Boxoffice-November.14.1953

nottsn. 

Mctu/ie ynacot^ 

^ 

î 

and Richard Burton „, . ,.>,"— t'om "The Robe," Blue Ribbon a.,h,i w,„n,na f. 

BLUE RIBBON AWARD FOR OCTOBER 

IS WON BY THE ROBE (20th -FOX) 

Poge 18 

City. M«. PublUhtd utkl/ bir Auocutcd Puthutiom. 

82S Vn BrmI BM., KintM City, Ma. SubKriDtion rtttt: 

S«etionl EdItiM. S3.00 tm imi: Nttienal Edilloo. $7.50. 

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION 

Including Ike S

M-G-M TE5t« 

PROVE 3i] 

CRITICS AGRIR 

! 

t:kitii 

"'Kate's' the Best -ftTte, 

Yet ! 

— Columiyus C?xJa«b 

/n Fronf Page R'iai 

This 3-D is the best^ 

prcss-booV- 

have seen thus tar!" 

— Syracuse Herald Jcr 

pm (X 

5MVV*t^ ,\,\N !!^^«*^^ 

"A fine screen translaic 

of our favorite 

mus; 

finer in 3-D!" 

— Dalla$ Morning •* 

M-GM prfnentH -KISS ME KATE" starring Katiiryn Grayson • HowAIW Kkki. . Ann Miller • with Kmian Wynn • Hobby Van' 

./umfH Whitmorc • Kurt Kiinznar • Hob l-nmic . Tommy Rait • Screen Play by Dorothy Kingslcy • Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter • Play *>| 

Samuel and liella Spewack . PhotoHraphed in Ansco Color . Print by Technicolor • Directed by George Sidney • Produced by Jack Cummingf', "Us in; 

.' INDUSTKY tVtNTI M-G-M; FIII%T CINlMASCOn PHODUCVON "KNIGHrS Of THE SOUND TABU" (tm Color A1ooo.fic.attj;

You haven't 

seen 3-D until 

youVe seen M-G-M's 

TNGAGEMENTS 

iREAT FOR KATE! 

Mij-M conducted test engagement of "KISS ME 

KTE" in 6 cities, 3 engagements in 3-D— and 

ieil |i flat. The purpose was to determine the 

KISS 

ME 

KATE 

IN GLORIOUS COLOR! 

liparative boxoffice power of the two versions. 

''^«y 3-D engagements were more successful by 

SUBtantial percentages. Critics were unanimous on 

lCP=lhJ3-D success in the three test cities that used 

]mit.iSee review excerpts on opposite page directly to 

Vk picture was held over in 5 test spots. In 

tf^'^l holdovers that played their first week flat, 

eJthj second week was changed to 3-D. 

I 

Wiough the picture is available in both 3-D 

•"'an flat, it is M-G-M's recommendation that all 

thntres so equipped present "KISS ME KATE" to 

*

'C?^L(ASs^Z'S1

I 

THIS HCimt CAN AtSO »E tXHUITED ONWIDE SCREENS

t 

Warner Brothers is producirg 

in CinemaScopC . . . M-G-I 

is producing in CinemascopI I 

. . . Walt Disney is producing n 

Cinemascope . . 

. Columbia is 

producing in CinemaScopE 

. . . Universal-International is 

producing in Cinemascope 

. . . United Artists is producing in 

Cinemascope ..20thCentury-F(i| 

is producing in Cineimascop|

{ 

BEN 

; 116 

— 

'i 

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i 

i 

Ê NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

lyklliM In NIni SKtional Edllioni 

SHLYEN 

[lilor-ln-Chief and Publisher 

jUtS M. JERAULD 

tfTHAN COHEN. .Executive 

Editor 

Editor 

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t, A 

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Bnint 

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^fcui( 

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r. Tlutdier. Editor Hi( Modern ThMtrt 

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lOVEM B 

>l.64 

E R 

953 

No. 3 

4 WfW LOOK Al ARBITRATION 

^. W AS to I., Ihralr 

Ownors i)f .America mpeting in Cliiciifio rraffirmed 

that organization's belief in arbitration 

as a means of settling trade disputes. Willingness 

to "go it alone," if necessary, to gel the 

system established, was a new step. But, whether 

or not that will be effective insofar as getting 

a[)proval of the Department of Justice and the 

federal court is concerned, is a moot question. 

TOA still holds the door open for other exhibitor 

organizations to participate with it in seeking 

out a way of instituting a workable plan 

and is interested in resuming dis

: November 

HUGHES OUT OF RKO THEATRES; 

SELLS TO WALL ST. INVESTORS 

Albert List, a Newcomer 

To Industry, is Named 

Chairman of Board 

NEW YORK— Howard Hughes has sold 

his 929.020 shares of RKO Theatres Corp. 

stock to Financier Albert A. List and David 

J. Greene, investment broker who sought 

control of the company early in 1951 and 

was defeated aft«r a bitter fight. Later he 

was elected a director of the company. 

The Hughes block of .slock represents control 

of the company. Since the divorcement 

decree in 1950 the Hughes theatre stock has 

been trusteed to Irving Trust Co. because, 

under the terms of the decree. Hughes had 

to choo.'ê between voting his RKO Pictures 

stock or his RKO Theatres stock. 

IN HUGHES CONTROL SINCE '48 

Hughes acquired his RKO holdings May 

10. 1948. At that time the company name 

wa-s Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corp. He bought 

929,020 .shares, or 24 per cent of the total, 

from the Atlas Corp. When divorcement became 

effective he received the same number 

of shares in the new theatre corporation as 

he held in the pictures corporation. 

Late in 1950 there were Wall Street reports 

that several groups were trying to get 

control of RKO Theatres. There was an 

important drawback. Hughes wouldn't sell 

and market operators knew that if they tried 

to secure enough stock to out-vote him the 

price would ri.se .sharply. Harry Brandt, New 

York circuit operator, was among tho.se who 

made offers at that time. He is said to have 

offered $8 per share for Hughes' holdings. 

Afterwards the Greene battle broke. There 

were bitter exchanges via proxy statements 

In 1951 until the stockholders meeting December 

6. The proxies were not counted until 

December 18. The Hughes group won. 

Last May it became known that the Greene 

group was trying to acquire the Hughes 

holdings. He paid $4.75 per share. The stock 

closed on Friday (6) at $3.87M.:. 

LIST NAMED BOARD CHAIRMAN 

As a result of the sale of Hughes controllng 

Interest, Albert A. List was elected a 

director and chairman of the board and Dudley 

G. Layman, an as.soclate of List in several 

large entcrprl.ses, was elected a director at a 

meeting of the board held Thursday (12). 

The new appointments followed the resignations 

of Ben-Pleming Scssel and William J. 

Wardall, who represented the Irving Trust 

Co., trustee of the Hughes stock. 

List Is now the largest Individual holder of 

RKO Theatres stock as a result of the acquisition 

of approximately 886,000 .shares from 

Hughes. List Is widely known In financial 

circles. He Is chairman of the board of the 

United States Finishing Co. and of the 

Asplnook Corp. Layman also Is a member of 

the boards of these corporations. List Is also 

president and a director of the Cleveland 

Arcade Co.. president of the General Charities 

Foundation, a trustee of the Otis Realty Co., 

vice-president and director of Otis Terminal 

Warehouse Co. and president and director of 

Curolet Corp. 

U-l to Test New Types 

Of Film Advertising 

By SUMNER SMITH 

NEW YORK—A test of the boxoffice appeal 

of current motion picture advertising, which 

could result in the introduction of new forms, 

will be started shortly by Universal-International. 

This became known with the U-I 

appointment of Cunningham & Walsh a-s 

advertising agency with the provision that 

its 

the agency conduct research and submit 

.samples of a variety of advertising techniques. 

The agency was selected for the job by 

David Lipton. U-I vice-president in charge of 

advertising, publicity and exploitation. The 

first picture to be tested will be "The Glenn 

Miller Story," .scheduled for release early in 

1954. The picture is considered by U-I as one 

of the most important it has ever made. 

The fact that new techniques axe being 

sought does not imply that the company's advertising 

in the past has been ineffective, U-I 

-said. It has tested many techniques and has 

settled on some that have reaped good results. 

But the company wants to leave no stone unturned 

in its search for new methods on the 

theory that standard types of advertising do 

not nece.ssarily apply to all types of pictures. 

U-I experts will continue their personal 

•search for effective advertising suited to individual 

pictures. The Cunningham & Walsh 

a.ssignment will provide additional means of 

research as well as preparation of copy. The 

agency is thinking in terms of an extended 

research program. It found a "Vldeotown" 

on which it is basing its television research. 

It would like 

to find a "Movletown" as a t«st 

city for studies of U-I pictures. 

Cunningham & Walsh also is preparing a 

series of questions for which it will seek the 

answers. Among them will be whether husband 

or wife have the final say In selecting 

the evening's show. Do movies stage a comeback 

after television has ceased to be a novelty 

in an area simply because the competition of 

Columbia Reports Gain 

In Year's Net Profit 

NE;w YORK Net pnillt of CoUimbiii Pictures 

Corp. for the year ending June 27 was 

$942,385, an Increase over the previous year 

of $139,513. This was after taxes and all 

charges. 

Gross Income from rentals and sales of 

film and accessories was $60,273,881, compared 

with $59,081,213 for the previous year 

Earned surplus at the beginning of the 

new fiscal year was $12,570,206. Total assets 

and liabilities and capital were $50,861,143. 

During the year $4.25 was paid on the 

cumulative preferred stock and 75 cents on 

the common. There also was a stock dividend 

of 2.5 per cent on the common. 

Layout for "The Glenn Miller Stor>' 

undergoes the scrutiny of David Lipton, 

U-I vice-president in charge of advertising, 

publicity and exploitation (seated), 

and from left to right standing: Jeff 

Livingston, U-I eastern ad manager; Jack 

Williams, vice-president and acconnt 

executive of Cunningham & Walsh; 

Mischa Kallis, U-I ad art director, and 

Clark Ramsay, Lipton's executive aide. 

TV has become less important? The agency 

already has discovered that Glenn Miller and 

his music aie known to many college youths 

and girls though the height of his popularity 

was some years ago. 

Jack Williams, as agency account executive 

is studying the application of advertising 

techniques used in other industries to see U 

they can be made applicable to pictures. He 

will have the benefit through U-I relay of suggestions 

made from time to time within the 

film industry, such as that recently made by 

Abram F. Myers. National Allied board chairman 

and general counsel. Myers urged that 

the so-called intelligent audience be catered 

to when pictures with a special appeal to them 

are to be shown. 

Paul Terry Sells 112 Old 

Cartoons to Television 

NEW YORK Paul Terry has sold 112 old 

Teirytoon .sound short subjects for $140,000 to , 

the Columbia Broadcasting System which wUl 

begin showing them on television Sunday (15> 

In "Barker Bill," a 15-minute program. It was 

Terry's first sale to TV and did not concern 

20th Century-Fox as the company had no TV 

control over the films. 

It was pointed out that the Terrytoons art 

old films, some 20 years old. none of which 

present characters featured in current Terrytoons 

and all In black and white and on 

nitrate film. They will be shown twice weekly 

for 26 weeks, with 14 stations alreody signed 

up. The siwn.sor will be General Mills. 

D 

I IH; ia let 

BOXOPnCE 

: 

14. 1961

I 

k\NO LIMITING OF PARAMOUNT 

Hi 

I 

PRODUCT, BALABAN PLEDGES 

Calls Statements That Cuts 

Are Planned 'Nonsense' 

At Pioneers Dinner 

NEW YORK—Panimount will have no 

part of any move to create a product 

shortage, Barney Balaban, president, told 

the Motion Picture Pioneers at their annual 

dinner Thursday night C12>. Balaban was 

named Pioneer of the Year at the dinner. 

"We have absolutely no limitation on the 

number of pictures to be made—and I doubt 

whether any other studio has," he said. "The 

only limitation—one which we have not set 

and which is beyond the control of mortal 

beings— is the limitation of ideas and talent. 

Nobody has yet developed the formula for 

turning out good ideas as uniformly as Mr. 

Pord, here, turns out good cars." 

Henry Pord II, son of Edsel, was sitting 

nearby on the dais. 

•NO LIMITATION ON IDEAS' 

"In recent months, we have heard some 

comments about the 'shortage' of product," 

he continued. "As one who was brought up 

in the exhibition end of our business, I know 

the importance of an assured supply of product. 

Beyond that, if there is any implication 

in these comments that any shortage is deliberate, 

then let me explode that nonsense 

once and for all time. Our instructions to the 

Paramount studio are to produce every good 

picture that can be made upon which we can 

have reasonable expectations of getting our 

money back and, hopefully, a profit. 

"In these days of high cost of production 

and contracted market, a studio can only turn 

out pictures that are based on good ideas—or 

us so that no family differences can divert us 

from moving ahead. 

"What I am saying is: Let's tackle our common 

problems and not each other. 

"Let's move on to a new and more prosperous 

era in our business. All we need is more 

of the same pioneering spirit that built our 

industry. This kind of spirit never dies as 

long as blood continues to course in the veins 

of true pioneers. To the 'oldtimers' a crisis is 

a challenge— and what's the good of living if 

life no longer holds a challenge? This also is 

a great time to test the mettle of the younger 

men in our business. They have more at stake 

Barney Balaban llcft) holds plaque lionorinK him ;i> I' 

Jack Cohn, president of the Motion Picture Pioneers, looks on. 

than we have. This is their future. Let them 

go out and earn it! 

"Ours has been a wonderful experience in 

having played a part In the growth of the 

motion picture industry. &'ery struggle was 

worth it—every achievement all the sweeter 

for the struggle. I know of no happier or 

fuller way to have spent the productive years 

of my life than in doing exactly what I did. 

I am grateful to the good Lord, who guides all 

our destinies, for having guided me into that 

nickelodeon on that fateful day in 1907, for 

having been kind to me over th« years, and 

for having enriched my life with you—my 

friends and associates in the motion picture 

business." 

More Than 600 at Pioneers Dinner 

In New York Honoring Balaban 

NEW YORK—More than 600 members of 

Motion Picture Pioneers and their guests 

gathered in the Hotel Astor ballroom Thurs- 

at least ideas that look good when we start 

the picture. We should love to have more of day night (121 for the 15th annual dinner at 

them. 

which Barney Balaban, Paramount president, 

was honored as Pioneer-of-the-Year. 

VOLUME ABSORBS OVERHEAD' 

Members converged from all parts of the 

Eric Johnston. MPAA president, who 

country. 

"Our studio overhead and distribution costs 

can be absorbed only on the basis of volume, 

was chairman, flew from Pari.s the day before 

in order to arrive on time. Over 75 new members, 

a record, were added to the rolls. 

and the same holds true for every other major 

company. Anyone who has sweated with the George Jessel again acted as toastmaster. 

problems of running a worldwide production The speakers were: .Jack Cohn. president: 

and distribution organization knows that it Balaban; Ernest E. Blake, chairman of the 

is 

sheer economic insanity to hold back from board of Kodak. Ltd.. London: Very Rev. 

making a good picture whenever you can put James A. Pike, dean of the Cathedral of St. 

together those ingredients which go into the John the Divine, and Tex O'Rourke. roadmaster 

of the Circus of Saints and Sinners, 

making of a good picture. 

"I make these comments only for the purpose 

who delivered a humorous biographical sketch 

of focusing attention on the tasks before of Balaban in the manner that has made 

him famous at the Circus luncheons. 

Johnston told the audience that a motion 

picture pioneer was not an oldtimer in the 

traditional sense, but a "new-timer—a man 

who does not permit his rapture for the past 

to rupture his interest in the present or his 

concern for the future. 

"Today's pioneer in the motion picture Industry 

is still pioneering." he said. "His covered 

wagon is rolling through the laboratories 

seeking not only new dimensions, but new 

horizons. He has aroused popular appetites 

and he must satiate popular hunger. 

"His responsibilities today are greater, far 

greater, than they have ever been. He Is not 

simply an entrepreneur with a professional 

eye on the boxoffice. 

""He is much more than that. In these times 

of turbulence and tension, he Is a public 

leader of Increasing importance. The motion 

picture pioneer is active in an industry which 

is as American as pumpkin pie. The men who 

built it helped make the American story—the 

tale of humble origins, opportunities, success, 

and gratitude expressed through public service 

to the public. 

"What more typifies the story of our country 

and our industry than the public-spirited 

American who has been chosen as the pioneerof-the-year-Barney 

Balaban? 

"On his way up In our industry Barney has 

worked In all branches of the business. He 

knows it as few of us do. for he has helped 

build it Into the greatest instrument of communication 

between peoples that the world 

has ever known. 

"But the Balaban story isn't Just another 

chapter out of Horatio Alger. Rather, it Is an 

account of an American citizen grateful for 

the opportunities which his land offered him 

and who displays his appreciation by concrete 

service to hLs country. 

"We all know of Barney's devotion to noble 

causes and of the time, talent and energy he 

lends to them." 

Turning to Balaban. he concluded: "My 

(Continued on page lOi 

BOXOFFICE November 14. 1953

I 

iiKidman 

: November 

P(du^c€iU 

William F. Rodgers Plans 

To Leave MGM March 1 

Original intention had been to withdraw 

July 26. 1954 from vice-presidency and advisory 

duties, but contract which started Dec. 

19. 1951. has been amended to advance retirement 

date to March 1. 

* 

MPAA Upholds Code Order 

On 'Cease Fire' Cuts 

Although no formal vote was taken, board 

agrees that profanity be eliminated from Hal 

Wallis-Paramount film about army life: objection 

taken to three "hells" and one "damn." 

• 

Three Regional Meetings 

Scheduled by Columbia 

First .session will be in Chicago, November 

15-19: second parley to be In New York, 

November 30-December 3 and third powwow 

in San Francisco, December 14-17. 

RKO Division Heads Set 

For Three-Day Meeting 

Sessions for sales executives to be held 

November 17-19 in New York for discussion 

of forthcoming product: Charles Boasberg, 

general sales manager, will preside. 

• 

Goldwyn Drops Negotiations 

For Lindbergh's Story 

Withdraws after weeks of talks on deal 

for "The Spirit of St. Louis," published by 

Scribner's, due to author's requirements 

governing film treatment of the work. 

• 

J. H. Lawrie Quits As Head 

Of British Film Finance 

Leaves government post in midst of discussion 

of continuance of Eady plan and how 

much financing government will make available 

for production during three-year period. 

• 

Eric Johnston Concludes 

Film Pact With Holland 

Reports to Motion Picture Export Ass'n 

board of a new and favorable deal with the 

Bloscoop Bond. Holland film monopoly, effec- 

MGM Plans Continental Meet 

In Belgium November 22 

Forty executives. .Miles and publicity personnel 

will meet with Arthur Loew, president 

of Loew's International Corp., and Samuel 

N. Berger. general sales manager, to discuss 

•:ilcH policies and lastallation of panoramic 

I 

recns In Europe. 

• 

L. W. Kastner. European Head 

For Columbia, Transferred 

(.'oinliiK I" New Y(jik ;ls ius:.l.sliilit lo Joseph 

Cour\ Dismisses Antitrust Suit 

Filed 

Against National Screen 

A McConville, president of Columbia Iiilcriitlonal 

Nick P. Pery, who ha.s been Eîropean 

ileh nianoKLT, named succesHor with Maurice 

as awilstant. 

PHILADELPHIA—Judge William H. Kirkpatrick 

of federal district court this week dusmissed 

the antitrust .suit brought against 

National Screen Service Corp- and major film 

distributors by Lawlor and Pantzer, doing 

business as the Independent Poster Exchange 

Co. The four-year-old suit has been followed 

closely in the industry as it was considered a 

test case which was to decide the fate of a 

number of other suits filed by independent 

poster and accessory firms around the country. 

The dismissal was granted on two basic 

arguments of National Screen Service and the 

distributors. One was that Lawlor and Pantzer 

was prevented from asserting its claim of 

monopoly and antitrust violation .since it had 

enjoyed a franchise from National Screen for 

many years, under which it was provided 

standard acce-ssories manufactured by the 

company. The second position, which the 

court also upheld, was that a prior suit 

brought by Lawlor and Pantzer and a number 

of other poster renters against NSS, Paramount. 

RKO and Loew's Inc., which had 

ended in a dismissal with prejudice, barred 

the antitrust claim against those three distributors 

and five other defendant-distributors 

who had entered in exclusive contract with 

National Screen. The point here was that the 

distributors were aware when they signed the 

agreements that NSS had made franchise 

agreements with the poster renters. 

Counsel for National Screen contended that 

the poster firm had been receiving standard 

accessories for the past six years, had increased 

its business and had made profits and 

could not be heard from now to complain 

about an arrangement in which it had participated 

successfully. 

