Boxoffice-March.19.1979

'
MARCH 19, 1979
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Show-A-Rama Backer
Sets Lneup of Events
KANSAS CITY—Lu Vaughun, president
of the United Motion Picture Assn., has announced
the lineup of sponsors for Show-A-
Rama events. "We are especially pleased
with the outstanding companies hosting
functions at Show-A-Rama this year," said
Vaughan.
Show-A-Rama 22 begins Monday. April
23 with product reel screenings at 1 p.m.
Various major and independent producers
will be represented throughout the afternoon.
The first hosted event, a dinner, will
be sponsored by United Artists Monday
evening.
Tuesday's sponsors include Columbia
(breakfast). Universal (luncheon) and 20th
Century-Fox (dinner). Sponsors for Wednesday's
events include Derio Productions
(breakfast). Crown International/Thomas
& Shipp Films (luncheon) and Buena Vista
(ladies' luncheon).
Thursday sponsors are Avco Embassy
(breakfast), Warner Bros, (luncheon) and
Paramount/Coca-Cola USA (dinner).
"These sponsors represent the finest product
in the industry today. They will each
have programs vital to every exhibitor attending
Show-A-Rama," Vaughan said.
Show-A-Rama registrations are expected to
top 1,700 again this year.
Registrations for Show-A-Rama 21 totaled
1,739.
Show-A-Rama 22, sponsored by the
United Motion Picture Assn., will be held
April 23-26 (inclusive) at the Crown Center
Hotel here.
Utah Bans Blind Bidding
Salt Lake City—Utah became the
sixth state to ban blind bidding when
Gov. Scott M. Matheson signed legislation
into law Tuesday, March 13. The
statute becomes effective July 1.
Utah law now mandates that motion
pictures must be screened in one of the
three largest cities in the state (here,
Provo or Ogden) prior to negotiations
for competitive bidding.
In addition, the law also prohibits
per capita charges and any guarantees
if films are sold on a percentage basis.
Blind bidding laws also are in effect
in Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, South
Carolina and Virginia.
According to the National Assn. of
Theatre Owners, anti-blind bidding
bills are pending in 30 more states at
this time.
In West Virginia a bill is before
Gov, Jay Rockefeller, having passed
the senate March 5 and the house of
representatives March 7.
Published weekly. e.vcept one Issue at year-end, by
Vance Publishing Corp., 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City, Missouri 64124. Subscription rates: Sectional
Edition, $15.(10 per year, foreign. $25.00. National
Executive Edition $25.00, foreign, $30.00. Single
copy, 75c. Second class postage paid at Kansas Tlty.
Mo. BOXOFJ-'ICE Publication No. (USPS 062-260).
March 19, 1979
Patterson Forms TOFCO; Could Carry
Torch Passed on by EXPRODICO
RON SCHAUMBURG
By
Associate Ediloi
TORONTO—A new exhibitor's cooperative
film production organization, which
could pick up where EXPRODICO wa-s
forced to leave off, was unveiled recently by
Tom Patterson, president of the National
Independent Theatre Exhibitors (NITE).
The plan for TOFCO—the Theatre Owners'
Film Cooperative—was revealed at a
press conference held March 18 at the Toronto
Hilton Harbor Castle Hotel as part of
a two-day feature film financing seminar.
The conference's setting provided dramatic
underscoring for the announcement, since
the project will be backed by a "substantial"
group of Canadian investors.
A Major Difference
Patterson, in an exclusive interview with
BoxoFFicE, said that the major difference
between his approach and EXPRODICO's is
the source of funding. Stressing the credit
due Tom Moyer, EXPRODICO chief, for
his hard work and inspiration, the NITE
executive explained that he has gone outside
the industry to
obtain operating revenues.
"Exhibitors, more often than not, prefer
to invest in
brick and mortar since they are,
perhaps, uninformed of the sophisticated
ways of film investment," Patterson said,
"This was one of the main reasons EX-
PRODICO didn't make it.
"We believe we have overcome the principal
problem—finance."
The new structure calls for a panel of
investors, headed by John McCutcheon,
president of one of Seagram's Distilleries'
operating divisions, to provide financing for
not fewer than 75 feature films over a tenyear
period. "The budgets for these films
will be comparable to any now used by a
major U.S. distributor." Patterson said.
The principal coordinators have been
drawn from the Merchant Trust Co, of
Toronto, primary stockholders in the Mercantile
Bank of Montreal. Other investors
from outside of Canada will be solicited in
the future.
Projects to be funded by TOFCO will be
chosen by a committee consisting of exhibitors
from all over the country, as well as
a paid professional expert from within the
film industry, "Only after the selection
committee has approved the project will
financing be granted. The professional will
keep up with the marketplace and will know
what is happening in the industry," Pat:crson
explained. He added that the first
committee probably will be appointed by
TOFCO executives, but that members of
future panels will be elected by co-op members.
"We do feel that these people will
lean heavily on the input and advice of
our professional," he commented.
Films will then be released worldwide
through a company managed jointly by
TOFCO and the Canadian investors. Releases
will be handled through local distribution
channels, rather than on a national
level.
Exhibitors will be contacted regarding a
film's availability two or three months in
advance. Since prints will already have been
in circulation, the problem of blind booking
will be virtually eliminated.
The whole scheme came about as a result
of unhappy occurances. Two years ago
NITE announced plans to distribute "The
Buddy Holly Story" through the Independent
Producer's Assistance Program. At
the same time NITE revealed a means to
generate revenues for an exhibitor's production
organization through SAFFCO, the
Screen Advertising Film Funding Corp.
Part of the proceeds from in-theatre ads
would have been used to create feature
films.
Both programs hit stumbling blocks early
on. Columbia ended up with distribution
rights to "Buddy Holly" which, while a
disappointment at the boxoffice, did earn
its star, Gary Busey, a Best Actor nomination.
A lawsuit over the rights question is
pending. And the announcement of a 1,000-
theatre test run for screen advertising met
with criticism in the tradepress and opposition
from major distributors.
"All hell broke loose," Patterson recalled.
Twentieth Century-Fox demanded a list of
all exhibitors who had agreed to run ads in
order to press them for a share in the revenue.
And Warner Bros, specifically prohibited
the showing of ads in connection with
"Superman."
The net effect of this resistance was to
completely discourage programs designed to
bring more product into the marketplace.
Patterson hopes a lawsuit, not yet filed, will
bring about a resolution in the screen ad
controversy.
Advantages to System
Meanwhile, however, he is focusing his
attention on his brainchild, TOFCO, "We
think there are some distinct advantages to
this system," Patterson commented, "For
one thing, if there are deficiencies in the
film,
the problems can be corrected as time
goes along.
"Frequently, if a national release bombs,
then it's all over—even if it's an excellent
film. We feel that in this program we'll be
able to give the creative people time to
correct any deficiencies,"
Patterson said that any U.S. exhibitors
will be able to join the co-op simply by
agreeing to play a minimum of 75 percent
of TOFCO product for a minimum run of
one week per film. Thus exhibitors are given
the privilege of refusing certain pictures
they feel are unsuited to their region. There
is no membership fee. The theatre will obtain
the films on a first-run basis, without
the necessity of advances or guarantees,
Tom Moyer's initial response to the plan
was "favorable," said Patterson, who expects
full cooperation from Moyer once he has
(Continued on page 6)

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
Secti(
BEN SHLYEN
Executive Editor
WILLIAM C. VANCE
Publisher
Edit
JOHN F. BERRY
Assoc. Publisher/National Sales Manager
MORRIS SCHLOZMAN Business Manager
HARVEY SHARP Circulation Director
GARY BURCH Equipment Editor
JONNA JEFFERIS Associate Editor
STU GOLDSTEIN Associate Editor
RON SCHAUMBURG Associate Editor
G. GREGORY TOBIN Associate Editor
JIMMY SUMMERS Assistant Editor
RALPH KAMINSKY West Coast Editor
JOHN COCCHl East Coast Editor
ADMINISTRATIVE
HERBERT A. VANCE Chairman
JOHN B. O'NEIL President
J. JAMES STAUDT Vice-President
Executive
C. WILLIAM VANCE Vice-President
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kan^a::
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TUB MOUEim TUBHTKE Section Is Included in
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IN
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Winnipeg: Robert llucal. 500-232 l^.Uage Ave., liSC
c^S

NOW YOy KNOW WHAT WE LOOK LIKE
Tri-State Theatre Service.
Cincinnati, Ohio.

Rastar: $125 Million Budget 21
Films Promised Over Three Years
By
RALPH KAMINSKY
West Coast Editor
HOLLYWOOD—Ray Stark's Rastar Productions,
going into its eleventh year as an
independent filmmaker, has lined up 21 new
pictures for production over the next three
years. The aggregate budget runs upwards
of $125 million over the next three years.
Three other films, two completed and one
in mid-production, boost the Rastar volume
to 24 for the period.
William Sackheim, recently joining the
company as senior vice-president in charge
of production, outlined the filmmaking
schedule, "the highest production activity"
for Rastar since it was organized in 1966.
"This is not a sudden escalation for us.
We've been very viable since 1968 when we
released our first picture, 'Funny Girl.' "
Since then, Rastar has contributed some
boxoffice blockbusters, he said. Out of the
100 all-time boxoffice champions, Rastar
accounted for 12. And for Columbia Pictures,
a frequent distributor of Rastar product,
the company has contributed six out
of Columbia's 12 biggest money-winners,
Sackheim said.
Every Studio Involved
Every major releasing studio in Hollywood
will participate in the releasing schedule
for Rastar product. Columbia leads with
ures," he commented. The projects will
range from pricetags of $2.8 million to $12
or $15 million, with the figures at the upper
end contemplated for the musical films
on the schedule.
Rastar policy in developing projects "inhouse"
accounts for lower budgets, Sackheim
indicated. "Many of our projects are
self-started. They're not big properties that
we purchase."
Some of the projects "come out of Ray's
head or some of the rest of us, and are
developed within the house. Various proposed
films are then 'farmed out' to various
line producers," he said.
"We don't compete in the astronomical
auctions for new properties," Sackheim asserted.
The three-year slate
includes:
Neil Simon's "Chapter Two," budgeted at
$8 million and starring James Caan and
Marsha Muson. The film begins production
in July in New York and Los Angeles with
Stark producing and Robert Moore directing.
"The Villain," a Rastar-Mort Engelberg
production already completed. It stars Kirk
Douglas, Ann-Margrei and Arnold Schwar-
/enet:gcr in a comedy-western directed by
Hal Nccdham and written by Robert Kane.
Columbia will release in the summer.
"The Electric Horseman," starring Robert
Redfoid and Jane Fonda in the Ray
Stark-Wildwood Enterprises production with
Sydney Pollack directing the Paul Gaer and
Robert Garland script for Columbia/ Universal
release.
"The Hunter," with Steve McQueen starring
in the $10-million Rastar-Engelberg
production to begin filming August 1 with
Peter Hyams directing from the screenplay
by Richard Levinson and William Link, A
Paramount release.
Parton Movie Debut
"Sing You Sinners," with country and
western star Dolly Parton making her movie
debut in the $6-million feature to be produced
by Marvin Birdt and Sandy Gallin
with Sackheim as executive producer for
20th Century-Fox release.
"Smokey and the Bandit: Ten-Four," a
reteaming of Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason.
Jerry Reed, Paul Williams and Pat
McCormick, with production to start in
August in Europe on the Rastar-Engelberg
production for Universal. Hal Needham will
direct Michael Kane's screenplay in the
$IO-million sequel to the boxoffice hit.
"Hot Stuff," with Dom DeLuise making
his debut as a director and starring in the
Rastar-Engleberg production. Also starring
9 releases plus participation in domestic re-
are Suzanne Pleshette and Jerry Reed. The
lease of another, with Universal getting foreign
Columbia release is in post-production.
rights. Universal has one other on its list. Others are Paramount, three; Fox, one; "Bid Time Return." budgeted at about
Warner Bros., two, and one each for United S4 million will see
since
Christopher Reeve
"Superman," with
in
his first film role
Artists and Orion.
Not all projects have been firmed with Jeannot Szwarc
May
directing
A
and going into
budgets and staffing, Sackheim pointed out. filming 24. Universal release.
"I'm always amused by early budgets where "The Competition," set to begin in August
Columbia be and
the studios try to dazzle you with big fig-
for release written to
directed by Joel Oliansky, with Sackheim
producing the $6-million feature.
*Ruby Red' at $4 Mil
"Ruby Red," with a $4-million budget,
'his Rastar-Engelbert production will be
based on Edmond Stevens' adaptation of the
novel by William Price Fox.
"Desperado," based on the Eagles' gold
album, this Irving Azoff and Stephen
Deutsch production is budgeted between
$8 and $10 million, with Frank Pierson
directing Steve Foreman's screenplay. A
Warner Bros, release.
"Abacadabra," formerly titled "Houdini,"
will be a lavish musical budgeted at
$12 million and will be based on the life of
Harry Houdini. Stark will produce for Columbia's
release.
"The Oddest Couple," Richard Pryor
and Bill Cosby will star in a spin-off of
Neil Simon's hit comedy to be produced by
Howard W. Koch on a $5-million budget
for Paramount distribution.
".Seems Like Old Times" is planned as
Columbia's major comedy release in 1980,
with production to start on the Neil Simon
screenplay in that year.
NITE's Tom Patterson
Reveals TOFCO Plans
(Continued from page 3)
had a chance to see the details of the program.
One advantage TOFCO has is that it will
be able to sidestep certain restrictive rules
of the Canadian Film Development Commission.
"Our films do not have to be, nor
do we know if they will be, Canadian tax
shelter films," Patterson explained. "They
can be made anywhere in the world and do
not require any certification that they are
'Canadian.' "
The Canadian Commission allows for
rapid tax write-off only if the film meets
certain criteria—that 75 percent of the picture
is shot in Canada or in a country with
a co-production treaty; that a like proportion
of Canadian performers and craftsmen
are involved, and so on. The requirements
are administered by means of a point system.
Acquisition in Works
"Our new program is not subject to these
restrictions," Patterson said.
The NITE leader hinted that the co-op,
for its first release, might acquire a substantial
film already in the process of being
made. He declined to give the title, although
he mentioned that TOFCO would give a
major new avenue of playoff for their product.
He added that he expects to become
heavily involved with the co-op project and
that, while he personally has a "strong
leaning" toward family entertainment, the
co-op will not be limited to any one approach
to style or subject matter.
"TOFCO's primary goal is to help exhibitors
earn a profit," he stressed. "We expect
to compete with the majors for the best
that's out there. We will accomplish this by
finding sufficient resources to compete with
them.
"That's the name of the game," he concluded.
'Body Snatchers' Snatches
French Antenne d'Or Prize
NEW YORK—Philip Kaufman's "Invasion
of the Body Snatchers" has been
awarded the 1978 Antenne d'Or, presented
annually by France's second television
channel. Antenne 2, it was announced by
Norbcrt Auerbach, United Artists senior
vice-president and foreign manager.
A First for BOXOFFICE
Kansas City — Readers will note
that, for the first time in the 60-year
history of BOXOFFICE, our front
cover is devoted to a product other
than a motion picture.
La Vezzi Machine Works, Inc. of
Chicago has chosen to advertise their
VKF (Very Kind to Film) sprockets
on the cover.
\
BOXOFFICE :: March 19, 1979
J.OJ

New Distrib Formed
By EMI, ITC Merger
NEW YORK—Associated Film, a new
distribution outlet, has been formed by a
merger between Sir Lew Grade's ITC company
and Sir Bernard Delfont's EMI organization.
The new company, which will have
offices here, is to distribute product from
both producing entities.
"Fire Power" is set for April release. "Escape
to Athena" in May-June and "The
Muppet Movie" for the summer, with a
June 22 opening at the Baronet Theatre
here on the latter film.
Division managers are being installed
around the country, with Roger Lewin handling
the West Coast and Marty Perlberg
the East Coast.
Working under Perlberg as New York
manager will be Jerry Frankel, former head
of New World Pictures' New York office.
AFD Holds 1st Marketing,
Sales Convention in Calif.
PALM SPRINGS. CALIF.—Associated
Film Distribution (AFD) held its first marketing
and sales convention March 4-7 at
the Canyon Hotel here. Branch and division
managers of the newly formed distribution
company joined home office executives
for the four-day conference.
During the course of the confab a portion
of AFD's 1979 release schedule was MCA's 1978 Revenues
reviewed. The pictures included "Fire Power."
"Escape to Athena," "The Muppet
Movie," "Love & Highest in History
Bullets," "Saturn III" and
"Treasure of the Piranha."
UNIVERSAL CITY — Lew R. Wasserman,
chairman of the board of MCA Inc.,
Martin Starger, president of AFD, addressed
the group in the first day of activities.
announced that in 1978 the company had
the highest annual revenues, net income and
Joining Starger in
the opening day greetings
were Leo Greenfield, senior vice-president
of marketing and distribution; Fred
Mound, vice-president and general sales
manager, and Barry Lorie, vice-president of
advertising and publicity.
Two new branch managers were announced
by Mound and attended the event here.
Heading up the Kansas City office is
Ralph Leshansky while the newly appointed
New York branch manager is Jerry Frankel.
Perilli, Vancouver Begin
New Production Company
HOLLYWOOD—Frank Perilli
the company's first project.
The film is budgeted at $10 million and
is based on an original script by Perilli.
Shooting is planned on locations in Norway,
Canada and the Arctic.
earnings per share in its history. For the
first time the company's revenues and assets
exceeded $1 billion.
For the year ended Dec. .^1. 1978 compared
to the year ended Dec. 31. 1977, net
income was $128,379,000 versus $95,114,-
000, an increase of 35 percent; earnings per
share were $5.52 versus $4.10, an increase
of 35 percent; revenues were $1,120,644,000
versus $877,635,000, an increase of 28 percent;
and average shares outstanding were
23,265,343 versus 23,197,900.
For the three months ended Dec. 31,
1978 compared to the three months ended
December 31, 1977. net income was $33,-
017,000 versus $32,255,000, an increase of
2 percent; earnings per share were $1.42
and Vancouver
businessman Dan Baceda have
formed Fran-Dan Films as an independent
versus $1.39, an increase of 2 percent; revenues
motion picture production company, with
were $332,786,000 versus $269,387,-
"The Life Story of Santa Claus" planned
000, an increase of 24 piercent; and average
shares outstanding were $23,289,302 versus
to go before the cameras later this year as
$23,191,433.
QUICK SCREENING
Contributing to the outstanding results
were the filmed entertainment, retail and
mail order, Columbia Savings and Loan and
recreation services divisions.
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6-8' (tree) 7.50 7.00
8-10' (tree) 9.25 8.75
10-12' (tree) 10.75 10.25
Please send trees of height.
Enclosed find $
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Address
City
Pa. residents add 6% sales tax.
BOXOmCE :: March 19, 1979

. . Score
. . Good
Columbia s Snow and Ice Story
Best of the Bunch for January
By STU GOLDSTEIN
Dobby Benson's latest offering from Columbia, the tale of a champion who wouldn't
give up. has walked off with National Screen Council honors for January. With a
healthy percentage of votes, this latest Blue Ribbon winner beat out six other pictures,
including the month's runner-up. United Artists' "Great Train Robbery."
Perhaps it really isn't fair to say that
"Ice Castles" is a Robby Benson picture.
The audience is actually treated to more
of skating star Lynn-Holly Johnson than
of Benson in this instance. But there's
nothing wrong with that. Lynn-Holly (and
Robby, too) offered a pleasant enough
escape from the winter doldrums. It seems
as though even snow and ice couldn't keep
patrons from laying down bucks to
see this snow and ice story. "Ice Castle's"
current average of first-week grosses stands
at 274— a Boxoffice hit for the winter
season.
As for the rest of the January ballot,
only two entries fared well. Runner-up
"The Great Train Robbery" and thirdplacer
"Movie Movie" did fine. "Bread
and Chocolate," in fourth place and "The
Brink's Job," fifth place, got a fair turnout
of votes. Off into Nowheresville, "Caravans"
and "Uncle Joe Shannon" were
almost totally ignored.
A sampling of comments received from
NSC members on "Ice Castles," follows:
Just a nice movie for those cold winter
nights. Good performances from all con-
Marysville. Calif. . . .
cerned. Bob McGuire. UA Theatres.
Received a round
of applause at the end. Young stars did an
oustanding job. Joe M. Seery. Sutter
Theatre. Yuba City. Calif. . . .
Wasn't
really sold on "Ice Castles." Too sugary.
— Norma Blewett. Star-Courier, Kewangee.
III.
Not only a warm story, but an inspiring
one, too. Tom Hodge, Press-Chronicle.
Johnson City. Tenn. . another hit
for young Robb\ Benson. He always docs
Lynn-Holly doing what she does best
it we\].—Nathan P. Street. Giles Free
Press. Pulaski. Term. ... A little manipulative
for adults, but proves to be a real
inspiration for youngsters. My eight yearold
saw it twice and begins ice skating lessons
this week! William J. Upton-Knittle
Jr.. Columbia Magazine, Culver City,
Calif.
These two young and talented actors
have great futures in front of them.
Richard Peterson, State Theatre Company,
Brookings, S.D. . . . Best for the family,
Johnson and Benson— "love on the ice"
Robby Benson playing hockey—on the ice
Excellent story, cast and picture. Mrs.
J.E. House. Detroit Motion Picture Council
... An inspirational story for all ages.
— Shirley H. Gimnels, Fowler. Ind. . . .
A certain wholesome magic that will attract
all ages. It's crisp, clear, and clean.
Danny Smart, Commonwealth Theatres,
Kansas City.
. . . Just a nice movie for those
cold winter nights.— Bob Mc-
Guire, UA theatres, Marysville,
Calif.
Best story line since "Other Side of the
Mountain."—yern- Webb, WARI, Abbeville,
Ala. . show for the family.
Shows that work and persistence pay off!
—Dorthy R. Shank. WJJL. Niagra Falls,
N.Y. . . . li you enjoy a good cry, you will
enjoy "Ice Castles. "-^ro«y de Haro.
not be the
although "Movie Movie" is a lot of
kMBC. Kansas City . . .
Joan Vadeboncoeur, Herald-American,
Syracuse, N.Y. ... A sensational soap
^^^^
^^^
pj^, ^f fj^g ygg^^ but it's
jqq percent entertaining.
good, clean
James T.
opera with a positive outiook.—James K.
shelton. Los Angeles "Ice Castles" is
Loutzenhiser, Kansas City Film Critics
,f,g choice because it came out exactly as
Very few movies jerk tears as intended—two hours of pleasing diversion,
this one does. Too bad they ruined the
what's more, you come out feeling good.
show with their poor TV campaign y^^^o could ask for anything more?"
Gary Schillinger, Dubiitsky Bros. Theacheryl
J. Peterson, Houston. Tex.
tres. Sioux City, la.
Good performances and a beautiful -^^-^^—^—^^^^——~~~~~~
^VttS ^(l\\
Cleveland . . . Good entertainment. Lynn- Choreographer BRIAN FOLEY
Holly Johnson has a bright future.-//.,,,- Released through COLUMBIA
M. Curl. NATO. Birmingham. Ala. . . .
_^_^___^____^_^,^_^—.^-^—
BOXOFFICE March 19, 1979

Univ., Newsday Tie
In for 'Buck' Push
NEW YORK— Universal Pictures and
Newsday on Long Island have joined forces
for a special promotion spotlighting "Buck
Rogers," Universal's forthcoming motion
picture about a 20th-century astronaut, frozen
in deep space, who is revived and returns
to a vastly altered earth in the 25th century.
The promotion will involve Newsday's more
than 9.800 carriers who home deliver Newsday
in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens counties.
Universal will provide Newsday with a
special Saturday screening of "Buck Rogers"
at a theatre in Nassau County and one in
Suffolk County.
The promotion will run for a one-week
period, and will also be highlighted in
Newsday's Go-Getter News, a monthly
publication for carriers and their families,
and in weekly bulletins going to 10,000
carriers and their families. Special material
on "Buck Rogers" will be displayed in
Newsday's 216 district offices.
Gulf & Western Has
Higli 2nd Qtr. Sales
NEW YORK—Gulf & Western Industries
Inc. today reported that net earnings
for the second quarter which ended Jan.
31, 1979 rose to $55.4 million, from $40.4
million in the comparable period a year
ago. On a primary basis, net earnings per
share for the second quarter were $1.10
versus 79 cents in the year ago period.
Fully diluted net earnings per share were
81 cents compared with 61 cents a year
ago.
Sales for the second quarter were $1.3
billion, up from $1 billion a year earlier.
For the six months ended Jan. 31. 1979,
net earnings rose to $115.8 million from
$79.5 million a year ago. Earnings per share
were up to $2.29 on a primary basis and
$1.69 fully diluted from $1.55 on a primary
basis and $1.19 fully diluted a year
ago.
Sales for the si,\ months period rose to
$2.5 billion from $2 billion a year earlier.
Second quarter and six months sales,
were at record levels lor their respective
periods.
Gulf & Western said that all eight of
its operating groups reported increases in
profitability during the second quarter compared
to a year ago, with the Financial
Services Group leading all others in second
quarter performance. Contributing to the
increase in that group was higher investment
income by the group's insurance and
real estate operations.
The leisure time group's results during
the second quarter were substantially higher
than a year ago. The foreign distribution of
Paramount Pictures releases continued at
record levels and the success of its domestic
motion pictures contributed significantly to
the group's profitability. In addition. Paramount
is now the most successful television
series producer in the industry with four of
the five top shows, "Mork and Mindy,"
"Happy Days," "Laverne and Shirley" and
"Angle," plus another, "Taxi," in the top
Eastman Kodak Is Honored
For Intermediate Film
HOLLYWOOD—The Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences has announced
that Eastman Kodak Co. is being honored
for technical achievement in research
and development of Eastman color intermediate
II film 5243.
Kodak will receive an Academy Award
of Merit (Academy Statuette) for the intermediate
film, which is used to make the
color master positives and color duplicating
negatives that are essential in getting the
final motion picture on the screen.
AFI Awards 41 Grants
To Indie Filmmakers
WASHINGTON— Forty-one
independent
filmmakers have been awarded over $345,-
000 in grants from The American Film
Institute's Independent Filmmaker Program.
Grant recipients were selected by a panel
of nine distinguished judges who reviewed
proposals for film projects from 1,300 applicants.
The Independent Filmmaker Program,
funded by the National Endowment for the
Arts and administered by AFI, is the nation's
oldest major competition for grants
to support new and exploratory work in
independent film production. The program,
now in its eleventh year, offers individual
filmmaking grants up to $10,000.
Panel of Judges
This year's select panel of judges, who
met for several days to evaluate proposals
and films, was comprised of Stephen Beck,
video artist; Tony Bill, film producer; Karen
Loveland, director of the motion picture
unit of the Smithsonian Institution; Michael
Schultz, director: Chris Spotted-Eagle, cinematographer;
Philip Makanna, experimental
filmmaker and photographer; Hart Perry,
filmmaker and holographer; Stanley Robertson,
television producer, and Jesus Trevino,
director.
Independent Filmmaker Program grants
are awarded only to U.S. citizens and permanent
residents.
Applicants proposed films ranging from
dramatic and documentary films to animation,
musical and experimental productions.
121 More 'Robbery' Prints
NEW YORK— Michael Crichton's "The
Great Train Robbery" opens this week in
an additional 121 theatres in New York
and Los Angeles. Nationally there will be
approximately 400 prints in work.
630 Ninth Ave NY NY 10036 (212) 582-9133 CONTACT: Stuart Shapiro • Steve Menkin • Dawn Hanrahan
BOOK IT NOW FOR SPRING & SUMMER PLAYDATES!
BOXOFFICE :; March 19, 1979

BOXOFFICE
BAROMETER
This chart records the performance of current attractions in the opening week of their first runs in
the 20 key cities checked. Pictures with fewer than five engagements are not listed. As new runs
are reported, ratings ore added and averages revised. Computation is in terms of percentage in
relation to overage grosses as determined by the theatre managers. With lOO per cent as average,
the figures show the gioss ratings above or below that mark. (Asterisk * denotes combination bills)
%
1 Autumn Sonata (New World)
g||iiy|c|igSi|||i5Sh5>5

