br />
All other busine.sses put on sales, with<br />
price reductions, so it might also work in<br />
theatres. To those who say it won't work<br />
in theatres, I'd say just take a look at the<br />
Jim Rush movie sale in El Reno.<br />
"The Blades on Ice" show opened on the<br />
stage of the Rialto Theatre downtown to<br />
business that was not up to par. There were<br />
many reasons for the small amount of<br />
business: among them, lack of promotion,<br />
no outstanding advertLsing and poor outlook<br />
on the part of the producer of the .show in<br />
thinking Tulsa would be a pushover for<br />
business.<br />
This fair city will fool you. mc or anyone<br />
else who things It's a pushover. It's a town<br />
that has to be sold and sold hard, with a lot<br />
of gimmicks thrown In for good measure.<br />
"Blades on Ice" Is a very classy show made<br />
up of some really great skating talent. I; ><br />
a show that could make money In some '<br />
theatres, but it's no show to be played<br />
(Continued on following pngei
I hat<br />
Here's<br />
Your Chance<br />
to get in the<br />
BIG<br />
MONEY<br />
Be Sure<br />
lo Play<br />
As a screen<br />
game. Hollywood takes<br />
top honors. As a boxofiice attraction,<br />
it is without equal. It has<br />
been a favorite with theatregoers for<br />
15 years.<br />
Write today for complete details!<br />
Be sure to give sealing or car<br />
capacity.<br />
HOLLYWOOD<br />
AMUSEMENT<br />
COMPANY<br />
831 South Wabash Avenue<br />
Chicago 5, Illinois<br />
Oklahoma<br />
(Continued from preceding pagei<br />
Eastern<br />
a house that caters to a working-class family<br />
trade. This type theatregoer wants the sort<br />
of thing he likes on his radio or TV—fast,<br />
even corny, westerns or hillbilly fare. To<br />
me, it seems a shame that "Blades on Ice"<br />
couldn't have stood them in line at the<br />
Rialto. It would have helped show business<br />
in this state no end, and show business could<br />
.^tand a lot of helping.<br />
A few weeks back, you'll recall, we<br />
mentioned that the Tulsa downtown theatres<br />
had introduced smoking in the balconies of<br />
the Rialto, Majestic, Ritz and Orpheum. The<br />
Tulsa papers, running a letters forum each<br />
day, have been printing a number of letters,<br />
some of which are quite critical of this<br />
policy.<br />
In talkmg over the matter of lower theatre<br />
grosses this summer at most air conditioned<br />
theatres, J. C. Duncan, Tulsa city manager<br />
for Video, said that one thing entered into<br />
the picture in a big way. That is more and<br />
better home air conditioning, so folks can<br />
stay at home in comfort, watch TV, listen<br />
to great music, attired in shorts and sipping<br />
a glass of cool refreshment.<br />
Early in the summer we reported the opening<br />
of the Grove, Okla., drive-in. Recently<br />
one of the former partners, Stanley James<br />
Sullins, filed a banki-uptcy petition listing<br />
debts of $29,590, assets of $7,303, with $3,925<br />
claimed exempt.<br />
On Saturday (3) the Broken Arrow Drivein<br />
ran an all-night program, with this notation<br />
on one of its ads: "Adult entertainment.<br />
Watch the screen come to life at 2 a.m. with<br />
beautiful girls." "We'll bet many a guy stayed<br />
up just to see this eye-filling screen entertainment.<br />
Gene Welsh, manager of the de luxe Delman,<br />
got a nice lot of space in the local newspapers<br />
for "Female on the Beach." The<br />
picture shown here grabbed off some extra<br />
newspaper space. Mildred Brinlee contacted<br />
Welsh for a photo of her favorite player, Jeff<br />
Chandler. So Welsh had Miss Brinlee don<br />
her prettiest bathing suit and had this snapshot<br />
made at one of the Tulsa swimming<br />
pools—Miss Brinlee hanging on to a life-size<br />
cutout of the handsome star. It is a good<br />
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stunt and one which will help drag the<br />
customers up to the boxoffice.<br />
In addition, Welsh had some tie-in ads<br />
with the Oklahoma Natural Gas Co., showing<br />
Joan Crawford and Jeff Chandler in a 1955<br />
Servel-equipped kitchen. One space, run on<br />
August 24, was five columns wide by 15 inches<br />
deep.<br />
Howco and SG in Court<br />
To Keep 'Bold' Rights<br />
CHARLOTTE— A temporary restraining<br />
order was secured Monday in Mecklenburg<br />
superior court against Filmakers Releasing<br />
Organization by Screen Guild Productions of<br />
the Carolmas, Inc., distributing in the Charlotte<br />
territory; Howco Exchange, Inc., distributing<br />
in the Atlanta territory, and Howco<br />
Exchange of Tennessee, Inc., distributing in<br />
the Memphis territory.<br />
Tlie plaintiffs allege that they hold the exclusive<br />
franchise to distribute eight pictures<br />
released by Filmakers in their respective territories,<br />
four of which have been released,<br />
and one. "The Bold and the Brave," which is<br />
ready for release; the plaintiffs further allege<br />
that they were approached by Irving H. Levin,<br />
president of Filmakers. who tried to induce<br />
them to surrender "The Bold and the Brave"<br />
from their franchise; upon refusal, Filmakers<br />
served a notice of termination of the<br />
plaintiffs' franchises.<br />
The Mecklenburg com-t issued a temporary<br />
restraining order against Filmakers against<br />
licensing or distributing "The Bold and the<br />
Brave" in the plaintiffs' respective territories<br />
except through the plaintiffs.<br />
The court also issued an order of notice to<br />
Filmakers to .show cause, on October 3, why<br />
the temporary order should not be made permanent;<br />
and why they should not be further<br />
enjoined from violating the other terms of<br />
their franchise agreements.<br />
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Religious Films Played<br />
With Others Criticized<br />
TORONTO The propriety of playnig a<br />
strictly religious picture on a program that<br />
has film entertainment of a different type<br />
has again been the cause of some criticism.<br />
Tlic latest case concerned the playing of "Tlic<br />
Prince of Peace" at the Windsor Drive-In on<br />
a bill with "Sombrero."<br />
A similar situation, recently, was the playing<br />
of "Martin Luther" along with a feature<br />
could be classed as a leg show.<br />
78<br />
BOXOFFICE October 1, 1955
Small-Fry Teams to Get<br />
Free Trip to the Alamo<br />
SAN AiNlXJNlo I'lurty boys iroiu .soimwhore<br />
m tlu' United States will get ii free<br />
trip to the Alamo, a ranch holiday, and a vi.slt<br />
to nearby Me.xico.<br />
The youngsters will be members of the<br />
small-fry team .selected to play in the National<br />
Milk Bowl, famed "little" Bowl, at San<br />
.\ntonio December 10 against an out.sUmdlng<br />
Texius team.<br />
Small-fry teams eligible for consideration<br />
are those playing in after-school programs<br />
or orphanages, recreation associations, neighborhood<br />
clubs, private and parochial schools<br />
and civic groups.<br />
The Milk Bowl has all the fanfare of the<br />
Rose Bowl and the Cotton Bowl: pregame<br />
parties, queen contest, pai'ade. visiting celebrities<br />
and half-time ceremonies. This year<br />
will be initiated the first annual children's<br />
pilgrinia^ to the Alamo, with an estimated<br />
20.000 children coming from all parts of<br />
Texas for the visit and to witness the Milk<br />
Bowl game.<br />
The event has national radio. TV film, motion<br />
picture, press, magazine and syndicate<br />
coverage. Play by play is carried by as many<br />
as 300 radio stations in the nation. A live<br />
t^leca.'it will be added this year. Red Grange<br />
describes the game as "the world series of<br />
small- fry elevens." Players weigh no more<br />
than 110 pounds and are not over 14 years<br />
of age.<br />
On the board of directors are Texas notables,<br />
including Governor Allan Shivers.<br />
Senator Price Daniel. Hugh Roy CuUen.<br />
Jesse H. Jones, Glenn H. McCarthy and<br />
showman Gordon McLendon.<br />
Abilene. Tex.. Paramount<br />
Observes 25th Year<br />
ABILENE. TEX.—The Paramount Theatre,<br />
built at a cost of S400.000 in 1930 and then<br />
considered one of the nation's most beautiful<br />
theatres, recently celebrated its silver anniversary.<br />
Wally Akin, manager of the house<br />
since 1934, selected "To Hell and Back" as<br />
the anniversary feature. Twelve large<br />
balloons, each of which contained four<br />
courtesy passes were released on the outskirts<br />
of Abilene at 11 a.m. on the anniversary<br />
day. Persons who found the balloons were<br />
guests of the theatre during its anniversary<br />
observance.<br />
The Paramount was built by H. O. Wooten<br />
and was taken over by Interstate Theatre.^<br />
shortly after the old Paramount-Publix Corp.<br />
went out of business.<br />
A. C. Mayes Dead<br />
ABILENE. TEX.—A C Mavv.s. ..4. projectionist<br />
at the Key City Drive-In, died at his<br />
home here recently following a heart attack.<br />
Mayes had been connected with show business<br />
since 1920, Including years in vaudeville<br />
as a musician and a winter tour as member of<br />
' hn Philip Sousa's band. He is survived by<br />
::e, four children, his father and a sister.<br />
George F. Johnson Dies<br />
TULSA—George F. Johnson. 59, died recently<br />
in a local hospital. He with his<br />
mother, the late Mrs. Margaret R. Johnson,<br />
and a sister, Mrs. B. R. Clack, operated the<br />
old Wonderland, the Royal and a west Tulsa<br />
heatre. He was a native of Enid.<br />
Country Fair-Picnic Air Surrounds<br />
Jam-Packed Ozoner for Fightcasf<br />
'<br />
'he<br />
HOUSTON—Tl>c King Center Twin Drlve- »ccm.s to appeal to u lot of people who Ilk'<br />
In. where the Mnrcinno-Moore heavyweight the ^eot outdoors and the ciuiualneM c r<br />
championship fight was teleciLst over clo.sedclrcuit<br />
TV Wednesday night, resembled offspring.<br />
being able to come oji you arc with or wlthnui<br />
nothing -so much as a clrcus-picnic-country<br />
Prefight entertainment<br />
fall-. As at most<br />
which help. .: ,<br />
fights, there wa.s a preponderant<br />
the crowd happy Included<br />
male audience,<br />
recorded<br />
from little to big to<br />
tumbling act.s luid<br />
doddering.<br />
exhibition<br />
But<br />
bouu. In.....<br />
the other .sex was not to be<br />
youngsters from the<br />
discounted.<br />
Boy.s<br />
There<br />
Club of Hou-itoi,<br />
were young females with<br />
and the 'Vouth Center,<br />
babes-ln-arms,<br />
under the dlreri|..i,<br />
young women and older<br />
of Otto L. Powers.<br />
women. It was<br />
The amut.<br />
a good-natured crowd, though sparring brought<br />
many howLs<br />
of them<br />
and In :<br />
were around killing time for a.s<br />
closer-up watchers .•.•<br />
Ihot cau.sed<br />
much as four and a half hours. One woman back at the concessions building tu ;.t,ij.il u:.<br />
heard complaining got the laughing retort.<br />
chairs to sec—<br />
"But<br />
and kept them there.<br />
we're<br />
Tlie<br />
having fun, aren't we?"<br />
music was plea.sant background, .sometimes<br />
The drive-in was packed to more-Uiancapacity<br />
with cars and 3,000 rented chairs visiting. dLscu-sslng the fight, making beU<br />
drowned out by the rising cadence of volcc.i<br />
placed singly between and around cars and singly or getting up pools.<br />
everywhere else. Many stood or milled about.<br />
Included In the ma.ss of fight fan.s<br />
The wencarloads<br />
of people from Dallas, over In<br />
fogging machine couldn't get through<br />
to operate. It is impossible to estimate the<br />
Louisiana and all other directions.<br />
number<br />
Becaase<br />
of people there. Manager Karl Stroud<br />
Dallas theatres telecasting had sold out didn't<br />
said. In addition to single admissions of<br />
stop any of those folks. There was t;..<br />
$3.25 each and the cars with their usual<br />
sorry that the fight was pastponed Ij.<br />
loads, there were over 100 station wagons<br />
they liked to watch a<br />
and many<br />
TV fight on \\' ::<br />
automobiles stacked to the top and<br />
day night. But she mentioned it lightly,<br />
bulging at the seams. (Cars were admitted<br />
pointing out they still might get home In<br />
for $10 plus tax per auto, advance sale.) One time. There was the one-of-foiu- women who<br />
car. with back seat removed, held 16 University<br />
of Houston students—three roosting In<br />
met in the powder room. She ased to live<br />
clase to the Jersey Joe Wolcotts in New Jcresy<br />
the trunk. Trucks were outlawed.<br />
She talked about how religious they were, and<br />
Many brought their own food and drinks. fine and how her children's clothes had often<br />
hospitals in the l". .S. .ind other rountrle*.<br />
Still there was a constant line through the helped cover the little Wolcotts. Dicd-ln-thewool<br />
snack bar, which grew longer at the entrance<br />
fight fans all.<br />
end clear out through the patio and thicker<br />
No-le.ss-interested spectators were the Jefferson<br />
Amu.sement folks from around the<br />
inside—this up past actual fight-starting<br />
time. There was an occasional remark about,<br />
state, including President Julius Gordon, vicepresident<br />
Sam Dandrum. assl.stant director of<br />
"How do you go about getting something to<br />
eat?" But it was said lightly and they waited<br />
theatres Sam Tanner, purchasing agent Irving<br />
Cohn, confectionery supervisor Mont><br />
around. They had plenty of time.<br />
The only way to figure the amount of food Marks, city manager Jack Dahmer and South<br />
and liquid consumed at this time. Stroud Park Drive-In Miuiager John Price, all of<br />
said, is by saying that the concessions department<br />
Beaumont: L. H McKibben, city manager at<br />
beat the biggest take the boxoffice Port Arthur: O. Z. Horton. city manager a;<br />
ever had. Beer was sold at the snack bar. Conroe; Rufus Honeycutt. city manager at<br />
as at the Marciano-Cockell fight telecast before.<br />
Baytown. and Nacogdoches city manager<br />
And as before, there were no drunks nor Stockton Thompson. Kenneth McFarland.<br />
loud, obnoxious folks around. Though a fight Pines Drive-In Tlieatre owner. Nacogdoches,<br />
crott-d. it was strictly a famlly-pIcnlc type was also there to mill around the concession.'-<br />
thing. Along with Easter sunrise services, it stand and talk and wait for the .satisfied<br />
crowd to go home<br />
Williams Co. Started<br />
Paris, Tex.. Main Sold<br />
As Paving Concern<br />
PARIS, TEX —Mr and Mrs. Sam Gu:.-h,r.<br />
Tulsa — The \\ iliiiims Hros. Co. owners of the Lamar Theatre here, havr<br />
which has purchased the 51 per rent Interest<br />
purchased the Moln Tlieatre here from Traiv.<br />
in Tulsa Downtown ThiMlres Texas Theatres. Ginsberg said remodellnf<br />
owned hy Thealri' Knterprises of Dalla.s, plans are under way for both th'<br />
"<br />
was founded bv S. .Millrr Williams and renovation work will begin in.:<br />
David K. Williams. brolhofN in Fort the Main, while an extensive n :: -<br />
.Smith, .Ark., as a paving concern.<br />
is scheduled to begin at the Laiiuu ;:.<br />
During World War II. the company January.<br />
obtained Rovprnnient contmct-s to construct<br />
GOO mil
. . . The<br />
. . Quintin<br />
. . Harry<br />
. .<br />
. . . John<br />
. . Karl<br />
. . Manager<br />
. . Barbara<br />
. . Frank<br />
'<br />
SAN ANTONIO<br />
Uarold Schwarz, head of Tower Pictures,<br />
Dallas, was a midweek visitor . . Eugenia<br />
.<br />
Paul and Gloria Rhoades, Hollywood starlets,<br />
arrived in the city Friday (23 1 for a series of<br />
press, radio and television interviews to plug<br />
the premiere opening of "The Treasure of<br />
Pancho Villa" at the Majestic Wednesday<br />
(28). Lita Baron, wife of Rory Calhoun, star<br />
of the pictures, along with Gilbert Roland<br />
and Edmund Grainger, also were here for the<br />
event.<br />
Tom Sumners, owner of the Josephine, held<br />
'<br />
over "The Wizard of Oz for a second week<br />
ad writer for the Arts is underlining<br />
his newspaper ads with the line, "Distinctive<br />
Films for Discriminating Audiences" .<br />
George Kaczmar, manager of the Empire, did<br />
all right with Astor's "Roadhou.se Girl" and<br />
"Overnite Girl," billing them as "Spicy farce<br />
with a sexy overtone."<br />
Benno Kusenburger of the projectionists<br />
local was among two fivesomes who deadlocked<br />
for first place in the Brackenridge<br />
Park pro-amateur golf tournament by shooting<br />
a 63, 8 under par. Kusenburger topped<br />
The Aztec and Texas<br />
the 45 player field . . .<br />
theatres had the first showing of the<br />
Marciano-Moore prize fight pictures here<br />
starting Saturday (24).<br />
Florey, the mentalist, played a week's engagement<br />
at the Guadalupe Teatro. This<br />
neighborhood house has not had a stage<br />
attraction for quite some time. Florey recently<br />
played the National Teatro, where he<br />
drew heavy patronage . Britten of<br />
the Espana in Pharr recently gave a benefit<br />
show at his theatre for flood victims of<br />
Tampico, Mexico . Bulnes, Mexican<br />
actor who has played in "Lunar de la<br />
Familia" and "Suenos de Gloria," visited the<br />
local Mexican film exchanges and plans to<br />
stay in Texas for the time being.<br />
Azteca's current attraction at the Alameda<br />
r<br />
is "Cuando Me Vaya," the story of the late<br />
Maria Grever, the composer of such songs as<br />
"Tipi Tipi Tin." The theatre paid a tribute<br />
to Miss Grever by tieing-in with local record<br />
and music shops to play some of her 13<br />
compositions . . . Visiting the exchanges to<br />
book and buy Spanish-language product were<br />
Joe Garcia, National, Asherton; Carmen<br />
Lopez, 16mm exhibitor. Port Arthur; John H.<br />
Flache, Alameda, Lamesa, and J. J. Justiniani,<br />
Azteca, Houston.<br />
The Little Theatre Co. will present "Gold<br />
in the Hills" at the Corral Room of the Pearl<br />
Brewing Co. Monday (3i. Tickets range<br />
from 60 cents for military personnel to $1.80<br />
regular admission, with plenty of free beer<br />
for all the patrons. . Lynn<br />
Krueger of the Majestic displayed a peepshow<br />
case on the sidewalk in front of his theatre<br />
to herald the coming of "The Treasure of<br />
Pancho Villa." Passersby looked in and saw<br />
Mexican gold coins and paper money with<br />
rattle snakes under the glass-top case. Dave<br />
Cantor, RKO, was in handling advance exploitation<br />
for the world premiere showing of<br />
the picture.<br />
Cela Downer is the new secretary for Irving<br />
Rust at Leon Theatres, replacing Karen<br />
Allen, who left to go back to school in<br />
Kansas . Hoblitzelle. president. Interstate<br />
Theatres, has returned from the New<br />
England states where he spent the summer<br />
Rowley has been under the weather<br />
for some time with mumps. After recovering<br />
from the case on one side of his face, it recurred<br />
W. O. Reed,<br />
on the other side . . . general counsel for Texas COMPO. returned<br />
from a business trip to Austin,<br />
Kyle Rorex of Texas COMPO, co-chairman<br />
of the Community Chest motion picture<br />
division with Albert H. Reynolds, turned in a<br />
good report at the luncheon meeting Thursday<br />
(22). Workers urged to complete their<br />
report as quickly as possible to help put the<br />
industry over its quota were Stewart Adams,<br />
Claude Atkinson, Frank Bradley, John Callahan.<br />
Charles E. Darden. Bill Durrett, Don<br />
Grierson. J. B. Hexamer. Jay Moore, Lloyd<br />
Henrick, Roy Litsey, Tom Luce, Louis Novy,<br />
Hugo Plath, Elvin Sharpe, Roy Smith. Debbs<br />
Reynolds and Ross Morgan.<br />
Frank Gillespie, manager of the White<br />
Rocker Drive-In and a well-known rodeo<br />
.stunt performer, was in the front of the<br />
parade at Mesquite opening the Dallas<br />
County fair.<br />
Sylvan K. Barry, Fiesta Drive-In, San<br />
Antonio; Jack Deakins. Ritz, Floydada;<br />
Benito Silvas. Mexico. Carrizo Springs, and<br />
Bobby O'Donnell, film booker for Simmers<br />
circuit. San Antonio, were at the Mexican<br />
exchanges booking pictures. Clasa-Mohme's<br />
"Tres Bribones" opened its initial run at the<br />
Alameda.<br />
A. J. "Jack" Ogle, 73, former actor and<br />
theatreman, died in St. Louis September 15.<br />
He was the brother-in-law of Lester J.<br />
Ketner, San Antonio correspondent for BOX-<br />
OFFICE . Fischer, a San Antonio<br />
model, won the title of Miss Tall Texan,<br />
winning over ten other finalists. She wUl<br />
receive an expense-paid trip to Hollywood<br />
and a screen test by Republic studios. Ben<br />
Cooper flew in from the coast to emcee the<br />
show held in the Saint Anthony Hotel.<br />
Proceeds from the dinner and show go to<br />
the Brackettville Hospital fund. Among the<br />
judges of the contest were George M. Watson,<br />
city manager for Interstate Theatres; Monette<br />
Shaw, women's director of KENS; the mayors<br />
of San Antonio and Brackettville, and Tommy<br />
Reynolds, who acted as commentator.<br />
The Burnet Drive-In, Austin, has a new<br />
low price of admitting a car-full of patrons<br />
for only 60 cents . . . The Azteca and Clasa-<br />
Mohme film exchanges observed the "16 de<br />
Septiembre" Mexican holiday by closing a<br />
half day in order to give their employes time<br />
to celebrate.<br />
Eugene Wilson, Dallas, has the Hermanitas<br />
Cantu playing central Texas theatres under<br />
his guidance . Norris, manager of<br />
the Denver Shipping & Inspection Bureau.<br />
Denver, was a caller at Azteca. Other visitors<br />
were Senor Amaya. Amaya, Poteet; Lester<br />
Goodman of Red Ranger Store. Texas, and<br />
Mateo Vela. Star. Alice.<br />
14th Year of Entertaining<br />
DALLAS— Charles J. Freeman. Interstate<br />
Theatres executive, and his wife have started<br />
their 14th year of providing Red Cross entertainment<br />
for service hospitals in the area.<br />
They started auditioning talent in mid-September<br />
for the shows.<br />
BOWLING<br />
".Mother told nu- not to marry a theatre man. Your father hasnt been home for a single<br />
nual .since he put In that GLENRAY HOT DOG MACHINE from STEKLINC!"<br />
PHONE PR-3t91<br />
m.<br />
THEATRE EQUIPMENT •<br />
DALLAS 1, TEXAS<br />
ERVICE, INC.<br />
SUPPLIES and SERVICE<br />
DALLAS— Leon Abraham. Tower Pictures<br />
team, led the men with a 210 single game and<br />
557 series total. Doris Browning rolled 175<br />
for the women's high single game, while the<br />
women's high series was rolled by Hazel<br />
Byron of Paramount, again with 439. Evans<br />
Printing holds team high game and high<br />
series with 616 and 1,755.<br />
Team standings:<br />
Tco Won Lost<br />
12<br />
Liberty<br />
Won<br />
Lost<br />
80<br />
BOXOFFICE :; October 1. 195
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BOXOFFICE Octobti 1, \9bo 81
. . Former<br />
. . Aline<br />
. . Betty<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
HOUSTON<br />
. .<br />
pddie Miller, lATSE representative, flew to Drive-In, is one of a group which has taken<br />
Dallas to meet his daughter, former film on the distributorship of Camair, 480 twin<br />
star Nan Grey, and her husband Frankie engine executive plane. Builders are Cameron<br />
Laine and accompany them back to Houston<br />
where they visited a few days before returning<br />
Iron Works, aeronautical division. Galveston.<br />
The group has a demonstrator plane which is<br />
to their home in California. Frankie, a based at Andrau Air Park . . . The Post Oak<br />
member of Houston Variety Club, said his has installed a new Manley Servaramic concessions<br />
Willie Radcliff reports that<br />
new recording of "Hawkeye" is his best, but<br />
bar . will never equal the sales of "Mule Train."<br />
Jack Farr, owner of Trail Drive-In here<br />
and Skyway Drive-In at Bryan, was hospitalized<br />
after a heart attack. He was reported<br />
improving, but still has the "no visitors"<br />
sign on his door in St. Luke's . . . The<br />
Houston WOMPI plans a spaghetti dinner for<br />
October 9 in the American Legion Hall at<br />
Waugh drive and Westheimer, 12 to 3 p. m.<br />
Tickets can be bought from any member at<br />
$1 for adults and 50 cents for children . . .<br />
WOMPI President Laura Knopp, assistant<br />
manager of the River Oaks, flew to New<br />
Orleans Friday (30) for the national WOMPI<br />
convention at the Roosevelt Hot«l. Others<br />
flying to the convention were Karleen<br />
Schmitt. Houston Popcorn Co.. and Charlotte<br />
Reeves of Gerhardt & Reeves. Martha<br />
Nichols of Southwestern Theatre Equipment<br />
Co., and Kent McGuire, also from Southwestern,<br />
drove over.<br />
New candy pirl at the River Oaks is Marguerite<br />
Douga. Carol Nichols went from fulltime<br />
candy girl to parttime on account of<br />
school. Same with cashier Deanna Bailey,<br />
who became a parttimer and Rasalie Leone<br />
Boulevard Theatre<br />
came in as new fulltimer . . .<br />
Manager Lowell Bulpitt turned night into<br />
day Sunday-Monday (18-19) when he spent<br />
the night with a crew cleaning up the carpeting<br />
and had to use the day to catch up on<br />
George Young, former assistant<br />
sleep . . .<br />
to Conrad Brady at Interstate Theatres, is<br />
now in the advertising department of the<br />
Houston Chronicle.<br />
Jack Groves, manager of the Post Oak<br />
the newest maternity ward was ramp ten at<br />
his Epson Drive-In. The manager-policeman<br />
combination there is getting proficient in<br />
handling such cases quickly—both delivery<br />
and the rush to the hospital.<br />
Asked about a previous report that a first<br />
run film would make the outlying houses first<br />
and then the big downtown theatres. Conrad<br />
Brady said as far as Interstate circuit was<br />
concerned, it was strictly not so . . . Hundreds<br />
of entries from readers in 55 towns have been<br />
received for the "Treasure of Pancho Villa"<br />
contest. Winner gets a free trip to Mexico<br />
City on American Airlines, four days at the<br />
Hotel Del Prado. flight on to Acapulco on<br />
Aeronaves de Mexico and three days at the<br />
Hotel Prado-Americas for two. The picture<br />
started at the Metropolitan here Thursday<br />
(29).<br />
r 5 ASSOCIATED<br />
WAREHOUSES!<br />
And there Is one conveniently located to give YOU<br />
dependable, FAST SERVICE on all your concession sup<br />
plies with TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS!<br />
DALLAS— 302 South Norwood<br />
Box 2207— Phone Riverside 6134<br />
HOUSTON -725 White Oak Drive<br />
Box 4154— Phone CApitol 8 1164<br />
SAN ANTONIO— Merchants Transfer & Storage Co.<br />
923 S Flores— Box 9095—Phone CApitol 6 8221<br />
LUBBOCK_B S. H Warehouse, Inc.<br />
1405 Ave A— Box 1506— Phone POrter 5-7773<br />
FORT WORTH— Binyon O'Keefe Storage<br />
Co.<br />
70 Jennings Avenue— Phone EDison 3351<br />
The Trail had the first drive-in showing of<br />
"The Cobweb." which was also at the Alabama.<br />
The South Main had the first drive-in<br />
showing of "Lady and the Tiamp," which<br />
was also at the Eastwood. Garden Oaks.<br />
Tower, Village and North Main theatres.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Moran McDaniel, Lamar and<br />
Bayou drive-ins. LaMarque, flew to Guadalajara<br />
recently on Pan American Airlines and<br />
on to Mexico City by Mexican Airlines, where<br />
they vacationed at the Emporium Hotel. Mc-<br />
Daniel was in Dallas last week on a booking<br />
jaunt. He will be very happy, wife Lola reports,<br />
when all the film companies have exchanges<br />
in Houston. McDaniel is not only a<br />
hard-working theatre owner, but a city father<br />
who takes his citizenship in his community<br />
quite seriously. It was through his efforts a.',<br />
head of the LaMarque committee to study the<br />
city's electrical rate schedule, that has led<br />
to a new rate certain to bring a savings of<br />
thousands of dollars to electrical consumers<br />
in both LaMarque and Texas City. It was<br />
the first rate change since 1945 despite the<br />
tremendous population growth in LaMarque<br />
since then.<br />
J. D. Long of Long Theatres was at 20th-<br />
Fox booking and to attend a managers meeting<br />
. . . Bill Keith, office manager at 20th-<br />
Fox. took off for Dallas on a combination<br />
bu.siness-and-pleasure trip to see his mother<br />
and sister. His mother spends half her time<br />
in Dallas and the other here with Bill . . .<br />
The<br />
Grand and Port theatres, recently under lease<br />
to Montgomery and Alexander, are now being<br />
handled by Texas Theatre Service, owned by<br />
Ed Green, which is doing the buying and<br />
booking.<br />
A contest sponsored by MGM for "Trial,"<br />
which started at Loew's State Theatre Friday<br />
(30>, was for boys and girls too young for<br />
jury duty and women who have not been<br />
called for duty under Texas law. Letters of<br />
not more than 150 words on the topic "Every<br />
citizen should serve when called for jury<br />
duty because ..." was the gimmick. The<br />
one sending in the best letter was named<br />
The<br />
foreman of a jury and received $50 cash.<br />
other 11 jurors selected received $5 each plus<br />
free admission for theii- entire families to<br />
Loew's. Twelve alternates received two guest<br />
tickets each to see "Trial."<br />
season at 7:30 p.m. on KPRC. He'll fea-<br />
Barker Bruce Layer has taken on an extra<br />
sports show for the remainder of the football<br />
ture football news, interviews with coaches<br />
and football personalities and predictions<br />
about high school and college games<br />
Houston Theatre Owners Ass'n had<br />
.<br />
Gene<br />
Lemco. advertising director of the Houston<br />
Post, as guest speaker at its meeting Tuesday<br />
(201 at Fi-ontier Inn.<br />
Variety Club Manager Rex Van has appointed<br />
Velma (Mrs. Albert) Swegart as new<br />
bookkeeper-secretary. Mrs. Swegart recently<br />
moved here with her husband from Denver<br />
from where he wa.s transferred by Tennessee<br />
(las Co. Swegart is a tax accountant<br />
Henry Harrell. manager for<br />
.<br />
20th-Fox. made<br />
a weekend business trip to San Antonio and<br />
Laredo . Mcintosh, former assistant<br />
manager of the Delman, ha,s returned to be<br />
luUtime ca.shier. according to Manager<br />
Ernest Buffington. New relief girl for Aline<br />
IS Myrna Donnell.<br />
. . . H. O.<br />
.<br />
Film star Kory Callioun and his wife Lita<br />
Baron, with Gilbert Roland, will tour Texas<br />
with their new picture. "The<br />
Kaufman,<br />
Ti-easure<br />
manager<br />
of<br />
Pancho Villa"<br />
of exchange operations for Columbia, was at<br />
tlic local branch, according to office manager<br />
Jim Hudgens . Byrd. contract clerk<br />
.it Cohmibia. has returned from her vacation<br />
Variety Club Manager Dick<br />
Kennedy now works for an accounting firm.<br />
30} S HARWOOD PHONE RI-6134<br />
. . .<br />
(ilomillion "Tom" Montgomery ha,s given<br />
u]> tlio South Houston Theatre. Long Theatres<br />
IS the owner. Jimmy King, manager<br />
of Long's in Pasadena, is temporarily managing<br />
the South Houston too . . . E. H. Moreland,<br />
manager of the Lindale. is also managing the<br />
Hi-Nabor Drive-In . . . Albert Raines, district<br />
manager of Korn Theatres, has returned<br />
from a business trip to Dallas<br />
United Artists' Addle Addison is around plug-<br />
82<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1, 1955
. . The<br />
. . Marguerite<br />
. . Roland<br />
Kinp ihi- Jeimno Craln-Jaiip Rus.sell film<br />
•Grill li-MU'ii Many Brunettes."<br />
Some 18 neighborhood theatres will premiere<br />
"Desert Sands" before it plays downtown<br />
. Kirby Tlieatre put in 50 extra<br />
seats for the Marciano-Moore fipht and there<br />
was SRO for as many.<br />
.\ugie Schmltl, Houston Popcorn Co., made<br />
the cover recently ol tlie Popcorn Merchandiser<br />
magazine showinR him and the Golden<br />
Ear of Corn awiu-d that is to be presented<br />
to the "Popcorn Man of the Year" at tlie<br />
annual convention of the International Popcorn<br />
A-ss'n ui Chicago November 6-9 at the<br />
Morrison Hotel. Augie is chairman of the<br />
award committee.<br />
.\. P. "Sonny" Boyette jr.. College Station<br />
Ciunpus Theatre, attended the Texas A&M-<br />
UCLA season's football opener in Los Angeles.<br />
Bill Schulman of the Palace in Byran left<br />
earlier in the week so he had time to kill before<br />
seeing the game.<br />
Texas Theatres Frank Krampitz. Sealy.<br />
went to New York for the world series . . .<br />
W. W. Alexander, southwest representative<br />
for Mission Orange Corp.. has been a visitor<br />
Karleen (Mrs.<br />
at Houston Popcorn Co. . . .<br />
Augie> Schmitt. has gone to Evansville, Ind..<br />
to help her recently widowed 85-year-old<br />
mother close the family home. They will return<br />
to Houston shortly.<br />
The Tptown and Iris theatres were not the<br />
only ones showing weekend triple bills. Others<br />
were the Airline. Hempstead, Irvington.<br />
Market Street. Pasadena, Post Oak and Tidwell<br />
drive-ins.<br />
DALLAS<br />
phll Isley Thriilres moved t27t to their new<br />
addre.-is. 2031 Jack.son St.. retalnlnR their<br />
old phone number. Everyone on the .itnff<br />
pitched in to help gel<br />
the move completed<br />
.wth the least amount<br />
'1 fuss. Moving trucks<br />
Acre on hand and<br />
ome of the personnel<br />
;i r r 1 e d the more<br />
iiportant books and<br />
iluablc papers the<br />
aort distance down<br />
.i.ickson street from<br />
.'1109 'v. A gleam of<br />
satisfaction was expressed<br />
by Phil Isley.<br />
Phil Isley probably contemplating<br />
good riddance to the stair climbing. C. D.<br />
Leon from Abilene was In town and commented<br />
on the loneliness that will appear<br />
evident now on the second floor with only<br />
Leon Theatres booking office and Col. H. A.<br />
Cole's office (all the rest left vacant by the<br />
Isley Theatres move*.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Roberts, owners of the<br />
Ritz in Richardson, are preparing to build a<br />
drive-in theatre in Richardson which will be<br />
ready for business by early spring. The concession<br />
stand will be one of the most modern<br />
and complete buildings in the southwest. It<br />
will be equipped for Cinemascope and widescreen.<br />
Mrs. Roberts also announced that<br />
widescreen and Cinemascope equipment Is<br />
being installed in the Ritz Theatre.<br />
Sulphur SprinKx; Jack Lilly. Pulnce. Commerce:<br />
Mr. ond Mr», Poul Poan. Hum.-.-, d.-i<br />
Rio; Mm. Howard Bland nnd li.<br />
Rltu. Tuylor; Mr. nnd Mrs. ShrU<br />
Martin. Mt. Plca.Hnnt; Leainan M<br />
Terrell; W. A. Stuckcrt and W<br />
Simon. Brcnhnm; J. W. Couri:<br />
Mineral Wells, and Ro.vi DIx.s m. P.iliur.<br />
Colorado City. Ed Rowley returne.l to New<br />
York City after the meetlnR.<br />
John D. Jone«, Texa.s. San Angelo. Ik doing<br />
line after having been In the hoiipltal about<br />
lour weeks. He is expected to be home In<br />
several week.s . . , Dan HuLse Jr.. booker at<br />
MGM. left on vacation with his wife to visit<br />
her parent-s In El Paso . Taylor,<br />
MOM salesman, was on a .special trip to the<br />
El Poso area.<br />
Divl.tional Manager John S. Allen and<br />
Louis J. Weber returned from a buAlne.'is trip<br />
to Beaumont. A trade screening of "Bar<br />
Sinister" was enthusiastically received . . .<br />
A baby boy was born to Mrs. John Ahem,<br />
secretary to John S. Allen . . . Mr. and Mri.<br />
Louis J. Weber have announced the forthcoming<br />
marriage of their daughter to Lt.<br />
Henry Broadnax III on October 14. The<br />
couple will live in Europe where Lt. Bro.idnax<br />
is stationed with the Air Force.<br />
Columbia Manager Winberry of Houston<br />
(Continued on next paeei<br />
i26i . . .<br />
After only five weeks in the Texas National<br />
Guard. Harry Burgess, assistant manager at<br />
the Majestic, was promoted to PFC . . . Five<br />
Metropohtan Theatre boys enlisted in the<br />
field artillery of the guard recently. They<br />
are Charles Conboy. Larry Akers, George<br />
Madison, Kenneth Learings and Charles<br />
Yarbray . Mathews from the<br />
Met started a two-week vacation Monday<br />
Met assistant engineer Burt Johnson<br />
III and his wife are expecting a baby . . .<br />
Met cashier Sue Stamper became engaged<br />
to her Army beau Joe McClenny while he<br />
was home recently.<br />
Kenny Stroud, longtime employe at the<br />
Market Street Drive-In, has been promoted to<br />
manager. Harold Mitchamore is owner.<br />
"Cotton" Griffith, former manager, is coowner<br />
with Mitchamore of the new Tidwell<br />
Drive-In.<br />
Letter Contest on 'Love'<br />
PORT ARTHUR, TEX.— Elliott English,<br />
ir.ager of the Village Theatre here, asked<br />
rons to write in 25 words or less their<br />
. '.ver to the question. "What Is Love?" as<br />
a promotion stunt for "Love Is a Many-<br />
Splendored Thing." Writer of the best letter<br />
received a month's pass to the theatre. The<br />
next three best letters won two-week passes<br />
lor the writers.<br />
To Wire Nev/ Laredo Ozoner<br />
LAREDO. TEX.—City Electric Co. here has<br />
been awarded the contract to design and set<br />
up electrical wiring in the huge twin-screen<br />
drive-in under construction on north San<br />
Bernardo Avenue. The 1.000-car ozoner is<br />
being built by John Block.<br />
AI Fitter of Paramount, executive assistant<br />
to Hugh Owen, spent several days with Tom<br />
Bridge, divisional manager . . . Frontier Theatres<br />
held a meeting for their district managers<br />
recently. Here for the meeting were<br />
Arlie Crites who headquarters In Dallas. Ed<br />
Kidwell from Roswell. N. M., and Boyd Scott<br />
from Pecos In west Texas. They were the<br />
guests one evening, together with Mr. and<br />
Mrs. Fred Morley and Joe Caffo. of Jack<br />
Dollaghan. president of the Zunl Corp. of<br />
Roswell which rents vending equipment and<br />
services a number of theatres in that area.<br />
Dollaghan was in Dallas for the Tobacco convention.<br />
A large number of Variety Tent 17 members<br />
and guests attended the Saturday night show<br />
and enjoyed the comedy acts of Mabel Rea.<br />
W. Guest and Dink Freeman ... A general<br />
meeting of Tent 17 is being held in the clubrooms<br />
Monday evening (3). Members are<br />
being urged to attend and enjoy the free<br />
buffet dinner; and hear all about the gin<br />
rummy tournament which will begin October<br />
23.<br />
Here for a meeting with Ed Rowley and<br />
other Rowley United executives were: Mr.<br />
and Mrs. W. P. Florence. Magnolia. Ark;<br />
Cecil Cupp. Arkadelphla. Ark.; Wallace Kaufman.<br />
Benton, Ark.: Mr. and Mrs. Huntley,<br />
Malvern. Ark.; T. Miller. Davldge. Durant.<br />
Okla.; George Proctor. Palmer Proctor and<br />
Charles Proctor from Muskogee. Okla.; Bruce<br />
Collins. Centre. Corpus Christl; George<br />
Spencp PI:i7.T t ircdn Bob I.lllv. Carnation.<br />
ASTOR PICTURES CO<br />
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY<br />
36 yci'1 uprtiencf includinj nhibition.<br />
ilitlrlbulion. lllh ftu ticlmni IhtJtrt<br />
brottfJO'.<br />
'<br />
No "ntt llltinil. no 'Jd.intt<br />
Llctnttd and bonded in Mjny<br />
fin "<br />
Itllri Hundrtdi utiifln) cliintt. *lk<br />
jnybody in ihow buiintit. or yoir bank.<br />
in LaroHl csttragi U S !(»'< cooti.<br />
dxifial<br />
ARTHUR LEAK Theatre Specioioti<br />
3}0S Carirth Bird. Oallai 2S. Tn<br />
WRITE IN CONFIOCNCC NO OBLIGAT<br />
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT<br />
3409 Ook Uwn, Room 107 BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO., INC Doliai. Tcum<br />
BOXOFFICE October 1. 1955 83
. . The<br />
iill<br />
. . The<br />
conferred with Division Manager Jack Underwood<br />
Columbia building on Young<br />
.<br />
street is nearing completion . WOMPIs<br />
met at the White Plaza Hotel Thursday i22»<br />
and speaker was B. B. Smith of the civil defense.<br />
Verlin Osborne, national president,<br />
left Saturday (24i for New Orleans to oversee<br />
f.nal convention plans. The following girls<br />
ilsw down Friday i30): president of Dallas<br />
VVOMPI.S, Lorena CuUimore. Mabel Guinan,<br />
Flo Gann, Beth Hull, Janie Patrick and<br />
Bertha Brennan. The special train from<br />
Dallas leaving Thursday evening included<br />
Rosemary White. Rosa Browning, Mildred<br />
Fulenwider. Sue Benningfield, Mrs. Edna<br />
Schulman. Ti-eva Jo Gould, Lyda Bess Whittaker,<br />
Melba Marten, Billy Webb, Blanche<br />
Boyle, Ruth Neff, Mrs. J. B. Roberts, Louise<br />
Kay, Adeline Franklin, Genevieve Koch,<br />
Myrtle Kitts and Thelma Jo Bailey.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Hansen, National<br />
Theatre Supply, returned from a vacation<br />
trip to Washington, D. C. They visited<br />
Mount Vernon and William.sburg, Va. They<br />
were there when the storm warnings and<br />
torrential rains of Hurricane lone came into<br />
Norfolk. They enjoyed the Blue Ridge<br />
m^^B<br />
OnYourScreen<br />
ORDER 'eette^<br />
moTion<br />
PICTURE<br />
SERVICE G?<br />
lis HWt^^ SIRII<br />
SAN FRANCISCO 2,CA1M<br />
I^MlDl.KAM^I<br />
\SALS OF THEATRES \
.< BOXOFTICE<br />
'<br />
• sue<br />
Famous Film Jewelry<br />
Will Be on Display<br />
OALLAri li.Ui.. K.t<br />
DallHs WOMPI will present n display of<br />
famous film Jewelry at an exhibit in the<br />
Woman's BuildlnK of the State Fair of Texas.<br />
Oitober 7-23. according to word from R. J.<br />
ODonnell of Interstate.<br />
WOMPI niembers will model jewelry used<br />
in outstanding motion pictures, and designed<br />
and manufactured by Mme. Joan Joseff. It<br />
is expected this exhibit will create tremendous<br />
good will for the industry in Texas as did<br />
the similar exhibit la.:r.ii.:M. . a<br />
on to secure ;)<br />
voters .so that<br />
;<br />
to secure a reicniM<br />
day shows for the I<br />
unit. In several bill.<br />
was soundly dcffa'.i.il<br />
SW<br />
the<br />
85
. . Paul<br />
EASTERN OKLAHOMA<br />
By ART LAMAN<br />
fiLL Oklahoma has been getting muchwelcomed<br />
rain. This soaking will freshen<br />
up the landscape, and will help the farmers<br />
in and around the small towns, where much<br />
of the picture patronage depends on good<br />
conditions in the rural communities.<br />
Speaking of rural areas and farmers, we<br />
took in the last night of the fair in Muskogee,<br />
and honestly, never in my whole life have we<br />
seen as many people jam-packed into a fairground.<br />
The entertainment value of the fair<br />
was just so-so, a small act stage show in<br />
front of the grandstand and hundreds of<br />
sucker joints on the midway, but still the<br />
people were there. There must be an answer.<br />
The Proctors, who had just returned from a<br />
business trip to Dallas, said the fair nearly<br />
closes the Muskogee theatres during the time<br />
it is in progress.<br />
Well the Marciano-Moore set-to is over, but<br />
the crowds who packed the Ritz in Tulsa for<br />
the closed cii'cuit telecast will be remembered<br />
for many days to come. The installing of<br />
the telecast equipment was done by engineer<br />
J. W. Murphy. With Carney Burton at the<br />
video controls and Prank Layfield handling<br />
the audio, the entire telecast went off without<br />
a hitch . Stonum, the manager from<br />
the Indian city of Anadarko. was in Tulsa a<br />
few days visiting Downtown Theatres General<br />
Manager Jack Hull. No doubt this was<br />
an idea meeting.<br />
Eddie Jones, Sand Springs Drive-In, and<br />
Earl Snyder. Apache Drive-In. cornered the<br />
fight pictures for first run in Tulsa.<br />
The Admiral Drive-In, under the able<br />
direction of Alex Blue, is coming up with<br />
some top first<br />
— run pictures, the first opening<br />
on the 27th "Kiss of Fire" plus "Land of<br />
Fury." This looks like a pulling combination<br />
and should, with weather breaks, rack up an<br />
alltime high for Tulsa drive-ins.<br />
Over at Lawton. we found Don Jones of<br />
the Ritz starting a special promotion on<br />
"Lady and the Tramp." Don hoped to find<br />
a tramp dog and a lady pooch to use as a<br />
giveaway. We'll be mighty interested to find<br />
out how this feature works out. There is<br />
one thing certain. Don is up and at 'em when<br />
it comes to hustling for business.<br />
Ralph Drewry. until recently general manager<br />
of the Tulsa Downtown Theatres, returned<br />
from a short trip to Kansas City<br />
with Owyn his wife.<br />
J. C. Duncan, city boss for Tulsa Video<br />
theatres, was kept busy counting money over<br />
Saturday the 24th due to the excellent<br />
patronage for "Francis in the Navy" at the<br />
Will Rogers. When we cased the theatre the<br />
young fry were lined up for two blocks in a<br />
double line to the boxoffice.<br />
Our feature item goes to smiling Horace<br />
Clark, city manager for Video Theatres in<br />
Chickasha. Pictured herewith i.s Horace presenting<br />
to Hubert Miser a $5 book of theatre<br />
tickets for bringing in the first bale of cotton<br />
grown in Grady County. This promotion was<br />
co-sponsored by the Chickasha Star through<br />
Dale Nease, advertising director. This type<br />
of goodwill builder goes a long way in creating<br />
good public relations between the farmers<br />
and the Chickasha theatres. Horace is the<br />
type of go-getter theatre executive who takes<br />
Showman Horace Clark, left, presenting<br />
theatre ticket gift book to cotton grower<br />
Hubert Miser.<br />
advantage of every opportunity to build goodwill<br />
for his theatres. Another promotion recently<br />
was put on for the safety film, "The<br />
Devil Take Us." Space does not permit a rundown<br />
on it this issue but we will try to get<br />
the details out in the next few weeks.<br />
Tom Kirby. owner of the Time Theatre in<br />
Wetumka. was telling this reporter that he,<br />
with the help of the local newspaper editor,<br />
R. B. Hayes, will try to work out some special<br />
days for Wetumka, with the Time as the<br />
center of attraction. Tom has a daii-y bar<br />
connected with the theatre, which is one of<br />
the finest in the state. He recently presented<br />
a free Saturday kids show, sponsored by the<br />
Kiwanis Club.<br />
Many times in this column we have called<br />
attention to what the lighted theatre front<br />
means to the Main street of any town. Here's<br />
more proof. The Chief Theatre in McAlester,<br />
for many reasons has been closed the last<br />
few months. The owner of the building, who<br />
al.so owns a furniture store next door, took<br />
this possible closing into consideration when<br />
he leased the building, and had inserted a<br />
clause into the lease agreement specifying<br />
that in case the theatre should close, the<br />
operators would always keep the front lighted<br />
at night. This man realizes the value of the<br />
theatre and lights next door to his business.<br />
O. C. Mooney, city manager at Henryetta,<br />
is now having Ringo in the top theatre. This<br />
is a game like bingo which we understand<br />
is being promoted in that city by the radio<br />
station in nearby Okmulgee.<br />
Bill Love, city manager, and his assistant<br />
John Patton recently arranged a free show<br />
for the Rabbits—first year cadets at the<br />
Oklahoma Military Academy located at<br />
Clurcmore. The school, under the direction<br />
of Col. Homer M. Ledbetter, has a fine auditorium<br />
where motion pictures have been a<br />
part of the school's program. However, the<br />
equipment has never been changed over to<br />
the widescreen, and good up-to-date programs<br />
are hard to obtain.<br />
Love and Colonel Ledbetter are trying to<br />
work out a plan which will bring the Cadets<br />
downtown to the newly rebuilt Yale Theatre.<br />
The plan will involve a low price for each<br />
Cadet. This idea should be a happy solution<br />
for both the school and the Claremore theatres.<br />
We hope that Bill will be able to get<br />
the promotion worked out.<br />
During the last two weeks we have been<br />
pointing out something in BOXOFFICE that<br />
should have been read and taken to heart by<br />
every theatre operator in the U.S.A. We also<br />
found it had not been read by many who<br />
take this publication . . . It's the editorial<br />
in September 17 issue, titled "Keep It for the<br />
Family," against running sex and other offbeat<br />
pictures in the drive-in theatres. For<br />
the sake of a quick buck many theatres are<br />
damaging their prestige in their communities<br />
many times beyond repair. This repwrter has<br />
come in contact with cases where the entire<br />
town was up in arms over the showing of<br />
these films in local drive-ins. In September<br />
this happened in a very much church-minded<br />
town in Oklahoma, where a nudist camp<br />
picture made in Arkansas and recently<br />
banned in Oklahoma City, was shown. Theatremen<br />
who operate in small or medium sized<br />
cities should stop and think about what<br />
managers have recently confided to this reporter.<br />
One man put it this way; "I have a<br />
daughter 16 years of age. What can I say<br />
to her when I am asked by my office to run<br />
pictures that she should not see?" That is<br />
a mighty good question. I wonder how many<br />
of the people who do run these films would,<br />
like their teenage children (if they have<br />
them) to sit on the back ramp of a drive-in<br />
and pet while they show these off-brand sex<br />
pictures.<br />
Still another manager put it this way, "I'm<br />
expected to be a top guy in my community<br />
I'm to attend the church of my choice; I'm tc<br />
be a leader in my civic clubs, and I am to b(<br />
a leader in all juvenile campaigns, but how<br />
can I do all these things and still show off<br />
beat sex pictures?" Well it would be rathei<br />
hard in many small cities to look your fellow<br />
man in the face after showing some of thi<br />
pictures certain people would like to get oi<br />
the screens.<br />
Yes sir. good friends, if you haven't reai<br />
Publisher Shlyen's September 17 editorial, di<br />
it up and read it. It will only require fiv<br />
minutes at the most, and could, if you'll re<br />
member it. save hours of headaches and los<br />
of goodwill from schools and churches.<br />
The other week we met one of the fines<br />
men in the Oklahoma show business 1<br />
Miller Davidge. oldtimer of Durant. Wi<br />
pass along some of his operations down th<br />
years in my next column.<br />
Bits of Sharp Wire Cause<br />
Flat Tires at Drive-In<br />
SAN ANTONIO. TEX.— Bits of sharpen*<br />
wire scattered around the ramps of the Soul<br />
Loop Drive-In Theatre here resulted in fl<br />
tires for a number of customers recentl<br />
Patrolman E. W. Tofil said more than l\\'-<br />
pieces of the wire were picked up the follo\'<br />
ing morning at the airer.<br />
He said employes discovered them after i<br />
number of persons complained of tire puntures.<br />
Tofil said the wii'e was of a ty;<br />
used to reinforce concrete construction. ]J<br />
said the pieces had been sharpened on boi<br />
ends.<br />
Canadian Actor in "Way We Are'<br />
Lorne Greene, Canadian actor, has joiril<br />
Joan Crawford and Cliff Robertson in te<br />
topline cast of Columbia's "The Way We Ar"<br />
86<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1. 1'6
and<br />
unci<br />
::ii<br />
Strong Poll Support<br />
In Minneapolis Area<br />
MINNKAl'OL.lS llu- AiKlUMUi' Awiird.-<br />
poll is iTcelviiiK the complete cooperation of<br />
all the indu.suy groups in this territory.<br />
There'll be a. luncheon at the Hotel Nicollet<br />
here at 12:30 p.m. October 3 for the formal<br />
teeoff. All exhibitors are urged to attend to<br />
learn from industry leaders the campaign's<br />
details<br />
North Central Allied has acclaimed the<br />
poll "one of the finest boxoffice builders<br />
In the industry's history."<br />
"If you don't take part in the poll you will<br />
be doing yourself a great disservice, in our<br />
opinion." an NCA bulletin says. "Newspapers,<br />
radio and TV and other media are telling<br />
your patrons about the poll. And if you're<br />
not in on it. they'll wonder why you are<br />
behind the times.<br />
"The poll is a grand chance for all of<br />
exhibition to get together and work on a<br />
project which will mean dollars at the boxoffice<br />
and a great st«p forward in public<br />
relations."<br />
The Minnesota Amusement Ckj. and RKO<br />
Theatres are participating fully. Harry B.<br />
Fiench. MAC president, and Bennie Berger,<br />
NCA head, are co-chairmen of the committee<br />
In charge of the poll in this area.<br />
Human Values Are First,<br />
Editor Tells Film Men<br />
MINNEAPOLIS Hollywood i.s warned in a<br />
Minneapolis Morning Tribune editorial to<br />
keep in mind that the various new "fancy"<br />
projection techniques in themselves "don't<br />
assure a good film."<br />
Captioned "Reminder to Hollywood," the<br />
editorial stresses that it isn't sufficient that<br />
the current widescreen and other latest<br />
processes give motion picture audiences their<br />
money's worth "as never before" in this respect.<br />
"They (Hollywood) forget—or, busy counting<br />
the boxoffice, they ignore—the fact that<br />
intelligent and witty dialog, believable characterizations,<br />
a setting remarkably true to life,<br />
and a story that hasn't entirely lost touch<br />
with reality are also helpful in capturing<br />
and holding an audience," declares the editorial.<br />
"The film people do turn out some excellent<br />
pictures. But the fact remains that in too<br />
much of their product they seek to u.se technical<br />
excellence as a substitute for the sense<br />
of human reality that always has been the<br />
hallmark of good theatre."<br />
Village Board Buys Theatre<br />
GRAFTON. WIS.—The shutt«red Grafton<br />
Theatre here has been purchased by the<br />
village board. It is intended to install a<br />
swimming pool in the auditorium. Other<br />
parts of the building will be used as offices<br />
and for a library.<br />
Theatre Is Dedicated<br />
To Town's Children<br />
\iri;iiil.i, .\Uiiii.—A Nlronc |)lt»li for<br />
f.iniil) tr.idc, imrlitnlarly tin- vouiiic fry.<br />
Is b«-;irinc iM.xoffl.r fruit at (lit- .Sl.itr<br />
TluMtn- hiri-, a.