It also was contended by National Screei. 

that the exclusive contracts which it made 

with the distributors had already been determined 

to be legal and that they were 

natural, economic developments in the coi 

of building and pioneering in its field. 

The court was told that National Screa 

had a right to be assured by exclusive contract 

that it could amortize the large invest 

ment it had made when it entered these fields 

and, particularly, since it had obtained ;i 

license under copjTight for which it had paid 

royalties. 

Herman Robbins. president of the compailJ,j 

said he was "gratified by this legal vindiea-l 

tion." 

"For over a quarter of a century," he said. 

"National Screen has prided itself on a policy 

of fair dealing and goodw'Ul which it had 

established with thousands of exhibitors 

throughout the country. We considered the 

attack by the poster renters an unjust one. 

and w ere determined to test our rights legally 

and. therefore, refused any compromise or 

settlement of the matter. We are gratified 

that exhibitors throughout the country, and 

exhibitor associations, offered their endorsement 

and aid to National Screen in recognition 

of its fair policies, and we pledge a 

continuation of these policies for the future." 

Louis Nizer of the law firm of Phillips, 

Nizer. Benjamin and Krim appeared for National 

Screen and Earl Harrison of Schnader. 

Harrison. Segal and Lewis represented the 

distributors. 

COAfPO Dues Drive to Be Started 

November 30, a One-Week Effort 

i 

NEW YORK—The annual dues drive of 

the Council of Motion Picture Organizations 

will open nationally November 30 and continue 

for a week, Robert W. Coyne, special 

counsel, said Wednesday (11). Following last 

year's pattern, the theatre canvass will be 

made by the sales forces of the ten major 

companies, working under the supervision of 

distribution-exhibitor committees in each exchange 

area. 

Dues have been reduced 25 per ceno from 

those collected last year. This year's dues 

will be as follows: 

Four-wall theatres—Up to 500 seats, $7.50 

annually: up to 750 seats. $11.25: up to 1,000 

.seats, $18.75: up to 2.500 seats, $37.50: over 

2.500 seats, $75. 

Drive-in theatres—Up to 300 cars, $7.50: 

up lo 500 cars, $11.25: up to 600 cars $18.75; 

over 600 cars, $37.50. 

The total amount of the collection from 

exhibitors will be matched by the member 

companies of the Motion Picture Ass'n of 

America. 

Major company general sales managers 

approved the use of their salesmen in .seeking 

exhibitor dues at u recent meeting presided 

over by Charles Feldman of 

Universal- 

International, chairman of the general sales 

managers' committee. 

Coyne stressed that the canvass has the 

approval of all five exhibitor associations 

that are charter members of COMPO. They 

are Theatre Owners of America, National 

Allied, Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres 

Ass'n, Independent Theatre Owners Ass'n and 

Western Theatre Owners. 

Trueman T. Rembusch has set up a formula 

under which the canvass will be conducted. 

He is chairman of the COMPO finance committee 

and formerly one of the three cochairmen 

of OOMPO. 

Pioneers Dinner 

(Continued from page 9i 

compliments, the compliments of all to you. 

Paramount studio executives and stars had 

sent tape-recorded messages of congratulation. 

Voices heard were: Y. FYank Freeman, 

Don Haa-tman. Cecil B. DeMllle. Bing Crosby, 

Danny Kaye, Nicole Maurey, Yma Sumac, 

Dean Martin. Jerry Lewis, Humphrey Bogart, 

Audrey Hepburn, Billy Wilder, William 

Holden. Bob Hope, Hal Wallls, Sliirley Booth, 

Jiunes Stewart, Pat Crowley and Rosemary 

Clooney. 

Balaban was presented a liand.some plaque 

by Johnston. John J. O'Connor received a 

sliver plaque for his help In raising funds 

for the Motion Picture Foundation. 

I 

BOXOFFICE : 

14, 196S

ETERNITY is now 

Ireakinq every known 

lecord in tlie first 

ubseguent runs in 

ansasClty,PittsburgK 

frisco and Cleveland! 

COLUMBIA'^ 

ERE TO ETERNITY

' 

i 

^ 

J 

j 

IS THERE A TREND IN THESE REPORTS? 

Lights Going on Again 

In Many Dark Houses 

KANSAS Crri'—Tlieatre rcopenings, .spotted 

in various cities about tlie nation, this 

weelc gave evidence in support of the general 

belief that the industry is again building 

toward better grosses. 

A number of big-city houses have been reopened 

in recent weeks, including the Stanley 

Warner Capitol in Everett, Mass. This 

house, closed for a year and one-half, has 

gone back to a full-week schedule, according 

to SW Zone Manager Harry Feinstein. In 

addition, the Warner chain recently reopened 

the Rialto in South Nonvalk on a weekend 

basis. This house, closed for two years, is 

now reported to be doing well. 

MANY SUNNEAPOLIS OPENINGS 

The Regal in Indianapolis, also dark for an 

entire year, has been reopened. In Dallas, 

Tex., the Ti-inity, 650 seats, reopened under 

the management of Lottie Burt Strong, with 

a film-stage show policy. 

Best news for exhibitors was the disclosure 

that in the last 12-month period a total of 

seven showcases had reopened in Minneapolis 

and St. Paul, decidedly reversing an 

earlier trend toward wholesale shutterings in 

those twin cities. 

Latest to reopen was the neighborhood 

Granada, which had been closed for six 

months. Ted Mann, operator of the Minneapolis 

and St. Paul downtown Worlds and a 

Duluth drive-in, has leased the Granada from 

its owners Rubenstein & Kaplan. It will reopen 

with a fine arto policy on December 25. 

Two other reopened theatres, the Strand 

and Tower, are St. Paul first run houses which 

wer*" dark for more than two years. The reopened 

Twin City houses also include four 

A-hich the Minne.sota Amu.sement Co. had relinquished 

upon expiration of their leases. 

In Philadelphia, the Aldine Theatre, which 

was sold by Stanley Co. of America to Harry 

Parker to be converted into a garage, will be 

reopened on Christmas day as a de luxe theatre. 

When the Aldine was sold, the house 

was completely stripped. It will be refurbished, 

and air conditioning will be Installed 

when it reopens with its first presentation, 

which is expected to be "Julius Caesar." 

BUSINESSMEN FAVOR THEATRE 

One reason given for the failure of the 

buyer to convert the Aldine into a garage is 

the purported opposition of the Chestnut 

Street Businessmen's Ass'n. However, it Is interesting 

to note that apparently no restriction 

was put Into the deed for its use as a 

theatre by the buyer, who supposedly is affiliated 

with the Sley Interests. Sley operates 

a chain of garage.s In town as well as Ihv 

Locust Theatre, a neighborhood art house 

The reported original consideration for the 

theatre was $325,000 and a representative of 

the buyer already has turned down an offer 

to purchase the theatre for $400,000. 

The trend toward reopenlngs has not been 

ri'strlcU'd to the big cities, however. Miuiy 

a .small town hou.se is coming back Into the 

picture. For Instunce, the Rocket Tlieatre iil 

Lake Cry.slal, Minn., closed for one year, has 

been reopened after u complete renovation, 

addition of new .s

:3lli!,«ll 

'i the necessity of stereophonu 

sound; (21 widescreens: and (3) the necessltj: 

I 

of making alterations in theatres." 

He said he has received insults by wire anc 

letter. He has heard, he said, that complalnt«i 

have been made to the Department of Justice > 

and "that I am about to be indicted." 

"But, until then, I shall insist on the besti 

- 

screens and the best lenses for CinemaScope." 

He was adamant on this point. There car 

be no comproml.se on pcrfertlon for the pro 

Jeetlon and -sound of CinemaScope plctun 

as far as he Is concerned. 

"I realize that this affects many screîi 

nianufactiners," he said, "but at this time' 

there ore only two screens acceptable to us, 

the Miracle Mirror and Astrollte screens. We 

have met wltli the .screen nuinufacturer,-- n 

we have told them to meet the stand:ir> 

which we have set. We have told them Him' 

If they needed research and financing. 

\ 

i&0 

;ii»ile 

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siilleri 

lifffldOf 

-riiijel 

Mil, lie 

Tsth iad 

atltibei 

aplionii 

nbeper 

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sbat 

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fsii jour 

BOXOFFICE :: November 14. 1981

! out 

I 

I 

j 

I 

"If 

I 

would 

: on 

' 

I 

ircult. 

: 

• 

supply them. We will work with them 

any level of cooperation." 

This offer al.so applies to the sound manufacturers, 

he said. 

"The thinking that 'we don't need It' will 

put exhibitors out of business. Sound Is a.s 

I 

Important to cinemascope as the size of the 

screen. And it is as essential for the small 

I 

theatre as it is for the large. 

"Our company will see that any exhibitor 

who needs extended credit to acquire equipment 

for Cinemascope will get It from the 

manufacturer— for as long as nece.ssary. We 

will sell 'The Robe' on the basis that everyone 

makes a profit, and that will be our selling 

policy on all Cinemascope pictures. 

"We can't do more than that," he declared. 

II.*RD 

WORK ON CINEMASCOPE 

He told the exhibitors Cinemascope was not 

111 "accident." 

•'Our organization has worked for nine 

months to get the process ready for the 

•iiarket, 24 different companies—sound exiierts, 

.screen manufacturers, research people 

.;i almost every related field—contributed 

heir efforts to perfect the system. 

"By the end of this year, we will have 

10 Cinemascope pictures ready for release. 

Without being certain how we would come 

nit, we invested a tremendous fortune in a 

..ystem which we felt would save the motion 

picture industry. This is what we have done 

In nine months." 

When Jerry Silver of Grand Prairie, Tex. 

rose to say that stereophonic sound cost,s 

will 

drive the small exhibitor out of business, 

Skouras declared the small exhibitor will go 

of business if he doesn't improve his way 

of showing pictures. 

E. D. Martin, head of the extensive Martin 

circuit which includes 45 drive-ins, wanted 

to know when he could expect to get Cinema- 

Scope pictures with or without the anamorphic 

lens for his outdoor theatres. 

"We are definitely determined," answered 

skoura.s, "to present superior entertainment, 

both indoors and outdoors, and until the 

proper screen and sound is achieved for drivens 

we will not permit Cinemascope pictures 

o be played outdoors. 

"Be patient," he advised. "We will lick these 

problems, particularly sound, on which we are 

now working." 

stereophonic sound proves impractical, 

would we be permitted to .show 'The Robe' 

•vithout stereophonic sound?" Martin asked. 

"We will not give 'The Robe' without it," 

Skouras answered. 

\SKS ABOUT RENTALS 

Louis Rosenbaum, head of Muscles Shoals 

Theatres, of Florence, Ala., was interested 

pntals for Cinemascope releases. 

T have your screens and I have your 

lenses," he said. "My theatres are in small 

towns, and we charge 35 cents and 40 cents. 

At 70 per cent rentals, these small theatres 

''.ill be driven out of business because we 

annot raise our prices to the point where 

uch playdates would be profitable." 

Skouras said 20th-Fox had no right to 

dictate prices. Fanchon & Marco in St. Loui.s. 

he pointed out, was playing "The Robe" at 

regular prices, and doing very well. 

Bill Cummings, who operates 11 theatres in 

mall central Florida towns, said his concern 

was whether Fox would produce pictures in 

mediums other than Cinemascope. "And if 

the other companies take up Cinemascope, 

how can we stay in business if there is no 

other method?" 

in 

CONVENTION REPORTS: 

Vacation Movies Success, 

Rhoden Reports to TOA 

CHICAGO— Suninifr viicalioii imnn- programs 

have be«n highly successful In their 

first trial year. E. C. Rhoden, chairman of 

the public relatloas 

^ppxv 11 committee reported to 

^f jM the TOA convention. 

^^ In the Fox Mldwe.st 

A ' 

E. C. Rhoden 

where the plojj 

nriginated, the average 

weekly attendance wa.s 

W 

^Î 

^^^k JJ.120 children In 43 

^^^^^ft^^^^^ ^^^ 

t heal res. or a total of 

^^^^^^S^^^H 2f;.'>. 1411 for 

^^^^H^^HH 

Reade 

^^^^^^^^V I president Walter 

^^^^^^^^^~^" Reade Theatres, reported 

he used the plan 

in six New Jersey and 

New York situations, and said the result "convinces 

me that the plan warrants the full 

support of every exhibitor as one of the most 

beneficial projects our industry can undertake. 

"We have long -sought some means of instilling 

the movie habit in the younger generation 

.since they will be our adult patron.s 

in the future. I know of no better way than 

the summer vacation movie program. 

"The programs permits the schools and the 

Parent Teacher Ass'ns (along with other 

groups concerned with child welfare) to select 

the programs, fulfilling their demand to present 

suitable film fare for children. The $1.00 

price I for 12 shows) permits the children to 

see good films under a supervised setup at a 

price all can afford. The theatre owner or 

manager literally becomes a 'hero' in his community. 

Financially, the program more than 

pays for itself, and. coupled with concession 

sales, actually is a profitable operation." 

Rhoden quoted a letter from Walter Morris 

of Knoxville in which he said he had completed 

his first series of these shows for a 

period of 12 weeks with an attendance record 

of 11,765. 

The final box score from Evergreen Theatres 

Corp., operating in the northwest, was 

not in at the time he wrote his report. 

"If we were selfish." Skouras replied, "we 

could have developed a system like Cinerama 

and kept it for a few select theatres. But 

Cinemascope was developed to help all theatres. 

"At present, my mind is made that 20th 

Century Fox will make pictures only In the 

Cinemascope system." 

That left unanswered Cummings question: 

"What will small theatres do for product?" 

When R. N. Kennedy of Birmingham asked 

whether Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Warners and 

others who will make pictures in Cinemascope 

will also demand the use of Astroltte and 

Miracle Mirror screens. Skouras said he could 

not tell these companies what they should do. 

Edward Arthur, whose F&M circuit is 

playing 

"The Robe" at regular prices in St. 

Louis 

said the picture has reactivated interest in 

movies in that city, and he thought every theatre 

ought to get ready for Cinemascope. 

KhiMlcn .Mat.- 

"But we cant exist on 8. 12 or 14 pictures 

a year in our 22 theatres," he said. "We arc 

not afraid of television In St. Louis. If we 

can get the pictures, we can stay in business. 

What can exhibitors do to get other producers 

to boost production?" 

Skouras said that If the next two or three 

pictures in Cinemascope are boxofflce successes, 

exhibitors can expect aliout 50 pictures 

in the process from January 1 to December 

31. 1954. 

At this point. Al Lichtman. director of 

distribution for Fox. took over. 

"I want to make a pledge to every exhibitor 

who plays The Robe' that we will guarantee 

a profit. We will make the same gu.^rantee 

on all Cinemascope pictures, and if the 

terms prove to be unjustified we will make adjustments." 

And on that note, the final 

of the convention came to an end. 

business session 

BOXOFFICE November 14. 1953

: November 

.: 

' 

A Wrestler Five Years Ago, 

Now Head of Astrolite 

Mikr Mihalakis explaining the t 

BUFFALO—About five years ago, a wrestler 

billed professionally as Mike Mihalakis, visited 

Buffalo for what he thought was a one-night 

stand at Memorial auditorium. That was in 

1949. Milte is still in town, but not as a wrestler. 

He is now president of the Glowmeter 

Corp., the Buffalo company which, after four 

money-losing years, struck "oil" with the 

Astrolite screen for Cinemascope and other 

wide-screen 

processes. 

"Lsn't this wonderful?" exclaims Mike, 

pinching himself to find out whether he's 

dreaming or living in a world of actuality. 

In his wrestling days Mike doubled in brass 

as an inventor and writer. When he first 

stopped off in Buffalo five years ago. he was 

wrestling his way across the country to New 

York, where he hoped to find a publisher for 

a novel he had written. 

Besides his manu.script. he had with him 

an Invention he called a Glowmeter. It is a 

gadget that projects dashboard instrument 

readings to a tiny screen on the windshield 

of a car at the driver's eye-level. 

His Intended one-night stand at the Memorial 

auditorium stretched into a six-month 

stay. By then he had enough money to retire 

from wrestling and start a busines.s to push 

the development of his Glowmeter Invention. 

Buffalo was where he decided to start 

Mihalakis Engineering Associates, which grew 

into what Is now the Glowmeter Corp. 

The company, which was started In an 

eighth-floor room In Hotel Buffalo and later 

set up shop at 38 Swan St. and then 37 

Franklin St., ha.s Just moved Into a large 

North Tonawanda plant purchased from the 

American District Steam Co., at a cost of 

more than $300,000 Production started Inst 

week. 

When he started hl.s company, Mihalakis 

operated the business for a while entirely on 

his own capital. He was so naive nbou> running 

a buslne.ss that when an associate suggested 

he raise money by selling corporate 

stock that was beginning to gather dust In a 

I lii>ic|ijrv .>i the Astrolite screen. 

.safe, he said: "You mean I can get money for 

that stuff?" 

The Glowmeter invention that started as 

something for an automobile grew into an 

instrument-reading projection device that 

could be adapted to airplanes and army tanks. 

To work properly, the projection devices 

required a screen material with an exceptionally 

high return of projection energy or light. 

Such screen material did not exist. Glowmeter 

developed its own screen and its success 

in doing so led it to explore the possibility 

of getting into the field of motion 

picture screens. 

This was about the time that the film Industry 

was scouting around for screens to match 

the new kinds of projection that today are 

sweeping the nation's theatres. The potential 

market for screens looked tempting and 

Glowmeter decided to go after it. 

Thus, via its Glowmeter invention, the 

Buffalo company literally stumbled into a 

.screen product that, In the words of Mihalakis 

"not only is making us click but is putting 

us on the map." 

Fortune has not always smiled for Glowmeter. 

The company, according to Mike, has 

had a loss of more than $200,000 every year 

since It was started. That goes for it,'' most 

recent fiscal year, which ended September 30. 

Now Mihalakis Is predicting Glowmeter 

sales of approximately $3,700,000 in the last 

three months of 1953, the first chance the 

company has had to move over toward the 

profit side of the ledger. 

The dynamic wrestler-turned corporation 

president visualizes his company as one that 

quite po.sslbly will grow into a big concern 

with considerably more employment. As for 

Its present fiscal year which started October 

1, Mihalakis Is thinking In terms of a gross 

volume of buslne.ss not le.ss than $6,000,000. 

Olowmeter's master plan calls for the company 

to get Into the home and school movie 

field by December 1, Into .screens for outdoor 

theatres by next April and, after that. 

into "daylight" movie screens. The companij 

already has started pilot production of T\i 

projection screens. , 

As for its new motion picture screens. Glow-j 

meter has a big Job cut out for itself. Mihala-| 

kis says that on the basis of present contracts 

the company will supply enough movie ."creenij 

for 6.000 theatres. 5.000 of them by February ij 

Mihalakis is a native of McGUl. Nev., whtj 

grew up in San Francisco. He had a smattering 

of higher learning at Ohio university anc 

the University of California, but he nevei 

got a degree. However, he has had a hand 

in all the technical processes of optical sciencf 

involved in his company's business and hlj 

name appears as the inventor in all but s 

couple of some 40 patents his company has 

taken out. 

TOA Reports 

(Continued from page 15) 

on 3-D use until screen surface developments 

liave been perfected. 

Screens up to 110 feet in width have 1 

tried in drive-ins. Enough light has I 

obtained. Not enough pictures, however, have 

been available for this type of .showing. With 

widths like this, the question arises. Braunagel 

said, as to whether the first four rampe 

will have to be left vacant. With some of the 

present sizes, only the people in the front 

seats of cars can see all of the screen. 

Keeping drive-ins open from dusk to dawn 

to earn a "quick buck" is bad for drive-Ins. 

the committee chairman warned. The practice 

has brought unfavorable publicity and 

has resulted in raids which will bring on restrictive 

laws. 

Summary of other committee reports 

follow 

MEMBERSHIP: George Kerasotes and 

E. D. Martin, co-chairmen, recommended that 

TOA expand it membership efforts to reach 

out into new areas where the association has 

no representation and either align itself with 

a strong local exhibitor organization or create 

one. 

FILM REVIEWING: This commit te. headp-' 

by H. F. Kincey. recommended that wl-.. 

public -service trailers are to run more t!. 