. . The
. . "Superman"
BALTIMORE
Qabriel Kaplan in "Fast Break" opened
here Friday, March 2 at The Movies,
Ritchie Cinema, Westview. Rotunda Cinema,
Harford Mall Cinema and Timonium
Cinema . same night Charles Berlitz's
"The Bermuda Triangle" bowed at the
Howard. Carrolltowne, Edgewater, Ritchie
Cinema, Hollywood, Chester. Carrollwood,
Carroll, Liberty Belair. Timonium Cinema,
Security Mall Cinema, Grand and Arcade.
The Randallstown Theatre held a sneak
preview Friday. March 2 of American International's
"Love at First Bite." prior to
the regular showing of "Same Time. Next
Year."
The JF Rotunda Cinema currently is
showing "An Unmarried Woman," which
has been nominated for several Academy
Awards . is in its 14th week
at the Hippodrome, Northpoint Plaza, Security
Mall Cinema, Harundale Cinema.
Hillendale and Joppatowne.
Corinne F. Hammett, News American
film reviewer, on "Fast Break": "The surface,
up-front humor is often predictable,
but underneath it all is the wry look at unscrupulous
college athletic recruitment procedures
and all the other political and
image-making deals that go along with having
a winning team. Kaplan, comfortable
in the role, has an easy familiarity with the
camera and breezes through without any
major mishaps. Two of the team members.
Mavis Washington, a California school
teacher with AAU credentials, and Bernard
King, a New Jersey Nets pro, as Hustler,
are successful in their screen debuts."
About "The Deer Hunter," Hammett
said: "A devastating experience—this film
won't let you go. This story of three friends
from a steel town gets down to the essentials
of survival. It will touch you with an
inescapable sense of tragedy" ... On "The
Great Train Robbery." she wrote that it has
an, "audacious wit. is the perfect crime and
conveys a sense of history . . . directed with
high style."
Tape-Ability Associates, Inc., a full audio-visual
production facility, currently is
available with screening, conference and
production facilities. Included is a 35mmequipped
screening room seating aproximately
50. which will be rentable at any
hour for various media, special groups and
critics' screenings. The facility is centrally
located at 509 N. Charles St. For scheduling
for further information, call (301)
539-5242.
Thieves broke into the Pulaski Drive-Tn
recently, making off with CinemaScope
lenses worth over $1,000. according to Arthur
Hallock. longtime manager. The
Schwaber World Fare Cinema underskyer
will reopen for the season March 28.
The Lord Baltimore Concession Service
has joined the century-old F.A. Davis &
Sons, Inc., according to Don Kartman,
Lord Baltimore president. "We have joined
forces with F.A. Davis with a complete line
of wholesale tobacco, candy, drug and beauty
products, servicing the entire trade in
Mai7land. Virginia, D.C. and Delaware."
Kartman said.
Donlon, Washington-based Columbia
salesman, visited the local trade territory
recently . . . The Baltimore Film Forum
rescheduled films which were canceled
due to the recent severe snow. Fassbinder's
"Effi Briest" was shown March 5. "Osaka
Elegy" by Kenji Mizoguchi was slated for
April 3.
General Cinema Corp. is charging $1.50
for the first showing daily at five of six area
theatres. Participating theatres are the York
Road Cinema with "Hardcore" and "The
Brink's Job." Columbia City with "Same
Time, Next Year" and "The Brink's Job."
Harundale Mall with "The North Avenue
Irregulars," Perring Plaza with "Every
Which Way But Loose" aod "The North
Avenue Irregulars" and Security Square
Square Mall with "The North Avenue Irreaulars."
West Virginia Passes
Blind Bid Legislation
By TONY RUTHERFORD
Regional Correspondent
CHARLESTON. W.VA.—The West Virginia
Legislature in its closing days sent to
Gov. Jay Rockefeller an anti-blind bidding
bill which will become law upon his signing
it.
Patterned closely after NATO model legislation,
the purpose of the law is "to establish
fair and open procedures for the
bidding and negotiation of motion pictures
within the state and to prevent unfair and
deceptive acts or practices and ureasonable
restraints of trade in the business of motion
picture distribution within the state."'
Varies From Model
However, there are some important variances
when this law is compared to the
NATO model and the strong Ohio statute.
For example, the West Virginia bill requires
films to be tradescreened, but not
necessarily within the state. Screenings may
be held here or. alternatively, "at the local
e.xchange serving the geographical area for
which bids have been requested."
Nor does the West Virginia law contain
the guarantee and advance prohibitions of
the controversial Ohio law. NATO had encouraged
the legislature here to strengthen
the bill but. according to one of the exhibitor
draftees of the bill, it was too late in
the session to make any changes in the
proposed legislation.
Those who prepared the bill for submission
to the house and senate judiciary committees
included Dave Joseph. Eileen Ledford.
Jack Hyman and John Gardner, president
of NATO of West Virginia.
Hyam said that one of the main goals of
those involved in the development of the
law was that pictures be tradescreened prior
to
bidding.
BROADWAY
THE INNOCEN1." which— based on the
first six weeks of its exclusive run
holds the all-time boxofficc record for a
in is foreign film at America, playing two
New York houses. To accommodate recordbreaking
crowds at the Plaza, showings at
the nearby Cineina 3 were added on a staggered
basis. Located at the Plaza Hotel on
59th Street, Cinema 3 is Manhattan's subscription
film theatre.
Analysis Film Releasing Corp. is distributing
the Italian import, which is the last
work of the late Luchino Visconti and
which stars Giancarlo Giannini, Laura Antonelli
and Jennifer O'Neill.
"Simon." a contemporary comedy starring
Alan Arkin. began filming in New York
Monday March 26. Marshall Brickman is
directing from his own original screenplay
and Martin Bregman is producing for Orion
Pictures release through Warner Bros. This
marks Brickman's directorial debut, he having
shared last year's Academy Award with
Woody Allen for the Best Original Screenplay
for "Annie Hall." Louis A. Stroller is
executive producer and production manager
for the new film.
•
Keenan Wynn will portray Alan King's
business rival in "Just Tell Me What You
Want," a Jay Presson Allen-Sidney Lumet
production filming here for Warner Bros,
release. Lumet is directing the romantic
comedy at the Astoria Studios and aroimd
town, from a screenplay and novel by Allen.
Also starring are Ali MacGraw, Myrna
Loy, Peter Weller, Dina Merrill and Tony
Roberts.
The film made news as a scene shot outside
of Bergdorf Goodman's on Fifth Avenue
had MacGraw attacking King and hitting
him with her purse. Other locations
include the Warner Communications Building,
the Plaza Hotel, the Shelter Restaurant,
La Goule and WNEW-TV's studio. Production
is scheduled to be completed here April
10.
Woody Allen's latest is "Manhattan." a
United Artists release to premiere April 18
at the Ziegfeld Theatre. The $75-a-ticket
benefit will aid the Whitney Museum's Film
and Video Department. Benefit committee
members include Dick Cavett. Ellen Burstvn.
Richard Chamberlain. Marisa Berenson
and Peter Duchin. Allen's co-stars in
the film are Diane Kcaton. Muriel Hemingwa\
and Michael Murphy.
Showcasing were "The China Syndrome,"
"Richard Pryor—Live in Concert," "Fast
Break," "Superman," "Pinocchio" and "The
Small One" on an all-animated Disney bill,
"The Warriors," "Ice Castles," "Hardcore"
(mini), "Norma Rae" (mini), "The Great
Train Robbery," "An Unmarried Woman,"
"Days of Heaven" (mini). "The Brink's
Job" and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers. '
BOXOFFICE 1979
E-1

.
. . And
New York
Agatha (WB), Cinema I (avg. $10,400).
4th wk $41,800
AU About Gloria Leonard (Evai t). 8th wk.
Eastworld (6.300) 6,140
World (8.000) 10,680
The Deer Hunter (Univ),
Coronet (9,650), 5th wk 40,830
Despair (New Line). Gemini II
(7.500). 3rd wk. 19,390
Get Out Your Handkerchiefs (New Line).
Paris (9.000). 12th wk 22,480
Picnic at Hanging Rock (Atlantic), Little
Carnegie (7.500). 2nd wk 28,500
The Promise (Univ). Radio City Music
Hall (156.000). 1st wk 250.000
Real Life (Para), Cinema II
6.000). 1st wk 23,000
Your Turn, My Turn (Gaumont/New
Yorker). Cinema Studio I (5.000),
6th wk 8,560
FIRST RUN REPORT
^^.
T.-'^i-^.
.
(Average
Every Which Way But
Is 100)
Loose (WB).
Showcase IV. 11th wk
Cincinnati
Fastbreak (Col). 3 theatres. 1st wk
Agatha (WB). Showcase. 1st wk 475 Get Out Your Handkerchiefs
The Brink's Job (Univ). Showcase.
3rd wk 250
(New Line). Atheneiim Cinema.
1st wk
California Suite (Col), 4 theatres,
11th wk 300
The Great Train Robbery (UA). Cinema
City IV. Elm I. 4th wk
Days of Heaven (Para), Showcase.
Hardcore (Col), Showcase I. 3rd wk. .
1st wk 100 The North Avenue Irregulars (BV).
The Deer Hunter (Univ), Tri-County,
3 theatres. 3rd wk
2nd wk 950 Same Time. Next Year (Univ).
Every Which Way But Loose (WB),
Showcase II. 4th wk
5 theatres. 1 2th wk 400 Superman (WB). Showcase III.
Hardcore (Col). Showcase, 4th wk 475 12th wk
Ice Castles (Col). 4 theatres. 4th wk. . .350 The Warriors (Para), Showcase VI,
In Praise of Older Women (Avco).
3rd wk
Skywalk. 11th wk 100
Not the Size That Counts (SR).
theatres, 2nd wk New Haven
It's
3 275
The Lord of the Rings (UA). Studio, The Brink's Job (Univ). Showcase V.
nth wk 100 3rd wk
National Lampoon's Animal House
Days of Heaven (Para). Lincoln.
(Univ), Showcase. 32nd wk 250 2nd wk
The North Avenue Irregulars (BV).
Every Which Way But Loose (WB),
4 theatres. 3rd wk 500 Showcase IV. 12th wk
Richard Pryor—Live in Concert (SEE) Fastbreak (Col), Cinemart I. Miiford II.
3 theatres. 3rd wk 550 1st wk
Same Time Next Year (Univ),
Showcase, 4th wk 400
The Great Train Robbery (UA). York
Square Cinema, 4th wk
Superman (WB). 3 theatres, 12th wk. . .850 Hardcore (Col), Cinemart II. Miiford I.
The Warriors (Para), Showcase.
3rd wk
4th wk 450 The North Avenue Irregulars (BV).
Watership Down (Avco), Kenwood,
17th wk 150
Cine I, 3rd wk
Same Time, Next Year (Univ),
Showcase I. 4th wk
Cleveland
Superman (WB). Showcase II, 12th wk.
The Warriors (Para), Showcase III.
The Brink's Job fUniv), 4 theatres,
3rd wk
2nd wk 115
300
California Suite (Co!). 1 theatre,
10th wk 180
Days of Heaven (Para), 2 theatres,
1st wk 60
The Deer Hunter (Univ), World East.
World West. 1 st wk 590
Every Which Way But Loose (WB).
4 theatres. 1 0th wk 220
. .245
The Great Train Robbery (UA).
5 theatres. 3rd wk 145
Hardcore (Col). 6 theatres. 1st wk 310
Movie Movie (WB). 1 theatre. 5th 115 wk.
The North Avenue Irregulars (BV),
6 theatres, 2nd wk 255
Same Time. Next Year (Univ), 5 theatres
3rd wk 160
Superman (WB), 4 theatres, 11th wk.
The Warriors (Para). 6 theatres,
2nd wk 250
Hartford
Agatha (WB). 3 theatres. 1st wk
Bom Erect (SR). Art Cinema. 1st wk.
The Brink's Job (Univ), Showcase V,
3rd wk
California Suite (Col), Cinema City III,
Elm II. nth wk
Days of Heaven (Para), Cinema City II,
2nd wk
Baltimore
Bread and Chocolate (h.i.s.), Playhouse.
'
6th wk 200
The Brink's Job (Univ), Liberty 1.
3rd wk 35
The Deer Hunter (Univ). Towson.
2nd wk 600
Fast Break (Col). Westview II. 1st wk. 100
The Great Train Robbery (UA).
Cinema II, 5th wk 250
Hardcore (Col). 3 theatres. 4th wk 40
Ice CasUes (Col), Westview III,
Cinema I, 5th wk 75
Midnight Express (Col), Mini Flick 1,
4th wk 80
Quintet (20th-Fox), Mini Flick II,
3rd wk 100
The Warriors (Para). 3 theatres, 4th wk. 45
VERMONT
gargain matinee prices—something very
much in vogue in a sizable portion of
New England—cannot be said to be enormously
widespiead in Vermont. Whatever
bargain pricing there is applies to evening,
weekend showings, in the main. But leave it
to indefatigable Merrill G. Jarvis, president
of the Merrill Theatre Corp., South
Burlington, to do something about the situation.
He advertised $1.50 daily admission
for the 1:30 p.m. showing of Universal's
"The Wiz." presently in Vermont premiere
at his Flynn. in-town Burlington.
Green Mountain State openings included
Columbia's "Ice Castles" and Universal's
"The Brink's Job." Among the continuing
titles were United Artists' "The Great Train
Robbery" plus "Invasion of the Body
Snatchers," Buena Vista reprise of "Pinocchio"
(1940) and "Love Bug" (1969). Warner
Bros.' "Superman" plus "Every Which
Way But Loose," Buena Vista's "The North
Avenue Irregulars" and the R-rated independent
"Mustang."
"The Last Waltz," United Artists' May,
1978, release starring The Band and Bob
Dylan, was screened in Angell Lecture Center
at the University of Vermont Burlington
campus . 20th Century-Fox's "The
Turning Point." December 1977 release toplining
Shirley MacLainc and Anne Bancroft,
was shown in Dana Auditorium at downstate
Middlebury College.
Reviewing Columbia's "Ice Castles" in a
dispatch to the Burlington Free Press, Gannett
News Service film critic Bernard L.
Drew remarked, in part: "I don't know
whether 'Ice Castles,' which is about a
young ice skater who trains for the Olympics,
then goes blind and has to start all
over again, is trying to say that Sonja
Henies are born, not made, or that they
are made, not born. But, after seeing this
picture, it doesn't really matter."
The Movie Capsules column on the Free
Press amusements pages labeled "The
Brink's Job" a "comedy cops-and-robbers,"
and conceded there had been changes made
in the motif of the Land of Oz with "The
Wiz": "Harlem rather than Kansas . . .
the all-black cast provides a lot of music
and dance on the way." The same column
said "The North Avenue Irregulars" is a
Walt Disney Studios film "that has nothing
to do with Burlington's north end thoroughfare."
(More Vermont news page E-8)
E-2 BOXOmCE :: March 19, 1979

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BOXOFHCE :: March 19, 1979
E-3

. . The
BUFFALO
"Agatha," a mystery-fantasy based on the
1926 disappearance of the writer Agatha
Christie, opened Friday. March 9 in the
Holiday Six Theatre and the Eastern Hills
Mall Cinema . . . "Get Out Your Handkerchiefs"
opened Wednesday. March 7 in the
Maple-Forest Theatre.
Robert Bresson's 1969 "Une Femme
Douce," starring Dominique Sanda, was
shown Sunday, March 4 at Daemen College
as part of the college's French Cinema
Series.
Doug Smith, Courier Express film
critic,
thinks "The North Avenue Irregulars" is
'a delight." "About once every five pictures,
the Disney Studios come up with
something truly fine, a lot of wholesome
laughs for the youngsters and a big afternoon
of fun for those who don't revel in
false sophistication. 'North Avenue Irregulars"
is the ticket." The picture is playing at
the Eastern Hills Mall Cinema, the Como
Eight Theatre and the North Park Theatre.
George Cukor's "The Women" (1939),
starring Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer,
was presented Saturday, March 3 by Media
Study/ Buffalo.
Michael Unher, an independent Buffalo
filmmaker who studied with pioneer Stan
Brakhage, screened and discussed six of his
films Thursday, March 1. It was the first of
a series, featuring six Buffalo independents,
which will extend through April 12. The
scries is presented by Media Study.
Courier Express film critic Bob Groves
gave "Richard Pryor—Live in Concert" a
generous four-chair rating: "All aspiring
comedians should be required to see the
movie as a training film . . . Whatever the
material, In Concert' captures the essence
of an innately funny man working a live
crowd, something his talk show appearances
f BUFFALO,
N.Y.
and movie roles simply don't show." Drawing
sell-out crowds, the picture opened
March 2 at the Como Eight Theatre.
Y^e 17th annual Variety Club telethon
"Psychic," a new thriller starring Jennifer
raised $578,317, which is $76,386
O'Neill, opened Friday, March 16 in Loews
more than last year's total. The telethon,
Teck Theatre and the Como Mall Cinema
which aired Saturday, March 3 and Sunday
Theatre . . . "The Thief of Bagdad," Alexander
Korda's 1940 film classic, is being
March 4 on WKBW-TV, featured a variety
of national and local entertainers. This year's
revived in what is advertised as a spectacular
new 35mm technicolor print. The pic-
guest stars included Ted Lange of "Love
Boat," Laurette Spang of "Battlestar Galactica,"
John McCook of "The Young and the
ture opened Wednesday, March 14 at the
Rivoli Theatre.
Restless" and Phyllis Davis from "Vega$."
Back again as co-hosts for the show were
After viewing "Murder by Decree" film
the popular Jack Smith and Maureen Arthur.
The Children's Rehabilitation Center
critic Patricia Ward Biederman found the
film "pleasant enough but not lively enough
of Children's Hospital is the main beneficiary,
but other western New York agencies
. . . Less fog and more fire is what's needed."
The picture is at the Holiday Six and
serving handicappied youngsters also will
Granada theatres.
share in the funds raised.
"Love at First Bite" was sneaked Friday,
March 2 at the Como Eight Theatre.
BOSTON
Justin Freed's Coolidge Cinema in Brookline
had a revival week with features
including "The Adventures of Robin
Hood." "Captain Blood" and "My Fair
Lady" . Orson Welles in Cambridge
brought back two classics: "The Harder
They Come" and "Flash Gordon."
Continuing long runs on area screens
were "The Deer Hunter." Charles: "Agatha,"
Cheri 1; "Superman," Cinema 57;
"Hardcore," Paris; "Coming Home," Beacon
Hill; "The Warriors," Saxon; "Fast
Break," Pi Alley; "The Last Wave," Exeter;
"Madame Rosa," Allston, and "The Brink's
Job," Circle.
Philip J. Scott, president of the Hinghambased
Patriot Cinemas, has announced the
following staff changes within the organization.
David Kiolbasa, general manager since
1974, has been promoted to vice-president.
Philip Goulet, former manager of the Loring
Cinema, has been named regional supervisor.
Paul Murphy, former assistant
manager of the Randolph Cinema, is manager
of the Cinema-Brookline. Ed Estey,
former assistant manager of the Cameo
Theatre, has been named manager of the
Randolph Cinema and Paul Hennessey is
assistant manager there. Paul Hartigan is
new manager at the Queen Anne Cinema
with assistant manager Marcia Anderson.
Managing the Loring Cinema is former assistant
manager Jerry Walsh, assisted by
Greg Babin.
Arthur Winebaum of Brooklinc died recently.
He was a noted architect who headed
the firm of Arthur Winebaum & Associates
here for many years. In the past 15
years Winebaum and partner Burt W. Federman
became known throughout the theatre
industry as specialists in the design of
movie theatres and were responsible for new
concepts in the design of several hundred
theatres throughout the United States, Canada
and Latin America.
SPRINGFIELD
J^niong the western Massachusetts premieres
were Avco Embassy's "Circle
of Iron." Group I's "The Psychic," Warner
Bros.' "Agatha," Columbia's "Fastbreak"
and independent X product. "Exploring
Girls" and "My Sex Rated Wife."
Continuing titles included Universal's
"The Deer Hunter" plus "Paradise Alley"
plus "The Brink's Job" plus "Same Time,
Next Year" plus "The Wiz," Buena Vista's
"The North Avenue Irregulars," Columbia's
"Ice Castles" plus "Midnight Express"
plus "Hardcore," Warner Bros.' "Superman"
plus "Every Which Way But Loose,"
United Artists' "The Great Train Robbery"
and Paramount's "The Warriors."
Holyoke's Second Congregational Church
started a free series of captioned films for
the deaf, titles including "Miracle of the
White Stallions" (Buena Vista, 1963), "Man
of LaMancha" (United Artists, 1972),
"Camelot" (Warner Bros., 1967), "Genghis
Kahn" (Columbia, 1965) and "Return of the
Pink Panther" (UA, 1975).
The Eastfield Mall, which contains a Sack
Theatres twin, has stepped up newspaper
ad thrust. Latest activity finds a 12-page,
tabloid supplement accenting accessibility
and service availability. What's more, the
Sack houses are listed in a full-page of
who, what and where of mall tenants in the
much-expanded Springfield/Hartford Magazine,
which is published on a monthly basis
in Springfield. For the latter, the mall lists
75 tenants, including the Sack twin. A separate
entrance is maintained for cinema patrons,
it is noted.
Victor Scastroni's "The Scarlet Letter,"
MGM 1926 release with Lillian Gish. was
screened at the John Morrison-operated
Pleasant Street Theatre in Northampton
the other Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.
Veteran theatre organist A.T. Purseglove
provided accompaniment.
Richard Freedman, film critic for the
Newhouse News Service, said of George C.
Scott's latest film: "To make an honest film
about the ever-burgeoning porn industry
that is not itself pornographic is quite a
trick. Writer-director Paul Schrader. helped
by an incandescent performance by George
C. Scott, has pulled it together brilliantly In
'Hardcore' "... of "Autumn Sonata,"
Freedman said, "Sweden's top cinematic
Bergmans — Ingmar and Ingrid — have
teamed up in "Autumn Sonata' to scorch the
screen with a harrowing account of motherdaughter
relationships that only partially
succeeds as a movie."
Buena Vista's "Mickey Mouse's Birthday
Party" was slotted into the Grand Theatre
in Indian Orchard for weekend matinees.
Admission was $1 for all seats.
Ithaca Films and Anthea Films of Mimich
will co-produce "Wise Blood," based on
Flannery O'Connor's novel, with John Huston
dircclinsj.
E-4
BOXOFFICE March 19, 1979

CINCINNATI
Chowcase Cinemas sneaked Martin Ritt's
"Norma Rae." which stars Sally Field
as a union crusading Southern mill worker,
prior to its March 16 opening. Redstone's
Chuck Dunn indicated the film generated a
"good reaction" at the screening.
"Caravans" opened March 9 at three
Mid States locations. Set to open March 16
were "Fast Break," "The China Syndrome"
and "Murder by Decree," all at Mid States
sites . . . Showcase will open "The Last
Wave" and "The Class of Miss Mac-
Michael" March 30.
Many Mid States drive-ins in this territory,
including Lexington, Ky., Flatwoods,
Ky. and Chesapeake, Ohio will be reopening
March 28.
Critics' comer: " 'The Deer Hunter" is
bold, provocative, brilliantly conceived and
executed. Whether, however, audiences
want to see and hear some highly provocative
things about America's Vietnam adventure
and its costs in the lives of its survivors,
only time will tell," wrote Tom McElfresh
of the Enquirer.
Of "Autumn Sonata," he said: "Ingmar
Bergman returns to the dense complexities
of character conflict and analysis of earlier
films, but eschews the tantalizing ambiguities.
Every aspect of this conflict is explored
in harrowing detail."
C.J. Ruff Film Distributing recently held
tradescreenings of "Fists of Bruce Lee" at
Westside Screening Room, "The Astrologer"
at the Preview Room and "The Best,"
with Gloria Guida, at the Westside.
CLEVELAND
Jack Kaufman of Cinepix recently returned
from New York where he attended a
sales seminar for World Northal. He
reports that "The Last Wave" hit here
March 16 in multiple situations. He also is
handling "Get Out Your Handkerchiefs"
from New Line Cinema which bowed
March 14 and Russ Meyer's "Beneath the
Valley of the Ultra Vixens" which will be
here in May.
United Artists branch manager Thomas
Mihok plans a wide pre-Oscar break for
"Coming Home." He opened "Interiors"
March 9 in area houses and will have
"Voices" May 25. Mihok presently is in
Florida for a company meeting.
The third Cleveland International Film
Festival, which opens May 2 at the Cedar
Lee Theatre, features the premieres of 16
films as well as an array of special events.
Jonathan Forman is festival director.
Critics'
comer: Tony Mastroianni of the
Press says of "Hardcore": "It's a serious
movie, one whose motive may be reasonably
pure even if its execution is not. Us
seriousness is due more to the explosive.
frequently agonizing, performaince by
George C. Scott than anything else."
Donna Chemin of the Plain Dealer wrote
about "Agatha," in part: "The dialogue
sparkles in its witty simplicity . . .
We'll
never know, but after watching the film,
we should never care. The solution served
up so elegantly here is fine."
RHODE ISLAND
Tust how important reduced admission
pricing is to non-peak-attendance time
at regional cinemas can be seen in ongoing
advertising, for both major natonal and regional
circuits as well as area independent
exhibition interests. General Cinema Corp..
for example, is charging $1.50. first matinee
show only, on a daily basis at both the Warwick
Mail plex and the Lincoln Mall plex.
The same tab is applicable to GCC's Garden
City plex weekends only.
The Redstone Showcase Cinemas 6. Seekonk.
largest plex in southeastern New England,
are charging $2.50 for first show only.
The SBC Castle 2. in-town Providence, are
charging $1.50, all matinees, plus Monday
through Thursday night. And the Econo-
Cinema combine is selling tickets for $1.50.
all matinees, Monday through Thursday
nights, too.
The Mann Theatres' Warwick Cinema,
in the Warwick Plaza, with sub-run of Columbia's
"Midnight Express," charged
$1.50, matinees, with the charge going up
to $2,
evenings.
American Multi Cinemas' Swansea 4, situated
at the enclosed Swansea Shopping
Mall, is reminding newspaper readers of its
proximity to downtown Providence. New ad
copy said: "First run movies at second run
prices! Why pay more? Only 10 min. from
Providence!"
The town of New Shoreham and the
Block Island Power Co. have been issued
a certificate by the State Division of Public
Utilities to operate a cable television
(CATV) service on the island.
The Cranston Drive-In, one of the area's
few underskyers continuing cold weather
operations, charged $6-per-carload, regardless
of number of passengers, for sub-run
booking of 20th Century-Fox's "The Boys
From Brazil" on double-bill with same distributor's
"Damnation Alley."
Reviewing "Same Time. Next Year." William
K. Gale commented in the Providence
Journal-Bulletin: "The film is well worth
its its seeing for humor, emotional content
and the acting of (Ellen) Burstyn and, particularly.
(Alan) Alda."
Same newsaper's Michael Janusonis said
that "Ice Castles" will "no doubt appeal to
those starry-eyed folk for whom a good cry
holds the most delight at a movie." He had
lesser response for "The Brink's Job." saying:
"For a film which reportedly cost $15.5
million and looks as though it cos: about
$6 million, you expect a little more. 'The
Brink's Job' is an entertaining film, yet it's
no classic."
'Warriors' Is Subject
Of Hearing in Boston
By AVERY MASON
Regional Correspondent
BOSTON — "The Warriors." the controversial
Paramount film breaking records
at the Sack Saxon Theatre after recent
incidents of violence, was the subject of a
special hearing at the State House March
12.
The public hearing was set up by Sen.
Michael LoPresti of East Boston, chairman
of the legislative commission to study spectator
violence. The committee delved into
public safety problems that might have been
sparked by the film with representatives of
the attorney general's office, the Suffolk
County district attorney, the Boston police
commissioner, the city's film regulator, theatre
owners and Sack Theatres representatives.
A Public
Nuisance.'
Rep. Royal Boiling of Mattapan said
that
if the film is found to be a public nuisance,
it should be "banned in Boston." But, Sen.
LoPresti said that any attempts to ban the
film would probably fall afoul of First
Amendment rights and suggested that the
solution might be in changing the film's
rating from R to X, which would allow
only persons over 18 to attend.
A fatal stabbing and incidents in the lobby
and outside the theatre came when the
film first opened. "Things have quieted
down now." said Lennie Barrack, manager
of the Saxon.
Other theatres through the area playing
"The Warriors" have taken advantage of
Paramount's offer to pay for extra police,
and report there have been no incidents
connected with the film to date. Advertising,
which was withdrawn for a time, has
been resumed with a listing of the film's
playing times and blurbs from reviewers.
TIME TO CHANGE
TIRED
BEING TOLD
_
TIRED

WASHINGTON
y^ometco Enterprises' Coffeetime. based
in Cheverly. Md.. has sold its refreshment
vending and food business to the
Ogdein Corp."s food and leisure group. Ogden
Corp. describes the acquisition as an
"'assets deal." Wometco has been serving
businesses, including theatres, within 25
miles of Washington. Another local refreshment
vending business, the Marjack Co.,
services such motion picture circuits as
Warner Bros.' "Agatha," now showing
locally, is "surprisingly glamorous, intoxicating
entertainment," wrote the Post film
critic Gary Arnold. He continued: "The
young British director Michael Apted establishes
himself as a promising romantic stylist
with this source material. He endows the
film with a rapturous visual elegance. The
sense of composition, atmopshere, decor
and detail guiding the movie imposes a texture
vastly richer than the prose style of the
book, which seemed fastidiously underwritten.
The movie invites you to luxuriate in
its appearance and you're glad to oblige."
Canadian-born Kathleen Tynan, author
of "Agatha" and the wife of British critic
Kenneth Tynan, was in town on a promotional
tour for the film. Tynan admits she
thinks it is a "good film," even "excellent."
Critic Tom Dowling's remarks on Sunn
classics' "The Bermuda Triangle" began:
"At last that venerable proposition which
holds that no one ever went broke under-
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estimating the intelligence of the American
people meets its acid test: 'The Bermuda
Triangle" has come to area theatres. First
boundless, endless in its willingness to fork
over good money to look at any pseudo-
Roth, Neighborhood and KB. Wometco will scientific nonsense recommended by the
ceaseless din of TV ads."
retain its cigarette vending and juke box
businesses. estimated that vending machine
sales average 40 cents per consumer It is
The Pedas brothers, owners of the Circle,
slotted a Saturday night, March 3 sneak
purchase.
theatre circuit, the largest in Washington,
Columbia's
atres, had an
"Fast
advance
Break,"
local multi-media
at area the-
ad
preview of a new French comedy. "Your
Turn, My Turn," co-starring Philippe Leotard
campaign, which included TV commercials,
and Marlene Jobert and directed by
ads on the sports pages and the entertainment
pages. "Fast Break," according to the
Star's movie critic, "is a Hollywood trifle
Francois Leterrier, at the West End Circle.
At the Circle on Pennsylvania Avenue a
new repertory series called Festival of
of the heartwarming, wisecracking triimiphover-adversity
school . . . On the face of
Academy Award Winners which is showing
through May 5. The program offerings, for
it, the conjunction of a TV personality and
the most part, are impressive retrospective
a sporting vehicle appears a commercial
double-bills.
marriage made in heaven. Yet this perfect
union goes pffft in the movie house."
Martin Ritt's "Norma Rae" premiered at
the Dupont Circle Wednesday, March 7,
after Peter Weir's "The Last Wave" transferred
to the Inner Circle.
David Levy's Key Theatre in Georgetown
had, as a recent attraction, Bertrand Blier's
"Femmes Fatales," which Gary Arnold of
the Post says is "uninhibited sex farce which
failed to duplicate the success of 'Going
Places,' which preceded it, or 'Get Out
Your Handkerchiefs,' which followed it"
. . . "Handkerchiefs," the current attraction
at the Pedas' Outer Circle, is an Academy
Award nominee as Best Foreign-Language
Film,
Doug Potash, United Artists branch manager,
tradescreened "Hair" at the Motion
Picture Assn. of America Friday, March 9.
Seymour Berman, Washington-based UA division
manager, assisted Potash in greeting
the contingency of exhibitors, who came
from as far as Richmond. "Hair" is set for
commercial unveiling Wednesday, March
28.
Charles T. Jordan, Warner Bros, chief,
invited exhibitors to two screenings of "Tilt"
March 13 and "Ashanti" the following
dav.
Columbus Raintree Cinema
Bought by Lancaster, Inc.
COLUMBUS, OHIO—Raintree Cinemas,
dark since Oct. 27 reopened March 2 under
new management.
The three-screen movie house was recent-
there were "In Search of Noah's Ark,' 'The
ly purchased at an auction by Lancaster
Late Great Planet Earth' and only a month
Cinemas, Inc., which own complexes in
back, 'Sasquatch.' Each of these bogus
Zanesville, Lancaster, and near Portsmouth,
docu-dramas was predicated on the hypothesis
Ohio.
that the public's credulity was
Acquisition of the four-year-old Raintree
Cinemas brings to 13 the total number of
screens owned and operated by Bill Durison
and Harry Prince.
Phil Borack of Tri-State
Expands Into Oklahoma
CINCINNATI— Phil Borack. operator of
1 ri-Statc Theatres, Inc., has expanded his
booking and buying service into ten states
with the addition of ten screens in Oklahoma,
eight in Tulsa and two in Oklahoma
City.
The theatres were purchased recently by
Bill Warren of American Entertainment,
Inc.. of Wichita. Kan., according to Borack
who last year made his bow as a motion
picture producer, turning out "Harper Valley
PTA."
'Chance Survival'
Former Raintree owner-manager Glenn
Ackerman said. "They have a much better
chance of survival. It was impossible to
operate independently."
Ackerman was twice forced to shut down
due to money difficulties arising from bidding
competition for first-run product.
Steven Prince, son of new co-owner Harry
Prince, will manage the Raintree situation.
"I'm looking forward to the new challenge."
said Prince who formerly managed
the Wheelersburg Cinema 3, near Portsmouth.
Raintree's policy of daily matinees, bargain
prices until 6 p.m. and bargain late
shows on weekends will be continued.
The reopening attractions are geared to
"Oscar fever" as "An Unmarried Woman"
and "Midnight Express" are each in the
running. "Halloween" will unreel in the
other auditorium.
Steve Prince indicated Raintree will be
primarily a first-run situation. Tri- State Theatre
Service will handle the booking.
A nightclub run by Ackerman inside the
theatre will not however be reopened by the
new owners.
'Innocent' Star in Boston
For Easter Seals Benefit
BOSTON—A benefit performance of
"The Innocent" for the Institute of Contemporary
Art sold out at $5 per person,
with Jennifer O'Neill on stage to introduce
the late Lucchino Visconti's last film in
which she stars with Giancarlo Giannini and
Laura Antonelli. The event was held at the
Exeter March 8.
The film opened at the same house Friday,
March 16. and set a house record.
In from New York for the festivities were
the producers Paul Cohen and Robert Kaplan
and film actor Zack Norman, who will
be in a new film for the same producers on
the life of baseball's famous Moc Berg.
While in town O'Neill made several personal
appearances in connection with "The
Innocent."
The Institute of Contemporary Art tribute
continued with a retrospective of six of
Visconti's most famous films at the Allslon
Cinema: "Ossessione." "La Terra Trema,"
"Scnso," "Sandra." "The Stranger" and
"Death in Venice." Visconti was considered
one of the fathers of Italian nco-realism,
certainly the most influential cinematic
movement of the past 30 years, O'Neill
said.
E-6
BOXOFFICE March 19. 1979