D E S<br />
MOINES<br />
Oeveral visitors were on the Row. Lou Astor,<br />
Columbia home office representative,<br />
spent several days in that exchange. Lester<br />
Zucker, Universal district manager, conferred<br />
with Lou Levy. Sam Hart, publicity man for<br />
Universal's "To Hell and Back," was in Thursday<br />
(29) to set the wheels in motion for release<br />
of the film in this territory.<br />
Joe Anchor, Warner booker, left this weekend<br />
on his vacation . . . Universal employes<br />
honored departing Al Ungerman with a<br />
chicken dinner brought into the exchange at<br />
noon Friday (23). They gave Al a desk set<br />
as a farewell gift . . . Carl Olson and Dorothy<br />
Pobst had a busy week at UA booking the<br />
fight film in this area. A record crowd for<br />
the theatre TV showing of the fight was<br />
reported by the Paramount, where it was<br />
standing room only.<br />
One of the best-attended of the Variety<br />
Club dinner parties was held at the Standard<br />
Club Saturday (24 1. Jake Cohen, manager of<br />
the Standard Club, cooperated with Variety<br />
members by offering a "Heart Special" on<br />
the menu and giving 25 per cent of the<br />
proceeds to the Heart Fund. With all reports<br />
finally in, the earnings on the recent hole-inone<br />
contest seem to be a little over $2,000,<br />
all of which goes to the Heart Fund.<br />
Lou Levy has set the date for the annual<br />
Variety Club Christmas party. It will be<br />
held December 12 at the Jewish Commimity<br />
Center. Prizes this year promise to be better<br />
than ever, with a big door prize of a trip for<br />
two. destination not as yet known, but with<br />
all expenses paid. So, mark the date now on<br />
your calendars and save it for Variety and<br />
the Heart Fund.<br />
The UA exchange here is happy with the<br />
results of the first round of the current sales<br />
drive which finds this branch on top . . . Jean<br />
Post, former Universal salesman, was on the<br />
Row last week with his w'ife. The Posts were<br />
saying goodbye to their many friends before<br />
leaving for Tokyo, Japan, where Jean will be<br />
in foreign service attached to the U. S.<br />
Embassy for at least two years. Since his<br />
resignation from Universal In 1952, he has<br />
spent 3'l- years In the Marine Corps with<br />
headquarters in Washington. The Posts are<br />
driving to San Francisco where they will put<br />
their car aboard ship and they will fly via<br />
Pan American clipper to Tokyo.<br />
The Myron Blanks' many friends were<br />
pleased to see Mrs. Blank named as one of<br />
Iowa's ten best-dressed women In connection<br />
with the recent fall fashion show held at<br />
KRNT Theatre in Des Moines. And Jackie<br />
really looked the part as she acknowledged<br />
her introduction at the style show\<br />
Area Newspapers Helping<br />
Cinerama at Mill City<br />
MINNEAPOLIS—"Cinerama Holiday," current<br />
at the Century Theatre here, is being<br />
carried to the same success its predecessor,<br />
"So This Is Cinerama," enjoyed, by the help<br />
of some 219 newspapers throughout a fivestate<br />
area, according to Phil Jasen, managing<br />
director and publicist here.<br />
The fii'st Cinerama attraction held forth<br />
for 16 months to top business, placing Minneapolis<br />
sixth nationally boxofficewise among<br />
the 13 cities boasting the attraction.<br />
Jasen feels that the cooperation of the 219<br />
Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin<br />
and Iowa newspapers accounts In part<br />
for the huge out-of-town patronage. The<br />
editors of all these newspapers were invited<br />
to come to Minneapolis for a press prevue of<br />
"Cinerama Holiday" and many accepted. Now.<br />
says Jasen, they're using most of the press<br />
releases sent to them weekly and some have<br />
published editorials and front page article.-;<br />
praising the attraction.<br />
In one instance, a local exhibitor, D. T.<br />
Dawson of the Orpheum In Ortonville, Minn.,<br />
took the town's newspaper editor to task for<br />
giving a bigger play to "Cinerama Holiday"<br />
than he had given to Cinemascope's advent<br />
at Dawson's showhouse. The editor ran an<br />
editorial, apologizing to Dawson.<br />
"Cinerama Holiday" promotion and exploitation<br />
stunts mclude tieups with service<br />
clubs and schools, bids for convention,<br />
delegates' patronage and the organization of<br />
local and out-of-town theatre parties.<br />
"Cinerama Holiday" had a booth at the<br />
recent state fair here and sold more than<br />
$3,000 of tickets there. It's the first time<br />
tickets for an outside show was sold Inside<br />
the fair.<br />
Airer Closes; Indoor Opens<br />
NEW LONDON, WIS.—The 45 Outdoo)<br />
Theatre was closed for the season recentlj<br />
and the indoor Grand Theatre was reopened<br />
1121-23 High Street Phone 3-6520 Des Moines, Iowa<br />
isssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssa»<br />
Marlin Sklles has been set as musical di<br />
rector on Allied Artists' "Calculated Risk."<br />
BOXOFFICE October 1, 195!
^<br />
Thacker<br />
I<br />
I<br />
work<br />
I<br />
. . U-I<br />
: October<br />
. . Second<br />
. . Joe<br />
. . Jack<br />
. . Ted<br />
MINNEAPOLIS<br />
•The Variety Club's auxiliary held Its Ilrst<br />
.<br />
fall-winter meeting to discuss plans for the<br />
coming season. LeRoy J. Miller, chief barker,<br />
urged members not to miss the first fall<br />
membership dinner meeting in the clubrooms<br />
Monday night (3i. place was held<br />
iti the sixth week of RKO's J. R. Grainger<br />
Drive by Fay Dressell and his gang at the<br />
RKO branch here . Alexander, Republic<br />
district manager, was in.<br />
Bob Branton. booker at Warner Bros., has<br />
been promoted to office manager to succeed<br />
Gene Meredith, who resigned to enter another<br />
line of business . Loeffler. Republic<br />
manager, was busy setting up "Last Command"<br />
. exploit^er Milton Crandall<br />
was in from New York to get the campaign<br />
going for "To Hell and Back," which opens<br />
at the local Orpheum theatres day and date<br />
October 12 . . . Verne Huntzlnger resigned as<br />
house manager of the Century, where "Cinerama<br />
Holiday" is playing, to take over as<br />
manager of Berger's Gopher. He succeeded<br />
Ed Linder who quit to return east.<br />
Says Humphrey Ready<br />
For Rental Hearings<br />
MINNEAPOUS—Film deul.s have been<br />
getting more "intolerable," if luiythlng.<br />
charged Bennle Bcrgcr, Allied States i-mergency<br />
defense committee chairman, who .said<br />
his "blood is boiling over the distributor*'<br />
stubborn refusal to iiffprd relief to small Uicatre<br />
owners." He claimed that at lea.it 50<br />
per cent of this territory's exhibitors arc unable<br />
to play top pictures when they still have<br />
any boxofflce value becau.se of the "exorbitant"<br />
distributor demands. "These are<br />
attractions which every community, small as<br />
well as large, is entitled to see and which<br />
are necessary to keep exhibition alive in<br />
the grass roots." he said.<br />
He and U. S. Senator H. H. Humphrey,<br />
chairman of Uie Senate's Small Bu.sines.s<br />
subcommittee, continued to hold conferences<br />
here regarding the hearings scheduled in<br />
Washington on film rentals this fall.<br />
"Senator Humphrey Is ready to start the<br />
hearings any day now. but Allied hasn't completed<br />
setting up its machinery for them<br />
yet," said Berger. "But we hope to announce<br />
111<br />
xmaller sltuaiioai. And, >'<br />
jiuch BV picture* a.i "1!..<br />
Trump" particularly «hould<br />
.small towns.<br />
b
. . Florence<br />
. .<br />
OMAHA<br />
"Two exhibitor families in the Iowa territory<br />
have additions to their families—the<br />
Travises at Milford and the Johnsons at<br />
Onawa. Jim and Jean Marie Ti'avis of the<br />
Strand and the Lakeland Drive-In at Milford,<br />
have a new daughter named Patti Jo.<br />
They also have a 16-month-old son Michael.<br />
Arnold and Anne Johnson, who have the<br />
Iowa at Onawa, have a boy, their fifth child.<br />
The new little Johnson was born September<br />
24. also the birthday of their eldest child,<br />
Judy, who is 12.<br />
Jack McCarthy, exhibitor at Louisville,<br />
escaped serious injury when his car went<br />
out of control on a gi'avel road and he was<br />
thrown out of the auto. Others in the family<br />
received minor injuries . . . Filmrow friends<br />
of Elaine Carlson, who left MGM as secretary<br />
to office manager Evelyn Cannon, gave<br />
her a baby shower . . . Mrs. Georgia Rasley<br />
is coming along well. The O'Neill exhibitor<br />
was injured in a fall.<br />
Harold "Fete" Carlson, exhibitor at Laurel,<br />
has a profitable chinchilla business in operation<br />
. . . Shirley Babb. MGM biller. has reentered<br />
Omaha University but is continuing<br />
on her job . . . Hai-ry Wood, 20th-Fox auditor,<br />
sent word to the Omaha exchange he got<br />
caught in a five-inch snow in Canada .<br />
Delores Jones has been named 20th-Pox biller<br />
replacing Clara Murphy.<br />
Tony Goodman, Warner office manager,<br />
shot par golf for 36 holes to win the Indian<br />
Hills Club championship. He defeated Ed<br />
Krawczyk, 1 up, to succeed Gordon Glewwe<br />
as champion, having defeated Glewwe in a<br />
The Warner Shorts and<br />
previous match . . .<br />
20th-Fox teams are tied for the lead in the<br />
Filmrow Bowling League. Bill Barker, Co-Op<br />
Booking Service, holds the top game mark<br />
at 207.<br />
Byron Hopkins, owner of the Rex at Glenwood,<br />
has opened a six-alley bowling emporium<br />
in the old Gem Theatre with semiautomatic<br />
pin setters. The Gem was ravaged<br />
by fire some time ago . . . Norman Nielsen,<br />
RKO manager, reported his oldest boy. Norm<br />
jr., ha.s enlisted in the Ai-my and is stationed<br />
at Camp Chaffee, Ark., until transfer to Camp<br />
Carson, Colo.<br />
.<br />
Ray Damato has joined the Columbia staff<br />
as booker Low, Columbia inspector,<br />
is vacationing . . . Filmrow visitors<br />
included R. V. Fletcher, O'Neill; Ernie Kas.sebaum,<br />
Seward; Phil March, Wayne; Howell<br />
Roberts, Wahoo; Don Campbell, Central<br />
City; Ollie Schneider, Osceola; H. C. Carlson,<br />
Laurel; Jim Travis, Milford; Arnold Johnson,<br />
Onawa; Mrs. C. N. Johnson and Mr. and<br />
Mrs. Richard Johnson, Red Oak.<br />
Robert Williams Hosts<br />
200 Nuns at Screening<br />
DAVENPORT. IOWA—Two hundred nuns<br />
of the Quad-City area were guests recently<br />
of Robert Williams, manager of the Sunset<br />
Theatre, at a showing of "Rose Marie."<br />
The children of St. Vincent's home also saw<br />
the picture as Williams' guests.<br />
Several weeks ago Williams opened the<br />
doors of the Sunset to the sisters, who were<br />
in attendance at the St. Ambrose summer<br />
school. During his five-year tenure at the<br />
westend theatre, Williams has at regular<br />
intervals provided special showings of outstanding<br />
pictures to entertain the sisters<br />
and the St. Vincent's children.<br />
Omaha Secretary Stung<br />
On Bitter-Sweet Holiday<br />
OMAHA—Lucille Sorenson, secretary to<br />
Manager Vincent Flynn at MGM returned<br />
from vacation with a combination story of<br />
bees and fishing which she titled, "The Bitter<br />
and the Sweet."<br />
She and her husband spent a week in<br />
Minnesota and got in some excellent fishing.<br />
"Of course, they were biting especially<br />
good when we had to leave," she related.<br />
"But that wasn't bad enough—when we got<br />
home we found we had a houseful of bees."<br />
A .swarm had settled in the house and found<br />
a w'ay into every room. Lucille was stung<br />
several times while eliminating the intruders<br />
with the help of an insect exterminator.<br />
Stars Appear at Airer<br />
BROCKVILLE, ONT. — Manager Gen-y<br />
Brown of the Brockville Drive-In had stars<br />
and members of the cast and production staff<br />
of the all-Canadian film, "The Little Canadian,"<br />
make personal appearances on the<br />
roof of the refreshment building at the drivein<br />
here recently.<br />
Herb Stolzman Buys Two<br />
MOHALL. N. D.—The Lyric Theatre here<br />
has been bought by Herb Stolzman. The new<br />
owner also acquired the Falls .showhouse at<br />
River Falls, Wis., recently.<br />
Sale at Farmington, Minn.<br />
FARMINGTON, MINN.—The Lyi-ic Theatre<br />
here has a new owner. He is William J.<br />
Hoffman of Abbotsford, Wis., who purchased<br />
the house from E. O. Olson of Northfield,<br />
Minn.<br />
RESEARCH BUREAU<br />
for<br />
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS<br />
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATIOt<br />
The MODERN THEATRE<br />
PLANNING INSTITUTE<br />
825 Van Brunt Blvd.<br />
Kansas City 24, Mo.<br />
Gentlemen:<br />
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREA.<br />
to receive information regularly, as released, c<br />
the following subjects for Theatre Planning:<br />
n Acoustics<br />
D Air Conditioning<br />
n Architectural Service<br />
D "Black" Lighting<br />
Building Material<br />
n Carpets<br />
n Coin Machines<br />
G Complete Remodeling<br />
n Decorating<br />
Q Drink Dispensers<br />
n Drive-In Equipment<br />
D Other Subjects..<br />
Theatre<br />
Seating Capacity..<br />
Address<br />
n Lighting Fixtures<br />
n Plumbing Fixturei<br />
n Projectors<br />
n Projection Lamps<br />
D Seating<br />
n Signs and Marqu«<br />
n Sound Equipmen<br />
n Television<br />
n Theatre Fronts<br />
D Vending Equipmi<br />
Reopen at Prairie du Chien<br />
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WIS.—After having<br />
been closed for a short time, the Regent Theatre<br />
has been reopened upon the completion<br />
of improvements and the installation of a<br />
widescreen.<br />
City..<br />
State<br />
Signed..<br />
*»'<br />
1317 S. W«tA$N.CHICA60«6M NINTH AVL.NtW TOIK<br />
Widescreen at Mcintosh, Minn.<br />
McINTOSH, MINN.—Mr. and Mrs. Carl<br />
Skalet, owners of the Cozy Theatre, have<br />
installed widescreen equipment.<br />
J To<br />
Postage-paid reply cards for your further conve>|<br />
In obtaining informofion are provided in The MOhiJt^p<br />
THEATRE Section, published with the fint Is*!^,,<br />
eoch in*nth.<br />
90 BOXOFTICE October 1, 19511
• lons.<br />
• ned<br />
55 Showmen Aftend<br />
Allied Region Meet<br />
DKTKOn' A -oMl ol .">ri Muiui^ail i-xhibltor.s<br />
luid their wives atteiideci the reRional<br />
meeting of Allied Tlieatres of Michigan held<br />
at the Midland Country Club at Midland<br />
The event drew serious discussion from exhibitors<br />
on taxation— federal, state and local—financing<br />
of the Will Rogers Memorial<br />
Hospital and the COMPO Audience Awards<br />
poll. The latter subject was presented In detail<br />
by William Wetsman of Wisper & Wetsman<br />
Theatres, state chairman.<br />
No formal action was taken on the taxation<br />
issue, with any formal stand on the<br />
tax campaign to be scheduled after the National<br />
Allied meeting in Chicago.<br />
Distjibutor-exhibitor problems, particularly<br />
film rentals, percentages and product, were<br />
discussed in detail by Lou Mitchell. Floyd<br />
Chrysler. William Clark. Carl Biiermele and<br />
Alden Smith.<br />
The social aspect was prominent at this<br />
gathering, with goU enjoyed by many, together<br />
with a luncheon at which AUied<br />
President Alden Smith was host. A two-hour<br />
trip through the famed Dow Chemical plant<br />
followed, with Mrs. Dolores Cassidy, circuit<br />
operator, as hostess for the day.<br />
Cleveland State and Allen<br />
Sellouts for Fightcast<br />
CLEVELAND Both the Stale and the<br />
Allen theatres were completely sold out for<br />
the Marciano-Moore championship fight last<br />
Wednesday i21> night. The advance sale.<br />
with general admission pegged at S3. 50 and<br />
no seats reserved, was very slow. But by<br />
midafternoon the sale became brisk and by<br />
early evening, no more seats were available.<br />
Both houses advertised they would sell only<br />
Detroit Censors Review<br />
384.000 Feet of Film<br />
DETROIT— Motor City censors reviewed<br />
a total of 384.000 feet of film during August.<br />
and for the first time in a year approved releases<br />
in only two language groups. English<br />
-<br />
and Mexican. Total cuts were 8.030 feet.<br />
represented by a bulk elimination of an 8.000<br />
Drive-In Prices Hit 25c<br />
In Price War at Toledo<br />
THE WAR IS ON<br />
PRICES<br />
SLASHED<br />
4DUIT «DM(SSION<br />
These ads, one and two rolumns in size, reproduced from llii- x.inii- is^ir "( Uir<br />
Toledo Blade, illustrate the chaotic price .situ.ition at drivc-ias in that .irr.i. Later a<br />
neighborhood indoor theatre ap|M-aled for public support in a paid ad, iMiintini; uut<br />
it was not able to join a ruinous price war.<br />
TOLEDO—With drive-in<br />
theatre operators movies, and unexcelled year around service,<br />
review theatre fronts and one "ticket" issued the Statler Hotel for his boss.<br />
Ralph Coboume, manager, decided to meet<br />
ordering correction of objectionable exploitation.<br />
a reservation, but he would make an ef-<br />
Gray said he wasn't sure he could ftt<br />
the drlve-ln theatres on their own ground In<br />
one respect. He offered free admUaion all<br />
fort.<br />
day Saturday "to children under<br />
.\fter the Detroit team trounced Cleveland,<br />
knocking that city out of the series,<br />
12 when will'. 's.<br />
Reopen at Woodbine, Ky.<br />
WOODBINE. KY.—A, O. Perkins has re- Lewis received a wire from Gray. It read:<br />
the Lynn Theatre here after reno- "Can now get you a whole floor at the Norman Corwln Is adapting the Oare! Rogers<br />
novel, "Prisoner in Paradl.se." for MOM<br />
"<br />
which included Installation of widei-en<br />
.Statler<br />
changing prices almost every night in the our price has gone to 65 cents."<br />
current price war, a neighborhood second run On Saturday night (24) the Jesse James<br />
theatre, the Shoreway, in the Point Place was offering a three-feature program. "Mister<br />
area, carried a Saturday (24) advertisement Roberts," "Bedevilled" and "Affair in Monte<br />
in the Toledo Blade pointing up the entire Carlo," for 25 cents, while the Maumee<br />
situation.<br />
offered "Love Me or Leave Me" and "A Bullet<br />
The suburban Maumee Drlve-In had for Joey," as well as "Playgirl" in a midnight<br />
broken the 50-cent admission stalemate show, also for 25 cents. The Star-Lite, Parkside,<br />
recently by lowering its adult price to 35<br />
and Telegraph, with 50-cent admLssion.<br />
cents. When this happened, the mammoth also offered three features each on Saturday<br />
a.-; many admissions as there were seats Jesse James Drive-In carried ads stating, night, while the Toledo Drlve-In offered a<br />
available. It was estimated that some 7,000 "The War Is On," and offered a 25-cent adult dusk-to-dawn show of five features—7 p.m.<br />
admissions were sold. The telecast came price, pointing out that the regular price to 3 a.m.—with a free breakfast treat of<br />
through clear and without a break. The there was 75 cents, and worth every penny coffee and doughnuts to all remaining until<br />
crowds were orderly.<br />
of it, and stating. "Nothing's changed but the the end. The WoodvlUe Drive-In offered only<br />
Policy at the State and Allen was to close price—the same fine facilities—the same outstanding<br />
entertainment and service—and still cartoons before the first feature. Miracle Mile<br />
two features on Saturday, but had four color<br />
after the last matinee performance and reopen<br />
at 7:30 with novelty and sport shorts northwestern Ohio's most distinctive drlve-ln also had three features.<br />
plus the regular feature.<br />
theatre." The other drive-ins kept to the Meanwhile, In a one-column eight-Inch<br />
50c price, but the day after the Jesse James space, the Shoreway Theatre pointed out,<br />
came out with the quarter price, the Maumee, "It is an American tradition— to conduct a<br />
too, went down to a quarter. Two days later, business with dignity and the expectation of<br />
the Miracle MUe raised its 50-cent bargain a reasonable profit for honest services<br />
price to 65 cents. In part of Its ad, the rendered. We are not big enough to fight a<br />
Miracle Mile stated, "So that you may continue<br />
price war—or small enough to Join In.<br />
to enjoy our high quality of better "Your neighborhood theatre has always<br />
been your best source of entertainment for<br />
you and your family. It hn< nIw:i>T; been a<br />
safe place to send your cli<br />
Reservations Easy Now, "Your neighborhood t:<br />
foot African release. "Karamoja," and 30 feet<br />
offered the best at the m^<br />
Toledo Showman Finds<br />
In an American film.<br />
—season in and season out.<br />
In addition to the African film, the censors<br />
reviewed 67.000 feet of Mexican product, Tigers invaded Cleveland. Milton L^win,<br />
Toledo- .lust before the I>ctrolt<br />
"Now your neighborhood theatre neetis your<br />
support and attendance as never before —<br />
.with the remaining 309,000 representing manager of the Princess Theatre here,<br />
Attend your neighborhood theatre near your<br />
EnglLsh-language films.<br />
telephoned Leonard dray, head of Paramount<br />
Pictures In Cleveland. Lrwl« w«.<<br />
home now—or . . .<br />
The censors continued their close Inspection<br />
"We will appreciate your visit at the Shoreway<br />
of theatre advertising, with 34 visits to<br />
trying to get world .series reservations at<br />
Theatre."<br />
equipment.<br />
release.<br />
iiOXOFTICE October 1, 1955 ME 91
RESEAT OK RENOVATE<br />
DETROIT<br />
You Chan Ted,<br />
Foam Rubber New<br />
usjng or<br />
Springs. Mela! parts refirv<br />
ished in Baked Enamel— like<br />
new. Estimates anywhere.<br />
In<br />
Stock—Used<br />
1S00 squab seot, pad bock<br />
HEYWOOD-WAKEFIELD SEATING<br />
OifUJuf. ZijuifUMe*U Qa.<br />
g
. . Mrs.<br />
CINCINNATI<br />
price t'oomer, exhibitor of Middlesboro, Ky.,<br />
oxpccts to reopen his Openi House at<br />
Lt'xiniiton on or about October 1. The house<br />
wa.s closed after a fire early last sprlnR.<br />
Coomcr recently had it repainted: installed a<br />
new stage. Cinemascope screen and equipment<br />
Charles Cassmclli<br />
and new projectors . . . of Mullens and Plneville. W. Va.. was<br />
in the city to attend the telecast of the<br />
heavyweight championship fight. Both the<br />
RKO Albee and Palace carried the fight<br />
via TV. Ca&sinelli. who is a sports fan,<br />
planned to attend the world series.<br />
West Virginia, particularly the northeastern<br />
section, is suffering from a severe drought.<br />
was necessary to close the schools in Ansted<br />
It<br />
because of a shortage of water, and other<br />
areas are similarly affected . . . A. N. Miles<br />
of the Eminence iKy.t Theatre, and wife are<br />
plannuit: to spend the winter in Florida . . .<br />
Harold Moore of Charleston, who operates a<br />
circuit of theatres, has temporarily closed the<br />
Kincaid Theatre ... A Monday (19) visitor<br />
on the Row was P. W. Sewel of the Classic<br />
Theatre. Dayton. J. R. StallLngs of Blanchester<br />
and Ray Phelan of Clendenin, W. Va.,<br />
also made the rounds of the exchanges.<br />
Walter Lewis of the Palace in Hyden, Ky.,<br />
is installing Cinemascope . . . A. O. Perkins<br />
has reopened his Lynn in Woodbine. Ky. The<br />
theatre, which had been leased to Charles<br />
Ray. was closed for approximately a month.<br />
It is now equipped to show CinemaScope . . .<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hunt (he is a theatre<br />
owner here and she is president of the<br />
Variety auxiliary i left for a month's stay in<br />
Los Angeles. Hunt will attend the Theatre<br />
Owners of America convention October 6-9<br />
there. He is a former director of TOA.<br />
When one telephones the Elstun Theatre in<br />
Mount Wasliington. owned by ELston Dodge,<br />
a pleasant voice answers, giving the theatre<br />
location, the feature attraction, the stars,<br />
the feature times, and closes with a "Thank<br />
you for calling. " The ingenious Elston Dodge<br />
installed this 24-hour recorded telephone service—and<br />
is probably the only one in this area<br />
Theatre Owners Corp. of<br />
to have it . . .<br />
Cincinnati assumed booking and buying for<br />
the Family Theatre, Milford. owned by<br />
Julian Hardoerfer.<br />
Pete Weiss, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Sam<br />
Weiss (he is Columbus salesman for 20th-Fox<br />
and Mrs. Weiss is former president of the<br />
auxiliary of Variety) will celebrate his bar<br />
mltzvah October 15.<br />
1<br />
^<br />
Goldie Clancy, secretary to AA Manager<br />
Milton Gurian. didn't let a sprained ankle<br />
keep her from the motor trip she planned<br />
as a vacation . Mary Shenck. mother<br />
of May Burns, head inspector at AA, died<br />
on Thursday doi of a heart attack ... A<br />
late Filmrow vacationer was Edna Ossege.<br />
manager's secretary at MGM . . . Florence<br />
' irmann. cashier at MGM. and her mother<br />
itioned in St. Petersburg. Fla.<br />
The marriage of Alberta Carlton. MGM<br />
ker's clerk, to Raymond Braswell. took<br />
e on Saturday. September 3 . Two<br />
'<br />
faces at are MGM Rena<br />
. .<br />
Eyerman.<br />
Ickeeping machine operator, and Patricia<br />
.mton, availability clerk . . . Milt Gurian.<br />
X'll.ed ArtLsts manager, informs us that "The<br />
^-henix City Story" has been set in all the<br />
mportant key runs.<br />
jn^<br />
lefi Hand of God' Wins<br />
Aifection at Detroit<br />
lUCllvUir l.u.-.il Uauiitu'.w, Uu,.liii,, .,,1,.<br />
tinued at n good level, with "The Loft Hand<br />
of God" opening to top Rrosses at the huge<br />
Fox Theatre, with other attraction.s following<br />
clase behind.<br />
AvCfOQC It 1(X))<br />
Adarrn- Summcrflmo :UA), 3rd wk 80<br />
Broadway Copitol Klii of Fir* (Ul). Apoch*<br />
Ambush Col) 95<br />
fox—The lo»f Hand of God |20lh-Fox) ..'..'..'. \Si<br />
Madnon To Cofch o Thiof (Poro), 3rd wk 150<br />
Michigan- You'ro Never Too Young (Poro)'<br />
Ain't Mlsbchovln' U I) 175<br />
Polms—The Kentucklon lUA), Top ol Iho<br />
World (UA), 2nd wk n<br />
United Artijts—Soven CItlei of Gold (20lh-Fox). n<br />
The Cincinnati Story:<br />
Not Good, Not Bad<br />
CINCINNATI — Busines-s was not outoutstanding;<br />
neither did it fall below par.<br />
"Summertime" did as well in Its second week<br />
as in its first, and the Guild attraction. "To<br />
Paris With Love," rated another holdover.<br />
Albeo— It's Alwoys Foir Weother {MGM) 115<br />
Grand— The Wliord of Ox [MGM) reissue; Tho<br />
Scarlet Coot (MGM) 100<br />
Guild— To Paris With Love (Continentol), 3rd wk 100<br />
Kcitlis- -Summertime (UA), 2nd wk 100<br />
Palace—The Outlaw RKO) reissue 120<br />
Other Cleveland Entries<br />
Fail to Catch "Thiel"<br />
CLEVELANE>— -To Catch a Tllief in its<br />
fifth week outgrossed the previous week by<br />
approximately 30 per cent and held for a<br />
sixth at the Stillman.<br />
Allen—The McConncll Story (WB) 120<br />
Hippodrome—The Left Hand of God (20fh-Fox),<br />
2nd wk no<br />
Lower Moll—Talcs of Hoftmon Lop), 2nd wk 100<br />
Ohio—The Lost Commond Rep), 2nd wk 100<br />
Palace—The Outlaw k>; reissue 160<br />
Stote—The Night of the Hunter (UA) 80<br />
Stillmon—To Cotch a Thict (Poro), 5th wk 170<br />
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I lOXOFTICE<br />
October 1, 1955 93
. . . Leo<br />
. . Gary<br />
. .<br />
. . Roberta<br />
. . Jack<br />
CLEVELAND<br />
peter Wellman, owner of the New Mock and<br />
Wellman theatres, Girard, flew back<br />
from Greece to see his 92-year-old mother,<br />
who died four days after his arrival there . . .<br />
Art Engelbert, Warner cashier, was batching<br />
it this week while his wife Genevieve attended<br />
a Veterans of Foreign Wars auxiliary meeting<br />
in Washington . . . Norma Solomon resigned<br />
her booking job at Warners to become<br />
a fuUtime housewife. She has been<br />
with the company 13 years, first as secretary<br />
to office manager Yaro Miller and for the<br />
last several years as booker. Her successor<br />
is Ellis Lewin, former assistant manager at<br />
the Shaw-Hayden Theatre.<br />
This is the clambake season. On Thursday,<br />
the Associated circuit bigwigs and managers<br />
enjoyed the seasonal fea-st at Schluter's Inn<br />
on Center Ridge road, and on Saturday, the<br />
WIDE SCREEN and<br />
CINEMASCOPE<br />
Equipment of All<br />
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1638 Central Parkway<br />
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Whatever You Need—<br />
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Add up these items for the Best<br />
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94<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
;: October 1, 1955
. M<br />
AA)<br />
Spy<br />
.<br />
'<br />
i<br />
'Hell and Back' Gets<br />
Neat 225 in Boston<br />
BOSTON T'u Hill and Back" at Ulc<br />
Memorial led the field. This U-I film surpassed<br />
all product of that company playing<br />
this theatre and equaled the record of "The<br />
Glenn Miller Story" early In 1954. Of the<br />
holdovers, "Marty," in Its seventh week at<br />
the Kenmore. was strong. "It's Always Fair<br />
Wtather," at the State and Orpheum. was<br />
above average.<br />
Average Is 100)<br />
-To Catch o Thief iPora), 4th wk 100<br />
1 Hill The Gome of Lovo (Times), 8th wk. . 90<br />
—Cinerama Holiday (SW), 3rd wk 130<br />
StfL-ct The Dam Busters (WB). 4th wk.. . 95<br />
>re—Marty ^^ x 'th wk 125<br />
Memorial To Hell iU-l); ond Bock Utopia<br />
,Ba> Slate) 225<br />
Mclropohlon The Girl Rush ,Para) 30<br />
Paramount ond Fenway The Phcnix City Story<br />
(AA), Night Freight<br />
i<br />
115<br />
State and Orpheum It's Always Foir Weather<br />
(MGM), Scarlet Coat (MGM) 120<br />
Providence Storm Threat<br />
Kept Patrons at Home<br />
PROVIDENCE— For the fourth time this<br />
scivson. hurricane threats seriously hampered<br />
ousiness at the boxoffice. All first run houses,<br />
off to a flying start with their respective<br />
jttractions, suffered setbacks as hurricane<br />
lone was predicted to strike this area in full<br />
orce. A last-minute change in direction<br />
spared Rhode Island, but the jittery public<br />
uyed at home awaiting developments.<br />
iDddly enough. "It's Always Fair Weather,"<br />
*ith 110. led. Once again, the downtown<br />
area presented a ghost town appearance, exept<br />
for the workmen busily engaged in bar-<br />
.•icading for the big blow. Two, and possibly<br />
hree, days' business was virtually lost.<br />
Mtjee Francis in the Navy (U-I) 100<br />
— It's Always Foir Weother (MGM) 110<br />
c—The Left Hond ot God ,20th-Fox), 2nd<br />
100<br />
-The Night Holds Terror Col) 90<br />
Divided Heart' Holds Strong<br />
n Fifth Hartford Week<br />
HARTFORD— For the first week in months,<br />
he downtown area had only one holdover<br />
iltraction.<br />
—The Phenix Oily Story (AA); Jail Busters<br />
VI 130<br />
\rt—The Divided Heort Rep), 5th wk 110<br />
Locw 5 Wayward Wife (IFE); Outlaw Girl<br />
lIFEi 90<br />
oew s Po— Marty UAi Bedevilled (MGM) )00<br />
olQcc The King's Thief (MGM); The Square<br />
Ring Rep) 80<br />
orsoni My Dorling Clementine (20th-Fox);<br />
Shone ,Para), reissues 85<br />
trand The Shrike (U-I); The Stronger's Hand<br />
(CKA) 75<br />
Summertime' Far Outstrips<br />
5ther New Haven Offerings<br />
NEW HAVEN—"Summertime made a<br />
trong showing at the Roger Sherman.<br />
Jusiness at the other major downtowners<br />
.'as average or slightly below par.<br />
ollege— Night of the Hunter (UA); Robbers'<br />
Roost (UA), 2nd wk 100<br />
oromount—Wichita AA , Chasers (AA).... 90<br />
oil—Simba LP); King Dinosaur (LP) 85<br />
Sherman—Summertime ,tA); The Big Bluff<br />
fUA) 140<br />
leopens at Naugatuck<br />
NEW HAVEN—Another flood-battered the-<br />
Jtre has been reopened. Ralph Pasho's Salem<br />
I'layhouse, Naugatuck, was back in business<br />
127) after five and a half weeks of rehabilitalion<br />
during which new seats and carpets were<br />
lutalled and the entire interior redecorated.<br />
|>pening night proceeds were turned over to<br />
community disaster fund.<br />
Theatremen to Hear<br />
Rep. Joseph Martin<br />
llosti.n- ins, ph \\ M.irtiii jr., furmrr<br />
sp«Mkrr III tin- ilmiM- .uid now nilnurily<br />
floor Ic.idcr, will six-uk at tlir baiiqiiFt to<br />
be Rivrii Tucnday ovniinK, OrtolH-r 25, nt<br />
Toy Town lavrrii, Wiiu'liciuloii, .il Ihc<br />
rcKloiial convriKloii t)f Indi-priulrnt V.xhibitorN,<br />
Inc., of \4-w KnKland. Ilic oonere»nuin<br />
Is a nallvr of .\(tlclM>ru. lip Is<br />
rfmrnilHTed for Ills stauiit'h support of<br />
the riH-ent lax biittli- over the rcdurdon<br />
of the admi.vsion.s oxcLse tax.<br />
Henry Cummings Named<br />
Manager at Greenfield<br />
CiREENFlKLU. .\I.\S.s Hinry Cummings<br />
jr. has been named manager of the Lawler<br />
Theatre, which was reopened recently by<br />
Western Massachusetts Theatre Managers<br />
Corp., headed by Samuel Goldstein of Ixmgmeadow.<br />
The house had been closed since<br />
June 4, after being operated for nearly ten<br />
years by M. A. Shea Theatrical Enterprises.<br />
The Shea lease expired July 31 and was not<br />
renewed.<br />
Cummings. a native of Rochester, N. H<br />
came to Turners Falls when an infant and<br />
lived most of his life there and in Greenfield.<br />
He started his theatre career as an<br />
usher at the Victoria Theatre in 1934 and<br />
worked up to assistant manager in the six<br />
and one-half years he was with the theatre.<br />
He later was assistant manager at the<br />
Calvin Theatre in Northampton, then was<br />
manager of theatres in Providence, R. I., New<br />
York City and Worcester.<br />
Cummings said that a complete new concession<br />
stand has been installed at the Lawler,<br />
and there are plans to install air conditioning.<br />
The Lawler will show first run<br />
pictures with a twice a week program change.<br />
The house seats 1.100 persons. There are two<br />
other theatres here, the Garden, also owned<br />
by Theatre Managers Corp., and the Victoria,<br />
an independent. All three are first runs.<br />
Public Safety Department<br />
Dismantles Screen Room<br />
BOSTON The .screening room at the<br />
offices of the Dcp
. . . Nathan<br />
BOSTON<br />
J^early 520,000 was raised for the Jimmy<br />
Fund at special fund nights held at six<br />
drive-ins in the Boston area when personal<br />
appearances were made by Ted Williams, announcer<br />
Curt Gowdy and "Big Brother" Bob<br />
Emery. All proceeds for the evening were<br />
turned over to the Jimmy Fund by the theatres.<br />
The admission price was a donation to<br />
the fund. Participating were Revere, Dedham,<br />
Meadow-Glen, Natick, Quintree and<br />
VFW Parkway drive-ins.<br />
The engagement has been announced of<br />
Jeanne Lawrence, employed at the Hoosac<br />
Drive-In, Adams, Mass., to Casimer Glisiski,<br />
concessions manager at the same theatre.<br />
The drive-in, located near the training camp<br />
of Archie Moore, often had trainers and<br />
sparring partners of Moore as patrons, and<br />
owner Stanley Rothenberg and Manager Arthur<br />
Rosenbush kept eyes on the doings<br />
there . . . "The Night of the Hunter" will<br />
open at the Astor either October 5 or 12,<br />
depending on the length of the run of the<br />
cuiTent "To Catch a Thief." "Summertime."<br />
al.so UA, is the next attraction at Loew's<br />
State and Orpheum following "It's Always<br />
Fair Weather," the MGM musical.<br />
Maurice Bernstein and Joe Lieberman of<br />
B&L Theatres, New Brunswick, made plans<br />
to take in the World Series in New York.<br />
Head table guests at the luncheon September<br />
27 of the Boston Advertising Club,<br />
at which Robert W. Coyne, general coun.sel<br />
for COMPO. w^as invited to speak, included:<br />
Samuel Pinanski, Martin J. MuUin, Arthur<br />
Lockwood, Nathan Yamins, Edward Lider,<br />
Theodore Fleisher, Paul Levi and Charles E.<br />
Kurtzman.<br />
Grandfather honors came twice recently to<br />
Irving H. Bloom, promotional advertising<br />
specialist, when his daughter, Mrs. G. I.<br />
Prutkin, gave birth to a son, and a son also<br />
was born to the wife of Bloom's son, Pvt.<br />
Alan Bloom, stationed at El Paso, Tex.<br />
Capacity crowds filled the Capitol, Everett,<br />
for the closed circuit Marciano-Moore fight.<br />
This was the nearest theatre to blacked-out<br />
Boston to carry the exclusive TV fight pictures.<br />
Ted Williams caused considerable interest<br />
when he entered the theatre to be<br />
seated a few moments before the fight was<br />
scheduled to be broadcast. At ATC's North<br />
Reading Drive-In, where portable TV equipment<br />
was also installed, officials reported<br />
4,000 admissions. Temporary seats were installed<br />
on the grounds. ATC's State, Portland,<br />
Me., also reported a sizable audience.<br />
While he was here entertaining at Blinstrub's<br />
night club, Harry Belafonte, who<br />
starred in "Carmen Jones," told the press of<br />
his new film which will be released by 20th-<br />
Fox. Tentatively entitled, "Spotlight," it will<br />
have in the cast Richard Conte and Lena<br />
Home with the possibility of Eva Marie<br />
Saint to play Conte's wife. The story is one<br />
of J. Richard Kennedy's, who wrote "I'll<br />
Cry Tomorrow" and "Prince Bart," and it<br />
will be directed by Danny Mann. Shooting<br />
will start in Hollywood by the first of March<br />
Ross, film salesman, is seriously<br />
ill in the New England Medical Center<br />
Hospital.<br />
Hollywood Stars Booked<br />
For Schubert's Season<br />
NEW HAVEN—Hollywood personalities figure<br />
importantly in stage productions planned<br />
for fall showing at the Shubert here.<br />
Roddy McDow'all and Myron McCormick are<br />
starred in the Maurice E\'ans production of<br />
"No Time for Sergeants," a comedy which<br />
opened September 26. Shelley Winters and Ben<br />
Gazarra will follow in "A Hatful of Rain."<br />
Several film names are starred in offerings<br />
"tentatively" booked for the Shubert's fall<br />
season. They include Zachary Scott and<br />
Katherine Cornell in "The Dark Is Light<br />
Enough," Carol Channing in "Delilah," Nina<br />
Foch in "Cliild of Fortune" and Tom Ewell<br />
in a still-untitled comedy.<br />
The Shubert, the city's only legitimate theatre,<br />
has ten shows slated for a ten-week<br />
period running into December. The house is<br />
the country's best-known try-out theatre for<br />
Broadway-bound shows. Nine of the 17 hit<br />
shows now in Manhattan opened at "America's<br />
Premiere Theatre."<br />
Off to a good start with near-capacity<br />
houses at the initial productions of the season,<br />
"A View From the Bridge" and "The<br />
Chalk Garden," the Shubert is in its 40th<br />
year. A formal celebration is being planned<br />
to mark the occasion.<br />
Patrons at Airer Donate $165<br />
HARTFORD—Patrons of the East Hartford<br />
Family Drive-In donated $165 to the Connecticut<br />
flood relief campaign, according to<br />
Joseph Bronstein, general manager, Bionstem<br />
Enterprises.<br />
KEENE ADVERTISING SPECIALTIES<br />
NOVELTIES FOR DRIVE-IN OPENINGS<br />
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36 BOXOFFICE :: October 1, 195E| :]}
INDUSTRY AFFAIRS ... IN THE FALL OF THE YEAR .. IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE<br />
EXHIBITORS<br />
o<<br />