120 feet, producers should consult wi'h To 

prior to the filming of the subject. Such pv 

production conferences will result in sho: 

and more effective presentations, he said 

BUILDING AND SAFETY: The time 1. 

come to take definite and po.ssibly drii>^ 

steps to stop the use of nitrocellulo.se '-:. 

in new productions, newsreels and Imporv 

tions, and to discontinue exhibition of old p; 

tures on nitrocellulose base film, Henry .A: 

derson. chairman of the building and -siiu 

codes committee, reported to the convent ;> 

"While today safety film is supplied alnu' 

exclusively, there nevertheless remains a 

.'^ 

ficlent amount of nitrocellulose film In i: 

so that in dealing with fire departments n: 

with fire Insurance rate-making bureaus. : 

connection with relaxing regulations oripln;ii! 

based upon 100 per cent use of nitrocellul.' 

film, we are confronted with the arguinen 

that nitrocellulose film Is nevertheless .still 

In use, and they cannot therefore lower their 

i 

standards until It-s u.se has been dLscontlnued." 

RESEARCH: The committoe. headed by 

Myron Blank. expre.s.sed a belief that the 

Cinerama system will be simplified .so that 

It generally can be u.sj-d In most theatres now 

operating. 

16 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

14, 1953

BOXOFFICE ; : November 14, 1953

i 

October Blue Ribbon Award 

Goes to 'The Robe' (Fox) 

By DOROTHY P. MARTIN 

:lir 

To the general and nation-wide acclaim won by 20th Century-Fox's "The Robfirst 

production in CinemaScope, has now been added the BOXOFFICE Blue Ribb 

Award. From the members of the National Screen Council which is composed 

motion picture editors of new^spapers and magazines, radio commentators and moti 

picture chairmen of civic and social organizations, recognition that the production is 

milestone in the progress of the industry has been given. The balloting was hea^ 

Indicating strong and widespread interest, and the majority was overwhelming for t 

screen version of Lloyd Douglas's best-selling novel, starring Richard Burton, Je 

Simmons, Victor Mature and Michael Rennie with Prank Ross as producer and und 

Henry Roster's direction. i 

As reviewed in BOXOPFICE issue of September 

26 "The Robe" was cited as sure 

to become "one of the great boxoffice successes 

of all time." Grosses from cities 

across the country reported on the 

BAROMETER page are running to phenomenal, 

almost astronomical figures. The 

highest of 800 per cent of average business 

as the first week of an extended run, 

comes from Los Angeles. Denver reports 

700 per cent. Cleveland 625, Seattle 600, 

Pittsburgh 580, with 500 from San Francisco, 

Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Kansas 

City. With 17 cities reporting, the 

average percentage has reached 506. And 

all over the nation it is still running—and 

running strong. 

"The Robe" has been the recipient of one 

of the heaviest and longest sustained publicity 

campaigns in the history of the motion 

picture. Carefully and skillfully planned 

to foster and maintain public interest at 

a rising tempo to break at its peak of intensity 

with the long awaited opening, no 

factor was neglected and no medium 

passed over in this all-out effort. And the 

production, itself, has more than fulfilled 

the generous promises made in its behalf. 

The award goes to 20th Century-Fox as 

the 45th in the years since the initial win 

for that company in 1932. Blue Ribbon 

plaques will go to Frank Ross for the second 

time, to Henry Koster for the seventh 

and to Philip Dunne, as author of the 

screenplay, for the fourth. This will be 

the first occasion for such recognition for 

each of the four stars of the film. 

Comment has run high from members of 

the National Screen Council, with representatives 

of civic, educational and social 

organizations being most lavish in their 

prai.se. Ml.ss Genevieve Hackctt, motion 

picture chairman of the executive board 

the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women 

Kansas City, writes, "The death of Chr 

on the cross is filmed in a dignified a" 

restrained manner. The acting is of sul 

fine quality that you cease to be a spe' 

tator and become a participant in an acttj 

event. The mass scenes and settings be. 

gar description. This is a great picture 

Cinemascope marks an epoch in the h. ^ 

^ 

tory of the movies." 

From Paul de Sainte Colombe, Hollywoj-i*. 

correspondent for Paris and Montreal pujr 

lications, comes this, "It is a magnificeil 

production, astonishingly exact to tjj 

smallest historical detail, and a really Irj' 

pressive introduction to CinemaScope." M.' 

Max M. Williams of the Motion Pictu! 

Council of Greater Detroit says, "I h:] 

the privilege of attending the world pri 

miere in New York in September. Surtj 

o 

^jjf^ 

îiij, 

20th Century-Fox should be congratulaM 

on the beautifully sensitive production 

'The Robe.' A spiritual experience in e 

tertainment with a hope in a chaotic work 

From Bob Murphy of the Minneapo.l leapo.l ^- ."v-seo 

Star-Tribune comes. " 'The Robe' is 

a lan^l 

gfa n-tt 

' 

mark in film history!" E. Philip Willcox Ucox iilii 

iSi^ 

of ul^-fiiMger 

the Parent^' Institute writes. "One 

to 

flW lite truly greats of our time." "As the le 

movie in CinemaScope "The Robe' has las ^tei 

hi{ 

toric importance apart from its own qua) 

ities of story and spectacle," Helen Bowt 

the Detroit Free Press. "Splendid pictui 

zation of the novel with understandin' 

warmth and supreme power," Leonard S;i; 

wire. Film Critic, Minneapolis. 

A great picture, then, in a great new n 

dium, wins the unqualified approval ol tl 

members of the National Screen Counc 

proving itself a worthy recipient of tl 

BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award. 

The Cast 

Marcellus 

Richard Burton Justus 

Diana 

Jean Simmons 

Demetrius 

'Victor Mature 

Peter Michael Rennie 

Caligula Jav Robinson 

Executive Producer Darryl F. Zanuck 

Producer 

Prank Ross 

Director 

Henry Kostkr 

Color by Technicolor 

Screenplay 

Philip Dunne

— 

Technicolor Servicing 

Films for Color TV 

HOI.I.YW001>—Further indiciitlon.s that 

rolor television is Just aroiitul the corner came 

:n the announcement from Technicolor that It 

hiis made Its facilities available to the proluccrs 

of tinted TV footage. 

Concurrently Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, presli,nt 

and general manager, revealed that 

IVchnlcolor is already filming material for 

olor TV use. The company has contracted 

.vlth the McKann-Ericlcson agency to film 

uid proce.ss a 27-mlnute entry In the Pacific 

coast Borax Co.'s "Death Valley Days" TV 

,ries. Lensing on the subject, titled "The 

Big Team Rolls." will be launched Monday 

16> by Flying A Productions. 

Technicolor also hivs contracted with Screen 

f.ems. the Columbia video .subsidiary, to film 

aiid process 100,000 feet of Technicolor threestrip 

negative for use in TV commercials by 

the American Tobacco Co. 

Panchromatic masters of the three-strip 

negative will be made so that black-and-white 

prints can be processed for current telecasting, 

while color prints will be made available when 

color television arrives. 

Commenting on Technicolor's entry into 

the tint-TV field. Dr. Kalmus said his organization 

had "always felt that the future of 

television is bound up with color." 

Magnum Pictures Is Formed 

To Film Bobbins Stories 

IÊW YORK—A new produeing firm. Magnum 

Pictures, has been formed by John Bash, 

Elizabeth Dickinson and Kurt Hirsch for the 

production of pictures from the novels of 

Harold Robbins. The three are now involved 

Independently in several productions. 

The first will be 'Never Leave Me." which 

will be published January 1. Production is 

scheduled to start in May. In addition to 

purchasing film rights to Robbins' "Never 

lx)ve a Stranger," "The Dream Merchants" 

;ind "A Stone for Danny Fisher," and to the 

forthcoming "Never Leave Me," Magnum ha,s 

an option on "69 Park Avenue," which Robbins 

is now writing. 

The purchase involves $200,000 and gives 

Robbins a partnership in the new company. 

"Dream Merchants" will be the second on the 

list. 

Jack Hanley has been signed to write the 

screenplay for "Never Leave Me." 

Joseph Rivkin Named 

To Allied Artists Post 

HOLLYWOOD—Named executive 

assistant 

to Harold Mirisch. Allied Artists vice-president, 

was Joseph Rivkin. formerly general 

manager for Wald-Kra-sna Productions and a 

veteran of the industry. Rivkin will function 

as a coordinator between Mirisch and varioas 

AA operational facets, including production, 

distribution and promotion. 

A one-time exploitation director—in 1930 

tor RKO Pathe, Rivkin was also affiliated 

with Hal Roach. After sen'ice in 'World 'Wai- 

II he operated his own agency before Joining 

the Wald-Krasna organization. With its dissolution 

he joined RKO Radio as executive 

aide to C. J. Tevlin, vice-pre.sident in charge 

of studio operations, leaving that berth to 

supervise the west coast opening of "This Is 

Cinerama" at the Warner Hollywood Theatre 

here. 

First Theatre TV Network 

On Territorial Basis 

NI-;W YORK I>-vel()pnient of the first regional 

network of theatre t«-levl.slon outlets 

win get under way next week In Olilo, Indiana. 

Illinois and Michigan by Box-Offlce Television, 

Inc. This is the recently established 

organization which Is making theatre TV 

equipment available to exhibitors on a lea-sing 

basis. 

Bob Rosenkrantz, a.sslstant to William P. 

Rosensohn, president of BOTV, and Lou 

Gerard, director of field and exploitation activities, 

will begin a .series of meetlng.s with 

exhibitors in each of the.se states to line up 

theatres for the network. 

At present, over 500 letters 

and wires from 

exhibitors In these states have been received 

by BOTV In response to the company's announced 

plan of providing equipment on a 

rental basis to both large and small theatres. 

Available for theatres of 1,500 or more seats 

will be the regular RCA PT-100 equipment; 

for theatres of 1,500 seats or less, the Snaider 

equipment will be used. 

This latter equipment was used by the New 

Theatre in Elizabeth, N.J., on Saturday i7) 

when the theatre sold 650 of its 750 .seats for 

the Notre Dame-Pennsylvania game. The 

telecast at the New marked the first smalltown 

closed circuit event in the history of 

theatre TV. with the use of the special smafltheatre 

equipment which was demonstrated 

by BOTV at the national Allied convention In 

AT 'MILLIONAIRE' PREMIERE 

Industry dignitaries and filmland glamor 

by the carload attended the recent world premiere 

of 20th Century-Fox's second Cinema- 

Scope attraction, "How to Marry a Millionaire." 

at the Fox Wilshire Theatre, where the 

lilt. tun lit t tiiitnth K

j 

' 

| 

ticipating actively in many cultural, re- 

ligious and welfare organizations, including 

official posts with the Broadway Ass*!!. | 

j 

'7Hc«t a^ S. the first to construct 

a special TV lounge in a theatre, 

one of the first to install theatre-TV. 

\ 

He expanded his father's policy of con- 

.structing the "community" type theatre 

and he has developed the "Curtain at 

8:30" format for presentation of art and 

foreign films in theatres which cannot 

support such films on a normal basLi 

Distributing Chaplin Film 

NEW YORK Jo.st'pli BrtMUUT hn.- a 

quired the distribution rights to 'A Nit; 

With Charlie Chaplin." starring Chaplin, t 

gether with Mabel Normand. Charlie Cli.i. 

Chester Conklin. Slim Sonierville. H;ii 

Mann and the Keystone Cops. His nddn 

Is 276 West 43rd St. 

Leon Brandt Is Representative ( 

NEW YORK Pclir Boudoures. producer o' 

"The Barefoot Biittivlion." has named tb 

Leon Brandt office his U.S. representatin 

The picture wa.s filmed In Greece and edltei 

In Hollywood. It will be released here early ll

. iosma 

: November 

- 

In 

the Newsreels 

MavMem N«w>, No. 91: Greek royalty hos butv 

day in New York, quintuplet enters strict relioiou% 

ordtf: ormy reodiei F-89s for defense; orniy salvagc\ 

debris of war; Paul Anderson wins weight lift; pruon 

inmotes m rough rodeo; smash success, "How to 

Morry a Millionaire" in CincmoScope, 

News of Iho Day, No. 221: War filnned at front os 

battle roges; Dionne quints ported os Mario takes 

tho veil. Democrats win in New York and New 

Jersey elections; UN welcomes Greek rulers; Bntoin s 

quton rides to Porhomcnt; Scorpions guard Aloskon 

ikiet; huge salvage lob m Korco; Ridgway reviews 

UN troops in Korea; mounties stor m horse show. 

Poramounl News, No. 24: All-weather Scorpions 

oul^ned to Aloska command; Queen Elizobcth opens 

Porltoment; Adolph Zukor honored in London; the 

hite House events; Mane Dionne enters 

coftyent. Koms down Lions ociore recora crowa 

ditlvenol News, No. StS: Ridgwoy in Korea; French 

fight woy out of Red trap. Scorpion plone; Mane 

Dionne, Virgin Mory mission, army solvogc, styles 

on shipboard, the nationol horse show. 

Warner Pothe News, No. 26: Queen opens Parliom«nt; 

French blost out of Red ombush; 104 rocket 

|«t ioins air force; Fronco's blueshirts mark 20th year; 

quints now four os Mane enters convent; Ridgway 

vitits old outfit in Korea; Rams 37, Lions 24: notional 

hone roce. 

• 

Movietone News, No. 92: Police battle dcmonstroton 

in Trieste not; royol visitors continue tour in 

middle west; picture portrait of Spoin's Fronco; queen 

mother in ancient rite; Illinois defeats Michigan 19-3, 

use conquers Stonford 23-20; New York double premiere 

of "How to Marry o Millionaire" in Cinema- 

Scope. 

News of the Doy, No. 222: Trieste Itolions battle 

police in onti-west riots; Atlontic gate floods shore 

-esorts; Britain displays newest tonks, the sod story 

» Penelope Plotypus, Penn gives Irish toughest bat- 

•le; use topples Stanford; lllini nearer "big ten" 

Poromount 1 iws, No. 25: Riots over Trieste; putting 

on the dog; football's bigg :st Saturday. 

Universol News, No. 516: Northeastern storm; moddods 

meet woif; Hirohito 

ern tonks. Admiral Radford; 

twst Qt goodwill garden poi 

rombling recks; 

TCU vs. Washington State; 

North Corolino 

State 

Worner Pothe News. No. 

Rodford in Germany on m spection tour; city cclebrates 

pact by US., Korea ; Hirohito garden party; 

golo premiere for "So Big "; Britain shows speedy 

tonks in tough test; Souther n California 23, Stanford 

20; Illinois 19, Michigan 3. 

Americon Newsreel, No. 592: Miss Press PhotogoDher 

chosen at festive boll; history art exhibit 

aem or New York's Hotel Theresa; $10,000 con- 

•'oct for concert pianist Notolie Hinderas; Dr. Ralph 

: unche urges UN support; scientists study blood 

substitute; Negro Achievement day at Dallas 

.tote foir. 

Ttlenews Weekly, No. 45: GOP setback preview of 

54; soil-ho adventure for the youth; flame bombs 

•lush Reds; tanks tear through tough tests; celeb- 

'ities in closeup; Franco hailed huge falange birthday 

'ete; hurricane hunters. 

Jacob Lubin Services; 

Loew's Booking Head 

NEW YORK—Funeral services for Jacob H. 

Lubin, 79, general vaudeville booking manager 

for Loew's Theatres for many years, were held 

at the Park West funeral chapel November 

10. Lubin died November 9 after a long illness. 

Lubin was a boyhood friend of Marcus Loew 

and, after starting in show business as manager 

of Miner's Eighth Avenue Theatre, joined 

Loew's expanding theatrical enterprise in 

1909. He served briefly as manager of Loew's 

National Theatre in the Bronx and then 

became assistant to Joseph M. Schenck. when 

the latter was head vaudeville booker for the 

chain. He succeeded Schenck when the latter 

left to go into film production. 

He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Marvin 

H. Schenck of Los Angeles, and a sister. Mrs. 

Fannie Glicksman. 

ABC Buys 'Cowboy G-Men' 

NEW YORK—"Cowboy G-Men." a we.stern 

film produced by Henry Donovan, for United 

Artists Television, ha.s been purchased by 

ABC-TV and will be shown twice weekly, 

Tuesdays and Saturdays. 

Telemeter Ready to Start 

Public Coin-Box TV 

1.500.000 Admissions Sold 

In 170 'Luther' Dates 

NEW YORK—The entire Louis DeHochpmont 

field organization held a one-day .showmanship 

conference to dl8cu.ss Immediate and 

Cres.son E. Smith, general sales manager, 

was the keynote speaker in a series of panel 

discussions on the field 

exploitation and distribution 

and Irving Drutman, publicity director, 

and Joseph Gould, handling advertising 

and promotion, each led panel discussions 

on their aspects of the picture's presentation. 

"Martin Luther" has played to more than 

1.500.000 admissions in its 170 engagements 

through November 4. according to Smith. In 

addition to New York, where the picture is 

in its ninth week at the Guild Theatre and is 

exceeding the grosses for the record-holding 

"A Queen Is Crowned." the picture is in its 

sixth week in Chicago. Other engagements 

are continuing in Cleveland, where the picture 

is in its fifth week; Milwaukee, fourth 

week; San Diego, fourth week; Sacramento 

and Seattle, third week, and Boston. Baltimore. 

San Francisco and Washington, second 

week. 

Smith told the 30 field representatives and 

sub-distributors present that "Martin Luther" 

achieved its boxoffice position "because we 

did the different, the daring and the unorthodox, 

every step of the way." 

Albert Swerdlove of 56 Piedmont St.. Boston, 

has been named by Smith to complete 

the selling of "Martin Luther" in the Boston 

and New Haven exchange territory. 

Seven 3-D Camera Units 

Sold by M. L. Gunzburg 

HOLLYWOOD—Seven 3-D camera units 

owned by Milton L. Gunzburg's Natural 

Vision Corp.. and which Gunzburg placed on 

the market several weeks ago. have been 

sold. Five were purchased by Mark Armistead. 

Inc.. a camera rental agency, and the 

remaining two by Clasa-Mohme International, 

Mexican film production-distribution 

firm. 

The sales marked the total liquidation of 

NVs camera equipment stock. 

RKO Gets Target Earth' 

NEW YORK— "Target Earth." sciencefiction 

melodrama, will be distributed worldwide 

by RKO Radio Pictures, according- to 

Charles Boasberg. general sales manager. 

early in 1954. It was produced and directed 

by W. Lee WUder. 

I'AL.M .Sl'ltlNtiS. CALIK Be«lr.r!rr ' 

Saturday c2«i the first TV program . 

offered to the public on a pay-;i 

ba.sU will be made available hrre ^ > I' ' 

meter, the coin-box device »poav>rrd by Ih'- 

Intrrnatlonal Telemelr Corp. In which 

Paramount ownjt a RUbstantlal Intemt 

Telemeter .spoke.>imen expect from 75 to 100 

future promotion plans for "Martin Luther" 

at the Hotel Chatham. November 7. 

television set owners to be hooked Into the 

closed-circuit program, out of a total of approximately 

F. Borden Mace, president of Louis De- 

Rochemont A.s.soclates. presided, and Henry 

producer "Martin 

450 receivers now owned In IhLs 

community They de.sert resort also e.'tlmBte 

Endre,s.s, a.ssoclale of 

Luther" and executive secretary of Lutheran that additional hookups will t>e made at the 

Church Productions, was the principal rate of 70 to 80 a week after the procrammlng 

Louis DeRochemont, who produced 

begins. 

.speaker. the picture, personally greeted the members "Forever Female." a Paramount picture 

starring Ginger Rogers. William Holden, Paul 

of the conference. 

Douglas and Pat Crowley, will be thft first 

feature offered. The film will op«n slmultaneou.sly 

at the Plaza, an 800-seat theatre 

here owned by Earl Strebe, who will participate, 

on a percentage basis. In the revenue 

derived from the fees received from Palm 

Springs householders who elect to view It on 

their home television sets. 

Palm Springs was .selected for the Telemeter 

ickoff becau.se it Ls a clased-clrcult 

community, unable—because of surrounding 

mountaln.s—to pick up direct TV signals from 

the nearest metropolis. Los Angeles. It receives 

Its telecasts by wire, the signals being 

picked up by an antenna at the western edge 

of town and subjected to an amplifying boost. 

While "Forever Female" Is being projected 

at the Plaza Theatre, another print will be 

telecast, on a closed circuit, by Telemeter. On 

home sets the Image will be "scrambled" until 

the owner pays the Indicated number of coins 

into the device attached to his receiver. The 

coin box will be removed once a month by 

the Telemeter collector and replaced with 

an empty one. 

In addition to first-run pictures, such as 

"Forever Female." Telemeter will bring to 

Palm Springs viewers selected sporting events 

and other programming via coaxial cable from 

Channel 6. a closed circuit in Los Angeles. 

Scheduled for December 5 Is a telecast of the 

pro football game between the Los Angeles 

Rams and the Baltimore Colts, which will 

not be available on regular TV channels. 

The International Telemeter Corp. Is 

headed by David L. Loew and Carl Leserman. 

veteran motion picture executives. 