TLA Spring Season
Begins With 'Quixote'
PHILADELPHIA—The new season at
the TLA Cinema, the popular repertory
film house located close to center city,
kicks off with the Philadelphia premiere of
Rudolf Nureyev's film ballet, "Don Quixote."
The March 23 opening will be a benefit
for the Easter Seal Society for Crippled
Children and Adults.
"Quixote" will show March 23-27 and
March 30-April 3. from Fridays through
Tuesdays with all seats at $3.50 for the two
evening and Sunday matinee performances,
and at $2.50 for 4:30 p.m. showings and a
Saturday 2 p.m. screening.
In addition, tickets are being sold in advance
either by mail or at the boxoffice.
While seats are not being reserved individually,
the advance ticket purchase guarantees
seating only.
Also new is an "Opera on Film" series,
with Sunday at 2 p.m. screenings for "La
Scala," "La Serva Padrona," "Aida," "Tosca,"
"Price Igor" and "La Cenerentola."
All are foreign-made with either English
subtitles or English narration between the
acts.
Continuing are the French Film Festival
on Wednesday and Thursday nights, and
vintage films Mondays and Tuesdays with
admission at $2.75 and $1 for children and
senior citizens and $1.75 for students with
I.D. cards.
Demolition of Theatre
Stalled by Protesters
Philadelphia — Demolition of the
Midway Theatre for a fast-food restaurant
was stalled this week after the
Philadelphia zoning board took the appeal
of a demolition permit under advisement
The appeal was brought by the Kensington
Action Now, a coalition of
civic, business and church groups fighting
to save the movie house, which had
been one of the most beautiful neighborhood
houses in the city and the flagship
of all key neighborhood houses for
the Warner Bros, theatre circuit.
KAN asked the zoning board to rescind
the demolition permit on grounds
that the Kensington neighborhood theatre
is historically valuable and called
its demolition for conversion into a
Burger King restaurant as "irresponsible
destruction."
Henry C. Kreiss, chairman of
KAN's community betterment committee,
said that the group explored the
possibility of saving the theatre by converting
it info a smaller film house and
a community center. However, the
group backed away after no investors
could be found.
The KAN group was orga::ized la f
year when other interests intended to
convert the Midway into a rock music
PHILADELPHIA
Two Robert Shaw features never released
theatrically in Philadelphia, will have
their premieres at General Cinema Corp.'s
Walnut Mall Cinema. The two films, to be
shown May 6-8, are "Figures in a Landscape"
and "Royal Hunt of the Sun."
Bertrand Blier's "Femmes Fatales," starring
Jean Rochefort, will finally make its
Philadelphia debut at the Walnut Street
Theatre Film Center May 6 and 7. Other
local premieres booked at the midtown Film
Center are Nelly Kaplan's "Nea" for March
15-18, and "The Opium Wars" from mainland
China May 13-15.
The Keansburg (N.J.) borough council
awarded a cable television franchise to
Cross Country Cable LTI, of Bound Brook,
N.J. Service is expected to begin within a
year and the franchise also serves communities
north of the Bayshore area.
A number of Academy Awards Shorts
including "Sand Castle," "Closed Mondays,"
"Multiple Man" and "Happy Anniversary,"
with a discussion on movie shorts
led by Marie Cromwell, were presented at
the Wall Township (N.J.) Public Library's
Regional Film Center.
The Variety Club Women are planning
a day in Atlantic City for Thursday, April
28, with a $12 ticket including bus transportation,
luncheon and a cocktail at Resorts
International Hotel Casino. Mae Sostman
and Elaine Schutzbank are handling
the
reservations.
Walnut Street Theatre's Film Center is
looking for area filmmakers to enter its
Best of Philadelphia Filmmakers Contest,
entries to be 16mm only, not exceeding 30
minutes, with subjects left to the judgment
of the artists. Judges for the contest are
filmmakers Oliver Franklin and Peter Rose
and Linda Blackaby. director of the Neighborhood
Film Project. Screening of the winning
films will be May 24 at the Film Center.
Gabe Kaplan came to town to meet with
all the media writers for interviews in advance
of the opening of his "Fast Break"
at the Milgram Theatre here. The busy
FILMACK IS
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schedule was set up by Linda Goldenberg,
regional publicity and promotion director
for Columbia Pictures here.
While a full-page newspaper ad to
herald
a film is not unusual, it's a rarity to find a
full page given to reprint a film critic's review.
That was done by Paramount Pictures
for "The Warriors" which opened at Budco's
Goldman Theatre and other area theatres,
in devoting the full page to a reprint
of Pauline Kael's review of the movie from
The New Yorker.
Oliver Hilldale is the new owner of the
Main Street Theatre, film house opened in
suburban Ambler, Pa. . . . Patrick Andrew
Bartol set up North American Cablevision
in nearby New Britain, Pa., to provide subscription
TV cable services.
Martin Ritt, director of "Norma Rae,"
came to town to help promote its opening
at the Sameric Theatres' Eric's Place in
center city, and succeeding handsomely with
press interviews in all the major area daily
newspapers.
.
A Japanese Film Festival has been
launched at East Stroudsburg (Pa.) State
College with Monday night screenings for
such films as "Throne of Blood," "Hara
Kiri" and "The Face of Another" . . Films
from France will be shown in the weeks
ahead on Wednesday nights at the Northeast
Regional Library here with such classics
as "Pepe le Moko," "Zazie," "Grand Illusion,"
"Night and Fog" and "The Mockingbird."
Linda Goldenberg, regional publicity and
promotion director for Columbia Pictures,
hosted a screening of "The China Syndrome,"
in advance of its opening, at the
Top of the Fox Screening Room.
"Murder by Decree" is a handsomely
mounted movie with a better eye for its
period than its story ... Its entertainment
lies in watching Holmes and Watson (James
Mason) unravel a mystery whose answer
has been telegraphed earlier. Indeed. 'Murder
by Decree' proves that first-rate actors
can make a Holmes of their own," said
Desmond Ryan of the Inquirer.
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BOXOFFICE :: March 19, 1979

HARTFORD
^nited Artiste' "The Great Train Robbery"
was called "hatidsome and amusing"
by Janice Trecker, West Hartford News.
She added the chief merit is the cast: "Sean
Connery, as the gentleman master robber.
Lesley-Anne Down, as his remarkable mistress,
and Donald Sutherland as the best
and fastest keymaker in London are a delightful
team. They turn an ingenious but
standard plot into something like high comedy,
and the interplay between them is so
good, one rather begrudges the time spent
on the manifold mechanical details of the
scheme" . . . Reviewing the same film. Patrick
Farrell. Hartford Advocate, lamented:
"The great train robbery is engineered by a
gang of three, and yet nothing resembling
flesh and blood ever emerges from the stolidity
of (Michael) Cricbton's iron-and-steel
script."
New Line Cinema's "Get Out Your
Handkerchiefs" got mixed response from
Malcolm L. Johnson. Hartford Courant:
"At the outset, it's a little hard to figure
out what Bertrand Blier is doing with his
strangely titled 'Get Out Your Handkerchiefs."
"
Dick Kleiner, NEA. in a dispatch to The
Evening Herald, called Warner Bros.' "Agatha"
well-made, well-acted, "but only moderately
well-realized." He said that 20th
Century Fox's "Norma Rae" director Martin
Ritt must be commended "not only for
what he did. but for what he didn't do
he didn't seize on the obvious cliches, and
so he has a warm, surprising film."
"The Sun Also Rises," 20th Century-Fox
1957 release co-starring Tyrone Power and
Ava Gardner, was screened as a free attraction
in Auerbach Auditorium, University of
Hartford West Hartford campus, on a recent
Friday night. Admission was free for
both showings, with seating preference for
U of H students.
Two recent Columbia releases, "Thank
God It's Friday" and "Midnight Express,"
were double-billed at Trinity College's
Cinestudio, for a four-day run. Admission
was $2. with a 50 cents discount with any
college ID card.
While some newspapers and broadcasters
across the country have given considerable
coverage to violence allegedly tied to openings
of Paramount's "The Warriors." to
date the Hartford media has merely accorded
the film, which is R-rated. review space.
Jeffery Lyons, film critic for WFSB-TV
here, called the film violent and needless.
VERMONT
Tn yet another attention-getting merchandising
tie-up, Merrill G. Jarvis of the
Merrill Theatre Corp., South Burlington,
lined up a free french-fries-and-soft-drink
promotion with the Burger King fast-food
chain. For a limited time only, the Merrill
metropolitan Burlington cinemas — the
downtown Flynn, plus outlying Century
Plaza 2 and Merrill's Showcase 3—offered
coupon good at any area Burger King restaurant
for a free serving of french fries
and a soft drink to every person buying
cinema tickets.
SBC Management's Richard J. Wilson
mounted a hefty pre-opening newspaper
teaser advertising campaign for Vermont
premiere of Columbia's "Hardcore" at the
Burlington Plaza Cinemas 2.
Continuing attractions across the Green
Mountain State included United Artists'
"The Great Train Robbery" plus "Invasion
of the Body Snatchers," Warner Bros.' "Superman"
plus "Every Which Way But
Loose," Universal's "The Brink's Job" plus
"The Wiz," Columbia's "California Suite"
plus "Ice Castles" and Buena Vista's "The
North Avenue Irregulars" plus reprise of
"Pinocchio."
Bernard L. Drew, film critic
for the Gannett
News Service, expressed reservations
about "Hardcore" in a dispatch to the
Burlington Free Press, saying, in part: "I
could believe that (George C.) Scott was
upset, guilty, horror-struck and finally insanely
angry (he can do that with his eyes
closed). But I'm afraid I didn't believe that
he was quite so devout or smack in the
middle of middle America, as the script
would have it. Instead, this curiously oldfashioned
yet luridly melodramatic movie
makes Scott seem like a visiting guest star
in a latter day Dante's 'Inferno.' "
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The reis,sue of "Harold and Maude" went
on screen at Kings Court . . . Also
showing in the area are "Circle of Iron,"
"Bad Penny," "The Seducers," "The Tempter,"
"Carrie" and "The Senator's Daugh-
Fiesta and Showcase East and West previewed,
with an ad campaign. "Norma Rae"
March 9 . . . "Neither a bird, nor a plane,"
writes Stephen Dick in Pittsburgh magazine
regarding "Superman." He says that the
movie "lacks pure cranial energy (brains)
the stuff money can't buy."
Press critic Ed Blank writes that "Quintet"
is "pseudointellectual rubbish" . . .
"Days of Heaven," "The Great Train Robbery"
and "Agatha" are cinematic beauties,
" a blessing worth counting," said George
Anderson, Post-Gazette critic.
Horror movies are being exhibited and
discussed Wednesday evenings for seven
weeks at the Western Psychiatric Institute
and Clinic. The guest March 28 will be local
producer George Romero of "Night of the
Living Dead" fame, who has turned out
the sequel to that bloody tale, "Dawn of the
Dead." The latter film opens everywhere
next month and will be seen here at Showcases.
CATO Pays Lobbyist $5,000
For Legislative Efforts
HARTFORD—The Connecticut Assn. of
Theatre Owners, regional affiliate of the
National Assn. of Theatre Owners, has paid
Hartford attorney Bourke G. Spellacy $5.-
000 to represent CATO before legislative
and executive agencies during the current
state legislature's session here.
The $5,000 fee was reported to the state
Ethics Commission. Under Connecticut law,
the more than 400 lobbyists on Connecticut's
Capitol Hill must file monthly reports
with the commission saying how much they
paid in salaries, office expenses, meals and
gifts.
Bourke Spellacy is considered among the
most effective lobbyists in Connecticut. His
retainer of $25,000 from the Tobacco Tax
Council is said to be highest such fee in the
1979 legislative session.
Six-Month 'Rocky Horror'
Run Longest for UA House
HARRISBURG. PA.—With "The Rocky
Horror Picture Show." shown on Friday
and Saturday at midnight marking its sixmonth
anniversary this week, the cult feature
became the longest running show ever
presented at United Artists's Cinemas at the
Capital City Mall in suburban Camp Hill,
Pa.
A special celebration, with prizes of record
albums and movie passes, marked the
anniversary. Free admission was given that
weekend for anyone dressed as a character
from the movie.
E-8
BOXOFFICE :: March 19. 1979

San
FIRST RUN REPORT
Francisco
(Average Weekly grosses follow ihcatrc)
Agatha (WB), Regency I (9,600).
1st wk 22,787
The Brink's Job (Univ), Coliseum
(7,400) 3,873
UA Stonestown 2 (4,050),
3rd wk 1,907
California Suite (Col), Coronet
(14,900), 12th wk 8,415
The Deer Hunter (Univ), Alexandria 1
(10.800). 2nd wk 34.633
Every Which Way But Loose (WB),
Plaza II (6,100). 1 1th wk 4,992
Get Out Your Handkerchiefs (New
Line), Clay (4,100), 4th wk 11,328
Good Guys Wear Black (American
Cinema), 1st wk.
Balboa II (4,200) 7,097
Empire II (1,800) 5.910
Geneva Drive-In 3 (5,400) 8,665
Warfield (13,500) 21,585
The Great Train Robbery (UA), 4th wk.
Alhambra 2 (5.200) 3,519
Empire I (4,500) 1.471
Hardcore (Col), Metro I (10.200),
3rd wk 6.874
Ice Castles (Col). 5th wk.
Alexandria 3 (4.100) 1,492
Ghirardelli (6,000) 1.834
UA Stonestown 2 (4,050) 2,693
Max Havelaar (Atlantic) Bridge
(4,200). 2nd wk 3,719
Murder by Decree (Avco). Alhambra
I (5.250). 3rd wk. 10.072
The North Avenue Irregulars (BV),
Plaza I (6,200), 4th wk 6,425
Opium War (Sino-American), Surf
(3,300), 2nd wk 4,338
Richard Pryor— Live in Concert (SEE),
St. Francis II (5.200). 5th wk. ... 5,084
Same Time, Next Year (Univ), Cinema
21 (8,600), 4th wk 15,372
Superman (WB), Northpoint (11,800),
12th wk 46,093
The Warriors (Para), Royal (9.960),
4th wk 7,030
The Wicker Man (Summer Isle),
Lumiere (3,150), 7th wk 5.761
Denver
California Suite (Col), 3 theatres.
11th wk 135
Days of Heaven (Para), Colorado 4,
2nd wk 100
The Deer Hunter (Univ), Colorado 4,
2nd wk 520
Every Which Way But Loose (WB).
4 theatres, 11th wk 190
The Glacier Fox (Sanrio), 7 theatres,
4th wk 80
BOXOFFICE :: March 19, 1979
I he (.rent FVaiii Robhery (UA),
4 theatres, 4th wk
150
Hardcore (Col), 2 theatres,
3rd wk
160
The Lord of the Rings (UA),
University Hills, 16th wk 90
Murder by Decree (Avco), 4 theatres.
1st wk 200
The North Avenue Irregulars (BV),
4 theatres, 3rd wk 240
Same Time, Next Year (Univ),
Cooper, 4th wk 160
Superman (WB), Century 21,
12th wk 240
Takedown (BV), 6 theatres.
1st wk 100
The Warriors (Para). 4 theatres.
4th wk. 130
NATO Board Convenes
In Scottsdale, Arizona
NEW YORK.—The board of
directors of
NATO convened at the Mountain Shadows
Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona from March
18-23.
NATO standing committees held individual
meetings at Scottsdale to prepare their
recommendations to be submitted to the
beard of directors.
The following committees met March 19,
presided over by their respective chairmen:
classification and rating, Bernard Diamond,
chairman; special membership services. Irwin
Cohen, chairman; dues and associate
membership. Richard Fox. Arthur Stein,
co-chairmen; low-grossing theatres. Roland
Hassanein. chairman; governmental relations.
Paul Roth. Marvin Goldman, cochairmen.
Meeting March 20 were: regional presidents.
B.V. Sturdivant. chairman; prints,
Richard Durwood, Douglass Amos, cochairmen;
trade practices. William Kartozian.
chairman, and legal affairs, Morris
Goldschlager, chairman.
Four Managers Are Cited
For Their Work in 1978
SAN FRANCISCO—During a recent
luncheon at the Antique Restaurant in San
Mateo. Calif.. Jack Dobbs. newly elected
Agatha (WB). Cooper Cameo.
1st wk 400
president of Cooper Theatres in San Francisco,
The Brink's Job (Univ). 4 theatres.
awards to four managers
presented
3rd wk 75
for outstanding service during the year 1978.
Those who received awards are Bob Raper.
manager. Han ford Theatre, Hanford,
Calif.. "Housekeeper of the Year"; Scott
Lotter. manager. Varsity Twin and Cinema
II theatres. Davis. Calif.. ".Showman of the
Year"; Bob Patton, manager. Plaza Twin
Theatre. Sonora. Calif.. "Merchandiser of
the Year," and Chuck McUo. manager. Oaks
Tri-Plex Theatre, Cupertino, Calif,, "Ail-
Around Manager of the Year."
Judge Rules for Sunn
In 'Grizzly' Case
SALT LAKE CITY—A 1 bird District
jidge declined to order Schick-Sunn Classic
Productions to pay damages to another
movie producer, although a jury found Feb.
9 that Schick-Sunn Classic used the other
moviemaker's idea when it produced the
motion picture "Grizzly Adams."
Judge Dean E. Conder ruled that Dick
Robnson. an Oakley. Summit County motion
picture producer, was not entitled to
collect damages from .Schick-Sunn Classic
because Robinson failed to prove in court
that Schick-Sunn Classic "unlawfully used
his literary product in producing the movie,"
which evolved into a television series.
Schick-Sunn Classic initiated the four
year-old. complicated legal matter when it
sued Robinson, charging that he violated a
contract with Schick-Sunn Classic by failing
to produce the film on schedule.
Robinson's company, Adanac Fihn Productions
Ltd., was originally hired by
Schick-Sunn Classic to produce the film
and Robinson was slated to play the film's
leading role, a mountain man who befriends
a grizzly bear.
Schick-Sunn Classic argued that after
Robinson delayed production of the film,
Schick-Sunn Classic went ahead on its own
and legitimately produced the film without
Robinson.
Robinson countersued, charging that the
movie was based on his idea and he was entitled
to a percentage of the profits froiri
both the film and the television series, estimated
to be in excess of $10 million dollars.
After four weeks of testimony, the jury
ruled that Robinson did not break his contract
with Schick-Sunn Classic and that he
should "not be stopped" from collecting
damages from Schick-Sunn Classic because
the firm used his "photoplay" in producing
the fihn.
However, Judge Conder overruled the
jury's decision, taking issue with the definition
of "photoplay."
Judge Conder ruled that "photoplay must
be defined as celluloid motion picture." He
added that evidence indicated that Schick-
Sunn Classic never used any film produced
by Robinson in making the movie.
THEATRE
DRIVE-IN
SCREENS
"T/ie Quality Tower that never
has had to be replaced."
• • *
GENE TAYLOR
D & D Fabrication
and Erection Co.
Post Office Box 3524
Shownee, Kansas 66203
913-631-9695
W-1

Fox at the Catagena, Columbia film festival
where the Robert Altman comedy and Bernardo
Bertolucci's "1900," a Fox release in
Hollywood Happenings
various international territories, were screened
in competition.
Calilor-
non-prolit organization's scholarship program.
*
Ray Bolger and Jaik Haley, the Scarecrow
and the Tin Man in "The Wizard of
•
Lone Star Pictures International has been
Oz," will head the speakers at a day of
burned out of its branch offices in Laguna
nostalgia when the film is screened May 12
Nigel and has had to consolidate its operations
into its Hollywood office. Fire dam-
in a "Wizardry of Oz" program at the Variety
Arts Center, sponsored by the College
aged the building so extensively Saturday
of Continuing Education at the University
•
night March 3 that the structure was condemned
by Orange County officials.
of Southern California. Aljean Harmetz, author
of "The Making of the Wizard of Oz,"
•
will be the moderator.
Humphrey Insti-
Amy Stryker. who portrays the bride in
support of the •A Wedding." represented 20th Century-
•
Roger Mayer, vice-president of MGM,
has been elected chairman of the Directors
Guild pension and welfare plans, succeeding
Sheldon Leonard. Others named to office
were Edward P. Prelock. of the Assn.
If your banquet,
of Motion Picture and Television Producers,
vice-chairman replacing Joseph Youngerman;
Michael Kane, secretary, succeeding
meeting or press conference
Irving Novick; Michael Franklin, assistant
secretary, replacing Marshall Wortman.
is routine,
*
Jane Fonda has been named to the Cali-
have it anywhere.
If it's important,
have it in the Derby's
Portland's Festival
new Directors Room.
tional Film Festival, running March 16
through April 3, is being hailed as "one of
the major cultural events in the city." Judging
by the efforts that have gone into planning
and publicizing the event, and the
quality of films and special events, the festival
has also become a major film event for
the West Coast.
Movie House manager Bob Bogue. responsible
for publicity for Seven Gables, the
Seattle company that also owns the Fine
Arts and Cinema 21 theatres, considers the
assistant, Pam Franks, takes over most of
the management chores.
The festival is again co-sponsored by the
Northwest Film Study Center, whose director
is Bob Sitton. More than 80 films will
be shown at both theatres.
There will be three special events this
year. At the Movie House, films will include
tributes to director Martin Ritt and cinematographer
Vilmos Zsigmond and a retrospective
showing of the films of Sir Alexander
Korda. At the NWFSC. viewers will have a
chance to meet the makers of "Northern
Meet me at the Derby.'
night showings during the festival will feature
X-rated foreign films.
RESERVATIONS:
I'ilmmakers, programmers and exhibitors
looA & Vine HOIlywood o ."^I."^! Northwest have been invited
yHE UNIVERSITY of Southern
nia benefited to the tune of $93,000
Mil its 50th anniversary dinner honoring
,u- use School of Cinema. The event was
licdded by motion picture studio presidents
Ted Ashley, Warners; Alan Ladd Jr., 20th
Century-Fo.\, and Sidney Scheinberg, Universal.
Producer Edward S. Shaw has been presented
with the Hubert H. Humphrey silver
medallion award from the
tute of Public Affairs for his
HolK
fornia Arts Council by Gov. Jerry Brown,
who announced the appointment while attending
the premiere of Columbia Pictures'
"The China Syndrome," in which she stars
with Jack Lemmon and Michael Douglas.
Major Cultural Event
PORTLAND— Portland's third Interna-
Festival so important that he is spending
most of his time planning for it, while his
Lights," "Legacy" and "Tracks." And at
Cinema 21, the Friday and Saturday mid-
throughout the
to attend.
BOXOFFICE :; March 1
979

. .
SAN FRANCISCO
^om Muller has been promoted to salesman
at Universal, replacing Al Chiarpotti
who is moving to Reno to open a new
business.
Lamond Moore, who has been a booker
with Warner Bros, in Los Angeles, has been
named salesman for American Film Distributors
here.
Mel Novikoffs Clay Theatre is the latest
to show Saturday midnight programs featuring
video tape performances of new wave
musicians.
Mark L. Rosen, co-producer, and Koreyoshi
Kurahara who directed the Sanrio release
"The Glacier Fox," were present at
screenings of the picture to answer numerous
questions from the press March 8.
Irene Manning, Hollywood star of the
forties, was honored with a tribute March
15 at the Egyptian Theatre. Ms. Manning
who now lives in San Carlos was present
for an on-stage interview and the showing
of clips from her films and a feature.
DENVER
^m Warner of Warner Marketing Associates,
headquartered in Bozeman, Mont.,
will be handling the buying and booking for
the Teton Drive-In, Rexburg, Idaho, which
is owned by Ralph Prestwick and for the
Starlite Drive-In. Forsyth, Mont., which is
owned by Mr. and Mrs. Gene Holman .
Chick Lloyd of Lloyd Booking will be setting
the dates for the Kiva Campus Theatre,
Las Vegas. N.M. . . . Leslie C. Crane
has opened the 158-seat Flick Theatre in
Colorado Springs and Herman Hallberg of
Hallberg Theatre Services will handle the
buying and booking.
Commonwealth Theatres issued invitations
for the grand opening of their new
Bushmore Triplex Theatre in Rapid City,
S.D. The theatre had the VIP invitational
screenings March 14 and then opened to the
public on March 1 5.
Denver newspaper critics were not very
enthusiastic in reviewing this week's opening
pictures. Rena Andrews of the Denver
Post described "Agatha" as "a trivial, confused
whydunit," while William Gallo reviewed
"Fast Break" as "a ho-hiim underdog
scores again" in the Rocky Mountain
News.
SALT LAKE CITY
JJot to be outdone by the sunny city of St.
George where "The Electric Horseman"
is now being filmed. Salt Lake is now
playing host to a feature film being produced
by Triple Play Productions Inc, of
Culver City, Calif. The movie, "Chilly
Scenes of Winter," is a "love story/comedy"
based on the book of the same name written
by Ann Beattie, This is the company's
first film in the area, according to a spokeswoman.
The movie is being shot in locations
in Salt Lake's avenues, mountains, at a
house near the University of Utah and also
in the downtown area. The producer of the
film is Mark Metcalf and the screenplay is
by Joan Micklin Silver.
"Hostility, anger and increased vandalism"
are the results of "cracking down on
the admittance to R-rated movies" by theatre
managers in the Salt Lake area, according
to Trolley Theatre manager Debbie
Hamberlin. Hamberlin explained that since
they began showing an R-rated movie a
week ago, and being very strict in requiring
identification, vandalism has increased dramatically,
including someone setting fire to
a bench in the ladies' restroom.
But John McCashin, manager of the Utah
Theatres, had a different opinion. Although
Paramount has hired two guards to stand in
the lobby of his theatres, McCashin said that
they had never had any trouble. McCashin
fervently denied the rumor that someone
had thrown an unlighted Molotov cocktail
at one of those guards.
Hamberlin said that the crackdown is occurring
because of a bill before the Utah
House of Representatives which would set
up a screening board to review movies coming
into the area. She says that the legislature
tried to pass the bill two years ago because
they felt the theatres were not being
strict enough in carrying out the laws for
admission to certain movies. The theatres
are therefore trying to show that they can
enforce the law without having to resort to
a screening board.
American Entertainment
Acquires Snyder-Ashley
From South Edition
OKLAHOMA CITY—The sale of Family
Theatres/ Snyder Ashley Theatres, Inc.,
operator of multi-indoor theatres in Tulsa
and Oklahoma City, to American Entertainment,
Inc. (AEI) was announced Feb.
23 by Marjorie Snyder and John Ashley.
The Wichita-based AEI took over operation
March 1.
PETERSON
THEATRE
455 Bearcat Drive
Times Square Park
SUPPLY
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
801-466-7642
Salt Loke • Boston • Dolloj • New York
NIVERSAL THEATRE SUPPLY
- HOME OFFICE -
264 Easr 1st South, Salt Lake City. Utah 84111
March 19, 1979 W-3

PORTLAND
T uxury Theaters Salem area manager Jerry
Proctor won the Oregon Showman of
he Year award at the ShoWesT Convention
11 Las Vegas, according to general manager
i