NEW ENGLAND<br />
Together With Allied Units of Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey<br />
Are Invited to Attend<br />
the<br />
1955 ANNUAL REGIONAL CONVENTION<br />
of<br />
INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS,<br />
INC.<br />
and<br />
DRIVE-IN THEATRE ASSOCIATION OF NEW ENGLAND<br />
Held For The First<br />
Time At A Resort<br />
TOY TOWN TAVERN . WINCHENDON, MASSACHUSETTS<br />
. .<br />
October 24 6l 25<br />
PLAN TO ATTEND<br />
Famous for Cuisine Film Clinics Golf Tournament<br />
Special Activities for the Ladies<br />
Hot Industry Topics of the Day Led by Allied National Leaders<br />
Souvenir Gifts for Men and Women .<br />
Screenings of Pictures Not Released<br />
. . Principal Speaker to Be Announced<br />
Cocktail Party . . . Banquet<br />
Send Requests for Reservations NOW!!<br />
INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS.<br />
to<br />
INC<br />
36 Melrose Street Boston 16, Massachusetts<br />
3XOFTICE :; October 1. 1955 97
. .<br />
. .<br />
. . Tyrone<br />
. . John<br />
. . The<br />
higher profits for you.<br />
The comfort of international<br />
Theater Seats helpS<br />
keep them full<br />
Extra long backs of International's<br />
all-steel theater seats — longest in<br />
the industry — provide maximum<br />
support for patrons' shoulders and<br />
backs, and guarantee no annoyance<br />
from behind at the seat level.<br />
Maintenance is reduced, as scuffing<br />
from behind is eliminated —<br />
further minimizing the already low<br />
maintenance costs to keep Internationals<br />
in tip-top condition.<br />
When planning your seating or reseating<br />
program, find out how to<br />
save money with superior International<br />
seating.<br />
Write, wire or phone —<br />
In New York .<br />
"Doc" Faige or "Barney" Sholtz,<br />
Norpot Sales, Inc.,<br />
1 13 West 42nd St.,<br />
Phone: BRyant 9-5055<br />
In Baltimore .<br />
"Jack" Douses,<br />
202 West Fayette St.,<br />
^_,Phone: BRoodwoy 6-5369 or —<br />
;.-'<br />
Intematioruir<br />
^<br />
SEAT CORPORATION<br />
Union City, Indiana<br />
t»7 S. WAIASH, CHICAOO •6J0 NINTH AVI..NEW YORK<br />
NEW HAVEN<br />
The Pequot Theatre was robbed of $80.70 and<br />
a large quantity of candy. City detectives<br />
found nothing to indicate the large neighborhood<br />
house was forcibly entered, and concluded<br />
the burglars hid on the premises prior<br />
to closing time. The downtown Paramount<br />
was the scene of a similar crime several weeks<br />
ago. Burglars concealed themselves in the<br />
house at closing time and stole $25 and a<br />
revolver from the outer compartment of a<br />
safe but were unable to get into the inner<br />
section.<br />
Good news, $2,000 worth of it, reached managers<br />
of two downtown houses in the space of<br />
.several days. Irving Hillman, of the SW<br />
Roger Sherman, received a $1,500 U. S. savings<br />
bond as the second prize in the circuit's<br />
national Spring Festival Drive. Jim Darby of<br />
the Paramount was awarded $500 by U-I for<br />
the nation's top promotion job on "The<br />
Private War of Major Benson" . . . For the<br />
first time in the history of the Loew's Poll<br />
circuit, all houses simultaneously played films<br />
of a major sports event. UA prints of the<br />
Marciano-Moore fight were used in the 11<br />
houses of the chain . . . Joe Mansfield, UA<br />
publicist from Boston, was in the territory<br />
on "Gentlemen Marry Brunettes."<br />
IFE booked two films Into three area outlets<br />
for a simultaneous first run showing. The<br />
Post Drive-In, East Haven; Bowl Drive-In,<br />
West Haven, and downtown Crown participated.<br />
Paired were "The Wayward Wife"<br />
iGina Lollobrigida) and "Outlaw Girl"<br />
tSilvana Mangano) ... At the same time,<br />
the IFE-released "Aida" went into the<br />
Lincoln, downtown art house, for a minimum<br />
engagement of two weeks.<br />
The Clinton Drive-In, which opened this<br />
year, was the first ozoner in the territory to<br />
switch from a full week schedule to a<br />
Friday-Sunday operation . Power is<br />
starred in "A Quiet Place," a play which will<br />
open at the Shubert here November 21 . . .<br />
The Yale football -squad, almost half a<br />
hiuidred strong, attends performances at<br />
Loew's Poll the night before each game in<br />
the Yale Bowl as guests of the management.<br />
The custom, which has won considerable<br />
goodwill in the university, was started by<br />
Han-y Shaw, division manager, when he came<br />
to this city 20 years ago . McGrail,<br />
U-I publicist from Boston, was in working on<br />
"To Hell and Back."<br />
Governor of Connecticut<br />
Proclaims Jimmy Week<br />
HARITORD—Harry Fcnistem. zone manager<br />
for Stanley Warner Theatres, was here<br />
Thur.sday (22) to see Governor Ribicoff sign a<br />
proclamation hailing observance of Connecticut<br />
participation in the Jimmy Cancer Campaign<br />
Week October 1-15.<br />
Feinstein, accompanied by James M. Totman,<br />
assistant zone manager, is co-chairman<br />
for the 1955 Jimmy F\ind Drive, with I. J.<br />
Hoffman, Connecticut Theatres executive.<br />
Hoffman was unable to attend the ceremonies.<br />
New Screen Is 130x60 Feet<br />
HARTFORD—George E, Landers, division<br />
manager for E. M. Loew's Theatres, reports<br />
installation of a new screen, measuring<br />
130x60 feet, at the Hartford Drive-In. Former<br />
unit measured 80x52 feet.<br />
Fightcast Pulled 6,700<br />
At Hartford's Meadows<br />
HARTFORD— Harold Cummings, general<br />
manager of the Smith Management's<br />
Meadows Drive-In, was enthusiastic over boxoffice<br />
reaction for the theatre's initial telecast,<br />
programming the Marciano-Moore<br />
heavyweight fight Wednesday (21).<br />
Some 6,700 persons paid $3.30 each to view<br />
the bout at the Meadows, only theatre in<br />
Connecticut to offer the show.<br />
Nearest competition—the Stanley Warner<br />
Capitol, Springfield, Mass.—played to a nearcapacity<br />
audience. Attending at the Capitol<br />
were Harry Feinstein and James M. Totman.<br />
zone executives, Stanley Warner Management<br />
Corp.<br />
HARTFORD<br />
Toe Mansfield, UA exploiteer, was in a week<br />
ahead of "Gentlemen Marry Brunettes"<br />
and "Marty" at Loew's Poll . . . Arnold 'Van<br />
Leer, Paramount, passed through en route<br />
to New' York and a sneak preview at the<br />
Times Square Criterion of "The Desperate<br />
Hours."<br />
Harry Hollander, brother of B&K's Bill,<br />
came through ahead of AA's "The Phenix<br />
City Story," escorting feature player Meg<br />
Myles on newspaper-radio-TV interviews.<br />
Ray McNamara, AUyn, assisted ... A. J.<br />
Bronstein, president of Bronstein Drive-In<br />
Enterprises, and Bernie FYancis returned<br />
from a New Jersey business trip.<br />
.<br />
Joe Dol^in, film buyer-booker for the Pine<br />
Drive-In, Waterbury, has been named to the<br />
sponsoring committee for a November 6 dinner<br />
honoring former Congressman Herman<br />
P. Kopplemann, to be held at the Beth David<br />
Synagogue Perakos, Plainville and<br />
Southington drive-ins staged flood benefit<br />
AA booked "The<br />
shows at $1 a ticket . . .<br />
Phenix City Story" away from downtown<br />
Waterbm-y and scheduled it at Bob Schwartz'<br />
Lake Drive-In and 'Ville theatres.<br />
Capt. John Calvocoressci, Menschell-Calvocoressci<br />
Theatres, returned from a twoweek<br />
stint with Ai-my Transportation Corps<br />
Reserve training unit at Ft. Eustis, Va, . . .<br />
Bill Landers, Palace, South Norwalk, enthusiastically<br />
advertises: "Where Friendly<br />
Service Awaits You!" . . . Loew's Poll circuit<br />
is now running the catchline, "Convenient<br />
Parking," in daily newspaper ads in all key<br />
towns.<br />
Republic's "Doctor in the House" contiimes<br />
a charmed life in small-town Connecticut<br />
bookings, normally considered poor pickings<br />
for overseas product. The film, produced in<br />
Britain, has been playing—and doing ex<br />
ceptionally well—in more than one small<br />
city around Connecticut. The latest booking<br />
was in at the Strand Amusement's State<br />
Torrington.<br />
The Shulnian Theatres 900-seat Rivol<br />
played a two-day booking of Warner.s' "A Sta:<br />
Is Born." Maurice W. Shulman arranged i,<br />
photo break of Judy Garland in the Hart,<br />
ford Times.<br />
Sonsons Have 45th Anniversary<br />
HARTFORD—Jack Sanson, manager of tl;<br />
Stanley Warner Strand, and his wife a]|ltt,<br />
marking their 45th wedding anniversary.<br />
98 BOXOFFICE :: October 1, 191
^^<br />
Probe Is Demanded<br />
Of Vancouver Bingo<br />
V'ANCOl'VKH Tluircniull mvostuiauoii into<br />
all biiiso operations in the city was demanded<br />
by Alderman Bill Orr who said game operators<br />
may be getting money not legally theirs.<br />
Orr's demand that the attorney general<br />
look into" the operation of bingo in Vancouver<br />
came during a city council discussion<br />
in which Alderman Anna Sprott charged<br />
that a monopoly controlled the game in<br />
Vancouver.<br />
Giving rise to the discussion was the application<br />
for a bingo license by the Pacific<br />
Curling Club, which had been previously recommended<br />
against by police.<br />
Alderman Earle Adams said he felt bingo<br />
in moderate form is all right. "But," he<br />
warned, "we don't want it to reach the stage<br />
where private club managers and owners are<br />
making a big thing of bingo at the expense<br />
Df people patronizing the game."<br />
Alderman George Cunningham pointed out<br />
the dangers "of other forces taking advantage<br />
for their own gain" and scored the<br />
oractice of "taking a rakeoff from the revenue<br />
of a gambling game to promote amatevuauses."<br />
Both the FPC and Odeon theatre circuits<br />
[ave the rise of the bingo craze here as one<br />
Df the main reasons for closing 14 houses in<br />
:he past few months.<br />
rV Fiqhtcast Fails to Hurt<br />
Film Version Playings<br />
TORONTO—The closed-circuit TV presenation<br />
of the Marciano-Moore fight at Loew's<br />
Uptown—the first such hookup in Canada<br />
lid not kill the actual motion picture of the<br />
e scrap in Yankee Stadium insofar as<br />
r. ronto was concerned,<br />
Ir. quick order, the 20th Century Theatres<br />
lead office booked the film into its major<br />
ive-theatre group here, consisting of the<br />
Xiwntown, Glendale, State, Scarboro and<br />
ATestwood. The response was excellent.<br />
The 2,700-seat Uptown was jammed with<br />
ocal "ringsiders" at the flat rate of S5 per<br />
.eat where the audience gave vent to its<br />
excitement. The regular newspaper film re-<br />
'iewers. however, expressed the opinion that<br />
;howmanship was lacking in the TV version<br />
>f the ring battle. Incidentally, the fight<br />
ilm was also shown at the Independent Astor<br />
lere.<br />
Newsboys' Mothers Guests<br />
f^\ Telegram-Movie Party<br />
TORONTO- The Toronto Telegram staged<br />
1 theatre party for the mothers of its local<br />
-^ lewspaper carriers at the Famous Players<br />
-3 Jniversity and Eglinton September 21. A<br />
eature of the morning program was the adance<br />
screening of "Love Is a Many-<br />
Jplendored Thing." Both theatres were<br />
:.;4>acked.<br />
The audience at the Eglinton was addressed<br />
:.e well-known commentator, John Fisher,<br />
was introduced by Bert Brown from<br />
amous Players head office. The speaker at<br />
he University was the Telegram's Frank<br />
"umpane. introduced by Assistant Manager<br />
Hewitt.<br />
J-t<br />
•i\ Proceedings were enlivened by a drawing<br />
ifjr copies of the book, autographed by author<br />
Ian Suylin. on which the picture is based.<br />
jlOXOFnCE :: October 1, 1955<br />
Ontario MPTA Directors<br />
Discuss Annual Confab<br />
TORONTO—Tlie forlhcomliiK convcntloi<br />
of the Motion Picture Theatres A.ss'n of On<br />
tarlo, .scheduled for October 31 at the KIuk<br />
Edward Hotel here, wa.s the niiiln subject at<br />
the September meeting of directors. Arrangeincnts<br />
were di.scu.sscd for the luncheon fcnture<br />
of the convention program. An outstanding<br />
speaker Is promised. His identity<br />
win be announced following confirmation<br />
President E. G. For.syth. assistant general<br />
manager of Canadian Odeon, will be the<br />
chairman.<br />
Notice was received that the Saskatchewan<br />
Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'n will be holding<br />
Its annual meeting October 3 at Reglna<br />
when delegates will be named for the industry<br />
conventions here during the week of<br />
October 31. Tlie Maritime Exhibitors Ass'n<br />
will meet October 12 at St. John.<br />
Xurlain 8:30' Policy<br />
Revived by Astor<br />
TORONTO—Tho "Curtain at 8:30" policy<br />
has been revived at the independent Astor<br />
on Upper Yonge street by Fred Fink who has<br />
called it a parttime art policy. The arrangement,<br />
which consists of a picture presentation<br />
at 8:30 p.m. one evening each week had Its<br />
start September 22 when the feature was<br />
"Love of a Clown."<br />
A parttime art policy is also in effect at<br />
the Grant on Oakwood avenue, a Canadian<br />
Odeon unit. Italian and other continental<br />
pictures are being shown the first three days<br />
of the week. The plan was inaugurated by<br />
"L 'Ultima Nemica." the next attraction being<br />
"Destino di Donne."<br />
The Century at Kitchener. Ont., operated<br />
by 20th Century Theatres, is presenting<br />
European features such as "Der Obersteiger"<br />
and "Blick in Die Welt," while the Kent at<br />
Windsor is going full blast with a foreign<br />
policy.<br />
Hamilton will have two theatres with a<br />
semiart policy when the Roxy reopens<br />
October 7 as the Hyland under Odeon<br />
auspices. The original there is the Cinema.<br />
Interesting is the fact that these theatres<br />
are in the 600-seat class, the size said to have<br />
been hardest hit by TV competition.<br />
CARY GRANT IN VAN(t>l\M:<br />
Greetinc the star of "To Catrh :\ 1 Im l<br />
on his arrival in (he Kritish Columbia<br />
mclropoiis arc Charles Doctor, manacrr<br />
of the Capitol Theatre. Famous I'layers<br />
Canadian circuit, left, and Bob I.llthlstone,<br />
manaKcr of Paramount FUm.s.<br />
Vancouver.<br />
Maritime Ass'n Will<br />
Meet on October 12<br />
Mnrltin:'<br />
will<br />
ro!<br />
Otti.U-r 1^'<br />
mtrul Den"<br />
here<br />
'<br />
Pre M .,<br />
basil.<br />
-..i.i<br />
awa:'<br />
r<br />
M.:: !-<br />
cm (ii.i iMi ..1 ...<br />
.<br />
Motion<br />
Picture Plon when he addressed a dinner<br />
of the Kiwanis Club here on "The Importance<br />
of a Theatre to the Business Community."<br />
The audience was swelled by the presence<br />
of representatives of the St. Thomas Board<br />
of Trade and a number of theatre managers<br />
in<br />
the district.<br />
Jolley has accepted an invitation to be the<br />
guest speaker at the meeting October 12 of<br />
the Maritime Provinces Motion Picture E5chibitors<br />
Ass'n at the Admiral Beatty Hotel.<br />
St. John, when a number of outsiders. Including<br />
retail executives, are expected to be<br />
present.<br />
The Admiral Beatty Hotel Is also to be<br />
the scene of an Important gathering October<br />
11 of the marltimes branch of Canadian<br />
Picture Pioneers, members of which will attend<br />
theatres session on the following day<br />
S. C. Guy, 54, Stricken<br />
RIVERS. .MAN — S. C. f. 'hf<br />
'<br />
Rex Theatre here, died re . .i<br />
visit to Regino, Sask. Guy .i , Hex<br />
August 1, 1953, from S. Karby. He wiut M<br />
years old and Is survU-cd by hl.s wife, three<br />
.son.s and a daughter.<br />
Sneak Previews New Policy<br />
TORONTO— Advance screening.s have become<br />
increa.'iingly popular a,'; promotion<br />
stunts around Ontario. The latest to adopt<br />
the plan Is Aliens Waterloo st Waterloo. Ont,.<br />
where the new policy calls f'^- < lifuk nrpvlew<br />
ever>' Thursday night<br />
99
. . The<br />
. . Pleading<br />
. . Jake<br />
. . Also<br />
. . Bob<br />
. . John<br />
. .<br />
OTT AW A<br />
n muspment pages in the daily newspapers of<br />
the Canadian capital are carrying the<br />
eight-column banner line for the current<br />
Theatre Managers Ass'n month-long celebration:<br />
"1905-1955—Ottawa Salutes Movies'<br />
50th Anniversary—There's More Fun at the<br />
Movies" . revival of "Going My Way"<br />
at the Little Elgin proved so successful that<br />
Manager Ernie Warren held it for a second<br />
week. "Not As a Stranger" in the Main Elgin<br />
was worth four weeks.<br />
In his address before the Ottawa Kiwanis<br />
Club luncheon for the local movie celebration,<br />
General Manager Frank H. Fisher of the<br />
J. Arthur Rank Film Distributors declared<br />
that 70 per cent of every boxoffice dollar remained<br />
in Canada although most films originated<br />
in Hollywood or the United Kingdom.<br />
He paid tribute to the National Film Board.<br />
LOOK TO<br />
FOR THE FINEST<br />
ANNOUNCEMENT<br />
TRAILERS<br />
467 SPADINA AVE. TORONTO, ONT<br />
''Extlutive Conodion Distributor For Filmack"<br />
saying it was far ahead of similar organizations<br />
in other countries.<br />
The drive-ins are starting to close for the<br />
season, the fu'st in the Ottawa district to<br />
go dark being the Aladdin which is operated<br />
by 20th Century Theatres . guilty<br />
to theft as well as to a charge of breaking<br />
into the Capitol at nearby Thurso, Raymond<br />
Labelle, 27. of Wrightville was sentenced to<br />
three years in the penitentiary by Magistrate<br />
Jacques Boucher.<br />
Manager F. G. Robertson of the suburban<br />
Mayfair. Ottawa South, got a nine-day run,<br />
including holdover, out of a program consisting<br />
of "There's No Business Like Show Business"<br />
and "The Caine Mutiny" . . . The<br />
Canadian Repertory Theatre, stock company<br />
which now i.s homeless, called a special public<br />
meeting to decide on its future. Previously<br />
there had been talk of leasing the Imperial<br />
or Glebe, two film houses, but nothing developed.<br />
Jack Snow, whose retail store is in the<br />
Centre Theatre building, made the trip to<br />
Toronto to see the closed-circuit presentation<br />
of the Marciano-Moore fight at Loew's Uptown.<br />
"Just like a ringside seat," he exclaimed.<br />
Archie Ralph Axler, 47, Dead<br />
LEAMINGTON, ONT.—Archie Ralph Axler,<br />
manager of the Vogue Theatre here for 19<br />
years until his resignation a short time ago,<br />
died recently at the age of 47.<br />
Dore Schaiy will personally produce the<br />
MGM roman'ic drama, "The Swan."<br />
the<br />
ULTRA PANATAR<br />
lens<br />
VANCOUVER<br />
Ted Bielby, assistant at the International-<br />
Cinema, was back from a California vacation<br />
. . . James and Reber have opened their<br />
Jubilee Theatre in Valleyfield, Alta., the first<br />
35mm house in that farming community.<br />
With movable seats in the hall for aftertheatre<br />
dancing, it will seat 350 . , . Hugh<br />
Hamilton, formerly with RKO in Calgary, is<br />
now with International Film Distributors as<br />
sales representative in the wheat provinces.<br />
George Atkinson, a newcomer to film business,<br />
is the new booker at the IFD Calgary<br />
branch . Rubil ha.- opened his 200-car<br />
drive-in theatre in Mi'burn. Alta . . . Dean<br />
Inglis. from the now-closed Kitsilano here,<br />
now at the Paramount in the interior town<br />
is<br />
of Kelowna . . . Phil Dieringer of the Plaza<br />
and Mrs. Dieringer are back from an auto<br />
vacation trip to Banff and Calgary.<br />
Lloyd Bradley, owner of the 300-seat Lyric<br />
in Mooiomin, Sask., is building an office<br />
builr'mg which will house his new theatre, a<br />
450-.'-eater. He will close the Lyric when the<br />
new house opens late this fall . . . Dorice<br />
Walls, Orpheum secretary, was away on a<br />
California holiday. She planned to stop at<br />
Marion Rich resigned as<br />
Las Vegas too . . .<br />
Plaza cashier to work at the Georgia Hotel<br />
coffee shop in the same capacity. Jackie<br />
Lienweber is the new Plaza cashier.<br />
Bob Foster, business agent of local B-72<br />
theatre employes union, is gravely ill in St.<br />
Doreen Lorenz, formerly<br />
Paul's Hospital . . .<br />
at the Orpheum, replaced Bette Seymour who<br />
resigned to join a local bank . Hamill,<br />
former Odeon manager, now in Kitimat<br />
in Northern B. C, will marry Agnes Schaeffer<br />
of the Vogue Theatre in December.<br />
Alberta is the latest province in Western<br />
Canada to give consideration to the elimination<br />
or reduction of the amusement tax,<br />
which now is ten per cent. British Columbia<br />
is waiting for the tax reduction Premier Bennett<br />
promised exhibitors some time ago .<br />
Jim Fitz-Henry, former manager of the<br />
Odeon at New Westminster, has left with his<br />
family to reside in California.<br />
the greatest ' precision lens<br />
at the lowest possible price<br />
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IN CANADA contact your nearest DSEl Branch.<br />
IIII\1I\III\ Nlll \ll i;(|iii|iiiii>iilN Liiiiilnl<br />
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BRANCHES AT: Halifax, Saint John, Quebec, Montreal,<br />
Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, London, North Boy, Winnipeg,<br />
Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver.<br />
Four boys attending "Not As a Stranger" at<br />
the Odeon-Olympia enjoyed the dialog a bit<br />
loo boisterously for one woman. Police say<br />
she took off her shoe and thumped the four<br />
on the head, with one of the teen-agers hospitalized.<br />
Henry Klassen replaced Gerald Stoll, who<br />
left for Ottawa to work in a film laboratory<br />
at Empire-Universal at E-U, Jean<br />
Parker replaced<br />
.<br />
Ray Tarling who left for<br />
California as shipper . Kelly, manager<br />
of the Dimbar Theatre and a keen worker for<br />
juvenile football, was voted a life membership<br />
in the Vancouver district Senior Soccer<br />
league.<br />
The Massey clan is gathering in Vancouver<br />
for a wedding in the family. Stage and<br />
screen star Raymond Massey and his wife<br />
are here from Hollywood for the wedding of<br />
their son Geoffrey, a Vancouver resident,<br />
to a local girl, Ruth Killam.<br />
Widescreen at Invemere Toby<br />
INVEMERE. B. C—A new widescreen has<br />
been installed at the Toby Theatre by Sharpe<br />
Theatre Supply Co. of Calgary.<br />
100<br />
BOXOFFICE ;: October 1, 1951<br />
r
. . The<br />
. .<br />
. .<br />
'<br />
'<br />
Tent 28 Is Sponsoring<br />
Scots Guard Concert<br />
TOUONTO V.int'tv Tout liH. Ill adilltion<br />
to sponsoriiiR the tourinp British Music Hall<br />
Revue, currently pliiyiiiK two weeks at the<br />
Royal Alexandra, also will spon.sor the Scots<br />
Guards concert at Toronto's Maple Leaf<br />
Gardens.<br />
Chief Barker Harry S. Mandell asked all<br />
members to stage a quick ticket cnmpaipn for<br />
the appearance of the famous guards band,<br />
massed pipers and Highland dancers at the<br />
Gardens, scheduled for October 11. Prices<br />
.scale from S3.50 to SI. "Let's jam the Gardens."<br />
exhorted Mandell.<br />
The engagement of the Music Hall Revue,<br />
."Starring three comics, Norman Evans, Alec<br />
Pinlay and "Two-Ton" Tessie O'Shea, runs<br />
to October 8 at S3. 50 top, after which the<br />
company will play other cities in aid of<br />
Variety Village.<br />
Tlie benefit baseball game this year did<br />
not bring expected results for the Heajt<br />
Fund, but the barkers are working to make<br />
up the financial deficiency by these later<br />
promotions.<br />
The Toronto tent is also getting organized<br />
for 1956 with the acceptance of nominations<br />
for next year's crew. Dave Grie.sdorf. general<br />
manager of Canadian Odeon. is in line for<br />
the office of chief barker.<br />
TORONTO<br />
l^anager Fred Trebilcoik i.s looking for the<br />
reopening of the downtown Famous<br />
Players Tivoli for the Canadian Thanksgiving<br />
Day weekend, the tentative date October 7.<br />
The theatre, with its seating reduced from<br />
1,400 to 1.000 for more leg room, has been<br />
closed for three months for a complete transformation<br />
. . . Mrs. Eva Delaney, owner of<br />
the Delaney at Gananoque, is once again<br />
seriously ill in the hcspital after making a<br />
miraculous recovery a year ago. Mrs. Delaney<br />
received a big welcome when she was able to<br />
ittend the Ontario theatres convention in<br />
Toronto last November.<br />
Manager Gordon Gotts is busy with changes<br />
»t the Hamilton. Ont., Roxy for its reopening<br />
Dctober 7 with the new name of Hyland under<br />
.he Odeon banner now . society event<br />
Saturday ^24) was the beautiful wedding of<br />
Shirley Ann. only daughter of FPC Viceresident<br />
R. W. Bolstad, to David William<br />
\shworth of Toronto in Grace Church-onhe-Hill.<br />
On the previous Saturiiay. Armeda<br />
ind Angela, two of the four attractive<br />
laughters of Mr. and Mrs. Win Barron, were<br />
ed in a double ceremony in the Church of<br />
)ur Lady of the Assumption. And on<br />
)ctober I.John Roulston, well-known booker.<br />
/Ill marry Marilyn Pigott at Fairlawn United<br />
!hurch<br />
,j,j,]<br />
The Golden Mile Theatre, managed by J. F.<br />
chmitz, has taken a page from circuit prolotion<br />
by organizing a Movie Club program<br />
Dr the early Saturday matinee each week .<br />
lanager Len Bishop of Shea's where "Lady<br />
nd the Tramp" has rounded out its fourth<br />
eek, was quick to tie in last Saturday with<br />
a le- Humane Society's annual tag day by<br />
sslsting the collectors with .special advertisig<br />
and personal cooperation.<br />
ST .<br />
JOHN<br />
Tames .\. Wliitrbone, president ol the projectionists<br />
Local 440. was rc-i'lrcted president<br />
of the New Brunswick Federation of<br />
Labor for the 25th con.secutlve year. Tills<br />
rt-ssociatlon passed a re.solutlon to petition<br />
the provincial government to eliminate the<br />
amu.sement tax on theatre admissions under<br />
50 cents and reduce the rate above 50 by half.<br />
James Mitchell, popular manager for PPC<br />
Capitol Theatre here, returned from a twoweek<br />
vacation spent in Ottawa, Toronto and<br />
his old hometown of Kingston, Ont. .<br />
John A. Ricketts, for eight .vear-s a.sslstan(<br />
to Herman Kcrwln, manager of the Regent,<br />
resigned to take a position with the Canadian<br />
customs service.<br />
Leslie .\. Spragoie, owner and operator of<br />
the Gaiety, opened his new Roxy Theatre<br />
in Rothesay. N. B.. formerly the Community.<br />
The theatre has been completely redecorated<br />
and new projection equipment Installed.<br />
There is a snack bar connected with the<br />
building which will be under the supervision<br />
of Mrs. Sprague.<br />
Mickey Iseman, Montreal manager and<br />
eastern Canadian .supervisor for U-I, spent<br />
a few days with Jack Bellamy, manager of<br />
the local branch, conferring with theatre<br />
operators and heads of circuits. Iseman at<br />
one time was manager here for Warners.<br />
K. J. Partington, Nova Scotia fire marshal,<br />
is cautioning theatres and places of amusement<br />
that the exits must be kept clear and<br />
in working order. The Theatre Managers<br />
A.ss'n of Halifax is protesting that the regulations<br />
for bingo halls should be enforced by<br />
the fire marshal and the Nova Scotia Censor<br />
Board. Some regulations require tables to be<br />
a stipulated number of feet apart; aisles<br />
and exits provided and no-smoking rules enforced.<br />
Visiting theatremen included Jack O'Rourke<br />
of the Gaiety. Minto. N. B., and Lloyd Mason<br />
of the Capitol, Springhill, N. S. . . . Theatres<br />
in Halifax are faced with a prospective<br />
Orders are<br />
300 to 400 per cent tncreiLxc Iti ri'iil •iLiite<br />
Much<br />
valuntloiis.<br />
aroused among the ".<br />
Ire properties who .><br />
and .see no way In<br />
heavy additional \ni<br />
Smith of the Garsoi.<br />
president of the Halllax Theaire ManiiKcrx<br />
A.s.s'n, and Carlton Brown, Halifax .supervlxor<br />
for Franklin & Hcrschorn and .secretary of<br />
the association, arc Inve-sllgntlng the matter<br />
Vancouver<br />
Shifts to<br />
LAUYSMITH. B. C. Mr. and Mrs. John<br />
McKlm have moved from here to Vancouver<br />
where McKIm Is employed in the advertising<br />
department of the Odeon Theatre circuit.<br />
McKIm had managed the local theatre since<br />
1953, and had ranked high In a number of<br />
promotion campaigns.<br />
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. . Paul<br />
. .<br />
i<br />
'Summerlime' Scores<br />
Top Toronto Gross<br />
TORONTO—It was the sixth week for<br />
•Were No Angels" at the University and<br />
Eglinton and for "Not As a Stranger" at<br />
Loew's, with "To Catch a Thief" holding at<br />
the Imperial for a fifth week, and it was a<br />
tossup for best grosses. The edge, otherwise,<br />
was with "Summertime" in its second week<br />
at the Odeon.<br />
(Average Is 100)<br />
Eglinton, University We're No Angels (Para),<br />
6th wk 90<br />
Hyland The Browning Version (JARO) 100<br />
Impcriol To Catch o Thief (Para), 5th wk 95<br />
Loew's Not As o Stronger (UA), 6th wk 90<br />
Nortown House of Bamboo '20th-Fox), 2nd wk.. . 95<br />
Odeon, Fairlown— Summertime (UA), 2nd wk 115<br />
Shea's Lady ond the Tramp (BV), 4th wk 110<br />
Towne—The Bed (Italion) 115<br />
Uptown—One Desire (U-l) 105<br />
Holdover Weeks of 'Roberts,'<br />
'Stranger' Tops in Winnipeg<br />
WINNIPEG — This week's laurels are<br />
equally divided between two holdovers which<br />
do not show any signs of lessening in<br />
their appeal to Winnipeg audiences. "Not As<br />
a Stranger" after doing three weeks of<br />
excellent business at the Odeon was held over<br />
by Tom Pacey for a fourth week. At the<br />
Capitol "Mister Roberts" rolled up impressive<br />
attendance for two solid weeks and entered<br />
its third week for Manager Bill Novak.<br />
Running close to these two was "Dam<br />
Busters," which after a very good first week<br />
was held over at the Met by Eddie Newman.<br />
Copitol Mister Roberts (WB), 2nd wk Excellent<br />
Gaiety The Man Who Loved Redheads (U-l)... Good<br />
Garrick Toll Man Riding (WB) Good<br />
Lyceum Wichita (AA), Hell Divers<br />
of the Deep (AA) Good<br />
Met Dam Busters (WB) Very Good<br />
Odeon Not As o Stranger (UA), 3rd wk.. .Very Good<br />
Osborne Neorer to Heoven (JARO) Fair<br />
'Thief Rates 'Excellent'<br />
In<br />
Third Vancouver Week<br />
VANCOUVER—Business showed improvement<br />
at the downtown houses with cooler<br />
weather and little outside competition. The<br />
topper was "To Catch a Thief." still solid<br />
on its third week; it could stay, but has to<br />
make room for "Mister Roberts."<br />
Capitol—To Cotch o Thief :Para), 3rd wk .. Excellent<br />
Cmemo Sonto Fe Possoge (Rep); Yellow Neck<br />
(Rep)<br />
Good<br />
Orpheum The Virgin Queen (20th-Fox) Fair<br />
Parodise Street Corner (SR), 2nd wk. ...... .Good<br />
Plazo The Naked Street (UA) Good<br />
Strand Lady and the Tramp (Buena Vista),<br />
3rd wk Good<br />
Studio— Nearer to Heaven (JARO), 2nd wk Fair<br />
Vogue—Not As a Stronger (UA), 2nd wk Foir<br />
EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE<br />
MOTIOGRAPH Equipment<br />
Complete lino factory ports<br />
REPAIRS ^JX^?!?!<br />
|<br />
Wo Sell and Service<br />
Thcotrc Chairs, Rcctlflcn, Arc Lamps,<br />
Sound Equipment, 16mm and 3Smm Prelectors<br />
SHARP'S THEATRE SUPPLIES, Ltd.<br />
Phones: 2-4076 and 2-7266<br />
Film Exchange BIdg. Calgary, Alto.<br />
APPELTON AIR-CONDITIONING, LTD.<br />
(Appflton Engincorino Company)<br />
ENGINEERS AND CONTRACTORS<br />
REFRIGERUION AIR C0NDITI0NIH6 VEmiLATION<br />
H. APPELTON, (l.A.Sc.— P. Eng.<br />
KEnwood 27SS—KEnwood 3783<br />
1541 Dovcnport Rd. Toronto, 4<br />
MONTREAL<br />
r\ne of Canada's largest department and<br />
mail order stores, the T. Eaton Co.. as<br />
part of its Big Week festivities here showed<br />
the development of motion picture equipment,<br />
both commercial and amateur. The<br />
exhibit illustrated 33 years of progress in<br />
motion pictures. There was a 35mm model<br />
with a hand-cranked wooden case built around<br />
1907. as well as the first motion picture<br />
camera ever built . . . Arthur Bell, film booker<br />
in the RKO office for the past five years, is<br />
leaving the company this month to reside in<br />
New York City. He will study drama at<br />
Columbia University.<br />
Tommy Conway, longtime theatreman, has<br />
been appointed house treasurer for "This is<br />
Cinerama" at the Imperial Theatre. The<br />
film is now in its tenth month at the Imperial,<br />
and going strong . Palace had a<br />
good attraction with "The Seven Year Itch"<br />
Seville Theatre, with a policy of<br />
stage and motion picture shows, amiounced<br />
the Four Aces as headline attraction . . .<br />
Loew's Theatre, in special advertising, called<br />
attention to forthcoming showing of "Mister<br />
Roberts."<br />
'<br />
The Montreal presbytery of the United<br />
Church of Canada decided to show "Martin<br />
Luther" as part of regular church services.<br />
Norman Rawson of the St. James United<br />
Church said the film would be shown as an<br />
educational venture and "not in the spirit<br />
of controversy." About two years ago commercial<br />
showings of "Martin Luther" were<br />
banned by the Quebec Board of Censors. The<br />
Montreal presbytery of the Presbyterian<br />
Church, meeting a week or so ago. took a<br />
similar stand to that now taken by the<br />
United Church.<br />
Morris Diamond, Toronto assistant to the<br />
general manager of IFD. conferred here with<br />
Jo Oupcher, local manager, on his way to<br />
the maritimes provinces . . . Morey Hamat,<br />
UA salesman, returned from a vacation motor<br />
trip to Toronto, where he visited the Canadian<br />
National Exhibition, Niagara Falls and<br />
Buffalo . Daly is replacing Mrs.<br />
Alwyn Crowsen at RKO ... At UA Jacqueline<br />
Osher, cashier, is sporting a new Chevrolet<br />
convertible: while Edwin Gro.ssman. head<br />
booker, made the acquisition of a Ford Customline<br />
. . . Beryl Light, secretary to Sam<br />
Kunitsky of UA. was holidaying in California.<br />
Lome Etienne, United Amusement art department<br />
head, and his wife were in a motor<br />
accident which fortunately cost him only his<br />
automobile. Their car skidded and turned<br />
over near St. Eustache. Quebec. Etienne<br />
traded the wreck for a new Studebaker .<br />
Bill Robinson, assistant booker at UAC. was<br />
on vacation at Miami, Fla . Vanier.<br />
Warner Bros. 16mm salesman, returned from<br />
a two-weeks business trip to Abitibi . . . Mrs.<br />
Michelle Pelletier-Roche of Warners .sent<br />
postcards to the office staff while on her<br />
wedding trip to Miami.<br />
Exhibitors on Filmrow included Jules<br />
Boire of the Bijou at Napierville; Gaston<br />
Theroux, Asbestos at Asbestos: Claude Charbonneau<br />
of the Madelon. Cap-de-la-Made-<br />
Icine; A. Sicard. the Acton. Acton Vale: Marcel<br />
Bellerive, Alamo. Chateauguay: Mrs.<br />
Roger Lalonde, Colonial. Plesslsville. and<br />
Chester Rugh, Met. Greenfield Park.<br />
Hugh Vassos' Paragon<br />
Is Hailed in Melville<br />
MELVILLE, SASK.—Hugh Vassos' Paragon.<br />
Melville's new de luxe theatre, made its<br />
debut to a capacity crowd Labor Day evening<br />
when hundreds of town and district residents<br />
packed the new $125,000 structure.<br />
Weeks of hurried preparation transformed<br />
a former used car lot into a modern, spacious<br />
entertainment center that marked another<br />
milestone in this city's steady growth.<br />
Mayor W. R. Bailey, addressing the enthusiastic<br />
opening-night audience, said:<br />
"This happy occasion will go down as a memorable<br />
one. The citizens of Melville and<br />
district are very fortunate in having a promoter<br />
such as Hugh Vassos who has brought<br />
us a valued medium in the field of entertainment,<br />
and also a decided asset to the<br />
town."<br />
The Melville town band heralded the opening<br />
by forming before the brilliant canopy of<br />
the building and entertaining an expectant<br />
crowd waiting for the doors to open. Representatives<br />
of the province, local officials and<br />
industry figures from Winnipeg were among<br />
the special guests taking part in the opening<br />
program.<br />
Attending were D. Williams, chief inspector<br />
for theatres of Saskatchewan; M. Tallant,<br />
president of the Melville Board of Trade: Mr.<br />
and Mrs. Joe Harris. Paragon Theatres of<br />
Winnipeg: Abe Feinstein. United Artists;<br />
Bernie Penny. Service Confections: Mr. and<br />
Mrs. Joe Hersac of Roblin; Mi-, and Mrs.<br />
Han-y Mytrega of Strathclair; Bill Welykholowa<br />
of Kamsack: Mr. and Mrs. Loussas<br />
and Lome Cogger of Dominion Sound.<br />
Construction began last March 21 and work<br />
was rushed on a 24-hour basis to meet the<br />
Labor Day deadline.<br />
Boothmen Dispute Goes<br />
To Conciliation Board<br />
VANCOUVER—A British Columbia conciliation<br />
board will hear the wage dispute<br />
between about 200 projectionists and the FPC<br />
and Odeon circuit.s. FPC has 25 houses now<br />
operating and Odeon. 18.<br />
The dispute hinges around the BC Projectionists<br />
Union (AFL) demand for a 5 per<br />
cent wage increase and a pension plan, with<br />
exhibitors claiming that they must cut projection<br />
staffs by half and reduce pay scales.<br />
The two chains have closed 14 BC houses<br />
during the summer, claiming high overhead,<br />
TV and bingo competition made operations<br />
unprofitable, particularly in the Vancouver<br />
area and on Vancouver Island.<br />
The companies are proposing quick conversion<br />
of all theatres to one-man operation<br />
and a reduction in the present wage scales.<br />
The conciliation board award is not binding<br />
on either party, but the union cannot call<br />
a strike until the decision of the three-man<br />
board is given.<br />
The union at present has 29 junior members<br />
unemployed in the BC area. A union<br />
bulletin advised the younger members to<br />
seek other employment in industries which<br />
"offer far more in future economic .security."<br />
'Raising Riot' in Third Week<br />
TORONTO—Principal pictures for the week<br />
at specialty theata-es here were "Raising B<br />
Riot" in its third week at the International<br />
Cinema and "Assunta Spina" at the Pylon.<br />
102<br />
BOXOFFICE :: October 1. 1955
^<br />
,0^Klt^uciu9H, • oauu>*n£.nt • Co*fCeddi»iu. •<br />
M«ifiii4tdyncc<br />
OCTOBER I. 1955<br />
Theatre patrons coitsider a visit to the concessions a part of the eyening's entertainment, as is indicated in this<br />
photo showing brisk business enjoyed at one of the Bayshore (Long Island) Drireln's four cafeteria lanes<br />
featuring<br />
^jro oci and iKelreSInn en i.
50,000,000 times a day . . .<br />
ITS A MATTER OF<br />
Coca-Cola is the most asked-for<br />
soft drink in drug stores!*<br />
Patrons of drug store soda fountains<br />
buy more Coca-Cola than all other<br />
soft drinks combined.<br />
2, When these people patronize your theatre,<br />
they'll look for their favorite.<br />
4fi^a<br />
SELL<br />
tm<br />
for extra<br />
profit<br />
3. Yon can Inrn their proven preference<br />
into profit — by selling them<br />
what ibey want: Coca-Cola.<br />
of theotres handling beverages,<br />
more than 3 out of 4 sell<br />
Coke!<br />
'1954 surveys by Alfred Politz Research, Inc.