Moropticon Demonstrations 

Are Planned in Key Spots 

NEW YORK-Matthcw Fox. ch.iirman of 

the Pola-Lite Co.. has named Dick Morras 

and Herbert Strasser as the first team to 

start a series of regional demonstrations of 

Moropticon, the single-track third-dimension 

projection system. 

Fox has already announced that the system 

will be made available without charge to 

exhibitors who purchase a minimum monthly 

order of 2.500 of the company's 3-D glasses 

for a period of one year. He says he has 

demonstrated Moropticon to enough studio 

heads in Hollywood and to dLstrlbutors to 

assure exhibitors a supply of top 3-D pictures 

on the system. 

BOXOFFICE : 

14, 1953

. . 

. . 

. . Predric 

. . MGM 

'iôU^cwMd êûnt 

Hecht-Lancaster to Remake 

Prize TV Ploy for Screen 

Plans (or the indu.stry's first production of 

a television play as a feature-length theatrical 

motion picture were 

disclosed with the purchase 

by Hecht-Lancaster 

Productions of 

"Marty." winner of a 

New York C r i t i c s' 

Award for video, 

authored by Paddy 

Chayefsky. The H-L 

outfit, headed by 

Harold Hecht and 

actor Burt 

Lancaster, 

plans to launch 

planed out for Washington. D. C. to attend 

a special Tuesday ilOi luncheon at the White 

Harold Hecht filming on the subject, House. The meeting launched the USO campaign 

which Chayefsky is 

to provide hospitality for armed forces 

converting into screenplay form, in New York personnel in homes throughout the nation 

during the coming holiday sea-son. Murphy 

next spring. It was presented originally on 

the Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse attended as president of the Hollywood Coordinating 

"Wanted by the F. B. I." an original copsand-robbers 

Committee; Pidgeon. president of 

opu-s by John McLaughlin, was the Screen Actors Guild, and Wynn have 

acquired by William F. Broidy Productions, served as volunteer performers before GIs 

which will film it for Allied Artists release. stationed and hospitalized in all parts of the 

John Rich Ls penning the screenplay. Start world. 

of production is expected late this month. 

Second Independent Deal 

Frank P. Rosenberg Buys 

Is Closed by Republic 

*Lion' for 1954 Lensing 

Second major production agreement 

Frank P. Rosenberg, who recently formed reached under Republic's recently announced 

his own independent firm, bought "Tlie Lion," plan to finance independent producers was 

con.summated between Herbert J. Yates, Republic 

a Cosmopolitan magazine story by Eleanor 

DeLamater. for 1954 leasing. Walter Doniger 

president, and the newly formed Nepix 

Corp., headed by George Bruce, veteran 

will script tke yarn, backgrounded against a 

wild-animal compound. Rosenberg will check scenarist. 

out of his producer's berth at 20th Century- Under terms of the deal, the Nepix firm 

Fox later this month, when final chores on will make "Blood on the Stars," an action 

his la.st picture for that company, "King of 

the Khyber Rifles," have been completed . 

Slated as a vehicle for Dean Martin and. Jerry 

Lewis Is "The New York Story." an original 

by Julius Epstein, purchased by producer Hal 

Wallls . . . Added to the MGM docket was 

"Rogue Cop," a police novel by William P. 

McGlvem. 

By IVAN SPEAR 

Roy, Dale and Trigger 

Overseas in February 

Shurt notes from the sound stages; Roy 

Rogers, Dale Evans and. of course. Trigger, 

will make their first trip to Eôrope next 

February for a variety stage-show tour of 

the British Isles. The itinerary includes Glasgow. 

Birmingham. Manchester and Liverpool, 

followed by two stops in Ireland—in Dublin 

and Belfast . . . Cosmos Productions has been 

formed as an independent unit by Director 

Reginald LeBorg. with "Xtabay," to be filmed 

in Mexico, as its first planned project ... At 

the invitation of President Eisenhower, George 

Murphy. Walter Pidgeon and Keenan Wynn 

drama, on location in Mexico, in Trucolor. 

with an American ca-st. Bruce, who wrote the 

original story, will produce and direct, and 

Republic will release the offering. 

First such contract to be inked by Republic 

was with Virginia Van Upp, who will produce 

the film version of her original. "The Big 

Whisper," on location in Germany. 

•SO BIG' PRE.-VUEKE — Holl>T»ood'8 

Golden .Anniversary celebration got off 

to a fl.ving start with the "Carriage Trade" 

premiere of Warners' "So Big" at the 

Hollj-wood Paramount Theatre. .Vmong 

those on hand (from left): E. M. Stuart, 

president of the Holl>-Hood Chamber of 

Commerce: >Irs. Leiland .Atherton Irish, 

also of the HCC; Jane Wyman. star of the 

film, and Henry Blanke. who produced. 

Stuart and Mrs. Irish are presenting a 

scroll to Miss Wyman. naming her the 

"Anniversary Award" star of the golden 

jubilee celebration. 

Record Business Reported 

For Loe^v's in Europe 

By aggressive showmanship, intensive selling 

and innovations in theatre operatiOD 

Loew's International is booming busineffl 

abroad to all-time higlis. it was reported bj 

Edwin H. Knopf, MGM producer, when he 

returned from a six-month European tour. 

People throughout Europe "are patronizinfi 

motion pictures in greater numbers than &l| 

any time in history." Knopf declared, addin* 

that the Loew's overseas organization headec 

by Arthur M. Loew has "greatly stimulated 

audience attendance by the rapidity Witt 

which MGM theatres were equipped with th( 

wide screen and stereophonic sound. Whlk 

others debated the future of such installations. 

Loew went unhesitatingly ahead, and 

the decision has paid off handsomely." 

Knopf, who produced "Llll." starring Iiealli 

Caron, is now preparing "The Glass Slipper," 

also to topline Miss Caron, and 'King's Thief.* 

AM, 'IlIlN AM) ( l\l \1 \^( Ul'l, TOO— Ni, s, I ih, liMi , 

IllK up till- llllK'k l;"ilcl i.M Mil- I.kU lot ;it tin- Jdlli ( .iifiiiv I ,,\ s(,i,Iim. .ul W i 

l i. nui 

way. SliiiHii hrn- ;is (IrllliiiK lM-.;iiii (from li-ft) r lUyiiiuiid Kluiic. ox«iitive iiroduiliuii 

mnnuKcr; Slil Koki-II, stiiillo muliiiKtr; l.cw Silirclbcr, i-xevullvt- niiinuK«-r: iictor Kory 

Ciilhoiin, iiiKl (HO Hiiltril CoiMolldutrd Oil to. rxetutlvrx. Kufene Starr nnd (1. S. 

I'dlliinslirr. 

Shelley Winters in Title Role 

For Universal's 'Playgirl' 

Aiiione cii-sting morsels; Shelley Winteni 

ba4;ged the title role in Universal-International's 

upcoming "Playgirl" . . . Conflicting 

TV commitments forced George Raft out ol 

the cast of Columbia's "The Miami Story." 

with Barry Sullivan taking over as the re-1 

placement . MiutIi was inked 

;in important character lead in Paramounn|. 

"Tlie Bridges at Toko-Ri." portraying 

commander of an aircraft carrier In 

Korean war story . set Howard Kaali' 

for a guest appearance in "Deep in My Heart," 

musical biography of Compascr SlKmuadj 

Romberg, in which Jose Ferrer will be 

title-roler. 

Columbia inked Phil Karl.son to direct Iti 

lorllu'omlng historical western. "Tlie Wood 

Hawk" . . . Directorial assignment on MONTs 

"The P. O. W. Story was drawn by Richard 

" 

Thorpe ... On the same lot. Sam Zimballsl 

was handed the production reins on " 

Hur." a 19.')4 biggie to be made in Italy. 

BOXOFFICE 14,18691

BOXOFFICE BAROMETER 

Thii chorf records fh« performanc* o* curr«nr ortroctioni in tht op«n>ng wt«k of th«ir fiat run» 

llion fi»e the 20 key citiei checked. Piclurei with fewer engogemenft ore nof lufed A« new fu 

rotingi ore Oferogei i» ore reported, added ond rexied Computolion m termi of percentoge 

to oi by itie relotion normal groitei determined theoire p«» manogeri With 100 cent 

tlie figures sfiow the grots rating or "normal," above below thot mork 

i , 

90 IH 

80 170 120 ISO 110 120 85 100 100 85 

75 ^9 

85 75 130 95 

110 

125 

All American. The (U-I) 

110 170 80 80 100 no 90 85 75 100 90 90 

90 86 99 98 

Anna (IFE) 

110 140 145 105 125 90 90 85 40 105 80 100 100 140 

75 120 65 9> 

Bad Blonde (LP) 70 75 100 150 IW 

Heat, The (Col) 275 179 

Big Leaguer (MGM) 70 86 90 90 80 90 SO 80 82 

Blowing Wild (WB) 

II

They 

j 

' 

Exclusive TV Theatre Foreseen 

As Part of Exhibition Pattern 

CHICAGO—Edwin Silverman, 

president of 

the Essaness circuit, believes there is a place 

in the future for the theatre which will devote 

itself exclusively to the showing of theatre 

television programs. He bases his opinion on 

the successful presentation of theatre TV at 

the Crown Theatre which the circuit operates 

in Chicago and on the enthusiastic reaction 

of patrons to televised events. 

"The TV theatre will operate as a 'neighborhood' 

house. More likely than not, it will 

be a circuit theatre, one which the management 

feels can be set aside for special promotion 

of closed circuit television." 

In all likelihood, he says, the television 

theatre will not be operated on a full-time 

basis because of an insufficiency of top attractions. 

It will be open three to six nights 

a week, but it will pay the management to 

operate on this basis because the events will 

be big drawing programs, with admissions 

well above what theatres now charge for 

motion pictures. 

'Fights, football and basketball games, the 

opera, big Broadway shows—these will be 

among the attractions which the TV theatre 

will offer on a regular basis," he says. 

"The theatre owner must recognize that, if 

he is to survive, he will have to acquire the 

new equipment and devices developed for improved 

presentation of motion pictures. He 

if 

should install big-screen television, even 

the program offerings are still slim. The 

exhibitor must make his contribution to 

science and research, too. If he wants the 

benefits of science he should be willing to 

participate in re.search. By installing theatre 

televi.sion equipment, he does exactly that. 

"Theatremen can't .sit back and wait for 

final developments, before putting money into 

the new systems and processes being introduced," 

Silverman declared emphatically. 

"We can't prosper by holding back. If we do, 

others will step in and take away our business. 

NOW READY ! 

THE NEW ADJUSTABLE 

EDWIN SILVERMAN 

"We are all in it, whether we run 50 theatres 

or one. Evei-y exhibitor should allocate 

funds for acquiring the new look' in equipment, 

.systems and the physical condition of 

his theatre—or it will be murder." he wam-s. 

With the Essane-ss cijxuit chief this is not 

merely shop talk. He is spending $350,000 

redoing the first run Woods Theatre in the 

Loop, from marquee to the screen—going all 

the way with new cai-peting, chairs, furnishings, 

wide-screen and stereophonic sound. Rebuilding 

of the projection booth already is 

under way and it will be a de luxe projection 

and sound room to extend across the full 

width of the balcony. 

Silverman is convinced there is no other 

way out for the exhibitor—keep up with the 

trend, or lose 

out. 

UA Schedules Five Films 

For December Release 

.\'K\V YORK—Five United Aj'tists feature.s 

h;i',f been .sclieduled for December release by 

William J. Heineman, distribution vice-president 

Tliey aie headed by "Beat the Devil," 

John Huston adventure drama, which will be 

set for pre-release engagements starting December 

23. 

The other pictiu-es and their dates are: 

"Yesterday and Today," December 2; "Wicked 

Woman," December 9; "Riders to the Stars," 

December 11, and "Tlie Captain's Paiadise." 

December 18. 

Universal to Release 

Eleven Early in '54 | 

NEW i'ORK—Duiing the first four months 

of next year, Universal-International will release 

11 features, eight in Technicolor and 

two in 3-D, according to Charles J. Peldman. 

general sales manager. Among the prominent 

players in them will be James Stewart, June 

AUyson. Alan Ladd, Shelley Winters. Tony 

Curtis, Jeff Chandler, Maureen O'Hara, 

Rhonda Fleming and Joel McCrea. 

January releases will be "Forbidden," "War 

Arrow" and "Border River." the last two In 

Technicolor. "The Glenn. Miller Story 

Technicolor picture which U-I considers onei 

of the most important in its history, will be 

a February release along with "Taza, Son of 

Cochise," also in Technicolor and in 3-D. 

March releases will be "Saskatchewan.' 

•Ride Clear of Diablo" and "Black Lagoon," 

the first two in Technicolor and the last in 

3-D. 

April releases will be "Ma and Pa Kettle 

at Home," "Yankee Pasha" and "Fort Laramie," 

the last two in Technicolor. 

The company said that most of the 

leases starting in January have been shot so 

they can be projected on wide screens with 

ratios up to two to one. 

December releases will be "Walking My 

Baby Back Home" and "Tumbleweed," both 

in Technicolor. 

Campaign Winners Chosen 

On Take the High Ground!' 

NEW YORK—W' inners have been chosen 

for exploitation campaigns on "Take the High 

Ground!" third picture in the "Lucky 7" series. 

They were: Over 100,000 population— 

William Haver, Paramount Theatre manager, 

Des Moines, who will receive S500 as a 

personal awaid and MGM will pay the casts 

of the campaign; 10,000 to 100,000—Lou S 

Hart, manager of Schine's Avon Theat:. 

Watertown, N.Y., who will receive S250 a:..: 

the costs of the campaign; under lO.OOO— 

Wayne Berkley, manager of the Richland 

Center. Richland Center, Wis., who will receive 

SlOO for himself plus the cost of the 

campaign. 

DeadUne for the fourth in the series, ".Ml 

the Brothers Were Valiant," was November 6 

^l 

if 

iii-tlif 

^ rs-iilln 

IpHebii 

T'sitatot 

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LOOK AT 

THESE FEATURES 

• Easily and quickly 

inttollvd 

• Amaxlngly low in 

• Modo to loti a li«elimo 

• Dctlgnod for croc- 

. vny ililoil • Optically pt'ricct 

H. R. MITCHELL and CO. 

Martin and Lewis Plan Tour 

NKW YOI{K Sliiituit; late 111 Jaiiuaiy, 

U.aii Mailiii and Jcny Lcwi.s will play I'lKht 

cities in Texas and then begin u two-week 

stand at the Copacubuiui night club. Their 

next film will be Hal Wiillls' "Money Fiom 

" 

Home are now working with Janet 

l.ilgh In "Living It Up" for Paramount. 

UA Cuban Manager Dies 

NKW YORK 

il Aino. 47 years old, Cuban minium'

1 

rental 

' 

gists 

HUGH E. FRAZE 

Acting Editor 

OXOffl^ 

I 

PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN 

Drugstore Chain Joins 

Mileage Promotion 

For 'Honduras' 

Biiiry Berniutl. RKO oxploiteer. has come 

up with 11 •perfect" piomotion campalEin on 

Appointment in Honduras," opening Noveniber 

26 at the Palace Theatre, perfect because 

It doe.sn't cost anybody one red cent and 

will make everybody—the public, the theatre 

;ind the cooperating merchant—happy. 

The 19 Leader drugstores throughout the 

Cleveland area are participating in a "mileage" 

promotion in which every penny spent 

in any of its stores is equivalent to one mile. 

A 20-cent purchase is equivalent to 20 miles. 

etc. The first 200 patrons who turn in purchase 

coupons which can be translated into 

2.465 miles—the mileage from Cleveland to 

Hondura.s—will receive a pair of passes to see 

the picture. 

The stunt does not cost the participant 

I 

'anything. He buys only what he wants, but 

he buys it at one of the Leader drugstores. 

It does not cost the drugstore anything. And 

the theatre benefits by the free publicity the 

picture gets in the drugstore ads. This is not 

a pre.ssbook promotion but one that Bernard 

originated. 

Druggist, Sponsor of Show, 

Gets Others Interested 

A Laurel. Del., pharmacy, which was greatly 

delighted with the results of its Christmas 

Kiddy party last year, has rented the Waller 

Theatre there again this year for a party to 

be held December 24. The owner of the pharmacy 

told Manager Herman Kopf that he 

recently attended a meeting of area drugat 

which he talked about the theatre 

kiddy party. 

I J Other druggists were so impressed, he said, 

A that they were going back to their own towns 

j\ and talk to theatre managers for similar 

Jnt arrangements. 

Raises Money for Delegates 

When Paula Kay Watkins and Eva Jane 

Leslie went as delegates from Fruita. Colo., 

to the Girls' State session in Denver last 

June, Bob Walker, owner of the Uintah at 

Pruita, raised money for their trip by co- 

. operating with the American Legion aux- 

I iliary in a benefit show. 

Charles Tigner, Producer of Own 

Screen 

Ads, Awarded Citation 

C. A. Matthews Ed Rosenfeld Martin Foster Sheldon .Mandril 

A record number of contributions to the 

Showmandiser section during October imposed 

an arduous task upon the BOXOFFICE staff 

when it came time for selecting the ten showmen 

to be honored with Citations. Meritorious 

showmandising was notable in every department. 

Bill Chilton, manager of the Palace Theatre. 

Antigo, Wis., became a second-time winner of 

a Citation with an outstanding window display 

he promoted for "Mr. Scoutmaster." 

Chilton was previously cited in February 1951 

for another phase of .showmanship. Sharing 

honors in the window display category for 

October wa-s Mort Berman. manager of the 

Orpheum in Springfield, 111. 

The Citation for the most original idea received 

during October went to Charles Tigner, 

owner-manager of the Hi-Y Drive-In at Conroe, 

Tex. Employing a new type newsreel 

camera, Tigner makes his own 35mm screen 

advertisements for local merchants. Not only 

is the firm's sales message delivered, but the 

merchant and his staff figure prominently 

in the films. Frequently some of the townspeople 

are photographed as store customers 

and enjoy seeing themselves on the screen at 

the Hi-Y. The advertiser undenivrites the entire 

production cost of the film and pays 

Tigner a weekly sum for running it. 

Among our neighbors to the north. Harry 

Rosenberg, manager of the Centre Theatre. 

St. Catherines. Ont . won BOXOFFICE laurels 

in the co-op ad classification. The best flash 

front of the month came from Sheldon Mandell, 

manager of the St. John Theatre, Jacksonville, 

Fla. Mandell's exhibit of wild animals 

and bird life created a superb atmospheric 

front for the short feature. "Black 

Fury." 

Arnold Gary, manager of 

the College Theatre, 

Birmingham. Ala., was awarded a Citation 

of Honor in the general tieup category, 

and the finest lobby display to reach the 

Showmandiser desk in October came from 

Martin Foster, manager of the Guild Theatre 

in Portland, Ore. 

Ushered into the limelight for an award 

was Paul Jacobs, manager of the La Roy in 

Portsmouth, Ohio, who developed merchant 

aid and civic support for local ex-POWs, built 

around his showing of "Stalag 17." 

C. A. Matthews, district manager at the 

Grand Theatre, Terre Haute. Ind.. annexed 

his first Citation of Honor for the excellence 

and originality of his newspaper ads on "The 

Band Wagon." 

The tenth Citation went to Ed Rosenfeld. 

manager of the Lincoln Theatre, Union City. 

N.J., for a fine example of pubUc relations 

Rosenfeld set up stage ceremonies to honor a 

local police hero who had been shot. 

When Eagle Scouts in Little Rock were 

guests of the Arkansas Theatre to see "Mr. 

Scoutmaster," the Arkansas Gazette published 

a photo of the group, reports James F. 

Thames of the publicity department of Rowley 

United Theatres, Inc., Little Rock. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : 

Nov. 

14, 1953 

Mort Berman Charles Tiener .Vrnold (iarj 

— 249 25

i 

i 

Bill Slepka Publicizes New Screen 

Showman Bill Slepka ol the Crystal Theatre in Okemah, Okla., uses a 24-sheet board alongside 

the theatre to tell the community oboul his new wide screen. Slepka says his idea 

came from Buddy Hicks. Nowata, Okla., exhibitor. Wayne Harris, with National Theatre 

Supply at Oklahoma City, and Hicks helped Slepka devise the above display. 

w 

Patrons Rate Players )* 

In Merchant-Backed 

Theatre Contest 

An excellent contest idea that can be promoted 

profitably by theatres in similar localities 

was put over by Steve Miller, manager 

of the Owen Theatre in Branson, Mo. 