1
DALLAS—The
Three USA Fest Films
Announced by Critics
USA Film Festival's selecting
critics have chosen their second
group of major motion picture releases
which will have their national or regional
premieres at the ninth annual USA Film
Festival, to be held here March 30 through
April 8.
To open the new-film section of the festival
April 2, Judith Crist of TV Guide has
selected Glenda Jackson's "Stevie," a First
Artists' release produced and directed by
Bob Enders. The screening will be the film's
Southwestern premiere.
"An Almost-Perfect Affair," Paramount,
has been selected for the festival by Charles
Champlin of the Los Angeles Times. Directed
by Michael Ritchie, the film stars
Keith Carradine and Monica Vitti, and is
set against the background of the 1978
Cannes Film Festival. This will be the film's
first screening, and Ritchie and one of the
film's stars is expected to attend. Champlin
has also chosen "Voices," MGM's new release
directed by Bob Markowitz and starring
Amy Irving and Michael Ontkean.
The directors of all three films will attend
the screenings of their films, after which
they will be onstage with their selectimg
critics for discussions with the audiences.
The premiere section of the festival will
begin April 2. following the March 30-April
1 tribute to director Sidney Lumet, who will
be honored with a "great director's retrospective."
Together with the four independent films
already announced— "The Boss' Son,"
"Dawn of the Dead." "Joe and Maxi" and
"The American Game"—seven films in all
now have their national or regional premieres
set for the USA Film Festival, with
five more feature films remaining to be
chosen.
Texas Film Pirates Receive
Grand Jury Indictments
ARLINGTON, TEX.—Hollis R. Lester,
owner of Darr TV and Appliance Co. in
Richardson; John J. Griffin Jr. of A-1 Video
Tapes in Mesquite, and Gary L. Pannell
of Forum Television Center here were
indicted by a federal grand jury for violating
the U.S. copyright laws by manufacturing
and selling illegally duplicated motion
pictures. Multiple copies of more than 200
first-run movies had been seized in raids.
which were coordinated over two months.
UA Opens Abilene Sixplex
DALLAS— United Artists' theatre circuit
held the grand opening of the UA Cinema
Six in the Mall of Abilene, located in Abilene,
Tex., Friday March 16. The new sixplex
features Dolby stereo, varied auditoriums.
Cinemascope, free parking, a spacious
lobby with game machines and reduced
matinee prices before 5 p.m. Monday
through Friday. It is located on Buffalo Gap
Road at Highway 83.
DALLAS
gobble Wood is back at Vaughan Electric
Co. Bobbie knows the electrical needs
of a theatre so well she can immediately
detect a shortage in an order called in or
the likelihood of an error in material requested.
Effective March 1, Texas Cinema Corp.
sold the Eastgate Cinema in Garland to
E. J. Jobe, whose mailing address is 3611
Urban, Dallas, 75227. Jobe will be financially
responsible for all bills incurred. Texas
Cinema Corp. will continue to represent
Jobe as a booking agent only.
Turner Honea, a former employee of Lou
Walters Sales and Service, and later Pinkston
Sales and Service, has opened Turner's
Projector Service, at 816 Houston St., Wills
Point, 75169. Turner will be repairing, rebuilding
and servicing projectors, a trade
he learned from, as he says, "The King"
Lou Walters.
Due to the support and cooperation of
Curtiss Ryan, president of Jiffy Franks of
Austin, Gary Parish of Associated Popcorn
Distributors, and United Artists Theatre
Circuit. WOMPI held a very successful
'Hot-Dog Luncheon" at the UA Cine 1 &
11. Feb. 2. Proceeds will be used toward
the $40,000 WOMPI project of equipping
a cardiovascular pulmonary lab at the Burke
Rehabilitation Center, as the WOMPI International
Will Rogers Memorial Fund
project.
Marty Kutner, general sales manager of
Paramount, was in from New York to join
with Wayne Lewellen. Southern division
manager, in conducting a division managers
sales meeting Feb. 28. They went over the
forthcoming summer prodLict and a little of
the fall line-up. One big item on the list
was that of "Urban Cowboy," which is
being filmed at Gilley's in Pasadena. Tex.
The musical picture has an outstanding cast
of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Dolly
Parton and Boz Scaggs. The picture is being
produced by Robert Evans.
Those in attendance at this conclave
were: Marty Kutner, New York; David
Lewellen, Dallas; Terry Kicrzek, Dallas;
M. B. McAfee, Atlanta; Royce Brimagc and
Al Stout, Jacksonville; Larry Fine, New
Orleans; Joe Cutrell, Charlotte; Tom Donahue,
Memphis, and Nester Riviera, San
Juan.
J. C. McCrary of J. C. McCrary & Associates
is enthusiastic over the many calls
he has received following the screening of
"Silent Partner," starring Elliott Gould, Suzanne
York and Celine Lomez. The EMC
release was scheduled to open at a sneak
preview in Dallas March 10 followed by am
official opening date of March 16 in Dallas,
Ft. Worth, San Antonio, El Paso, Corpus
Christi and Tulsa, followed by Houston and
other parts of the territory April 6.
Sebe Miller of Associated Film Distributors
is
reports his office open and hum-
ming at this time with their summer releases,
which include "Fire Power" starring
Sophia Loren and James Coburn; "Escape
to Athena" starring Roger Moore and Telly
Savalas; "Muppet Movie," and "Love and
Bullets" starring Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland
and Rod Steiger. Joyce Gleason of
Avco Embassy is looking forward to a very
successful run of "Murder by Decree"
which will open in this territory March 23.
The picture is doing exceptionally well in
New York at this time.
Fox held a screening at 8 p.m. on March
13 and two March 14 of "Norma Rae,"
starring Sally Field. Beau Bridges, Ron Leibman,
Pat Hingle and Barbara Baxley. "Nor-
(Continued on page S-3)
Pinkston Sales & Service
MOTION PICTURE EQUIPMENT
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Ed Cernosek
2017 Young St.
Dallas, Tex. 75231
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Jim Fritz
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BOXOFFICE :: March 19. 1979

. . . Darlene
J.
CHARLOTTE
^gatha," rated PG and starring Dustin
Hoffman and Vanessa Redgrave,
opened recently at the South Park Cinema.
Catherine Chaman. movie critic for the
Charlotte Observer, wrote, 'Agatha'—
"
not too believable story. Savoring the kinetic
energy Hoffman and Redgrave could
produce turns out to be a waste of time.
Christie (Redgrave) is so shy and Stanton
(Hoffman) so primly boorish that the match
is unthinkable."
John Reece of Simpson Distributing was
New York for a few days, calling on producers
in
for future product and attending
some screenings.
Julie Carrigan, regional manager of Cinema
Blue & Red in Charlotte. Kannapolis
and Burlington, was in setting up bookings
along Filmrow.
New pictures on the marquees were "Fast
Break" at the Charlottetown Mall 1, "Wolfman"
at the Capri 1 1 and Village and
"Agatha" at the Southpark 1.
A sneak preview at the Eastland Mall 1
was "Love at First Bite." a spoof on the
Dracula legend starring George Hamilton.
American International Pictures, which is
releasing the picture, sent out Valentine
cards to the press which read. "Blood is
red, Transylvania is brown. Teeth marks on
your neck, the Count's back in town." The
film is rated PG.
Screenings at Car-mel were "China Syndrome"
from Columbia Pictures and Columbia's
production reel of "The Villain."
Bill Simpson of Simpson Distributing is
very pleased with his picture "The Seven
Brothers Meet Dracula." which opened big
in the keys Feb. 16 despite the heavy snow
and ice storm Feb. 18. Twenty-three theatres
were planning to hold over the picture
for a week or two.
Belated birthday greetings to Teresa King
Dover of Charlotte Theatre Supply who
celebrated on Washington's birthday. Feb.
Southern Booking Notes: Smilin' Jack
Jordan was on a business trip to Charleston
S-2
THEATRE
DRIVE-IN
SCREENS
'The Quality Totcer that never
has had to be replaced."
* • *
GENE TAYLOR
D & D Fabrication
and Erection Co.
Post Office Box 3524
Sliawnee, Kansas 66203
913-631-9695
... A new member of the Southern Booking
and Advertising family is Boyd Hipp,
owner of the new Pelican Theatre in Hilton
Head. His theatre was scheduled to open
on or about March 1, and Southern Booking
is delighted to have him aboaid and wish
for him the greatest of success . . . Southern
Booking screened "Dawn of the Dead"
in the Car-mel screening room. A sequel to
"Night of the Living Dead," it is a new
horror picture with good production and
sound effects that the teenage audience will
"eat" up. After its initial run it should be
a late-show attraction . . . Southern Booking
has announced that Fairlane/ Litchfield Theatres
(A. Foster McKissick and Fred Curdts)
are expediting plans on their new theatre in
Talahasse, Fla.
Paul Cook of Greenville is doing a terrific
business with "Every Which Way But
Loose." It moved into the Bijou Theatre
after eight weeks in another theatre.
Penny Cobb of American Theatre Supply,
a subsidiary of Eastern Federal Theatres,
was on a weekend visit to Atlanta.
Ga.. for both pleasure and business.
Larry Phillips, Charlotte Theatre Supply,
and Robert Haire, technical advisor for
Fair/ Lane Litchfield Theatres, visited the
site of the beautiful new multiplex under
construction at Valdosta, Ga. Because of a
rushed schedule. Phillips and Haire were
unable to visit Billy Carter in nearby Plains.
Robert McClure and Bob Schrader were
in New York recently in the interests of
Preacherman Corp. Your correspondent.
Charlie Leonard, was also in "The Big Apple,"
but on a five-day pleasure quest.
New positions on Filmrow: Janet Alferd
from Plitt Theatres to 20th Century-Fox
Freeze from Plitt Theatres to
Piedmont Theatres . . . Charlotte Hamrick,
substituting at Buena Vista . . . Joann
Greene from Plitt Theatres to Columbia
Pictures Corp.
Top grosses of the week: "Hardcore" at
the Charlottetown Mall 1, "Fast Break" at
the Charlottetown Mall 3, "Supeiman" also
at the Charlottetown Mall, "Agatha" at
South Park 1 and "Every Which Way But
Loose" at Eastland 111.
Screenings at Car-Mel: "Legacy" from
Universal, "Goin' All the Way" from Charlotte
Film and "Fire Power" from Associated
Films.
Trade screened at the Bijou Cinema in
Greenville was "Hair" from United Artists.
704 - 333-9651
CIS
(Continued on page S-4)
Valenli Warns Against
Blind Bidding in N.C.
By CHARLIE LEONARD
RALEIGH. N.C. — Jack Valenti, president
of the Motion Picture Assn. of America,
warned North Carolina legislators that
passage of a bill to prohibit blind bidding
would drive ticket prices up. Valenti came
from Hollywood to Raleigh, for the second
time, to speak before the House Judiciary
committee, and drew a capacity crowd to
the hearing room and an even larger crowd
OLitside.
Exhibition Takes Issue
Many in the crowd were theatre operators,
distributors and exhibitors, who took
issue
with almost everything he said.
The bill Valenti opposes, known as the
Motion Picture Fair Competition Act, was
introduced by Rep. Park Helms of Mecklenburg
County. It would prohibit filmmakers
and distributors from requiring exhibitors
and theatre owners to bid on movies before
they see them.
Valenti disputed the idea that the bill
would encourage competition. "This is special
interest legislation," he said, "designed
to benefit the large theatre chains in the
country. The negative impact of it will be
enormous. It will raise the cost of moviemaking
and eventually the cost of movie
tickets. It will violate the Constitution because
it will rupture the rights of free businessmen."
Valenti said if exhibitors and theatre owners
don't like the bidding practice they
should seek relief in the courts and not
through the legislature. And he said the bill,
if enacted, would tell manufacturers how to
market their products. "If you do this it
will soon spread to other areas."
He likened requiring distributors to show
movies before they are bid upon by theatre
owners to reqiiiring builders of a shopping
center to guarantee a certain number of
customers before the shopping center opens.
Martin Attorney Answers
Valenti's opposition to the bill was countered
by Chris Meacham, attorney for Matin
Theatres operating in North Carolina,
one of the larger circuits. "All we're asking
for." he said, "is an opportunity to see the
product before we have to submit to contractual
obligations. Let us see what we're
bu> ing before we buy it."
L^kanotte theatre S^upplu
Full Line Theatre Supply House
Although a motion was made to approve
the bill and .send it to the full House, the
committee took no action after Rep. Billy
Clark moved for an adjournment. He said
he had more questions about the bill.
es©.
229 S. Church street • P. O. Box 1973 • Charlotte, N.C. 28201
J
BOXOFFICE :: March 19, 1979

NC Assembly's Involvement
In Bidding Is Questioned
RALEIGH. N.C.—The North Carolina
General Assembly has no business being
involved in the bidding war between the
producers and the exhibitors, suggested The
News and Observer, the morning newspaper
here, in a recent editorial. The paper saw
the assembly venturing into a "no man's
land" in the so-called "blind bidding" war.
It said: "An even better question than 'What
is it doing there?' is 'Why doesn't it get
out.'
The industry argument over "blind bidding"
on Hollywood fare, the paper felt,
is one to be settled either by those in the
industry or by the antitrust laws of the
country.
Continued the March 4 editorial: "Exhibitors
. . . want the assembly to save them
from being forced to put up money for
films that haven't been produced. They say
this makes them share the risks of the
moviemakers but without even a peek at
th; poke, much less the pig that may be in
it. In North Carolina, the theatre operators
would have the law require previews before
they sign on the dotted line.
"The moviemakers are indeed squeezing
the exhibitors' pocketbooks to underwrite
their own capital needs. Jack Valenti of the
Motion Picture Assn. of America concedes
that "blind bidding" is a risk-sharing device.
Without it, he says, fewer movies would be
made and the prices of tickets would have
to go up.
"If there were a firm assurance to the
public that fewer and better movies would
lesult from a ban on this bidding in the
dark, it would be tempting to urge legislators
to sing the exhibitors' song. Without
such assurance, however, the General Assembly's
wiser course would be to abandon
the territory where shells arc flying from
both sides.
"One answer for theatre operatois who
have found a fondness for first-run movies
and their popcorn sales is to dig in their
heels together until the producers relent.
Another is to take the film tycoons to court
for unfair and monopolistic business practices.
That would make a good script for a
DALLAS
(Continued from page S-1)
UA Cinema and Preston in Dallas, and in version of "Saturday Night Fever" is now
the TCU. Fort Worth, and Northeast Mall,
Hurst, March 16. In for the event was Russ
playing in 160 theatres throughout this territory
and has grossed over $450,000 in
Meyer and the star of the picture, Francesca the first seven days.
"Kitten" Natividad.
Scbe Miller, regional manager, and Bob
Davis, branch manager of As.sociated Film
Darwin Trotter is a new employee in the
booking department at Buena Vista. James
Steele of BV has been in the hospital, but is
expected back in the office for a few hours
each day.
Paul Chapman, executive director of the
Variety Club Tent 17, announced this week
the office of Variety will now be in Suite
212 at 451.') Prentice, Dallas, 75206, with
the same telephone number 739-0578.
Vernon Watkins of Watkins Booking
Service is in Brookhaven Medical Center
with pneumonia. Cheer cards would help
him and the address is 12100 Webb Chapel
Rd., Dallas 75234.
Mrs. Ouida Walker of the Esquire Theatre
in Carthage was in Dallas this week
discussing business and going over product
with her local buyer and booker, Juanita
White at Ind-Ex Booking Service.
Marie Powers and Bob Petty of Sunn
Classic Pictures will be in Park City. Utah
March 19 for a company meeting.
American-Muiti Theatres moved their offices
to building five from bldg. three due
to expansion of the circuit. In the new
building they will have a screening room
which is now under construction and should
be ready for use within a short time. Their
address is 10300 N. Central Expressway,
Bldg. 5, Dallas, 75231.
Bill Slaughter of Martin Theatres announces
a new employee in their office.
Tammy Petton.
Barbara Grubbs is a new employee at
United Artists moving in from Universal
Pictures, and Andy Friendenberg is a publicity
trainee, having come in from the
Denver territory.
Films starting Feb. 9 were "Fast Charlie"
in a multiple run; "Fast Break." multiple;
"Dogs." multiple, and "Bread and
Chocolate" in an exclusive showing at the
Highland Park Village.
Terry Kierzek, branch manager of Paramount,
reports that the newly released PG
Distiibution, returned to their desks following
a very impressive and productive
sales meeting Palm Springs, Calif. The
in
meeting was conducted by Marty Starger,
president; Leo Greenfield, executive vicepresident;
Fred Mound, vice-president and
general sales manager, and Barry Lorie,
vice-president of advertising.
FIRST RUN
REPORT
(Average K 100)
New Orleans
Bloody Fists (SR). Orpheum. 1st wk. .
Days of Heaven (Para), Sena Mall,
.200
1st wk 125
The Deer Hunter (Univ), Robt. E. Lee.
1st wk 750
The Great Train Robbery (UA), Plaza.
3rd wk 300
Hardcore (Col), Plaza. Loews State,
3rd wk 250
House of Exorcism (SR), Loews State,
1st wk 350
lee Castles (Col). Plaza. 4th wk 200
In Praise of Older Women (Avco),
Lakeside. 3rd wk 200
Kung Fu Strangler (SR). Loews State,
1st wk 175
National Lampoon's Animal House
(Univ), Lakeside. 29th wk 250
Same Time, Next Year (Univ), Plaza.
Lakeside, 3rd wk 225
Superman (WB), Lakeside, 5th wk. . . 650
Mexico Distributor Is Dead
HOU.STON—Ramon Llaca Valadez. who
had supervised the distribution of United
Artists films in Mexico for more than 25
years, died here Feb. 28 following heart
surgery at St. Luke's Hospital there. He was
58 years old.
The body was flown to Mexico for
funeral services.
ma Rae" was directed by Irving Ravetch
and Harriet Frank. Jr. The movie opened
March 16 at the Medallion. Northtown Six
and Richardson Square theatres.
Randy and Rick Slaughter of R & S
Films announced they have taken on the
distribution rights to Film Ventures Prod-
Avco Embassy held a sneaJc preview of
"Murder by Decree" Feb. 11 night at the
Esquire and Forum theatres. The picture
will open officially March 30.
Dai-Art held a World Premiere of "Beneath
the Valley of Ultra Vixens" at the
'Everything for your theatre— except film"
®
800 Lambert Drive N.E.
800 S. Graham St
AHanta, Ga. 30324
Charlotte, N.C. 28202
(404) 876-0347
(704) 334-3616
©-
CAPITAL CITY SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
COMPLETE THEATRE EQUIPMENT AND CONCESSION SUPPLIES
OUR 39th YEAR
2124 Jackson Parkway. N.W. 713 Sudekum Bldg.
Atlanta. Georgia 30318 NashTille. Tennessee 37219
(404) 792-8424 (615) 256-0347
®Q©
March 19, 1979 S-3

. .
MIAMI
^^heii Stephen Quade left Miami Beach recently
for Los Angeles, it wasin't just
,1 pleasure trip. He was also talking with
roducers and lining up films for the next
ijreatcr Miami Film Festival. Quade. a foriiicr
movie actor himself, is chairman of the
board of the festival.
Patrons of the Byron Theatre on Miami
Beach saw more than just a movie the other
evening. They also saw theatre cashier
Carol Snow marry Carlos Nuinelo. Following
the wedding there was a reception at
the
theatre, complete with a strolling violinist.
But. when time came for the 7 p.m. movie,
everything returned to normal.
The Cine Club, founded by Eugenio Santiago,
has been granted a home in the MuseimT
of Science in Miami. Santiago hopes
the club will fill a need for a real film society
in this area. It began activity in February
with showings of Eisenstein's "Ivan
the Terrible" and "Alexander Nevsky." The
March program, entitled "Alfred Hitchcock,
the Early Years," consists of Sunday
evening showings of five Hitchcock films.
Organized for more than just viewing, Santiago
researches all films to be shown and
compiles printed matter concerning them
and their directors, which he passes out to
patrons. After the showing, there is a halfhour
discussion of the film or films.
failed to devise an acceptable plan that
would have persuaded the owners to halt
renovations in the lobby. After talking with
the Federal Dept. of Housing and Urban
Development, Miami Beach officials had
proposed creating a private, nonprofit corporation
to negotiate a lease option with
the theatre's owners. The nonprofit corporation
would have been funded with federal
commimity development money.
But Robert Brandt, whose family owns
the building that houses the Cinema, said
that was not the kind of deal they had in
mind. He said they never promised to negotiate
with anyone merely on an option
to lease, and that the family has bent over
backwards to cooperate, but the plan was
vague. They did suspend renovation until
March 1, giving those who wished to preserve
the art-deco theatre an opportunity
to come up with a plan, but they failed.
Brandt estimated the two stores will be
ready for occupancy in what was the theatre
lobby within three months. The interior of
the theatre will be sealed off from the two
stores.
SAN ANTONIO
gervices were heJd recently for Thornton
(Buck) Jones, 62. who died Feb. 23.
He was a member of Motion Picture Operators
Union 407 and prior to his retirement
.several years ago was the projectionist at
the Colonies North Theatre . . . Dewey
Stoker, a projectionist at the Broadway
Theatre, is being transferred to the newly
opened UA Ingram-6.
The Art Institute's fikn festival will have
an Italian accent. The featured film will be
"La Notte," directed by Michelangelo Antonioni
and starring Jeanne Moreau, Marcello
Mastroianni and Monica Vitti. Completing
the program will be "Giorgi Moranda,"
a study of more than 40 paintings
by the enigmatic Italian artist, and "Two,"
a spoof of love scenes from Italian movies.
There are only several new film titles appearing
on local marquees and they include
"Fast Charlie" and "Rituals," with Spanishlanguage
films "Carnada" plus "Caminos
de Michoacan" . . . Films to be shown at
Despite a five-week campaign to keep it
in its original Art Deco state, the Cinema
the Olmos include "The Thief of Bagdad,"
Theatre will be renovated and stores will be
"Things to Come," "Rashomon,"
added
"Gates of
to the lobby. Miami Beach officials
Hell" and the double bill of "This Sporting
Life" and "Oh Lucky Man!"
HOUSTON
J^ll of the rodeo footage for the upcoming
film "Urban Cowboy," which takes
place at Gilley's Club in Pasadena, was shot
during the run of the rodeo here, Feb. 23
through March 4.
Nile Owl Flicks is being presented at the
Champions Theatre at 12 midnight. The
films booked include Alice Cooper in "Welcome
to My Nightmare" . . . Midnight
showings at the Greenway-3 featured "2001:
A Space Odyssey" on screen one and "Outrageous!"
on screen two.
Among the new film titles appearing on
local marquees and titles of films returning
include "No Time for Breakfast," "Fastbreak,"
"Get Out Your Handkerchiefs,"
"The Deer Hunter," Walt Disney's "Fantasia"
in stereophonic sound, "Heaven Can
Wait," "Last House on Dead End Street,"
"An Unmarried Woman." "Bloopers," the
double bill of "Lady From Shanghai" and
"Touch of Evil," Satyajit Ray's "Two
Daughters," a double bill of "Rashomon"
and "Gate of Hell" and "Turning Point"
plus "Romeo and Juliet," the ballet by
Prokofiev with Nureyev and Fonteyn.
Films shown in Brown Auditorium of the
Museum of Fine Arts included Les Blank's
"Always for Pleasure," a documentary
about the Mardi Gras, plus Robert Snyder's
"Anais Observed," Bunuel's "Tristana,"
"Ramparts of Clay" and "Nosferatu" .
The Rice Media Center showed such films
as "One Way or Another."
CHARLOTTE
(Continued from page S-2)
Due to the number of theatres maintaining
holdovers, there is only one new picture
opening, "Take Down" at Capri 2.
Catherine Chapin, the Observer movie
critic, interviewed Jack Valenti after he had
spoken to the House of Representatives at
the state capitol in Raleigh, which is studying
the blind-bidding bill. "The movie industry,"
he said, "is totally different than
any other business. All risks are taken up
front by the distributor and producer. The
risks amount to an average $6 million to
make a film, and another $8 million to market
it . . . Films are blind bid because distributors
have to plan ahead. When 'Superman'
was being filmed in January of '78,
for instance, distributors were already planning
advertising campaigns for a Christmas
opening." Valenti's speech to the House is
reported upon elsewhere in this issue.
Allen Locke and Dick Huffman, Southern
Booking and Advertising, and Spartanburg's
premieie showman Donald Watson
returned from Las Vegas where they attended
ShoWesT.
THEATRE
DRIVE-IN
SCREENS
'The Quality Tower that never
has had to be replaced."
• • *
GENE TAYLOR
D & D Fabrication
and Erection Co.
Post Office Box 3524
Shawnee, Kansas 66203
913-631-9695
March 19. 1979

MILWAUKEE
Hrt Haling, AI's local branch office manager,
mailed invites to a special trade
screening of the romantic comedy, "Love
at First Bite," starring George Hamilton as
Count Dracula. The PG-rated film was
shown as a sneak preview March 2 at the
Southtown Theatre in West AUis. Moviegoers
had their attention called to the sneak
through a display ad in the local daily which
showed Dracula in his black mantel, and
the accompanying text stated: "'Your favorite
pain in the neck is about to bite your
funny bone." However, the movie title was
not revealed.
The new headline read "YouMl Fall for
Wrestling Film, 'Take Down' " and the
Journal critic, Bcnnet F. Waxse, explains,
"It's one the whole family can enjoy. It's
wholesome and funny." Admits Waxse:
"After reading the newspaper promotion
ads crediting the movie 'Take Down' with
'all the suspense and excitement of high
school wrestling— I laughed and laughed
as the movie started to play. But when it
was all over. I applauded and applauded."
He adds: "How can anyone sustain a full
length movie on high school wrestling?
—Well, by involving an attractive cast of
characters in novel situations, the producers
sweep the viewers along at a fast pace that
spells pure entertainment."
The Movies at Tomahawk, Wis., had a
special for young swains and hubbies as
noted in its newspaper display ad: "Guys!
Make this Valentine Season a 'Winning
Season" for your gal. The first 25 gals admitted
to 'Our Winning Season' on Wednesday
and Thursday will receive a Valentine
Flower." The film was the main attraction
from Feb. 14-17 with "Pippi in the South
Seas" being the feature film Saturday afternoon.
HEARTWARMING—Ernie Morton
(center), Chicago restauranteur, will
reign as King of Hearts at the 12th annual
Variety Club celebrity ball April
20 at the Chicago Marriott Hotel. Oscar
Brotman (left). Tent 26 president,
and celebrity ball chairman Howard
Mendelsohn are shown working on the
right fit for Morton's crown.
Morton will be honored this year because
of his continuous efforts on behalf
of handicapped and underprivileged
children. Morton is also one of
the largest supporters of the annual
Variety-Irv Kupcinet LPGA Golf
Tournament.
times . . . "Superman" is currently m its
eleventh week at Brookfield Square Cinema,
Mill Road, U.A. Southgate and Cinema 1
"History of Motion Pictures," including
nearly 20 oidtime silent classics, has been
completed at the Ozaukee Art Center in
Cedarburg where it ran for eight consecutive
weeks. It is now being offered for reruns
at local area Senior Citizen Centers.
Contests Promo Films
And Aid Managers Too
CHICAGO — Plitt Theatres, Inc. have
found that contests are progressively effective
in bringing a new entry to the attention
of community residents, as well as increasing
efforts of theatre managers to
promote films.
An inner-company contest paid off handsomely
during a fall showmanship contest
just concluded. Cash and prizes amounting
to $3,000 had Midwest managers scurrying.
Fiom the Chicagoland area, Julius Dziecial,
manager of the Will Rogers Theatre, was
awarded $250 for his promotion on the
"Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary Show."
James G. Smith, manager of the Madison
Theatre in Peoria, 111., was presented with
$250 for his promotional efforts in behalf
of "Count Dracula and His Vampire Bride."
Also receiving $250 for Count Dracula
promotion was Cynthia Sullivan of the Midway
Theatre in Rockford, 111.
The grand prize was awarded to Don
Hanson, manager of the North Shore Theatre
in Duluth, Minn. He excelled in pushing
for high interest in "Who Is Killing the
Great Chefs of Europe?" Hanson arranged
a tie-in with six area gourmet restaurants
to have their respective chefs prepare a
meal on TV.
The promotion also involved a recipe contest,
and, in addition, specially made lobby
cards were placed in prominent locations
in theatre lobbies, TV stations and the involved
restaurants. Throughout the promotion,
all members of the theatre staff
were dressed in chef uniforms and hats.
Free TV time in the amount of $11,099
was another stroke of productive effort
which put Hanson at the head of the winners'
list. Besides $250 in cash, he was
given an all expense trip for two to Show-A-
Rama in Kansas City.
Vilas Theatre in Eagle River, Wis., termed
Sunday, Feb. 25 "Family Day"—offering
"3 hours of the Best in Family Entertainment
on the Big Screen 2:00 p.m."
Film feature was "The Sound of Music."
Adults, $2; children, $1. In addition:" the
theatre's display in ad the local weekly
carried a coupon which was to be clipped
for "FREE Family Size Tub of Butter
Korn ... to a family at the movies with this
Coupon."
Cinema Downer Theatre, located near
the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
campus, advertizes: Students S2 50 at all
WICHITA
TULSA
OKLAHOMA CITY@ amencan ®
As a Theatre manager:
enterlciinment
would you be considered in the upper 10°o of outstanding managers?
Does your present position offer little
opportunity for advancement?
BILL WARREN
PRESIDENT
Be an active part of an aggressive grow/ing company! We have immediate openings
in Wichita, Kansas. Our excellent training programs and future theatre openings will
prepare a place for you in management.
WE OFFER OUR MANAGMENT TEAM:
* Excellent Starting Salary
* Concession & Misc. Revenue Commission
* Hospitalization Plan
ALL REPLYS WILL BE CONFIDENTIAL
SEND REPLYS TO MR. BILL WARREN
P.O. BOX 18209, WICHITA, KS. 67218
Profit Sharing
Life
Insurance
Paid Vocations
CALL
316-684-2805
ASK FOR
BILL MENKE
March 19, 1979
MW-1