The solid comfort<br />
of the AIRFLO<br />
"Rocking Chair" Loge<br />
invites patrons<br />
of the ToNA^er Theatre<br />
to sit<br />
back, relax<br />
and come back again. kC\<br />
1<br />
If<br />
you are looking<br />
for a big box office<br />
attraction, be sure<br />
~<br />
to previe\A/<br />
the Heywood AIRFLO.<br />
rTHE ENTIRE >t;iiliniii st-clioii ol the new llicalrc i- ^ciinl \\illi<br />
"> 'l\] 706 Airflo "HtM-kiiip (]liair"' L[)«'ned following extensive renovation.<br />
Owner: Koseville-Tower Theatre. Inc. ()[K-rator:<br />
Men Levin.
for<br />
equipment<br />
that has stood<br />
the...<br />
Test of Time<br />
Model 6 Soundhead<br />
One of the finest sound reproducers available.<br />
Features an all-gear projector drive with alternate<br />
steel and fibre gears, assuring smooth performance.<br />
Has fully perfected optical system<br />
and an isolated sound feed. Exciter lamp<br />
assembly tilts out at 45 degrees.<br />
Model 9 Soundhead<br />
Flawless tone. Removable upper and lower<br />
sprocket assembly and gear box, ball bearing<br />
supported shafts, perfectly balanced filter<br />
flywheel. Exciter lamp assembly tilts out at<br />
45 degrees.<br />
Lightmaster Arc Lamp<br />
A high intensity, all purfiose lamp that handles<br />
45-80 amperes. Provides a brilliant steady light<br />
for all the latest techniques. No mechanical<br />
changes of any kind are required to effect the<br />
transition from 45 amperes to 80. Designed for<br />
optically perfect performance.<br />
PD-50 Amplifier<br />
ReiognizeJ throughout the world for its<br />
ability<br />
to perform under the most severe operating conditions.<br />
Gives years of uninterrupted service.<br />
Subiect to the most severe tests, it has met and<br />
surpassed every requirement. PD 55 single channel<br />
and PD 56 dual channel amplifiers are<br />
also available<br />
your New<br />
Drive-ln NOW<br />
and let<br />
us<br />
HELP<br />
When it comes to drive-ins The Ballantyne<br />
Company has always taken pride<br />
in being more than just a manufacturer<br />
of sound and projection equipment.<br />
We feel that countless owners and<br />
operators want help and advice on how<br />
to build a better, more economical<br />
drive-in.<br />
That's why we offer these services.<br />
If you have purchased land for a new<br />
drive-in, just send us the general plan<br />
and elevations. Without cost to you we<br />
will lay out the entire theatre. If you<br />
need plans for a projection booth, a<br />
refreshment area or ticket entrance, as<br />
illustrated above, we"ll be glad to furnish<br />
them without charge. And of<br />
course, we furnish you with complete<br />
wiring diagrams as well.<br />
Lightmaster Rectifiers<br />
The lightmaster line is complete for the entire<br />
range ol 40-lM) amps. Full provision is made<br />
in all types for adjustment on both the A.C. and<br />
DC. side. Available in 50-60 cycles<br />
^^SLi^®<br />
yrrT<br />
Six Sound Systems for Every Need<br />
Chose from either Altec or Balhintye. Complete<br />
sound systems are adaptable to theatres of any<br />
seating capacity, size or shape. One of these fine<br />
systems will bring uniform distribution full<br />
range reproduction, greater sound satisfaction<br />
with outstanding performance. All systems<br />
have both high and low frequency with crossover<br />
networks.<br />
Now is not too soon to plan for next<br />
season. Take just two minutes and<br />
drop us a line if you're planning a new<br />
drive-in. We'd like to help.<br />
^^ffa//a/tf^i/e(jd\wpa)iui<br />
Origtnarors of the complete package<br />
for «he Drive-/n Theofres<br />
1712 Jackson St. Omaha, Nebraska<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
SHOW THEM THE DIFFERENCE<br />
WITH<br />
National Projector Carbons<br />
T R A D I • M A R<br />
T.oclay's giant screens pack an entertainment wallop that can mean a bit;<br />
difference in box office — especiall\- \\hen that difference is made brilliantly<br />
apparent to all \bur){h, San rriinii\co<br />
III CjtiaJj.- Union Carbide tjinada Liniilcd, Toronto<br />
l>XOFTICE :; October 1. 1955
Take a<br />
(llose<br />
Look!<br />
Examine the many outstanding features of the Simplex X'L<br />
Projector Mechanism — and you'll see why it's recognized<br />
as the finest mechanism made today!<br />
Note the Spray-0-Mafic lubrication that gently sprays<br />
all drive parts with oil . . . note the film comportment<br />
with its generous finger-room . . . the eosy-vue sight box<br />
for sighting without stooping or squinting . . . the 24-<br />
toot/i sprockets for steady film control . . . the full-vision<br />
observation window, conical shutter for maximum<br />
screen illumination, and the self-lubricated intermittent<br />
movement.<br />
Inspect these and all its other remarkable features — and<br />
you'll be convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that<br />
"SIMPLEX" is the mechanism that belongs in your theatre!<br />
XL MECHANISM<br />
MANUFACTURED BY INTERNATIONAL PROJECTOR CORPORATION • DISTRIBUTED BY NATIONAL THEATBE SUPPLY<br />
SUBSIDIARIES OF GENERAL PRECISION EQUIPMENT CORPORATION<br />
Ws<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTIC
: ...._<br />
! sales,<br />
; .^<br />
OCTOBER 1, 1955<br />
'<br />
TW^<br />
MODERN<br />
o n t n I<br />
Four Vital Steps to Greater Candy Sales Wan tA>fCT% 8<br />
Push Big-Ticket Candy Items in All RKO Theatres 9<br />
History of Candy Indicates That People of All Ages<br />
Have Had a Sweet Tooth 10<br />
More and More Patrons Choose the Dime Bar 12<br />
From Empty Store to Full-Time Concessions 14<br />
Its a far cry from li.i. .^._i,o<br />
ol nickel popcorn and candy to 25-cenl<br />
buttered corn, and candy items ranging<br />
upwards to 35 and 50 cents, as sold<br />
in theatro t^-i ...<br />
it is the higherpriced<br />
ai fitable items such<br />
' ti •• .^<br />
,. ,,..., us the tremendous<br />
which have put the<br />
M.- .;..-i.ien into the big-time merchandising<br />
business.<br />
Some Merchandising Tricks That Sold More Candy Bars of a<br />
Specific Name Brand 15<br />
" '<br />
calls lor<br />
mship of the<br />
Candy Floss, an Old Circus Item, Spins High Profits for Drive-ln 16<br />
Big Fall Popcorn Promotion Backed by Coordinated Plan<br />
of National Advertising 17<br />
DOUGHNUTS: A Hole-in-One for the Concessions Dollar<br />
at Drive-ln 20<br />
50°o Increase in Concessions Soles Follows 50%<br />
Increase in Space Ida Vandivier 22<br />
Projector Maintenance and Servicing Guide Wesley Trout 24<br />
Theatre Maintenance Questions and Answers Dave E. Smalley 32<br />
Ties Theatre Promotion to Civic Activities Phil Hannum 37<br />
16mm Kiddy Shows Attract Eorly Crowds 39<br />
DEPARTMENTS:<br />
Projection and Sound 24 New Equipment and<br />
D J<br />
Readers<br />
c D<br />
Service Bureau<br />
ic<br />
35<br />
, Developments '^<br />
41<br />
Advertising Index 36 Literature 43<br />
Drive-In Theatres 37 About People and Product 44<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
Food and refreshments are big business at the Bayshore Sunrise<br />
Drive-ln Theatre. Bayshore. Long Island. The 1.200-car drive-in.<br />
which was opened last summer, serves turkey roll and shrijnp roll<br />
sandiciches at 30 cents, hot dogs at 20 cents and pizza pies for<br />
60 cents. Potato stix are 20 cents, cold drinks 10 and 20 cents and<br />
ice cream comes in 10. 15 aJid 25-cent units. Many adult and<br />
children s play activities contribute to the heavy run on the concessions<br />
counter.<br />
their concessi .r,<br />
ol refreshment it.i:.: -ii.a tho trrrnnq<br />
of soles personnel.<br />
Most exhibitors<br />
from the supermark'<br />
found that moss di. . .i<br />
other items, open tc<br />
produce far greater liolcj v.itii r.egligible<br />
shortages.<br />
To serve patrons bet' :'e<br />
a more inviting atmost "o<br />
achieve greater efficier. x-<br />
hibitors have recently r-- -d<br />
enlarged their concessit: .d<br />
equipment.<br />
Some thealremer.<br />
and outdoor, have _<br />
,<br />
_ ;<br />
full-time restourotnt business, with the<br />
stand or cafeteria serving both the theatre<br />
and street or highway trade.<br />
This<br />
I-..,,.-, r- .'^.-.-^^•^,^r^ -,[ rniirsc, requifes<br />
found it highly profitable.<br />
iting equiptried<br />
it have<br />
Still another avenue to an expanding<br />
business is the "new" item, and alert<br />
exhibitors are always looking out lor it<br />
and ready to give it a try. Two items<br />
with exceptionally high profit, doughnuts<br />
and candy floss, are discussed in<br />
this issue, with information provided t-^<br />
help other exhibitors set up shop.<br />
L. THATCHER, Monoglna Editor<br />
I.<br />
The MODERN THEATRE Section of BOXOFFICE ^. included m the<br />
Editorial or general business correspondence should be oddrc'.'.cl<br />
S25 Von Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Mo. Eostem Rcprcscnto-, ..<br />
feller Plozo, New York 20, N. Y.; Centrol Representatives Ewm.;<br />
35 Eost Wocker Drive, Chicogo 1, IN.; Western Renrcscntativr<br />
Lofoyette Park Place, Los Angeles 5, Colif
;<br />
FOOD AND<br />
REFRESHMENTS<br />
FOUR VITAL STEPS TO GREATER CANDY SALES<br />
An Expert in the Business Points Out Careful Selection of Items,<br />
Open, Mass Display, Suggestive Selling and Employe Incentive<br />
By VAN MYERS*<br />
I AM SURE you have all experimented,<br />
as I have, in this relatively young field of<br />
theatre concession vending and have found<br />
tried and true formulae for maximizing<br />
candy sales.<br />
There are no panaceas or exact scientific<br />
formula in this field, but there are<br />
certain patterns of merchandising that<br />
have and will prove successful. It is important<br />
to understand, however, that no<br />
one speaks as an expert. You are catering<br />
to the public, and public tastes vary not<br />
only in different parts of the country, but,<br />
in fact, from theatre to theatre in the<br />
same city. A class house, for instance,<br />
might not sell the same merchandise as<br />
a sub-run neighborhood house or a drive-in<br />
theatre.<br />
In this respect each general manager<br />
must experiment with the price lines<br />
and type of merchandi.se for each individual<br />
location, until he has attained a successful<br />
pattern for approaching, maximum<br />
.sales. Each theatre then is an individual<br />
merchandising entity, and the products<br />
sold, and the price lines must cater to the<br />
peculiar taste of its patrons. The knowledge<br />
of what to carry can only be gained<br />
by analysis based on experience and experimentation.<br />
So, we must understand from the outset,<br />
that you are bounded by the six or eight<br />
or ten feet of allotted candy display space,<br />
and what you place in that space is tremendously<br />
important if you are to maximize<br />
sales, but no one can answer the problem<br />
except yourself after you have gained<br />
a thorough understanding of the taste and<br />
wants of your patronage. Few theatres are<br />
exactly analogous and hence there is danger<br />
in comparisons.<br />
In my opinion, it is fundamental and<br />
basic that you realize that theatre vending<br />
falls into the category of "impulse" selling.<br />
By that phrase, I mean that theatre patrons<br />
primarily come to see a show, gravitate<br />
to a concessions counter that is wellplaced,<br />
well-lighted and having a limited<br />
time to buy, must quickly and impulsively<br />
make a decision. Hence merchandising and<br />
selling techniques must be geared to this<br />
psychology of purchasing.<br />
Logically, then, one of the most important<br />
factors in this type of selling is<br />
display. We find mass displays most effective.<br />
In most cases we use open-top step<br />
counters with mirrored backings, and we<br />
pile our candy high and in neat stacks. By<br />
using mass displays, we place our more<br />
expensive and higher profit items in the<br />
most prominent positions. We find that a<br />
good percentage of patrons have not made<br />
up their mind what they want to buy when<br />
they approach the counter, and hence will<br />
pick up and purchase the closest or nearest<br />
item.<br />
THE PSYCHOLOGY IS IMPORTANT<br />
I say again, we believe in mass displays<br />
available to the patron's touch. A person<br />
will pick up a candy bar and wait to be<br />
served, but may not wait for an attendant<br />
to serve him from inside the counter. The<br />
length of time for each transaction might<br />
be the same, but the psychology is not.<br />
People say to me, "Aren't you afraid of<br />
shortages or pilferage?" Certainly, we<br />
don't want shortages, and we have been<br />
successful in controlling them well within<br />
the national averages of control. Just remember<br />
then, when you run undue shortages,<br />
it i.sn"t your patrons, but most likely<br />
a careless or dishonest employe.<br />
So much for display.<br />
To maximize sales, you must sell. Your<br />
salesgirls mustn't passively put in time,<br />
but actively sell. Salesgirls must be instructed<br />
to use prepared sales phrases, remembering<br />
that the first ten words spoken<br />
in impulse selling are more valuable than<br />
the next 10,000. If a sales attendant said<br />
to every patron, "Would you like to try<br />
a delicious package of chocolate almonds<br />
i25-cent size)?" she probably would sell a I<br />
certain percentage of all undecided purchasers.<br />
You can make your own phrases,<br />
push what you want, i<br />
but you will increase<br />
sales with "active" and ''suggestive" selling.<br />
Patrons will pick up a bar and v/oit to pay for it, but may not wait to be served from inside a case,<br />
Van Myers, Wometco circuit, says, in stressing the need for open display. This candy case in the<br />
Miracle Theatre on the Miracle Mile in Coral Gobies, Fla ,<br />
also illustrates another important factor: mass<br />
display. The Miracle is a first run house.<br />
MORE SALES BY SUGGESTION<br />
"Suggestive" selling, too, is effective percentagewise.<br />
After a patron has effected<br />
a purchase, the salesgirl could say, "Would<br />
you like to try this new imported chocolate<br />
bar." or whatever you want to push.<br />
Again by selling additional merchandise to<br />
a percentage of purchasers your sales will<br />
increase.<br />
So increase your sales with "active" and<br />
"suggestive" selling. We have talked now<br />
about better merchandising through techniques<br />
of displays and salcsman.ship. I,et's<br />
discuss a third and most important sliin\ilus<br />
to retail selling incentive.<br />
No one. regardless of who they are<br />
works at peak capacity perpetually. Furth-.<br />
ermore. if there is no incentive in directi<br />
relation to efforts and ability other than<br />
8 The MODEHN THEATRE SECnOh'
slraiKht wages, he may never peifoim effectively.<br />
We use two devices lo keep our sale.s help<br />
pnmed and active. Pir.st. we have u.sed<br />
for many years incentive plans for managers<br />
and better and loyal salesgirls. I<br />
don't want to di.scuss the mechanics of<br />
the.se plans here, but our theatre mananers'<br />
incentive plan is entirely different from our<br />
salesijirls'. althoush both are rewarded directly<br />
in relation to their efforts and results.<br />
These plans act as a constant stimiilus<br />
to sales.<br />
The incentive plan helps, too. in controllniK<br />
shortages, for it pinpoints the person,<br />
and this, with pressure from home<br />
office and managerial watchfulness will<br />
solve the immediate problem. It will crop<br />
up aiiain. of course, as it is in the nature<br />
of the business.<br />
TAKE INVENTORY NIGHTLY<br />
Inventory is taken every niLiht in our<br />
theatres. In a house with a $1,000 invenory<br />
retail stock playing to 2.000 kids it<br />
cakes only about one-half hour for the<br />
nanager to take inventory, and this nightly<br />
nventory is a terrific psychological factor<br />
n regard to employes and shortages. An<br />
nventory by two circuit men is also made<br />
It each theatre every week.<br />
To further bolster morale and enthuiasm.<br />
we carefully plan semi-annual comaetitive<br />
sales contests among all our units.<br />
Sizeable prizes are offered to winning maners<br />
and salesgirls, who make the greatest<br />
sroportionate increase in per capita sales.<br />
don't want to take the time to explain<br />
he mechanics of running a successful<br />
ompetitive sales contest, but I do have<br />
ome brochures of several recent contests<br />
ve have run successfully, if anyone is inerested.<br />
Most of you have rim such conest.s<br />
and know how important proper timng<br />
and format are. You must use a fair<br />
lasis of competition, substantial prizes, enhusiastic<br />
follow-ups. and don't attempt to<br />
ustain interest over too long a period of<br />
ime. We run these competitive campaigns<br />
eriodically. and our results are measured in<br />
housands of dollars in increased business.<br />
MORE ABOUT INCENTIVE PLAN<br />
Editor's Note: Details of the Wometco<br />
icentive plan and of the latest sales con-<br />
;st will be published in an early issue of<br />
[ODERN Theatre.<br />
Now to sum up. To maximize your sales:<br />
rst. you must choose your products and<br />
rice lines, carefully tailoring them for the<br />
idividual situation. Second, you should<br />
isplay your merchandise to best advanige<br />
with mass displays. Third, your saleselp<br />
must actively sell. And last, but not<br />
ast. stimulate yom- help with incentives<br />
id competitive contests. You do all these<br />
lings conscientiously, and I will guarantee<br />
lat you will increase sales.<br />
IS your main emphasis in your theatre<br />
on architectural elements, neutral and<br />
>ol colors can be used for your carpets,<br />
ot colors can provide a dramatic feeling<br />
id add to the richness of the decor.<br />
Push Big-Ticket Candy Items in All RKO Theatres<br />
To Materially Increase Confections Profits<br />
Top-row position is given to 25 and 30 cent candy items in the stand ot the RKO Miiiouri, Kanios City<br />
Scconrf row displays 1<br />
1 -cent items and the bottom row both U and six-cent candies Manager Matt Plunkeil<br />
looks on as Dolores Wiehe makes a 30-cent sale.<br />
Exhibitors who have experimented with<br />
the big-ticket candy item have found it to<br />
move remarkably well and to add materially<br />
to the over-all candy sales.<br />
Lee Koken, head of concessions for RKO<br />
Theatres, advises that all of their stands<br />
stock and sell high-priced merchandise and<br />
that these items are given a prominent<br />
location.<br />
Some of the higher priced items are the<br />
25-cent packages of the various Dairy Maid<br />
products. They also sell a 30-cent, economy-size<br />
Hershey bar, both plain and<br />
almond, and also the 30-cent. economysize<br />
Nestle bars. During the cooler months<br />
they stock and sell various brands of<br />
chocolate cherries, packaged for 25-cent<br />
sales. These are the main 25 and 30-cent<br />
items.<br />
Of course, these sales per unit represent<br />
only a small fraction of the over-all candy<br />
sales in the RKO theatres. The ten-cent<br />
items, which are sold for 12 cents, are the<br />
biggest sellers, unit-wise or volume-wise.<br />
They also sell about five or six assorted<br />
brands of six-cent merchandise, but in<br />
some theatres, which are the downtown<br />
situations, they do not sell any six-cent<br />
candies at all.<br />
As I have pointed out previously."<br />
Koken says, "there Is a great need, especially<br />
in the theatre industry, for a number<br />
of good 15-cent items. For example, up<br />
until a year ago we stocked and sold a<br />
12-cent Baby Ruth until this candy company<br />
came out with a quarter-pound package<br />
to replace the 12-cent size. Unit-wise,<br />
we sell more 15-cent Baby Ruths than we<br />
did the 12-cent ones.<br />
"It is the opinion of Carl Slegel of<br />
Stanley Warners, and many other fellows<br />
like myself in similar positions, that there<br />
is a great need for at least three or four<br />
candy items to retail at 15 cents in theatre<br />
concessions."<br />
According to Koken there Is a definite<br />
trend toward higher-priced items and he<br />
feels that patrons will pay for value received.<br />
The manufacturers are coming out<br />
with many 25-cent items, but of course,<br />
three of them will take up display space<br />
of six ten-cent items.<br />
This doesn't bother Siegel. however, for<br />
he says he would rather sell one 25-cenl<br />
item than five five-cent items, because that<br />
way he has taken in a quarter from one<br />
person rather than taking a chance on<br />
making five sales at a nickel from people<br />
who might not attend the theatre.<br />
In the Stanley Warner theatres 60 per<br />
cent of the Items are In the 12-cent range.<br />
There are some 15-cent Items but. as<br />
pointed out before, there are not enough<br />
of them available. Siegel .says there Is also<br />
a need for more 30 and 35-cent candy<br />
items.<br />
)XOFFICE October 1. 1955
ADD NEW COLOR TO YOUR PROFIT PICTURE<br />
...WITH THE NEW LILY THEATRE CUP! %<br />
History of Candy Indicates<br />
That People of All Ages<br />
Have Had a Sweet Tooth<br />
Reed W. Robinson, general partner.<br />
Golden Nugget Sioeets. Ltd.. has viade a<br />
hobby of collecting odd and interesting<br />
facts about candy and its history during<br />
his 27 years in the candy biisiiiess. Some<br />
of them, luhich are given belov), are reprinted<br />
from Candy Industry.<br />
The histoi-y of candy goes back thousands<br />
of years. The longing for concentrated<br />
sweets goes all the way back to our<br />
arboreal ancestors. They probably competed<br />
with bears for caches of wild honey,<br />
even before they discovered their own<br />
nakedness, and later competed with bears<br />
for the latters' hides to use in coverine<br />
their nudity. Over the millenniums, experimental-minded<br />
ape men and cave men<br />
doubtless learned to combine honey with<br />
fruits into something remotely resembling<br />
candy.<br />
10<br />
*^?^^<br />
Here's the brightest idea yet for boosting beverage soles<br />
wherever movies are shown — indoors or outdoors! It's the<br />
new Lily* Cold Drink Theatre Cup, available in 3 sizes ...<br />
each in a different color!<br />
The attractive "curtain and footlight" design mokes drinks look more<br />
inviting . . . sells them faster, especially during intermissions<br />
(when most refreshment soles ore made). The different colors show you<br />
at a glance the right size cup for the right price range —<br />
there's no mix-up of sizes during a rush operation.<br />
The new Lily Theatre Cup also "sells" patrons on your theatrel<br />
One side says: "MOVIES FOR THE FINEST ENTERTAINMENT,"<br />
selling customers while they're of the show. The other side says:<br />
"FOR THE FINEST MOVIES VISIT US AGAIN,"<br />
keeping 'em coming back for more movies<br />
and more drinks!<br />
"Ring up the curtain" now on the<br />
Lily<br />
Theatre Cup and let this "star<br />
performer" ring up bigger profits for yooi<br />
Moil the coupon for details and samples.<br />
'i^<br />
LILY-TULIP CUP<br />
CORPORATION<br />
122 East 42nd Straat, New York 17, N.Y.<br />
•T M. Rei. U.S. Pol. OH.<br />
n<br />
Have your representative see us,<br />
G Send samples of ttic new<br />
Lily Theatre Cup.<br />
Name<br />
Address<br />
Molds for making candy have been unearthed<br />
from Egyptian tombs. A candy<br />
shop was found in the ruins of Pompeii. A<br />
legend widely known in the Orient names<br />
the sons of Noah as the earliest candy<br />
makers. The story is that when they left<br />
the parental home they took with them for<br />
their travels sweet meats made of wheat<br />
starch and grape juice boiled together to<br />
give them the most nourishing and compact<br />
form of food for use on their travels.<br />
Later the Egyptians candied dates in honey<br />
and left a record of that industry in paintings<br />
on their tombs. Even the manna<br />
spoken of in the Bible as coming down from<br />
heaven was a confection made of honey<br />
and coriander.<br />
The children who made that long, agonizing<br />
trip to the Holy Land, on the Chil<br />
dren's Crusade, cooked a mixture of grape<br />
.iuice and flour into a kind of a sweet<br />
paste that could be carried on their journey.<br />
A modern version of it can be found<br />
on today's candy counters as Turkish Paste<br />
King Arthur's Knights ate cakes made<br />
of crushed meal, honey and spices from thf<br />
Orient. General Montgomery's men. chas<br />
ing Rommel's army across the desert sand;<br />
of Africa, munched on chocolate bars fron<br />
America.<br />
When Jason set out on the Argo t<br />
search for the Golden Fleece he carrie(<br />
with him dried grapes—raisins, dried fig<br />
and nuts. Several thousand years latei<br />
the American 49'ers trekked across thi<br />
continent to find gold. They carried keg<br />
of molas.ses and boxes of maple sugar fror<br />
New England. These, at the end of thci<br />
journey, were worth far more than the)<br />
weight in gold.<br />
At the time of the Revolutionary Wa<br />
candy venders wandered through the Brii<br />
ish Army picking up bits of information<br />
I<br />
report back to the Rebels,<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTIC
Now-TV's Biggest Double Feature-<br />
"MICKEY<br />
MOUSE"<br />
CLUB<br />
"BUFFALO<br />
BILL<br />
JR."<br />
SELLS FOR YOU ON TV!<br />
We're really baiting your best candy<br />
bar customers with TV's sweetest attractions.<br />
BUFFALO BILL JR. returns<br />
to get them reaching for the<br />
And the new<br />
MILKY WAY again.<br />
MICKEY MOUSE CLUB starts selling<br />
SNICKERS and 3 MUSKET-<br />
EERS every Friday afternoon, from<br />
5:30 to 5:45.<br />
Look how BILL and MICKEY put you on the mop!<br />
119 markets. 20,000,000 "Kid" V'iewers.<br />
2 Big Shows Every Week!<br />
And that's only half the story of A\ARS Powerful Selling Help!<br />
F u 1 1 - P a g e .Ads in<br />
l.ife.like BUFF.-XLO<br />
HILL .JR's Belt and<br />
Buckle Offer!<br />
Big King-Size<br />
LIFE Magazine Spreads for<br />
the King-Pin of Candy Bars-MARS B.\R!<br />
Stock — Display-<br />
Sell Candy Bars<br />
from MARS!<br />
^JOXOFFICE October 1. 1955 11
I and<br />
Some of the candy bars which made the top grade in sales.<br />
MORE AND MORE PATRONS CHOOSE THE DIME BAR<br />
Nine New Bars Enter 30-Besf-Seller List for a Total of 69<br />
The ten-cent candy bar shows increasing<br />
popularity according to a nationwide<br />
Dime Bar Survey of 2,000 candy wholesalers<br />
conducted by "Candy Industry." In<br />
1953, there were only 60 bars represented<br />
in the 30 best sellers dime bar list, but in<br />
1954 there were 69. the more than double<br />
number of bars accounted for by ties. The<br />
1954 survey is reprinted below from "Candy<br />
Industry" and is copyrighted by Don Gussow<br />
Publications, Inc., New York, N. Y.<br />
(1) Tie<br />
MOUNDS: Peter Paul, Inc., Naugatuck, Conn.<br />
Coconut center, bittersweet ctiocolotc coating,<br />
ALMOND JOY: Peter Pou', Inc., Naugatuck, Conn.<br />
Coconut center, milk chocolate coated witti<br />
almond',<br />
(2)<br />
MARS BAR: Mars, Inc., Chicago, III.<br />
Short nougol, coated in milk chocolate with<br />
almondi.<br />
(3) Tic<br />
HERSHEY ALMOND: Hershcy Choc. Corp., Hershey,<br />
Pa.<br />
Solid milk chocolate bor with almonds<br />
HERSHEY MILK CHOCOLATE: Hershcy Choc<br />
Hershey,<br />
Pa.<br />
Solid milk chocolate bar,<br />
Corp.,<br />
POWER HOUSE: Walter H, Johnson Condy Co,,<br />
Chicago, III.<br />
Coated nut roll (caramel ond nougat center),<br />
peanuts.<br />
12<br />
(4)<br />
WAYNE BUN: Wayne Candies, Inc., Fort Wayne,<br />
Ind.<br />
(5) Tie<br />
BABY RUTH: Curtiss Candy Co., Chicago, III.<br />
Nut roll (caramel and nougat center) peonuts,<br />
coating,<br />
DOUBLE MILKY WAY: Mars, Inc., Chicago, III.<br />
Nougat with caramel layer, molted milk, milk<br />
JOHNSON'S BUTTER SWEET FUDGE: Walter H.<br />
Johnson Co., Chicago, III.<br />
Chocolate or vanilla fudge with pecans.<br />
(7) Tic<br />
SPERRY'S 10c NUT ROLL LINE: Sperry Candy Co.,<br />
Milwaukee, Wis.<br />
Fudge center, coated with caramel and nuts {Brazil,<br />
walnut, coshew, olmond, filbert ond pecan).<br />
SPERRY'S PECAN ROLL: Sperry Candy Co., Mil<br />
woukcc, Wis.<br />
Fudge center, coated m caromct and pecans<br />
(8)<br />
NESTLE CRUNCH: The Nestle Chocolate Co.,<br />
White Plains, N, Y.<br />
Milk chocolate with crisped rice in solid block,<br />
(9) Tie<br />
CLARK DOUBLE BAR: D, L Clark Co,, Pittsburgh,<br />
Pa.<br />
Spun peanut butter, caromel center, coated.<br />
PAY DAY: Hollywood Candy Co., Centralio, III,<br />
Nut roll, with fudge, peonuts, and caramel,<br />
(10) Tie<br />
KLEIN'S ROYAL BAR: Klein Chocolate Co, Elizabcthtown,<br />
Po,<br />
M.Ik chocolate ond peanuts in solid block.<br />
SEVEN UP: Pearson Candy Co., St. Poul, Minn.<br />
combined one different centers, in bar,<br />
coated.<br />
(11)<br />
DOUBLE SNICKERS: Mors, Inc., Chicago, III.<br />
Nougat caramel, peanuts, coated.<br />
02) Tie<br />
CADBURY CARMELLO: Cadbury-Fry Export, Ltd.,<br />
New York, N. Y.<br />
Milk chocolate bor.<br />
M & M: Hawlcy & Hoops, Inc., Newark, N. J.<br />
Colored, thin condy coated chocolate,<br />
(13) Tie<br />
NECCO CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT: New England<br />
Cont, Co., Cambridge, Mass.<br />
flavored creom centers<br />
3te,<br />
PEARSON'S NUT GOODIES: Pearson Candy Co.,<br />
St. Paul, Minn.<br />
Cream center topped with peanut coating,<br />
(14) Tie<br />
OH HENRY!: Williamson Condy Co,, Chicago.<br />
nougat center), peanuts,<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION<br />
I
HERSHEY KISSES: Hershcy Chocolate Co, Hcrshcy,<br />
Pa.<br />
V.tk cbocolotc kisiCi<br />
(15> Tie<br />
RICHARDSON'S MINTS Thomas D R.chardson Co,<br />
Phdadelphia, Pa<br />
WELCH JUNIOR MINTS; Jomcs Welch Co,<br />
Cambridge, Mass.<br />
^^^n;aturt» cream minis, cootcd, pofined<br />
KIT KAT: (Rowntrcc) Drake American Corp., New<br />
York, N. Y.<br />
Four-fingercd hozcl nut wofer bor.<br />
(16) Til<br />
CADBURY HAZELNUT: CodburyFry Export, Ltd,<br />
New York, N. Y.<br />
Sacct m. k chocolate with hiazel nuts.<br />
CHERRY MASH: Bunte Bros.-Chase Candy Co,<br />
Chicago, III.<br />
Cream center, ctierry tlavor, peanuts cooted.<br />
(17) Tie<br />
CHARMS 25 CARAT: Charms Co., Asbury Park, N. J<br />
}^L-cr -vi < c'i_icolatc with pecans<br />
JACOBSONS DAIRY MAID: Jocobson Candy Co,<br />
Inc , Dcs Moines, Iowa.<br />
Cream center, covered with peanuts ond cooted,<br />
UNO BAR: Cardinct Candy Co., Inc., Oakland, Calif.<br />
(18) Tie<br />
MR GOODBAR Hershey Choc. Corp., Hershcy, Pa.<br />
\Mk chocoiotc ond peanuts,<br />
FENN'S ROYAL BRAZIL: Fcnn Bros, Sioux Falls,<br />
S. D.<br />
Brozil nuts, coated.<br />
(19)<br />
CADBURY ALMOND BAR: CodburyFry Export,<br />
Ltd, New York, N. Y.<br />
(20) Tie<br />
FIFTH AVENUE: Luden's, Inc., Reading, Pa.<br />
Milk chocofate, olmonds. peonut butter<br />
REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS: H B Reese Cand><br />
Co., Inc., Hershey, Pa.<br />
Coativt peanut butter cream corWnr<br />
BRANCH CELLO BAG LINE E J Branch & Sons,<br />
Chicago, III<br />
C "nplcto cellophane bog line, icily Ixjoni. ponno.J<br />
;-'ods, caramels, etc.<br />
(21)<br />
HERSHEY KRACKEL: Hershcy Choc<br />
Pa.<br />
Corp, Hershey,<br />
Milk chocolate with crisped rice in a solid block<br />
(22)<br />
HOLLOWAY MILK DUDS M J Holloway Co,<br />
Chicago. Ill<br />
(23)<br />
JULIET: Jocobson Candy Co., Inc., Dcs Moines, Iowa.<br />
Cream center, covered with pconuts and cooimg<br />
CURTISS BUTTERFINGERS; Curtiss Candy Co.,<br />
Chicago, III.<br />
Spun peanut butter caramel center, light cooting<br />
(25) Tie<br />
ROMEO: Jocobson Condy Co., Inc., Dcs Moines,<br />
Iowa.<br />
Cream center covered with peanuts and coating<br />
ALMOND ROCA: Brown & Holey, Tocomo, Wash.<br />
Chocolate bor with almonds ond coconut<br />
VAN HOUTEN HAZELNUT: C. J. Von Houtcn &<br />
Zoon, Inc., New York, N. Y.<br />
Milk chocolate and hazelnuts,<br />
IDAHO SPUDS: Idoho Candy Co., Boise, Ido.<br />
(26) Tie<br />
BENEDICT CHOCOLATE CIGARETS: Benedict<br />
Chocolate Varieties, New York, N. Y.<br />
,\Ailk chocolate cigorcrcs<br />
BANNtK b JUKOAN ALMUNUb Bonnri Londy Mtrj<br />
Co, Brooklyn, N Y<br />
•jj.j ,r t „,!.•. I almond-., ponnc.) on. I colore I<br />
CADBURY FRUIT AND NUT Codbury Fry Eiport,<br />
Ltd ,<br />
New York. N Y<br />
Cnocolulc l)ar »ilh tiu.i« .i-vj n.,li<br />
SCHRAFFTS MAPLE WALNUT CREAM W F<br />
SchroKt & Sons Corp , Chorlistown, Moss<br />
Moiilo croom. CooTcd<br />
HOFFMAN'S CUP GOLD E A HoKmon Candy<br />
Co., Lot Angeles, Calif.<br />
(27) Tie<br />
DUNCAN HAZELNUT International Foods Dist .<br />
Montreal, Canada<br />
Chocolotc bof with ho/pintjf\<br />
NESTLE ALMOND BAR: The Nestle Chocolate Co<br />
White Plains, N. Y<br />
Chocolate Ixjr with almorkji<br />
ANNABELLE'S ROCKY ROAD: Annobelle Condy<br />
Co., Son Froncisco, Calif.<br />
Marshmollow bOr wifh coshcwi ontt th.n molted<br />
milk center,<br />
(28) Tie<br />
BACHMAN'S OLD SOL: Bachmon Chocolotc M(g<br />
Co., Mount Joy, Po.<br />
jwccT m.lk chocolate bar<br />
PLANTER'S PEANUT BAR: Plonlcrs Nut & Choco<br />
lote Co,, Wilkes. Borre, Po.<br />
WALTER JOHNSON MALTED MILK BALLS<br />
H. Johnson Candy Co., Chicogo, III.<br />
Molted milk and cootmg,<br />
(29) Tie<br />
Walter<br />
QUEEN ANNE PECAN ROLL Queen Anne Cond><br />
Co., Hammond, Ind.<br />
Fudge center, coated in caramel ond pecans<br />
Continued on page 18<br />
FAMOUS<br />
MAKER<br />
MOVER..<br />
Here's a top profit combination for you. . . . the famous<br />
Heide trade-mark plus the taste appeal of all-ways popular<br />
Jujyfruits. Now backed by increased television advertising<br />
and continuing national magazine ads, -Jujyfruits<br />
belong on the counter of every outlet you service. Push<br />
them for all they're worth . . . they're worth plenty to you!<br />
HENRY HEIDE, incorporated<br />
New York 13, New York<br />
As nationatlv adivrtised in<br />
look 1<br />
Boys Life<br />
wiiHiewr.i<br />
OXOFTICE October 1. 1955 13
FROM EMPTY STORE TO FULL-TIME CONCESSIONS<br />
17-Hour-a-Day Street-Side Restaurant Serves Theatre Patrons<br />
From a Special Counter at the Back Opening into the Lobby<br />
—are always available. Customers cannot<br />
go into the theatre lobby through the restaurant.<br />
A special counter at the back<br />
serves theatre customers in the lobby.<br />
Cards distributed before the official<br />
opening early in August helped bring in<br />
customers—cards were good for a free cup<br />
of coffee. "We gave away hundreds of cups<br />
of coffee the first day." Cain said. He<br />
also gave away, appropriately enough. 1,000<br />
candy canes!<br />
And how is this ambitious venture paying<br />
off?<br />
STEADY STREAM OF CUSTOMERS<br />
Already it is said to be the meeting place<br />
for throngs of people in this thriving farsouth<br />
Texas city of 25,000—shoppers,<br />
movie-goers, "coffee breakers," breakfasters.<br />
Best evidence of success is that it takes<br />
five full-time employes to take care of the<br />
steady stream of customers. Mrs. Marjorie<br />
Forehand is manager. The Rialto Theatre<br />
IS one of Hall Industries' chain, of which<br />
Sydney Hall is in charge.<br />
Photos, courtesy Jake Trussell, Kingsville Record.<br />
The Rialto Theatre in Kingsville, Tex., hod only o meager concessions setup consisting of a popcorn<br />
machine and a candy vending machine, but Manager Hugh Cain had the vision and industry to convert an<br />
adjoining empty storeroom into a full-time restaurant and concessions operation. Note the attractive brick<br />
front and the neon "Candy Cains" sign, and also how the theatre marquee has been extended to encompass<br />
the restaurant. Provision was also made for the display case to feature the current picture. Some of<br />
the ten double booths may be seen through the door, and there are also ten seats at the counter.<br />
^<br />
I o THE THEATREMAN seeking to make<br />
a full-time operation out of his business,<br />
there is no better example than the recent<br />
innovation at the Rialto Theatre in Kingsville.<br />
Tex.<br />
Candy Cains Snack Bar is a gleam-inthe-eye<br />
of Hugh Cain come true. A vision<br />
of blended soft colors and stainless steel<br />
that emerged out of a nine-foot-nine-anda-half-inch<br />
by 60-foot empty storeroom<br />
adjoining the Rialto.<br />
A $15,000 INVESTMENT<br />
Replacing a concessions of only "popcornmachine<br />
- in - front - and - candy - vending-machine-in-lobby,"<br />
the theatre now<br />
boasts a swank restaurant worth about<br />
$15,000 with custom-made fixtures, and a<br />
complete electrical kitchen for all to see.<br />
There are ten double booths, and ten<br />
seats at the counter. Altogether 50 customers<br />
can be seated. The booths are two<br />
inches shorter than standard, leaving a<br />
30-inch aisle through the center of the<br />
narrow room.<br />
Candy Cains is open for business to<br />
those entering from the street side for 17<br />
hours a day—6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Breakfast,<br />
lunch, dinner—or p>opcorn and a Coke<br />
14<br />
JiPi I<br />
Hugh Cain is shown here at the concessions counter at the rear of the restaurant which opens into th<br />
theatre lobby. Behind him, along the wall, the gleaming electric kitchen may be seen and in front, th<br />
counter with stools for ten persons. The bar at the rear of the restaurant not only serves the theatr<br />
patrons but, of course, prevents anyone from entering the theatre through the restaurant.<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTIOl
. Sod«rn«tt«r<br />
. . «nd<br />
'<br />
Some Merchandising<br />
Tricks<br />
That Sold More Candy Bars<br />
Of a Specific Name Brand<br />
Wtiat are siiinc of Uir bol nu'ii-luuidisiim<br />
iricks theatre eonccssionalres can use to<br />
.stU more candy bars? Specifically, how<br />
i-an they best sell more of a particular<br />
brand?<br />
The Williamson Candy Co.. maker of Oh<br />
Henry! bars, wanted to find out. and held<br />
a four-month contest amont; its dealers<br />
with $5,000 in cash prizes awarded for the<br />
best ideas. Some of the most effective are<br />
given below.<br />
One contestant from Ohio wrote that he<br />
affixes a theatre pass to the bottom of an<br />
occasional Oh Henry! candy bar wrapper.<br />
He then places a display card on the candy<br />
counter telling customers that whoever purchases<br />
one of the lucky bars will receive a<br />
free ticket to the theatre. He commented<br />
that this has caused a lot of comment and<br />
txcitement around the candy counter and<br />
has brought additional traffic to the candy<br />
department.<br />
.so that he could bo sure ihf buii had boon<br />
bouKht in hl.s tlieulre, but uppuifnHy nome<br />
method of liandllnR thl.s, such us n dlntinctivp<br />
rubber .stamp, was .sel up.<br />
Another theatre mnnnKcr .siimulnled<br />
hl.i<br />
candy sjiles In Kcncral, and his oh Henry!<br />
sales In particular, by occa.iloiuilly culllnK<br />
up Oh Henry! candy burs Into .small plecen<br />
and placlnR these pieces In u dish on top<br />
of his candy counter . . . invltlni* customers<br />
to help themselves to samples.<br />
One contestant Increased .sales by putting<br />
extra Oh Henry! bars In each Oh<br />
Henry! column of vendinK machines, adding<br />
a sign reading: "Take a chance, you<br />
may get two!"<br />
Another entry said that she increased<br />
sales of the bar by displaying Oh Henry'<br />
prominently and recommendlni: it lus ilubc.nl<br />
chocolulr-covrriHl candy in !;<br />
weiithrr nUo a.s nulrltiouM und enpri!'.<br />
bullfl.i.<br />
hen.<br />
Ci-; birthduy oa Oh Hem<br />
•.<br />
day, A.. .. i.'i V ..•->•••»". ciirrylnv ui.<br />
extra column of<br />
ir, incrniM-'!<br />
Miles for anolhei<br />
><br />
Mont of ihr other idriLH nubmlttcd iv.<br />
follcx In thp thfiilrc bimlnei' were fllhthat<br />
they arc olwuy.s In hIjkR and on diplay.<br />
The bur In no well lutown that it<br />
does .Hcll steadily wherever U U dUplayed<br />
If the carpel Is to function nx the fociil<br />
poini In a .severely plain archltectunii<br />
MASS DISPLAYS UP SALES<br />
Another entry, this one from Colorado.<br />
wrote that she makes a mass display of<br />
Oh Henry! bars on top of her candy case<br />
from time to time. This large display<br />
seems to attract attention to the concessions,<br />
with a resulting increase in sales.<br />
One girl wrote that she had made a<br />
corsage of Oh Henry!<br />
i<br />
candy bars probably<br />
i<br />
taped together with Scotch tape and wore<br />
this corsage for a few days while she was<br />
behind the concessions bar. When customers<br />
commented on the unusual corsage<br />
she invited them to buy and enjoy Oh<br />
Hem-y! candy bars.<br />
Several contestants said that they increase<br />
sales on the well-known bar by using<br />
Oh Henry! decals on the candy case or<br />
near the candy department.<br />
One theatre manager wrote that he had<br />
a contest from time to time in which he<br />
gave theatre tickets to the youngsters who<br />
brought in the most Oh Henry! wrappers<br />
from bars purchased in his theatre. He did<br />
not explain how he marked the wrappers<br />
SODAMASTER BEVERAGE DISPENSING EQUIPMENT<br />
. , , . the star of any refreshment bar<br />
,<br />
• To biq if*T% b*nc«t<br />
finqar ditptnitt loH drinhi f«st«r thjn jny olh«r rr^vtrKxt p«4l<br />
Juit A flick of •<br />
flow of crowds handltd filter «nd %4iimt. Scd«m«it«r qi/«r«nf««t low«r b«v»'4g«<br />
coitt rvqardltii of your pr*t*nt mattiodi bookh*«p«rt in mora and mor«<br />
Ihtatari. outdoor and indoor. «r« «w«rd!ng th« Profit Otcar to Sodamaitar<br />
VARIETY OF REASONS SODAMASTER A SMASH HIT<br />
•qu«l or<br />
hiqttff<br />
• As mgch «l tS7. M'inqt on baffled floort. tt% Mvlngi on club H>da<br />
• A «ty of tUvofi. lnlt
Huge cones of spun sugar are popular with the kiddies who attend the Cinema Park Drive-ln Theatre,<br />
Calgary, Alberta. Manager K. A. McGregor sells the cones lor ten cents, although traveling fairs that<br />
come to town charge 15 cents. "We have to look for repeat business," he says, "and the profit is<br />
still about 94 per cent"<br />
CANDY FLOSS, AN OLD CIRCUS ITEM,<br />
SPINS HIGH PROFITS FOR DRIVE-IN<br />
Looking for a high profit item<br />
with plenty of appeal for the kiddies, Mr.<br />
Drive-In Exhibitor?<br />
Consider then, the 10,000 cones of candy<br />
floss sold during the 1954 season, the first<br />
year the item was offered, at the Cinema<br />
Park Drive-In Theatre, Calgary, Alberta.<br />
The cones sell for 10 cents and the percentage<br />
of profit is about 94 per cent, excluding<br />
labor. The tremendous number of<br />
cones was sold during the April to November<br />
.season the drive-in operates which included<br />
two months of .snow with rain most<br />
of the remaining time.<br />
The reason labor is not taken into the<br />
cost and profit picture is because the girl<br />
who works the floss machine also works at<br />
other jobs. She can get the machine ready<br />
to go in about ten minutes, and when she<br />
is not .selling floss she is selling other items<br />
in the concessions bar.<br />
To set up in business, K. A. McGregor,<br />
manager of the 1,102-seat Cinema Park,<br />
bought a Whirlwind candy floss machine<br />
for $250.<br />
"At first the operation of the machine<br />
had me worried," McGregor says, "but<br />
after a week's run this was all changed.<br />
I brought in a girl who was experienced<br />
in this field to train my other girls, and in<br />
no time all my girls were handling the<br />
machine like veterans.<br />
16<br />
"A fair set of directions came with the<br />
machine and it takes very little time to get<br />
it ready. We mix our sugar with the flossine<br />
flavors well in advance, and then it<br />
is simply a matter of putting the flavored<br />
sugar into the machine and waiting for<br />
the unit to heat up.<br />
"Of course you can make the floss cones<br />
only so fast and it is impossible to stack<br />
This is part of the<br />
extensive playground,<br />
which includes a<br />
miniature train, at<br />
the Cinema Park<br />
The concessions<br />
stand shown above<br />
is located in the<br />
playground area and<br />
is supplementary to<br />
the larger one in the<br />
theatre proper. Most<br />
of the candy floss<br />
cones arc sold to<br />
the children who<br />
come early to enjoy<br />
the playground be<br />
lore showtime, which<br />
is late in Canada.<br />
them. We find that we can stack approximately<br />
ten to 20 at a time, but they<br />
will fall flat if left for any length of time,<br />
and if it is damp they cannot be stacked<br />
at all. The dampness turns the spun syrup<br />
back in sugar. They really look sick when<br />
this happens.<br />
"When we have an intermission when we<br />
know there will be a lot of kiddie traffic<br />
we leave one girl on the machine and the<br />
rest of the girls put their orders in to her.<br />
or else she makes them continuously, setting<br />
them up on a specially made rack from<br />
which the other girls can get them as<br />