To perk attendance. Miller created considerable 

excitement with his Orter-Be-A-Star 

contest. Special "rate sheets" were distributed 

through local merchant.s, who al.ô donated 

merchandise prizes each week to the three 

contestants who gave the best reasons as to 

why a certain featured player "Orter-Be-A- 

Star," 

In addition to the rate sheets which provided 

a new type of advertising accessory, a 

large weekly ad in the local paper publiciaed 

the contest and the participating merchants 

as well as the theatre program. Miller also 

plugged the contest from the stage several 

times a week and explained the rules, A 

display of merchandise and letters from the 

"Orter-Be-A-Stars" themselves provided an 

interesting lobby attraction. 

l"' 

Iin! 

4,000 Cards to Scouts 

Mailed at Syracuse 

nie local Boy Scout headquarters in Syracu.se. 

N.Y., gave Manager Ben Dargu-sh all-out 

ctwperation as the feature promotion in his 

campaign for "Mr. Scoutmaster" at the Paramount 

Theatre. Four thousand postcards, 

paid for by the theatre but mimeographed 

and addressed by the Scouts and signed by 

their executive, made a direct appeal to all 

Boy Scouts in Syracuse to see this fine picture 

on Scouting. 

Over 50 Scouts who had attended the recent 

jamboree on the west coast came to the show 

wearing their uniform.s on opening day as 

guests of the theatre. From before the opening 

of the picture and continuing throughout 

the engagement, different Scout troops put 

on demonstrations of Scouting activities in 

the lobby during the afternoon and evening 

peak hours. They drew considerable interest 

and a lot of attention to the show. 

Scene reproductions and fine news comments 

received advance breaks in both city 

newspapers followed by a good review and 

synopsis and additional art the day after the 

picture opened. A large cooperative ad on 

"Mr. Scoutmaster" with local food stores also 

appeared in 

both papers. 

Disk Jockeys over station WSTR and WFBL 

gave the picture several free plugs and called 

attention to the dally demonstrations put on 

by the Soouts In front of the theatre. 

Sinatra Records Given 

Li-oiiiird Edwards. a.sslstiint at 1/)cw'n 

State, In Newark, N.J., tied In with local 

record dealers In giving away 300 recordings 

of Prank Sinatra's "From Here to Eternity" 

on the opening day. Further tle-lns were 

made with disk Jockeys who Included the 

.song hit on their programs, and with men's 

shops, book stores, record shops and florists 

shops A colorful four sheet adonied the floor 

of the lobby. 

Simple Stunts Increase 

Abby Theatre Business 

L. J. Bennett of the Abby Theatre in Abingdon. 

111., reports he has increased business 

with promotion stunts which are neither too 

elaborate or too costly. When he booked "Ma 

and Pa Kettle on Vacation," all he did was 

to have two local high school students, wearing 

"Pa and Ma" type garb, parade up and 

down Main street in an old borrowed buggy. 

He stated it worked wonders for his business. 

" 

A "car giveaway was another stunt which 

raised the boxoffice tabs. It involved a tie-in 

with Abingdon merchants. Free tickets to the 

Abby were given with every purcha.se. After 

two months, during which business boomed, 

the car was presented to the winner on the 

theatre stage, 

Bennett called on a magician to aid in 

exploitation for "Houdini," Featured among 

the mystic stunts, and in keeping with the 

well-kiiown Houdini routine, was a challenge 

to a local novice to e.scape from a strait jacket. 

Earlybird Breakfast Show 

Brings Out 'Blue' Patrons 

\ mornin); hrrakfiist show for the playing 

" 

of "The .Moon Is Blue at the Texan 

Theatre in Monalian.s, Tex., brought a 

nice crowd out at 6 a,m, for coffee and 

douRhnuts. Russell Ackley, Theatre 

Mntvrpriscs manager in Monalians, served 

iHo urns of coffee and 14 dozen doughnuls 

to the eurlybirds. 

The (offre and doughnut idea. Atkley 

sjtid. was so appealing In the small town 

that two youths brought army cots to the 

front of the theatre where they slept, 

protei'trd by their dogs, so they wouldn't 

be late for the treat. In addition, Ackley 

had a midnight preview of ".Moon" and. 

with the rxtru exploitation, the plolurr 

had a nice run ut the boxofrice and a 

good amount of prulNC from patrons. 

Big 4 Show for Kiddies 

Gets Strong PTA Support 

Georse Cameron and Ken Bachtel staged ( 

a Big 4 .show at the Vernon in Mount Ver- 

I 

non, Ohio, and preceded the event with a 

huge campaign, which included speaking before 

six Parent-Teacher Ass'ns. Bachtel wrote 

the president of each association asking support 

for the show and, in turn, received an 

invitation to speak before the PTA groups. 

An attractive 8'jXU herald was made up 

in bold black type on white, with the headline: 

"This Is It! The Greatest Entertainment 

Package Ever Created! Nothing Like It 

Ever Before!" Some 1.000 heralds were given 

out at all grade schools in the city with the 

permission of the school board. 

A 40x60 was placed in the lobby two weeks i 

in advance and announcements were made \ 

before each Saturday and Sunday show plugging 

the Big 4. 

At a football game Friday evening tlv 

announcer got in some fine plugs for tli. 

show and on a teenage program Wedne.^ri.r. 

over the local radio station, each child \\,i 

asked to attend the Big 4 show. 

Tickets for Pledge 

At Kearney, Neb., free theatre tickets were 

offered to grade school and Junior high students 

in exchange for a signed pledge, promising 

not to deface or destroy property bin 

to keep the "true spirit of Halloween," George 

Monroe, manager of the Fort Theatre. Joined 

with the local newspaper, which carried th« 

blank pledges, and the police department of 

Kearney in sponsoring the annual theatre 

party. In order to n.ssure seating, schools 

were assigned to specific showings. 

Promo fes Sports Story 

Using a publicity story based on the difficulties 

encountered in reduplicating the 

famous oldtlme Corbctt-Fltzslmmons championship 

fight for "City of Bad Men.' Manager 

John Godfroy of the Paramount Theatre 

In Ashland. Ky.. promoted n two-column 

sports page break in the local Dally Indepcndnil 

tlnlerv 

''f " Patto 

^tatre; 

%» 

' Wived at 

j-nnttief 

-iiltieji; 

I 

••««. 

At 

— 250 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiso

^ 

I 

Î'l! 

Blindfolded Driver 

Runs 'Houdini' Car 

In Terre Haute 

NUGGETS 

||

: 

Nov 

Bill 

Burkes Diamond Treasure Hunt 

Is a Gem of a Blondes' Tieup 

Bill Burke, manager of the Capitol Theatre, 

Brantford, Ont., used several effective 

tieups to exploit "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." 

The Weston credit jewelers supplied Burke 

with several hundred rhinestones and 100 

genuine diamonds for a treasure hunt. A girl 

in tophat and smart costume toured the main 

thoroughfare handing out cards to pa.s.sersby 

with explanatory copy and an invitation to 

join the diamond hunt. Each person was 

permitted to select a stone and take it to 

Vets and Restaurant 

AreHosttoPOWs 

In cooperation with a popular downtown 

restaurant and a local VFW post, Tony 

Abramovich. manager of the Capitol Theatre, 

Grand Island, Neb., played host to all local 

ex-prLsoners of war on opening night of 

"Stalag 17." Following a dinner at the restaurant, 

the entire group attended the theatre 

in a reserved section. Abramovich located 

a prisoner of war who had spent 19 months 

In the POW camp depleted in the film. The 

Grand Island Daily Independent ran several 

stories regarding his experiences. 

Nearly Hometown Girl 

Norrls McCollutn, in;iiiat,'cr ol the Wink 

Thtalre, Diillon, Gn., created local Interest 

for "So This Is Love," the story of Grace 

Moore, by odverllKlng the fact that the opera 

Htar wiui bom Just a short distance from 

Dalton and wa« practically a hometown girl. 

PRE.FAB STEEL SCREEN TOWERS 

DRIVEIN THEATRE MFG. CC'^JTScT'Sr' 

Weston for appraisal. 

Backing up the tieup. the jeweler used a 

full window display and several large co-op 

ads in the daily newspaper urging the public 

to get in on the diamond deal. The ad layouts 

included large illustrations of the stars 

of the picture and prominent credits. 

A second tieup wa,s made with Kreiger's. 

radio-television dealer, which used illustrative 

copy and full credits in a four-column ad 

layout headed, "Easy on the eyes, etc." 

Miss U.S. Adds Publicity 

For 'The All American' 

When Myrna Hansen, winner of the Miss 

United States contest, appeared in Bridgeport. 

Conn., prior to the opening "The All American" 

at the Majestic Theatre, Manager Harry 

Rose succeeded in getting excellent newspaper 

breaks In the Sunday Herald and the Post. 

Rose had Mi.ss Hansen interviewed by the 

film reviewers, and Bob Rltzert, sports announcer 

for radio station WNAB. mentioned 

her visit to Bridgeport several times with 

plugs for the film. 

Art breaks in the papers were obtained 

after Rose arranged a meeting between the 

contest winner and the football coaches of 

the local 

university. 

Shutterbug Contest 

Irwin Solomon, manager of the Ohio Theatre 

In Canton, developed a "Shutterbug" 

contest on "The All American." The .stunt 

wiLs sponsored by a camera shop which advertised 

that amateur photographers were Invited 

to "shoot" Mamie Van Doren, U-I 

starlet and a visitor to Canton, In the lobby 

of the Ohio on opening day. The stort> 

offered prizes of camorns and equipment to 

conte.slunts develdpluK llir iiio.st imnsuiil slmis 

nf 

the star, 

— 252 — 

Title Origin Contest, 

Local Boy Angle Aid 

Here to Eternity' 

Joe Melcher. manager of the Grand Theatre 

in Evansville. Ind., used a local angle in 

his ad campaign for "From Here to Eternity." 

The ads were given special treatment to take 

advantage of the fact that James Jones, 

is featured player in the film, a nearby resident. 

All three newspapers covered thLs in 

the editorial columns and on the drama 

pages. 

Billboards and radio were used extensively, 

covering a wide radius. Di.sk jockeys plugged 

the record of the title song and the playdates. 

One sponsored a contest offering passes to 

listeners who correctly answered the question, 

"Where did the phrase, 'From Here to Eternity,' 

originate?" 

Melcher placed attractive displays in downtow 

n record shops and bookstores. The former 

used window strips, with .scene stills dominating 

the display material. Banners were placed 

on news trucks tieing in the book with the 

Grand playdates. Pages torn from the book 

were overimprinted with picture and theatre 

copy and distributed as special heralds. 

This stunt, according to Melcher. drew surprisingly 

good comment from the public. 

On opening day, books were given away to 

the first 20 persons in line. The advertising 

which preceded this giveaway attracted a 

block-long line an hour before the boxoffice 

opened. 

Melcher used a cross trailer at the affiliated 

Carlton Theatre, and at both houses, music 

was played at intermissions two weeks in 

advance, with announcements cut in plugging 

the Grand playdates. 

Cases for 3-D Glasses 

Serve as Money-Savers 

I. C. Holloway, manager of the Center in 

Hickory. N.C., is using a money-saving device 

that impresses the public whenever he plays 

a 3-D picture. Ushers pa.';.'; out envelopes at 

the end of each performance. Imprint reads: 

"Save your viewers, there will be another 

3-D picture here soon. Slip viewers inside 

this envelope for protection." Below Ls i\ 

complimentary announcement from a neighborhood 

drugstore. The druggist pays full 

cost of the envelopes and imprint. 

Hosts War Prisoners 

A returned Korean POW was guest of 

honor at a showing of "Stalag 17" at the 

Regent Theatre in Springfield. Ohio. Ronald 

E. Cydrus, who spent 26 months in a prison 

ramp, was in the lobby by Manager John D. 

Huffman. Tlie local .soldier declared: "The 

picture is excellent. I enjoyed it very much." 

In newspaper ads Huffman issued on open 

invitation to former war prisoners to attend 

the show free of charge. Some 15 ex-POW's 

of World War II accepted the invitation. 

It's Twice as Free Now 

I-aUMMH (Mich. I Diiv.-In palron- on lli. 

thontrc's regular miUllng list received a spiriul 

notice from Manager Pearce Piukhui>i 

stating, "Due to the increa.sed cost of primliiK. 

mailing, taxes, and inflation, this pro- 

KPiim comes to you twice as free a-s it used to." 

BOXOFFICE Showmandisor : 

14, lOM 

w 

i 

211 

fsir 

i

I 

The 

Police Chief Enrolls 

Pint-Size Deputies 

At Spook Show 

Harbcr Theatre m Oklahoma City 

wa.s packed Saturday a. ni. (31 • for a kid party 

in observance of Halloween. The theatre wa.s 

knee-deep in kids and they were sworn in a-s 

special deputies of the police chief. L. J 

EUlbert, who wa-s on hand for the festivities 

The pint-size deputies helped the police chief 

keep order Saturday night when the town 

celebrated Halloween. The Harber honoreti 

Its guests with a special show, an annual 

Cooper Foundation gesture. The 1,400 special 

deputies were cho.sen by teachers aiid 

principals in elementary and junior high 

schools. 

Scared Stiff Show for 600 Newsboys 

Gives Film Big London, Ont., Start 

Big Army Salute Helps 

Hartford 'High Ground' 

The local aimy office really went to town 

for Manager Lou Cohen and Norm Levinson 

in behalf of "Take the High Ground!" at 

Loews Poll in Hartford, Conn. 

Copy of 25 army recruiting posters around 

town, set the theme for the well-promoted 

stimt: "The U.S. Army Salutes 'Take the High 

Ground!' at Loews Poll" and both Hartford 

newspapers gave publicity stories with credits. 

The big event of the opening day was the 

parade of army jeeps, sound truck, ten army 

M.P.'s on motorcycles, promoted new Ford 

cars and a police escort for Sally Middleton, 

Miss Connecticut of 1953. 

.V Radio stations WONS, WCCC, WTNT and 

\J WKNB joined in with their salute to the picture 

and also publicized the parade. 

A miniat>ure display of the Poll's new panoramic 

screen, a display of back-lighted colored 

stills and an eye-catching 40x60 of Elaine 

Stewart and additional stills, all headlined 

with selling copy addressed to women patrons, 

provided an attention-getting lobby display. 

1,254 Kids in Costumes 

Pass in Review on Stage 

One of the most extensive juvenile-participation 

features in conjunction w'ith a theatre 

was the parade at Brantford, Ont.. in which 

1,254 children in costume marched from the 

mai-ket square to the Odeon where judging 

was conducted for prizes based on the applause 

of the audience. 

After trooping through the streets behind 

a band and majorettes, the kiddies passed In 

review on the Odeon stage to display their 

costumes. 

N. Langston, manager of the theatre, 

tied in with community organizations for 

the stunt for which each child was presented 

with an admission pass and a bag of candy 

after proceeding to the stage. 

Green for Tianagan' 

Two local linen shops used nothing but 

green-colored merchandise along with stills 

and billing on the picture in keeping with 

the Irish background of "The Flanagan Boy" 

then playing at the Savoy Cinema, Sale, 

Manchester, England., J. W. Turner, manager. 

Turner also arranged theatre lobby set pieces 

a week in advance of his playdate and had a 

1,000 throwaways—printed in green—distributed 

in a nearby residential district. 

Freshmen oi the Univorsily of Weslern Onlario parade to the Capitol 

' 

"Gentlemen Preier Blondes in their annual Ibealrc parly. 

Bill Trudell, district manager for Famous 

Players Canadian cooperating with the London 

Evening Free Press celebration of National 

Newspaper week, put over a fine public 

relations job for the Capitol Theatre In London. 

Ont., and garnered plenty of publicity 

for "Scared Stiff." 

Trudell arranged for Martin and Lewis to 

send a telegram greeting to newsboy carriers 

of the paper, expressing the hope they would 

have fun watching "Scared Stiff." Approximately 

600 newsboys attended a screening of 

the picture at the Capitol where lucky number 

prizes of helmets, footballs, sweatshirts 

and flashlights were distributed. Top prize in 

the draw was a bicycle. Pictures of the blc 

prize winner, the happy mob of kids at the 

theatre and a reproduction of the Martin- 

Lewis telegram, all with captions crediting the 

picture and theatre, dominated one page of 

the London Free Pre.ss. 

On another occasion, to ballyhoo the opening 

of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," TrudeU 

tied in with the annual theatre party held by 

the freshmen of the University of Western 

Ontario. The students, led by their band, tied 

up traffic as they paraded through the city 

streets en route to the theatre. They carried 

a banner bearing the stars' names and theatre 

billing. 

Halloween Party for Kids 

floUSO and FuHliture 

A four-hour Halloween party for children ***'**»»*' m*»m * ua«aa*uav 

was a Saturday feature for the Slate in 

Pittsfield. Mass.. managed by John H. Havens. 

The show started at 11 a.m. and consisted of 

a special screen program and a stage show, 

during which there were audience-participation 

games and prizes, donated by merchants. 

There was a door prize, and free 

popcorn was given to the first 200 children 

entering the theatre. The show was advertised 

on the local radio station, in the newspaper 

and by a sound truck, which toured 

the city the day before the show. 

Wins Walter Reade Award 

Helen Colocousis, manager of the Baronet 

Theatre in New York, has won the Walter 

Reade Theatres Manager of the Month award 

for September for her work on "The Beggar's 

Opera." She was credited with having done 

the best job of advertising, exploitation, public 

relations and personnel management, and 

having produced the best boxoffice results. 

Tent Cards for 'Boy' 

Ray McNamara, manager of the Allyn in 

Hartford, had table tent cards printed up 

reading, "Reserved for "Little Boy Lost" opening 

Friday, etc.," and distributed them to restaurants 

in the downtown section. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : Nov. 14. 1953 — 253 — 

Go to Lucky Patron 

Howard Fem:i>. :ini..i:;,: of the Rivoll Theatre 

in Toledo. Ohio, wa.s contemplating the 

advantages of expanding his theatre walls 

as the result of a three-way promotion tieup 

he arranged with a local furniture store and 

house builder. 

The two firms cooperated in a prize contest 

offering free tickets in a lottery to those 

visiting a new model home decorated by the 

furniture company. A model home offered as 

the prize was valued at $13,500 and the drawing 

of the lucky number was held on the 

stage of the Rivoll. 

Though contestants did not have to be 

present at the drawing, with 78.000 tickets 

outstanding on the deal. Feigley estimated 

that if only 1 per cent showed up he would 

have a riot. Co-op newspaper ads mentioning 

the theatre created a lot 

of intere.«t.

tour of the Blue Grass horse farms, a tour of ! 

j 

' 

I 

Dan Schuder Gives Armour Contest 

Top Spot in Promotion for Love 

Teen Talent Contests 

Are Started in Three 

Kentucky Cities 

Mountain towii-s in Schine District Manager 

Bob Cox's Kentucky territory have started a 

series of Teen Talent tests, staged on Saturday 

afternoons at 3. The shows are being 

held in Middlesboro. Harlan and Corbin and 

contests are open to anyone from 10 to 19 

years of age. 

Judges are composed of well-known local 

persons, such as school music teachers, dar.ce 

instructors and merchants. Prizes are givt: 

to three contestants each week and con--;-- 

of items of merchandise or merchandise slip.- 

promoted from local merchants. 

The tricity finals will be held in one of 

the three cities and the final grand winner 

will receive a round trip to Lexington for 

himself and a companion via Greyhound bus. 

plus double room at the Campbell House in 

Lexington and dinner for two, a conducted 

i. 

Dal Schuder, manager of the Circle 

Theatre 

in Indianapolis, took full advantage of 

the promotional possibilities in the Armour 

& Co. nationwide contest to give starlet Joan 

Weldon, featured player in "So This Is Love." 

a new screen name. In all 32,500 prizes were 

awarded contestants, with the national winner 

receiving a Packard convertible plus two 

weeks in Hollywood via TWA airlines. 

A week before playdate, Schuder had a 

setpiece constructed for the theatre lobby 

plugging "So This Is Love" and the big contest. 

A display of Armour canned goods and 

a miniature Hollywood movie set, loaned by 

TWA, provided extra attraction. 

Window displays were arranged in the local 

TWA office and two prominent music stores, 

Solid Black Space 

Tops 'Salome' Ads 

Frank Kennedy, Commonwealth Theatres 

manager in Norton, Kas., used blank ads to 

create reader interest in "Salome" at the 

Norton Theatre. Using a one-column, 7-lnch 

ad. Kennedy topped the ad with a four-inch 

solid black space, where ordinarily a picture 

would be. In addition, Kennedy billed the 

picture as Rita Hayworth in the "Dance of 

Seven Veils." 

Copy beneath the black read: "Unfortunately 

the photographer became so engrossed 

In making the publicity still of Rita In the 

final scene of the famous 'Dance of the 

Seven VelUs' that he forgot to snap the 

Bhutter of his camera. To sec the sensational 

climax you'll have to go to the Norton Theatre." 