.250
(Average Is 100)
Minneapolis
Agatha (WB). Park. 1st wk 230
The Bermuda Triangle (Sunn Classic).
."^
theatres. 2nd wk 100
The Brink's Job (Univ). Brookdale East,
Hopkins. 3rd wk 50
The Deer Hunter (Univ), Mann.
2nd wk 320
Every Which Way But Loose (WB).
Northtown. Southdale, 1 1th wk 115
Get Out Your Handerchiefs (SR).
Skyway III. 1st wk 155
The Glacier Fox (Sanrio). 5 theatres.
Isl wk 165
The Great Train Robbery (UA).
3 theatres. 4th wk 1 30
Halloween (Compass). Brookdale East.
Edina. 5th wk 165
Hardcore (Col). 3 theatres. 4th wk 105
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (UA).
Cooper. 1 1 th wk 50
Movie Movie (WB). Hopkins. 6th wk. . . 30
Murder by Decree (Avco). 4 theatres,
1st wk. 135
The North Avenue Irregulars (BV).
3 theatres. 3rd wk 120
Same Time, Next Year (Univ).
Skyway 1. 4th wk 100
Superman (WB). Brookdale, Southtown,
12th wk 210
Take Down (BV). 5 theatres. 1st wk. . . . 84
The Warriors (Para), Skyway II,
4th wk 160
Kansas Cify
Agatha (WB), 4 theatres, 1st wk 258
Autumn Sonata (New World).
Seville, 2nd wk 290
The Bermuda Triangle (Sunn Classic),
5 theatres, 2nd wk. 110
The Brink's Job (Univ), 6 theatres.
3rd wk 105
Days of Heaven (Para). Fine Arts,
Watts Mill. 2nd wk ISO
The Deer Hunter (Univ). Ranchmart.
Isl wk 530
FILMACK IS
1st CHOICE
WITH
SHOWMEN
EVERYWHERE
mST RUN REPORT
1978 Commonwealth's
'Greatest Year Yel'
s KANSAS CITY — 1978 was Common-
Every Which Way But Loose (WB), wealth Theatres' "greatest year." according
4 theatres. 1 1th wk 280 '° "^'^''' quarterly report for the 13 weeks
Fart Break (Col), 5 theatres, ended Jan. 2, 1979. Revenues and net in-
1st wk 210 come increased for the sixth consecutive
The Great Train Robbery (UA), V^ar as the company acquired an additional
4 theatres. 4th wk 150 ^4 screens.
Hardcore (Col), 4 theatres, 4th wk 110 The first quarter of 1979 produced oper-
.140 ating revenue of $12,199,136, a 65% in-
!ce Castles (Col), 3 theatres, 5th wk.
The North Avenue Irregulars (BV), crease over the first quarter of the previous
5 theatres, 3rd wk 365 year. Approximately 87% of this increase
Quintet (20th-Fox), Watts Mill, was generated by the new theatres acquired
2nd wk 75 in June and July, 1978, with the balance
Richard Pryor— Live in Concert (SEE), produced by continuing theatre units. Net
Mildland. 4th wk 135 income in the 1979 first quarter totalled
Same Time, Next Year (Univ), $255,058. or 23 cents per share, compared
-nd wk 175 to net income of $23,758, or 2 cents per
Superman (WB), Empire, Glenwood, share, in the same quarter of 1978. The
12th wk sale of two drive-in properties included
160 is
The Warriors (Para). 7 theatres, in the net income for 1979.
'^0 First quarter reports are not indicative
of a full years" operation, since the summer
months are traditionally the most active
Chicago for the film industry.
Agatha (WB), 4 theatres 275 In mid-December, Commonwealth ac-
Autumn Sonata (NW). Biograph, quired three additional theatres (five
l-'h wk 200 screens) in Colorado Springs. The
Every Which Way But Loose (WB).
company
has also leased a triplex in Rapid City, S.D.,
3 theatres. 12th wk 175 and is plannine to open a twin theatre in
Fast Break (Col), 14 theatres, 2nd wk. 250 Scottsbluff, Mo.
Get Out Your Handkerchiefs (SR).
Carnceie. 5th wk 250
"" ^"iltrwr-'
'"*
Hardcore (Col). 10 theatres. 2nd wk. .
The Late Great Planet Earth (PIE),
::, MINNEAR OLIS
—
1 5 theatres, 2nd wk 225 M"^'^"'^^'' Francis Coppola flew into
Norma Rae (20th-Fox), 8 theatres ....200 Minneapolis March 2 for a super-se-
The North Avenue Irregulars (BV), cret sneak preview of his $35 million pro-
6 theatres, 4th wk |75 duction, "Apocalypse Now." The event was
Richard Pryor—Live in Concert (SEE). held at the General Cinema Corp.'s South-
3 theatres. 5th wk 250 dale Theatre in suburban Edina—and not
Same Time, Next Year (Univ), even local United Artists brass knew what
9 theatres. 4th wk Coppola was planning to unreel. Many
150
.200
The Warriors (Para). 11 theatres. sets. "Black Stallion." Coppola carried his
4th wk 350 reels himself—and put on the screen a
rough work print of his film. Cue marks
Martin Bregman will produce and direct ''"d similar production indicators were vis-
"Simon," a comedy starring Alan, Arkin. '^^'e. and the version shown ran two hours
and 45 minutes. Reportedly, it will be
trimmed even further. Audience cards, long
ORDER FROM FILMACK
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FILMACK STUDIOS,INC.
and detailed, were solicited. Indicatio.is
were that crowd reaction was mixed.
Gerry Carisch, president of NATO of
North Central States, is mighty unhappy.
The issue is X-rated films at drive-ins. In
his bulletin to NATO members. Carisch recalled
that "Deep Throat" once played in
northern Minnesota— and it cost exhibitors
some $40,000 in lobbyist fees for the state
legislature. Now. he warns. NATO faces the
same prospect in North Dakota. Carisch
says that local booker Don Dalrymple dated
a number of X-rated pictures at a Dickinson,
N.D.. drive-in owned by Ted Kosteicski.
Now Carisch sees a long and costly
battle to preserve the right to run R-rated
lilms al drive-ins. Oozing anger and sar-
MW-2
BOXOFFICE :: March 19. 1979

casm. Carisch writes: "Isn't that just terrific!
Thank you, Dal and Mt. Kosteleski!"
Variety of the Northwest, Tent 12. announced
its new officers: chief barker, J.
Rodney Grubb; assistant chief barker. Larry
Bentson; assistant chief barker. Bob Klesath;
dough guy, Melvin Goldstein: property
master, Larry Graham. The April meeting
will be April 3 at the Boulevard Cafe,
Golden Valley.
Duffs Celebrity Golf and Tennis Tournament,
the largest charitable event of its
kind in the nation, has begun its promotional
drive for this summer's tourney. Proceeds
go to the Variety Club Heart Hospital
and the recently completed $9,600,000
Variety Club Heart Research Center.
Dean Lutz, Avco Embassy branch manager,
expressed great satisfaction with local
grosses posted by "Murder by Decree,"
which opened in the face of a four-inch
snowstorm. That widespread storm hit all
across the territory, creating drifts in some
areas the feet in reached 14 height. Metropolitan
grosses were dented but not as
much as exhibitors had initially feared.
Dick Malek, Warner Bros, branch chief,
announced a full slate of forthcoming product.
Saturations are planned for reissues of
"Blazing Saddles" April 27, "The Exorcist"
May 25 and "Hooper" July 13. On the firstrun
front: "A Little Romance" opens May
20 at the Skyway Theatre here and at the
Roseville in St. Paul. "Beyond the Poseidon
Adventure" opens June 8 on ten Twin Cities
screens. "In-Laws" bows June 15 at the
Cooper, Southdale and Northtown here and
at the Roseville and The Movies at Maplewood
in St. Paul. "The Main Event" takes
off June 22 at the Southtown and Terrace
in Minneapolis and at the Har-Mar in St.
Paul. "No Knife" is dated for July 27 at
the Mann here and the Har-Mar, St. Paul.
And also set for July 27 is "The Wanderers"
which is still out on bids but which will play
eight metropolitan screens.
Neil O'Leary has come
trainee at the United Artists branch here.
Branch manager Walt Badger says he intends
to acquaint O'Leary with all facets
of branch operations, starting him in the
shipping department, where he'll actually
handle film itself, getting reels ready for
the trucks. He'll then move O'Leary into
other branch workings.
Larry Bigelow of North Star Films announced
that Judy Peterson, who has been
cashier at the American International
branch, is joining North Star as cashiersecretary.
Bigelow also said a saturation
campaign was set for the March 23 opening
of "The Wackiest Wagon Train in the
West," a G-rated comedy starring Forrest
Tucker and Bob Denver. Twenty-five prints
will be working the territory for five
weeks. Bigelow said he anticipates "a very
busy summer" because of this lineup of
product: "Mean Machine," "Get Out Your
Handkerchiefs," "Beyond the Door: Part
2," "Hometown USA," "The Dark," "Summer
Camp," "Summer Affair" and "Swap
Meet."
ST.
LOUIS
•phey Went That-A-Way and That-A-Way"
opens Friday, March 23 at Halls Ferry,
Ellisville Ronnie's 6, Cinema 4, Melba and
Alton (Illinois)
Cine.
Frank Hunter, entertainment editor of
the Globe-Democrat, awarded "The Deer
Hunter," now in an exclusive engagement at
Sunset Hills, three and a half stars, finding
it a harsh drama dealing with the impact
of the Vietnam War on men as well as
women. He found it somber and depressing
with an aura of gloom and hopelessness and
especially disliked the savage scenes of torture.
He admired Zsigmond Vilmos' camerawork
and the exposition of the ugliness
of life in the Pennsylvania steel mills. He
praised Robert De Niro's performance as
the Vietnam veteran, finding it masterful
and worthy of the Academy Award nomination.
Scott Jablanow, buyer and booker for
Mid-America Theatres, will serve on the
screening panel of the Short Film Showcase,
pilot project iniated by the National
Endowment for the Arts. The Showcase is
in the process of selecting ten new short
subjects for 1979 release nationally. It will
b€ hosted by Warner Bros. Distributing
Corp.
With the popularity of the latest film incarnation
of Superman, the mighty Man of
Steel from the planet Krypton, there is a
resurgence of interest in plans to build a
$50 million "Superman" theme park in
nearby Metropolis, III. As the result of the
picture's success, 13 new businesses and a
new industry have been developed in the
town. Bob Westerfield. the town's biggest
booster, while not revealing the names of
the backers of the project, says it will be
built on 5.000 aces and "will rival the excitement
of a visit to Krypton." At present,
as you approach the town of 7.000 enthusiastic
inhabitants, you are greeted by the
world's largest mural of Superman and a
water tower decorated with Clark Kent
bursting through the well-known "s" design.
Paramount Pictures and KSLQ radio presented
a kickoff to the return of "Saturday
Night Fever" (this time a PG version for
THEATRE
DRIVE-IN
SCREENS
'The Quality Tower thai never
has had to he replaced."
• *
GENE TAYLOR
D & D Fabrication
and Erection Co.
Post Office Box 3524
Shawnee, Kansas 66203
913-631-9695
the pre- 17-year-old set) in the form of a
disco party on wheels March H at the Skatcmor
roller skating rink in Ellisville. A disc
jockey from the radio station .spun records
in keeping with the movie's theme and co"-
testants vied for prizes based on performance,
versatility and originality. First prize
was a "Saturday Night Fever" wristwatch;
runners up received belt buckles, appropriate
posters and stickers. The film opened
March 9 at Ellisville, Ronnie's 6, Halls Ferry,
Cinema 4, Avalon, Lewis & Clark, Kirkwood,
BAC's Plaza Twin and the Airway,
North and South Drive-ins.
Mid-America's Esquire Theatre is conducting
its own Academy Award poll by
its distributing ballots to patrons through
March 22 whereon they can vote for their
favorite movies, actors and actresses. Glenn
Bill, Esquire manager, was so carried away
with the idea that he held an Oscar night
among his 60 employees a bit early and
asked them to vote for the most courteous
staffers. Winners were usher Bill Galczynski,
a student at St. Louis Preparatory Scm
inary, and concessions clerk Janis Fratick
who attends school at Webster Groves High
Debra Hill will proudce "The Fog."
WINDOW CARDS
CALENDARS
AND FLYERS
THEATRES COAST TO COAST
SINCE 1955
CALL
402 \_X
453-6160
OR WRITE
BOX 626 C/
OMAHA, NE 68101
MUUJJ.I.irilMIHMW
BOXOFFICE March 19, 1979

CHICAGO
JSj^orma Rae" has not opened with spectacular
grosses, according to most exhibitors.
But '"it's going along OK." they report.
Ron Leibman. who has had his own
share of exposure on the TV show "Kaz."
arrived here to help lend additional exposure
to ""Norma Rae." But the opinions on
th.: film's merits are conflicting insofar as
movie critics are concerned, and like conflict
exists among exhibitors. Chicago Tribune
movie critic Gene Siskel expressed the
opinion that "Norma Rae" could use another
lead star. In saying that ""Norma Rae"
contains a fine subplot, Siskel said, "'Leibman's
problem is that he doesn't know the
difference between performing on stage or
on television (where big gestures are required)
and on big-screen films where the
medium itself makes even the smallest gestures
significant." Chicago Sun Times
movie critic Roger Ebert talks mainly about
Sally Field's extraordinary performance in
the film, and he gives it three stars. It is
customary to see from one to two stars
heading up a review cokmin.
At United Artists, all attention has been
focusing on the Chicago premiere of
""Hair." Originally, this new UA film was
to have opened exclusively at the McClurg
Court Theatre. But a number of area theatres
will now participate in the initial showing
March 23. On March 22 an invitational
screening will be held at the McClurg Court.
A contingent of UA executives and cast
members will be on hand for this event.
Oscar Brotman has snared two special
films for his Near North Cinema and Carnegie
theatres. "The Innocent," which has
been a big hit at the Plaza in New York
City, goes into the Cinema on March 22.
Jennifer O'Neil, who has a lead role in the
movie, will be here to highlight the opening.
""The Innocent" is the last of 14 films
directed by Luchino Visconti.
The Carnegie will be among the first to
show "Murder by Decree." which stars
Christopher Plummer, James Mason, Donald
Sutherland and Susan Clark. The film
challenges Sherlock Holmes to solve the
Jack the Ripper murders.
HADDBN^
THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY
DRIVE IN
RADIO SYSTEMS
THE ONLY DEALER
WITH EXPERIENCED,
24 HOUR MAINTENANCE IN THE
KENTUCKY/ INDIANA AREA
(502) 896-9578
3709 HUGHES ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KY. 40207
S-K Films, Inc., headed by Sid Kaplan,
has moved from the seventh floor to the
ninth at 32 W. Randolph St.. Chicago. III.
60601. This gives the company more space
in more modern quarters. Kaplan said he
has just been advised by Levitt-Pickman,
national distributors of ""The Groove Tube,"
that this film is making a strong comeback
with new advertising to be backed up by
newspapers, radio and TV. The return engagements
prove that '"Groove Tube" is still
a moneymaker, and with new campaign
features, Kaplan is lining up the attraction
for dates in the Midwest area.
Plitt executives are planning on opening
the Woodfield 3 and 4 at Eastertime.
Welcome to Reid Michaels, who has
joined the Plitt Theatres publicity and advertising
staff headed by Jerry Butler.
"Richard Pryor— Live In Concert," a
big success at the Plitt Roosevelt, Varsity
and Paramount theatres, is now starting a
run at the Hillcrest and Fox Valley theatres.
Promotional activity in each area involves
free tickets to the performance. All any
one needs to do is to respond to queries
about what Pryor's previous activities have
been. Stations WJPC and WJKL handle
the replies from listeners.
A full contingent of print media, radio
and TV personnel from the Midwest area
arrived here March 8 and 9 to take a look
at "The China Syndrome," one of Columbia's
films in its spring lineup. Interest was
heightened by the personal contact members
of the media could make with Jane
Fonda. Jack Lemmon and Michael Douglas,
the three principals.
Despite all the talk about serious repercussions
in some areas as a result of ""The
Warriors" showings, the film did not incite
trouble in the Chicagoland area. '"However,"
said Jeff Blake, Chicago branch manager,
"because of the problems in part of
the nation, we responded by stopping radio
and TV advertising Feb. 23. But under a
new format, we have resumed newspaper
advertising."
David Levy, district manager. New
World Pictures, and his staff are setting up
an extensive TV and radio campaign for
the opening of "Bees," due to arrive here
on April 20. Levy is off to New York to
meet with World Northal in connection
with new product.
Virgil Jones, who headquarters in Chicago
for The International Picture Show
THEWTRE EQUIPMENT
Everything for the Iheatre"
No. CAWTOt AVE., INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
Co., was in Detroit to finalize play dates
for "They Went That-A-Way and That-A-
Way." There have been gradual but steady
openings of this film throughout the state
of Michigan. The Butterfield Theatre Circuit,
with a chain of movie houses in Michigan,
hit on a tie-in promotion which promires
to give "That-A-Way" some special
recognition. It's T-shirts, popular with kids
and teenagers.
INDIANAPOLIS
^he Indianapolis Metropolitan Development
Commission voted to allow the
city's Division of Urban Renewal to sell the
Indiana Theatre, which has been closed for
some time, to the newly formed Downtown
Merchants Development Corp., a whollyowned
subsidiary of the Merchants Assn.
The corporation will in turn lease the Indiana,
a 2,000 seat auditorim, to the Indiana
Repertory Theatre group. The IRT
plans to renovate the present auditorium
and make three smaller theatres, one of
which will be used for stage attractions. The
cost of the renovation by IRT is estimated
to
be near $4 million.
Indiana Theatre Associates will lease the
Indiana Roof Ballroom in the Indiana Theatre
BIdg., for renovation and the theatre's
basement, where two restaurants are
planned. A group calling themselves the Indiana
Theatre Committee made a futile
effort to preserve the Indiana Theatre as
it is presently designed but advocating renovating
and restoration of its interior. The
plans for the Indiana Theatre and Indiana
Theatre and Indiana Roof Ballroom and
restaurants will be a part of the Claypool
Center Site which will encompass a large
modern hotel, parking garage and several
floors for office space.
Vicchi Burns, the newly appointed sales
representative for Paramount Pictures for
this territory, recently rhade her initial calls
on the exhibitors and circuit buyers in this
area.
Two motion pictures currently on the
screens in this area are receiving excellent
word of mouth as well as good reviews are
Columbia's "Fastbreak" and Warner's "Agatha."
"Agatha" is enjoying an exclusive run
in the city at the Washington Square Cinema
and "Fastbreak" is currently at the
Regency, Glendale and Lafayette Square
cinemas. The first motion picture not produced
by Walt Disney Productions to be
released by Buena Vi.sta Dist. Co., "Take
Down," opened here March 9 at the Castleton
Square, Eastwood and Speedway cinemas.
fra ilerettes- Oaiers
COLOR—BLACK & WHITE
PARROT FILMS, INC.
P.O. BOX 541 •
DES MOINES, IOWA
•
50302
PHONE 15151 288-1122
M'
BOXOFFICE :: March 19, 1979

CALGARY
jyjaking a very rare, but extremely suave,
appearance on CFCN-TV Feb. 22 was
Hank Heck, branch manager of Bellcvue
Films. Hank was on the Buckshot Show
to draw the name of the winner of the
Herbie Junior car. The contest had been
running since the opening of "The Love
Bug" in Calgary's Palace Theatre, along
with daily prizes of theatre passes. Winner
of the motorized tiny version of the Love
Bug was Scott Alexander McKenzie of
Medicine Hat, Alberta, who was no doubt
a very happy young man!
Famous Players' Londonderry Twins in
Edmonton have a new landlord with the
sale of the Londonderry Mall by Genstar
Ltd. to Lehndorff Group of Companies.
The reputed purchase price was $35 million.
Louis Matukas, executive vice-president
of Lehndorff, said that although
nothing is on the drawing boards, there are
expansion plans for the mall. And that
couldn't be anything but good for the two
theatres.
Calgary's Odeon Theatre completed its
ninth annual Shakespeare festival the afternoon
of Feb. 25 with the screening of
Laurence Olivier in "Henry V." And the
Edmonton Film Society's series on eroticism
continued Feb. 21 with the screening
of "Lolita" in the Tory Lecture Theatre
on the University of Alberta campus.
This version of "Lolita" was directed by
Stanley Kubrick from the Vladimir Nabokov
novel and starred James Mason,
Peter Sellers and Sue Lyon.
Eaton's of Canada and Air Canada
brought Calgary and Edmonton movie fans
"The Universal Studios Touring Show," an
opportunity to view some behind-the-scenes
activities at close range. The show is divided
into three parts: "The western stunt
show" specializing in stuntmen doing their
"thing"; "the animal actor's show" with
some favorite animal stars, featuring Fred
the cockatoo from "Baretta," and "the
movie makeup show" in which glamour
secrets, horror makeup and comedy makeup
was demonstrated. Frankenstein's monster
also made personal appearances for
the performances of the Hollywood attraction.
It doesn't seem possible, but Marion
Reiger of Canfilm is a proud new grandma.
Hal Russell Nash was born in Calgary
Feb. 10, and is the first child of Robin
and Hal Nash. For such a young and inexperienced
grandmother, Marion seems to
be doing very well, and is claiming her
privilege of spoiling her first grandchild.
It's debatable as to whether it is a sign
of growth or a sign of degeneration, but
Calgary's Tivoli ran a large ad for the engagement
of two 3-D sex films. The 3-D
glasses were supplied at the door and promised
to "put the playmates right in your
lap." The playmates were not named, but
supposedly starred in a movie called "The
Playmates." The "Lollipop Girls" gave their
all in the second feature called "Hard Candy."
Needless to say, the program was
tagged Restricted Adult.
But not wishing to
be outdone, our east-end Hyland International
offered a double bill of "Baby Love"
and "Sweden Heaven and Hell."
Latest film to be saturated in our territory
is North American Productions' epic
"Sasquatch." This Family-rated film is playing
in the Odeon 1 and the Marlborough
Towne Square 1, as well as numerous small
towns in the surrounding district.
There is yet another Disney contest on
Calgary's Buckshot Show on CFCN-TV. In
this competition the contestants send in a
letter explaining why they would like to go
to Disneyland. On March 22 Buckshot will
draw a lucky letter and the winner will
receive a trip for two to Disneyland along
with Buckshot.
The Calgary Film Society screened a
double bill in the second series of its specialist
films Feb. 18 in the Boris Roubakine
Theatre on the University of Calgary campus.
The film was produced in Mexico in
1965 under the direction of Luis Bunuel
and is entitled "Simon of the Desert." The
second feature was "La Soupe du Canard,"
made in the U.S. and starring the Marx
Brothers.
Lockheed Airlift Rescues
500 Rare Vintage Films
TORONTO—Long known for humanitarian
missions, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules
has added another laurel to its rescue
record—the saving of 500 rare reels of vintage
films, which have been buried for half
a century beneath the frozen arctic tundra
at Dawson City in the Yukon.
The movies, which were produced between
1903 and 1929, include the last surviving
print of Samuel Goldwyn's "Polly of
the Circus," a 1917 silent movie starring
Mae Murray. The film, placed in tin containers
after having been screened for Dawson
audiences, had been dumped into an
outside
tank and covered with dirt.
In addition to the Goldwyn film, other
prints saved included "Wild Fire" (1915)
starring Lillian Russell and Lionel Barrymore,
as well as World War I newsfilms.
The films were discovered recently by a
workmen digging the site for a new recreation
center. They had been preserved by
the frozen sub-surface permafrost. However,
as soon as they were removed from
the ground for transfer to Canada's national
film archives, the old nitrate began to deteriorate.
Officials considered surface transportation
to Ottawa too risky. In a race against
the clock and the elements, the Canadian
Armed Forces and their trusty C-130 Hercules
were called in. The precious cargo
was airlifted quickly and safely to Ottawa.
Filmmakers of Quebec
Call for Resignations
MONTREAL—A leading association of
Quebec filmmakers last month called for
the immediate resignation of the top men
at the Canadian Film Development Corp.
(CFDC), board chairman Michel Vennat
and executive driector Michael McCabe.
At a news conference members of the
Association des Realisateurs de Films du
Quebec accused the two men of pursuing
policies and making public statements
which exhibited "scorn" for those who
wished to make authentically Canadian and
Quebecois films. CFDC money is being invested
in high-budget, international co-productions
while serious Canadian filmmakers,
particularly those in Quebec, can't find
money for projects, they complained.
Tension Was Brewing
While tension between the CFDC and
many Quebec filmmakers has been brewing
for some time,
the executive of the film
directors' association said a series of statements
by Vennat and McCabe had sparked
the resignation demand.
Both men were appointed to the federal
agency less than a year ago.
In recent months, McCabe and Vennat
have come out as strong advocates of a
private Canadian film industry that can
compete on the international market using
big-name stars with boxoffice appeal. In
one interview, Vennat was quoted as saying
there are those in the Quebec film community
who agree to work according to
CFDC criteria and those who, "favoring a
cultural type of cinema," can't agree to an
international-style cinema.
"Who defines what's cultural and what's
international?" asked association president
Roger Frappier, waving a copy of the interview.
"To what serious analysis are Messrs.
McCabe and Vennat referring, to make
such statements?"
"Where were they when Gilles Carle
made 'La Vraie Nature de Bernadette,' Michel
Brault made "Les Ordres,' and Claude
Jutra made 'Mon Oncle Antoine'?" demanded
Frappier, listing three internationally acclaimed
Quebec films and their directors.
"The films that are most steeped in our
culture have always represented Canada and
Quebec abroad, and evoked the most interest
in our country."
'Ignorance of Cinematography'
Frappier added that Vennat's remarks
displayed his ignorance of cinematography
and demonstrated his inability to direct the
CFDC. Instead of trying to bolster the national
film industry, said Frappier, both
men are using public money to build up an
expensive, American-style film industry
based on tax shelters and international coproductions.
A small group of investors and lawyers
has the most to benefit from the present
system, he said, adding that the CFDC
might as well "close down its offices in
(Continued on following page)
BOXOFFICE March 19, 1979
K-1

^it-^^ - - wis? ' , , .
Edmonton
Beiniuda Triangle (PR), Plaza,
2nd wk Good
Caravans (AFD). Londonderry,
Sth wk Poor
HRST RUN REPORT
The Class of Miss MacMichael (AFD).
Capitol Square, 4th wk Fair
A Dream of Passion (Astral),
Varscona, 1st wk Poor
Every Which Way But Loose (WB),
Capitol Squaie. 8lh wk Excellent
Ice Castles (Astral), Capilano,
Rialto, 3rd wk
Good
invasion of the Body Snatchers (UA),
Capitol Square. Sth wk Fair
Movie Movie (WB). Capitol Square.
3rd wk
Fair
Murder by Decree (AFD). Garneau.
1st wk." Excellent
National Lampoon's Animal House
(Univ), Towne Cinema, 28th wk. .
.Good
Same Time, Next Year (Univ),
Odeon, 1 st wk Good
Superman (WB). Paramount,
9th wk
Excellent
The Warriors (Para), Westmount,
1st wk. Excellent
Watership Down (PR). Meadowlark.
1st wk Very Good
Calgary
Bermuda Triangle (PR). Marlboro
Squaie. Odeon. 3rd wk Fair
Caravans (AFD). Chinook. 5th wk. . . .Fair
The Class of Miss MacMichae! (AFD).
Calgary Place. 4th wk Poor
Every Which Way But Loose (WB),
Town.' Red, 8th wk Excellent
Halloween (Astral), Grand,
8th wk Good
Ice Castles (Astral), 3 theatres,
3rd wk Good
The Lord of th- Rings (UA), Market
Mall -S&e. 8th wk Fair
Midnight Express (Astral). Westbrook.
16lh wk. Good
."
Murder by Deciee (AFD). Palliser
Square. 1st wk Excellent
Same Time, Next Year (Univ),
North Hill, 1st wk Very Good
Superman (WB). Calgary Place,
9th wk. Excellent
The Warriors (Par;i). Palliser .Square.
1st wk Excellent
Watership Down (PR). Brentwood.
Grand. 2nd wk
Very Good
Vancouver
Ihe Brink's Job (Univ), Vogue.
1st wk Average
Every Which Way But Loose (WB).
Downiown. 10th wk Veiy Good
Good-bye Emmanual (PR). Capitol.
4th wk Average
The Great Train Robbery (UA),
Capitol. 2nd wk Excellent
Haidcore (Astral). Odeon.
1st wk Excellent
Murder b> Decree (AFD),
Vancouver Centre. 3rd wk. ...Excellent
National Lampoon's Animal House
(Univ). Coronet. 27th wk. ..Very Good
Same Time, Next Year (Univ). Park,
3rd wk Good
Silent Partner (PR). Capitol.
Sth wk Good
Superman (WB). Capitol.
1 1th wk Excellent
The Warriors (Para). Capitol,
3rd wk Excellent
Winnipeg
The Bermuda Triangle (Sunn),
3 theatres. 2nd wk Good
The Brink's Job (Univ). Garrick.
1st wk Good
California Suite (Astral). Garrick,
10th wk
Every Which Way But Loose (WB).
Good
Northstar. 10th wk Excellent
Halloween (Astral). Odeon.
1st wk Excellent
Ice Castles (Astral). Convention
Centre. 5th wk Very Good
The Lord of Ihe Rings (UA). Colony,
3rd wk
E.xcellent
Murder by Decree (AFD). Northstar.
3rd wk
Excellent
Same Time, Next Year (Univ).
Grant Park. 2nd wk Very Good
Superman (WB). Metropolitan,
11th wk. Very Good
The Warriors (Para), Polo Park.
3rd wk Excellent
Ottawa
The Brink's Job (Univ), Somerset,
2nd wk
F'air
Cat and Mouse (PR). Little Elgin.
2nd wk Very Good
Every Which Way But Loose (WB).
Place de Ville. Cinema 6.
10th wk
The Great Train Robbery (UA).
Good
Elgin. 2nd wk Excellent
Ice Castles (Astral). Elmdale. 5th wk. .Far
Murder by Decree (AFD).
Capitol Square. 3id wk Very Good
Same Time, Next Year (Univ).
St. Laurent. 1st wk. Excellent
Superman (WB), Nelson, Cinema 6.
11th wk Very Good
The Warriors (Para), Capitol Square.
3rd wk
Very Good
Watership Down (IFD), St. Laurent.
4th wk Good
Wilderness Family. Part 2 (PIE).
Cinema 6, 1st wk Very Good
Toronto
Bread and Chocolate (Creswin).
Town?. 6th wk Fair
The Class of Mi.ss MacMichael (AFD).
Im'u-rial. 4lh wk Fair
Every Which Way Bist Loose (WB).
Imperial, Slh wk Good
Force 10 From Navarone (AFD).
Imperial. Sth wk
Fair
The Great Train Robbery (UA).
Uptown. 1st wk Excellent
King of the Gypsies (Para),
Plaza. Sth wk Fair
The Lord of the Rings (UA),
Eglinlon, 13th wk Fair
Murder by Decree (AFD). University,
2nd wk.
Excellent
Slow Dancing in the Big City (UA),
Park. 1st wk Fair
Superman (WB). Hollywood.
Imperial. 9th wk
Good
The Warriors (Para). Hollywood.
Imperial. 1st wk Excellent
Wifemistress (PR). International,
4th wk Good
Montreal
The Brink's Job (Univ), Bonaventure,
2nd wk
Good
Every Which Way But Loose (WB),
Palace, 10th wk Very Good
The Great Train Robbery (UA),
The Cinema, 2nd wk Very Good
Halloween (Astral), Cinema de Paris,
2nd wk. Excellent
lee Castles (Astral). Atwater.
5th wk Very Good
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (UA).
Loews. 10th wk Good
The Lord of the Rings (UA),
Avenue. 10th wk Good
Same Time, Next Year (Univ). Place
du Canada. 3rd wk
Very Good
Silent Partner (PR), Loews,
Sth wk Very Good
Superman (WB). Loews.
10th wk Very Good
Tomorrow Never Comes (C-P). York.
1st wk Good
Up in Smoke (Para). Loews.
13th wk Good
The Warriors (Para), Loews,
2nd wk Excellent
French Language Films
L'Arbre au Sabots (Para), Parisien.
6th wk Very Good
Chateau de Reves (Astral),
Champlain. 3rd wk
Excellent
Le Ciel Pent Attendre (Para).
Parisien. 2nd wk. Excellent
Eclair au Chocolat (PR), Parisien,
1st wk Very Good
La Fureur du Danger (WB), Berri,
Sth wk Excellent
Mort Sur le Nil (Para), Parisien.
10th wk Very Good
Sonate d'Automne (PR). Le Dauphin.
16th wk Excellent
Quebec Filmmakers Want
Resignations From CFDC
(Continued from preceding pag;)
Montreal. Toronto and Vancouver and set
one up in New York. It would be much
simpler for them."
The directors" association has also demanded
the immediate publication ol the
CFDC's selection criteria and has asked
the Quebec government to undertake a
study of the federal agency's involvement
in Quebec cinema since its creation.
1
K-2
BOXOFFICE March 19, 1979