needed. One girl cannot make them and<br />
sell them during an intermission if you are<br />
selling any quantity at all."<br />
SELL MOST BEFORE SHOW<br />
Actually, McGregor says, the candy floss<br />
sells best before showtime, since it is not<br />
possible to get on the screen very early in<br />
Calgary: further, since it is strictly a kiddie<br />
item, the best sales are made during<br />
the months that school is out.<br />
McGregor recommends purchasing the<br />
paper cones already made up until the<br />
candy floss operation gets rolling. Later<br />
the concessions girls can learn to make<br />
them with paper already cut out.<br />
There is only one problem with candy<br />
floss and that is the sticky film that rises<br />
to the ceiling of the concessions stand.<br />
However, McGregor has licked this by having<br />
a small, supplementary snack bar in<br />
his elaborate playground called "Parky's<br />
Midway."<br />
"I have found," he says, "the best thing<br />
to do is to place the unit in a corner where<br />
the wind will not blow the film out over<br />
the rest of the counter, and you just have<br />
to clean up every so often. I might mention,<br />
too, that the girls working this machine<br />
will get covered from head to foot<br />
at the start, but as time goes on they just<br />
get covered from the waist up!<br />
"All kidding aside, this is the messy part<br />
of the business, but the kids sure go for it!"<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
. . and<br />
Big Fall Popcorn Promotion<br />
Backed by Coordinated Plan<br />
Of National<br />
Advertising<br />
Already at an all-Iimc hit;h as a profit<br />
Item for theatre concessions operators,<br />
popcorn IS heuded for still greater sales<br />
records as the third annual fall popcorn<br />
promotion is launched on nationwide scale<br />
October 1. The Popcorn Institute, from its<br />
offices at 322 South Michigan Ave., Chicaso.<br />
111., will coordinate advertising and<br />
promotion campaigns of many of the country's<br />
leading food and beverage manufacturers<br />
and trade associations related to<br />
popcorn.<br />
Enthusiastic consumer acceptance for<br />
the promotion is foreseen by William E.<br />
Smith, executive director of the Institute.<br />
Smith says popcorn is popular bccau.se it is<br />
an exceedingly wholesome and nutritious<br />
food, delicious to taste, and yet priced well<br />
within the most modest budget.<br />
tlou. So lire related rood .mcl bcvcriiKi'<br />
manufacturers. IncludlnK a newcomer to<br />
this year's promotion— the Coca-Cola Co.<br />
Almlnft a double-barreled prumotlon to<br />
grocery and theatre trade, Cocn-Colu will<br />
have Eddie Pi.sher sing the prnlses of popcorn<br />
and Coke on his top-nitod television<br />
show. Coca-Cola also Is releiislnK eyeappealing,<br />
hard-selling combination Coca-<br />
Cola and popcorn point-of-purchnse materials,<br />
cut-out Inserts, all lithographed<br />
and in full color, featuring two family<br />
favorites that go together— popcorn and<br />
Coca-Cola.<br />
Morton Salt will boost the popcorn promotion<br />
on 3.000 billboards in 582 markeUs.<br />
Wesson Oil, Brer Rjibblt Molasses and the<br />
Can Manufacturers Institute are other<br />
leaders in the popcorn promotion who have<br />
bi.uglii c'xtrnjtivp Hpnce In nationiil r<br />
/me^ and lime for radio and 1
. . real<br />
Drive-In Food Counter Dps Sales-Per-Person MORE PATRONS CHOOSE DIME BAR<br />
Continued from page 13<br />
BLUMENTHAL'S GOOBERS: Blumenthal Bros. Chocolate<br />
Co., Philadelphia, Pa.<br />
Coated peanuts,<br />
BLUMENTHAL'S RAISINETS: Blumenthal Bros.<br />
Chocolate Co., Philadelphia, Pa.<br />
Coated raisins.<br />
VAN HOUTEN MILK: C. J. Van Houten & Zoon,<br />
Inc., New York, N. Y.<br />
Milk chocolate bar.<br />
This is the new ServeORomic drive-in theatre concessions stand which is composed of units which<br />
may be bolted together in any shape or combination.<br />
Concession sales have been boosted five<br />
cents per customer at locations testing<br />
Manley's new Serve-O-Ramic drive-in<br />
theatre concession stand, according to the<br />
manufacturer's reports. Designed exclusively<br />
for drive-in theatres, it consists<br />
Avoid Strong Cleaners<br />
There has been an increasing tendency<br />
shown to learn more about the chemical<br />
nature of the materials used to clean<br />
floors. One of the most important chemical<br />
characteristics of a cleaner is it pH<br />
value, which is a measure of the relative<br />
of a prefabricated, cafeteria-style steel<br />
counter with sections ranging from two to<br />
20 feet in length. These units may be<br />
bolted together in any shape or combination<br />
to fit a theatre's individual space requirements.<br />
The counter features built-in<br />
food warmers and drink coolers, and table<br />
height of the counter displays food to<br />
maximum advantage. Rear loading makes<br />
stock maintenance easy. At test locations<br />
the Manley counter is said to have cut<br />
cafeteria payroll by about half and promoted<br />
faster traffic flow. The stand will<br />
be shown at the upcoming tradeshows.<br />
acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The<br />
question often arises as to whether or not<br />
a cleaner is a "neutral" cleaner. It has<br />
been shown that the only absolutely neutral<br />
solution is distilled water. Strang<br />
alkalies, as well as strong acids, are very<br />
destructive to floors and other surfaces.<br />
DUNCAN'S CAROLS: International Foods Dist.,<br />
Montreal, Canada.<br />
Caramel chocolate roll.<br />
FARLEY'S CELLO BAGS: Farley Manufacturing Co.,<br />
Skokie, III.<br />
Line of different candies in cello bogs.<br />
(30) Tie<br />
NECCO FRUIT TREATS: New England Confectionery<br />
Co., Cambridge, Moss.<br />
HOLLYWOOD MILK SHAKE: Hollywood Candy Co.,<br />
Centralia, III.<br />
Malted milk and coating.<br />
CHARM CLUSTERS: Charms Co.,<br />
Stick suckers in assorted flavors.<br />
Asbury Park, N.J.<br />
EUCLID'S FULL OF ALMONDS: Euclid Candy Co.,<br />
San Francisco, Calif.<br />
GOOD AND PLENTY: Quaker City Chocolote and<br />
Confectionery Co., Philadelphia, Pa.<br />
Candy coated licorice,<br />
MOUNTAIN BAR: Brown & Haley, Tacomo, Wash.<br />
Cream center, coating and chopped peanuts.<br />
2 PROVEN PROFIT-MAKERS<br />
FOR BOTH INDOOR and OUTDOOR THEATRES<br />
4c Extra Profit On Each Hot Dog!<br />
$90 Profit On A Single Case!<br />
GENUINE READY-TO-SERVE CHILI SAUCE WITH MEAT<br />
• With this topping, which costs only a fraction of a cent, you can easily<br />
sell Hot Dogs tor five cents more— EXTRA PROFIT of 4c each!<br />
•Costs less than catsup or pickle relish, actually less than mustard!<br />
• Plenty of meat, ground very tine .<br />
Chili Beans, crushed to protect<br />
GENUINE BARBECUED PORK OR BEEF FOR SANDWICHES<br />
As much as $90 on a single case! And no waste or<br />
FAST throw-away! Open cons os needed.<br />
PROFITS! 29 oz. can makes 20 sandwiches<br />
No. 10 can makes 72 sandwiches<br />
customer's clothes!<br />
• Variety of servings: "Chili Burgers"; over meat loaf; as spaghetti sauce;<br />
on leftover meets. Makes regular Chili Con Carnc; just add beans!<br />
29 oz. Can serves over 50 Hot Dogs<br />
No. 10 Can serves over 200 Hot Dogs<br />
Box 1010<br />
Castleberry's<br />
•""j' Take advantage of rush periods and fast turnover'<br />
PREPARATION'<br />
Serve in seconds— much faster than hamburgers. Always<br />
FAST<br />
ready to serve!<br />
Brings repeat business, because it's genuine barbecue,<br />
SALES! actually cooked over smoldering wood coals!<br />
Packed 24/29 oz. cans to case; 6 No. 10 cans to case<br />
Food Company<br />
¥AMO\JS FOR OVER HALF A CENTURY<br />
Augusta, Ga.<br />
18 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
'<br />
• iL*BLE<br />
. . Top<br />
A Theatre Beverage Tie-in<br />
A. B. Anderson of the Pontioc Theatre, Saranac<br />
Lake, N. Y , promoted a Cott beverage giveaway in<br />
which every child attending a Saturday matinee<br />
received a free can, courtesy of the local distributors.<br />
In return, Anderson set up a display case in<br />
his theatre lobby, advertising the Cott line.<br />
Decals to Promote Candy<br />
As a Delicious Food<br />
Small dL'cals lor candy counters and<br />
..:L;er decals for candy industry trucks<br />
being distributed by the National Candy<br />
i.esalers Ass'n, Inc. to stimulate public<br />
:est in its national "red heart" drive<br />
joost candy consumption.<br />
The red heart decal features the slogan,<br />
-aidy Is Delicious Food, Enjoy Some<br />
try Day." Decals designed for theatre<br />
incession stands are four inches in diamter.<br />
while the decals for trucks and other<br />
ehicles are 12 inches in diameter.<br />
A minimum number of each size was<br />
urnishcd free of charge to members by<br />
he NCWA. in cooperation with the Nalonal<br />
Confectioners' Ass'n which contribited<br />
initially up to 50,000 small decals for<br />
ise at retail outlets. NCWA also hopeilace<br />
decals on 50,000 of the indusi:<br />
.>'ks.<br />
railers Promote Bottled Drinks<br />
.<br />
Cartoon variety trailers are being u .;<br />
y United Cahfornia Theatres to promoii<br />
3ft drinks in bottles as intermission n -<br />
reshers at their concessions stands. UCl'.<br />
jhlch owns 125 theatres in northern CalliJrnia<br />
and services many more, runs the<br />
irtoons just before the refreshment break,<br />
tiling attention to the kind of bottled<br />
avors available.<br />
THE BALANCED LINE<br />
OF "BEST SELLERS<br />
These famous bars, plus Smoolh Sailin', make up o bolanced line of<br />
10c bars ttiat can't be beat. Sales everywhere are zooming! And we<br />
supply powerful sales helps with TV advertising in most<br />
metropolitan markets. Stock up now end boost your "toke"<br />
with this famous line. These bars are also ovoiloble in 5c sizes which<br />
occompony the big leaders .<br />
Star, Big Time and Hollywood.<br />
HOLLYWOOD CANDY DIV.<br />
HOLLYWOOD BRANDS. INC. - CENTRALIA ILL<br />
A<br />
INCREASES YOUR BUSir. ES:, PECAUSf IT<br />
Mates popooru Away^ befter!<br />
5|C Adds delicious buttery flavor<br />
ijC Brings out all the natural goodness of the corn<br />
jl^ Gives popcorn an appctiiing butter-like<br />
1 appearance<br />
ippearance<br />
nd intensifies all<br />
\ ^ Accentuates ant<br />
*\ ' wnndorfiil fl.i .Ivors<br />
these<br />
AT Alt GOOD POPCORN SuPPlt DLALERS<br />
The Savorol Co./ Popcorn BIdg , Ni^hviilc. Tcnn.<br />
3XOFFICE October 1. 1955 19
i<br />
DOUGHNUTS: a Hole in One<br />
For the Concessions Dollar at Drive-in<br />
Cellophane-Pack Doughnuts<br />
Turn a 10c Coffee Purchase<br />
Into 25c Sale for Extra Net<br />
Doughnuts wrapped in cellophane<br />
packages are purchased from doughnut<br />
operators for resale in the drive-in theatre<br />
concessions operated by Theatre<br />
Candy Co., Inc.<br />
"It is my understanding, from capable<br />
operators in the doughnut business,<br />
that a doughnut should cost to<br />
make without labor, two cents," says Phil<br />
Lowe, head of the organization. "We<br />
are buying doughnuts wrapped in cellophane<br />
packages, packed two to a package,<br />
at 38 cents a dozen, delivered daily<br />
Doughnuts made right in the concessions stand at the Trail Driye-ln Theatre, Houston, Tex., sell from 500<br />
dozen a week in summer to 1,200 dozen a week in winter. Jack Farr, owner, helps produce these fantastic<br />
soles by ventilating the tantilizing odor out into the parking lot during screenings and cutting off the vent<br />
so the odor drifts around inside the snack bar during intermissions.<br />
When Jack Farr, Trail Drive-In Theatre,<br />
Houston, Tex., wrote to the Donut<br />
Corp. of America in New York about its<br />
$1,100 automatic doughnut machine he was<br />
advised by them that a doughnut operation<br />
such as he had in mind would be doomed to<br />
failure. But Farr bought the machine and<br />
proved them wrong.<br />
SET OFF BY ITSELF<br />
He set the machine off to one side in the<br />
concessions stand, so that it is operated<br />
separately from everything else. It automatically<br />
forms the doughnuts, which drop<br />
into grease which is automatically controlled<br />
at a temperature of 375". He uses<br />
fresh Pillsbury doughnut mix, from which<br />
is made plain doughnuts which are sold at<br />
50 cents a dozen, and sugared, chocolate<br />
and vanilla doughnuts which bring 60<br />
cents a dozen. Any doughnuts that are<br />
left over from the night before are iced<br />
and sold at the premium price the next<br />
night.<br />
The only special merchandising method<br />
used at Trail Drive-In. according to Farr.<br />
is to see that the odor of the doughnuts<br />
gets around to the right places at the right<br />
times. During the showing of films they<br />
ventilate the odor out into the parking lot.<br />
During intermission they cut off the vent<br />
so that the odor drifts around inside the<br />
.snack bar.<br />
In the summer the estimate of sales Is<br />
about 500 dozen a week. In winter that<br />
20<br />
shoots up to around 1,200 dozen a week.<br />
Sixty-five per cent of the doughnut business<br />
at the Trail is the take-home sort<br />
people buying a dozen or two after the<br />
show to have for breakfast the next morning.<br />
Single sales for the coffee-and, to be<br />
consumed on the premises, are five cents<br />
a doughnut for any kind.<br />
"Of all business in the snack bar," Farr<br />
said, "the doughnut business is the cleanest,<br />
the most profitable and the most appreciated—especially<br />
by the mothers of young<br />
children."<br />
COST: NINE CENTS A DOZEN<br />
More profitable than popcorn? we wanted<br />
to know. The answer was a most positive<br />
yes. Cost of the doughnuts to the Trail is<br />
nine cents a dozen!<br />
Farr points out two things in the way of<br />
warnings. "Hand-operated equipment is<br />
not to be compared to this completely automatic<br />
kind." It would be a nightmare in a<br />
drive-in, he believes. Also lie feels that<br />
such an operation would only be profitable<br />
in a drive-in theatre of 500 cars or more.<br />
The Trail is a 960-car situation catering<br />
to the family trade.<br />
The Trail Drive-In Theatre in Houston<br />
was the first one in tlie country to go into<br />
the doughnut business. But it isn't the last.<br />
A recent letter from the Donut Corp.<br />
of America informed Farr that there now<br />
are 1,200 drive-ins using "operation-doughnut."<br />
SELL TWO FOR 15 CENTS<br />
"This is a hand-cut doughnut, either<br />
plain, sugared or jelly. We sell this<br />
package of doughnuts for 15 cents which<br />
gives us a food cost of around 43 per<br />
cent. Although this is shghtly higher<br />
than our average food cost and although<br />
we could buy doughnuts cheaper, doughnuts<br />
are sold in our theatres on a suggestion<br />
basis. If a patron goes through one<br />
of our cafeteria lines and purchases only<br />
coffee, as happens quite often, in the<br />
fall and early spring, we always suggest<br />
doughnuts to him and turn a ten-cent<br />
sale into a 25-cent sale. We feel that we<br />
have made an extra nine cents net on<br />
him."<br />
GOOD SALES IN COOL MONTHS<br />
No screen trailers or special promo<br />
tions are used to push doughnuts yet<br />
Lowe reports that from September 15<br />
to April 15 they can do $200 a week on<br />
this item in any kind of a good theatre<br />
"Our operation in general has beer<br />
not to try to figure out what item hurt,><br />
what other item, but rather to look a(<br />
the over-all picture of gross sales anc<br />
food cost. Gross sales of over 40 cent:<br />
per person for 60-day periods are nor<br />
mal,<br />
' says Lowe. "We are satisfied, bu.<br />
not stagnant."<br />
•<br />
Special Trade Colors Now Available<br />
For Automatic Drink Dispensers<br />
Automatic cup druik dispensers in Coc<br />
Cola red, Pepsi-Cola blue and Nehi yell<br />
are now available to theatres accordi<br />
to announcement made by Cole ProduiS<br />
Corp. The special colors for the d-<br />
pensers have a slight additional cost on<br />
the firm's Cole-Spa Special line, for vvhi.i<br />
the standard color combination of marcii<br />
and gray has been adopted. This line<br />
eludes one. three and four-drink sellion<br />
machines, serving carbonated and n( -<br />
carbonated drinks. Illuminated dispJ'<br />
accessories for lobby or drive-in concisions<br />
vending are also available.<br />
There is no better advertising for a prluct<br />
than the product Itself.<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECnN
WHAT'S POPPIN?<br />
Greater Sales . .<br />
Greater Profits<br />
WITH THE NEW MANLEY<br />
:«<br />
VistapOR<br />
The New Manley VistaPop popcorn mahine<br />
— the only really new machine in<br />
/ears — is popping out greater sales and<br />
srofits for theatre concessions all across<br />
he country.<br />
And, no wonder concession sales are<br />
jp! The all-new VistaPop kettle with the<br />
rxclusive see-through feature is a big atraction<br />
with theatre goers. They can<br />
ctually see the popcorn as it bursts into<br />
nouth-watering goodness. All it takes is<br />
ne look, and they buy!<br />
The Manley VistaPop is winning the<br />
raises of concession operators, too. Never<br />
•efore has it been possible to obtain such<br />
jrrific profits thanks to Controlled Volume<br />
nd Controlled Quality. Get the top profit<br />
n every pound of corn you pop! You<br />
an with the new VistaPop!<br />
alk with your Manley man
.'<br />
The shining Ititchen in the remodeled snack bar at the Shepherd Drive-ln Theatre, Houston, Tex., shown<br />
at the right, boasts a hamburger grill and three deep fryers as well as two hun warmers, two frankfurter<br />
heaters, two chili warmers and a 48-cup coffee maker. At the left the beverage machines may be<br />
seen as well as the neat installation of an ice-making machine behind the counter. Left to right behind<br />
the counter ore David Simpson, concessions manager, porter Ruby Beck, waitress Brendo Irving, Assistant<br />
Manager John Boosey, waitress Ruby Potter In front of the counter, center, are officer B. B. Howard and<br />
Manager Carl Sheffield.<br />
50% INCREASE IN CONCESSIONS SALES<br />
FOLLOWS 50% INCREASE IN SPACE<br />
New Equipment and Redecorafion Also a Factor<br />
B/ IDA VANDIVIER<br />
ifK MAJOR OPERATION has been going<br />
on at the Shepherd Diive-In Theatre's concessions<br />
building. Houston, Tex. We have<br />
no "before" picture to prove it. but according<br />
to Manager Carl Sheffield, there<br />
just wasn't much of anything there at all.<br />
The original building, which at an approximate<br />
26x32 feet, was about comparable to<br />
the .size of the restrooms building.<br />
On a four-foot lower level than the restrooms,<br />
the little stand was entered on the<br />
southwest at the foot of narrow, straightdown<br />
steps. The exit on the north was<br />
more of the same. A drab little kitchen hid<br />
itself in the southeast corner. The counter<br />
stretched about the center area running<br />
north-south and a small gate at the north<br />
end of the counter opened into the customers'<br />
side. There was no other door—no<br />
storage space. Such things as could be<br />
stored were kept In the screen tower. The<br />
.scant equipment was worn and outdated.<br />
Two months ago 50 per cent more space<br />
was added on the north, the old north wall<br />
being torn out. A storage room, in which<br />
there is a new ten-foot freezer, occupies<br />
the northeast end. A new kitchen, with a<br />
double .sink with Masonite tops, and a back<br />
door come next. The .space where the old<br />
kitchen was holds a glistening stainless<br />
steel backbar with stainless steel-covered<br />
walls on either side and a bright red Marlite<br />
panel in between. Instead of being<br />
hidden, as was the old kitchen, the bar<br />
shows off its shining 36-inch Starmaster<br />
hamburger grill and three deep fryers—one<br />
Starmaster and two Hotpoints.<br />
Other new equipment includes two bun<br />
warmers and two frankfurter heaterwarmers,<br />
both Starmasters; a West Bend<br />
48-cup coffee maker; two Nesco chili<br />
warmers; an orange drink dispenser and<br />
a snow-cone machine; a Cretors popcorn<br />
popper; a stainless steel and glass popcorn<br />
warmer, and a Scotsman automatic ice<br />
machine which makes 1,000 pounds of<br />
flaked ice per day. It can be seen in the<br />
center of the piioto under the "Hot Coffee<br />
10c" sign.<br />
Strictly new. is all lighting, much of it<br />
fluorescent. Four electric heaters have<br />
been installed. Four speakers are ready to<br />
All equipment installation was done<br />
go in.<br />
by Benson and Co.<br />
The serving counters are of bright red<br />
Marliie with stainless steel tops. The<br />
backbar behind the wider counter is of<br />
plywood, with sliding doors, and stainless<br />
steel top. The floor is asphalt tile in alternating<br />
green and cream marbleized blocks.<br />
The ceiling and three upper walls are a<br />
pale green that blends nicely with the<br />
darker red of the lower three walls. Adding<br />
real zip is the wall section behind the wide<br />
counter, which is painted in four-inch wide<br />
alternating bright-red and white stripes.<br />
To top off the 50 per cent increase in<br />
pace, the fine new equipment, and the gay<br />
coloring of the interior— all of which have<br />
hslped the management realize a good 50<br />
per cent increase in business in the past<br />
two months—the waitresses have discarded<br />
their usual blue uniforms and been newly<br />
outfitted in smart pink ones!<br />
100 CHAIRS ON PATIO<br />
On the outside of the concessions building<br />
was added an approximate 50x75-foot<br />
patio, in which are 100 snack bar chairs,<br />
and six speakers. The patio extends the<br />
full length of the concessions building, extending<br />
across to the restrooms on the west<br />
and along its entire length on the north.<br />
The entrance is now through double doors<br />
on the north of the building, reached by<br />
new concrete steps from east or west, and<br />
with attractive safety railings. A new<br />
double-door exit, leads up new steps from<br />
the center-west of the concessions building<br />
into the patio. The old entrance on<br />
the south is now the exit into the lot. It<br />
also has new two-way steps to accommodate<br />
more people, safely and comfortably,<br />
While the concessions area has had the<br />
greatest renovating, it is not all the im-j<br />
provement at Shepherd Drive-In. Wide<br />
screen and CinemaScope have been installed.<br />
A new Todd fogging machine haf<br />
replaced the old one. Two Mighty 90 projectors<br />
are in the booth—from Sterlinf<br />
Sales in Dallas. And finally, the galvanl<br />
ized fence surrounding this 500-car theatrt<br />
has been painted with aluminum pain]|<br />
which makes it look exactly new!<br />
Chewing Gum a Dental Aid<br />
Chewmg !4um slows down acid formatioi<br />
by 36 per cent, stimulates the saliva am<br />
helps clear the mouth of sugar thus re<br />
ducing tooth decay, according to Drs. A. ./<br />
Yurkstas and W. Emerson of Tufts Colleg<br />
Dental School. Boston. According to a rej<br />
cent report in Candy Industry the profes<br />
sors tested three brands of gum on 4<br />
volunteer chewers and came up with th<br />
observation that "... to Imply that a<br />
sugar-containing foods are dangerous<br />
[<br />
not in keeping with the results of scientlfj<br />
'<br />
researches."<br />
22<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTIC<br />
i
Vanishing American<br />
His chairs were old-fashioned, patrons said<br />
But Bixby Bristlelip didn't care.<br />
So slowly his house sank into the red,<br />
And Bixby vanished — who knows where!<br />
Grandfathers rhairs helped park 'em in for<br />
"The Great Train Rohbery." Years and<br />
years reeled hy. Bixby eventually inherited<br />
the manager's office. If the chairs were pood<br />
enough for Grandpa, they were plenty good<br />
enough for him. Besides, new rhairs rost a<br />
lot<br />
of perfectly good money. What became<br />
of Bixby? Left town 'way back when they<br />
changed his house into a skating rink!<br />
GRIGGS "PUSH-BACK"* THEATRE<br />
CHAIRS FROM RCA would've saved<br />
Hixby. Patrons just sliilc bark as others<br />
enter or leave. Retraction atays<br />
smooth, too. See your independent<br />
RCA Theatre Suppiv Dealer about a<br />
smarl-looking"Push-Bark" installation.<br />
Griggs "Push-Bark" ('hairs from RCA<br />
. . . get 'em in your house! Very soon!<br />
llii line Ihil iuilii Lines llwH lOUI^MINT<br />
i<br />
il four toI 01 1ice<br />
wmmni'iw<br />
(^!9i\<br />
RADIO CORPORATION of AMtRICA<br />
• •<br />
Do<br />
Third of a New Series<br />
PROJECTOR MAINTENANCE<br />
AND SERVICING GUIDE<br />
3. Care of Cenfury Mechanisms<br />
By WESLEY TROUT<br />
, ^ iKi<br />
V inemaScope<br />
AND wiDEscREEN presentation<br />
requires<br />
more exacting stand-<br />
^"^^ °^ perfection ret^''<br />
^<br />
-M lating to the projec-<br />
Hh JJH tion of motion pic-<br />
W' ~ '^^^ turos. One can read-<br />
' "^^^^ ily comprehend if the<br />
projected picture is 20<br />
feet wide and then increased<br />
to 40 feet in<br />
Wesley Trout<br />
width, any flaw in the<br />
projected picture will be immediately<br />
noticeable to the eye, particularly any sidesway<br />
or jump in the picture.<br />
Manufacturers of projectors have kept<br />
pace with these requirements: a rocksteady<br />
picture without unnecessary side<br />
motion. This has been accomplished by<br />
CCKTURY PROJCCTOR MECHANISM<br />
OPCRATINO SIDE<br />
This diagram shows the operating side of the<br />
Century projector mechanism, presenting a clear<br />
picture of all the working parts Note, first, how<br />
the film is threaded in the mechanism for perfeet<br />
operation. (7) is the rear shutter and guard;<br />
C23J are the film guide rollers which should be<br />
adjusted as per instructions; (14) is the removable<br />
aperture plate; (8) oil cup for end bearing of<br />
starwheel shaft; (3 and 4) tension adjusting for<br />
shoes. In the article you will find data pertaining<br />
to the numbers in this illustration, giving complete<br />
instructions on replacement and adjustment of the<br />
most important parts.<br />
double tension shoes, longer tension shoes<br />
holding the film absolutely steady and flat<br />
over the aperture, improved lateral guide<br />
rollers and guide clear down to the intermittent<br />
sprocket, and intermittent tension<br />
shoe assembly. The importance of keeping<br />
all these parts carefully adjusted and clean<br />
should be understandable. Also, keep the<br />
intermittent sprocket teeth free of any<br />
accumulation of dirt and emulsion deposits.<br />
The prompt replacement of worn parts is<br />
a "must" if better projection is desired.<br />
The Century projector mechanisms have<br />
kept pace with modern requirements. The<br />
Model C, single shutter, and Model CC,<br />
double shutter; standard and water-cooled<br />
mechanisms will meet the highest standards<br />
of modern projection in the conventional<br />
theatre and drive-in theatre. They<br />
are modern in design with many exclusive<br />
features for excellent performance and long<br />
life. With proper maintenance, the projectors<br />
will give years of service with only<br />
CEmURY PROJECTOR MECHANISM<br />
DRIVING<br />
riQURE 2<br />
SIOE<br />
The drive side of the Century projector. This<br />
illustration also presents a very good picture of the<br />
location of the various parts. If you have occasion<br />
to remove any of the parts, this illustration<br />
will help you in reassembling them in their proper<br />
location. In this article you will find instructions<br />
on adjusting, disassembling and re-assembling these<br />
parts If the procedure set forth in this article is<br />
carefully followed, you should have no trouble in<br />
making any adjustment or replacement of components.<br />
When cleaning projector mechanism with<br />
cleaning fluid, do not wash the ball bearings in<br />
any fluid except projector oil.<br />
The Century intermittent movement is very rugged<br />
in construction, will give long service without parts<br />
replacement; all intermittent parts are hardened<br />
for longer wear. It can be removed in a few minutes<br />
from the mechanism for any parts replacement.<br />
The exposed view of the cam and starwheel gives<br />
you a picture of the simplicity of the movement,<br />
the few parts needed for its quiet operation. In<br />
the article you will find data covering the parts<br />
numbered in this illustration. The movement is<br />
very easy to adjust, replacement of intermittent<br />
sprocket, cam or starwheel is a very simple procedure<br />
and can be done by the projectionist. However,<br />
when the movement requires a complete rebuilding<br />
job, it should be sent in to your authorized dealer<br />
and he will supply you with a leaner. A spare<br />
movement should always be kept on hand for emergency<br />
as this is the "heart" of your projector.<br />
absolute minimum of care and adjustment,<br />
and will run years before any replacement<br />
of parts will be necessary. Field inspections<br />
of mechanisms indicate sprockets, tension<br />
shoes, and pad rollers are the essential<br />
parts replacement after the mechanism has<br />
been in operation a long time, the wear<br />
depending on the number of hours of operation<br />
daily, of course.<br />
ONLY A LITTLE OIL ON GEARS<br />
The manufacturers recommend the use<br />
a<br />
of Century oil on the gears ivery little).<br />
Good operating results with exceptional<br />
long life are being recorded with the use<br />
of white petroleum jelly on the gears. The<br />
addition of a small amount on the gear<br />
about once every two months seems adequate.<br />
The use of sealed ball bearings on all<br />
driving shafts insures almost indefinite life<br />
with no additional lubrication. Pad rollers<br />
are made of a self-lubricating material so,<br />
for all intents and purposes, the Century<br />
mechanism is "oil-less" and does not need<br />
constant attention. Moreover, it does not<br />
need to be "run in" or warmed up prior to<br />
opening a show.<br />
NOTE : not oil the ball bearings. Put<br />
drop or two of oil daily on the vertical J"<br />
shaft at the intermittent drive gear. Move<br />
III<br />
the framing adjustment up and down a few,<br />
times while oiling.<br />
The intermittent should be filled throughiw<br />
the oil cup on the operating side; fill to the ka<br />
level indicated on the oil gauge. It should<br />
be kept in mind that a little oil goes a long<br />
way; excessive use of oil is unnecessary and<br />
will get into the sound head and on thf<br />
projection room floor. To remove exces:<br />
oil, or to drain the intermittent, rcmovf<br />
the bottom screw (see illustration). /<br />
clean cloth should be placed beneath thi:<br />
I*<br />
24<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTIO^
screw to catch the oil and prevent it from<br />
running down into the sound reproducer<br />
When replacing the druui screw be sure the<br />
steel, fiber and copper washers are placed<br />
In that order on the screw to prevent any<br />
oil leakage.<br />
Caution—Oil should not be added to the<br />
intermittent while the projector is in operation—except<br />
in an extreme emergency.<br />
The intermittent cam acts as a splash distributor<br />
supplying fresh oil constantly to<br />
the cam. starwheel and bearings. Therefore,<br />
there may be no indication of oil level<br />
showing on the gauge while the projector is<br />
operating. The intermittent movement case<br />
should be kept clean and free of any dirt<br />
accumulation.<br />
WEEKLY CHECK OF<br />
OIL<br />
Once a week the oil level should be<br />
checked in the inter/nitterit movement.<br />
Briefly, the Century projection mechanism<br />
has only five rotating shafts and nine<br />
gears, plus the intermittent movement. The<br />
reader will readily understand this means<br />
ease of operation, quieter running and<br />
longer life. The driving shafts are rotated<br />
in sealed-for-life ball bearings which do<br />
not require any special lubricating attention<br />
t<br />
don't oil the ball bearingsK<br />
The upper and lower film sprockets are<br />
hardened and ground to perfect concentricity<br />
and manufactured to approved<br />
standard and diameter. Likewise, the intermittent<br />
parts are hardened for long wear.<br />
The film trap and gate are mechanically<br />
turdy, and all the wearing parts are<br />
lardened and made of the finest steel to<br />
^arantee smooth film travel. The film<br />
rap shoes, studio guides, and the lateral<br />
;uide roller assembly, are designed to guide<br />
he film correctly and insure against side-<br />
Modern Projectors Are Unit-Constructed<br />
To Make for Easier Maintenance<br />
The trend, the past several years, in<br />
modern projector coiustrtiction is to<br />
build all the major components in<br />
units, thereby making removal for inspection,<br />
cleaning and replacement of<br />
parts easy and toithout hatying to disassemble<br />
the entire mechanism to replace<br />
one particular part. To provide for<br />
accurate alignment of all the units,<br />
doivel pins arc provided and the part has<br />
to go back into place correctly: this<br />
method insures all the gears tvill be In<br />
perfect alignmejit, and no mistakes can<br />
be made in reassembling any of the<br />
components.<br />
Intermittent movement parts are all<br />
hardened steel parts, ground to exacting<br />
tolerances, thus making flatuless operation.<br />
The sprockets are hardened for<br />
longer loear. thereby practically eliminating<br />
under-cutting of sprocket teeth.<br />
Bear in mind, however, in time all<br />
sway. The assembly can be quickly removed<br />
for thorough cleaning.<br />
The film gate pad spring adjusting nuts<br />
can be positioned to provide the proper pad<br />
tension for new as well as old film. Opening<br />
and closing the film gate is accomplished<br />
by the large gate knob device<br />
mounted in the lens holder casting.<br />
The shutter shaft and vertical shaft, including<br />
their respective gears, collars, bearings,<br />
are removable from the mechanism<br />
as a complete unit, thereby making replacement<br />
of various parts an easy job.<br />
The two shutters, though revolving In<br />
opposite directions, are scientifically interlocked<br />
to project picture free from any<br />
travel ghost, once properly set. The use<br />
sprockrt.s, due In iveartng of the constant<br />
pulling down of the film, tvill become<br />
under-cut and should t>e immedtatcly<br />
replaced tn order to avoid unnecessary<br />
film damage.<br />
In this series of articles on projector<br />
maintenance, toe have pointed out the<br />
absolute necessity of taking the units<br />
out and cleaning tiyith either kerosene<br />
or solvent, it'ith a smalt amount of projector<br />
oil mixed in the solvent: we do<br />
strongly favor the kerosene. After scrubbing<br />
the parts tolth a stiff -bristle brush,<br />
rinse them clean and dry with a Untless<br />
cloth.<br />
Modern projectors egulpped ntth ball<br />
bearings—Do not clean the ball heanno^<br />
with kerosene. Projector oil may be<br />
used for cleaning these bearings, but do<br />
not soak the ball bearings in oil. Gears,<br />
brackets, etc.. should be cleaned in the<br />
above cleaning fluid only— W. T.<br />
of rear shutter reduces the heat on the<br />
film: however, for very high amperages.<br />
Century has engineered and designed<br />
water-cooled mechanisms.<br />
To more fully acquaint you with operation<br />
and general maintenance, we pre.sent.<br />
in this article, important Instructions on<br />
servicing the Centur>' mechanisms; the<br />
careful reading of these maintenance tips<br />
should result in better projection and<br />
Continued on following<br />
page<br />
he Century Model C with the cover door open<br />
> show the geon and other components Note the<br />
igged construction, simplicity in the working parts;<br />
iere ore fewer number of gears in this mechanism<br />
> wear, and it is unit-constructed. In a few<br />
•inutes most any of the units can be removed, new<br />
tar or ports installed, and reassembled without any<br />
,.] tecial tools The interior of the gear side of<br />
mechanism should be kept clean and free o/<br />
ly accumulation of dirt or oil. Do not wash the<br />
ill bearings in any solvent, but the other parts, such<br />
I gears, brackets, etc , can be cleaned in fluid,<br />
»rf the ball bearings washed in Century oil, if<br />
scessary, and thoroughly wiped with a clean<br />
eth. However, it is best to simply wipe the ball<br />
ril^tarings clean with a lintless cloth as they do<br />
It require any additional lubricant for their long<br />
• of seryice.<br />
The Century Model CC mechanism with the double<br />
shutter unit and other outstanding features It can<br />
also be equipped with water cooled aperture for<br />
high amperage arcs The shutters are perfectly<br />
timed at the factory but if for any reason they<br />
should need resetting, the writer will be happy to<br />
send complete instructions for correct procedure in<br />
timing double shutters This model is also unitconstructed<br />
so that any unit can be removed and<br />
replaced easily br any intelligent projectionist without<br />
any special tools Cleanliness is of paramount<br />
importance for long life of any make of projector<br />
This is the film side (operating side! of the Century<br />
mechanism equipped to use a d-inch diameter lens<br />
mount. The gate, shoes and guide rollers con<br />
easily and quickly be removed and replaced lor<br />
cleaning or the installation of new ports. The pod<br />
rollers should be adjusted thicknesses of two piecet<br />
of film from the face of the takeup or feed<br />
sprocket The adjustment of the tension on the<br />
intermittent sprocket is explained in the article<br />
It ihould be o daily routine for the projectionist to<br />
clean the interior, upper and lower sprockets, the<br />
intermittent sprocket, tension shoes and gate<br />
Don't allow any occumulotlon of dirt and grit to<br />
pile up on these parts At least 30 minutes every<br />
day should be devoted to checking and cleaning<br />
the projector before the show starts. It will prevent<br />
tudden breakdown and give longer lilt to your prolector<br />
mechanism.<br />
JXOFTICE October 1. 1955 25
PROJECTOR MAINTENANCE<br />
Continuerf irom preceding page<br />
longer wear from your projector, and lower<br />
service cost.s in the years to come.<br />
In previous articles we presented data on<br />
cleaning mechanisms, using either Stoddard<br />
solvent or Icerosene. Use a stiff-bristle<br />
brush for scrubbing, carefully rinsing the<br />
parts with clean fluid and drying them<br />
with a clean, lintless cloth thoroughly.<br />
This should be done at least every 12<br />
months. Regardless of how tightly sealed<br />
in parts may be, in the course of time, there<br />
will be some accumulation of foreign material<br />
that should be thoroughly cleaned off.<br />
This will mean longer wear and less replacement<br />
of many parts. Use a clean pan<br />
and brush for cleaning any of the units.<br />
Then there is the daily cleaning of the<br />
projector and mechanism that should not<br />
be neglected. Spend at least 30 minute.s<br />
each day before starting the show, cleaning<br />
that brings<br />
'em back!<br />
/PERFECT-PICTURE<br />
Bausch & Lomb<br />
Super Cinephor<br />
Proiection Lenses<br />
PAIR<br />
^~«l.<br />
The Century C and CC intermittent movement. This<br />
movement employs the standard Geneva type of<br />
movement— star and cam, etc. It has many very<br />
special features which are explained in the article.<br />
Use only Century lubricant for best results. Sprocket<br />
and other parts may easily be installed by the<br />
projection room personnel, but when the unit needs<br />
rebuilding it should be sent to an authorized<br />
dealer who has special tools and machinery and<br />
knowledge to do a first class job. A loaner may<br />
be obtained while the job is being done. It pays<br />
to keep a spare movement on hand for emergency.<br />
SEE THE BIG DIFFERENCE!<br />
. . . FREE DEMONSTRATION!<br />
Writo today for domonHtralion.<br />
and lor iniormalivo Catalogs<br />
E-123 and £141. Bausch d Lomb<br />
Optical Co., 72046 St. Paul St.,<br />
RoehoBtsr 2. N. Y. (In Canada.<br />
Gonoral Theaira Supply,<br />
Toronto)<br />
It's how well they sec that determines<br />
how much they'll enjoy the movies you<br />
show . . . how often they'll come back to<br />
your theatre. Insure repeat patronage<br />
with today's clearest, brightest full-screen<br />
\ ifws. Don't take chances. Insist on the<br />
B&L Perfect-Picture Pair. Complete<br />
line for all projectors . . . for theatres and<br />
drive-ins . . . for Wide Screen,<br />
CinemaScope, SuperScope.<br />
the sprockets, interior and exterior of<br />
mechanism, the gate and shoes, and the<br />
lenses.<br />
Removing and replacing the gate is a very<br />
simple procedure, first open the gate by<br />
turning the knob to the right, next loosenj<br />
the holding screw (Fig. 1, No. 2). Youl<br />
can now pull the gate straight toward the<br />
film trap. This will disengage the two<br />
supporting studs which hold the gate in<br />
the lens tube. The gate can now be in- j<br />
'<<br />
spected and cleaned and reinstalled.<br />
In order to secure a rock-steady picture<br />
and eliminate any sidesway. the gate pad<br />
is long and heavy and is designed to give<br />
uniform pressure against the film over its<br />
entire length. The design assures that<br />
exactly equal pressure is applied to both<br />
sides of the film; moreover, the combination<br />
of the tension springs and pad are<br />
designed so there is a minimum of disturbance<br />
of the pad as splices go through<br />
the mechanism. Any accumulation of<br />
emulsion or dirt on pad should be cleaned<br />
Continued on page 2S<br />
26<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECnON
Constant enlargement in screen sixes has necessitated a progressive<br />
ascent In the amount of light necessary to pleasing<br />
projection. To help in attaining thl.< added brilliance a corresponding<br />
succession of Incraoses in the burning rate of the<br />
positive carbon hns be:;n necessary. As compared to a burning<br />
rote of about 4 inche: ^' . , and c"'"<br />
W *ie<br />
Vime<br />
iW<br />
%'\%\it<br />
tijVel<br />
c»n<br />
nosiUon<br />
jibon<br />
><br />
stieen<br />
\\\e<br />
ninuin<br />
\oi<br />
1^'<br />
'"',os\Vion<br />
umu"^<br />
\he ,enu>ie<br />
SMon4<br />
The<br />
far mof» d»ta3»d mformotioit ivnd
PROJECTOR MAINTENANCE<br />
Continued from page 26<br />
off with a slightly moistened cloth, either<br />
water or solvent. Do not scrape shoes or<br />
pad with any steel object as you may<br />
damage the highly polished surface—use<br />
a soft coin if you need to scrape emulsion<br />
off.<br />
The tension of the pad is adjustable over<br />
a wide range through tension springs (Pig.<br />
1, No. 3 and 4 ) . Just enough tension should<br />
be applied to the film in order to hold it<br />
firmly, any more than this will cause unnece.ssary<br />
wear of sprocket teeth. Only<br />
sufficient tension to keep the picture steady<br />
on the screen is all that is required at any<br />
time. It is suggested, by the manufacturer,<br />
until you are thoroughly familiar with the<br />
pad tension, that the adjustment nuts be in<br />
about mid position. The company has provided<br />
a safety feature on the adjustment<br />
by providing stops, so that the tension adjustment<br />
nuts cannot be tightened so far<br />
as to lock the film in the gate. It has<br />
always been found desirable to operate with<br />
as little tension as possible on the pad and<br />
still maintain a steady picture on the<br />
screen. Save unnecessary wear on the<br />
sprocket, shoes and pad by using a lighter<br />
tension on the pad.<br />
The upper and lower pad roller arms are<br />
opened by pushing the roller knobs toward<br />
the rear of the mechanism. The pressure<br />
pads on the intermittent sprocket are<br />
opened by pushing the knob downward.<br />
The arms should always be kept correctly<br />
adjusted as they play an important part<br />
in the mechanism.<br />
The upper and lower pad rollers in open<br />
position provide for automatically setting<br />
the loops above and below the gate. A very<br />
special feature of the Century projector.<br />
Also, the lower pad roller provides a means<br />
of measuring the correct distance on the<br />
film between the picture aperture and the<br />
sound aperture.<br />
SPECIAL TENSION DEVICE<br />
You will note, on the illustration of the<br />
film side of the mechanism, there are no<br />
tension springs showing on the pad rollers,<br />
each has a scientifically designed tension<br />
device built right into the pad roller arm<br />
providing just the proper amount of tension<br />
for optimum performance. Each pad<br />
roller has a positive stop. Be sure to clean<br />
the rollers every day and see they turn<br />