Kennedy sUso gets considerable Interest In 

his column In the local paper. Headed 

"Frankly Speaking" and featuring a photo of 

the thcHtrcmuii, the column contains a lead 

parapraph then a llBtlng of tlic pictures to 

be shown throughout the coming week. The 

luting Includes the title, cast and a few lines 

of exploitation material on the picture The 

column Is signed "See you at the Norton, 

PYank Kennedy, MiiiiuKer." 

30 

using 40x60 posters and scene .'^tillv 

Uecords 

of music in the picture were sent to local 

disk jockeys along with invitations to see the 

show. 

A personal appearance recording of Merv 

Griffin, co-star in the film, was used on the 

Movie Menu radio program and station 

WIBC's Man on the Street presented passes 

to those who could name the most songs with 

the word "love" in the title. 

Armour had over 40 displays in supermarkets 

and other stores around town, all 

carrying contest details and picture and theatre 

billing. Some stores devoted part of their 

radio time to the event and large markets ran 

full-page newspaper ads mentioning the contest 

and picture. 

Fake Newspaper Banner 

Aids Hartford 'Squad' 

A phony newspaper .scare headline combining 

art and ad copy from the pictuie and 

printed on large, colored throwaways proved 

effective in the teaser campaign arranged 

for the opening of "Vice Squad" at Loew's 

Poll in Hartford, Conn., by Manager Lou 

Cohen. 

Three hundred were scotch-taped on windows 

in Hartford and neighboring towns; 

1,000 slip-sheeted in newspapers at downtown 

new.sstands and 2,000 placed In shopping bags 

at local supermarkets. A beautiful girl rode 

the local buses reading a tabloid size newspaper 

with the throwaway sheet stapled to 

the front page. 

All members of the Hartford police vice 

squad were Invited to attend the opening 

matinee of the picture where they were Interviewed 

and photographed by the Hartford 

Times. 

Turn to Giveaways 

Two Odeon units In Toronto, Ont., the 

Christie and Paradise, and the Odeon Savoy 

In Hiunilton have turned to giveaways consisting 

of dlnnerwiirc. At Toronto the premiums 

are available the first four nights of 

the week and In the ca.se of the Savoy for the 

liLst three nights Tliursday to Saturday. 

— 254 — 

the University of Kentucky, personal appear- 

passes to 

j 

any Lexington theatre. 

' 

Just before the Halloween ' 

October 31 a Kids Halloween party was held, 

sponsored by a local merchant and complete 

with prizes for the best costume, funniest cos- 

; 

tume. etc. Additional prizes, passes to the 

theatres, were given for winners of games on 

the stage. These included a balloon-blowing 

contest, a cracker-eating contest and a 

bubble-gum-blowing contest. 

Manikin in Coffin Adds 

Realism to Spook Front 

Sam Fritz, manager of the Hilliard Square 

Theatre in ClevelaJid. master-minded one of 

the spookiest Halloween spook show promotions 

on record. In a rough wooden box 

which he promoted from a funeral home, he 

placed a manikin that he got from the 

Bailey department store. A mask and a heavy 

black cloak gave the manikin the necessary 

horror look. The lobby, where the coffin was 

on display, was decorated with spook poster.-- 

and plenty of black cats. It attracted a lot of 

comment. 

The result was excellent from a boxofflce 

point of view, aided by distribution of 6,000 

heralds and trailers sponsored by neighborhood 

merchants. Cost of the heralds was the 

only theatre expense. The horror show, which 

started at 10 .- 

p.m., consisted of "Dead Men 

Eyes" and "Night Monster." 

'All American 

to Grads 

Lou Hart, nuinnger of the Avon Tlieatn 

Watrrtown. N.Y.. arranged a benefit showini 

of "The All American" for the graduatii.^ 

cla.ss of tlie local high school. A Watortowi, 

All American was guest of honor and Hart 

made a little fuss over him In o stage ceremony. 

The newspapers ran Items concerning 

it. all mentioning "Tlie All American." 

BOXOmCE Sh. 

i

Pittsburgh Showmen 

Protest 10% Tax 

PUtsburKli—-^n ordinam-e to loiitinuc 

the 10 per cent amusement ordinanic was 

before elty council this week. The levy 

is expected to produce SI. 100.000 In 1954. 

Allied >IPT

Teck Martin Luther (DeRochemont), 2nd wk....3O0 

'• 

March 

WB) 

' 

' 

J 

'Kate and 'Joe Louis Open Strong 

Despite Storm; 'Robe 

Longest Run 

where it was held for three and a half more 

days—the half day being Saturday, on the 

evening of which a stage show was put on. 

•"Sabre Jet" was a boxoffice magnet in the I 

Center, so was ""The All American" in the 

Lafayette. 

Buffolo—The Robe 20th-Fox), 6th wk 145 

Center Sobrc Jet UA) 115 

Century Sea of Lost Ships Rep) ..' 90 

Cinemo—From Here to Eternity (Col), 7th wk...l25 

Lotoyette The All American fU-l) I35 

Mercury Violated Paloce), 2nd wk. ($1) 400 

Poramount Botany Boy (Paro) doys 10'/2 120 

I.IMNC; ir lOK MOi: I.Ol IS'— ( rowds in front nf llu- Holiday Thi-alr 

around the corner on West 47th street on the opening day of "The Joe Louis Story, 

the bioâphical film based on the life of the former heavyweight champ. 

NEW YORK—The unexpected snow and 

rainstorm, which crippled traffic November 6, 

affected business at the majority of Broadway 

first runs, but despite this, "Kiss Me Kate" 

and 'The Joe Louis Story" had strong opening 

weeks at the Radio City Music Hall and 

Holiday Theatre, respectively, while "Sabre 

Jet" at the Criterion and "Calamity Jane" 

at the Paramount also did well on opening 

weeks. 

"The Joe Louis Story" broke the opening 

day record of the Holiday Theatre since the 

house became a first run spot two years ago. 

Two long-run pictures, "The Robe" and 

"From Here to Eternity," set long run record.s 

during the week at the Roxy and Capitol 

Theatres, respectively. "The Robe," first feature 

in Cinemascope, became the first to play 

nine Roxy weeks, having passed on November 

12 the eight-week runs of "Wilson" in 

1944 and "The Razor's Edge" in 1946. The 

picture was seen by approximately 900,000 

patrons and achieved a gross of $1,600,000 at 

the end of its eighth week, November 11. 

"From Here to Eternity" equaled the previous 

long-run record of "Moulin Rouge" when it 

started its 15th week at the Capitol Theatre 

November 11. 

"Botany Bay" had a good second week at 

the Mayfalr and another Paramount picture, 

"Little Boy Lost," held up well in Its seventh 

week at the Rlvoll. 

In the art hou.se field, "Julius Caesar" 

played to almost 20,000 admissions in ite 

fir.

THE 

NEW 

MOTIOGRAPH AAA WIDE SCREEN PROJECTOR 

n>vii.jnrcl for 1 1, c !nc rca ic ,1 U rcc n i fL », in,, Hon nccyu.r.j 

to ivine icreen projclion. ^hccîls eillirr ll,r \n,i,ll or lurifc iiznl 

anatnorff/tic fcnjc.f nieil in C incnia ^^, ofn anil II ,, rmrî opr, 

ill,o„l ,no,lifi,alion. JL.inij ,I„M, ,lnl,j fcnuonj.o.u fr.„L. .,„i,le 

rottcri unit snroiL'cls, no cliitnt.i' need h, nieii/e lo ri,n 

•I'nlional or (^ incinci~Jicoife nrinl.\. /- irniils in \li, nliintoit i 

inlerr/tan ncj of af>crl„rrS jor ""'J 

proceM. ZJhiSi- jiclura, 

ptui ji'ince of operation, .\lea,line Si of piil„rc and 

,no,n,j of oporalion, ,nale ll,e Dripfe ^1 li.e final 

projector in lllotioijrapli J JT-ijrar kistorij. 

J. F. DUSMAN COMPANY 

ATLAS THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

CHARLESTON THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

PERKINS THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

505 PcotI Sftocf 

Buttolo 2, NY 

VINCENT M. TATE 

1620 Wyoming Av«nu« 

Forty Fort, Po. 

..;« BOXOFFICE :: November 14, 1953

. . . Edward 

. . John 

. . Herb 

BROADWAY 

Jl rthur B. Krim. president of United Artists, 

flew to Paris November 7 to start a six-week 

tour of Great Britain and the Continent . . 

FYank King of King Bros. Productions, left 

for Hollywood November 9 with the completed 

negative of "Carnival Story." which was produced, 

edited and scored in Munich for RKO 

release . . . Card Walker, in charge of advertising 

at the Walt Disney Studios, is here 

from Hollywood to formulate plans on the 

forthcoming "Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue" 

Morey, vice-president of Allied 

Artists: Norman V. Ritchey, president of the 

foreign subsidiary, and Herman Rifkin, vicepresident 

and Boston franchi.se owner, left 

for the coast to attend the board of directors 

meeting of Monogram Pictures. 

rived from Paris . . . 

. 

Helene Stanley, who is featured as a fan 

dancer in RKO's "Carnival Story," has ar- 

Bob Hope arrived 

November 11 from Hollywood to appear in the 

first NBC color television show . . . Owen 

Crump, writer and director of Hal Wallis' 

"Cease Fire," arrived November 11 in connection 

with the opening of the film at the 

Criterion November 23 . . Ivan Fuldauer, 

MGM midwest division press representative 

with headquarters in Des Moines, returned 

November 7 after three days in New York 

conferring with Emery Austin, exploitation 

manager . Petrau.skas jr., treasurer 

of Republic Pictures, is the proud father of a 

daughter, Diane Joan, born to Mrs. Petrauskas 

at Mt. Sinai hospital November 11. 

Arnold M. Picker, vice-president of United 

Artists in charge of foreign distribution, left 

for Mexico City for meetings with Hai-old 

Hecht of Hecht-Lancaster Pi-oductions on 

the filming of "Vera Cruz," in which Gary 

Cooper and Burt Lancaster will star. Picker 

remained for a week . Steinberg, 

Paramount publicity director, met in Wa.shington 

with Maj. Gen Mudgett on plans 

for the November 23 New York opening of Hal 

Itl \1, .\ITUI.( I.MIO.N 

FrlM'li, prmidt-nl of MrtropoliUin Motion 

I'Icture ThralrPK Awi'n (rlKht), In tliiinktd 

by Dr. Ceortt M. ShUHlrr, prrnldc-nt of 

lluntrr rulU-icr und rliulrmiin of the 1953 

TH Hfiil campulxn, for his part In iirrunx- 

Inif for l!»l New York (hratrcN to xliow 

Tit Hcal (nillim IxKlnnlriK Momliiy (10), 

Wallis" "Cease Fire" . . . William B. Zoellner, 

head of MGM short subjects and newsreels, 

left for Dallas, to start a southwestern tour, 

which will include Oklahoma City, Kansas 

City and St. Louis. 

Edward L. Walton, executive assistant to 

J. R. Grainger, RKO president: Charles 

Boasberg, general sales manager, and Walter 

Braason, his assistant, were back at the home 

office after the Chicago Theatre Owners of 

America meeting. Walter Reade jr., president 

of Reade Theatres, who was elected TOA 

president: Edwin Gage, vice-president. Jack P. 

HarrLs, film buyer, and Albert Floersheimer 

jr., advertising director of the circuit, were 

also back at their home office . . . Morey 

Goldstein, Allied Artists vice-president and 

general sales manager, also returned from 

Chicago as did G. L. Carrington, president of 

Altec Service Corp., who stopped off in 

Chicago en route from Hollywood. 

Jennifer Jones and her husband David O. 

Selznick attended the opening of "Sabrina 

Fair" at the National Theatre to see two former 

film stars, Joseph Cotten and Margaret 

Sullavan, make their return to the Broadway 

stage. Natalie Schafer. Regina Wallace and 

Ruth Ei-icson, editor of Movie Play and Movie 

Spotlight, were also in the first night audience 

. . . Peggy Ann Gamer, stage-screen 

actress; Sir Carol Reed, director of "The 

Man Between," with Lady Reed, and Karl 

Thunberg. MGM screen writer, sailed to 

Europe on the Liberie November 7 . . . Robert 

Taylor, Eleanor Parker and Kurt Kazner 

arrived from the coast and planed to Paris 

Saturday il4i en route to Cairo to make "The 

Valley of the Kings" for MGM. 

Louis Leber, general manager of the United 

Artists foreign department, flew to Tokyo 

November 11 and he will also visit Hong Kong, 

the Philippines, Siam. Indonesia. India. Singapore, 

the Middle Ea-st and continental Europe 

to discuss UA's 35th anniversary and its 

worldwide celebration ... Sid Kramer, short 

subjects sales manager for RKO. and Jay 

Bonafield. executive vice-president of RKO- 

Pathe, returned from a Detroit visit. 

Cerebral Palsy Leaders 

Hold Annual Convention 

.\KW YORK IamWv,. m ccrcbniJ palsy 

work from 39 slates met here Friday (13 1 for 

the fourth annual convention of United Cerebral 

Palsy with Leonaid H. Goldcnson, UCP 

president and president of American BroadcastinK-Paramount 

Tlieatres, presiding. Tlie 

convcnilon was to continue through Sunday. 

The agenda called for business and .scientific 

sessions, dlscu.sslons for professional in- 

Icri-.st groups and uddre.s.ses by experts In the 

field. A model cerebral palsy clinic was demonstrated. 

Other features were to be the 

pre.sentutlon of new officers. Introduction of 

the three 1954 poster children and announcement 

of Ihe 1952-53 ciunpalgn re.sults 

Air Force Participates 

In 'Sabre Jet' Opening 

NEW YORK—"Sabre Jet." the Carl Krueger 

production filmed in color by Color Corp. 

of America, operated at the Criterion Theatre 

on Election eve, November 2, with air 

.VIR FORCE OPENING—Brig. Gen. 

James W. McCauley, commander of the 

26th .îr Division, is the center of attention 

from Richard .Arlen I left I, one of the 

stars of "Sabre Jet," and Larr>- Morris, 

general manager of the B. S. Moss theatre 

chain, at the opening of the United .\rtists 

release at the Criterion Theatre, New 

York. 

force bands playing and squadrons of jet 

fighter planes flying overhead. 

The opening of the picture, which is being 

distributed by United Artists, was attended 

by lop air force officers, jet aces and civil 

defense officials. A parade through the Times 

Square area, featuring air force personnel, 

air cadets and a color guard led to the 

Criterion, where the lobby ceremonies was 

covered by radio and TV. The display in 

the theatre lobby and lounge included an 

operating model of a jet engine, a Link pilot 

trainer and exact-scale models of famous air 

force fighting planes. King-sized trailers 

carrying planes and flying equipment 

drummed up attention for "Sabre Jet" in the 

midtown area. 

William Keighley, head of production for 

Warner Bros., and Mrs. Keighley, the former 

actress Genevieve Tobin, and Prince Littler, 

S. p. Skouras to Hollywood 

London theatrical producer, returned from 

Europe 

. . . Rus.sell Holman, Paramount After Pioneers Dinner 

eastern production manager, who flew to NEW YORK— Spyros P. Skouras. president 

Rome to see the first .showing of "Ulys.ses," of 20th Century-Fox. emplaned for Hollywood 

Ponti-DeLaurentiis picture which Paramount at midnight Thursday (12> after the Motion 

will distribute here, returned by plane Noviiuber 

8. 

of "Beneath the 12-Mile Reef" and "King 

Picture Pioneers dinner to attend screenings 

of 

the Khyber Rifles" and take part in studio 

conferences. 

With Skouras were Al Llchtman, director 

of distribution; Charles Einfeld, vice-president 

in charge of advertising, publicity and exploitation, 

and W. C. Gehring. executive assistant 

general sales manager. They will .-oi 

up promotion and distribution plans on two 

Cinemascope productions to be released In 

December and January. 

Form Music Promotions 

NEW YORK Music- Promotions. Inc.. haa 

been lormed by Lyle Kenyon Engel. The 

service is used both for film mu.vlc and 

radio and TV times. Engel gets the cooperation 

of disk Jockles and theatre m;inaKpr,>i 

in Ills campaigns. 

'1W 

BOXOFFICE 

Novi'inber U, lil.')3

: November 

Poubte Satisfaction 

YOUR CUSTOMERS AND YOU 

IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS 

SUPERB SOUND 

Ask your Ballantyne representative to demonstrate the 

Dub'l-Cones. Nowhere will you find more faithful, 

undistorted sound reproduction at all volume levels. 

Electrical Componenls are Manufactured under Ballantyne 

Co. 

Parcnlt by General Electric. 

UNIQUE DUB'L-CONE ^^^ 

Two cones, one super imposed over the 

other with a 3/16" airgap between for 

tonal resonance. The exterior cone protects 

while the interior cone projects the 

sound. Both are completely weatherproof. 

If ever damaged, you can replace 

it on the spot in a matter of 

minutes. 

WEATHERPROOF 

Every point in the speaker has been pro 

tected against moisture and corrosion. 

Diaphram is treated to protect against 

dampness. The voice coil is noncorrosive 

aluminum—will not buckle, warp 

or swell. 

DEPENDABLE 

A heavy 1.30 oz. Alnico V magnet gives THREE to FIVE 

TIMES the power of earlier magnetic materials. 

Ask the Drive-In Theatre Owner uho has Dub'l-Cone Speakers 

— more than 50,000 installed in new and existing theatres. 

Perkins Theatre Supply Co., In( 

505 Pearl St. 

Buffalo, New York 

Veterans Electrical Construction & 

Service Co., Int. 

Randolph at Third 

Elkins, West Virginia 

R & S Theatre Supply Co 

920 New Jersey Avenue 

Washington 1, D. C. 

Norpat Sales, Inc. 

Superior Theatre Equipment Co. 

45 W. 45th Street 1315 Vine Street 

New York, N. Y. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

BOXOFTICE : 

14, 1953

: November 

' 

' 

' 

' 

' 

' 

j 

' 

;' 

' 

| 

Balaban Recalls the 'Dark' Day When 

Producers Asked $5 Daily Rental 

NEW YORK—Some of the highlights of 

Barney Balaban's address at Motion Picture 

Pioneers dinner Thursday il2i at the Aster: 

"Let me present to you some of the men 

whose names should be on this plaque. They 

were real trail blazers in the wilderness of 

Chicago—my brother. Abe—my old comrade 

in arms. Sam Katz, who planned to be with 

us, but couldn't make it because of illness 

Sam deserves your recognition—And my 

brother. John. 

"I wish that my older brothers, Max and 

Dave, could have been here tonight. But 

they are gone. They were fine theatremen 

and even better human beings. And then there 

are my younger brothers, Harry and Elmer, 

our Juniors in those old days, but who have 

since gone out on their own to carry on the 

family tradition. 

"My own first contact with movies was the 

day when my mother and I walked into that 

store on Kedzie avenue where Abe and Ida 

had just gotten jobs. We were worried that 

the nickelodeon might be a disreputable 

Pioneers' Tribute Paid 

To Deceased Members 

NEW YORK—A .solemn ceremony marked 

by the tolling of a bell as each name was 

read was one of the features of the Motion 

Picture Pioneers dinner as a tribute to members 

who had passed away during the year. 

The names were: 

Jock Anderson 

George H. Bolsdon 

George Bornes 

A Pom Blumenthal 

Jock Bowen 

Horry H Brjtwor 

Arthur Coesor 

Albert Fcnnyvessy 

Froncii Ford 

Louis D. Frohlich 

Michoel Gore 

Edword L Horvey 

Henry Herzbrun 

Edword Hurley 

Edwin P. Kilroe 

Charles E. Lewis 

Herbert Lubin 

Jocob H. Lubin 

Olio Plough Modscn 

Hermon Monkiewicz 

Migr Potrick J Moste 

Horry L Noce 

Ingvold C Oes 

Joyce O'Horo 

Fronk N. Phelps 

Herbert Rowlinson 

Mox Ree 

Irving Reis 

Bert Reismon 

Henderson M. Richey 

Bert Sonford jr. 

Edword Sedgwick 

Chorles Segoll 

Gus Schoefer 

M. A. Schlesmger 

M. B. Shonberg 

Horry Sherman 

E. J. Sparks 

Herman Stern 

Lewis Stone 

Horry Toylor 

Robert G Vignolo 

Thomos Wolsh 

Joe Weil 

John E. Welsh 

Rolond Young 

Westinghouse Cuts Prices 

Of Television Receivers 

NKW YOHK Wuli'spn-ud reporUs ol a 

slump in .sales of television receivers with a 

resulting excess in Inventories were confirmed 

ut midweek by an announcement from 

Westinghouse that prices had been reduced 

from 28 to 40 per cent. Models that have 

been retalllnK from »279.95 to $499 95 arc now 

to be offered ul from $199.95 to $299.95. 