MURDER BY DECREE—Attending the Feb. 1 world premiere
of "Murder by Decree" at the University Theatre in Toronto
were (left to right) Jacli Bernstein, vice-president of Famous
Players Ltd.; Michael McCabe, executive director of Canadian
Film Development Corp.; Len Herbernian, executive producer
TORONTO
^illiam Marshall and Hank Van der Kolk,
co-producers of "Outrageous." have
announced three more feature films which
they plan to make this year, with a total
budget of $10 million. The first of these
will be "Circle of Two," a love story between
a 16-year-old girl and a 60-year-old
portrait painter, with the script written by
Tom Hedley. The locales will be Toronto
and the south of France, with filming to
commence May 28. Next will be "Patman,"
which deals with a mental hospital attendant
who goes beserk. "It's been around in
script form for years." explained Marshall.
"and several producers have had an interest
in it. But we're going to make it. finally."
The third film will develop from several
scripts under discussion.
"We have to do that volume this year."
said Van der Kolk, "because there are too
many guys going into the movie business
who don't know anything about it and we
want to move before the whole thing comes
crashing down. We want to establish our
credentials strongly. Some of us are in the
business to stay and we want that known."
theatres showing Canadian films. Prices are
yet to be determined, because of various
cinema tariffs for children, adults and
seniors.
NAC Regional Conference
Sets Up Program Topics
TORONTO— Accident liability and personnel
selection and retention will
be among
the topics discussed at the upcoming regional
conference sponsored by Canadian
Region No. 9 of the National Assn. of Concessionaires
(NAC). Sydney S. Spiegel,
NAC regional vice-president of Eastern Canada,
said approximately 400 delegates
from the concessions industry are expected
to attend the one-day conference, scheduled
for April 24 at the Royal York Hotel, Toronto.
of the film and president of Ambassador Film Distributors, and
Bob Clark, th? director of the film. Gathered in the second
photograph are Bernstein; Herberman; the Hon. John Roberts,
Secretary of State; Christopher Plummer, the film's star; Mrs.
Roberts; Clark, and Mrs. Clark.
Presentations by five major speakers will
highlight the convention, which is being
VANCOUVER
cosponsored
by HostEx '79. the Canadian
Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. The speakers
and their topics include: Philip M. (Perry)
Lowe, president of the NAC and the
Theatre Management Services, "Partners
in Profit." an audio-visual presentation; Anthony
G. Marshall, associate dean of the
School of Hotel. Food and Travel Services,
Florida International University, "Concessions.
Liability and the Law"; Earl Fletcher,
marketing director of the Canadian Training
and Development Group, "Selection and
Retention of Personnel"; Anthony L. Fortuna.
director of personnel development.
ARA Services, Inc.. "Productivity and
Sales," and Harold Henchcliff, lecturer and
consultant, "Don't Get Caught With Your
Metric Down." Moderator for the presentations
will be John Stewart. Premier Operating
Corfwration, Ltd.
Registration fees for the convention will
be $30 per person, although delegates registering
by March 30 will receive an "early
bird" discount of $5. Registrations by
March 30 will receive an "early bird" discount
of $5. Registrations may be sent to:
National Assn. of Concessionaires—Region
9. c/o Mrs. Helen Gonos. Canadian Odeon
Ontario's Halfback plan for Canadian feature
films and record sales will run from
Theatres Ltd., 225 Consumers Rd., Willowdale,
Ontario M2J 4G9.
May 1 to Sept. 30. Losing Wintario ticket
buyers will get a reduction in admission to
'Special Delivery' Earns
NFB Its 50ih Nomination
MONTREAL — The National Film
Board's seven-minute film "Special Delivery"
has been nominated for the 1979 Academy
Awards as best animated short, the
50th Oscar nomination for the NFB during
its 40-year history. Most of the previous
nominations have also been for the board's
animation work.
Story, direction and animation for "Special
Delivery" are by John Weldon and
Eunice Macaulay. original music was composed
by the late Karl Duplessis and the
producer is Derek Lamb.
The NFB's "Sand Castle" won an Academy
Award last year in the best animated
short category, while "I'll Find a Way"
brought in a second Oscar for best liveaction
short film.
^pie newspaper .strike here that shut down
the metropolitan dailies Vancouver Sun
and Province, went into its fifth month
without any sign of an immediate settlement.
With a few exceptions, motion picture
grosses have not been adversely affected.
"Halloween" fared badly at the Coronet
first time around, then was brought
back in with a hyped media campaign, and
is now in its fourth week. "Ice Castles" at
the Vogue likewise suffered from a poor
pre-opening campaign, but with good video
trailers and increased radio it continued
well for five weeks. Latest casualty is "The
Brink's Job," which obviously needed the
help of the newspapers to reach its full
potential and thus had a lack-lustre opening
at the Odeon as a consequence.
Definitely not affected by the strikes were
the Disney favorites. "Fantasia." mainly
plugged through CHQM Radio using the
pair-of-passes gimmick, continued through
its si.xth week at the Stanley with consistently
good grosses. "TTie Love Bug" in its
fifth week at the multiple of Park Royal.
Paramount, New Westminster and Richmond
Square, was registering excellent
grosses across the board.
The principals of the new production
company Film Five, Inc., headquartered in
Vancouver, will shoot a $10 million movie
entitled "The Birds of Prey" on location in
France starting in the fall.
Lloyd Pritchard, manager of Victoria
Film Services, took an early holiday before
the spring rush started. Part of it was spent
attending the TransMed seminar in Toron-
"National Lampoon's Animal House"
passed the half-year mark in its run at
the Coronet with no signs of slowing up.
The crowds who line up across the street
for the rock concerts at the Commodore
jokingly call the house "The Zoo." But
manager Larry Oya doesn't mind. Most of
them have seen his offering at least twice.
BOXOFFICE March 19, 1979 K-3

Who reads Boxoffio
^e
you know...
and want to reach
Key people in Exhibition:
11,266* theatre owners and managers, circuit
executives, film buyers, bookers and
projectionists
Key people in Distribution:
1,198* distributors and sales executives, home office
managers, bookers and publicity people
Key people in Equipment:
453* supply dealers, soles agents and executives
Key people in Production:
356* producers, directors, studio executives,
cameramen, actors and writers
Key People in the Media:
262* newspaper, magazine editors and writers and
radio-TV broadcasters
Recognize your sales prospect?
You should because more key
people in the film industry rely on
BOXOFFICE for its complete and
accurate information than any other
film industry publication with ABC
audited circulation.*
Take one small step today toward
big sales tomorrow . . . deliver your
advertising message to the BOX-
OFFICE Reader: someone who is
integral to the film industry . .
someone who makes the big
^decisions . .
)omeone like you.
• Audit Bureau of Circulations
Publisher's Statement for 6 mos. ending June 30, 1978
u L
^
K-4 BOXOFFICE :: March 19, 1979

^
I
C&tvi:6Buc&9fi, • Cauu>M6*it * C^we^dlsKd, • AfiilfiiiHaMCc
MARCH 19, 1979
This drawing, from an article by Chris Kontos and Jon Kriteger
titled "Design and Imagery in Today's Theatre." shows the entrance
to a futuristic theatre. Architectural symbols, allusions and
references to the past are tools that reinforce and stir the
imagination of the theatre patron. If theatres lack special
architectural .significance,
ihey will not be successful imagemakers.
See page 6.

MARCH 19, 197'
1^
conienTS ^
%'hile high film rental rates and
increasingly lopsided percentages have continued
to decrease the exhibitor's share of
fihn profits, concession profits remain a viable
and accessible source of high income.
The money you make off of concession
sales can usually be considered pure gravy.
But are exhibitors handling the ladle properly?
Are they squeezing every dime out of
their patrons to achieve a maximum per
capita figure?
Based on the number of concession promotions
launched in the average theatre
throughout the year, the answer is a resounding
"no."
According to Perry Lowe, president of
the National Assoc, of Concessionaires,
"Promotions are the least utilized and most
important source of additional profit from
refreshment stands today. If you don't run
at least two promotions each year, you're
missing a significant business opportunity."
Concession promotions increase profits in
two ways: they increase sales and they reduce
the cost of goods through economies
of number.
The two best times to implement promotions
are at Christmas and during the summer
months. During these periods, when
over 50 per cent of your total year's business
is generated within a 13 to 15 week
span, you can't afford not to promote.
When new promotions are involved, you
should test the idea first, then roll out the
perfected promotion during Christmas or
summer. The best times to test new promotions
are in the fall and spring when
theatre activity is lower and more attention
can be focused on the promotion.
Yes, it is true that promotions can be a
bother. First, you have to think up the right
type of promotion: coupons, cents off, free
premiums, combination discounts, etc. Then
you have to make the associated posters and
flyers to communicate the promotion to
your patrons. Finally, you have to convince
your field personnel that their extra effort
is
justified.
After you tackle these minor obstacles,
you'll find that all of the effort was indeed
justified when the per capita results are
figured.
In an effort to help exhibitors increase
their understanding of concession sales, an
article entitled "The Psychology of Concession
Sales: A Look at the Subtlety of Selling"
is presented within this issue. If you
have additional information on successful
concession promotions, send it in.
Whatever you do, don't be afraid or
apathetic about concession promotions. In
most cases, even a bad promotion is better
than no promotion at all!
The IMAX/OMNIMAX Giant Theatres 4
"In an age when muUi-audiloriuni complexes and converted
single-screen operations have reduced screen size to a minimum,
the IMAX and OMNIMAX projection systems have
found a lucrative audience that is
format's gigantic screen."
Design & imagery In Today's
Theatre
attracted to and awed by the
By Chris Kontos and Jon Krueger
"The motion picture theatre offers the patron .something he
cannot find at home. This 'golden rule' was the overriding
reason for the popular success of the first generation of picture
palaces in the 1920s. A trip to these dream worlds offered an
escape into make-believe, a short vacation from reality."
Drive-ln Theatre Mfg. Offers
Two New Automation Systems 10
Cine-Fi Announces Price Cut,
Improvements for New Model 11
Acoustic Design: A 'Sound' Investment
For Theatres of Today and Tomorrow By John T. Sery 12
"The motion picture theatre is a 'vehicle' of sorts. It has the
opportunity to transport people to places and times they woidd
not otherwise have access to. If compromise in the design or
construction is made out of consideration for the possible future
conversion to a bowling alley or furniture store, I suggest these
thoughts are a form of self-fulfilling prophecy."
The Psychology of Concession Sales:
A Look at the Subtlety of Selling By Gary Burch 16
"With concession .sales meaning more and more to the financial
success of a theatre, how can exhibitors make the most efficient
use of the space and time available?"
GARY BUM
o bound-in section published eflch month in BOXOFFICE. Editoorrcspondcncc
should be addressed to Vance Publishing Corp.
825 Van Brunt Blvd. Konsos City, Mo. 64124. Eastern Representotivc: James Young, 1270
Sixth Ave, Roclcefellef Center, New York, N.Y. 10020; Western Representative: Rolph
Kominsky, IBOO N. Highland, Suite 707, Hollywood, Calif. 90028.
I

Hov/didthe/likeit?
THEY RAVED:
"The Significant Seven, and all their sensational Christie products, are simply not to
be missed "
Arthur Stein, Jr, General Manager
Central States Theatre Corp. , Des Moines, Iowa
"\A/hat performers—the Combo Console, the film cleaner, the service, everything!"
William Glazer, General Manager
Sack Theatres, Boston, Massachusetts
"The Significant Seven hove made a significant contribution to the movie industry. Bravo!"
Dick Green, General Operations Manager
National Theatre Supply Corp., NewYork, N.Y
"Christie Autowind and sound equipment is the finest in the industry And what a great
bunch of guys they've got promoting it."
Gene Joines, chief Projectionist
Family Theatres, Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma
"Brilliant!
Especially Christie's long-lasting Xenolite bulbs."
Jim Barry, Manager
Western Theatrical Equipment Co., San Francisco, California
"These guys unquestionably get my vote for best performance of the year."
Harold Abbott, President
Abbott Theatre Equipment Co., Inc., Bensenville, Illinois
m^

The "Cincsphi'ic." an IMAX iheatre in "Ontario Place." a theme
park owned by the Province of Ontario at Toronto. Theatre attendance
at the SOO-seat theatre exceeds one iniUion each year.
Ptojectionisfi thiead the IMAX projectot at the U.S. Pavilion during
Expo '74 Aflei thieading. the ptojector housing rises to the
roof of the booth while the film reel unit remains in place.
THE IMAX/OMNIMAX GIANT THEATRES
In an age when multi-auditorium complexes
and converted single-screen operations
have reduced screen size to a minimum,
the IMAX and OMNIMAX projection
systems have found a lucrative audience
that is attracted to and awed by the
format's gigantic screen.
What is IMAX? According to Graeme
Ferguson, president of IMAX Systems
Corp. and inventor of the systems, "IMAX
is a totally new experience—a giant motion
picture that fills the viewer's field of vision
with an image of unprecedented quality:
sharper, steadier and more detailed than
ever before seen."
Its big brother, OMNIMAX. is described
by Ferguson as "the only motion picture
projector in the world capable of projecting
a high-fidelity motion picture image on
the inside of a dome."
While IMAX and OMNIMAX installations
have been confined to planetariums
and theme parks, their drawing power has
been phenomenal. The IMAX Theatre in
the National Air and Space Museum, Washington,
D.C., is probably the most successful
cinema in the world in terms of attendance.
In 1976, its first year of operation,
the 485-seat theatre entertained 1,-
168,233 patrons.
Minnesota Science Museum's OMNI-
MAX Theatre has become one of the largest
attractions in that state since it opened
nearly a half year ago. As compared to
other regional attractions, the OMNIMAX
Theatre ranks third below the new Minnesota
Zoo and the Minnesota Twins baseball
team.
The number of such theatres has steadily
grown since the opening of the first IMAX
Theatre in the Fuji Group Pavilion at Expo
'70. There are currently four OMNIMAX
and twelve IMAX theatres in operation.
The OMNIMAX installations include the
"Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre" in San
Diego, Calif.; the "Science Museum of Minnesota"
in St. Paul, Minn.; the "Centre Cultural
Alfa" in Monterrey, Mexico, and the
"Detroit Science Center" in Detroit, Mich.
IMAX installations include 'Ontario
Place" in Toronto; the "Riverfront Park"
in Spokane, Wash.; "Marriott's Great America"
in Santa Clara, Calif.; "Cedar Point"
in Sandusky, Ohio; the "Living History Center"
in Philadelphia, Pa., and Barnum &
Bailey and Ringling Brother's "Circus
World" in Barnum City, Fla. Three additional
facilities are scheduled to be completed
this year at "Gatlinburg Place," Gatlinburg,
Tenn.; Niagara Falls, Ontario, and
another for "Marriott's Great America" in
Gurnee, III.
MAX theatres seat from 375 to 1,100
patrons in auditoriums specifically built to
house the huge screens. In larger theatres,
the vinyl screen is up to 75-feet tall and
This line drawing .s/. r.v the various element.? of the IMAX theatre Minnesota Science Museum's OMNIMAX theatre scats J.?0 and
in the National Air ami Space Museum at Washington. D.C. This makes use of a "projector elevator" to lift the projector to its port,
facility .seals 485 people and has a screen .size measuring 75 x 48. An additional projector is used to pioject stars.
M
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

_
.
.
.
100-feet in width. All of the theatres cmploy
steeply inclined seating to guarantee
virtual front row vision for everyone.
The MAX camera, according to its inventor,
photographs the largest frame ever used
in motion pictures on 65mm horizontallymoving
film. The camera negative is then
optically printed directly onto 70mm horizontally-moving
film having 15 perforations
per frame. The frame size measures nearly
2 X 2.75-inches for a total area of 5.3 square
inches.
the floor of the booth, is essentially made
up of four horizontal platters. The entire
booth can be operated by one projectionist
from a single control console.
There are currently 24 OMNIMAX and
I MAX films in release or production and
more are being produced each year. All of
the films produced thus far are recorded
in six-channel magnetic stereo sound with
four screen channels and two surround
channels. The films cover a wide variety
of subjects—mostly educational—^and range
in length from seven to 48 minutes, although
feature length films can be shown
with the addition of a larger reel unit.
Titles include "Alfa." "American Years."
"Capture the Sun," "Catch the .Sun," "Circus
World," "Cosmos," "Energy," "Garden
Isle," "Genesis," "Labyrinth IV," "The Living
Earth," "Man Belongs to the Earth,"
"North of Superior," "Ocean," "Ontario/
Summertide," "Rivers of North America,"
"Silent Sky," "Snow Job," "Standing Up
Country," "Tiger Child," "To Fly," "Viva
Baja," "Volcano" and "Voyage to the Outer
Planets."
The films are generally shown for a full
year and are rented at a cost that varies
from two to twenty cents per head for a
20-minute film. Each theatre is allowed to
choose the best films for its own audience.
According to IMAX spokesmen, over
25.000,000 people have already seen
IMAX and OMNIMAX films. Patrons reportedly
exhibit spectacular reactions to
many of the film's special film effects, such
as a train crashing down on the audience
in
"To Fly."
While financing, planning and building
these complex theatres is obviously not for
everyone, it may very well be that OMNI-
MAX or IMAX theatres will be Ihc only
places where patrons of the future can go to
enjoy a truly "large screen" picture.
The MAX projector, designed by William
Shaw, director of development for IMAX
Systems Corp., makes use of an Australian
invention, the "rolling loop," which advances
the film horizontally through the
in projector gentle, caterpillar-like waves.
During projection, each frame is positioned
on fixed registration pins and, in addition,
the film is held firmly against the rear element
of the lens by a vacuum. As a result,
picture and focus steadiness, as well as print
are greatly enhanced.
life,
The projectors use 12,000-watt watercooled
xenon lamps for the larger screens,
although smaller screens can use a more
economical air-cooled xenon lamp. The
system's 68 per cent shutter mechanism is
said to transmit one-third more light than
the shutters found in conventional projectors.
The systems also make use of a unique
Leitz 180-degree fisheye lens for OMNI-
MAX projection and the addition of a longer
focal length lens permits IMAX presentations.
Many MAX installations use projectors
that are elevated along a shaft. The film is
threaded through the projector with the unit
lowered to the projection booth, then raised
to a projection port in the ceiling of the
booth. A film reel unit, which remains on
A woman is dwarfed by the 90 x 67-foot
screen at the U.S. Pavilion during Expo
'74. Are commercial theatres loosing the
big screen advantage?
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BOXOFTICE :: March 19, 1979

I
Figure I. A perspective view (above) of "Phase One" of ci drive-m renovation project.
The north elevation (right) shows how archilectnial clesii;n will create a fantasy image
for the finished theatre. Film-related memorabilia is sold in "Tinsel Towne."
Design & Imagery in Todays Theatre
( II
CHRIS KONTOS
By
and JON KRUEGER
1 he design ol ihj modern motion picture
theatre has not yet reached its lull potential
and can be significantly improved by offering
new design elements that deal with
image and expanded usage. The exhibitor
can increase the viability of his facilities as
well as enjoy direct financial benefits. To
respond to a changing market, design concept
considerations must be made prior to
UPPER LEVEL
Figure 2. The Simi Valley
display areas with an outh t fur o^
finished project will also onlain
the remodeling of existing theatres as well
as during the development of new facilities.
The motion picture
theatre offers the patron
something he cannot find at home. This
golden rule" was the overriding reason for
the popular success of the first generation
of picture palaces in the 1920s. A trip to
these dream worlds offered an escape into
make-believe, a short vacation from reality.
The picture palaces were places for social
gatherings, architectural extravaganzas
great atmospheric environments.
All these factois combined to create a
magnetic force that lured the customers
beneath marquees of blazing light. "The
masses, revelling in luxury and costly beauty,
go to the theatre, partly, at least, to be
thrilled by the gorgeous surroundings which
they cannot afford in their home life," stated
R. W. Sexton and B. F. Betts in their
1927 book, "American Theatres of Today."
'And they are disappointed if they do not
find the thrill they have come for. Their
on incorporates the advantages of boutique sales and
-the-counter sales to persons outside the theatre. The
amusement arcade and a flea-market.
favorite 'movie house' is the one which gives
them the biggest thrill."
In fact, the movie feature playing was
usually secondary in importance to the adventure
that was to be experienced within
the theatre itself.
A proposal for the modification of an existing
drive-in theatre (figure 1 and 2) attempts
to put the "thrill" back into the
movie-going experience. Just as the picture
palace offered a varied mixture of entertainment,
this renovation includes a multiplicity
of "events" for the patron.
A New Identity
By creating a new "identity" for the old
concession building and including unique
design features for a drive-in theatre, both
diversity and profitability are added to this
project.
The program for the redevelopment and
expanded usage of this drive-in includes the
following:
1) Twinning the existing field to maximize
the profitability of the theatre operation.
2) Adding income producing features
such as an amusement arcade and merchandising
outlet.
3) Adding associated office space and a
general upgrading of the facility.
4) The swap meet business, as in many
drive-ins, is an important income generator.
"Phase One"
The ultimate scheme, which incorporates
all of these aspects, logically takes place in
phases. It is important that "phase one"
construction, comprising the essentials of
twinning, creates a minimal amount of
"downtime." This phase represents the conversion
the of theatre operation, field modifications,
adding the second .screen tower
and a new projection room, as well as a
merchandising shop that will sell movie
memorabilia.
In the ultimate' phase, other amenities.
su:h as an outdoor eating plaza and a large
game room immediately adjacent to the
snack bar sales area, arc incorporated.
Rcnioving the existing field projection
booth so that car capacity is expanded
necessitates elevating the new projection
room, affording an opportunity to use an
exciting vertical element in a strongly horizontal
place.
This device— and others—transforms the
concession area from a dull and boring
Continued on page 8
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

flo ffloneii doiuA
25y^trci

Design and Imagery-
Continued from page 6
building to a provocative focal point for
tlie entire complex. Signage, of course, is
additionally used to attract customers.
"Tinsel Towne," the merchandising shop,
connotes the '-Hollywood" image of the
film-related memorabilia offered. Bold
graphics orient the customer and draw attention
to the building itself.
.\ giant sign. "Simi." reminds the patrons
where they are. just as the three-dimensional
decoration on the other side of the shop
is a landmark that helps to establish a sense
of place.
The phasing of construction in the drivein
renovation mentioned above can also be
carried over into the pre-planning of the
layout for now walk-in theatres. Expanded
usage and flexibility nui.st be designed into
the project at the outset of design development
studies.
In the case of a proposal calling for a
twin or triplex to possibly be converted to
a fourplex. flexibility is achieved through
zoning .and the linear expansion of the
snack bar, storage areas and mechanical
service.
An effective facility at minimal expense,
allowing for expansion, can be achieved in
Phase One. In Phase Two, not only is the
size of the operation increased, but all
necessary functional areas that support the
expanded complex are enlarged. Ultimately,
the large house can be converted to another
pair of twin auditoriums, or even reconverted
back to a single, large auditorium.
Figure 3. The single projection booth in a
project that comprises two 300-seat auditoriums
in a back-to-back arrangement.
When we say,
'This is Soundfold/'
it's Soundfold!
When someone else says,
'This is Soundfold,"
maybe it's not!
There is one way to be sure your getting
Soundfold call us collect at the number
below. Soundfold is sold direct or through
exclusive distributors.
Take the time to make sure.
Please send me information on Soundfold
Address.
City
Zip.
Soundfold International
Call collect 513 228 3773 or 513 293-2671.
Theatres must necessarily cope with the
pressures of the changing marketplace. Flexibility
is high on the list of priorities. Unfortunately,
the industry exists in an era
when various theatre promoters still unimaginatively
single auditoriums
offer static, and single purpose facilities.
For independent exhibitors (anxious to
get into "showbiz"), the evolution of our
industry has progressed to the point where
a small, single auditorium theatre is practically
useless—especially in highly competitive
areas.
Film marketing techniques oater to multiple,
rather than single operations, a trend
that is proliferating.
A Study Model
Today's society shares many of the same
values as the masses that engulfed the old
picture palaces. Can the ornateness and luxury
experienced by those audiences be repeated
in today's economy?
Possibly we can discover surrogate values.
Architectural symbols, allusions and references
to the past are tools that obviously
reinforce and stir the imagination of the
theatre patron. But these should be supplemented
by the new societal values which
have evolved within the last fifty years.
The fast food industry seems to be an
excellent "study model" of these new values.
Conveniently located restaurants achieve
distinction through personalization, friendly
service and recognizability, satisfying individual
needs and wants. Practical aspects of
good food and service are cleveriy combined
with elements of fantasy and escapism.
A theatre should be packaged in much
the same way, including a low-cost "shell,"
technically perfect equipment and a total
image that matches American cultural value.
Efficiency, coupled with patron comfort, is
of prime importance.
One such project comprises two 300-scat
houses in a back-to-back arrangement (figure
3). A central core is composed of the
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

est rooms below, with the projection room
above. The lobby space utilizes a full, twostory
height, then dramatically lowers to
form an entry portal for the theatres.
Close examination of fast food outlets
reveals that the buildings are straightforward
and low-cost, with only a few articulated
elements. These create a richness that
is symbolically important to the customers,
i.e. McDonald's "golden arches." These
shapes are symbolic, not functional, and
connote different things to different people.
^{Str^
Figure 4. A color-coded portal directs traffic
while signifying a trip into a world of
make-believe, fantasy and enjoyment.
A more literal gateway occurs within the
prototype lobby, (figure 4). signifying a
trip in time—a progression into a world of
make-believe. Each half of the portal is
color-coded to further define the differing
film attractions offered in each theatre.
The physical shapes of this portal, and
several other key elements of the prototype,
are derived from various architectural
sources of the past.
Making an Image
Symbols are vitally important. If theatres
lack special architectural significance, they
will not be successful image-makers.
There is no single "correct" solution to
theatre design because there are so many
different problems to address. At a time
when film itself is considered the only important
aspect in our business, properly
designed facilities can ma.\imize the moviegoing
experience for the patron, allowing
the exhibitor some diversity, as well as a
chance to respond to the continuing evolution
of the theatre marketplace.
Approaches such as those offered in this
article reiterate the fact that exhibitors
should be in contact with a knowledgeable
architectural design group. One that can
communicate ideas garnered through research,
insight and a pertinent understanding
of current technology, rather than depending
upon happenstance advice.
Only by joining forces with proper consultants
can design factors of the modern
motion picture theatre be realized.
This article was developed by Mssrs. Kontos
and Krueger from an audio visual program
which was presented to exhibitors attending
the ShoWesT '79 convention. Chris Kontos,
vice-president of the Filbert Co.. is a graduate
of the school of architecture at the University
of Southern California. Jon Krueger.
a graduate of the same school, is head of the
architectural
design department for the Filbert
Co.
BOXOFFICE ;: March 19, 1979

NEW
LBJLflJLRJl-gJLajULlLfl-a-flJUUL0J>-llA.8 8 B BJLg
EQUIPMENT
= and =
DEVELOPMENTS
raTiiTB'TrireDTTnra o o b oa oTnrinnrinnnn)'
f I'
sound of the
70'S
Drive-ln Theatre Mfg. Offers
Two New Aufomal-ion Systems
The Electronics division of Drive-In Theatre
Mfg. Co. recently introduced two new
automation systems designated as the ATS-2
and the DPA-1. Both reportedly are designed
for the precise automated control of projector
and auditorium functions.
The systems feature single button control
of curtains, house lights, background music,
projector and sound. Functions reverse
themselves at the end of the show.
Model ATS-2, designed for single
projector
operation in conjunction with platter
systems and large reel transport systems,
controls the following functions in pre-programmed
sequence: provides pre-timed
start, turns on xenon lamp, starts projector
and platter systems, turns on picture and
film sound, turns off background music,
opens curtain, dims house lights, dims foot
lights,
reverses functions for a pre-timed intermission,
repeats functions at end of intermission,
and repeats functions in reverse
for close of performance.
Model DPA-1, designed for dual projector
operation in conjunction with changeover
rcel-to-reel systems, has a manual override
and automatically controls a pre-timed
start, projector motors (off/on), projector
lamps (off/ on), picture and sound changeovers,
background music (off/ on), house
light dimmer (bright/ dim), curtain (open/
close), masking (flat/ scope), and intermission.
Both models feature a built-in 15-minute
timer and film roller cue detectors. An installation,
maintenance and operation manual
with detailed wiring diagrams is included
for fast and efficient
installation.
Optional features for both systems include
a failsafe split film cue detector and remote
control capabilities. The remote start panel
for the ATS-2 includes an on/off indicator
light. The remote control panel for the
DPA-1 controls left and right projector
motors, left and right projector lamps, left
and right projector starts, background music,
film and sound changeover, and masking.
Both systems reportedly are easy to operate,
lightweight and compact. For more information,
enter 105 on the Reader's Service
card.
other modelb available.
For complete catalog and prices
write to:
(fen T^-if^dj-M^. %.
PROJEC "D SOUND, INC.
P.O. BOX T?
PLAINFIELD, INDIANA 46168
(317)839-41:
The KNEISLEY Lamphouse to
Remember when Equipping Your Theatre,
—write /or itte details—
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XENEX
• It's moderotely priced, ruggedly constructed.
Clean styling. Complete rear instrument panel.
Access to interior through full hinged doors.
Adjustable nose cone. Heavy duty igniter.
• Horizontal lamp and 14 inch dichroic coated,
glass reflector provide greater light pickup and
excellent screen coverage. Focusing ond beom
controls provided.
• Accommodotes 1000 through 4000 watt Xenon
Lamps for indoor and outdoor screens up to
125 feet wide.
• Magnetic arc stabilization properly positions
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• Blower cooled. Manual ignition and manual
douser ore standard. Automotie Ignition op-
THE KNEISLEY ELECTRIC COMPANY, P.O. BOX 4692, TOLEDO, OHIO 43620
10
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