freely and do not develop flat spots. The<br />
correct distance of pad rollers is the distance<br />
of two thicknesses of film between<br />
the pad roller and sprocket.<br />
NOTE—In the field the writer has always<br />
found it sound mechanical practice to<br />
periodically (every two or three months)<br />
check over the entire projector and sound<br />
head. Mounting screws, holding screws, and<br />
like parts should be checked for tightness.<br />
This is particularly applicable to parts installed<br />
in the field, such as drive parts,<br />
including the main drive gear screws, sound<br />
head adapter parts, pad roller brackets for<br />
alignment, etc.<br />
EASY TO SERVICE<br />
It's no mystery that adequate screen lighting demands an adequate<br />
power supply. This is especially necessary with today's wide screens,<br />
requiring more light over a large area.<br />
The Hertner HT 135/270 Transverter meets these needs and gives<br />
users an ample source of constant D.C. power. The generator has a<br />
capacity of 90 volts and is designed for continuous operation at 135<br />
amperes with a capacity for 270 amperes during changeover period.<br />
Complete installation includes Control Panel Type G and the Dualtype<br />
HD 100/140 Rheostat.<br />
For all the details of the many fine features of the HT 135 Transverter<br />
write for Bulletin No. 30 IB.<br />
Distributed by Notional Theatre Supply<br />
In Conodo: General Thcotrc Supply Compony<br />
In Los Angeles: Pembrcx Theatre Supply Corp.<br />
THE HERTNER ELECTRIC COMPANY<br />
12690 ELMWOOD AVE. • CLEVELAND 11, OHIO<br />
MOTORS • MOTOR<br />
1<br />
GENERATORS • GENERATOR SETS<br />
A SUBSIDIARY OF GENERAL PRECISION EQUIPMENT CORPORATION<br />
28<br />
The Century mechanism is very easy to<br />
service as the mechanism consists of unit<br />
assemblies such as: the intermittent movement<br />
with intermittent sprocket pad; the<br />
main drive shaft, the vertical shaft, the<br />
shutter shaft, the film trap, the film gate,<br />
the upper and lower sprockets and shafts,<br />
the upper and lower pad roller arms, the<br />
lens holder and gate control knob. All of<br />
these assemblies can be removed and replaced<br />
with new by almost any intelligent<br />
projectionist, the illustrations elsewhere In<br />
this article showing you the location of each<br />
part. When the projector reaches the stage<br />
where it needs a complete overhaul, it<br />
should be sent to an authorized Century<br />
dealer who will supply a loan mechanism<br />
while the rebuilding job is being done by<br />
an expert mechanic in a shop equipped with<br />
precision tools and machinery. Spare parts<br />
should be kept in the parts cabinet in case<br />
of emergency.<br />
The writer has compiled a two-page<br />
service bulletin on how to replace inter^<br />
mittent sprocket, cam and starwheel, cover<br />
ing adjustments in order to secure perfect<br />
results. As this is the "heart" of your<br />
projector, the writer has given special<br />
treatment to the servicing of this move<br />
ment. We wanted to conserve space tc<br />
cover other important components. Tht kl<br />
bulletins are free to all subscribers anc<br />
will be mailed promptly if a self-addressed<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTIOI<br />
lOJi
stamped erivelovf is sent with your request.<br />
(Bulletins on the Intermittent onlyi.<br />
How to Remove and Replace the Intermittent<br />
Sprocket Pad Assembly— Loosen<br />
the set screw holding the complete nssembly.<br />
The assembly can now be pulled out.<br />
Next, rotate the assembly when removlnp<br />
to clear the sprocket teeth. To replace<br />
this assembly on the movement, push the<br />
arm iFig. 3, No. 8i into its holdinR hole<br />
making sure that the pads are In the open<br />
position, of course. Now. you rotate the<br />
assembly until the detent in the pad stud<br />
bushing is in line with the assembly holding<br />
screw. In this position tighten the holding<br />
screw iFMg. 3, No. 7' securely. Following<br />
this procedure will assure proper pressure<br />
of the pad against the intermittent<br />
sprocket.<br />
REMOVING APERTURE PLATE<br />
now remove the two screws in the lower<br />
bearing bracket (Fig. 2. No. 17'. Next Uikc<br />
out the two screws In the Intermittent<br />
drive gear bracket iFig. 2, No. I8i. Dl.sengage<br />
this bracket from its holder. Please<br />
note that the upper and lower bearing<br />
brackets are located In position by<br />
dowel pins. Holding the vertical shaft unit<br />
with both hands, disengage the bearing<br />
bracket from dowel pins and remove<br />
the complete a.ssembly.<br />
The vertical shaft unit can be easily disassembled<br />
by removing the collar nut on<br />
top of the vertical shaft by loosening the<br />
two set screws and unscrewing the nut<br />
from the shaft. Carefully remove the bottom<br />
steel gear from shaft by taking out the<br />
retaining screw. All parts on the shaft<br />
can now be removed very quickly and<br />
easily. He .sure, when i- :...->,... ..<br />
.^-^^<br />
shaft, you replace all i„.ii<br />
proper posllloiw Steel w.. .iwuy.<br />
placed uKBlnst the face of iJu bitll Uarlnu.'i<br />
The lUu.stratlon of the Rear Hide of the<br />
mechanl.sm shows how all thi- \>t\rV. -.houUI<br />
be o.s.sembled In the projector Unii , runnot<br />
be positioned wrong &x they mast fit<br />
Into dowel pins.<br />
When you have re-a.s.sembled the vcrllcul<br />
shaft parts, be sure each part l.s placed back<br />
correctly and then tighten the oollar nut<br />
.set<br />
.screws .securely.<br />
Here Is the correct procedure on removlnB<br />
and replacing the pad roller arm teaslon<br />
springs and balls: Drive out the Uiper pin<br />
from the arm stud bushing nnd take off<br />
Continued on following pogt<br />
How to Remove the Aperture Plate<br />
Pull out the aperture retaining plate iPig.<br />
1. No. 14 » which is behind the aperture<br />
plate. This frees the aperture so that it<br />
can be moved a little toward the rear,<br />
allowing it to be pulled directly out of its<br />
holder. The aperture plate is held firmly<br />
in position by its specially designed shape.<br />
The aperture should be taken out every<br />
day and cleaned so there will be no dirt<br />
around its edges, or other accumulation.<br />
Replacing the Film Gate Pad—First, remove<br />
the film gate unit from the mechanism<br />
by loosening the holding screw iFig. 1,<br />
No. 21. The pad is removed by taking out<br />
the four holding screws. Carefully install<br />
the new film pad with marking 'TOP"<br />
corresponding with the "TOP" of the film<br />
gate plate. Next, press the film gate pad<br />
against the two film gate spring retaining<br />
plates and gate plate. Fasten the pad in<br />
position with its holding screws, making<br />
sure that everything fits correctly in place<br />
as outlined here. It is a very good idea to<br />
3heck the complete gate assembly to make<br />
sure that the pad is operating in its "in"<br />
and "out" movement against the springs<br />
oefore re-installing the film gate assembly<br />
n the mechanism. Be sure t6 tighten the<br />
holding screw.<br />
Lens Showmansliip<br />
REMOVING THE SPROCKETS<br />
How to Remove Upper or Lower Sprockets<br />
—A careful check should be made of the<br />
prockets periodically and when they show<br />
iny under-cutting, replace with new. To<br />
emove. simply open the pad roller arm.<br />
Take out screw 'Fig. 1, No. 13* at center<br />
f sprocket and pull sprocket off shaft.<br />
'o install new sprocket, hold the drive gear<br />
irmly against its bearing and then<br />
ilace the sprocket on the shaft tightly<br />
gainst its bearing. By following this<br />
Tocedure you will eliminate any end<br />
'lay. Always fasten screw securely so<br />
procket will not slip on shaft. Use a stiffrlstle<br />
tooth brush, moisten with solvent,<br />
nd clean sprocket teeth every day before<br />
tarting show.<br />
Removing the Vertical Shaft Assembly<br />
"om the Mechanism—First, remove the<br />
lutter shaft assembly and intermittent<br />
lovement. Take out the two screws in the<br />
pper bearing bracket (Fig 2, No. 16 1 . You<br />
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projection lenjci you con b<br />
To give you ttic brigtitest.<br />
cleorest, stiorpcst, moit<br />
uniform picture you hove ever<br />
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For better <strong>Boxoffice</strong>,<br />
for better Showmanship, for belter oil<br />
oround filming, try these new 1/1.7<br />
Super Snopliles lodoy.<br />
For more information<br />
osk your Theatre Supply<br />
Deoler or write lor Bulletin 222.<br />
d3!k<br />
Plant; Northompto<br />
OltATlOW<br />
New York Offico /30 CHURCH ST ,<br />
NEW TO RK 7, N Y.<br />
JXOFTICE October 1. 1955 29
. They<br />
PROJECTOR MAINTENANCE<br />
30<br />
Your popcorn<br />
taste terrific . . .<br />
Your seats<br />
be softest . . .<br />
may<br />
may<br />
BUT<br />
EVERY PERFORMANCE<br />
STILL<br />
MUST BE PERFECT!<br />
Perfect performances demand equipment that's kept in the pink of condition.<br />
An expert RCA Theatre Service Engineer is the man best qualified to do this.<br />
He's the only man who commends all the vast technical resources of RCA.<br />
RCA SERVICE COMPANY, INC.<br />
A Radio Corporalion of America Subsidiary<br />
Camden, N.J.<br />
sure are if they're worn— and<br />
your patrons won't approve! To stop that very annoying film jump<br />
caused by worn parts, hove your projectors over- ^SUPE/?^<br />
hauled using the finest parts throughout— LaVezzi, of ''^^^jf^^y<br />
course! Your Theatre Equipment Dealer has them. mr. «< pu. on.<br />
LaVezzi Machine Works<br />
4635 WEST LAKE ST. CHICAGO 44, ILL.<br />
Continued from preceding page<br />
bushing. Pull the stud and knob straight<br />
out of the arm and remove the balls and<br />
springs. Install new springs and balls in<br />
the arm. Insert the stud and knob in position<br />
in the arm and replace bushing on stud.<br />
Press stud and knob firmly against arm and<br />
align bushing with its tapered hole inserting<br />
the taper pin securely. If these instructions<br />
are followed carefully, you should<br />
have no trouble in replacing parts and getting<br />
the arm aligned correctly.<br />
METHOD OF REMOVING FILM TRAP<br />
The removing and installing of the film<br />
trap in the standard mechanism is simple<br />
procedure but should be accomplished as<br />
per the following instructions: Remove<br />
the trap by taking off the light shield<br />
assembly first, loosening the two retaining<br />
screws just above and in back of the film<br />
trap. You next open the gate. Now remove<br />
the intermittent movement; take out the<br />
three screws holding the film trap (one of<br />
these will be exposed when the light shield<br />
is removed from the mechanism* . The film<br />
trap can now be removed by pulling it<br />
straight out. Take out the four screws<br />
holding the film trap guides. This will<br />
allow the film trap guides and shoes to be<br />
either replaced or reversed. Note, the film<br />
trap shoes and guides may be reversed<br />
from right to left providing twice normal<br />
service from these parts.<br />
It is of the utmost importance that the<br />
film guides should be positioned correctly<br />
on the film trap by using Century, number<br />
Cl-E-30, film guide gauge. The guide on<br />
the sound track side of the film must be in<br />
line with the fixed side of the upper lateral<br />
guide roller. The inside upper lateral guide<br />
roller must have sufficient clearance so as<br />
not to touch the edge of the film. By using<br />
the gauge you will be able to correctly set<br />
these parts for perfect operation.<br />
HOW TO INSTALL FILM TRAP<br />
Installing the Film Trap (standard) —<br />
You will please note, before you re-Install<br />
the trap, there are two guiding pins which<br />
keep the film trap accurately in line and<br />
at right angles to the optical center line.<br />
These pins hold the trap in vertical alignment<br />
when it is moved backward and forward<br />
for adjusting the film trap shoes to its<br />
proper relation to the intermittent sprocket.<br />
Install film trap a.ssembly in mechanism by<br />
engaging the locating slot in the assembly<br />
with dowel pins on the mechanism frame<br />
holding the film trap lightly in place with<br />
the three mounting screws. You are now<br />
ready to replace the intermittent movement<br />
in the mechanism. Make two thicknesses of<br />
film around the intermittent sprocket.<br />
Place a straight edge (Century tool number<br />
51) against the face of the shoes and let<br />
it extend down to the intermittent sprocket.<br />
Holding the straight edge, move the film<br />
trap forward or backward until the straight<br />
edge comes into contact with the film<br />
around the sprocket. You now have the<br />
a.ssembly correctly aligned: firmly tighten<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Octotter<br />
Uie three film trap muutiting screws, and<br />
next replaee the light shield. The Job has<br />
been completed.<br />
It IS of paramount importance the fire<br />
shutter assembly should be set correctly in<br />
order for it to function smoothly. To set<br />
the height of the fire shutter, loosen set<br />
screw i<br />
iKiK. 2. No. 12 at the top of the governor<br />
on the vertical shaft. This will allow<br />
the governor to be raised or lowered and<br />
also will raise or lower the fire shutter.<br />
When the proper shutter height has been<br />
obtained, by making the above adjustment,<br />
the set screw should be firmly tightened<br />
and no further adjustment will be needed<br />
for a long time. The height of the shutter<br />
should be adjusted so that it does not come<br />
into the light beam with the projector<br />
running and yet not high enough to touch<br />
the top of the heat shield, of course.<br />
MECHANISM THOROUGHLY<br />
TESTED<br />
Very thoroughly, each Century projector<br />
mechanism has been factory-tested and<br />
adjusted for perfect operation. The CC<br />
model, double shutter, has been projectiontested<br />
and timed before leaving the factory.<br />
II It is desired to check timing or to reset<br />
the shutters again idue to being out of time<br />
from parts replacement! , the writer of this<br />
department will be happy to send you complete<br />
instructions on correct procedure in<br />
tuning double shu^ers. Space will not<br />
permit us, at this writing, to present complete<br />
instructions.<br />
The maintenance of the double shutter<br />
unit is simply placing a drop or two of oil in<br />
oil cup<br />
I<br />
Fig. 1, No. 1 1 once a day. No additional<br />
lubrication will be necessary all day.<br />
NOTE— Kerosene or solvent should not<br />
be used for cleaning Century mechanism<br />
ball bearings. Century projector oil may be<br />
used for cleaning purposes but do riot soak<br />
ball bearings in oil. Any of the other parts<br />
may be cleaned with kerosene, but keep<br />
the fluid off the ball bearings.<br />
MINIMUM CARE<br />
REQUIRED<br />
COMMENTS—The Century projector<br />
very rugged in construction and requires<br />
only a minimiun of care and adjustment,<br />
and it will operate, with good care, many<br />
years without any parts replacement indicated.<br />
We have found, in the field, the<br />
Century mechanism giving flawless screen<br />
performance. The projector is of unit construction,<br />
and thus it is possible to replace<br />
any unit quickly and easily without any<br />
special tools. By following the instructions<br />
in this article, it is impossible to reassemble<br />
the mechanism incorrectly<br />
<<br />
the two<br />
illustrations clearly show all the parts and<br />
units 1. In case of any rare problem, or<br />
any adjustment not covered in this article.<br />
the writer will be glad to assist you.<br />
The Century company has a very interesting<br />
development which has been adopted<br />
in the intermittents used with the horizontal<br />
VistaVision double-frame, pull down<br />
mechanisms. This movement operates in<br />
a vertical position. Ordinary oil with vent<br />
holes, etc., would leak and entirely run out.<br />
To overcome this problem. Century selected<br />
a new lubricant which Is not a<br />
mineral and one which has no change<br />
is<br />
Out in the field we hove run into ieyeial complainti<br />
from exhibitors that they could not iccure a steady<br />
picture nor a sharp focus when using CinemaScope<br />
lens on either a regular or Super Simplex or f-7.<br />
Due to the length and weight of this lens, ordinary<br />
lens mounts will not do os they will not hold (he<br />
lens rigid and there is a vibration, causing poor<br />
locus, and in some coses, slight picture jump We<br />
liiMK upt-rutinK records with no lo.vi of lutiricant<br />
and long life tor the cum ^iiid i.u<br />
According to L. W. Diivee, engliiiMi Ci iilui •.<br />
.<br />
Projector Co.. some thought l.s Ih'Uik given<br />
to adopting thl.s new lubricant and b)tH.iii;^[i<br />
CALI CARBON COUPLERS<br />
Let You Burn All the Carbon<br />
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The most popular carbon sovor. Used by more They cost less than just the repairs on<br />
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Sizes.<br />
One trial connncei<br />
6mm<br />
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utr you net ufd'.<br />
Smm or S/16-inch $2.S0<br />
9mm »300<br />
CALI Products Compony<br />
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if not 100<br />
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5£f<br />
BOXOFTICE<br />
;<br />
1. 1955
. . Questions<br />
. . ESTIMATES<br />
there are plastic materials which can be<br />
used. Can you tell us what they are, hoto<br />
to use them and where to get them?<br />
and Answer^<br />
This regulor Modern Theatre feature is conducted by Dove E. Smallcy, contributor to many<br />
important magazines on maintenance and editor of Better Maintenance Magazine. Questions from<br />
Qxhibitors are welcomed. Address them to Theatre Mointenance, The Modern Theatre, 825 Van<br />
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Mo. Enclose stamped, self-addressed envelope for personal reply.<br />
/p DRIPLESS PAINT<br />
We expect to repaint the ceiling of our<br />
auditoriu7n this fall ivhich means we must<br />
cover the seats with canvas. Since we<br />
want to do the work ourselves and do not<br />
have the canvas we are in a quandary what<br />
to do. We can7iot borrow such canvas from<br />
professional painters and nobody else would<br />
want their canvas splattered up with paint.<br />
Maybe you can suggest some solution for<br />
our problem.<br />
n Have you heard of the new dripless<br />
paint? It is in the form of a jelly and<br />
will not drip nor will it spill if you turn<br />
Installs in 20<br />
Minutes Right in<br />
Your Own Booth<br />
Ends Tube<br />
Replacement<br />
Forever<br />
Provides Ample<br />
Power for Next<br />
Carbon Trim<br />
Eliminates<br />
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Savings<br />
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Guaranteed<br />
Pre-determi ed<br />
Cost Basi<br />
the can upside down. However, the pressure<br />
of an ordinary paint brush promptly<br />
picks up the paint and the pressure against<br />
a surface spreads it out like ordinary paint.<br />
If you are interested, write us for a source<br />
of supply, or your local dealer may carry it.<br />
9<br />
PLASTIC CEMENT OVER<br />
. WOOD FLOOR<br />
We are going to iiistall new seats i7i<br />
our auditorium this summer. We have a<br />
good, solid wood floor but would like to<br />
cover it with some kind of durable cementlike<br />
concrete. We know we can't lay concrete<br />
over the wood floor but understand<br />
with KNI-TRON SELENIUM Conversion Units<br />
You Can Convert Your Tube Type Rectifiers to<br />
SELENIUM in 20 Minutes ,^.^*fi^^^^^<br />
and do it for HALF the<br />
COST of New Equipment<br />
It is a proven fact that Selenium<br />
is a more efTicient rectifying agent<br />
than lubes. The use of^ Selenium<br />
increases botli tlie output current<br />
and voltage -power savings are<br />
17% PLUS, and tube replacement<br />
ends forever.<br />
Because the component parts in<br />
your tube type rectifiers are essentially<br />
the same as those required<br />
for Selenium it is possible to convert<br />
almost any type lube rectilier<br />
to Selenium.<br />
KNI-TRON — A Packaged Unit<br />
consists of Selenium Stack, Fan,<br />
Fan Motor, and Stack Housing,<br />
with all necessary wiring for easy<br />
installation. „, ... . . ,<br />
THI KNIISLIY iLICTRIC CO. TOLEDO 3, OHIO, U.S.A.<br />
WINDSOR, ONTARIO, CANADA<br />
Manufocturtrt of TUBE TYPE and SELENIUM RECTIFIERS<br />
HtYtR-$HULTZ<br />
f^ Oxychloride cement would be best for<br />
your purpose. It can be laid over wood,<br />
forming a very hard surface, resembling<br />
smooth concrete, and a color may be incorporated<br />
in the mix. First a wire netting<br />
like hardware cloth is nailed over the wood<br />
floor. The the oxychloride cement is<br />
trowelled over the netting to a thickness<br />
of about one inch. It may be advisable to<br />
nail strips for attaching the seats before<br />
the cement mix is laid. Dow Chemical Co.,<br />
Midland, Mich., is a large producer of oxychloride<br />
cement and will supply you with<br />
specific instructions for installing it.<br />
Q WAXING LINOLEUM WALLS<br />
We recently installed decorative linoleum<br />
walls on each side of our lobby.<br />
Would it be a good idea to wax these walls<br />
to further embellish them and help to<br />
keep them clean?<br />
n A large manufacturer of resiUent wall<br />
coverings, of which linoleum is one,<br />
answers the question as follows: "Waxing<br />
the sm-face of wall coverings is not advisable<br />
because the high gloss calls attention<br />
to any unevenness in the wall to which the<br />
wall covering has been pasted."<br />
/p FIREPROOFING A DOOR<br />
One of the emergency exit doors of our<br />
balcony opens on a narrow alley. The<br />
present door is made of heavy wood but<br />
we have been told it should be fireproof<br />
in case there should be a fire across the<br />
alley. Is there any way to make the present<br />
door fireproof or must we buy an iron door?<br />
f^ Although your problem is one to be<br />
passed on by your state fire iiispector,<br />
we do know that a heavy wooden door can<br />
be made fireproof sufficiently to pass in<br />
commercial buildings as follows: Pli-st.<br />
cover the door on both sides and all edges<br />
with sheet asbestos. The kind of asbestos<br />
used for covering furnace conduits will<br />
serve. Then cover the asbestos with heavy<br />
galvanized sheet iron. The wooden sills<br />
must be similarly protected with protected<br />
cleats around the door to prevent<br />
flames from penetrating cracks around the<br />
door. This is not a difficult project and<br />
not very expensive. Wood, thus protected,<br />
is a better insulator against heat than iron.<br />
?T0 RESTORE COLOR TO<br />
. CONCRETE FLOOR<br />
My drive-in floor is made of concrete<br />
ivith red coloring mixed in. The red color<br />
is getting dull and I do knoiv that you can<br />
SEE<br />
d br HEYER.SHUITZ INC Ccda> C'<<br />
AKAI<br />
EARS!<br />
YOUR THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER<br />
OR WRITE FOR FULL PARTICULARS<br />
BOOTH 68, 1955 TESMA TRADE SHOW, HOTEL MORRISON, CHICAGO, NOV. 6 to 9<br />
PROFESSIONAL SEAT RENOVATION<br />
Factory-troincd crew will re-do your theatre choirs<br />
ke new<br />
SAMPLES . ANYWHERE.<br />
201S4 GRAND RIVER<br />
DETROIT,<br />
MICHIGAN<br />
KENWOOD 3-8740<br />
32 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION]
I<br />
huij a tech. wax with colorinii added hut<br />
don't know where. One of mv sons, returned<br />
from the service, savs he used that<br />
type of ivax on the floors in one of the<br />
camps he was in but didttt notice who<br />
made it. I have an indoor auto drive-in<br />
and know my floor would look nicer. One<br />
part I painted and, of course, paints soon<br />
wear off. Can you
How Much<br />
Are<br />
Your<br />
Reflectors<br />
Costing<br />
lltfht which can reach<br />
your aereen muat be retleeted<br />
VJTEO<br />
to It by your lamphouae mlrroi<br />
All refleetora gradually deteriorate to a<br />
tate where replacement coat becomea InalKnlflcant.<br />
A drop of only lOX In the reflective efficiency<br />
reaulta In a correapondlntf decreaae In acreen hrilllaney.<br />
and aecordlntfly repreaenta a loaa amonntlntf to IO%<br />
of the coat of your current and earbona.<br />
Genuine National Preciaion Refleetora<br />
ivailable for replacement<br />
NATIONAL<br />
In all typea and makea i<br />
A SUBSIDIARY OF GENERAL PRECISION EQUIPMENT CORPORATION<br />
34 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
-y- I<br />
I<br />
For MORE INFORMATION on any Product Advertised in this issue or<br />
mentioned in the New Equipment and news pages or for copies<br />
of Monutocturers' Literature hsted herein— Use Postcards Below. <<br />
READERS' BUREAU<br />
NEW EQUIPMENT<br />
and DEVELOPMENTS<br />
Briefed from the full description storting on page 41<br />
COMPACT SINKS AND DRAINS P-1374<br />
Tlir«' St) Its of sbik md d.tin SfCtlons. fMturlui one-iilfce<br />
dlc-stamptd Iop$ tnd extra Iirse dctp draun slnka aisd« of<br />
top quality statnlns stwl, are announced by Evertrost Sale),<br />
loc. AtaUdbte In tuo standard models— four tctl and 3 feel<br />
9^ Inches—ai well as a one-foot style, ttie sections can be<br />
adapted to a specific Installation problem. Simplified plumbing,<br />
crlll-nort oterflov and (tniertlp leter-type dialo are (eaturn<br />
u( all Uiree Bodels.<br />
CARBON SAVING DEVICE P-1375<br />
I'arbon stubs may be run to tbe last Inch of usefulness In<br />
a device lor rotitlns bead and collet type carbon clamping,<br />
according to Economizer Entei prises, distributors of tbe<br />
dnice, known as Ejector EcunomUer. Carbon stub and<br />
ccunomlier unit arc joined by matcblne vedge-sliaped slots,<br />
beld In alignment by spring-loaded retractable sleeve. The<br />
economUer Is said to eliminate guessuork as to wbetber<br />
a tLlten carbon stub Is long enough for a certain reel.<br />
COLORS FOR LIGHTING EFFECTS P-1376<br />
Ictrlguing Hating effects for stdge sets, lobby displays,<br />
m>i>tery shous and other theatre situations can be achieved<br />
with ultra-tlolet blackllght and luminescent colors made by<br />
Siroblite Co. Colors are harmless, the compaiiy claims, and<br />
Till not affect the eyes, skin or clothing. The colors may<br />
be applied vlth brush or alispray.<br />
SAFE IN-CAR HEATING P-1377<br />
Ihe Sandler Mfg. Co. claims more Uun a half dozen ne»<br />
features for Us "Little inferno" In-car heater, oov available<br />
(or drl.e-ln theatres. Although delivering more BIU by<br />
lolumne than a standard aulomobUe heater, the "Little<br />
Infcmo" mjy be handled ublie In operation without danger<br />
of a flr>t-degree bum or upholstery burn even when placed<br />
directly In front of the rear seat. It Is covered b; a<br />
thiee-year<br />
guarantee.<br />
COLD DRINKS DISPENSER P-U7«<br />
BaslLinlllisiini I'u 'i Coldpolnt drink dlsptnter uin<br />
lime, labor. »nip and Ice, »hlle the operator dlapeniei luur<br />
cold drlnki. pus plain and earbouied ««ler. from lour new<br />
patented .Minimal draft armt. Each of four prenurlitd irnip<br />
tanks hold] three gallon] of syrup: thus 1,440 ili-sunct<br />
drinks can be served from one filling of Iba tank*. Tha ttaod<br />
occupies floor space of 30i23 Inchei.<br />
PLASTIC SPRAY FOR SCREENS P-1379<br />
An Increase of IS to 23 per cent In light la prsilded<br />
by Uie ne» Stereo-Vlslon plastic coaling for drlir-ln acreena,<br />
the Slocum Tlicatre Screen Co. claims. Sprayed on with<br />
2G0 pounds of pressure, the coating glm eicrllent pereeptloo<br />
of color and depth and has added value In Ita long-icarlng<br />
quality.<br />
PROJECTIONISTS TELESCOPE<br />
P-USO<br />
Help fur projectionists In Unhig up their machines, picture*<br />
and scciiM is provided by a Ion -cost, panoramic telesrapt<br />
announced by Karber Products Co. Tbe same telescope used<br />
by the U. 8. arllilery to line up lu Urgets, tbe four-power<br />
instrument has lo^ierlng and elevating sighting unit, with a<br />
cross-hair in Its optics to pinpoint focus. Uver-all dlmenslom<br />
arc 8x3^ hiches.<br />
FIRE-CONTROL CHEMICAL<br />
P-Ugi<br />
CM-7 (azeotropic chlormcntanca) Is the new chemical used<br />
in the automatic fire-control systems manufactured by Red<br />
Comet. Inc. It Is said to not only fight combustion but to<br />
inhlb.t the formation of toxic carbon monoxide or phosgene<br />
gases and to provide a three-stage fight against fire. Tbe<br />
system Is available lo wall-type and manual extinguishers.<br />
LITERATURE<br />
Briefed from the description on page 43<br />
DIVING BOARD WITH SAFETY FACTOR L-1738<br />
The American I'lajground Co., In a brochure describing<br />
aluminum diking boards suitable for a drive-in theatre pool.<br />
Includes durability, economy, beauty, scientific design, light<br />
tcelght and official appioval by diving association] aa reasons<br />
rnd<br />
Imnllng In Ibia In'* board Tbe la lacb bajid lui a<br />
kid Irrad Aircraft daalgn illaloaln lalitli^ at Iba<br />
a iltal safely facto*.<br />
HEATERS FOR YEARAftOUNO OPCRATION L17)9<br />
Anln Induitrlra. Ine . bai a brixtwre lir>^^r^ .1!. :, I.<br />
car beatrri as Brans to pfofllabl* irar r>"<br />
alien nir-pound Antn Model TVO Inrar<br />
with 11 -foot rubber cord, aay bt uwd Ui<br />
car. and are plugged Into Ibt speaker poil r.;^ i !<br />
t«o aldvait drlte-ln Ban. wtio eooverttd to ytir-ax
READERS' BUREAU<br />
For literature on products advertised or mentioned in this issue, see other<br />
side of this sheet and read how to use the postcard coupons below.<br />
PRODUCTS ADVERTISED IN THIS ISSUE<br />
ADMISSION SIGNS<br />
Bowman<br />
HEATERS,<br />
Sandler<br />
IN-CAR<br />
Mfj. Co Edgar S. 33-C<br />
43.D<br />
ICE CREAM FREEZERS<br />
Sweden Freezer Co 21-C<br />
PROJECTOR ARC UMPS<br />
National Excelite 34-A<br />
Strong Electric Co 27-A<br />
PROJECTOR CARBONS<br />
National Carbon Co 5-A<br />
ATTRACTION BOARDS AND LETTERS<br />
Adier Silhoucttt Letter Co<br />
Waoner Slon Service, Inc.<br />
CANDY<br />
Henry HeUe, Inc 13-A<br />
Hollywood Brands, Inc 19-<br />
Mars, Inc 11-A<br />
CARBON SAVERS<br />
Call Products Co 31-A<br />
Economizer Enterprises 40-B<br />
Phillips Electro Extensions 43-E<br />
CONCESSION EQUIPMENT, DRIVE-IN<br />
Concession Supply Co 21-E<br />
Walky Seriice Co 21-D<br />
CONCESSION FOODS<br />
Castleberry's Fooil Co 18-A<br />
CUPS. VENDING<br />
Lily-Tulip Cup Corp 10-A<br />
DRINK VENDING MACHINES<br />
Coca-Cola Co<br />
Manley, Inc<br />
FOUNTAINETTES<br />
Carbonic Dispensers IS-A<br />
Superior Refrigerator Mfg 21-8<br />
HAND DRYERS, ELECTRIC<br />
Electric-Aire Eng. Corp 33-B<br />
INTERCOM TELEPHONES<br />
Connecticut Telephone & Electric Corp.. .33-A<br />
INTERIOR LIGHT SHIELDS<br />
Wenzel Projector Co 31-B<br />
POPCORN BOXES AND SACKS<br />
Concession Supply Co 21-E<br />
POPCORN MACHINES<br />
Concession Supply Co 21-E<br />
Crctors Corp 17-8<br />
Manley, inc 21.A<br />
POPCORN SCOOPS<br />
Speed Scoop 15-B<br />
POPCORN SEASONING<br />
The Savorol Co 19-B, 43-F<br />
POPCORN SEASONING OIL<br />
Concession Supply Co 21-E<br />
C. F. Simonin's Sons 17-A<br />
POPCORN AND SUPPLIES<br />
Manley, Inc 21-A<br />
PROJECTION LENSES<br />
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co 26-A<br />
Kollmorgen Optical Co 29-A<br />
Projection Optics Co., Inc 42-C<br />
Raytone Screen Corp 39.<br />
S.O.S Cinema Supply Co 43-A<br />
PROJECTION AND SOUND<br />
Ballantync Co 4-A<br />
International Projector Corp 6-A<br />
National Theatre Supply 43-C<br />
RCA Engineering Products Co 23-A<br />
RECTIFIERS-SELENIUM CONVERSION UNITS<br />
Kneisley Electric Co 32-A<br />
SCALES, PENNY WEIGHING, FORTUNE<br />
Watling Mfg. Co 42-C<br />
SCREENS FOR INDOOR THEATRES<br />
Raytone Screen Corp 39-A<br />
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Co 43-A<br />
Williams Screen Co 42-B<br />
SEAT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR<br />
Oolesby Equipment 32-C<br />
Theatre Seat Service Co 42-A<br />
SEATING, CONVENTIONAL THEATRES<br />
American Seating Co 33-D<br />
Heywood-Wakefield Co 3-A<br />
Ideal Seating Co 43-B<br />
International Seating 44-A<br />
SIGNS, DIRECTIONAL, ETC.<br />
Edgar Bowman S. 33-C<br />
SPEAKER, IN-CAR AND DRIVE-INS<br />
Ballantyne Co 4-A<br />
Drive-ln Theatre M(g 40-A<br />
EPRAD 39-B<br />
RCA Engineering Products Co 23-A<br />
Sandler Mlg. Co 40-C<br />
THEATRE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES<br />
RCA Service Co., Inc 30-A<br />
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Co 43-A<br />
Write here the key number<br />
of the item that interests youICZ]
i<br />
r<br />
; new<br />
'<br />
ll,i1IIIJIIl.ll<br />
TIES THEATRE PROMOTION TO CIVIC ACTIVITIES<br />
''Whar Builds Our Town, Builds and Increases My <strong>Boxoffice</strong> Potential,"<br />
Says Texas Exhibitor Who Finds New Ways to Win Favor of Patrons<br />
1 iic KoU lOuiM-. I.,i0ij . ; out<br />
completely urouiid the lli- .irl-<br />
ItiK ut tlir attraction l> oIdk<br />
couiiter-clockwi.sv, with itu- iiiiiili Ktcvn on<br />
llu- oppcsllc .side of the cntruncv. The (tret<br />
clttlit holes have u pur uf three, but Ihr<br />
J05-yurd No. 9 hole l.s pur four.<br />
•Prom the .standpoint of volume of play."<br />
McCluln points out. "the course l.s not important.<br />
We do not charge u greeas fee. Wc<br />
welcome nnyone during the day who wishes<br />
to u.se the course. We charge 50 cents for 30<br />
ills on the driving range. Our Idea In the<br />
If course Is an attraction for the .school<br />
hildren whose couches give them le.s.son»<br />
during the winter season and a place (or<br />
the better golfers to keep In practice<br />
GOLF COURSE AN ADDED ATTRACTION<br />
Displayed in the breezeway at Glen McClain's Tv.in Ranch Drivcln, Cleveland, Tex , are 60 picturci<br />
linking community pride and interest with the 300car theatre The pictures show CofC officers and<br />
Booster Club members at their work, in their homes and with their families at social activities This is<br />
only one of the public relations ideas used by McClain to build interest in his theatre.<br />
riiere is an atmosphere about a golf<br />
•'ur.se that is the same as a swimming pool<br />
.n a tourist hotel. Few actually go swimming<br />
but the sight of It being there gives<br />
folks a feeling of space, of beauty, of cool<br />
air and refreshment. We have to keep our<br />
place neat and pretty anyway. The golf<br />
course is there, we keep it mowed and It l«<br />
attractive even to those who never Intend<br />
to play golf."<br />
The Twin Ranch was laid out for<br />
eventual completion with two screens, each<br />
serving around 300 cars, with a common<br />
projection booth in the center of the area.<br />
"In my estimation." .said McCIatn. "this<br />
By PHIL HANNUM<br />
ROJECTS THAT PROMOTE both hiS<br />
community and his theatres are round-theclock<br />
concerns of Glen H. McClain, who<br />
doubles as manager of the Chamber of<br />
Commerce. Cleveland, Tex., and owner-<br />
Bperator of the town's conventional Texas<br />
Theatre and the $100,000 Twin Ranch<br />
'^rive-In.<br />
-Speaking as a theatreowner, and explainthe<br />
key role he assumed with the local<br />
:C in July 1954, McClain said: "My com-<br />
•:tion in other fields grows and swells<br />
.idily each year. I have to help push<br />
industry, new people, new places of<br />
ju:>mess. new homes, new jobs, bigger pay-<br />
'•olls in order to go forward instead of<br />
'lackward. What builds our town, builds<br />
ind increases my boxoffice potential."<br />
Displayed in three 40x80-inch porcelain<br />
imes in the breezeway at McClain's<br />
ve-in are 60 pictures which illustrate the<br />
iiiimate tie-ins he has built up between<br />
jils theatres and community life and leadrshlp.<br />
These pictures show officers of the<br />
-amber of Commerce and members of the<br />
al Booster Club at their desks, operatic<br />
their businesses or enjoying home life<br />
and social activities. The display at the<br />
Twin Ranch gives every community leader<br />
and his family reason for personal pride in<br />
the theatre, as well as additional reason to<br />
take his guests to the drlve-in.<br />
Showing last summer of "Our Homi-<br />
Town" as a regular intermission fealun<br />
for Cleveland newcomers and out-of-town<br />
guests was another popular public relation,<br />
promotion at the Twin Ranch. Made b-.<br />
Shad E. Graham of Houston, and narrated<br />
by Vince Connolly, this film pictured Clcvr<br />
lands service clubs, civic groups, busint><br />
buildings and homes, as well as activitnof<br />
hundreds of persons in the nightly audiences.<br />
The May grand opening of the T\\<br />
Ranch Drive-In was itself tremendously<br />
important from the community'.s anglr.<br />
since the operation McClain and his associates<br />
had planned made Cleveland overnight<br />
the entertainment center of five cost<br />
Texas counties. On a 30-acre tract two<br />
miles from town, the new drive-in offered<br />
east Texans their largest outdoor screen,<br />
a Ranch Hou.se concessions with outdoor<br />
tables, a klddyland and a nine-hole golf<br />
course on which they could play without<br />
charge while waiting for the evenings program.<br />
Continued on following page<br />
InUalled at cojl ol iJOOOC the Twin Kard. 1; ...<br />
In attraction board i% used (o odrtrtut litt goll on<br />
tin 9hole count lurroundmg tht thtotm No<br />
grt^nt /••« art chargtd to thou w/»o want to «M<br />
tht count although a chargt ol SO ctnts for 30<br />
balli il madt on tht drning rangt<br />
OXOFTICE October 1. 1955 37
TIES PROMOTION TO ACTIVITIES<br />
Continued from preceding page<br />
is the only type of twin drive-in theatre.'<br />
Basically, the 'twin' idea Is not for the<br />
purpose of greater capacity. It is almost<br />
entirely for the purpose of creating a<br />
superior type of operation. A 'twin' of this<br />
type will do 20 per cent more business because<br />
of your ability to reach an audience<br />
that rebels against double features, where<br />
they have to sit through one picture they<br />
have already seen in order to see the one<br />
they haven't viewed.<br />
"The twin operation enables patrons to<br />
see the attraction they are interested in<br />
without waiting. If they come in the middle<br />
of the picture, they move their car to the<br />
opposite .screen at the end of the picture<br />
and pick it up from the beginning.<br />
ADVANTAGE OF<br />
COMMON BOOTH<br />
McClain pointed out another advantage<br />
of having a common projection booth centered<br />
between two screens. "With the booth<br />
and concessions thus located." he said, "we<br />
are free to use an abundance of attractive<br />
lighting which gives the place a warm<br />
atmosphere."<br />
Only one screen was ready for last summer,<br />
serving 300 cars. Mounted on a tower<br />
of pine poles set in concrete and braced<br />
with welded drill stem steel, the 41x82-foot<br />
screen was constructed of center match,<br />
covered with felt and faced with Transite.<br />
The Ranch House, housing both projection<br />
booth and concessions area, is a 20x50-<br />
foot structure at the center of the ninth<br />
row of ramps. Pine paneling, plywood and<br />
Formica are combined in counters served by<br />
three employes. Three Selmix ice-cooled<br />
heads. Star electric stove. Hot Point deep<br />
fry, Manley popcorn machine, F^-igidaire<br />
deep freeze and refrigerators comprise<br />
McClain's concessions equipment.<br />
Simplex equipment Is employed throughout<br />
the projection, sound and speaker<br />
system.<br />
McClain repeated the split log construc-<br />
Housing projection booth and concessions unit of tfte Twin Rancfi Drive-ln, ttie "Rancfi House," of splitlog<br />
construction will stand midway between two screens when the theatre is completed. Both screens<br />
will be served from the common projection booth in this twin operation.<br />
tion of the Ranch House in the theatre's<br />
boxoffice. Attached to exterior walls of<br />
this building are two porcelain 40x60-inch<br />
frames for coming attractions. There is a<br />
panel of six 40x60's at the entrance, always<br />
giving a week's program in advance and<br />
lighted throughout hours of darkness.<br />
The boxoffice is centered between four<br />
pairs of gates opening for entrances and<br />
exits in the 10,000 feet of Anchor fencing<br />
surrounding the theatre tract. Five feet<br />
high, the fence is double-barbed on eightfoot<br />
posts set 24 inches in the ground.<br />
The kiddy playground is just inside the<br />
fence at the entrance, a well-lighted area<br />
safe from traffic yet so remote from the<br />
theatre area proper that playground noises<br />
do not interfere with enjoyment of the<br />
show.<br />
The Twin Ranch's attraction board once<br />
fronted the Telenews Theatre in Dallas.<br />
McClain had the board moved to Houston<br />
where the Texas Neon Sign Co. converted<br />
it for its present position and made the<br />
installation at Twin Ranch. McClain invested<br />
$10,000 in tlie board, its supporting<br />
Structure and landscaping about it. "Had<br />
the whole thing been new, though," he<br />
says, "it would have run $20,000." Adler<br />
letters are used on the board.<br />
Shrubs in the attraction board flower<br />
boxes, along with the theatre's rose garden<br />
and Bermuda grass turf on the golf<br />
course contribute much beauty to the drivein's<br />
setting. So do the groves of trees Mc-<br />
Clain left standing around tlie theatre's<br />
perimeter.<br />
A SHOWMAN SINCE THE 20's<br />
McClain, whose first theatre job was as<br />
a drummer cueing silent pictures at the<br />
Sanders, Indianapolis, in the early 20's, has<br />
been managing Texas theatres with only<br />
minor digressions since 1931. That year<br />
he broke in at Bay City, working for the<br />
circuit operated by his uncle, Johnny Long.<br />
When he told friends of plans to build<br />
the Twin Ranch, they cautioned him to<br />
invest no more than $35,000 in a drive-in.<br />
McClain's spirit of showmanship, nourished<br />
through three decades of devotion<br />
to the theatre, would not compromise.<br />
When the Twin Ranch opened, the Texas<br />
showman had $100,000 invested in it and<br />
estimated that $40,000 more would be<br />
needed to complete his plans.<br />
"But I know that you can't stay in<br />
.show business unless you have a place<br />
people enjoy going to," said McClain. "Good<br />
pictures alone will not do the business<br />
"<br />
They have to be shown in good theatres<br />
Glen McClain, thea<br />
trc owner manager<br />
who doubles as manager<br />
of Cleveland,<br />
Tex., Chamber of<br />
Commerce, stands<br />
beside the ranchstyle<br />
boxoffice of his<br />
$100,000 Twin Driveln,<br />
entertainment<br />
center of five Texas<br />
counties. The boxoffice<br />
is<br />
centered between<br />
two entrance<br />
and two exit lanes.<br />
To Make Awards for Photos<br />
I-ightocn m(>dals will be awarded by the<br />
L'Olh Hocliesler International Salon ol<br />
Fliotography, Inc., with Feb. 5. 1956, th(<br />
closing date for entry of photographs ii<br />
five contest sections. Subjects for tin<br />
various sections will be pictorial print'^<br />
monochrome and color: nature print.'<br />
monochrome and color; pictorial colo<br />
'lide.s 2x2 inches; nature color slides, 2x<br />
inches, and stereo color slides, l''8x4 inche:'<br />
mounted for projection. Data and entr<br />
forms may be obtained from Jack Stolf<br />
282 Bellehurst Drive, Rochester 17. N. '<br />
38<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTIO
I Now<br />
;<br />
. all-cartoon<br />
co\ilv<br />
16mm Kiddy Shows Attract Early Crowds<br />
pliui for children with marked Hucce.^s iir Avonue • Chlcogo U, Illlnolf<br />
iXOFFICE :; October 1. 1955 39
Paints Drive-In Widescreen<br />
In Just About Eight Hours<br />
Using a maneuverable, automatic scaffold<br />
and lift, one man recently painted the<br />
120x50-foot widescreen at the 63rd Street<br />
Drive-In Theatre, Kansas City, Mo., in<br />
approximately eight hours. Called the<br />
Strato-Tower, the machine can operate<br />
from ground level to 100 feet, and in the<br />
job at the 63rd Street Drive-In the painter<br />
operated from the basket "crow's nest."<br />
The liquid plastic paint which was<br />
applied is known as Dura-Brite and contains<br />
an inert granular material which<br />
gives a specular surface highly desir-<br />
DIT-MCO'S<br />
New All-Metal<br />
SPEAKER<br />
for Concession Buildings<br />
High in the "crow's<br />
nest" the man atop the<br />
automatic scaffold and<br />
lift is nearing completion<br />
of the job of painting<br />
the large screen at<br />
the 63rd Street Drive-In<br />
Theatre, Kansas City. He<br />
accomplished the work<br />
in approximately eight<br />
hours, as compared to<br />
usual methods which<br />
would haye required<br />
about two weeks.<br />