Other Important producers say no price 

chiingeN are planned, but admit that sets 

priced at $300 or more arc In ii »lump RCA, 

Phllco, Admiral, Emerson say they will hold 

the price line. Some blame the Interest In 

color television. 

•joint.' unfit for nice kids like my brother 

and sister. 

"From the beginning, we sought to make the 

theatre a place of comfort and elegance, attractive 

to an entire family. 

"I recall the day when word flashed through 

Pilmrow that Famous Players was releasing 

a full length feature and that the film rental 

was to be the unheard of sum of S50. Our 

immediate reaction was that those New York 

producers were going to wreck our business. 

We had to double the admission price from 

five to ten cents. 

"I remember the day back in 1908 when 

my brother Abe called me at the place, where 

I was working, about an awful catastrophe. 

We had been paying $25 a week for a daily 

change of film seven days a week. Henceforth 

we were to be charged $5 per day. At that 

time it seemed as if the world had come to 

an end. 

roots were buried deep in his native Chicago. 

As a matter of fact. I kept my house in Chicago 

for a number of years after I had gone 

to 

New York." 

Zukor Cablegrams Wishes 

To Balaban From Paris 

NEW YORK—A cablegram from Paris, sent 

by Adolph Zukor, chairman of the Paramount 

board, was read by Ei-ic Johnston at the Motion 

Picture Pioneers dinner honorii^ Barney 

Balaban. It follows: 

"My heart is with all of you tonight while 

you honor my dear friend and associate, 

Barney Balaban, who is a true symbol of the 

motion picture pioneer. To Barney I send my 

heartfelt good wishes for many more years 

of accomplishment and service to our beloved 

industry, our country and the whole human 

community in which he has been a pillar of 

strength and inspiration. 

"I salute all the pioneers for their brotherly 

spirit and commend you for creating the motion 

picture pioneers foundation which should 

fulfill a real philanthropic and human need. 

I appeal to all of you to generously support 

the foundation in its campaign, for funds 

which can do so much to alleviate the misfortunes 

of our brethren." 

Queen Visits Skouras 

In Chicago Hospital 

CHICAGO Qu.'cn Fredericka of Greece 

visited Charles Skouras at the Michael Reese 

hos|)ltal Sunday (8). Skouras suffered a heart 

attack Just before the start of the Theatre 

Owners of America convention. He returned 

to Los Angeles Wednesday (11 1. 

Tlie (jueen was greeted by Mrs. Skouras at 

the hospital. She was accompanied only by 

a State Department agent and two Chicago 

plalnclotlu'smen. 

Allen on DuMont Publicity 

NKW YORK Kdwiinl W Alien Jr liii.s ben 

nuiiieil iimniik'iT iil publicity mid piibllnilldn.s 

lor Allen B DuMont Laborutories. Iiu 

Plaque to Balaban 

Cites Achievements 

NEW YORK—Tlie plaque which was presented 

to Barney Balaban as "Pioneer of the 

' 

Year" carried the following inscription: 

"The Motion Picture Pioneers. Inc., bestows 

its highest honor upon Barney Balaban 

in recognition and in appreciation of 

his invaluable contributions to our industry. 

His personal achievements as an exhibitor 

set the modern standard for the 

de luxe motion picture theatre and this 

has now been climaxed by hLs importar.t 

role as president of Paramount Picture 

His brilliant record as an industrial salesman 

in our business is eclipsed only bv 

his stature as a human being. For all of 

this, he is acclaimed Pioneer of the Year 

on the occasion of this, the Fifteenth Annual 

Dinner, November 12, 1953." 

"It was with real regret that I ultimately 

left Chicago and my old associates in B&K. On the dais at the dinner were Eric Johnston, 

Jack Cohn, E. E. Blake, head of Kedak. 

In 1936, circumstances compelled my moving 

to New York into a different phase of the Ltd. of London, the Very Reverend James Pike. 

motion picture business. I must confess that Tex ORourke; Jack Alicoate: A. J. Balaban: 

the prospect of New York, itself, was somewhat 

frightening to a mldwesterner whose Pioneer-of-the-Year last year: Harry 

John Balaban: Nate J. Blumberg. who was 

Brandt,' 

Gardiner Cowles, Gen. Edward P. Curtis, i 

Sam Dembow jr.. Harry Joe Brown. Rabbi 

Emeritus Samuel H. Goldenson, Gus Ej-ssell. . 

S. H. Fabian. Frank Folsom. Henrj' Ford II. 

William J. German. Jo.'ieph R. Vogel. Abel 

Green, William J. Heineman. Louie Lurle. 

John J. O'Connor, Robert J. ODonnell. Sam 

Pinanski. Martin J. Quigley, Milton R. Rack- 

mil, Sam Rinzler. Herman Robbing, Sp>TOs P. ! 

Skouras, Nat Taylor, Joseph R. Vogel, Major 

I 

Albert Warner and former Judge Ferdinand 

Pecora. 

Rabbi Goldenson delivered the invocation. 

Judge Pecora inducted the new members be- 

fore the start of the dinner. Among those 

whose names had not previously been published 

were Jack Fruchtman of Washington. 

Herbert Jaedicker of New York, Edward Lachman 

of Boonton, N.J., and Paul Raibourn of 

New York. 

UPT May Have to Give Up 

Brooklyn Paramount 

NEW YORK—Long Island university plans 

to take over the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre, 

which it owns, when the ABC-Parsmount 

Theatres lease expires in 1960, and make It 

into the largest college auditorium in the 

east. The statement was made by Admiral 

Richard L. Conolly, new head of the university, 

in conjunction with the announcement 

of a gift of $500,000 from William Zeckendorf. 

real estate' operator, for expansion purposes. 

A fund-raising drive was started Monday 

(9) with an assembly In the theatre, 

which seats 4,100. I 

An ABC-Paramount spokesman viewed the 

statement somewhat skeptically. He said the 

story had been cropping up for several years, 

and had never materialized into fact. ABC- 

Paramount wants to retain the theatre, he 

said, and the university needs the Income I 

from it. He told how university plans about I 

two years ago to turn It into n gymnasium ^ 

had proved too costly and had been abandoned. 

A university spokesman acknowledh'iii 

the failure of previous plans, but siild tlu 

university Is now prepared to go ahead with 

iicciiilrlng the theatre for auditorium purposes. 

BOXOFFICE : 

14. 105S

. . . Val 

. . . Frank 

. . Joe 

. . Phil 

. . Hellman's 

. . The 

. . "The 

JOK LOl IS AND K.O. VU TIMS—Two 

victims and the man who referred some 

of Louis' greatest title fights, Jimmy 

Braddock, Abe Simon and Arthur Donovan, 

left to right, greet the former heavyweight 

champion at the New York opening 

of "The Joe Louis Story" at the Holiday 

Theatre. Coley Wallace, who portrays 

Louis in the biographical drama distributed 

by United .\rtists, is at the far 

right. 

Gen. Van Fleet Will Talk 

At Albany Tent Dinner 

ALBANY—Gen. James A. Van Fleet, former 

ommander of the U.S. Eighth army in 

Korea for two years, has been invited to speak 

It the Variety Club dinner in the Ten Eyck 

lotel November 16. kickijig off the Big Brother 

irive for the Variety-Albany Boys Club camp. 

Spyros Skouras, president of 20th-Fox: Si H. 

Fabian, president of Fabian Theatres and 

of Stanley Warner Theatre Corp.. and Sam 

Rosen, executive vice-president of Stanley 

Warner, also have been invited to the S50-a- 

:iUite affair. Van Fleet recently became a 

member of the 20th- Fox board of directors. 

Saul J. Ullman. general chairman of the 

Big Brother drive, said that all attending the 

dmner will be made honorary members of 

Variety International. 

Perkins' Division Holding 

Lead in Altec Sales Drive 

NEW YORK—C. S. Perkins' New York 

northeastern division still held first place 

at the half-way mark in the Altec ServiScope 

sales push. The southern division headed by 

division manager M. G. Thomas held second 

place, but the southwestern division had been 

displaced for third position by D. A. Peterson's 

western division. 

Fred Hall, northeastern branch manager, 

led the managerial group for the sixth consecutive 

week. Ray Double, field engineer of 

:he central division office, wa-s out front in 

the field service competition. 

The winner of the weekly U.S. savings bond 

award was E. M. Lewis, field engineer attached 

to the western division. 

Miss Bergman Is Winner 

Of Italian Film Award 

NEW YORK— Ingi-id Bergman has won the 

1953 silver ribbon award, the Italian equivalent 

of the Oscar, for the best female performance 

of the year as star of "The Greatest 

ALBANY 

^hat In the cMt of laitalllng Cinemascope, 

with Miracle Mirror screen, it«reophonlc 

sound and anamorphlc leases? The Schenectady 

Unlon-Stur, In a .story on such equipment 

for the Plaza, quoted MaiiaRcr Dick Murphy 

.IS .sayInK It would be "between $26,000 and 

$'J8.000" The len.ies cost 11300, accordlnR to 

the article The new Plaza .screen Is approximately 

50x25 feet. The story wa.s Illustrated 

with a photograph of Murphy watching chief 

projectionist John Saucrborn place the special 

lens on a projector. The Plaza omitted 

u Friday matinee to permit Installation work 

for Cinemascope. "The Robe" opened November 

11. 

. 

Mr. and Mrs. Leland Warner of the Strand. 

Johnstown, were among the Fllmrow caller.s. 

Others Included George Thornton of the Orpheum, 

Saugerties, and Joe Sapersteln, Fabian 

Theatres booker Baroudl clofied the 

Lake, Indian Lake, for the season on October 

31. Baroudl, who also operates the 

Northwood. North Creek, said the Adlrondacks 

and North Creek enjoyed a good summer 

. Miller of the Menands Drive-In 

reported his season's business was about 15 

per cent below the 1952 level, due to prolonged 

spring rains, 

A familiar face is once more seen In the 

20th-Fox exchange—Cashier Winifred Allen. 

She had been absent while recovering after 

an operation performed at Albany hospital 

Ritchey played "The Four Poster" as 

the first attraction in a Midweek Interlude 

at the Scotia, Scotia. A special picture is exhibited 

for one screening on Tuesday and 

Wednesday nights . Colony, Schenectady, 

presented "Stars of Tomorrow" by 

dance studio as an added attraction 

Sealey's 

for an evening . Royal, Albany, 

staged a 9-cent children's matinee Saturday. 

Bill Kraemer, Schine circuit chief booker, 

on a visit here, reported Ray Pollack, date 

setter for the Albany exchange district, was 

recovering in a Gloversville hospital from 

chest injuries received in an automobile accident 

and would probably be discharged within 

a week or ten days. Among those meeting 

Kraemer at the Ten Eyck hotel for a night 

session on bookings were Sylvan Leff of Realart 

Pictures and Bob Adler of Allied Artists. 

Kraemer indicated that business was good 

with top pictures, but not too strong with 

others. "The Robe" will be breaking in Schine 

houses about November 25, according to Bill 

Carroll, MGM office manager and 

chief booker, vacationed. Helen Dean pinchhit 

for him at a meeting in the 20th-Fox 

office to talk over the plan of Firlik Film 

Service for discontinuation of Friday deliveries 

on the Vermont run. The proposal was referred 

to the home offices for final decision. 

Head bookers at the session included Al 

Marchetti, U-I: Johnny Wilhelm, 20th-Fox: 

Milt Levins, Warners: Bill Hanley, RKO; 

Jack Keegan, Republic, and Frank Lynch, 

Paramount. 

••How to Marry a Millionaire," the Strand's 

first Cinemascope presentation, is scheduled 

to run three weeks, a record for a downtown 

Albany theatre. The Stanley Warner hou.se 

seats 1,950. MiUionaire" will open Novem- 

Love," according to word reaching Italian ber 18. 

Films Export. It was her first new film in 

four years. It wUl open here next month. The local delegation to the TOA convention 

The award for the best foreign film went to in Chicago comprised Harry Lamont, president, 

and Lewis A. Sumberg, executive Ximelight." 

director 

. 

Albany TOA: Sidney O Urtwch. partner 

of 

of Lamont In neveral drtve-in*: Jack Mc- 

Oralh of Albany Theatre .Supply Co . and 

Frank Wlellng, ownrr of thr Park C-rfjU-skill 

Donald Schine and Seymour Morri'. uf the 

Schine circuit. aiovemviUc. uIv, .f.: ..'. 

Phil Baroudl of the Norlhw

' 

' 

, 

' 

Columbia to Conduct 

Regional Meetings 

NKW YORK— Columbia L-xt left Friday 

il3i for Chicago to .-.Lart a series of 

three regional sales meetings with the field 

forces which will wind up in San Francisco 

December 17. 

The opening session was scheduled for the 

Drake hotel starting Sunday (15i. It will 

continue through Thursday (19). The second 

session is scheduled for New York 

November 30-December 3. and the third at 

San Francisco December 14-17. 

Current and expected business conditions 

are to be analyzed with special attention to 

the problems of new technique.s. Sales problems 

on "From Here to Eternity." "Miss Sadie 

Thompson." 'The Caine Mutiny" and "It 

Should Happen to You" will be discussed. 

Home office pensormel attending the Chicago 

session, in addition to Abe Montague, 

general sales manager, included Rube Jackter, 

assistant general sales manager; Louis 

Weinberg and Irving Wormser. circuit sales 

executives; Maurice Grad, short subjects sales 

manager; H. C. Kaufman, exchange operations 

manager; Joseph Freiberg, sales accounting 

manager; Seth Raisler, contract department 

manager; Vincent Borrelli. assistant 

to circuit sales executives, and George Herman 

and Sydney Singerman, assistant managers 

of exchange operations. 

Division managers were: Ben Marcus, midwest; 

Carl Shalit, central; R. J. Ingram, 

southeastern, and Jack Underwood, southwestern. 

To Do 'Wife' Songs 

NEW YORK—Sammy Cahn and Paul Weston 

have been commissioned to write two 

special tunes based on the score of "Indiscretion 

of an American Wife," the Jennifer 

Jones-Montgomery Clift film directed by 

Vittorio de Sica. The score is by Alessandro 

Cigonini. Cahn will do the lyrics and Weston, 

who is repertoire chief of Columbia 

records, will do the music. 

Says Two 'Kate' Prints 

Prove 3-D Superiority 

ROCHESTER—After .showing "KLss Me 

Kate" in 2-D at Loew's Theatre, Lester 

Pollock changed the attraction over to 

3-D for a second week presentation. Jean 

Walrath in the Rochester Democrat & 

Chronicle, in reviewing the changeover 

said: 

" -KLss Me Kate." in 3-D gains in three 

ways—first, the comedy is artfully accented; 

second, the colors, by the Polaroid 

process of iight-sorting,' become richer 

and more suffused, although the lo.ss of 

light is immediately noticeable; third, the 

production .sets show up more lavishly and 

spaciously. 

"Those who have questioned the values 

of 3-D in the past on grounds that it 

contributes nothing to the true entertainment 

value of a picture and that the 

viewing leases are wobbly and generally 

disconcerting, will yield their objections 

after seeing what 3-D has done to Kate.' 

And also what the Polai-oid manufacturers 

have now produced in the way of viewing 

glas.ses, 

"The new viewers that Loew's introduced 

appear to have licked the troubles 

that have beset 3-D audiences in the past. 

Wires enclosed in cardboard strips that fit 

over the ear permit snug adjustment to 

fit any head. For those who wear glasses, 

the theatre provides clip-on specs t o 

eliminate the bother of double pieces over 

the ear. Three-D after all may be here 

to 

stay." 

Start TV Decency Code 

WASHINGTON — The television 

decency 

code has had a successful start, according to 

a report by the National Ass'n of Radio and 

Television Broadcasters Thursday (12). 

NARTB said that all four networks and 188 

individual stations sub.scribe. 

RKO Division Heads 

To Meet 3 Days 

NEW' Y'ORK—RKO dLstrict managers I«^' 

attend a three-day sales meeting here Novem 

ber 17-19 for discussion of forthcoming prod 

uct. The session has been called by Charles 

Boasberg, general sales manager. 

J. R. Grainger, president, will address the 

managers, as will EMward L. Walton, execu-' 

tive a-ssistant to Grainger; Walter Branscm. 

assistant general sales manager; Nat Levy, 

eastern division sales manager, and Sidney 

Kramer, short subjects sales manager. 

Particular attention will be given to "The 

French Line," Technicolor musical-comedy 

starring Jane Russell. Gilbert Roland. Arthur. 

Hunnicutt and Mary McCarty. which will be' 

prereleased in Texas Christmas Day, and- 

"Camival Story." King Brothers Technicolor 

melodrama starring Anne Baxter and Steve 

Cochran, which is scheduled for December 

release. 

Others on the agenda are: "Decamenm 

Nights," in Technicolor, starring Joan Fontaine 

and Louis Jourdan; "Appointment In 

Honduras," in Technicolor, starring Glenn 

Ford and Ann Sheridan, and "Marry Me 

Again." comedy starring Marie Wilson and 

Robert Cummings. 

Those attending will be: H. H. Greenblatt of 

Cliicago. A. L. Kolitz of Denver, J. H. Mac- 

Intyre of Los Angeles. Carl Peppercorn of 

Canada. R. J. Folliard of Philadelphia, M. E. 

Lefko of Cleveland, Ben Cammack of Dallas. 

David Prince of the southeastern district and 

Len Gruenberg of New York. 

Rogers Hospital Support 

Urged at NY Meeting 

NEW Y'ORK— All members of the industry ! 

are stockholders in the W'ill Rogers Memorial 

hospital and receive dividends in the terms of 

saved lives. A. Montague, president, told a 

mass meeting Thursday (12i at the Bijou 

Theatre. In reporting on hospital operations, . 

he .said that 68 patients have been discharged 

during the year, including the record monthly 

total of 14 in September. 

Montague, in urging continuing supporthrough 

the 1953 Christmas Salute, said th.iin 

the 27 years of existence of the hospiuU 

it has served 520 from this area alone, tliat 

there ai-e 27 patients from this area there now • 

and that the rate of cures has risen past the 

90 mark to one of 94 per cent. 

The meeting was attended by local repre- 

.sentatives of all segments of the industry. 

Robert J. O'Donnell. chairman of the haspit«l 

board, told of financial requirement*. Also ' 

paiticipating were Charles Mo,ss, exhibitor 

chairman; Leon Gruenberg, distributor chair- ' 

' 

man; Faye Emerson and Jimmy Nelson. The 

personal contributions of the late Charles E. 

Lewis to the hospital were noted. 

W^^' 

I 

jsMies, 1 

feteix 

J3 

J a*! 

.S'l'Alt KKWAKDS WINNKU.S—Ann .MllUr, .tnU-r, star of 'Kl.s.s Me Kiite," currently 

playing the Itadio (lly Music Hull, anil |{unhII V. UownlnK. cxtromr rlRlit. the 

Iheutrr'H manuxInK dlri-cUir, iiri-M-nl \nitv award ilipiks to winners in the l.lth \ewspaiier 

National Snapshot uwardx at tin- opinliiK "f llir rontrsls exhibit in the (frand 

lounKe of the Nrw York

'^^ 

1 

ifular 

! ee 

. . . The 

. . . Dewey 

. . Catherine 

. . Max 

Bamberger Describes 

Good P.R. Campaign 

MONTREAL The txticmc importance of 

KXl exhibitor relations with the community 

which he lives was cited Tuesday (10) by 

,on J. Bamberger. RKO Pictures sales pro- 

(itlon manager, at the annual convention of 

I,' Quebec Allied Theatrical Industries. He 

voted much of his talk to a description of 

:,• public relations practiced by the Elkln 

others, who run two theatres in Aberdeen. 

:iss., a town of 6.00O. where business "Uter- 

:y is always Kood." 

BamberRer quoted Earl Elkin as saying: 

Many exhibitors look at the dollar first. That 

secondary to us. The patron is first in our 

.ind.s." He .said the Elkln picture promotion 

outstanding, but .something entirely apart 

om their communal activities. They being 

to many organizations, participate in all 

iirthy fund campaigns, entertain Juvenile 

irm clubs with special pictures before the 

show goes on. and admit Boy Scouts 

once a year when they receive their merit, 

.idge.-!. though the parents present pay. 

They aLso rent the theatre to farm equipnent 

companies, let physicians, dentists and 

indidates for political office use it free 

Uiring off hours and give free space to an 

nnual flower show and cotton style show. 