Cine-Fi Announces Price Cut-,
Improvements for New Model
Cine-Fi, the drive-in theatre sound system,
recently announced that it is introducing
a new model for 1979 with improved
quality and a reduction in price for the exhibitor.
The firm also announced that it has
been honored with an Academy Award for
Technical Achievement in 1978 by the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The announcement was made by
president Howard W. Koch.
The new model features a transmitter selector
with a built-in audio mixer and a
new, digital frequency readout.
While the firm has reportedly improved
the quality of the system as a result of extensive
research and development by Cine-
Fi International and Meisei Electric (the
company who manufactures Cine-Fi equipment),
the price
reduced.
for the new model has been
The new price for a 400-car, single drivein
theatre system is $5,995 while the cost
for an 800-car, twin drive-in is $9,013.
These arc suggested dealer's retail prices.
To this you add $2.50 per cable for each
car position.
The firm also offers low cost installation,
leasing terms and a reportedly substantial
savings in maintenance.
The new model system is now in operation
at the Woodward Park Drive-ln Theatre
in Fresno, Calif. According to company
spokesmen, "This unique system is now
operating on a single frequency in multiplex
drive-in theatres without interference
and allowing for great audience convenience."
Cine-Fi International, a Los Angelesbased
corporation involving Pacific Theatres,
spearheaded by Michael Forman, executive
vice-president; and Kiichi Sekiguchi.
pai'tner and inventor of Cine-Fi, will be
honored by the Academy when Sekiguchi
receives a Technical Achievement Award
for 1978.
The honored drive-in sound system is
currently being distributed successfully in
Australia. Greater Union Theatre Supplies,
Pty. Ltd., and Village Theatre Supplies,
Pty. Ltd., are equipping and selling Cine-
Fi to theatres throughout Australia, the
firm reports.
Village Theatres installed 16 theatres simultaneously
with the system and heralded
the event with a "Cine-Fi Day" backed by
national television and heavy newspaper
and radio campaigns. Theatres in that country
displayed trailers for weeks in advance,
the firm reports, and customers and press
alike received the system enthusiastically.
For more information on Cine-Fi. enter
104 on the Reader's Service card.
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March 19, 1979

. ,
j I Acoustic Design: A 'Sound Investment
Si^ ^%cductA For Theatres of Today and Tomorrow
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By JOHN T. SERY
Visualize yourself stepping through a top
story office building window into the thin
air. Everyday experience tells you what will
happen next. You will fall. As long as the
laws of nature continue to be predictable,
leaving through that window will continue
to be unadvisable. Ignorance of those laws
offers no salvation.
Thorough knowledge, on the other hand,
is a decided advantage. Being able to make
precise predictions about the behavior of
objects in a gravitational field is an absolute
necessity for the space program. Lacking
this knowledge, satellites would wind up
in
orbit only by chance, and the lunar landing
would not have taken place; the landing
module would have passed wide of the
mark.
Transporting People
The motion picture theatre is a "vehicle"
of sorts. It has the opportunity to transport
people to places and times they would not
otherwise have access to. In many instances,
this opportunity is lost during the planning
stage. Decisions are made regarding auditorium
shapes, construction materials and
interior furnishings without knowledge of
acoustical laws.
Designing a theatre by intuitive methods
or by "winging it" will assure the outcome
to be as unpredictable as a lottery. The
chances of having a winner are rather small;
the chances of missing the mark are high.
Missing the mark acoustically means that
dialogue will be difficult to understand,
music will be muddy and sound effects will
lack impact. A high cost sound system cannot
remedy all the defects which result from
a lack of proper attention to design details.
... in their fields.
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35mm SYSTEM is a complete
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Replacement plan financing,
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Since it is always much more expensive
to try to "fix" a bad design than it is to design
and build correctly in the first place,
it is my intention to give some general principles
of acoustical design in theatres, particularly
in defining what the aims of the
design should be and, hopefully, to provide
a
stimulus for the reader to pursue the subject
further.
At this point it is appropriate to review
the definition of a "theatre." The College
edition of Webster's New World Dictionary
of the American Language defines a theatre
(or theater) as "a place where plays,
operas, motion pictures, etc.. are presented;
especially a building expressly designed for
such a performance." (emphasis added)
I assume that anyone undertaking the
construction of a theatre has a positive attitude
concerning its business prospects. A
positive attitude will be reflected in a willingness
to take extra pains to assure the
creation of something special. If compromise
in the design or construction is made
out of consideration for the possible future
conversion of the building into a bowling
alley or furniture store. I suggest these
thoughts are a form of self-fulfilling prophecy.
For want of care in design, pizazz is
lost; for want of pizazz, patrons are lost;
for want of patrons, money is lost; for want
of money, the theatre is
lost.
Acoustical Pizazz
So. what is needed to provide an auditorium
with acoustic pizazz? The first step
is
out more from .
selecting the shape and the ratios of length
to width to height; the scale of which will
be determined by the seating capacity. Ideally,
the auditorium should be trapezoidal in
shape; narrower in the front than in the
Western Service & Supply, Inc.
2100 Stout St. • Denver, CO 80201
(303)534-7611
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

. mono
-
Having blocked outside noises, it is obviously
foolish to install air conditioning
systems and other utilities which introduce
extraneous noise from within the building.
The object is to provide an N-25 (38 db-A)
noise rating or lower. Roof mounted heating
and air conditioning units are particularly
troublesome and extraordinary measures
are required to utilize them while still
maintaining the required low level of interior
noise.
Such units need to be hung by long-throw
springs and the connecting ducts must be
lined with sound absorbent material.
Projection room noises must be kept out
of the auditorium by a suitable wall. The
/HARRY
JVIELCHER
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
Complete ProjKtion and
^mjij vi»u»l Equipme
Sound Equipment
Acoustical Wall CBverlng
Concession Equipment
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CoiUinued on followini; pai>e
MARBLE HELPS... With High Quality, Low Prices, and
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- - - •
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Figure I . Auditorium shape, as well as wall
and ceiling surface treatments, have a definite
bearing on acoustical quality.
rear. The walls and ceiling should be made
up of convex cylindrical surfaces; concave
surfaces are to be avoided like the plague.
Figure one illustrates the desired shape.
In a theatre having under 500 seats, a
rectangular shape is acceptable. However,
it is desirable to make the dimensions prime
numbers, i.e., divisible only by themselves
and one. This will help to suppress objectionable
resonances which develop where
parallel walls are used.
Convex cylindrical surfaces, again, will
work advantageously to randomize reflections
without unduly reducing reverberation
time. The ratio of length to width should
be under 2:1, particularly for a theatre intending
to install a stereophonic sound system.
Dimensions
The height of the auditorium can be determined
by the number of seats and the
floor plan. Not less than 135 cubic feet
per seat should be allowed for modest
35mm installations and up to 350 cubic feet
per seat should be allowed in wide format
projection (70mm).
The ambient noise at the selected site
should be measured over a period of time
in order to determine the noise transmission
loss required of the outside walls. Locations
near busy airports may require a doubleshell
construction to achieve the desired
quietude in the auditorium.
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BOXOFFICE :: March 19, 1979
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^
Acoustic Design-
Continiieil from preceding page
ports must be closed with optical glass
which is effectively sealed in the frames so
the resulting assembly is air tight. Any
gaps will let a surprising amount of noise
through, negating whatever may have been
invested in special wall structures.
The projectors should be floated on a
separate four-inch thick concrete slab supported
by resilient material such as cork.
This provides a stable base for the machines
as well as reducing the mechanical noise
of the projector transmitted through the
floor.
Having reduced undesired noises to a
minimum, we will now set about maximizing
the effectiveness of those sounds we
desire. Building materials have a great deal
to do with the results which can be achieved.
High fidelity reproduction, in part, means
a full range of frequencies including the
deep bass. It is not easy to generate large
amounts of bass power economically since
these are the most taxing of speaker and
amplifier capabilities. Therefore, it does not
make sense to needlessly absorb bass frequencies.
This is just what is done by many
common construction methods and materials.
Coarse concrete block absorbs bass frequencies
very well unless it is sealed by plastering.
A side benefit of sealing the block
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Figure 2. The shaded areas show where
acoustical fiberglass should be used to control
reverberation time, bass enhancement
and auditorium volume levels.
ferred. Suspended ceilings are extremely
effective bass absorbers. The frequency of
maximum absorption is determined by the
distance between the roof deck and the suspended
tiles. What is needed to sustain good
bass response is a solid ceiling such as metal
lath and plaster or well supported dry wall.
The penalty paid when there is excessive
bass absorption in a room takes one of two
forms; either the system is operated without
equalization and there is no bass, or,
with equalization to bring the bass up to
the approximately correct level, the level of
modulation distortion generated in the
speaker system makes the result unpleasant
to hear.
The treatment of the auditorium interior
is done according to well established guide-
is increased transmission loss for outside
lines concerning reverberation time versus
noise. Poured concrete construction is pre- volume. An auditorium with stereo is treated
somewhat differently than one playing
monophonic only. The stereo house should
have a reverberation time approximately 20
per cent shorter than is recommended for a
mono house.
The treatment should consist of not less
than a two inch thickness of Owens Corning
type 703 fiberglass or an equivalent applied
to all areas of first reflection of sound
waves. Stated another way. if one was to
imagine the walls and ceiling of the auditorium
as mirrors, fiberglass material would
The following books represent a
beginning reading list for anyone interested
in the acoustic design of the-
(itres. If these books are not available
from the publisher or your public library,
they may he found in the technical
library of a college or university.
"Acoustic Design and Noise Control"
hv Michael Rettinger, Chemical Publi'shing
Co., N.Y., N.Y.
Widescreen Cinema and Stereophonic
Sound" by Michael Z. Wysotsky,
Communications Arts Books, Hastings
House Publishers, N.Y., N.Y.
•Acoustics of Stiulios and Auditoria"
by V. S. Mankowsky, Communications
A,rls Books, Hastings House Publisher^,
N.Y., N.Y.
"Audio Cvclopedia" by Howard M.
ircmainc, Howard W. Sams Co..
Number 20675.
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

e placed anywhere you could see a stage
speaker on one reflection viewed from any
and all seat locations. Figure two illustrates
this principle.
Wall covering systems (the decorative
type) are insufficient in treatment themselves
since their absorption factor is too
low, particularly for the frequencies between
250Hz and 2000Hz. Insufficient
treatment carries the penalty of early reflections
of sound which will confuse dialogue
and hamper the listener's ability to
localize the sound source. It is extremely
important to treat the walls to a point below
a seated patron's shoulder level.
Continental seating holds many advantages
for the theatre. With aisles at the side
walls, the worst seats, from the acoustic
point of view, are eliminated.
Avoiding the center aisle preserves the
best seats. Extreme viewing angles are also
eliminated. Therefore, particularly with 40
to 44-inch back to back spacing (which can
be beneficial to concession sales), continental
seating is the most satisfying from the
customer's viewpoint.
The superficial outline above may give
an idea of the many aspects of auditorium
construction and treatment, which, if not
done properly and in keeping with scientific
principles, may result in an acoustic nightmare.
Leslie J. Wheeler, in his book 'Principles
of Cinematography" said, "Inevitably, the
cinema will only attract and hold its audiences
if it can convince them that it offers
something niore slimulating and satisfying
than television. Great advantages which the
cinema can always retain are ( 1 ) absolute
control over final picture quality and of the
conditions under which that quality is displayed,
and (2) a high standard of program
presentation technique. Unless these factors
are exploited to the utmost, we must not be
surprised if the audiences fail to support the
industry in which, surely, the first consider-
ation must be showniauship!' " (emphasis
added
One may choose not to design for "ab-solute
control." I am confident that this approach
will get by in the .short term. I am
also confident that such establishments will
be excused from participation in the future
of the entertainment industry.
The exhibitor who transforms his
respect
for customers into a first class facility for
their total enjoyment will assure his own
success in the coming decades.
John T. Sery is the president of Cinema
Systems, Inc., a theatre equipment and supply
dealer based in Minneapolis. Minn.
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BOXOFFICE :: March 19, 1979

The Psychology of Concession Sales;
A Look at the Subtlety of Selling
By GARY BURCH
Selling refreshment items can be a tricky
business. You've got to have the right kind
of concession stand in the right place. You
have to stock it with the right kind of merchandise.
Your concession personnel have to
serve huge mobs within a short period of
time, yet remain calm, fast and friendly. On
top of all of the headaches that concession
management entails, you've got a theatre to
run.
It used to be that concession sales were
performed in a more leisurely manner. In the
bygone days of intermissions, you decided
how much time to allow patrons to make
a selection and return to their seats. Intermissions
are nearly a thing of the past and
now the goal is to get patrons into the theatre
as fast as possible, then out again at the
end of the show so that more paying patrons
can be entertained. If this is done efficiently,
more showings can be scheduled within
a
day.
With concession sales meaning more and
more to the financial success of a theatre,
how can exhibitors make the most efficient
use of the space and time available? Many
sophisticated solutions are being
k^
"discovered"
within this industry to facilitate concession
sales. Most of them have been in use
for years in the broad field of impulse sales
and point-of-purchase techniques.
The goal of increasing concession sales is
an objective that should be considered long
before the architect's pen touches the paper.
Some of the design aspects of the physical
theatre have great bearing on the success or
failure of concession sales.
Theatre
Design and Sales
Mel Glatz of Mel Glatz and Associates in
Lakewood, Colo., recently reported that his
firm is involved in the construction of a new
six-plex design which he believes influences
the concession area's sales. "The auditorium
arrangement," Glatz explains, "while a little
excessive in use of square footage for the
seating capacities, is also geared to promote
concession sales because there are only four
seats from the aisle to the wall and only
eight seats in the center section.
"We have found this to be very conducive
to additional sales as compared with, say.
14 seats in a row. It probably results in 100
per cent better sales than with what is
termed the wide, continental seating where
there are 30 or more seats per row."

psychological advantages of circular concession
stands are probably the most intriguing.
Its circular nature provides adequate space
around the stand to accommodate 60 patrons,
depending upon its circumference.
Each of these 60 patrons believes that he
will be the first to be waited on. Another
70 to 75 patrons can comfortably assemble
behind the original 60 and they each think
that they will be waited on next."
Glatz's new six-plex design also makes
use of an unconventional concession stand
which his firm calls a "semi-island" snack
bar. It holds in excess of 60 feet of counter
space.
"This bar is easily accessible from all
auditoriums with access for a substantial
holdout area in the lobby. So far as we are
concerned," Glatz asserts, "it has been proven
that this type of concession stand,
coupled with liberal lengths of counter
space, can produce 15 to 20 per cent more
sales
per person."
Limiting
Selections
Before you've established the final size,
shape and location of the concession stand,
you might want to consider what items you'll
be carrying. Perry Lowe, president of the
National Assoc, of Concessionaires, suggests
three rules to limiting selections.
1) Merchandise high-turnover products.
2) Suggest the purchase of larger, more
profitable sizes.
3) Don't carry more than 15 selections of
candy because A) It takes too long to decide
between more than 15, B) The top 15
brands contribute over 75 per cent of total
candy sales anyway. C) U.S. per capita
candy consumption has decreased steadily
for the past ten years and D) You can't
make any profit with candy since it has the
highest food cost and the most visible price.
Beyond that, Lowe suggests stocking
only three sizes of cold drinks and popcorn
in order to cut down on your customers'
decision-making time. "Specifically, if you
aren't selling a 32-ounce cold drink and a
170-ounce popcorn as your largest sizes.
you're missing a proven opportunity," he
contends.
"Despite this, a national survey of 4,273
indoor theatre operations reveals that only
4.6 per cent carry a 32-ounce cold drink
size or greater," he continues. "Indeed, only
10.9 per cent carry a 24-ounce or greater
cold cup.
Soft
Drink Sizes
"What does all this mean to those of us
in the theatre industry?" Lowe asks. "It
means that you can make more money by
adding larger sizes. How many? Three, Remember,
nobody is forced to buy the largest
size of anything, but if you don't have large
enough sizes for your patron mix. you cannot
make that sale.
"We hold our customers captive for two
or more hours. During this interval, it is not
unreasonable to expect your theatre customers
to consume at least one litre of soft
drinks."
Lowe points out that fast food operations
Continued on followinf,' page
Cretors Giant Popping
Plant will nickel
and dime you to
$90 an hour.
'^
Hot Popcorn. 15C a box. What a great
way to make $90 an hour.
Cretors Giant Popping Plant with a 32 oz.
kettle pops over 600 bags of delicious, piping hot popcorn every hour.
Sell it for 15C a box and in just an hour you'll have over
$90 in the cash register. And Cretors Giant is so
durable, so well-built that you can expect that
kind of output hour after hour, year after year.
The Giant is equipped with an
Automatic Seasoning Pump and heated
stainless steel receiving tray with chute
for easy filling of containers.
Cretors Giant Popping Plant
GS 32 EP (electric) or GS 32
GP (gas) Capacity: 32-oz. Dimensions:
75" long X 30" wide
X 67" overall height, (Also available
with 20-02. electric kettle.
(Gas operates with safety pilot.)
Voltage: 115/208 or 115/230
Cretors Giant is fast. It's efficient. And it belongs in large
theatres or any other high-traffic, high-volume location.
Cretors Giant Popper works continuously in your
"back room" while you're out front making people happy.
And taking in the money.
Cretors is also your headquarters
for Popcorn Warmers, Cotton Candy and
Caramelcorn Machines and Accessories.
Send for complete information about
the Cretors line and the name and address
of your nearby Cretors Distributor.
CRETORS
27 Popcorn Building
Nashville, Tenn. 37202
Factory: Chicago, Illinois
Cretors is Popcorn
(and has been since 1885.)
BOXOFFICE :: March 19, 1979

Concession Psychology-
CDiUiiiiit'd from prccediiii; page
normally stock 32. 16 and IZ-ouncc cup
sizes. "Assuming that our patrons will consume
the product over a much longer time
period. I recommend the 14-ounce for the
vounger customers and the 24 ounce to satisfy
the mid-range.
"A quick look at the profit implications
of adding three sizes is exciting." he continues.
A senu-hluiid snack bar (Ufn ; a Sack Cinema inslalla
.ined by Stein
following profit figures are
"The
Woodcraft.
based on 1.000 transactions. Switching from
The circular stand
operated by Ogden Foods.
one to two sizes increases profits 8.2 per
right) is located in Loews Harmon Cov theatre. It is
going from one to three sizes increases
Beyond the common knowledge of keeping
the location of these items. If the patron is
cent;
profits 8.2 per cent; going from one to three
truly interested in buying, he will return to
concesssion areas neat, simple, clean
sizes increases profits by 30.6 per cent, and
going from two to three sizes increases profits
the lobby at the conclusion of the show. In
some cases, this can cause a tie-up with new
and organized,
that lighting imparts
there is a subtle influence
to concession sales.
by 20.7 per cent.
patrons entering the lobby while old patrons Fluorescent lighting having a bluish tint
"What's the conclusion? The days of the
movie
congregate at the concession stand.
should generally be avoided, except near
9. 12 and 16-ounce Cokes at theatres
are dead . . . and so are your refreshment
Where possible, refreshments should be posters and T-shirts. Here it brings a slight
located near the holdover area at the theatre glow to the products and makes them more
profits if you don"t keep up with your patron's
entrance and film-related items should be on exciting and attractive.
preferences."
the opposite side near the exit doors. Where Lighting over popcorn should be slightly
Film-related Merchandise
this is not possible, a satellite concession
stand may be used at the most appropriate
yellow to accentuate the butter color, and
light with a red hue is good for foods such
Another consideration in establishing
as hot dogs, pizza and other hot foods. Try
concession stand size and location is the
to keep the light above candy and concession
possible expansion of the concession line to
employees essentially white. Any other
include film-related merchandise. The concession
color gives the area a ghostly appearance.
as a theatre boutique is an idea that
rapidly expanding. Many circuits are adding
Concession Promotions
it
posters. T-shirts, buttons, souvenir pro-
By all means, you should launch at least
grams and soundtrack albums to their line
two concession promotions each year—one
of concession merchandise. Display and under-counter
space should be provided for
at Christmas and another during the summer
months—but don't clutter the area with
such items.
signs, banners and displays. You need to
One of the problems confronting theatres
help your customers make quick decisions.
selling such items has been their location
within established traffic patterns. These
products primarily sell at the conclusion of
the showing, not before or during. Since
most theatres have more than one exit, some
potential sales are lost.
Certainly, some kind of screen trailer
should be employed to inform patrons of
Soft drink cup sizes should include either
a 32-ounce or one litre cup for the large
size, a 24-ounce cup for the mid-range and
a 14-ounce cup for younger customers.
How to buttef up an
T The Popcorn Train is the only popcorn
carrier that holds a popcorn bucket and
a drink cup in one convenient package.
So eveiy sale is two sales. Colorful
posters and mobiles available.
For more information about the
money-making Popcorn Train
contact Dixie 'Marathon,
2A5 American Lane,
Greenvi/ich, CT 06830.
(203)552-4183.
DISCie/MaRaTHON
Just give them the facts!
Paul Hatch, an exhibitor in Wolfeboro,
N. H.. offers an additional display tip that
may save some exhibitors' tax money. If
you have to pay a state, city or local tax
on concession sales, he suggests, check with
the appropriate government agency. Certain
items may be taxed, but there are some
items on which you may not have to pay
taxes under certain circumstances.
For example, candy that is served to a
patron by an employee from an enclosed,
glass covered counter may be taxable because
the employee meets the description of
a salesperson. If. however, the candy is not
covered and may be selected directly by the
patron who then pays the employee (who
then becomes a cashier), the item may be
sold tax free.
Pricing
There are two schools of thought in concession
merchandise pricing. One side is
aptly represented by Ralph J. Erwin in his
book "The Manual of Theatre Management."
Erwin states that "a dangerous trend
is developing. Smaller beverage cups have
disappeared from many concessions. Only
the giant size remains. The nickel bag of
popcorn has been replaced by jumbo .superbuckets.
Candy is packaged in high-tag
boxes. Modern management has turned its
back on the small purchaser, too soon forgetting
that kids with nickels and dimes
made showbusines^ what it was in the gold-
Ihosc -kels and dimes, piled into
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

Complete Concession
Centers
Butler-Proctor
Planned-Built-Equipped
ilifr
prortwr
Installed
Call or Write
2335 S IncQ Denver Colo (303)934 5435
ribiitinfl c«.
Redstone's "Circle of Profit" conces'^ion \land pio\idt\ cuUqiuile space to accommodate
60 patrons. Each of these patrons beheves that he wdl he waited on next, while
the patrons behind them think that they are second in
mountains of volume sales,
added up to millions
of dollars at the boxoffice and the
popcorn machine. Who bought the tickets?
Who filled the houses to overflowing? Millions
upon millions of dollars poured into
theatres across the country—ten cents at a
time. Little drops of water make oceans
big."
The other side is summarized in Lowe"s
plea for exhibitors to remember, "there is no
price elasticity of demand in concession sales
with captive audiences. That dime candy-bar
really is 35 cents now in the overwhelming
majority of theatre refreshment stands, and
inflation is an accepted way of life in this
country. Theatres are not in competition
with grocery stores or fast-food operations.
Charge a premium price for a premium,
high-quality product.
"If your theatre operation is first class, if
your films are first run, if your ticket prices
are first tier, if your refreshments are first
quality, then price that way—as long as
there is value. Don't be afraid. Increase
your prices."
Lowe qualifies his beliefs with a very important
condition:
". . . as long as there is
value." The condition of value is accepted
by both schools of concession pricing. Lowe
line.
elaborates that "it is a natural tendancy
among people to go for a deal. Simply put.
if we establish a price-per-ounce that decreases
with an increase in size, we have
made an appeal to this tendancy."
"Why bother?" he asks. "As businessmen,
we appreciate the value of customer
satisfaction. History has shown that such a
value pricing structure, properly communicated,
causes trade up to the mid-range.
This, in turn, translates into more profit.
The result can be as high as 18 per cent.
This is how your theatre customers will react
to a 'deal,' and that is value pricing."
Perhaps it is the desire in patrons to not
appear frugal that prompts them to ask for
any size but "small." It may make little
difference how hungry or thirsty he is. or
how large the container, but depend solely
on the influence of social behavior.
In summary, selling refreshment items can
be a tricky business. Clearly, psychological
and social influences have at least some
bearing on sales. Since this facet of theatre
operations and planning is so important to
the financial success of your theatre, devote
as much time to this complex area as you
would any other aspect of your theatre.
Concessions management is a priority\
'specialist in twinning, building]
or
remodeling theatres
I
j
We are "THE" specialist in the creation of a twin or multi-theatre from -
your existing theatre. Complete turnkey job, plans, engineering,
construction and finishing. Call or write:
I
j
Norman and Friddell, 94 Panorama Dr., Conroe, Tx. 77301
I A/C 713-856-5297
j
Address all
correspondence
BOXOFFICE :: March 19. 1979

about PEOPLE / and
I
PRODUCT
La^uence Can
'''''^ '" .°^'°" P''^
ture projection and
Osram HMI bulbs used in television and
motion picture production.
Macbeth also markets super pressure
mercury, tungsten-halogen and focused filament
lamps for medical equipment, microscopes
and other types of instrumentation.
Carr joined Macbeth in 1974 and was
named vice-president in 1978. He earned
his undergraduate degree at Marist College
and his graduate degree in business at Union
College. He resides in Cornwall, N.Y., with
his
wife and two children.
Technical Achievement- Awards
To Dolby, Schneider & Cine-Fi
Academy plaques, honoring scientific and
engineering achievements, have been awarded
to Ray M. Dolby, loan R. Allen, David
P. Robinson, Stephen M. Katz and Philip
S. J. Boole of Dolby Laboratories for their
work in improving theatre sound.
Technical achievement awards, in the
form of certificates, went to Karl Macher
and Glenn M. Berggren of Jos. Schneider
Co. for the development of the Cinelux
Ultra lens and to Kiichi Sekiguchi of Meisei
Electric Co. for the development of the
Cine-Fi auto radio sound svstem.
Christie Equipment Installed
At API's Washington Theatre
The American Film Institute Theatre,
Larry Carr Named Presidenf
Of Macbeth Sales Corp.
Lawrence P. Carr, who had been vicepresident
and controller of Macbeth Sales located at the John F. Kennedy Center for
was recently the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.,
named its president. and known internationally for the exceptional
Macbeth, a wholly
tCorp..
quality of the films shown there, has
owned subsidiary of recently installed three Christie Electric H-
Osram. GmbH, is one
of the country's leading
30 lamphouses in order to put an image of
greater quality on the screen, according to
importers and Christie sfwkesmen.
marketers of specialty
"The results are readily apparent," says
light sources.
Ray Berry, the technical officer and film
It sells
Osram
and
xenon
services
bulbs
booker there. "For example, we work in
conjunction with the Library of Congress
in the preservation of old films ard do a
great deal of archival screening, especially
when films are duplicated, changing them
from a nitrate to an acetate base.
"We noticed a brighter and sharper image
immediately when we switched to the Christie
lamphouse and Xenolite bulbs."
The American Film Institute Theatre is a
224-seat auditorium that screens almost 800
quality films each year. More than 100,000
Washington area residents and visitors attend
the theatre each year. Films are shown
twice nightly and there are lectures by the
world's leading filmmakers.
Thi goals of the AFI Theatre are: to explore
the widest range of quality c'ncma; to
create a model of technical excellence; to
educate and enlarge the audience for film
as an art, both in Washington and through
nationwide touring programs, and to cooperate
with national distributors and local
exhibitors to stimulate the wider circulation
of quality films.
Ray Barry says that since quality films
are the mainstay of the AFI Theatre, it was
necessary to choose first quality equipment.
"The equipment came highly recommended
from the industry," he reports. "It performs
well and we are pleased with the
results."
Alphabetical index of Advertisers
Bally Case & Cooler 19
Berkey Marketing (Bauer) 15
Bevelite-Adler 11
Big Three Theatre Group
Canrad Hanovia, Ballantyne,
Strong 7
Butler Fixture & Mfg 19
Christie Electric Corp 3
Ciro Equipment Corp 14
Cretors, Inc 17
Dixie/Marathon 18
Eprad, Inc 5
Alan Gordon Enterprises 15
Kintek 13
Kneisley Electric Co 10
LocRad, Inc 13
The Marble Co., Inc 13
Harry Melcher Enterprises 13
National Theatre Supply 11
Norman and Friddell 19
Projected Sound 10
Selby Industries, Inc 15
Sign Products
(Rapid Change Letter Co.) 12
Soundfold International 8
Technikote Corp 14
Western Service & Supply 12
Xetron Products Div.
(Carbons, Inc.) 9
Factors Executive Promotions
Include Davis and Navitsky
In an executive realignment geared to increased
domestic and international sales projections,
two seasoned Factors Etc., Inc.
executives have recently been elevated, announced
H. Lee Geissler, president of Factors,
the Delaware-based celebrity merchandising
company.
Promoted are Lou Davis, 27, to vice-president
of sales and marketing. Davis, who
replaces Jim Baker, joined Factors in 1975
at the time of its inception. He was formerly
director of production.
John Navitsky, 46, has been advanced to
executive director of production control.
Factors Etc., Inc., headquartered in Bear,
Del., is one of the world's largest mass merchandisers
of celebrity
products.
Filbert Opens Seattle Office
As Part of Expansion Program
In the first step of a long-range plan for
expansion throughout the Western states,
th; Filbert Co. has established a full-service
branch office in Seattle, Wash.
According to president Spero L. Kontos,
the Glendale, Calif.-based company offers
theatre supplies, furnishings, equipment and
services to Pacific Northwest exhibitors
through the new office located at 2503
152nd Ave. N.E. in Redmond, Wash., a
Seattle suburb.
NAC Membership Roll Expands
More Anticipated Through '79
Thirty-seven diverse companies were recently
accepted as new members of the National
Assn. of Concessionaires (NAC). according
to Mary McCreary, NAC membership
chairman and head of concessions and
convention sales for the Lexington Center
Corp., Lexington, Ky.
"We anticipate many more new members
in 1979 as NAC becomes more visible to
concession operators throughout the U.S.
and Canada," McCreary said. The latest additions
to the NAC membership rolls and
their respective segments are:
Diversified Concessionaire Segment: Atlantic Concession
Associates, Dania, Fla.: Ralph M. DeWeese,
Ltd.,
Wheeling, High Country Fun Holdings III.;
Banff, Alberta, Canada; Pop's Popcorn Factory,
Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia; Raceway Concessions,
Sacramento, Calif.; Rushmore Plaza Civic
Center, Rapid City, S.D.; St. Catharines Parks &
Recreation Dept., St. Catharines, Ont., Canada;
Scotty's Concessions, Oconomowoc, Wis.; Sheraton
Long Beach Corp., Long Beach, Stow Lake
Calif.;
Co., San Francisco, Szabo Food Anaheim,
Calif.; Service,
CUf.; T.F.T. Concessions, Diamond Bar, CaUf.;
Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, Okla.; University
of Utdh, Salt Lake City, Utah: Utah State
University Vending & Concessions, Logan, Utah,
and Whalom Park Amusement Co., Fitchburg, Mass.
Theatre Concessionaire Segment: B