able for projection. The paint and the<br />
tower are manufactured by Surface Coating<br />
Engineers, Inc., which also furnished<br />
the engineer-painter, and the material and<br />
installation were handled by National Theatre<br />
Supply.<br />
The 63rd Street Di-ive-In Theatre is<br />
managed by E. S. Sutter and Alex Shniderman,<br />
officers of the S&S Operating Co.<br />
E&S Theatre Enterprises, Inc.. is owner<br />
of the drive-in and also of an ice skating<br />
rink operated in conjunction with it.<br />
\\ Reward your patrons<br />
with the pleasure<br />
of smooth sound<br />
Unparailed<br />
Acoustic<br />
Quality<br />
Also adaptable for rest rooms, booth<br />
and manager's office. Easily mounted.<br />
Dit-Mco's<br />
Concession Light<br />
Patent Pending<br />
CHECK<br />
«<br />
I<br />
Mr.<br />
Exhibitor . . .<br />
GET HOT<br />
"Little<br />
|iilpmi'nt"<br />
505 W. 9th Street. HArrison 8007-8484, Kansas City, Mo.<br />
40
.<br />
:;ary<br />
Em^lEv'vi^TTS^SrT<br />
Sink and Drain Sections<br />
P 1374<br />
than u .standard automobile heater, yet c«n<br />
Are Newly Designed<br />
bo handled while In oijcration wllhf»ut<br />
FOR MORE<br />
danger of a first degrcir or upholstery burn<br />
even when placed directly In front of the<br />
INFORMATION<br />
rear scat. Becau.se a .special alloy aluminum<br />
Is u.sed m the healer construction,<br />
the claim Is made that It will not rust and<br />
USE Readers'<br />
Is .so sturdy as to be practically Indestructible.<br />
A heavy duty on-off switch, connected<br />
Bureau Coupons, Page 35 with a neon glow-lamp, telLs the patron<br />
when the heater Is turned on. This facilitates<br />
Its handling and Is an additional<br />
safety factor. The heater has no motor<br />
the brush contact grooves, as shown In the and no fan, eliminating necessity for replacement<br />
of worn-out parts. The "Little<br />
above drawing. F^g. 1 is a negative carbon<br />
One-piece die-stamped tops and extra<br />
clamp: at the right the unit in use, showing<br />
carbon stub being fed into carbon con-<br />
large deep drawn sinks made of top quality<br />
Inferno" Is covered by a three-year guarantee,<br />
according to the manufacturer.<br />
-I'Stainless steel are features of a newly designed<br />
line of sink and drain sections antacts<br />
by means of forward thrust of the<br />
economizer shaft engaging carbon inside<br />
nounced by Everfrost Sales, Inc. Another<br />
of sleeve. F^g. 2 shows carbon and economizer<br />
(D» engaged and held in alignment With Animoted Display<br />
Compact Beverage Dispenser P-1378<br />
outstanding feature is that the sinks are<br />
welded to the tops, eliminating conventional<br />
unsanitary rims, seams and crevices.<br />
by sleeve (C) and spring (E) which makes<br />
the sleeve retractable. Pig. 3 is end view<br />
Available in two standard models—four<br />
of carbon contact in Fig. 4, while Pig. 5<br />
feet and 2 feet 9' 2 inches—as well as a onefoot<br />
style which can be ordered in various<br />
is optional method of attaching carbon to<br />
unit by means of a screw. The kit supplied<br />
lengths to meet specific installation problems,<br />
the sinks are equipped with a grill-<br />
by the company contains two Economizers<br />
S<br />
and one adjustable case-hardened carbon<br />
work overflow, fingertip lever-type drain<br />
jig and a carbon saw.<br />
_ ind simplified plumbing. The four-foot<br />
'1el also includes a Dispos-Well for the<br />
disposal of liquid or semi-liquid Unusual Effects Achieved P-1376<br />
luduct leftovers, or if preferred, can be With Ulfra-Violet Lamp<br />
ised as an extra running- water dipper well.<br />
Intriuuing theatre lighting effects can<br />
be planned with the ultra-violet blacklight<br />
device to Save Carbons<br />
P-1375<br />
lamp and luminescent colors made by the<br />
^ow Being Distributed<br />
Stroblite Co., according to company spokesmen.<br />
With all other lights out and the<br />
-B^-^onw^ U.V. lamp alone turned on, only whatever<br />
has been painted with Stroblite luminescent<br />
colors will glow brilliantly in the dark.<br />
;o<br />
Such color transformations and lighting<br />
effects may be attained in stage sets, lobby<br />
r.'','"^fT^''frtr'-<br />
displays, mystery shows and many other Designed to save time, labor, syrup and<br />
theatre situations. Colors are harmless, Ice, as well as plarmed for the compact<br />
according to the company, and will not space of a theatre's concession stand,<br />
affect the eyes, skin or clothing. Stroblite Bastian-Blesslng Co.'s new Coldpolnt drink<br />
colors may be applied with a brush or airspray.<br />
=f<br />
four cold drinks, plus plain and carbon-<br />
dispenser enables an operator to dispense<br />
ated water. The stand occupies a floor<br />
A carbon-saving device for rotating head<br />
space of 36x35 Inches. It has four new<br />
nd<br />
Special Safety Feature P-1377<br />
collet t>TDe carbon clamping is being<br />
patented Minimax draft arms In which the<br />
istributed under the trade name of Ejecor<br />
Economizer by Economizer Enterprises, A "Little Inferno" in-car heater, for water arc mixed automatically at the nozzle<br />
In New In-Car Heater<br />
syrup concentrate, plain or carbonated<br />
"his firm says the derice permits running which its maker, the Sandler Mfg. Co.. to assure uniform drlnk.s. Each of the four<br />
tubs to the last inch of usefulness. By claims more than half a dozen revolutionary<br />
features, is now available to drlve-ln of syrup. FYom one filling of the tanks,<br />
pressurized syrup tanks holds three gallons<br />
roviding five minutes' leeway in burning<br />
me. the economizer eliminates guesswork theatres. The manufacturer says the 1,440 six-ounce drinks can be served.<br />
s to whether a given stub is long enough heater will deliver more BTU by volume Mounted on top of the stand Is an Illuminated,<br />
revolving Roto-Slgn— using color,<br />
jjr a certain reel. The carbon stub and<br />
jconomizer unit are joined together by<br />
light and motion to feature three of the<br />
latching wedge-shaped slots, held In<br />
Cloims made for products detcribcd edirorially beverages dispensed. The unit Is mechanically<br />
refrigerated right up to the draft arm<br />
|llgnment by spring-loaded retractable on this and other pages ore token from the<br />
^eeve which provides<br />
manufacturers' statements<br />
a positive guide into nozzles, eliminating need for ice.<br />
jjdjDXOFnCE :: October 1, 1955<br />
41
,<br />
Got the Blues<br />
In the Night?<br />
nc'-s „ L et us estimote<br />
on rcpo.rmg or r p ,^^ j^„^<br />
P.<br />
(,„dbus.ncssgo|ng<br />
^^^^^ ^^„<br />
,„,eyourn.9htm'""<br />
'^<br />
PHONE .2.658<br />
WR,TE,V/IREo,<br />
MANUFACTURERS<br />
DISTRIBUTORS<br />
lllilKilstuty f.ihrlcs anil<br />
gmctal Seatliit Sun<br />
Spray-On Plastic Coating P-1379<br />
For Drive-In Screens<br />
Tests show that new Stereo-Vision plastic<br />
coating for drive-in screens provides a<br />
15 to 25 per cent increase in light, according<br />
to the Slocum Theatre Screen Co. The<br />
plas ic coating is sprayed on with 260<br />
pound= of pressure, being heavy mat:rial<br />
tha; must be applied as a solid, wet and<br />
heavy coat. In addition to long-wearing<br />
cuality. the plastic screen coating gives<br />
excellent perception of color and depth,<br />
as attractive as a silver screen, according<br />
to the manufacturer, with the percentage<br />
of light increase depending on the surface<br />
cf the outdoor screen being coated.<br />
Telescope Aids Accurate P-1380<br />
Projection Alignment<br />
A low-cost, panoramic<br />
telescope used by the U. S.<br />
artillery to line up its targets<br />
is announced by Parber<br />
Products Co., Inc., as a<br />
device to help projectionists<br />
line up their machines,<br />
pictures and screens. The<br />
four-power telescope has<br />
10" field vision with<br />
360" gear reduction unit and brake mechanism<br />
which enables an operator to sight<br />
all angles. Equipped with lowering and<br />
elevating sighting unit, the telescope has a<br />
cross-hair in its optics to pinpoint focus.<br />
This telescope, according to the manufacturers,<br />
enables a projectionist to do accurately<br />
these tasks: set the frame of the<br />
picture on two or more machines, set several<br />
aperture masks and focus the lens on<br />
every subject. Over-all dimensions are<br />
8x3 '2 inches.<br />
$25<br />
DOWN<br />
Balance<br />
S10<br />
Monthly<br />
400 DELUXE<br />
PENNY<br />
FORTUNE<br />
SCALE<br />
NOT A<br />
NOVELTY—<br />
BUT AN<br />
INVESTMENT<br />
25-75%<br />
PROFIT<br />
WEIGHT 165 LBS<br />
Invented and Made Only by<br />
WAT L I N G<br />
Manufacturing Company<br />
4650 W. Fulton St. Chicago 44, Illinois<br />
Est. 1889—Telephone: Columbus 1-2772<br />
Coble Address; WATLINCITE, Chicago<br />
TT<br />
theatre seat<br />
seruice co.<br />
'60 Hermitage Avenue<br />
Nashville. Tennei.ee<br />
•jLL-PURPOsI<br />
42<br />
''l/oM Cant i^uy. better"<br />
Wl LLI AMS<br />
SCREEN COMPANY<br />
I-PIASTIC<br />
t SEAMLESS<br />
Fire Control Units<br />
Use New Agent<br />
P-1381<br />
The automatic firecontrol<br />
systems manufactured<br />
by Red<br />
Come t, Inc., now<br />
make use of a new<br />
fire-stopping agent.<br />
CM-7 lazeotropic<br />
chlormethanes The<br />
1 .<br />
new chemical, a product<br />
of Beall Research<br />
k Engineering Corp.,<br />
is<br />
said to be more effective<br />
than carbon tetrachloride which is<br />
commonly used in extinguishers. Not only<br />
does it effectively fight combustion but it<br />
inhibits the formation of toxic carbon<br />
monoxide or phosgene gases. CM-7 fights<br />
fire in three pha.scs. When it comes into<br />
contact with the fire's heat, it releases a<br />
•flash fog." At its boiling point of 152.5<br />
degrees P.. the bulk of the fluid is vaporized<br />
into a penetrating, fire extinguishing<br />
fog. The remainder vaporizes later to<br />
leave a residual fog over the once-burning<br />
area to prevent re-ignition. Both wall-type<br />
and manual Red Comet extinguishers are<br />
supplied with the new agent. Wall models<br />
are set off automatically by means of a<br />
heat-stimulated fuse in the base which<br />
eventually releases a grenade of CM-7.<br />
THE<br />
BEST!<br />
HILUX<br />
See your Theatre Supply Dealer<br />
or write us directly . . . NOW<br />
PROJECTION OPTICS CO.<br />
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK<br />
The MODERN THEATRE SECTlN<br />
fl
I Complete<br />
I<br />
The /ollouind coiicrnis liuvc rfceittlu<br />
filed copies o) inlerestirig descriptive literature<br />
u'ith the Modem Theatre Information<br />
Bureau. Headers who wish copies may<br />
obtain them promptly by using the Readers'<br />
Bureau postcard in this issue of The Modern<br />
Theatre.<br />
L-1738 Drive-In Theatre Owners who<br />
operate a swimming pool in conjunction<br />
with their sliow situation will be interested<br />
in II new brochure issued by American Playground<br />
Device Co. Seven reasons for investing<br />
in lifetime aluminum diving boards<br />
are given. Among them are durability,<br />
economy, beauty, scientific design, light<br />
weight and approval by official diving associations.<br />
Most important, probably, is the<br />
safety angle, as the aircraft design eliminates<br />
twisting at tip of the board. The full<br />
18-inch board also has a special non-skid<br />
tread.<br />
drive-ln operators who used the heuti-i<br />
to place their slluatloas on yeur-rouiid<br />
basis In 1952.<br />
L-1740 Electric dryers suitable for n<br />
cess-mounting and wall-surface mountliu'<br />
in restrooms of conventional and dnve-lii<br />
theatres are pictured and described In u<br />
brochure Issued by Electric Aire Engineering<br />
Corp. The savings made possible by<br />
use of the dryers are detailed, as are Important<br />
contributions they make In helpliv<br />
maintain cleaner restrooms at thealre.s.<br />
WIN '500°°<br />
L-I739 Profitable possibilities in converting<br />
summer drive-in operations to yeararound<br />
business with the use of in-car<br />
heaters are detailed in a brochure issued<br />
by Arvin Industries, Inc. The five-pound<br />
heaters, equipped with 11-foot rubber cord<br />
for use in front or rear of car, are plugged<br />
into the same post that holds the speaker.<br />
features of Arvin 's Model T90<br />
heater are discussed, along w-ith profitable<br />
experiences of two prominent mid-ea-st
. . . Choose<br />
about PEOPLE/and PRODUCT<br />
He succeeds D. C. Seitz, now with the<br />
Coastal Equipment Co., York's distributing<br />
organization in Houston, Tex.<br />
T. E. MiTiR, formerly Daylon district<br />
manager, has been named commercial and<br />
industrial air conditioning merchandising<br />
manager, as the Airtemp Division of<br />
Chrysler Corp., organizes for its "forward<br />
look" planning and 1956 sales program.<br />
Working directly with Muir as sales<br />
manager, commercial and industrial air<br />
conditioning, will be S. Anderson jr., promoted<br />
from assistant sales manager in<br />
charge of southern operations. A. J.<br />
Schiffman. formerly assistant sales manatnilUanpltis,<br />
*]ntematumaf<br />
every one<br />
interchartgeabl<br />
to reduce<br />
maintenance<br />
costs, prolong<br />
seat life and<br />
assure like-newi<br />
appearance.<br />
'<br />
For over 30 years,<br />
International Theater Seats<br />
have been recognized as<br />
# The most comfortable # The most easily installed<br />
# The most economical # The most beautiful<br />
Write. Wjrc iir I'Iidiic Today for Complete Information<br />
INTERNATIONAL SEAT CORP.<br />
Union City, Indiana<br />
ADLER<br />
FOR THEATRE SIGNS<br />
THAT BUILD BIGGER<br />
BOXOFFICE<br />
LINES<br />
Adler Chansjeal)lr<br />
i.itter Display Kqiiipnirnl.<br />
StronK
•<br />
Jean<br />
•<br />
flxoFficE (Id I) ii J i] ^^ ij J jI]<br />
he EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY asou. P• he finest pictures ever made. Did better<br />
fi "Calne Mutiny" but not up to "Eternity"<br />
•s. The best gross here in a long time,<br />
we received many fine comments on this<br />
Uy type film. Played Sim., Mon., Tues.<br />
tther: Fair.—Ken Christiansen. Roxy<br />
atre, Washburn, N. D. Population 900.<br />
Jasterson of Kansas (Col)—George Months<br />
ery, Nancy Gates, James Griffith. This<br />
very good action western that pleased<br />
vho came. Color is excellent. Played Sat.<br />
ther: Rain, as usual.—W. S. Funk. Star<br />
I<br />
itre, St. Stephen. S. C. Population 1.000.<br />
METROGOLDV/YN-MAYER<br />
"1 Day at Black Rock (MGM)—Spencer<br />
Kobert Ryan, Anne Francis. A picture<br />
.-'Pen.'^e and action, Tracy very good.<br />
>i ness below average, probably because we<br />
ted It so late. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:<br />
Hot,—D, W. Trlsko. Runge Theatre. Runge,<br />
Tex. Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
Dream Wife (MGM)—Gary Grant. Deborah<br />
Kerr. Walter Pldgeon. A fair comedy, but<br />
not as big as such a powerful cast would indicate.<br />
However, nothing to be ashamed of.<br />
Your patrons will enjoy it and get their<br />
money's worth. Played Mon.. Tues. Weather:<br />
Fair.- F. L. Murray. Strand Theatre. Splrltwood<br />
Sask. Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
Gone With the Wind (MGM)—Reissue.<br />
Clark Gable. Vivien Leigh, Olivia DeHavUland.<br />
Play it. Pay percentage and then have<br />
Audie Back in Groove<br />
With 'Diablo' Picture<br />
tJidc Clear of Diablo (U-I)—Audie ."Murphy.<br />
Susan Cabot. Dan Duryea, .\udie<br />
Murphy gets the drop on gunman Dan<br />
Duryea, but in spite of his slow draw, Dan<br />
has a part in the story that lets him do<br />
as slick a job of stealing a picture as<br />
we've seen in many a day, and stealing<br />
one from .Audie is no mean trick in<br />
Fruita. We'd been worrying about Audie's<br />
last couple of features since they weren't<br />
doing the business we were paying<br />
for, but this one had enough action and<br />
comedy to get us back in the groove.<br />
Don't pass it up.<br />
BOB WALKER<br />
Uintah Theatre<br />
Fruita, Colo.<br />
more money left than you ordinarily will, if<br />
your situation is like mine. No, I'm not working<br />
for MGM, but it will still please. Played<br />
Tues., Wed. Weather: Hot and dry.—Terry<br />
Axley, New and Best theatres, England, Ark.<br />
Small-town and rural patronage,<br />
Mogambo (MGM)—Clark Gable, Ava Gardner,<br />
Grace Kelly. Jungle pictures are not<br />
too popular here, but this is a good one. More<br />
like reality than most of them. The two<br />
women do a wonderful job and this is the best<br />
role I have seen Clark Gable In since "Gone<br />
With the Wind." This picture is all right and<br />
your patrons will enjoy it. <strong>Boxoffice</strong> gcx)d.<br />
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair.— P. L. Murray,<br />
Strand Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask. Smalltown<br />
and rural patronage.<br />
Quo Vadis (MGM)—Robert Taylor, Deborah<br />
Kerr, Peter Ustinov. The religious<br />
theme of this fine show is bound to bring In<br />
patrons that seldom, if ever, attend the<br />
movies. In spite of its length and rain on<br />
Monday, it pulled my best gross in quite some<br />
time and that for a real small rural community<br />
augers well for any show. Orchids<br />
to Deborah Kerr for a fine Job of acting. She<br />
wa-s perfect for the part. Color Is fuzzy;<br />
sound is fair, with quite a few splices<br />
throughout the film. Played Sun.. Mon.<br />
Weather: Fair Sunday, rain Monday.—I.<br />
Roche. Vernon Theatre. Vernon. Fla. Smalltown<br />
and rural patronage.<br />
PARAMOUNT<br />
Country Girl. The (Para)—Blng Crosby,<br />
Grace Kelly, William Holden. A good show<br />
which shot over the heads of my -sharecroppers.<br />
Townspeople ale It up, so use your<br />
own Judgment, Played Sun.. Mon. Weather:<br />
Hot and humid -Terry Axley. New and Best<br />
theatre.s, England, Ark. SmiiU-town and rurol<br />
patronage.<br />
LiTlng It Up (Para)- Dean Martin, Jerry<br />
LewLs, Janet Leigh. Could have opiiic.l<br />
stronger, but held up well for the three-day<br />
booking. Shercc North's dance wa.s certainly<br />
startling, but disappointing, too. We h.ivc<br />
had nice customer comments about VMa-<br />
VLslon pictures, both features and .short<br />
subjects. Played Sun.. Mon.. Tue.';. W»>athcr:<br />
Good.—Robert B. Tuttle. Sky Dr:vc-In.<br />
Adrian. Mich. Urban and rural patronage!<br />
Three Ring Circus ( Para i—Dean Martin.<br />
Jerry Lewis. Joanne Dru. Very rich and<br />
beautiful color as most VIstaVLslon Is, but a<br />
little hard to keep in focus some time.s A<br />
pretty good picture: but nothing like "The<br />
Greatest Show on Earth." as we were led to<br />
believe It was. So. don't be fooled. It Is a very<br />
good picture, stood up well for three days and<br />
made a payment on the wldescreen. Played<br />
Thurs.. Prl.. Sat. Weather: Good— F. "<br />
L.<br />
Murray, Strand Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask<br />
Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
Stooge, The (Para)—Dean Martin. Jerry<br />
Lewis. Polly Bergen. Even with Ladles night<br />
on Tuesday. Martin and Lewis Just don't do<br />
me any good midweek. Played Tues., Wed,<br />
Weather: Rainy —Lew Bray jr,. Queen Theatre,<br />
McAUen, Tex. English-Spanish-speaking<br />
patronage.<br />
RKO RADIO<br />
The (RKOi— Anne Baxter.<br />
Carnival Story,<br />
Steve Cochran, Lyie Bettger. Anne Baxter outstanding<br />
in this one. No dull spots. Kids expected<br />
more circus. AdulU collected plenty<br />
of romance. That Anne Baxter! Lovely gall<br />
Played Fri., Sat., Sun. Weather: Okay.—<br />
Frank Sabln, Majestic Theatre. Eureka, Mont.<br />
Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
Cattle Queen of .Montana ( RKO i—Barbara<br />
Stanwyck, Ronald Reagan. Gene Evans. A<br />
good western with a different angle. It<br />
pleased the crowd and the boxoffice, Plavr'<br />
Sat, Weather: Hot—D. W. Trlsko. Rui;<br />
Theatre. Runge. Tex. Small-town and ni:,.,<br />
patronage.<br />
Underwater! (RKO)—Jane Russell. Gilbert<br />
Rolajid. Richard Egan, Russell .sceni'^<br />
to get them In nowadays regardless. Th:<br />
one should do big for you. but expect n;.<br />
rageous terms. Its In Superscope. which w.i.<br />
help. Played Sun.. Mon. Weather: Hot.—<br />
Terry Axley. New and Best theatres. England.<br />
Ark. Small-town and rural pa'rnnnee<br />
20th<br />
CENTURY-FOX<br />
Adventures of HaJjl Baba. The (20th-Fox><br />
—John Derek. Elaine Stewart. Rasemarle<br />
Bowe. After the censors got throuk'h with<br />
this one there still was enough letgood<br />
buslnes.s. After seeing the ex; :<br />
in their eyes on the screen, it n. ,<br />
been a good dance. We didn<br />
Played Wed.. Thurs,. Ftl,,<br />
Warm,-Harold Bell. Opera !•<br />
cook. Que Small-town and ruraJ t).i:io;.xic<br />
Man Called Peter, A i20th-Foxi- Rlrhirrt<br />
Todd. Jean Peters. Marjorle K .<br />
Everyone knows by now what a th<br />
wonderful and enjoyable picture "h<br />
It sure felt fine to t)a.sk In tl.<br />
compliments of a few cash r<br />
few days. Our Lutheran mini.-<br />
(Continued on following page)<br />
C OFFICE BookinGuide :: October 1. 1955
The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY<br />
(Continued from preceding page)<br />
in his church bulletin that it was a "must<br />
see" picture and we got a few famdies that<br />
we had never gotten in our ten years here.<br />
Played Sun., Mon., Tues., Wed. Weather:<br />
Good—Paul Ricketts, Charm Theatre, Holyrood,<br />
Kas. SmaU-town and rural patronage.<br />
Miss Robin Crusoe (20th-Fox)—Amanda<br />
Blake George Nader, Rosalind Hayes. I was<br />
afraid of this movie, but I booked it becau.se<br />
of price It does not seem to make any difference<br />
what I play anymore. This show is<br />
real corn, poor acting, but the color and<br />
scenery are beautiful. My patrons ate it up.<br />
Played late show Sat. Weather: Rainmg, as<br />
usual.—W. S. Funk, Star Theatre, St, Stephen,<br />
N. C. Population 1,000.<br />
Racers, The (20th-Fox)-Kirk Douglas<br />
Bella Darvi, Gilbert Roland. This lacked<br />
something and suffered badly by comparison<br />
with an old-fashioned 2-D picture on American<br />
sports car racing that Universal released<br />
last year. Some of the dialog was<br />
hard to understand and there were long jumps<br />
in the story that were rather hard to fill m.<br />
Business was way down. Played Sun., Mon.<br />
Weather: Good.—Paul Ricketts, Charm Theatre,<br />
Holyrood, Kas. Small-town and rural<br />
patronage.<br />
That Lady (20th-Pox)—Olivia DeHavilland,<br />
Gilbert Roland, Paul Scofield. We class this<br />
one a^ not a small-town picture. It has a<br />
good story, which is on the heavy drama<br />
side and minus action, which our folks ju.st<br />
can't get along without. Played Wed. thi-ough<br />
Sat Weather: Warm.—Harold Bell, Opera<br />
House, Coaticook, Que. Small-town patronage.<br />
There's No Business Like Show Business<br />
(20th-Fox)—Ethel Merman, Donald O'Connor<br />
Marilyn Monroe. Come Monday morning<br />
I was ready to change the title to<br />
there's no business in "No Business Like<br />
Show Business," but Monday held good and<br />
Tuesday was above average, so wc ended up<br />
with an above average gross. Not enough<br />
above to justify the original terms, but the<br />
Fox branch manager said it had been put on<br />
the scale, so I ended up with a profit, too.<br />
It is a very slow starter, but after two listless<br />
reels they get down to business and it<br />
ends up the kind of picture that most folks<br />
will like if you can get them in. Played Sun.,<br />
Mon. Tues. Weather: Hot.—Bob Walker<br />
Uintah Theatre, Fi'uita, Colo. Small-town and<br />
rural patronage.<br />
Untamed (20th-Fox)—Susan Hayward, Tyrone<br />
Power, Richard Egan. This compares<br />
with the best of the Cinemascopes. Scenery<br />
unsurpassed. Acting tops. Fox and Metro<br />
Rive us a chance to make a little money on<br />
their product. Wish I could say that for<br />
all the producers. Played Sun., Mon 'Tues.<br />
—M. L. DuBose, Majestic Theatre, Cotulla,<br />
Tex. Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
UNITED ARTISTS<br />
Captain Kidd and the Slave Girl (UA)—<br />
Anthony Dexter, Eva Gabor. Alan Hale jr.<br />
Doubled on top with an oldie western for<br />
near-average business. School has started<br />
now with on-and-off showers. Played Thurs.,<br />
Sal 'weather: Warm.—Lew Bray jr.. Queen<br />
Theatre. McAllen, Tex. English-SpanLshspeaking<br />
patronage.<br />
Man With a Million (UAi—Gregory Peck,<br />
.lane Griffiths. Ronald Squhe. Greg Peck<br />
with a fine English ca.st gave us a good show.<br />
Ticket sales a bit slow, but to be expected.<br />
No kicks. Played Tues.. Wed. Weather:<br />
Okay—Frank Sabln, Majestic Theatre,<br />
Eureka, Mont. Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
Sabaka Karloff, Nino Marcel,<br />
(UA)—Boris<br />
Reginald Denny. Story of India with the<br />
god ritual as a basis for the story. Cast<br />
was good.<br />
lire<br />
Photography not too clear. Good<br />
enough for midweek or a double bill. Played<br />
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Hot.—D. W. Trisko,<br />
Runge Theatre, Runge, Tex. Small-town<br />
and rural patronage.<br />
Shark River (UA)—Steve (Cochran, Carole<br />
Mathews, Warren Stevens. Here's a nice little<br />
family offering with more snakes than mother<br />
will like, but enough small boys and an<br />
educational tour of the Everglades interwoven<br />
with a fair-to-middlin' story, to make<br />
a pleasing entry on any double-bill in a<br />
country town. With work, good shorts and a<br />
midweek date, it could easily stand alone.<br />
The cast isn't well-known, but they give a<br />
fine account of themselves for the time they'll<br />
occupy your back wall. It will get you more<br />
nice comments than most film you use.<br />
James Dean Greatest<br />
Find Since Brando<br />
pAST OF EDEN (WB)—Julie Harris,<br />
" James Dean, Raymond Massey.<br />
James Dean is the greatest find since<br />
Marlon Brando. Here without a doubt,<br />
is to date the top contender for the<br />
Academy Award this year. This picture<br />
has everything, including Elia Kazan and<br />
boxoffice appeal.<br />
ROBERT KUNGE<br />
Uptown Theatre<br />
Sedalia, Mo.<br />
Doubled with "Africa Adventure" for average<br />
business. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Hot-<br />
Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo.<br />
Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
Stranger on Horseback (UA)—Joel McCrea,<br />
Miroslava, Kevin McCarthy. Put this picture<br />
on your Sunday and Monday change and bill<br />
it as a big super-outdoor western and add a<br />
Tom and Jerry cartoon carnival and you can't<br />
miss. For me, this turned out to be a good<br />
booking. United Artists has come a long way<br />
and I have stuck with them as they came<br />
along. I am more than happy that I did, as<br />
UA is among the top majors of today. Keep<br />
up the good work, UA. Played Sun., Mon.—<br />
Mitchell Kelloff, Spur Theatre, La Veta, Colo.<br />
Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL<br />
Far Country, The (U-D—James Stewart,<br />
Ruth Roman, Walter Brennan. Action a-<br />
plenty, but as fine an outdoor drama as you<br />
would wish to see. Had plenty of good comment.<br />
Business was well above normal.<br />
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.—F. L.<br />
Miuray, Strand Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask.<br />
SmaU-town and rural patronage.<br />
Gunsmokc (U-D—Audie Murphy, Susan<br />
Cabot, Paul Kelly. Doubled with "Captain<br />
Pirate" (Col) and combined with terrifically<br />
hot weather, it gave us a turn-away Saturday<br />
night crowd. Played Sat. only. Weather: Hot.<br />
—Robert B. Tuttle, Sky Drive-In, Adrian,<br />
Mich. Urban nnd rural patronage.<br />
Man Without a Star (U-D—Kirk Douglas,<br />
Jeanne Grain. Claire Trevor. Played to<br />
average Sunday-Tuesday crowd. An exceptionally<br />
well-acted outdoor picture. Kii-k<br />
Douglas was very good, also Jeanne Grain.<br />
Story is good and well-done throughout.<br />
Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Okay.—<br />
D. W. Trisko, Runge Theatre. Runge, Tex.<br />
Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
Sign of the Pagan (U-I>—Jeff Chandler,<br />
Jack Palance, Ludmilla Tcherina. Nobody<br />
here ever heard of Attila and didn't care to,<br />
apparently. This type of show never does<br />
any business here. Jack Palance does a<br />
wonderful job as Attila, while Jeff Chandler<br />
merely went along for the ride. Played Sun..<br />
Mon. Weather: Good.—Audrey Thompson.<br />
Ozark Theatre, Hardy, Ark. Small-town and<br />
rural patronage.<br />
Six Bridges to Cross (U-i:i—Tony Curtis,<br />
George Nader, Julie Adams. Either the stars<br />
or the plot, or both, pulled a fair crowd on<br />
this one. From all angles it is a good show<br />
and will stand by itself any day of the week.<br />
By all means, play it. Played Sun.. Mon.<br />
Weather: Fine.—I Roche, Vernon Theatre,<br />
Vernon, Fla. Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
So This Is Paris (U-D—Tony Curtis, Gloria<br />
DeHaven, Gene Nelson. A good show, which<br />
failed to do business and caused me to lose<br />
money. It died on Monday night at the boxoffice.<br />
It seems that musicals just don't draw<br />
anymore. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.<br />
E. M. Freiburger, Dewey Theatre, Dewey<br />
Okla. Small-town patronage.<br />
WARNER BROS.<br />
Bounty Hunter, The (WB) — Randolpt<br />
Scott, Dolores Dorn, Marie Windsor. Here i:<br />
a good action picture that drew solid boxoffice<br />
for us. Doubled with "Violent Satur<br />
day" (20th-Fox) which we thought was :<br />
good suspense picture, with a Hitchcocl<br />
touch. Played Wed., Thurs., Fri. Weather<br />
Good. — Robert B. Tuttle, Sky Drive-Ir<br />
Adrian, Mich. Urban and rural patronagi<br />
Mister Roberts (WB)—Henry Fonda. J.ime<br />
Cagney, William Powell. Hats off to Warner.<br />
Here is, without a doubt, one of the top pit<br />
tures of the year. Action, drama and side<br />
splitting comedy. What more could anyor<br />
want? One drawback: percentage too hig<br />
to make any money. Played this throug<br />
State Fair week here in Sedalia and i; w;<br />
surprising how it stood up. I believe it aou<br />
have been terrific boxoffice had we not bee<br />
bucking the fair. Played Fri., through Thui<br />
Weather: Hot.—Robert Klinge, Uptown The:<br />
tre, Sedalia, Mo. Medium-size town ar.<br />
patronage.<br />
Ring of Fear (WB)—Clyde Beatiy f<br />
O'Brien, Mickey Spillane. Good circus pi<br />
ture. Plenty of action. Not too heavy at t<br />
boxoffice, since there was plenty of compe<br />
tion. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weathi<br />
Okay.—D. W. Trisko, Runge Theatre, Rum,<br />
Tex. Small-town and rural patronage.<br />
So Big (WB)—Jane Wyman. Sterling ^'i<br />
den, Nancy Olson. A good drama in blsa<br />
and white with a good story and runnlE<br />
time, but not as good as "Johnny Belind^<br />
as WB would have you believe.<br />
MISCELLANEOUS<br />
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Buena Vli><br />
—Kirk Douglas, James Mason. Paul Lu'S<br />
This picture rang the bell for about top b'lncss<br />
of this season for us. Our bO'"<br />
doubled it with "Pi-incess of the Nile (2'"-<br />
Fox) , which while okay, was superfluous no<br />
because of the length created a programrns<br />
[rn-<br />
problem. We have found this same prosr"-<br />
ming problem again and again this se<br />
with so many of the doubles being so<br />
Consequently, we are switching to s.<br />
bills whenever the length or strength Oin'<br />
main feature warrants. Played Sun., »«<br />
Tues.-Robert B. Tuttle, Sky Driviln.<br />
Adrian, Mich. Urban and rural patrol.'<br />
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide<br />
However.jJ<br />
: :<br />
October 1.95'<br />
t<br />
won't go wrong with this picture. Play It.J<br />
will make vou some money. It did here<br />
8^^<br />
was well liked. Played Mon,, Tues, WeafchiM''<br />
Rainy,—F. L. Murray, Strand Theatre, Spu^"<br />
wood, Sask. Small-town and rural patrons*<br />
Tall Man Riding (WB)—Randolph Sp^i<br />
Dorothy Malone, Peggie Castle. A nice ipa<br />
ern that wUl fit in any situation. I fltj<br />
believe it's strong enough to stand singl^lP<br />
We played it single and attendance wa*<br />
low normal. Played Sun., through TS<br />
Weather: Hot and humid,—Robert Kliif<br />
Uptown Theatre. Sedalia, Mo, Medium-w<br />
town and rural patronage. .<br />
M
I<br />
Monkey<br />
is<br />
ctlvc analysis of loy and trodeprcss reviews. The plus and minus signs Indlcoto dvqr<<br />
audience clossiticorion is not rotcd. Listings cover current reviews, brought up to doto r^gi<br />
rii£VJ£iu dmm<br />
Very Good; ' Good; ' Foir; — Poor; Very Poor. In Ihc summary ><br />
rated 2 pluses, - as 2 minuses.<br />
A<br />
1 .v^bat and Costtllo Mttt Ihi Ktyttoni Kopt<br />
-\!) Comtdy U-l 2- 5-55 +<br />
'<br />
and Co
REVIEW DIGEST<br />
Very Good; r Good; — Fair; ^ Poor; — Very Poor In the summory t+ is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 nrinuses.<br />
1801 Green Magic (85) Documentary IFE 7-9-55 +<br />
Gun Point (80) Superwestern AA<br />
leOS Gun That Won the West, The (71) Western. Col 7-16-55 ±<br />
++ 5+1-<br />
:!: + >+3-<br />
H<br />
1635 Hansel and Gretel (75) Fantasy RKO 10-16-54 + +<br />
Headline Hunters (..) Drama Rep<br />
1580 Hell Raiders of the Deep (93) Drama.. IFE 5- 8-54 +<br />
1763 Hell's Island (84) Drama Para 5- 7-55 -f :t<br />
1687 Hell's Outpost (90) Drama Rtp 1-8-55+ ±<br />
1596 Her Twelie Men (91) Comedy-Drama. .. MGM 7- 3-54 ++ ff<br />
1608 High and Dry (93) Comedy U-l 8-28-54+ -ft<br />
Comedy AA 5-21-55 ± ±<br />
1775 Hioh Society (61)<br />
His Last 1593 Twelve Hours (89) Com-Dr IFE 6-26-54 +<br />
1722 Hit the Deck (112) Musical MGM 3-5-55++<br />
1845 Hold Back Tomorrow (75) Drama U-l 9-24-55 —<br />
+<br />
1803 House of Bamboo (103) Drama 20tJi-Fo!t 7- 9-55 ++ ++<br />
1811 How to Be Very, Very Popular<br />
(89) Comedy 20th-Fox 7-23-55 +f<br />
1606 Human Desire (90) Drama Col 8-14-54 ±<br />
1618 Human Jungle (82) Drama AA 9-18-54+ +<br />
1691 Hunters of the Deep (64) Doc DCA 1-15-55 +<br />
Husband (or Anna. A (105) Drama... IFE<br />
:t « ftfl-<br />
+ + 5+<br />
+ 7+2-<br />
+ * + ± ± 7+4-<br />
+ + + +++ 10+1-<br />
+ + ++ + + 9+<br />
± ± ± 5+5-<br />
1+<br />
+ ++ H ft + U+1-<br />
± 1+2-<br />
+ ff ++ + + U+<br />
H + 5+<br />
± + - ± ± 5+5-<br />
+ + tt + :t 8+1-<br />
+ + + + 5+<br />
I<br />
1819 I Am a Camera (95) Comedy DCA 8-6-55+ + ± * — iz ± 6+5-<br />
1758 1 Cover the Underworld (70) Drama... Rep 4-30-55+ ±: ± A ± ± 6+5—<br />
1835 llleoal (90) Drama WB 9-3-55+ + ± + + 5+1-<br />
1738 Interrupted Melody (106)<br />
Musical. Drama MGM 3-26-55 H ++ -H tt H ++ +t 14+<br />
1792 II Came From Beneath the Sea (80)<br />
Science-Fiction Cot 6-18-55+ ± + + + + - 6+4-<br />
1830 It's Always Fair Weather (102) Musical. MGM 8-27-55+ + ++++++ + +t 11+<br />
J<br />
Jajuar (..) Drama Re«i<br />
) Jail Busters (61 Comedy AA<br />
1619 Jesse James' Women (83) Western UA 9-1S-54 ±:<br />
1579Johnny Guitar (110) Western Rep 5- 8-54 ±<br />
1740Jumo Into Hell (90) Drama.>^ WB 3-26-55 —<br />
1712 Jungle Gents (64) Comedy AA 2-19-55 ±<br />
1744 Jungle Moon Men (69) Adv.-Drama Col 4- 2-55 ±<br />
1698 Jupiter's Darling (95) Musical MGM 1-29-55 H-<br />
+ ± H - + +<br />
± + + 4+ + +<br />
K<br />
1807 Kenluckian, The (104) Adv.-Drama UA 7-16-55 +<br />
1608 Khyber Patrol (71) Drama UA 8-21-54 ±<br />
1848 Killer's Kiss (67) Mystery Drama UA 9-24-55 ±<br />
Killer Leopard (..) Drama AA<br />
King Dinosaur (59) Drama LP<br />
1598 King Richard and Ihe Crusaders<br />
(113) Historical Drama WB 7-17-54++<br />
1810 King's Thief. The (79) Drama MGM 7-23-55 ±<br />
1834 Kiss of Fire (89) Drama U-l 9- 3-55 ±<br />
1755 Kiss Me Deadly (105) Mystery Drama... UA 4-23-55 ±<br />
Knave of Hearts (See 'Lover Boy")<br />
++ +<br />
>+5-<br />
7+5-<br />
2+6-<br />
3+2-<br />
4+7-<br />
9+1-<br />
7+1-<br />
6+5-<br />
3+3-
! Very Good; • Good; - Fair; — Poor;<br />
-<br />
Very Poor. In the summary H is rated 2 pluses, - as 2 minuses.<br />
KtYltlnf mClt^l<br />
5 "> S<br />
«£<br />
»<br />
Rtcvt. Ttie (92) D'lfflB 20tli-Fa« 2- 5-5S + -H<br />
—<br />
(ta«t it Oian (S7) Wiitcni RKO 3-12-55 +<br />
Raid. The (82) Drama 20tliFiK 7-24-54 + 4+<br />
Rur Window (112) Drama Para 7-24-54 ff (+<br />
of Rtlurn Jack Sladt. The (80) Western.. AA<br />
Return to Treasure Island (75) Drama... UA 7- 3-54 + ±<br />
Re»eoge o( the Creature (82) Drami U-i 3-19-55 +<br />
Ricochet Romance (80) Comedy U-I 10-23-54-)- —<br />
Road to Denier (90) Western Rep 6-25-55 H -f<br />
Robbers' Roojt (82) Western UA 5-21-S5 -(- ±<br />
Rogue Cop (92) Drama MGM 9- 9-54 -(-<br />
+<br />
Roaeo and Juliet (140) Drama (J A 12-25-54 -)-<br />
H<br />
Roogie's Bump (71> Comedy-Fantasy. ... Reo 9-25-54 :i: ±<br />
Rw tor Co»er (92) Drama Para 3-26-55 +f<br />
-I- « -H W + U-i-<br />
+ -^ + + -I- 6-1-1-<br />
f H H -f 9+<br />
tt H H -H tt 14+<br />
- * 4+4-<br />
+ * ± * 7+4-<br />
+ = * 4+5-<br />
± + ± 7+2-<br />
- + 4+3-<br />
+ H + 7+1-<br />
H +t +f -H 11+<br />
+ = + 4+5-<br />
+ + t+ H +t + 11+<br />
Saaka (81) Drama UA<br />
S)b 6- 4-55 +f<br />
'ora. SlaieEmpress (88)<br />
-oslume 0-ama IPE 11.20.54 -1-<br />
•s No Business Like Show Business<br />
117) Musical 20th-Foi 12-11-54 H<br />
I<br />
Big<br />
. 55 1<br />
.<br />
' Color;<br />
. . .D. .<br />
,<br />
. . .C-D. .<br />
Feature productions by eompony in order of release. Number in square is nor<br />
time is in porentheses. Letters ond combinations thereof indicate story type s roilows: ^C) Comedy; yO)<br />
Drama; (AD) Adventure-Drama; (CD) Comedy-Drama; (F) Fantasy; (M) Musieo<br />
western. Release number follows. U denotes BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon A><br />
(W) Western; (SW) Superord<br />
Winner. Photography:<br />
N. 3-D; =: Wide Screen. For review dates ond Picture Guide page num see Review Digest.<br />
ers,<br />
ALLIED ARTISTS<br />
Combo, The (89) D..5508<br />
Cornel WlJde, Jean Wallace. Rlctaard Contt<br />
i Murder l> My Beof (77) D. .5510<br />
Barbara Payton, Paul Langtoo, Selena Boyle<br />
COLUMBIA<br />
©Pirotes of Tripoli (72) D. .706<br />
Patrlda Medina, Paul Henreld<br />
©Ten Wanted Men (80) W. .725<br />
Kandotpb Scott, Jocelyn Braiido, BMurd Boone<br />
Women's Prison (80) D..726<br />
Ida Liipino, Hovard DuFT, BtxrUnc<br />
Jan<br />
LIPPERT<br />
M-G-M<br />
©Jupiter's Darling (95) M...'<br />
Esther WUllams, Howard Keel, Oeoffe Baa<br />
©Mony Rivers to Cross (95). . .D. .!<br />
E^leanor Parker, Robert Taylor<br />
1 Dial Red O (62) D . . 5509<br />
Hill Kllioii. Kilib Stanley<br />
Larsen, Helene<br />
jg Big Tip Off, The (77) D .<br />
Klobard Conle,<br />
a Seven Angry<br />
B. Bennett,<br />
Men (90)<br />
Constance Smith<br />
D..5511<br />
hajninm) Mas.si-y, liebra Paget, J. Hunter<br />
S3 CAnnopolis Story, An ;8I ) . . . D . .551 3<br />
John licnk, Diana Lynn. Kertn McCartky<br />
51 High Society (61) C..5514<br />
l.ifo (;orc..y, lluntz llall, Amanda BlUe<br />
5« ©Shotgun (80) D..5515<br />
Bterllni! Il.iyden. Y. De Carlo. Z. Scott<br />
Detective, The (86) CD. .734<br />
Alec Guinness, Joan Oreenivood, Peter fintk<br />
U©aLong Gray Line, The (138).D. .736<br />
IVrone Power, .Maureen •'Hara<br />
New Orleans Uncensored (76). . .D. .730<br />
Arthur Franz, Urtcrly Garland, U. Maxarkl<br />
©Wyoming Renegades (73) W. .727<br />
Phil Carey, .Martha Hyer, Gene Bvam<br />
a Sliver Star, The (73) W..5411<br />
ar Buchanan. Marie Windsor. Cbaoey<br />
L.<br />
Blackboard Jungle (1001 D..'i<br />
Glenn Ford. Aiine Francis. Louis Calhero<br />
f4]©cDHit the Deck (112) h\..\<br />
Jane Poivell. Tony Martin, Debbk Reynoll-<br />
Jungle Moon Men (70) A0..744 (B Thunder Over Songolattd (73). AD. .5415<br />
Joo HaU, Bay Montgomery. Mariorle Lord<br />
Jotajiny Welismuller, Heleoe Stanteii<br />
©c=iThree for the Show (93) M. .737<br />
H ©Gloss Slipper, The (94) MF<br />
. U<br />
Leslie Caron, Michael WUdlng, Keenan ^a<br />
Betty Grable, .Marge and Gower rhumplftn<br />
SI Glass Tomb, The (59) D..S409<br />
John Ireland, Honor Blackman<br />
m ©cnBedevllled (83lf D. i]<br />
Anne Baxter, Steve Forrest, Slmooe Reos<br />
) Los Vegas Shokedown (79) t>.,5516<br />
Dennis d'Keefc, Colceii Gray, Chaa. {rinnlncer<br />
jlSSkabenga (61) Doc. .5517<br />
Alrlcan Tribe<br />
Cell 2455, Death Row (77) D..739<br />
WlUiaB! Campbell, .Marian Carr, Katbryn Grant<br />
End of the Affoir, The (106) . . .D. .724<br />
Deborah Rerr. Van Johnson, -John Ullla<br />
©Seminole Uprising (74) AD". .743<br />
George .Montgomery, Karln Bootb<br />
Tight Spot (97) D. .728<br />
Dinger Rogers, E. G. Robinson. Brian Keltk<br />
a Air Strike (67) D..5413<br />
Blckard Denning, Gloria Jeao, Don Haggert;<br />
i<br />
Phantom of the Jungi* (75). .AD. .5414<br />
Joo Hall, Bay Montgomery, Anne Gwynne<br />
©aProdlgol, The (115) D. 2<br />
Lana Turner, Edmund Purdom. L. Calin<br />
!©Marouders, The (81) W. a<br />
Dan Duryea, Jeff Richards. W] u<br />
Ksenao<br />
SS<br />
Lord of the Jungle (69) AD .. 55 1<br />
Johnny Sbcfllelii, Wayne Morrb, Nane; Bile<br />
Fingerman (82) D . . 55 1<br />
frank Lovejoy. Peggie Forrest Tucker<br />
C«stle.<br />
Five Against the House (84) D .742<br />
Guy .Madiftn. Kim .Novak, Brian -Keltk<br />
©Prize of Gold, A (98) D. .738<br />
Itlriwr.l wi.iniark, ,Mal Zettcrllng, N. Patrick<br />
Si! King Dinosaur (59) D..54If<br />
BUI Bryant. Wanda Curtis<br />
©Love Me or Leave Me J<br />
(122) MD.1<br />
Doris Day, James Cagney, C. MUcbell I<br />
©oMoonfleet (89) D.il<br />
Sicwart Granjer. Viveca Uodlors. J. Oei«<br />
a Cose of the Red Monkey (73). .D. .5521<br />
lll'-li«rj Ciinte, liona Anderson, li. Napier<br />
m OaWi'chito (81) SW. .5520<br />
Lloyd J..!'! Mcl'r.;i. Vera MUes.<br />
m Betroyed Women (70)<br />
Brldjca<br />
D. .5524<br />
r.ciirly Mlolijils, Tom Drake, Dirole Matbciv.'i<br />
Spy Chasers (61) C. .5522<br />
U.. Ciirrey. llinitz Hall, ljs» Davis<br />
Chicago Syndicate (86) O . . 747<br />
Dennis O'Keefe, Xavler Ciigat, Abba Lace<br />
Creature With the Atom Brain<br />
(70) D..746<br />
Richard Denning. Antjela Sterenll<br />
It Come From Beneath the Sea<br />
(80) D..732<br />
(U Lonnome Troll, The (73) W..54I6<br />
John Agar, Wayne Morris, Margla Dean<br />
!<br />
©Cobweb, The (124) D<br />
Olarles Boyer, Lauren Bacall. Klcliard Wiirti<br />
©Interrupted Melody (106). .MD 5291<br />
Eleanor Parker. Glenn Ford, Roeer Hi I<br />
Faith Domergue, Kenneth Tobey, las Eeltli<br />
IPhenix City Story, The (100). .D. .5525<br />
Richard Klley. KaUiryn Grant, John Mclnllre<br />
©Bring Your Smile Along (83). .M. .803<br />
Krankle Lalne, Keefe Bra.sselle, Connie Towers<br />
©oMon From Loromle, The<br />
(104) W..801<br />
James Stewart, Cathy O'Donnell, Donald Crisp<br />
m ©King's Thief, The (79) D<br />
Ann Blyth, Edmund Purdom. Darld Ntvt<br />
gll ©Scarlet Coot (101) D<br />
Cornel Wilde, Michael Wlldlni. .\une<br />
m Night Freight (79) D. .5526<br />
l''orre8t Tucker, Barbara Brltton. K. Larsen<br />
aai ©aWorriora, The (85) D . . 5523<br />
Krrol Flynn, Joanne Uru. Peter Finch<br />
fSJall Busters (61) C. .5529<br />
ru liorr.y, llunti Hall, Barton MacLane<br />
US Wicked Wife (75) D, .5530<br />
.Nigel Patrick. Mulra Lister, Beatrice Campbell<br />
B) i=iReturn of Jack Slode, The<br />
(80) W. .5528<br />
John Kilo.iH. .Marl Hlanrhard, .Neville Brand<br />
M Bobby Wore Is Missing (66) D. .5532<br />
.Nfvllle llrnnil, Arthur Franz, Jean Wllles<br />
©oGun Point (80) SW. .5531<br />
Fred Mac.Murray, Dorothy Malone. W. Brennan<br />
Apache Ambush (67) W. .804<br />
BUI Williams, KIcbard Jaeckel, llontoya<br />
Alex<br />
©Footsteps in the Fog (90) . . . . D. .802<br />
Stewart Granger, Jean Slnimoin, BlU Traiers<br />
©Gun That Won the West, The<br />
(71) D..809<br />
DcnnLs Morg.tn, Paula Itaymond, R. Denning<br />
Night Holds Terror, The (86). .D. .807<br />
Jack Kelly, nilil; Parks, VIoce Edwards<br />
Specl ol D elivery '8 6) C. .806<br />
Devil Goddess (70). AD.. 805<br />
Jiiliiuiy WeLssrauUer, Ani;ela Stevens<br />
(DDuel on the Mississippi (72).. D.. 808<br />
Loj: Barker. Patricia Medina, Warren Stereos<br />
lUQSImbo (99) AD.<br />
Dirk Bogarde, Virginia McKenna<br />
©Bar Sinister, The (88)....<br />
Edmund Gwcno. Jaima lajwis, Jeff Rlchll "<br />
©It's Always Fair Weather<br />
(102) K-t'<br />
Gene Kelly. Cyd Charlsse. Dolores Oi<br />
©Svengoli (82) C<br />
Illldegarde Neff. Donald Wolflt. Terence<br />
^ ©Quentin Durward ( . .<br />
Robert Taylor, Kay Kendall, linhorl «''><br />
'^''<br />
(S Toughest Man Allvo, Tho (74). .0. ,5533<br />
Dane Cliirk, Llls .Milan, Anthony Caruso<br />
H cjThoy Come From Another<br />
World (78)<br />
D..5527<br />
Kevbi MtCarthy, Dana Wynter. Jean Wllles<br />
©inCount Three and Pray (102).D. .81<br />
Van lleflln, Joanne Woodward. Phil Carey<br />
©My Sister Eileen (108) MC..810<br />
Janet U'lsh, Jack Lommon, Betty Garrett<br />
Teen-Ago Crimo Wove (77). .<br />
Tommy Cook, Molly llcCart, Jiinics Bell<br />
OlOPorlt Follies of 1956 (73) M. .5534<br />
__ Forrest Jl^ckiT.Margarct & B arbara Willing<br />
Dig That Uranium.' C. .<br />
Ua (i.r.-.v. Iliini/, llall, Mary lieth Hughei<br />
OaFricndly Persuasion, Tho...D.,<br />
Gary Cooii, r. Iiomthy .McGulre. Marjorlc Main<br />
Shack Out on 101 (80) D. .<br />
Terry Muorr, Frank L"ve]oy. Wyiin<br />
Kecnan<br />
Suddon Dongor D .<br />
Illll ICIlloii, litverly Drake<br />
Garland. Tom<br />
Thunderstorm D .<br />
Caj 'lh"inp..'UicU. Lcsll'Ni<br />
©Forever Darling<br />
Lucille Hall, llcsl Arnaz. James MaO<br />
©Guys and Dolls i.<br />
.Marlon I'.ramlo. .lean Simmons, Frai'SI'<br />
©Invitotion to the Dance (94). i-<br />
Gene Kelly, llcllta. Tamara Toumara<br />
©Kismet t.<br />
Ann RIytli, Mmond Purdom, David W<br />
©Lost Hunt, The '<br />
Robert Taylor, Stewart Grar^er, Del "»
. Kfrnando<br />
. 5 1<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.W.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.D.<br />
FEATURE<br />
CHART<br />
AR AMOUNT<br />
8 -•.<br />
RKO RADIO<br />
ot Toko-RI. Th*<br />
D. .5405<br />
.507<br />
•n. hr.ilric Mtrth. MIckfr Roon.-y [fi Torion'i Hidden JangI* (72)<br />
iH.nl.m Scnii. Vrra Mlli"i. IV V»n R)t»<br />
• O^Undorw«»«rl (99i D . . 504<br />
Jane ItiJvsrll. Ullbcrt Itohiiil. lilrh.ird Rcun<br />
REPUBLIC 20TH CENTURY-FOX<br />
s -<br />
[II bc^Roccr., The (921 .... .T . .0. . 505-81<br />
DariL Ulllxrt Roland<br />
Kirk >:>a..<br />
OaWhIte<br />
II<br />
Feother (102) W.. 503-31<br />
llulxrl 1> I'atel, J Watner, Lund<br />
,><br />
of Spec* (60) AO. .5407<br />
ir. tVllllam Itriirirld, 0. Johnson<br />
Irl, Th« (104) O. .5409<br />
(iriH Ktlly, millui noldai<br />
j.jUntamed (112) D. .507-4<br />
urunr I'liorr, Kiuan llayvard. Btdkard lean<br />
J4) D. .5406<br />
,:ino. M. Reonlr<br />
SMI«r WInttrs,<br />
or Cover ;92) D. .5410<br />
). V IJnd/ora. Jean IlerihoU<br />
S OaRage at Down (87) W .<br />
llandolph SrotI, Mala Povirrs. Forrest Tucker<br />
X (JaEscopo to Burmo (87) W. .512<br />
Harliara .>;iau»yfk. liobcrt Ityaii. Darld Karrar<br />
9:SOQuast for the Lost City (61). Doc. 510<br />
I>ana and (iliifier Lamb<br />
I<br />
OVetlownock (83) D.. 5403<br />
Lin UcCartliy, Berry Krt>eiier<br />
ej Day to Remember, A (72) . . . .C. .543 !<br />
SLwil'v llolluway. Oillle Ver.»)|«. Vcmon (Iri,<br />
6 Doctor in the House (92). 7. .C. 7540 I<br />
liirk Uocarde. Uurld I'arlor. Donald Blnden<br />
I. uOoMon Called Peter, A<br />
(119) D<br />
KIchud Totlii. Jr.111 I'etcrii. .Marjorle llanbeaa<br />
Oa ©cuViolent Saturday (91) ... .D. .510-8<br />
Victor Maiure. Syltla Sidney. Richard Kajiojv. Ufeste KJrkofi. Nu Horeoo<br />
Alison D. .<br />
Wm. Terrs .Moore. Bob Bealty.<br />
OcBrove One, The<br />
Sylvester<br />
D .<br />
Michael liay. Jol Lanslni;<br />
OciConqueror, The D .<br />
John Wayne. Susan nayward, Armendarls<br />
Pedro<br />
O^GIory D. .<br />
Marpirri OBrleD, Walter Brcnnan. C. Oretnvood<br />
Oc=Grcat Day In the Morning.. D..<br />
Vlrjlnli Majo. Robert Stack. Bulb Roman<br />
OJct Pilot (119) D. .<br />
John Wimi-. Janet Leigh, Jay C. FUppen<br />
ONokcd Sco, The Doc. .<br />
A r"i]r-month Toyacc fleet<br />
of a tuna<br />
OcSllghtly Seorlet D .<br />
Wi.imla flomlne. John Dahl<br />
Payne, Arlcne<br />
Oc;Tcias Lady D. .<br />
ClaTidet:c Co:ii.'rt. Barry SulUiao<br />
Way Out, The D. .<br />
Mona Freeman. Oeoe .Nelson<br />
©Flame of the Islands D. .<br />
Yvonne Uc Carlo, Howard Scott<br />
Dull, Z.<br />
Jaguar D .<br />
Sjhu. Bar'on M.icLane. Oilqulta<br />
OMoglc Fire D. .<br />
Vii,w;,> He rarl". Carlin TlioiDpson. RIU Gam<br />
©Maverick Queen, The D. .<br />
Barlnra SUnwyck, Harry BulUran, Scott Bndv<br />
Mystery of the Block Jungle.. D..<br />
Lfi Rirkor. Jan.- MMneW<br />
No Man's Woman O. .<br />
Nancy Cites, I'.itrick Knotvles<br />
Secret Venture D. .<br />
r.i>ior. Jam- Ken! Ilyllon<br />
Track the Man Down D. ,<br />
KcMl Tulnr. I'l'-ilv r.i-k<br />
Twinkle in God's Eye, The C. .<br />
1 !: ri- . I<br />
©Vanishing American, The...W..<br />
MIrl •! r.r.ii. Hufii O'Brlan<br />
Scott Brady. Audrey Totter. Forrest Tucker<br />
C .Carousel MD. .<br />
1; -li.n MacRac. Shirley Jones. C Mitchell<br />
King ond I, The MD. .<br />
l!,ljdrih Kerr. Yul Brynner. D. Dandrldge<br />
©cLieutenont Wore Skirts, The.C. .<br />
Tom E»ell. Shcrce Nurth, Rlla .Moreno<br />
f^^OosIs D.<br />
M -I I..<br />
Mnrian. Cornell Borchert<br />
! -ni of Ronchipur, The. D..<br />
r. nichard Burton. Joan Caulfleld<br />
Tui! Men, The D. .<br />
iTK Russell, II uaUc, J>ne Robert Ryan
.<br />
, . .D, .<br />
.<br />
.<br />
I<br />
King<br />
I<br />
©Gloss<br />
^a^m<br />
i<br />
mnuM mi\m<br />
Feature productions by company in order of releose. Number in square is notional release dote. Running<br />
time is in parentheses. Letters ond combinotions thereof indicate story type as follows: (C) Comedy; (D)<br />
Drama; (AD) Adventure-Drama; (CD) Comedy-Drama; (F) Fantasy; (M) Musicol; (W) Western; (SW) Superwestern.<br />
Release number follows. (J denotes BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Photogrophy:<br />
O Color; i 3-D; o Wide Screen. For review dotes and Picture Guide page numbers, see Review Digest.<br />
ALLIED<br />
ARTISTS<br />
SS Big Combo, The (89) D. .5508<br />
Com«l WUde, Jean Wallace, Rlcbard Coote<br />
B Murdor Is My Beat (77) D..55I0<br />
Barbara Payton, Paul LangtoD. Selena Boyle<br />
COLUMBIA<br />
©PIrotes of Trtpoli (72) D. .704<br />
Patrl.'ls Medina.<br />
©Ten Wanted<br />
Paul Heoreld<br />
Mm (80) W. .725<br />
Kandolph Scott, Jocelyn Braodo, Bidttrd Boone<br />
Women's Prlion (80) D..724<br />
Ida Lupino. Hovard Duff, StO'tlnK<br />
Jan<br />
LIPPERT<br />
M-G-M<br />
©Jupiter's Darling (95) M...'<br />
Bstlier Williams, Howard Keel, Oeone Ran<br />
©Many Rivers to Cross (95). . .D. .!<br />
Eleanor Parker. Robert Taykr<br />
i3 Dial Red O (62) D. .5509<br />
Helene Hill Klliuti. Krith Larseo,<br />
a Big Tip Off, The '77)<br />
Slanler<br />
D. .5512<br />
Hlchard Conte, B. Bennett, Constance Smith<br />
Seven Angry Men (90) D..55II<br />
Hjynioiid M:iHsey, liehra Paget, J. Hunter<br />
55 OAnnopolis Story, An :8I) D. .5513<br />
Jnhn liiT.;;. Ulana l.jnn. Kertn McCarthy<br />
EJ High Society (61) C..55I4<br />
,10 liiircj, lliiniz Hall. Amanda Blake<br />
SiOShotgun (80) D..5515<br />
Htcrllnic lliyden. Scott<br />
Y. He Carlo. Z<br />
Detective, The (86) CD. .734<br />
Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Peter fintk<br />
UQaLong Gray Lino, The (138). D. .736<br />
T>Tone Power. Maureen •'Hara<br />
New Orleans Uncensored (76). . .D. .730<br />
Arthur Franz, liricrly Garland, 11. Maiurkl<br />
OWyoming Renegodes (73) W..727<br />
Phil Carey, Martha Hyer, Oeoe Bran<br />
. 737<br />
Jungle Moon Men (70) AD.. 744<br />
Johnny Welssnuller, Helene Stantoa<br />
©Three for the Show (93) M .<br />
Betty Grahle. Marge and Gower CSiamplan<br />
a silver Stor, The (73) W..54I1<br />
Kdgar Buchanan. Marie Windsor, Cbaney<br />
L.<br />
(B Thunder Over Sangoland (73). AD. .5415<br />
Jon Hall, Bay Montgomery, Uarjorle Urd<br />
SB Gloee Tomb, The (59) D. .5409<br />
John Ireland, Honor Blackman<br />
Blockboord Jungle (100) D .<br />
Glenn Ford, Anne Francis, Loids Calhern<br />
a] ©aHit the Deck (112) M. ,<br />
Jane Powell, Tony Martin. Debbie Reyoojl<br />
Slipper, The (94) MF<br />
. .!i<br />
Leslie Caron, Michael WUding, Keenail ^n<br />
i ©oBedeviiled (83]f D . !•<br />
Anne Baxter. Steve Forrest, Sifflone Rena<br />
I! Las Vegas Shokedown (79) 13.. 55 1<br />
Dennis OKeefe. Coleen Gray, Chaa. 'fflnnlnger<br />
HeSkabengo (61) Doc. .5517<br />
Alrlcan Tribe<br />
Cell 2455, Death Row (77) D. .739 (SAIr Strike (67) D. .5413<br />
William Campbell. Marian Carr, Katkryn Grant Richard Denning, Gloria Jean, Don Haggerty<br />
End of the Affair, The (106). . .D. .724<br />
Deborah Kerr. Van Johnson, -John llllla<br />
©Seminole Uprising (74) AD". .743<br />
George .Vlontgomir;. Karln Bootk<br />
Tight Spot (97) D. .728<br />
i<br />
Phantom of tho Jungle (75). .AD. .5414<br />
Ginger Rogers. E. 0. Robinson, BrUo Keltk<br />
Jon Hall, Bay Montgomery, Anne Owynne<br />
©Prodigoi, The (115) D. a<br />
Lana Turner. Edmund l^jrdon. L. Calbi<br />
!<br />
©Morauders, The (81) W. 2a<br />
Dan Duryea. Jeff Richards, Keenan W] i<br />
Lord of the Jungle (69) AD .. 55 1 8<br />
Johnny Sheffield. Wayne Morrln, Nancy Hale<br />
Rjl Fingermon (82) D. .5519<br />
•"rank Lovejoy. Peggie Castle, Forrest Tucker<br />
Five Against the House (84) D . . 742<br />
Guy .MaillSin, Kim Norak, Brian -Kelt*<br />
©Priie of Gold, A (98) D. .738<br />
Richard Wldmark. Mai Zetterllnf, N. Patrick<br />
Dinosaur (59) D..54lf<br />
BUI Bryant. Wanda Curtis<br />
©Love Me or Leave Me ,J<br />
(122) MD.I<br />
Doris Day. James Cagney, C. MllcheU I<br />
©Moonfleet (89)<br />
D.i<br />
Siowart Granger. Vivcca Undfora. J. Qr»«i<br />
Cose of the Red Monkey (73). .0. .5521<br />
lll'liaril (Cnl c, liona .Anderson. H. Napier<br />
a) OinWichifo (81) SW. .5520<br />
Lloyd J.iil .Mcl'r.a. Vera MUes.<br />
m Befroyed Women (70)<br />
Bridges<br />
D. .5524<br />
llcurly Mk-liacls. Tom Drake, Carole Mathe«.s<br />
Spy Chasers (61) C. .5522<br />
Uo Correy. Ilmitz Hall, U«a Darts<br />
Chicago Syndicate (86) D . . 74/<br />
Dinnls O'Keefe, Xavler Ciigat, Abbi Lane<br />
Creature With tho Atom Brain<br />
(70) D..74d<br />
Richard Denning. Angela Bterena<br />
It Came From Beneath the Sea<br />
(80) D..732<br />
(H Lonesome Troll, The (73) W..S416<br />
John Agar, Wayne Morris. Margia Dean<br />
©Interrupted Melody (106) ..MDSM<br />
Eleanor Parker. Glenn Ford. Roeer H«<br />
|<br />
Faith Domergue, Kenneth Tobey, Ian Eeltli<br />
I<br />
Phenix City Sfory, The (100). .D. .5525<br />
Richard Klley. Katliryn Grant, John Mclntlre<br />
©Bring Your Smile Along (83). .M. .803<br />
Krankle Lalne, Keefe Brasselle, Connie Towers<br />
©[=)Man From Laramie, The<br />
(104) W..80I<br />
James Stewart, Cathy O'DonoeU, Donald Criap<br />
1<br />
©oKing's Thief, The (79) D<br />
Ann Blyth. Edmund Purdom, Nivt<br />
David<br />
! ©aScarlet Coot (101) D<br />
Cornel Wilde, Michael Wilding. Xane<br />
. 5526<br />
I? Night Freight (79) D .<br />
Forrest Tucker. Barbara Brltton, K. Larseo<br />
93 Oi=iWarrlor>, Th« (85) D. .5523<br />
Rrrol Klynn. Joanne Dru, Peter FlnoJi<br />
fS Jail Busters (61) C. .5529<br />
l,ru (iori'.y. Iluntz Hall, Barton MacLane<br />
1^ Wicked Wife (75) D. .5530<br />
Nigel Patrick, Moira Lister, Beatrice Campbell<br />
m oReturn of Jock Slode, The<br />
(80) W. .5528<br />
John Kiki.m, .Marl Hlanchard, Neville Brand<br />
gS Bobby Wore Is Missing (66) D. .5532<br />
NftlllB Ilrand. Arthur Franz. Jean WUles<br />
^0
. r.rut<br />
FEATURE<br />
CHART<br />
MOUNT<br />
t at Toko-RI, Th«<br />
D. ,5405<br />
'iilfo. Kri-drlc Mirch, MIrkrr Uuon'-y<br />
.Maria<br />
O.<br />
w.<br />
. .<br />
.<br />
.<br />
I ©aToll<br />
I Am<br />
l.ol<br />
. .<br />
'<br />
i<br />
'<br />
FEATURE<br />
CHART<br />
UNITED ARTISTS<br />
Conyon Crojsroods (83) W..5506<br />
U ciiar.i lia vlurt. I'hyllLs Kirk. BusseU Collins<br />
Good Die Voung, The (100} D. .5505<br />
Jiidi' iriiiiid. (iloru Grabame, Hirter<br />
L.<br />
t:Soboko (81) D. .5504<br />
Kiirin k;idufl. Victor Jott. It. Dennf<br />
if Hnse, U.SJV. (82) D. .5507<br />
(rodrrli-k Crawford, Italpb Mwker<br />
Marty (93) D. .5509<br />
Ernest Knrjnlne. BeLsy Blair<br />
OStrongir on Horsebock (66). .W. .5508<br />
Jurl .UeCrci. illroslaia, Kevin McCarthy<br />
Bullet for Joey, A (85) D..5510<br />
E i; Itnljinson, Gnjree Raft. .Audrey Totter<br />
tiLct's Moke Up (94) M..5511<br />
Krrul Hmn, .Mum Ne.niile, David Farrar<br />
OPurple Plain, The (100) D..5503<br />
Gri-£ory I'eik. li l)f Baiizie. Win MIn Than<br />
. D. .5514<br />
Kin Me Ocodly (105) D. .5513<br />
K.iliih Meekt't. riorl." Uriclinian. Albert Dekker<br />
ORobbers" Roost ;32) W..5515<br />
C-.i M.iiili;nm.Ty. Bruce Ki-imett. R Boone<br />
OTIgcr ond the Flame (97). .<br />
niDiid India «llh native cist<br />
111<br />
Top of the World :90) D . . 55 1<br />
I tale KuherLsun, Evelyn Keyes. Lovejoy<br />
PVank<br />
Big BluffTl'he'ITO) ~ D" 551 9<br />
John Bnimfield, Martha Hiittun<br />
VIrkers. R.<br />
Seo Shall Not Hove Them,<br />
The (91)<br />
©Summertime (99)<br />
AD.. 5520<br />
CD .. 5521<br />
Kjtha'liic lleiiburn, Kussano M.irl Aidun<br />
Brazzt,<br />
Break to Freedom (88) D . . 551<br />
Anllumy Sirri. Jaok Warner. K. Beatty<br />
QMon Who Loved Redheodl<br />
(89) C. .<br />
Mi.lr.-. Sli,-a,pr .Inhn J.isHn. Roland Oiilv»r<br />
Not As a Stranger (136) D..5518<br />
ll.ihen MIt.'hum Ol'.ia iW Havlland, Slnalm<br />
Shadow of t(ie Eagle (93)<br />
I-<br />
D..5523<br />
l.i--i.> Uledard (irerriv, Itynt. Binnle Karnes<br />
QoKentucfcion, The (104, D 552 a<br />
Run Uneaster l"Hr.a l.vnn. Tru M~'i-i<br />
Naked Street, The (84) D..5526<br />
l''nr.ey (Iranger. AnlliMny ()«lnii. Ann>- Bancroti<br />
,<br />
(ScDescrl Sands (87) AD. 5529<br />
BnclUh. farrol .Nai.fh<br />
Rall.n M.rlv. .1<br />
Niijht of rhe Hunter 901 5527<br />
llnlwn .Mllrhiini. Shrlci Winters. (iUd<br />
I.llllan<br />
OciGcntlcmcn Marry Brunettes<br />
(99) M. .5531<br />
.lane IJiissell. Jeanne Craln. Iliidy Vallee<br />
C Alcnondor the Grcot . D<br />
lili'hard ll Lipidnn Rtielley Wlut-r-<br />
Oolndlon FIghlor, The .... D<br />
Kirk 1..»ii;i,. »»•. Ma-hau. Waller \l'"<br />
OoKIss Before Dying, A D.<br />
llcili. rl Wami.'r. M ID \.|iir. Hunter<br />
Jeflrev<br />
OLucky Kid, Tho (96) ...CD<br />
r.ilu ,l,.iii^«i.n. lia.ld K.i.Miiff<br />
Man With tho Gun W. .<br />
Holiiri .Mliehiim. Jan Henry Hull<br />
Sterllnu.<br />
Othello 92) D<br />
(lr«iii. \v,.|i,. lloitart Uiiren Bacali<br />
Sorotogo Trunk 135' .<br />
loi.. .1 K. ,;m,1li i.»r> r,».i.or<br />
I
. . The<br />
. .<br />
)prnions on Current Productions<br />
The Tall Men<br />
F<br />
2.5S-1 (CincmaScoiit,<br />
Lucy Gallant<br />
(VliliVltlon,<br />
20lhFox (523-1)<br />
121 Minutes<br />
De Luxe Colof<br />
Rol.<br />
Paramouni (5-04) 104 Minutei<br />
Ttthnlcolor)<br />
Rol. Nov. "55<br />
Ever since "The Covered Wagon" demonstrated that the<br />
screen would munificently support king-size sagebrushers.<br />
there have been occasional outdoor action dramas that were<br />
richly deserving oi the overworked designation, superwestern.<br />
When those mastodons ol the plains put in their<br />
rare appearances, critics of celluloid have brought forth their<br />
most glowing superlatives in description and praise thereof.<br />
As a result, there is little left in the reviewing lexicon to<br />
recount adequately the size and merits of 20th Century-Fox's<br />
"The Tall Men."<br />
It is one of the biggest— if not the very biggest—western<br />
ever filmed, and there is every indication that its grossing<br />
records will completely fulfill the fiscal promise of such<br />
extravagant classification. For here is a photoplay that has<br />
everything to attract long-run, capacity audiences, to hold<br />
them enthralled and to send them forth shouting about its<br />
superiority, with many determined to see it a second time.<br />
Statistics may not support the above statement about the<br />
subjects comparative magnitude. Possibly there have been<br />
preceding ventures in its category that hove utilized more<br />
cattle, more horses, more extras. so. they did not enjoy<br />
If<br />
the benefits of CinemaScope photography and De Luxe<br />
Color to accent their vastness.<br />
Sydney Boehm and Frank Nugent wrote the screenplay<br />
and a solid, tightly woven script it is, expertly designed to<br />
permit full use of the multiformity of lavish production and<br />
at the same time accord a hand-tailored vehicle for the individual<br />
talents of topliner Clark Gable.<br />
Producer's credit is split between William A. Bacher and<br />
William B. Hcrwks. but so majestically is the picture mounted<br />
that half of the bows therefor are more than is the lot of most<br />
filmmakers for any one effort. Spectacle, action, romance<br />
and suspense—the story's ranking ingredients—are brought<br />
to astronomical levels through the employment of expertly<br />
chosen locations and thousands of cows, horses and atmosphere<br />
players.<br />
Gable dominates the acting front. It is the kind of virile,<br />
rough-yet-romantic role that originally catapulted him to<br />
ranking stardom. He's the Gable of old. and many the<br />
iemme hearts—of various ages—that will flutter at his impressive<br />
performance and surprisingly youthful appearance,<br />
lane Russell, as the hard-bitten pioneer lass who loves him,<br />
and whom he ultimately wins after plenty of stubborn misunderstandings<br />
and bickering, contributes what is by fai^the<br />
best portrayal of her career. Co-stars Robert Ryan and Cameron<br />
Mitchell, and virtuglly every member of the large supporting<br />
cast, keep stride with the fast thespian pace set by<br />
Clark and Jane.<br />
Gable and his hot-headed younger brother, Mitchell, fresh<br />
from the defeated Confederate army, enter the Montana<br />
Territory bent on a life of outlawry. They hold up Ryan,<br />
prosperous cattle baron, who induces them to return his<br />
money and join him in a venture to bring a herd of steers<br />
up irom Texas. En route Clark rescues Jane from an Indian<br />
attack. They discover one another, then quarrel, and she<br />
turns to Ryan. After numerous hardships, bloody battles with<br />
redskins and jayhawkers. the stock is brought through.<br />
It is perhaps superfluous to note that top levels of directorial<br />
excellence were necessary to blend so many cements<br />
and such scope into a smooth, speedy ensemble.<br />
Veteran Raoul Walsh supplied such skill in praiseworthy<br />
abundance.<br />
Cloik Gable. Jane Russell. Robert Ryan. Cameron<br />
Mitchell, Juan Garcia. Harry Shannon. Emile Meyer.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
An Epic, Pulse-Stirring Story of the Historic Bozeman Trail<br />
V/ith Clark Gable at His AII-Time Best ... in an Unforgettable<br />
Adventure Saga . Greatest Frontier Drama<br />
Ever Filmed<br />
1850 BOXOFFICE<br />
A:; alick as Iho oil that figures oo prominently in the story<br />
is this celluloid vignette of a Texas boomtown and its<br />
nouveau riche citizens. The picture has so many proven<br />
business-guaranteeing qualities—every one of which cries<br />
lor merchandising attention—that it is impos.'>iblo to lorosoe<br />
mylhing ti\i\ substantial grosses and completely satisfied<br />
:-.poctalors Based on a widely read novel by Margarot<br />
Cousins, "The Life of Lucy Gallant," the film has but one<br />
obvious weekness, namely, its necessity lor stretching loo<br />
thinly a single plot element. Herein boy meets and loses<br />
girl, and loses and loses and loses her, ad infinitum. He<br />
finally gels her in the linal lootage. but by that time so many<br />
others things have happened that no one will much care.<br />
This sole dramatic situation, and the frailty it pre.'jents, is<br />
so thoroughly glossed, however, that it does not too greatly<br />
discount the offering's over-all attractiveness. Entering into<br />
such glossing are the following most noteworthy ingredients:<br />
an attention-commanding, somewhat sardonic screenplay by<br />
John Lee Mahin and Winston Miller; a name-freighted cast of<br />
magnetic stars and the expectedly line-grained performances<br />
therefrom; opulent production values by Pine and Thomas<br />
(it's that company's last for Paramount), including eye-filling<br />
VistaVision and bright Technicolor; Robert Parrish's able direction;<br />
and a style show that will have the femmes drooling<br />
and their spouses hiding their bankrolls.<br />
Miss Wyman, fleeing a broken engagement, is stranded<br />
in a roaring town where she encounters and falls in love<br />
with cattleman Charlton Heston. She gets rich selling finery<br />
to the ladies of the new millionaires; he gets richer when<br />
oil is brought in on his land. Heslon's stubbornness and hor<br />
occupation with a career keep them apart until the tender<br />
passion ultimately triumphs.<br />
Jane Wyman, Charlton Heston. Claire Trevor. Thelma<br />
Rilter. William Demorest. Wallace Ford. Tom Helmore.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
You'll Never Forget Lucy Gallant . . . the Woman Who Hit<br />
Texas Like a Tornado ... a Woman Who Wanted Everything—Money.<br />
Power, Position. Men—and Let Nothing Stand<br />
in the Way as She Set Out to Get Them.<br />
The Treasure of Pancho Villa<br />
F<br />
Onraa<br />
(Supvuope.<br />
Technicolor)<br />
RKO Radio (601) 96 Minutes Rel. Oct. '55<br />
Title to the contrary. Pancho Villa does not appear in this<br />
fast-paced, action-laden, suspenseful yarn, which should bo<br />
nonetheless as appealing to everyone appreciative ol sound,<br />
valueful production, with an additional measure of magnetism<br />
for the devotees of red-blooded, hard-as-nails adventure<br />
stuff. Instead of the Mexican revolutionary hero, the plot<br />
revolves around two comparably intrepid hombres and their<br />
attempt to transport a shipment of gold they have hijacked to<br />
Villa at a time when his fortunes and revolt were at a low<br />
ebb. One of them, a dedicated colonel in the insurgent army,<br />
is portrayed by always-reliable Gilbert Roland; the other, a<br />
fearless mercenary renting his gun and his knowhow to the<br />
cause, is delineated by Rory Calhoun. Ensuing is a brace<br />
of highly-effective performances that brings believability and<br />
engrossment to the plot.<br />
Possibly as a sop to the distaff side, there is a meager and<br />
never-satislactorily-completed romantic thread in which<br />
figures Shelley Winters. How much this contributes to the<br />
photoplay's over-all worth is dependent upon individual<br />
opinions concerning La Winters' appeal as a<br />
femme and abilities as an actress. Regardless, the film's<br />
probably rosy financial fate—and its merchandising possibilities—hinge<br />
upon the excellent acting contributions, the gory<br />
tempo, Superscope photography in Technicolor, and impressive<br />
mountings, backgrounds and atmospheric authenticity,<br />
in search ol which producer Edmund Grainger took<br />
his company to Mexico to fabricate the feature, and in which<br />
able direction by George Sherman plays an important part<br />
With the Federales in hot pursuit, Roland and Calhoun,<br />
accompanied by Miss Winters, press on toward the expected<br />
rendezvous with Villa. The journey is replete in intrigue<br />
and double-crossing and the fortune is lost when Calhoun.<br />
m a last-ditch fight, sets off a dynamite charge that wipes<br />
^ut the attackers and buries the Ico!<br />
Rory Calhoun. Shelley Winters. Gilbert Roland. Joseph<br />
Calleia. Fanny Schiller, Carlos Mosquiz, Tony CarvaiaL<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
One ol the Greatest Adventures of All Time . . Bringing<br />
New Thrills. New Excitement, New Greatness to the Screen<br />
... the Power-Packed Story of Villa, Terror of the Border .<br />
and the Stolen Gold H-^ Prir,t.rl<br />
October 1. 1955 1851
;<br />
'<br />
n.<br />
i<br />
caching<br />
I<br />
ut<br />
. . Gateway<br />
and<br />
. . Based<br />
REVIEWS<br />
Adiines for Newspaper and Program<br />
The Deep Blue Sea F<br />
Ratio: Drama<br />
2.55-1 (Cinemascope,<br />
De Luxe Color)<br />
20th-Fox (527-2) 99 Minutes Bel. Nov.' '55<br />
The first British feature in CinemaScope and De Luxe Color,<br />
this is a splendidly acted and dramatically interesting<br />
picturization of the London and Broadway stage hit. Although<br />
occasionally talky and slow-moving, the screenplay by<br />
Terence Rattigan follows his play closely, but also has the<br />
advantage of additional scenes laid in the Swies Alps, crt<br />
a British airplane show and in various night spots in London's<br />
Piccadilly, all of them magnificently photographed.<br />
Ably produced and directed for Sir Alexander Korda by<br />
Anatole Litvak, who gets a fine performance from Vivien<br />
Leigh, looking more mature than before but who rises to<br />
great histrionic heights as a married woman hopelessly in<br />
love with an irresponsible test pilot. While hers is the only<br />
strong marquee name, except for the art houses, her plight<br />
will appeal to v/omen patrons and make the film suitable<br />
for all the better general situations, except in small towns.<br />
Kenneth More, last year's British Academy Award winner<br />
and recently chosen best of 1955 at the Venice Film Festival,<br />
will be remembered from "Genevieve" and "Doctor in the<br />
House" and again he contributes a faultless portrayal of<br />
a likable "bounder." Emlyn Williams is excellent as the<br />
wealthy husband and Eric Portman is outstanding as an<br />
ex-doctor reduced to bookmaking for a living—and both of<br />
these players are familiar to art house devotees.<br />
As the film opens, Vivien Leigh has tried to commit suicide<br />
in a London boarding house, but is saved by the timely<br />
arrival of the landlady, who calls in Eric Portman, another<br />
boarder, who has been disqualified as a doctor. Portman<br />
learns that she is living with Kenneth More, an irresponsible<br />
former RAF pilot, for whom she left a life of luxury with her<br />
wealthy husband, Emlyn Williams. When More returns from<br />
a golf game and accidentally learns about Vivien's suicide<br />
attempt, he takes to drink and, realizing their life together<br />
is unhappy, he decides to take a job in Canada. Realizing<br />
she has lost More and unwilling to go back to her husband,<br />
Vivien again contemplates taking her life, but Portman<br />
persuades her to turn down the repentant<br />
new life—alone.<br />
More and try a<br />
Vivien Leigh, Kenneth More, Emlyn Williams, Eric Portman,<br />
Moira Lister, Arthur Hill, Dandy Nichols.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
Two Academy Award Winners-, Vivien "Scarlett O'Hara"<br />
Leigh and Kenneth "Doctor in the House" More, in a Great<br />
Dramatic Hit About Love and Frustration . . . Unable to Live<br />
a Life of Love, She Refused to Return to a Life of Luxury.<br />
Fort Yuma<br />
United Artists (5533)<br />
79 Minutes<br />
F<br />
Ratio:<br />
1.85-1<br />
Rel.<br />
Drama<br />
(Technicolor)<br />
Although the tempo that patrons will expect in a picture of<br />
this type is a bit tardy in developing, when it does come<br />
it is sufficiently speedy and sanguinary to satisfy the ardent<br />
followers of cavalry-an'-Injuns yarns. Meanwhile the film's<br />
earlier dramatic sequences will not be found amiss by the<br />
ticket buyers for more general tastes, even though the action<br />
addicts may feel that there should have been more shootin'<br />
and less sociological connotations. Inasmuch as there are<br />
no cast names that can be counted on to stampede the fans,<br />
it might be v/ell for showmen to concentrate on subject<br />
matter, scenery and Technicolor in exploiting the offering.<br />
T-'o feature, was made on the desert near Kanab, Utah,<br />
i<br />
y liol-Air Production.,, a partnership of Aubrey Schenck and<br />
;. i V/, Koch, and is impressive as concerns backgrounds<br />
;l accoutrements. Considering the absence of<br />
lipers, performances are acceptable, for which<br />
ndards much credit is probably due the exiirection<br />
of Lesley Selander.<br />
older chieftain of the Mimbreno Apaches is shot<br />
he and his party are approaching the gates of<br />
fori Yuiiia, bent on a peace parley, the redskins prepare<br />
for a war of revenge. Under the command of Peter Graves,<br />
n •ihitn:. out with ammunition and reinforcements<br />
I<br />
d outpost. The trek is laden v/ith danger<br />
^'^'lentlessly stalk the parly. In a savage<br />
; capture the munitions v/agons and don<br />
1. hiy uniioruis, their plan being to take Fort Yuma by<br />
the main gate, then selling fire to the ammui;<br />
Bui heroic work on the part of Graves and other<br />
iiers ol the rescue expedition defeat the plan and, in<br />
hand-to-hand combat, the Apaches are put to rout.<br />
Last<br />
Poler Graves, Joan Vohs, John Hudson, Joan Taylor,<br />
Addison Richards, William Phillips, James Lilbum.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
Fori Yuma .<br />
Doorway to Doom .<br />
to the Flaming Frontier<br />
Where<br />
. . .<br />
. .<br />
Apaches Rode . . . Thrill to<br />
Outpost<br />
the Blazing<br />
in a<br />
Story<br />
Land the<br />
oi a Battle to<br />
thf |i, i!f: . . Told in Flaming Technicolor.<br />
1852 BOXOFFICE<br />
^el<br />
^'.<br />
Pi<br />
Cc<br />
Ul<br />
Tennessee's Partner<br />
F<br />
Ratio;<br />
Western Drama<br />
2-1 (Superscope,<br />
Technicolor)<br />
RKO Radio (602) 87 Minutes Rel. Sept. '55<br />
'<br />
Bret Harte's lusty tale of the California gold-rush era,<br />
filmed in 1916 and again in 1925, still makes a colorful outdoors<br />
film, even if its story is by now a familiar one because<br />
of the dozens of carbon copies turned out by various studios<br />
under other titles. With John Payne, Rhonda Fleming and<br />
Ronald Reagan as marquee bait, it will satisfy in action<br />
houses, make a good supporting dualler for general situations.<br />
Director Allan Dwan takes too long to establish his<br />
gamblers, loose ladies and prospector characters but, about<br />
midway in the action, interest picks up and the climax is<br />
replete with fist fights, gunplay and general excitement. The<br />
romantic interest is stronger than is customary in these<br />
gold-rush plots, but the happy ending is completely unbelievable—even<br />
maudlin. Produced by Benedict Bogeaus in<br />
Technicolor Superscope. Photography is first-rate.<br />
Payne turns in a capable acting job as the inveterate<br />
gambler, Tennessee, which makes his apparent reformation<br />
in the end the more improbable. Reagan is likable and<br />
convincing as the wandering cowpoke, who becomes his<br />
"partner," although Payne never knew his name, and<br />
Rhonda Fleming is excellent as the red-haired "Duchess,"<br />
madam of a gambling establishment. Such familiar villains<br />
as Anthony Caruso and Myron Healy are well-cast, but<br />
Coleen Gray is the weak spot as the seemingly innocent<br />
girl who cheats the cowpoke.<br />
Rhonda Fleming, who presides over a gambling establishment<br />
with attractive "hostesses" in a California gold-rush<br />
town, is enamored of John Payne, a rakish gambler who<br />
splits his winnings with her, but shies away from marriage.<br />
Ronald Reagan, a roving cowpoke, saves Payne's life in a<br />
gun battle and the latter takes him in and learns that he is<br />
about to wed Coleen Gray, a girl Payne recognizes as a<br />
former flame. To prevent her cheating Reagan of his savings,<br />
Payne runs off with her and then deserts her, but Reagan<br />
is out to "get" him. After a terrific fight, Reagan learns the<br />
truth and is reunited with Payne, but, later, is killed by a<br />
bullet intended for Payne.<br />
John Payne, Rhonda Fleming, Ronald Reagan, Coleen<br />
Gray, Myron Healy, Morris Ankrum, Anthony Caruso.<br />
Court-Martial<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
Four ol the Old West's Most Famous Characters, Immr:'<br />
ized by Bret Harte . . . Tennessee Believed in Taking Chr:-<br />
—As Long As He Cut the Cards . . . The Colorful ^ i :<br />
Rush Days.<br />
:<br />
Kingsley International 105 Minutes Rel.-<br />
A thoroughly absorbing courtroom drama, in the best<br />
British tradition, this is top-fliaht fare for the art houses and,<br />
with David Niven for marquee drav.', can also play the better<br />
key city neighborhood houses.<br />
The procedure of a British Army court martial will prove<br />
fascinating to many patrons, with most of them also amu.^ed<br />
by some of the detail. Based on a successful British pi "V.<br />
"Carrington, V. C," (This title was used for the filn; ;n<br />
England but would be meaningless to U. S. patrons), ihis-<br />
Romulus production is expertly directed by Anthony Asquith^,<br />
one of England's top directors.<br />
Niven gives a precise, almost flawless, performance<br />
jj<br />
aat<br />
a distinguished Army officer accused of misappropriating<br />
battalion funds and entertaining a woman in his barracks^<br />
room. Margaret Leighton, who has attracted attention im'i<br />
;mch recent British films as "The Good Die Young" and "The<br />
Holly and the Ivy," gives an excellent portrayal of his cold, I<br />
neurotic wife and a newcomer, Noelle Middleton, is attractive<br />
and capable as the "other woman"—a sympathetic i<br />
David Niven, a British Army major whose back pay :. ;<br />
been hopelessly blocked by a spiteful commanding o)<br />
who resents Niven's war record, borrows some batt .i<br />
funds after warning his superior he will do so. C<br />
martialled on this charge, as well as of entertaining a V<br />
captain, Noelle Middleton, in his quarters, Niven at<br />
refuses to have his wife give evidence that they we:<br />
need of money. At the trial, his superior denies being ;<br />
that Niven would take the the money and wife, Marg : -I<br />
i<br />
Leighton, turns up and, jealous of Noelle, also denies 1<br />
i<br />
told about Niven's plight. The court finds Niven guilty .<br />
he refuses to appeal until Noelle learns that a telep:<br />
operator had listened ia on the crucial conversation<br />
hi.-; wife.<br />
David Niven, Margaret Leighton, Geoffrey Keen, Noelle<br />
Middleton, Allan Cutherbertson, Victor Maddem.<br />
CATCHLINES:<br />
With His Career At Stake—He Must Rely on the Testimo;<br />
of a Cold Unstable Woman . on the Great Briti;<br />
Stage Hit.<br />
1. 1955 1849<br />
F
PLUS SERVICE<br />
^^''"'^ herewith, alphabetically by companies, aic all of the feature pictures<br />
UAJXITXUJJ and short subjects reviewed in BOXOFFICE during the past nine months.<br />
This IS designed as a further convenience for Picture Guide users, the page numbers being the key to reviews<br />
^<br />
kept therein. Between quarters. Review Digest pages serve as a cumulative P. G. index for feature pictures<br />
SHORT SUBJECTS INDEX<br />
ALLIED ARTISTS<br />
Mighty Fortres
I Am<br />
'<br />
p. G. Page<br />
Bridges ot Toko-Ri, The 1682<br />
Conquest of Space 1746<br />
Desperate Hours, The 1842<br />
Far Horizons, The 1779<br />
Girl Rush, The 1822<br />
Hell's Islond 1763<br />
Mombo 1744<br />
Americano, The 1687<br />
Bengali 1847<br />
Escape to Burma 1 747<br />
Pearl of the South Pacific. .1803<br />
Rage at Dawn 1 727<br />
African Manhunt 1 720<br />
Carolina Cannonball 1701<br />
Day to Remember, A. 1781<br />
Divided Heart, The 1824<br />
Doctor in the House 1718<br />
Don Juan's Night of Love. . . .1797<br />
Eternal Sea, The 1747<br />
Hell's Outpost 1687<br />
I Cover the Underworld 1758<br />
Paramount<br />
RKO Radio<br />
Republic<br />
P. G. Page<br />
Run for Cover 1735<br />
.<br />
Seven Little Foys, The 1778 '<br />
Strotegic Air Command 1742<br />
To Catch a Thief 1806<br />
Ulysses 1800<br />
We're No Angels 1791<br />
You're Never Too Young 1795<br />
Son of Sinbad 1782<br />
Tarion's Hidden Jungle 1714<br />
Underwater! 1690<br />
Wakombo! 1804<br />
Lost Command, The 1814<br />
Lay That Rifle Down 1835<br />
Man Alone, A 1848<br />
Rood to Denver, The 1796<br />
Sonto Fe Passogc 1 765<br />
Square Ring, The 1708<br />
Timberjack 1712<br />
Trouble in Store 1694<br />
Yellowneck 1728<br />
Abbott & Costello Meet<br />
the Keystone Kops.<br />
Universal-International<br />
p. G. Page<br />
Abbott & Costello Meet<br />
the Mummy 1763<br />
Ain't Misbehovin' 1 780<br />
Captoin Lightfoot 1711<br />
Chief Crazy Horse 1719<br />
Cult of the Cobra 1 736<br />
Far Country, The 1699<br />
Female on the Beach 1808<br />
Foxfire 1793<br />
Francis in the Novy 1800<br />
Hold Bock Tomorrow 1845<br />
Kiss of Fire 1834<br />
Lond of Fury 1709<br />
Looters, The 1741<br />
Bottle Cry 1702<br />
Blood Alley 1847<br />
Dam Busters, The 1797<br />
East of Eden 1710<br />
Illegal<br />
Warner Bros.<br />
183S<br />
Jump Into Hell 1740<br />
Lond of the Pharaohs 1794<br />
McConnell Story, The 1823<br />
Miscellaneous<br />
P. G. Page<br />
Mo and Pa Kettle at Woikiki. .1730<br />
Man From Bitter Ridge, The .1756<br />
Man Without o Star 1727<br />
Naked Down, The 1814<br />
One Desire 1 802<br />
Private War of Major Benson,<br />
The 1780<br />
Purple Mask, The 1782<br />
Revenge of the Creoture 1730<br />
Shadow of the Eagle 1836<br />
Shrike, The 1766<br />
Six Bridges to Cross 1691<br />
Smoke Signal 1707<br />
Tender Hearts 1720<br />
This Island Eorth 1745<br />
To Hell and Back 1810<br />
Mister Roberts 1770<br />
New York Confidential 1709<br />
Pete Kelly's Blues 1818<br />
Sea Chose, The 1768<br />
Strange Lady in Town 1750<br />
Toll Man Riding 1772<br />
Unchained 1700<br />
20th<br />
Adventures of Sadie, The 1784<br />
Angelo 1769<br />
Daddy Long Legs 1762<br />
House ot Bamboo 1803<br />
How to Be Very, Very Populor 1811<br />
Left Hand of God, The 1831<br />
Life in the Balance, A 1694<br />
Love Is a Many-Splendorod<br />
Thing 1822<br />
Magnificent Matador, The. . . .1771<br />
Man Called Peter, A 1739<br />
Century-Fox<br />
United Artists<br />
Bottio Toxi 1692<br />
Beachcomber, The 1683<br />
Big Bluff, The 1808<br />
Big House, USA 1723<br />
Big Knife, The 1845<br />
Break to Freedom 1812<br />
Bullet for Joey, A 1752<br />
Canyon Crossroads 1731<br />
Desert Sands 1823<br />
Gentlemen Morry Brunettes .. 1843<br />
Good Die Young, The 1704<br />
Kcntuckion, The 1807<br />
Killer's Kiss 1848<br />
Kiss Mc Deadly 1755<br />
Who Loved Redheads,<br />
The 1812<br />
Prince of Ployers 1686<br />
Racers, The 1 703<br />
Seven Cities of Gold 1843<br />
Seven Year Itch, The 1786<br />
Soldier of Fortune 1784<br />
That Lady 1784<br />
Untamed 1726<br />
Violent Saturday 1755<br />
Virgin Queen, The 1819<br />
White Feather 1707<br />
Marty 1740<br />
Naked Street, The 1826<br />
Night of the Hunter, The 1815<br />
Not As a Stronger 1790<br />
Othello 1783<br />
Purple Ploin, The 1743<br />
Robbers' Roost 1 769<br />
Soboko 1704<br />
Stranger on Horseback 1728<br />
Summertime 1791<br />
Tiger and the Flame, The 1793<br />
Top of the World 1764<br />
African Lion, The (Buena<br />
Vista) 1821<br />
Animol Form (DCA) 1692<br />
Bed, The (Gefz-Kingsley) 1821<br />
Belles ot St. Trinion's, The<br />
(Assoc. Artists) 1 760<br />
Chance Meeting (Pacemaker) .1830<br />
Croshout (Filmokers) 1772<br />
Dovy Crockett, King of the<br />
Wild Frontier (Bucna Vista). 1771<br />
Eight O'clock Walk (Assoc.<br />
Artists) 1826<br />
Five Guns West (ARC) 1756<br />
Four Agoinst Fate (Assoc.<br />
Artists) 1839<br />
Four Ways Out (Carroll) 1684<br />
French Touch, The (Times). . . .1684<br />
Front Page Story (Assoc.<br />
Artists) 1809<br />
Fuss Over Feathers (Assoc.<br />
Artists) 1695<br />
Gome of Love, The (Times). . .1709<br />
Gongbusters (Visual Dramas) .. 1745<br />
Golc of Hell (Harrison &<br />
Dovidson) 1688<br />
Greet Adventure, The (Do<br />
Rochcmont) 1801<br />
Green Magic (IFE) 1801<br />
Green Scarf, The (Assoc.<br />
Artists)<br />
17S3<br />
Homido (Gould) 1774<br />
Heartbreak Ridge (Tudor) ... 1787<br />
Hello Elephant (Arlan) 1 696<br />
Hiroshima (Continentol) 1816<br />
Holiday for Henriette (Ardee).1776<br />
Hunters of the Deep (DCA). 1691<br />
a Comoro (DCA) 1819<br />
Innocents in Paris (Tudor) 1714<br />
Inspector Colls, An (Assoc.<br />
Artists) 1688<br />
Intruder, The (Assoc. Artists). .1708<br />
Lady and the Tramp (Bueno<br />
Visto) 1754<br />
Long John Silver (DCA) 1697<br />
Love in the City (IFE) 1753<br />
Mad at the World (Filmokers) . 1793<br />
Mademoiselle Gobette (IFE). 1748<br />
Midnight Episode (Fine Arts) .1844<br />
Naked Heart, The (Assoc.<br />
Artists) 1777<br />
No Way Bock (Fine Arts) 1816<br />
One Summer of Happiness<br />
(Times) 1805<br />
Stranger's Hond, The (DCA). 1724<br />
Sundcrin (Producers Rep.) 1696<br />
Three Cases of Murder<br />
(Assoc. Artists) 1776<br />
To Paris With Lov«<br />
(Continental) 1760<br />
Too Young for Love (IFE). ... 1761 '<<br />
True ond the False, The<br />
(Davis) 1758<br />
Woges of Fear (Int'l<br />
Affiliates) 1732<br />
Woyword Wife (IFE) 1748
I<br />
husband<br />
. Kansas<br />
! drlve-ln<br />
. manager,<br />
I<br />
miiidous<br />
CO'.'<br />
"ES: 15c per word, minimum SI. 50. cash with copy. Four conBocutivo insertions for prici'<br />
I hr»e. CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication dale. Send copy and<br />
answers to Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE. 825 Van BrunI Blvd.. Kansas City 24. Mo. •<br />
HELP WANTED<br />
.. eatrj manioer **4ii:iJ for Uit L^><br />
Kittlkni opportunity for lop<br />
.Ml rcpll» will tic trcaitd In<br />
.Kt. Write 1>0D Gutimui. I'acKIc<br />
ut*. 141 South Kut»rt:ioii ttlid.,<br />
IS.<br />
Callt.<br />
!'"t"nMy for man-wife manacertal<br />
irieatre In small llllnol> com-<br />
$IUO per uet'k If uillliie to<br />
bonus If operations ahow<br />
t upi>orlunlly for adt.iricenient to<br />
.No ttooiln^ or buylnfi retjiilred.<br />
Icrd rental houstnc available. Box*<br />
Mjiu^rr capable matnlenance and<br />
" nece.^'^ary. (lood salary.<br />
Sesuln. Teias.<br />
>mall town circuit operation.<br />
.:; (^ and reterencw first letter.<br />
1' (I Bo\ l'>2. He IJuecn. .\rk.<br />
neatrt manager wanted. Top wages<br />
"lie family m.in with ability, .\pply.<br />
Boulevard Hrlve-ln Theatre. 1051<br />
City. Kas.<br />
POSITIONS WANTED<br />
onist. 45 Indoor or drlveivl.<br />
Prefer North or South<br />
all letters Willie Robinson.<br />
N. Car.<br />
experienced. Want<br />
smitheai^tern states. Hgbt<br />
\ofrice. 6016.<br />
repair-<br />
>. publicity minded.<br />
.igeress. 25 years<br />
Bo.\offlce. 6019.<br />
r Boston. Formerly<br />
chain. Experieneed<br />
.s. Boxofflce 6022.<br />
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW<br />
'<br />
Jickson')" aulom.itic UiTl.Uarmi. KcjIij<br />
$21 Su p.ilt. .\u dialers'. .Mln.: .Mocil-<br />
Theatre Supply, Seatue 1. Wastilnitoii<br />
Smd proicct.o.i thtovt, screen .-lie. nc'll nmiiiutc<br />
>uur ClnemaSv-upc [e(|u|[cnit'nt.-> free. Conibmalluri<br />
pair Cinematic IV adju.«table ananiorphlc lenses<br />
and pair snapltte series prime pro II ectloii lensi'n,<br />
all for $5115 .Metallic seamlr.'^s screens '5c sq. ft.<br />
Buy on time with $200 down, llept. cc, 8.U.S.<br />
Clrirma Suppiv Corp W<br />
, 52nd St . New<br />
V,Kk ]-l<br />
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED<br />
Surplus sale eicellent coated projection lenses!<br />
Super snapllte fl.U 2"-2Vi" $175 pr.: Supcrllte<br />
tmium salcsmtn wonted for all tllm<br />
2-\," 3".3i4" $150 pr.: Suiurllle 3H"<br />
I til commissions. Fast selllnc deals.<br />
F llardinc, 38 Church St.. Boston, iUO pr.: Trades taken. RCA Brenkert Arckmps,<br />
good condition $3!)5 pair. Wire or teloiiliune<br />
oilier today. Dept. cc, S.O.S. Cinema Supply<br />
Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St., New York 19.<br />
Like new pair OeVry XD sound projectors.<br />
p.ilr complete $400: Simplex-Acme sound projectois.<br />
excellent condition $300. .Money-back<br />
guarantee. Pete Sabo, 916 N.W. 19th Avenue,<br />
Portland Oregon.<br />
9,<br />
For sale: Projection lens. Super snaplite F1.9<br />
size 7.00 E.F. diameter 4". Like new. Lee<br />
Theatre, llarrlsonvlUe, .Mo.<br />
Like new. three amplifier systems, four Star<br />
Simplex. Also complete four track magnetic reproducers<br />
with Altec prc-ampllflers and change<br />
overs. Pro ectlon Engineering, 333S So. Erie,<br />
Tulsa 5. Okla. Itl 2-4376.<br />
For sale: Two type G Peerless Magnarc lamphouses,<br />
28/4 2 volt-32/75 amp. One 7% horseponer<br />
220/440 volt. 3 phase Ilertner transvcrtcr<br />
complete with controls. Skyline Drive-In, Sheridan.<br />
Wyo.<br />
Complete equipment for movie theatre.<br />
sell.<br />
Ballantyne machines like new. Cheap, must<br />
<strong>Boxoffice</strong>, 6033<br />
STAR for savings! Late model 30 watt<br />
amplifiers. reconditioned. $79.50: Simplex<br />
standard shutter mechanisms, recently rebuilt<br />
rear<br />
and used two weeks, year's guarantee.<br />
$259<br />
l>air: screens and lenses at industry's lowest prices.<br />
What do you need? Note oiir new address. STAR<br />
CIXOIA SUPPLY. 621 West 55th St.. New<br />
York ID.<br />
and wife, husband 45, 20<br />
'ha.-;es of theatre management, superlunch<br />
room or concession manager,<br />
r d Ive-tn. v\ny town or city on coast<br />
.Am presently employed. 3 years<br />
company, but don't Inland.<br />
like<br />
24<br />
Simplex<br />
wife.<br />
'<br />
Former theatre owners, ex-<br />
">^i^es of man.-igeroent, buying<br />
conventional and drlve-ln.<br />
:*e-ln. Will coasider leasing.<br />
MISCEUANEOUS<br />
^ho sell a hoIld.iy greeting<br />
... get our Discount Deal<br />
M Service. 627 Securities<br />
iUSINESS<br />
STIMULATORS<br />
«ORE ACTION! $4.50)1 canls. Other<br />
e. oiioff screen. .Novelty Games Co.,<br />
Ave . BrookljT), N. Y.<br />
•tndance with real Hawaiian orchids,<br />
jch Write Flowers of llaivall. 670<br />
I'lrk riace. Los .Anseles 5. Calif.<br />
ECUT CARDS. Increase your boir<br />
100 numbers. $4 50 per M. Best<br />
.aiiiiB I'roduets. 339 West 44th St.,<br />
M. X V.<br />
' C-ockrtt balloons printed with theatre<br />
-'ay dale Balloons get the kiddles,<br />
' :<br />
• on sales. Samples sent free.<br />
oni Supply. 14CB Walton, .Mlama,<br />
THEATRE 'HCKETS<br />
.^V"<br />
Swlal printed roll tickets.<br />
J28..5 10.000. JS.Sto: 2.nno. $4 :•.-.<br />
nte hi j.tmission<br />
W50 extra.<br />
1^ City. JIo.<br />
price. Including change<br />
Double numbering<br />
order.<br />
extra.<br />
Kan-<br />
Cash with<br />
I'T, Mo<br />
"««t Co.. Depi. 11, 109 w. 18th St.,<br />
I^ItICE :: October 1. 1955
Yes, exhibitors have been