BOXOFFiCE BOOKINCUiDE
JONNA JEFFERIS,
Bookinguide Editor
An interpretive analysis ol lay and tiadepress reviews. Running time ii
minus signs indicate degree of merit. Listings cover current reviews
BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award. All lilms arc in color except those ir
white or (© and bSw) for color and black & white. Motion Picture Ass
audiences; PG— all ages admitted (parental guidance suggested); [r;-
ss accompanied by parent or adult guardian; x—
page numbers will be found in the Notional (front
H Very Good; + Good; := Fair; -
in parentheses. The plus ar
regularly. Symbol C; denot.
dicated by (bSw) for black
n (MPAA) ratingj; |GJ—gener
-restricted, with persons undi
t?mEW DIGEST
AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX

Gaumont/New
REVIEW DIGEST
AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX « very Good, y Good, ± Foir; - Poor; = Very Poor. ory H is roted 2 pluses, — OS 2 minuses.
i
lis
5085 Ice Castles (113) D Col 1- S-79 PG
7+2-
5091 If It Fits (60)
Doc Marshall/Erdcr 2- 5-79
1+1-
5091 In Praise of Older Women
(108) D Avco 2- 5-79 H
5090 Innocent, The
(119) D Analysis 1-29-79 B)
50S3 Invasion of the Body Snatchcrs
(114) SF-Sus UA 1- 1-79 PG
5079 Its Not the Size That Counts (86)
Sex C Brenner 12-11-78 M
Baker 2- 5-79
081 Kino of the Gypsies (112)
Para 12-1S-7S U
5059 Last Survivor. The (90)
Sus-Ho-Ad ..United Producers 9-18-78 (H
l-f2-
5065 Last Wave. The (106)
My-D World Noithal 10- 9-78 PG
H 4+1-
Like a Turtle on Its Back (90)
C-D New Line 10-30-78
5076 Lord of the Rings. The
(131) An-F-Ad UA 11-20-78 PG
5075 IMacjic (106)
Sui-D 20th-Fox 11-20-78 H + -f +
4+1-
5049 Magic of Ussie. The (100)
C-OM .. Iiifl Picture Show 8- 7-78 Igl + ± +
4+2-
5089 Max Havelaar
(165) Hi-D Atlantic 1-29-79 + + tt
5073 Message From Space (105)
SF-Ac UA 11-13-78 PG ± + +
3+2-
>0S6 Moment by Moment (105)
R-D Univ 1- 8-79 H
1+4-
i077 Movie Movie (105)
C (0 and b&w) WB 11-27-78 PG
3+2-
no Murder by Decree
(121) Ad-My Avco 2-19-79 PG
6+
>053 Nea (101) Sex C Libra 8-21-78 + ± +
5062 No Time for Breakfast
(100) D Daniel Bouria 9-25-78 + +
i0% Norma Rae
(113) D 20th-Fox 2-26-79 PG + ++ -ft -H-
12+1-
5056 Norseman. The (90) Ac-Ad ...Al 9- 4-78 PG
3+3-
087 Oliver's Story (90) R-D . . . . Para 1-15-79 PG
088 On the Yard (102) D ..Midwest 1-15-79 gj
.074 Once in Paris . . . (100)
C-0 Once in Paris Co. 11-13-78 m
5063 Paradise Alley
(110) D Univ 10- 2-78 PG
4+2-
Perceval (137)
C-Ad /..ker
. 10-30-78
3)2
5098 Picnic at Hangino Rock
(110) Sus-D Atlant.c 3-5-79
5078 Promise, The (98) Melo ...Univ 1127-78 PG
Pussycat Ranch (96)
SexW-C Bueinco 1- g-79
1+1-
5094 Quintet (117) F-D ....20th-Fox 2-12-79 'fi] 3+6-
12-18-78
5096 Richard Pryor— Live in Concert
(77) C-Doc SEE 2-26-79
5089 Run After Me— Until I Catch You
the Roses (93)
(119) R-C-D

•ON

( Havelaar (165) . . Hi-D.
; Creature
, Feb
Apr
.
. June
Rel. Date
ALYSIS FILM RELEASING
ian Summer Nov 78
rieslon Dec 78
Innocent .Jan 79
LANTIC RELEASING
Jan 79
Jument Vaneur
lie at Hanging Rocl(
110) Sus-D .Feli79
CKSTREET-BEEHIVE-
LLYWOOD INT'L
t Flight 2000
78) Sex C-D..Nov78
Black
76)
Goddess
t Manning. J
Isco King. W
Sands,
m Ma.g.iki
ENSIGN
>?"i July 78
inp in the Dark Sept 78
nise Davis
flames
J" Apr 79
-"«

; otherwise
, Virginia
Oscar
Opinions on Current Productions Feature rbviews
speciiied as black and white (b&w). For story synopsis
THE CHII^A SYNDROME p^
suspe, .
Dan
Columbia (79011) 122 Minutes Rel. Mar. 79
An accident at a nuclear power plant is the basis for
this gripping tale of power vs. conscience, produced by
Michael Douglas. Jane Fonda, in her role as a Los Angeles
TV news reporter, is very much more than merely credible.
It's as though dii-ector James Bridges had instructed
her to pull the fakey smile and going-places attitude from
a local news anchonvoman and incorporate them into
her psyche. Also right up there at the top is Jack Lemmon,
exceptional as the plant supervisor who must face
the ultimate decision of risking his job and security for
thousands of lives. Lemmon's commanding performance
and final scene are highly reminiscent of the late Peter
Pinch's finale in "Network." Michael Douglas as Fonda's
cameraman is pleasingly persevering, a nice contrast to
the newswoman who would like to save the world but
doesn't want to risk her job in the process. Screenwriters
Bridges, Mike Gray and T.S. Cook subtly interjected
the mindlessness of TV, especially evident in the commercials
at the end of Fonda's dazzling "action news" coverage
at the plant. Not necessary: spoon-feeding the theme
by telling the audience that Lemmon was a hero, not a
lunatic. iWe know thatH A top-notch offering.— Stu
Goldstein.
Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, Michael Douglas, Scott Brady,
James Hampton, Peter Donat, Daniel Valdez.
PG
Comedy
REAL LIFE
Paramount (1287) 99 Minutes Rel.
A take-off on what might have gone on behind the
scenes during the filming of the Public Broadcasting System's
1973 presentation "An American Family," Albert
Brooks' version is called simply "Real Life." The young
comedian directed, wrote the screenplay with Monica
Johnson and Harry Shearer and starred in the film as
himself, the "director" of the true-to-life happenings of
the Charles Grodin family of Phoenix. The vision is better
in theory than execution, with humor ranging from mild
to occasionally hilarious. Several promising story thi-eads
are not followed through, starting with Frances Lee Mc-
Cain's strained relationship with her husband Grodin
and her growing affection for Brooks. Funniest sustained
bits are the cameras used by the crew to record the family's
movements: they fit over the head like a spaceman's
helmet. The script is surpassed by the acting, best of
which comes from J. A. Preston as the black observer
with the most level head in the group. McCain, mainly
from TV, is also very good. Brooks allows himself to be
less than sympathetic or clever in different scenes. Penelope
Spheeris produced. Best bet would be for m-ban areas
or the more affluent suburbs. Color by CFI, Panaflex
lenses by Panavision and music by Mort Lindsey, who
also plays himself.—John Cocchi.
Albert Brooks, Charles Grodin, Frances Lee McCain.
J. A. Preston, Matthew Tobin. David Spielberg.
THE PASSAGE
United Artists (79103)
fpl War Action-Drama
Minutes Rel. Mar. '79
A top cast and some good action and scenery are the
best ingredients in this overdone 'World War II melodrama.
Director J. Lee Thompson must have been on
familiar ground, with mountains, a mission and Anthony
Quinn as three of the elements. Screenplay by Bruce
Nicolaysen is based on his book "Perilous Passage," detailing
the escape route of a valued chemist and his family
across the Pyi-enees with the Germans in pm-suit.
Quinn. James Mason as the scientist and Christopher Lee
as a grizzled gypsy leader have the strongest roles and
do their accustomed strong work. Patricia Neal has some
unfortunate dialog coupled with a memorable scene as
she kisses her sleeping family farewell before going off
to die. Malcolm McDowell as a young SS officer plays
the sadist in a way which rarely avoids overemphasis.
Latter's character causes the sometimes brutal action
and the nude scene which earned the R rating. Kay Lenz
is the innocent who is sodomized by the Nazi. Some of
the action is acceptable, some laughable. Just fair for
general release. Michael J. Lewis' score is overpowering
but excellent. Produced by John Quested and Lester Goldsmith-Maurice
Binder/ Monday Films.—John Cocchi.
Anthony Quinn, James Mason, Malcolm McDowell,
Patricia Neal, Kay Lenz, Christopher Lee.
The !\orth Avenue Irregulars M
Comedy
Buena Vista (190) 99 Minutes Rel. Feb. '79
Based on a true story and featuring an all-star cast,
this Walt Disney production is a perfect entry for the
family film market. It combines slapstick with a clever
story and succeeds in entertaining both adults and children.
Edward Herrmann, famous for his TV roles in
"Eleanor and Franklin" and "The Lou Gehrig Story."
plays a crime-fighting minister. The screenplay by Don
Tait is based on Rev. Albert Fay Hill's book, which was
written to dispel some myths about organized crime,
mainly to convey that the Mafia is not invulnerable.
While the story is true, fictitious names are used and
events are exaggerated for comic effect. The gang-busting
ladies are played by Susan Clark

. . . These
I
major
and
EATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis, Exploitips; Adiines for Newspapers and Programs
''^
THE STORY: "The North Avenue Irregulars" (BV)
Edward Herrmann arrives as minister of the North
Avenue Presbyterian Chiu'ch only to find attendance is
low. He wants to stimulate interest, but parishioner Patsy
Kelly has entrusted the chmxh's sinking funds to her
husband. Douglas V. Fowley, who bets the money on a
horse race. Bookie Alan Hale, who's associated with the
Mafia, won't refund the money and the horse loses. The
local police are of little help. Herrmann picks five ladies
to fight the Mob: flashy divorcee Cloris Leachman, cool
housewife Virginia Capers, organist Karen 'Valentine,
prim chm-ch secretary Susan Clai-k and Patsy Kelly.
Their first efforts to place illegal bets fail. Then they
case the bank where syndicate money filters thi-ough
from local operations. After an explosion at the chui-ch,
Susan Clai-k, while transporting church officials, picks
up the trail of a money van and follows it. They find a
warehouse in which illicit financial transactions are going
on, and siUTound it with their cars. The crooks are captured
and all ends happily.
EXPLOITIPS:
Contact local church organizations. Tie in with the
Berkeley paperback. Baskin-Robbins will showcase this
film.
C.XTCHLINES:
What These Ladies Do to the Mob Is Highly Irregular!
Very Unorganized Ladies Rub Out Very
Organized Ci-ime!
THE HIGHLIGHTS: "Bermuda Triangle" (Sunn Classic)
Narrator Brad Crandall states that when Columbus
sailed through the Bermuda Triangle, he was startled by
strange lights and fireballs overhead. Since 1945, more
than 500 ships and planes and thousands of persons have
vanished without a trace in these waters. Oceanographers
and scientists try to find reasonable explanations: miexploded
mines: blue holes above vast networks of caves,
which cause strong whirlpools; miderwater earthquakes,
causing immense tidal waves: deadly water spouts. Of
course, iione of those theories can account for the loss
of planes. Sonor scans have outlined pyramids on the
ocean floor, a discovery which substantiates psychic Edgar
Cayce's theory that the legendary continent Atlantis
sank there. Another theorist feels the triangle is the
opening to an anti-gravity tunnel of inverse molecular
structm-e. Another speculation is that the area is a space
window that causes inversion of time and space. UTOs
are seen frequently in the triangle which may coine from
our own solar system or from an miderwater world. The
secret government project, the Philadelphia Experiment,
is touched upon.
EXPLOITIPS:
Promote with TV and radio spots. Play up the mysterious
events surrounding the Bermuda Ti-iangle.
CATCHLINES:
Hundreds of Ships and Planes, Lost Forever. Some Say
the Rea.son Ls UPOs. Others Say It's a Lost Civilization.
USE THIS HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
nsas City. Mo. 64124
Please enter my subscription lo BOXOFFICE.
I YEAB 115.00
2 YEARS S28.00
OuUide U.S.. Canada and Pan-American Union. J25.00
Q Remittance Enclosed
Q Send Invoice
rHEATRE
STREET
rowH
ZIP
!4AME
CODE
POSITION ..
THE STORY: "The China Syndrome" (Col)
Jane Fonda is a Los Angeles TV newswoman assigned
to cover "soft" news, but longing to report more important
news stories. 'While on a routine featm-e assignment
at a nuclear power plant, Fonda and cameraman
Michael Douglas witness a supposed accident at the plant.
Douglas is told not to film the event, but he does so
secretly, disbelieving explanations that the accident was
a normal and routine occurence. After Fonda and Douglas
are denied rimning the film on the aii- as a scoop because
of legal complications, Douglas steals the film from the
station. Meanwhile, plant manager Jack Lemmon admits
to Fonda that he fears the plant is unsafe. Lemmon entrusts
Douglas' assistant with papers which prove the
plant is unsafe. The assistant is involved in a car wreck
and never makes it to the hearings where the information
would be heard. Lemmon resorts to taking the plant over
by force in an effort to stop a possible "china syndi-ome"
radiation-emitting explosion). Just before his
message is to be telecast live over TV, other plant officials
shoot him. Shortly thereafter, another accident occm-s.
EXPLOITIPS:
The Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon and Michael Douglas
names will bring in patrons. Bantam Books plans to release
a paperback novelization.
CATCHLINES:
Only a Handful of People Know What the China
Syndrome Is.
THE STORY: "Real Life" (Para)
Comedian Albert Brooks las himself
i
tells a Phoenix
audience that the daily activities of veterinarian Charles
Grodin and his family will be filmed for a full year as
a real movie without script or direction. As the di'iving
force. Brooks explains how the experiment was fonnulated
I in flashback i introduces observing physicians
J. A. Preston and Matthew Tobin. Grodin attempts to be
jovial for the cameras, which the crew wear over their
heads, while wife Frances Lee McCain can't hide her
problems. Children Lisa Urette and Robert Stirrat are
no help. McCain tm-ns to Brooks for comfort and he
doesn't reciprocate mitil it's too late and she returns to
Grodin's arms. In between, gynecologist Johiuiy Haymer
refuses to allow Brooks to film an examination of Mc-
Cain, Grodin loses a horse dm-ing an operation and the
family is in danger of breaking up. Preston quits after
a dispute with Brooks, who is completely unaware of the
harm he's doing. The GTodins are drawn closer together
until Pi-eston's expose brings attention to them. Although
the experiment is terminated. Brooks—wanting a smash
finish to the film—sets fire to Grodin's home.
EXPLOITIPS:
There could be a line of "Real Life" items: if not, anything
can be used: T-shirts, golf clubs, balloons, everything
"real."
CATCHLINES:
An American Comedy . . . Real Life—This Isn't It.
THE STORY:
"The Passage" (UA)
In the Pyrenees during World War II, Basque shepherd
Anthony Quinn is hired by resistance fighters Michael
Lonsdale and Marcel Bozzuffi to guide chemist
James Mason to safety. SS officer Malcolm McDowell is
determined to get Mason, who is accompanied by wife
Patricia Neal and children Kay Lenz and Paul Clemens.
The escapees leave Toulouse by a train which is destroyed
when their presence is discovered. Lonsdale is captm-ed
and tortmed. The remaining five join a gypsy caravan
headed by Chi-istopher Lee. McDowell, after searching
the caravan, takes Lenz with him for his sadistic
pleasure. She is later rescued by Quinn. Lee is bui-ned
to death and his followers are shot. With Bozzuffi as
protection, the five begin a dangerous climb up the Pyrenees.
The ill Neal, knowing she'll never make It, slips off
in the night to die in the snow rather than be a burden.
McDowell kills Bozzuffi and Fi'ench guide Peter Arne and
is thwarted at the Spanish border. He manages to follow
and is lured into causing a landslide. Not quite dead, he
expires at Quinn's cabin, having failed in his mission.
EXPLOITIPS:
The stars and scenery are exploitable. Tie in with the
paperback edition of "Perilous Passage" from Playboy
Pi-ess.
CATCHLINES:
An Ice-Swept Escape Route in Pi-ont of Them. A Cold-
Blooded Killer Behind Them. The Only Way Out Is Up.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuidc

i General
I
WE
BUILD
I
, j
daily/weekly
I schedules,
'
'--a,
01540.
10
I
and/or
.ATES: 50c per word, minimum S5.00 CASH WITH COPY. Four consecutive insertions lor price
j three. When using a BoxolHcb No. figure 2 additional words and include $1.00 additional, to
over cost of handling replies. Display Classified, S38.00 per Column Inch. No commission
illowed. CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication dale. Ser.d copy and answers
>x Numbers to BOXOmCE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Konsas City, Mo. 64124.
CLtflRlOG
HEIP WANTED
.
IMMEDIATE OPENING lor
BURLAP WALL COVERING DRAPES.
Theatre t^an-
[gers, indoor and drive-ins. Merle or feale.
No experience necessary—we vrill
$1.10 per yd., flame retardant. Quantity
discounts. Nurse cS Co., Millbury Rd., Oxlord,
Mass Tel (617) 832-4295.
ain. Many company benelits. Progressive
rcuit. Write: F. C. Lentz, Armstrong 425 SEATS, other equipment. 16mm film
collection. (806) alter 825-3078 7 p.m.
heotres, O. Box 769, Bowling Green,
P.
Dhio 43402.
35/70 CENTURY 11 heads, soundheads,
BOOTH ENGINEEH. Notional multiple
etc. Altec A-4 and A-7 speakers. TECO,
706, fheatre chain requires Division Engineer. Box Matthews, NC. (704) 847-44^._
'0% travel, Northeast corridor. Cherry
Engineering degree or Altec NEW LENSE. 2", 4", 6i/2"rand 7", New
m\. NI oliice.
)r RCA experience. Responsibilities would
and sprockets, Byron Savage
Strong rechliers
3400 Lovers Lane, Dallas, Texas
nclude new theatre iixluring and coninued
maintenance present facilities,
of 75225 _
including compaiiY
and
"ull benefit package service,
reasonable Your old ticket
TICKET MACHINES repaired. Fast
thntt
from $17,000
'or expense account, pension
rates.
machine worth money. We trade, buy and
plan. Starting salary to
$19,000 Boxoffice, 4223^
sell ticket machines. Try us first. Ask
NEED MORE MONEY? Sell screen ads about our rebuilts. Save money. J.E.D.
:o your local banker,
Sam minimum $200.00
auto dealer, etc.
each sale. Well
show you how and handle all details
(ad make-up, film, billing, etc.) Write
p. O. Box 597, Sarasota, Fla. 33578 and
include phone number.
EXPANDING independent circuit with
hardtops and drive-ins in Chicago suburbs
seeking experienced man for supervisory
position. $18,500 starting salary plus
fringe benelits. State age, experience
telephone number in resume. Replies held
n confidence. Boxoffice, 4229.
EXPERIENCED MANAGER/OPERATOR
needed by Luxury Theatres, Portland,
Oregon. Salary commensurate with experience.
No limit to opportunity for advancement.
Send resume and references
to: Luxury Theatres, 919 S.W. Taylor
Street, Portland, Oregon 97205
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Service Co Woodside Dr., Grafton,
(617) 839-4058.
Massachusetts.
XETRON IGOOW lamp and rectifiers, 4
bulbs included, excellent condition,
$1250 no (61K) 523-2699.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
PAY oood money tor used eguiir
ment Texas Theatre Supoly. 915 S. Ala-
PAYING $10 00 to $14.00 per set positive
arbon silver contacts, any condition. Send
isured (refunded): Contact Salvaging,
lox 4634, Redding, CA 96001.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
pnCITinNC WANTED ATTENDANCE with real Hcrwal
I
t'OSI I lUNSVVANItU
.^^ orchids. Few cents each Write Flow
Hawaii, 670 S. Lafayette Plac
HARD WORKING, no nonsense innovar,
age 33, thoroughly experienced in all BINGO CARDS DIE CUTi 1-75. 1 5O0 com-
IS
phases, seeks management position vrith
binations in color. PREMIUM PRODUCTS,
growing
Boxollice, 42
339 West 44th St.. New York. NY. 10036
PROVEN PROFESSIONAL seeks position (212) 246-4972
Manager, Operations Director,
WANT TOP QUALITY PROGRAMS? Want
similar. Thirty-six, college, exceptional low costing programs? Want fast service
background, A-1 references. Reply in conice:
Boxoffice, 4228.
hours)? Call collect, or write NaUonal Pro-
(24 hours on rush orders, all others
all pha
Age 52. Available. (213) 923-9540.
FILMS FOR RENT
FEATURES— 16mm or video. Rent, sale
$10.00 up. $1.00 for new catalog. Movietown,
6520 Selma, Hollywood 90028.
FILMS WANTED
WANTED: 35mm trailers. 1930-1977,
L. quantity. Brown, 6763 Hollywood B
Hollywood Calif 90078
WANTED 35mm entertainment leatur<
films lor Canadian market, Riqhts pur
chased or will distribute on percenlagi
a
basis. Send particulars to Boxoffice, 4139
PRIVATE COLLECTOR wants 35mm
1950's fiction science features, etc. Leader.
5618 Timberbrook, Marysville, Wash.
98270.
gram Printing Co., P.O. Box 450, South
Bend, Indiana 46624. (219) 234-1318.
1
THEATRE MONTHLY CALENDARS,
ly programs, heralds, bumper
boxollice reports,
passes, labels, etc. Wr:
samples, prices. Dixie Litho, Box 8!
GA 30301.
MISCELLANEOUS
CASH for one-sheets, posters, lobby carr
ets stills, pressbooks. trade magazines
oming attraction sUdes, annuals, trailers
:tc etc, (anv quantity—older the better!
4artinez, /057 Lexington Ave., Los An
Studio of Nyack, Box 838, 1 Terrace Drive,
Nyack, NY 10960. (914) 358-5406.
COPIES OF LETTERS signed by Laurel
Pickford, Astaire. $5,00 each. Manbeck
3621-B Wakonda Drive, Des Moines, Iowa
50321
HOUSE
THEATRES FOR SALE
WORLD'S LARGEST THRATRE brok"
JOE JOSEPH, Box 31406. Da:ias 75231. (21
J63-2724
DRIVE-IN THEATRES in Lemmon, SL I
and Bowman. NO. Show good net Bo> I
189, Spea-!:sh, SD (605) 642-4857
stind Property u
ke-s
lleni
concessior,
condition Call CM Delweiley
(717) 345-4475 Ask for Bernle.
GOOD small town theatre located in
Washington State. No competition. Excellent
family operation. (509) 754-3982.
SEAT mdoor theatre for sale in Pied-
CaroUnas. Automatic equipment,
v remodeled. Boxoffice, 4227.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE, 900 speakers. Major
city. North Carolina. 17 acres, good corn^
mercial property. Contact: Marvin, P & C
Properties, (704) 372-9172.
IDAHO THEATRE with hotel rooms, clean
community Priced to sell. $47,500. Hodden
Really Shoshone, Idaho 83352. Phone
(208) 886-2289.
WESTERN COLORADO, only theatre In
rapidly growing area. Nearest competition
25 miles. 540 seats, all equipment, plus 2
bedroom apartment. Rifle Realty, 142 West
Third treet. Rifle, Colorado 81650. (303)
625-1681.
TWO HARDTOPS lor sale, Toppenish,
WA $100 000 cash, principals only. Shows
a 30% return on equity. Call (509) 248-
1360.
THEATRE SEATING
TOPS IN THEATRE SEATING uphoUtering
anywhere—seat covers made to order
-finest materials—low prices— we buy
sell theatre chairs. and Chicago Used
Chair Mart, 2616 W. Grand Ave., Chicago,
HI. 60612. (312) 235-1111.
SPECIALISTS IN THEATRE SEATING.
New and rebuilt theatre choirs for sale
We buy and sell old chairs. Travel Irom
to coast coast. Sealing Corporation of
New York, 247 Water Street, Brooklyn,
N. Y. 11201. Tel. (212) 875-5433 (reverse
THEATRE REMODELING
-SKINNI-MINI" CINEMA. MillersviUe,
Excellent condition. Simplex X-L pro-
:lors. (717) 872-4774.
ASCO Auduoriuni Services Company
Theatre refurbishing—desigr.ing—acoustical
wall covering— seat refurbishing^custom
seat covers— screens, Iromes, main act
tems. Materials and labor supplied. Call
(617) 769-6680. Endicott St., Bldg 25, Norwood,
Mass. 02062.
SERVICES
INDOOR THEATRE MUSIC programming
for todjy's au"iiences, today's movies and
today's theat:es. C & C Music Service,
(815) 397-9295.
STRUMSTAD AND ASSOCIATES. Property
Tax Consultants. Now representing
all of types commercial properties. We
in specialize motion picture theatres, motels
and restaurants in over 35 states. 825
Sibley Memorial Highway, St, Paul, Minnesota
55118 (K12) 457-1223
THEATRE IN OPERATION—Miller Theatre
900 seats, 3 store rooms with 2nd floor BRAND NEW COUNTER MODEL all
oificp space. All rented. (717) 248-7193. 543 ELECTRIC Display Poppers from $447.00
Lindbergh Way, Lewistown, Pa. 17044. each. Krispy Kom, 120 S, Hoisted, Chicago
606O6,
THEATRES FOR SALE OR LEASE
MODERN THEATRE 1720 seat capa.
Available lor Film or live entertainm
Interested parties apply to: PO Box
Wilkes-Barre, Pa,, 18703
FOR SALE OH LEASE—Indoor thealr
500 seats in progressive East Texas tow:
population 6000, Owners retirement ag
Owner financing available. Ac (214) 69
3634 or 693-6171.
reles. CA 90038
FILMS FOR SALE
THEATRES WANTED
16MM CLASSICS, illustrated
25c. Monbeck, 3621-B Wakonda
WANTED: Old posters, trailers, pre
Dri
ooks. Will pick up. Top prices. Midwe
Moines. Iowa 50321.
INDOOR THEATRES or orive-ins wont,
to lease in Mich., Oh. and Ind Open
DISCOUNT VIDEO TAPES—full length
features, Amos S Andy, Rock Concerts.
lUST DISCOVERED—25 "Motion Picture closed Please send information. Boxoffic
Free list. P.O. Box 7122, Burbank, CA Herald" magazines, dated 1931-1937. Good 1087
condition. Best offer. P. O. Box 685, King
91510.
City, CA
INDOOR THEATRES or drive-ins wor.lec
93930.
lo lease or buy in up-state New York
ATTENTION DISTRIBUTORS: New 35mm
CASH PAID for one sheets, 22c each;
innts on classic science-fiction and horror
lobbies, 35c each; sttUs, Uc each. Poster Ir!°47 Alexander St., Ultle Falls, tiev.
ilms for outright sale. Boxoffice, 4230.
York 13365,
DRIVE-IN OWNERS
Cash in on the gas crisis. BUMPER
STICKERS, PROMOTIONS 5, CON-
TESTS available now from:
HHH Enterprises (207) 72G-4249
Union Square/Pembroke, ME 04GGG
CHAIN IS SEEKING
res for sole, lease or
'lease send inlormalio
WANTED BY PRIVATE PAHTY, Drive-In
Indoor, Florida. F. Pavick, 4450
40th Ave. N., Apt. D-5, St. Petersburg
33714. (813) 527-1(522.
DRIVE-IN THEATRE CONSTRUQION
SCREEN TOWERS INTERNATIONAL: Ten
)ay Screen Installation, (817) 642-3591
P. Jrower Rogers, Texas 76569.
POPCORN MACHINES
SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFnCE:
825 Van Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City, Mo. 64124
Please enter my subscription to
BOXOFHCE.
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1 YEAR $15.00
2 YEARS $28.00
Remittance
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THEATRE
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CODE
STATE..
BOXOFFICE :: March 19, 1979

I
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Single $39 to $45
Dbl/Twin $49 to $55
ENCLOSED
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:e Check Payable to Crown Center Hotel)
al Date Departure
Registration and Hotel Reservation
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REGISTER BEFORE APRIL 1 $75
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