.irnivals and tent shows are invited to have 

heir band play in front of the theatre in re- 

• 

irn for an announcement of the next day's 

iieatre attraction from their own stage or 

;ng. 

Ministers receive annual passes. None has 

been asked for a pulpit announcement, but 

that ha,s been done voluntarily on many occa- 

P^' -ions. School bus drivers are admitted free 

hen they bring a crowd to a show. Mem- 

"rs of the police force and other city offilals 

are always welcome. An Easter eve show 

- put on for children. They pay l^n cents and 

•et a souvenir. A Santa Claus show is run on 

ae same basis. 

Churches are allowed to coniuct 

benefits In the theatre. 

Bamberger pointed out that the Motion 

sncture Ass'n of America maintains a commuity 

relations department that can help In 

he preparation of speeches and has importnt 

tieups with women's organizations that 

.m be utilized locally. 

Kodak Makes 2nd Highest 

Award for Employe Idea 

ROCHESTER. N.Y.—Eastman Kodak Co. 

has reported its second highest award for an 

idea in the 55-year history of the company. 

Two employes at the camera works plant 

nave received a $3,996 additional award, bring- 

1 

:ng to $7,596 the total for a suggestion to use 

printed tape for decal labels on 8mm film 

:nagazines. 

Howai-d Wall and Verne H. Leonard reeived 

identical S1.998 checks. Previously they 

had shared an initial award of $3,600. 

Lauren Bacall on Tour 

NEW YORK—Lauren BacaU has started 

on a four-city personal appearance tour for 

"How to Marry a Millionaire." 20t.h Century- 

Fox Cinemascope feature in which she Is 

starred with Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe. 

First stop was Buffalo, where the plctxu-e 

opened Tuesday (10) at the Century; 

second was Boston Tuesday night, third, 

Philadelphia Wednesday and Chicago the 

next day. 

BUFFALO 

n small baaement fire In the Victoria, big 

west side community theatre, the other 

evening fulled to dl.sturb patron-s watching 

the picture. Theatre employes and police Informed 

the audience that there wa.i no dangrr 

The Victoria, by the way. once wa.% managed 

by Edward L. Hyman. now vlce-pre.sldi-nt of 

American Broiidciustlng-Paramount Theatres 

Mercury, a 300-.seot downtown first 

run. has broken all its rccord.s with Palace 

Pictures' "Violated" tacking up a close to 

$10,000 gross the first week at 65 ccnt« and 

$1. Manager Phil Todaro .says a third week 

Is a po.sslblllty . . . "Martin Luther." which 

has been Jamming 'em In at the Teck. has 

been booked In Shea's Bellevue, Niagara Falls, 

where Manager Lou Jaffa will open It November 

17. 

The following area theatres have Installed 

RCA Stereoscope sound: Cataract. Niagara 

Falls; Elmlra, Elmlra; Olympic, Utlca: Paramont, 

Syracuse: American. Canton . . . Arthur 

Krolick. UPT district manager. Is a member 

of the dinner committee of the National 

Conference of Christians and Jews to be held 

November 18 in the Statler . . . Vincent R. 

McFaul, general manager of the Shea circuit 

In Buffalo and Niagara Falls, was resting 

comfortably at home following an operation In 

Sisters hospital . . . Prank Llndcamp. manager 

of the RKO Palace in Rochester, announces 

"The Robe" wa-s to be held for ^ third week 

Michaels, head of the Michaels 

circuit here, is reported about to re-enter the 

fight promotion game. 

INIanager Robert T. Murphy, assisted by adpub 

chief Earl Hubbard and 20th-Pox fieldman 

Joe Lebworth put on a glamorous red 

carpet premiere last Tuesday evening for the 

Cinemascope production of "How to Marry a 

Millionaire." Both the exhibition and distribution 

sections of the industry were well 

represented at the premiere, as well as city 

officers, prominent citizens and the big brass 

of TV, radio and the press. 

It looks like another sellout for a two-performance 

Paramount stage offering. "The 

Biggest Show of '53" was a recent sellout at 

the UPT Buffalo Tlvpihip. and now tlckcti 

are Kelllng like hotcakes for thr "rottlvml of 

Mf>dom Amirrlcan Jazz" whlrh featum Stan 

Kenton and hu orchestra uiid a ca«t of top 

Jazz arU-stJi It will be at the Paramount Theatre 

Saturday night for two .^how!l. Manager 

Ed Miller put up a .ipeclal brjxoftlce to iiell 

the tickela . . Salvatore A Rlzzo haa been 

re-elected to .serve hLs fourth term a* prealdent 

of the Buffalo Mu.slclan< A.u'n Local 43 

Others re-elected are Albert Demxke vicepresident 

and Albert Oreenberg aecretarytrca.surer. 

Richard T. Kemper, zone manager for Dip- 

.son Theatre.s. wa.s to be ringmaster at the big 

Fall Guy show and luncheon Saturday (14i 

in Klelnhans Music Hall, to be staged by 

Buffalo Bill tent of the Clrcas Saints and 

sinners. Charles B. Taylor. UPT, la chairman 

of the publicity committee. The Fall Ouy 

will be Edward T. McCormlck, president of 

the American Stock Exchange . Miller 

of the UA exploitation staff wa.s here a&sLstlng 

Art Krolick, Charlie Taylor and Leon Serin 

of UPT on promotion for "The Joe Louts 

story." next attraction In the Center. 

Stephen Pirozzl has been appointed Buffalo 

and Albany publicity representative for MOM, 

succeeding Tom Hopklnson. Pirozzl Is a 

former MOM student salesman. He Ls being 

Introduced throughout the territories by 

Arthur Canton, eastern division publicity 

representative . Turano, Republic 

booker, and Anthony Bellavla were married 

In the Annunciation church . . . Henry 

Endress of New York was In Rochester In 

behalf of the showing of "Martin Luther" 

at the Regent there. Endress was associate 

producer of the film . . . Five factory experts 

of the Glowmeter Corp. have completed a 

course of training at the North Tonawanda 

plant, and now are consulting with exhibitors 

on screen probleme, according to William B. 

Russell, vice-president in charge of sales. 

I. H. Read, Glowmeter technician, has been 

named manager of the service department.

. . Mildred 

. . Harry 

. . Jack 

. . 

: November 

I 

-jitlesiilK 

!ii.Sortli 

repre; 

PHILADELPHIA 

IJarry P. Lewis, 73. a watchman at the 

Standard Theatre, .shot and killed one of 

two men, who allegedly threatened him with 

a butcher knife In the theatre Monday t9) 

night. Some 200 persons, watching "The 

White Savage" and "Four Faces West," filed 

from the theatre following the shooting in 

which a third patron was wounded. Lewis 

said that the argument started when he told 

the two men to be less noisy . . . Robert 

Schucker, manager of the Renel, was beaten 

by four youths when he tried to quiet them 

during a performance Sunday (8). He was 

treated for face cuts and bruises in Alfred 

Einstein medical center. 

Lou Davidoff, executive of A. M. Ellis Theatres, 

has announced the engagement of his 

daughter Sue Marcia. a student in the department 

of sociology at Temple university, to 

Harold Rosenthal, who is attending Temple 

university school of law . Palance, 

star of "Flight to Tangier." was in to help in 

exploitation of the picture, which is set to 

open at the Goldman Theatre. 

. 

Mickey Shaughnessy, local night club comic 

now appearing at ScioUa's, has been signed 

by Paramount for a part in "Conquest of 

Space" Martin, critic for the 

Inquirer, begun that new.spaper's 21st 

has 

annual best-ten-picture poll. This year not 

only pictures, but methods of presentation, 

such as Cinemascope, third-dimensional and 

Cinerama, are on trial. 

Lauren Ba«all was in Wednesday (11) to 

help in the promotion of "How to Marry a 

Millionaire" . . . The Byrd is the first theatre 

in town to present a wide-screen showing of 

"The Red Shoes" . . . Milgram Theatres is 

now doing the booking and buying for the 

Dallas Drlve-In near Wilkes-Barre. This theatre 

was serviced previously by Allied Motion 

Picture Theatre Service . . . Stanley Peters' 

Ritz Theatre in St. Clair, Pa., and the Ritz 

in New Holland, Pa., now are being booked by 

Sandy Gottlieb's Tristate Theatre Service. 

Sandy Gottlieb said that during the height 

of the .storm Friday (6» he drove 33 miles 

from Stroudsberg to Bethlehem in eight 

Myra Lukoff, 20th-Fox bookers 

hours . . . 

secretary, will hear wedding bells Sunday (15) 

when she is married to Morton Margolis at 

Temple Slnal . . . Mrs. Elizabeth Ziegler, 

United Artists office manager, is leaving for 

a Florida vacation . Brandt, prominent 

New York theatre circuit owner, has arranged 

for a private railroad car to bring the 

entire troupe of Broadway and Hollywood 

celebrities here for the November 15 celebration 

of the Golden Jubilee dinner for Sophie 

Tucker. Almost 1,000 persons are expected 

to attend the $50 a plate formal affair. The 

proceed.s are to benefit a large number of 

local and national charities, including the 

Variety Club Camp for Handicapped Children 

and the Will Rogers Memorial hospital. 

ElIU Hhlpman, Stanley Warner contact 

manager. ha.s left on a Florida vacation . . . 

Engineered Ponoramic Screen Frames 

SELBY INDUSTRIES, INC. 

Seymour Segal, supervisor of Stanley Warner's 

mail room, is being transferred to the contract 

department ... Ed Muehlemann, as.sociated 

with the stagehands union, suffered 

a heart attack and is now in St. Agnes hospital 

. . . Marie Catherine Moran, secretary 

to Jack Beresin, chief barker of Variety Clubs 

International, will be married to Francis Joseph 

Clifford Saturday il4) ... Ben Harris' 

American Films is again handUng local physical 

di.stribution of "Rudolph, the Red Nosed 

Reindeer" . . . Triangle Publications, owner 

of the Inquirer, has brought suit against William 

I. Greenfield alleging unpaid newspaper 

advertising bills. The defense of the case 

is that corporations, which operated several 

theatres, incurred the debts and Greenfield 

is not personally liable. 

Allied Artists is now handling billing for the 

Washington branch. Bookkeeping machines 

have been installed under supervision of William 

Z. Porter, traveling auditor . . . Changes 

at Paramount included James Winters, new 

booking manager handling circuit accounts; 

Matthew Judge, booker for the office zone; 

Tony LaMonaco. booker for Philadelphia and 

suburban areas; Lou Fortunate, remaining as 

booker for Harrisburg and Scranton, and John 

Kane, cashier-office manager. 

Variety Tent 13's first dinner dance in years 

is set for December 5 . . . Ocean Theatre on 

Steel Pier, with a seating capacity of 1.800, 

is being remodeled for opening on November 

26. It is to be operated by the Hollywood Theatre 

circuit and Ocean Theatre Co. Max 

Chasens, brother-in-law of Harry Waxmann. 

is to do the booking and buying . . . Mort 

Lewis' Ventnor closed for the winter . . . Tlie 

Aldine, midtown house, is being renovated and 

is scheduled to reopen on December 22 with 

"Julius Caesar." 

Columbia booker Norman Gaskill's 

father 

died . . . Ada Norvick, RKO clerk, was in 

Einstein Medical Center with pneumonia . 

Thirty-seven Pennsylvania communities voted 

on the question of Sunday movies, according 

to a canvass of local option contests by Lord's 

Day Alliance of Pennsylvania. The Rev. Melvin 

M. Forney, secretary, attributed the stimulation 

of the Sunday movie efforts to the 

succe.ss of drive-in theatres . . . Amusement 

tax receipts during the first nine months of 

1953 were down to $2,049,011, only 68.30 per 

cent of 

the estimate. 

Norman Silverman, Republic manager, has 

been elected chief barker of Variety Tent 13. 

Other officers Include Louis B. Goffman, first 

a.sslstant: Max Gillls, second assistant; George 

Beattle, doughguy, and Mickey Lewis, property 

master. Others on the crew are Bob 

Adelman, Harold Cohen, Billy Banks, Leo 

Posel, Earle W. Swelgert and Lester Wurtelc 

Mike Felt was named delegate to the Variety 

International convention with Jack Grcenbcrv: 

chosen as alternate. 

Theatre owners will be Interested to know 

that for the first time In five years Philadelphia 

has Improved Its fire protection rating 

among the nation's cities. "The city Is now 

ranked In Class 3, or one place higher than 

In recent years. A survey recently conducted 

by the National Board of Fire Underwriters 

.showed Philadelphia had recorded a 31 per 

cent Improvement, biused on nine areas of 

fire protection studied by the underwriters. 

The nine areas studied include water supply, i 

fire department fire alarms, police, building ! 

and construction laws, fire prevention, struc- i 

tural conditions, climatic allowances and i 

divergence between paid or volunteer fire I 

departments. The underwriters' ratings are 

used as a base for figuring fire insurance 

, 

rates by all major companies. 

Burlington, N.J., has a new curfew law 

which requires all children under 17 to be 

off the streets at 8:30 p.m. . . . Barney Drex> 

j 

inger, manager of Pastime Theatre in Duryea, 

\ 

Pa., has made arrangements with local Veterans 

of Foreign Wars post so that there Is 

a cooperative effort making possible distribution 

of free candy to children attending 

Wednesday evening performances . . . Tent 

13 has a dinner dance scheduled for December 

5 . . . Louis J. Goffman is chairman of 

Tent I3's heart fund drive. Awards this yeai 

include a 1954 Cadillac four-door sedan: a 

two-week vacation in Paris for two via TWA; 

a mink stole, and other prizes. 

Charles Kaselman, Loew's booker, was a 

Lucky Buck winner in the Daily News contest, 

receiving $25 for a dollar . . . Martin 

Ellis, A. M. Ellis Theatres, was back from 

Chicago and the Theatre Owners of America 

convention . . . Stanley Warners' Circle Theatre 

is scheduled to shutter December 6 . . . 

A. M. Ellis Theatres has installed a wide 

panoramic screen at the Admiral Theatre . . . 

Rhoda Weitz, Warner Bros., secretary, has 

announced her engagement to wed Joshua 

Melson, December 13. 

Grace Kelly, daughter of Philadelphia businessman 

Jack Kelly and a star of "Mogambo," 

was in town making personal appearances 

. . . Joseph Leon, retired motion picture 

exhibitor, died at the age of 59. He had operated 

the old Victoria Theatre for 25 yean 

. . . Charles Segall, who had operated the 

Apollo Theatre, died. 

New officers for Motion Picture Associates 

include Lou Formato, MGM manager, president; 

Sam Diamond, 20th-Fox manager, vicepresident; 

Joe Schaeffer, Republic salesman, 

treasurer; Joe Farrow, secretary, and these 

directors: John Turner, Herb Gillls, BUI 

Doyle, Dave Titleman, George Beattue, Lester 

Wurtele and Mort Magill. 

The Catholic Standard and Times condemned 

the exhibition of "The Moon Is Blue" 

at the Trans-Lux here, and asked Catholics 

to protest to the theatre and boycott the 

theatre in the future if it continues to show 

the film . . . "The Moon Is Blue" was withdrawn 

from exhibition in Elizabeth, N.J., following 

protests from Catholic groups. The 

showing of the film was postponed until a 

decision is reached in the Jersey City court 

case, where the film has been banned by citjf 

authorities as indecent. 

Television Set Production 

Drops in September 

WASHINGTON- September television set 

production slumped to 770,085 from the 776,- 

665 turned out in September 19.'i2. according to 

the Rjidio - Electronic - Television Manufacturers 

Ass'n on Monday (9i. 

Production during the first nine months 

of this year was highest on record for the 

period, however. Tlie 5.525,370 receivers 

miuiufactured In Jnnuary-SepfembtT this 

year compared with 3,670.590 during the same 

period last year 

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::' lie city 

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. . . The 

. . Variety 

. . 

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. . Columbia 

. . Betty 

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. . 

. . 

. , 

PITTSBURGH 

operation for removal of a spinal disk . . . 

John H. Harris returned from Europe where 

he looked over ice stars and other entertainers 

who may fit into one of his ice shows 

Rivoli. Altoona, was scheduled to 

open November 13 with a new wide screen and 

stereophonic sound. 

A public hearing on the proposed re-enactment 

of the city of Pittsburgh's 10 per cent 

amusement tax will be held before the council's 

finance committee Wednesday (18) at 

2 p.m. Meanwhile, the committee went ahead 

and ordered that legally required advertising 

be placed for renewal of the city's three special 

taxes: amusement, personal property and 

mercantile. 

John VVincek, manager of the Hi-Lander 

Theatre in New Castle. Tuesday and Wednesday 

this week had a 99-foot modified fuselage 

of a Boeing B-29 superfortress bomber and a 

12-man crew, plus members of the air force 

aviation cadet selection team, on the theatre 

lot . . . Chuck Reichblum. who is directing a 

WJAS sports program here, is the son of 

Charleroi exhibitor Leon Reichblum. 

Ralph M. Felton, president of Spotlight 88 

Drive-In. North Sewickley township, who was 

fined $285.20 for illegal Sunday operation recently, 

had circulated petitions for approval of 

Sunday movies in the recent elections, and 

obtained 896 signatures prior to his aiTest. 

Warrants were served October 25 on complaint 

of Richard Carr and Ralph Householder, who 

allegedly represented seven churches. The 

drive-in had been operating on Sunday for 

six years and there had been no complaint. 

The action against Sunday movies came too 

late to have the issue before township citizens 

at the general election. 

SAM FINEBERG I 

TOM McCLEARY I 

JIM ALEXANDER 

| 

84 Von Broom Street i? 

PITTSBURGH 19, PA. I 

Phone Express 10777 I 

iSWoviti Are Bttter Than E»ef • How's Your Equipnuntt^ 

Pittsburgh Cinerama 

Bow Will Aid Hospital 

Gibson (;1 Atla.s 'niiMin 

Mlllon 

p:iiiy w;i,s hack (in thi' job okPiul 

alter an abseiico dm; to Ihf dfuth ol a cousin frrr.SIJUKClII -nu, I, Cln-r.ini.i Aill Ix 

In Toronto . . . Helen Winston was here exploiting 

"Botany Bay" . Club crew Press Old New.sboys the evenlnR of December 

premiered here at the Warner Theulri- by the 

for 1954 named Norman MervLs as the new 8. The showing will be one of the hl«hllKht« 

chief barker: I. Hmer Ecker, first assistant; of the Old Newsboys annual campalirn for 

Sammy Speranza, second assistant, and Ray funds for Chlldrcn'.-i haspltal AU premiere 

money will go direct to the fund with 

Downey, doughguy. while Aiphones Welbllnger 

was continued as property master. A new no deductions for expense of any kind. Each 

Tent 1 crew member Is David J. McDonald, year the Warner Tlieatrc premieres a Warner 

president of the 1,200.000-member CIO United Bras, picture at this .season for the fund. 

Steelworkers union. 

The Old Newsboys feel that the new multidimensional 

Harris Amusement 

medium affords them their alltime 

best offering and the evening of Decem- 

Co. has ordered Cinema- 

Scope equipment for the Liberty. East Liberty, 

and for the Harris at Warren, Ohio . 

ber 8 will find .searchlights outside the theatre, 

with bands playing and with radio and 

Sam Gould, Pittsbiu-gh northside exhibitor 

television coverage. Dignitaries from all over 

for many years, is recuperating at home after 

the Keystone state will attend. 

being hospitalized for an operation . . . Mr. 

Only 1.400 seats will be available during the 

and Mrs. David Klmelman enjoyed a few days 

run of "This Is Cinerama." as 800 seats have 

vacation in New York and the Paramount 

been removed to 

manager is now 

make way for the new projection 

booths. New plush seats are being 

back at his office . . . Glen 

Easter reports that Sunday shows were defeated 

in Perry township by only 43 votes, 

installed and the entire Interior Is being redecorated. 

The ticket booth now at the front 

although the subdivision in which he has his 

entrance will be replaced by one in the lobby. 

Almeda Theatre in Mount Morris voted two 

The giant screen will measure 75x26 feet. 

to one in favor of Sunday shows. 

M. A. Silver, Stanley Warner circuit zone 

F. W. Cocklln, the Altec man. underwent an manager and a director of the board. Is confident 

that the new wide curved Cinerama 

provides entertainment unlike any previous 

motion picture experience for the spectator. 

2,450 Fans at Stanley 

Watch Big Game on TV 

PHILADELPHIA—Some 2.450 football enthusiasts 

crowded the Stanley Theatre and 

watched the Penn-Notre Dame game Saturday 

(7> without being inconvenienced by the 

worst storm of the year. They began pouring 

into the theatre at 10:45 a.m. for the game 

telecast. The film on the bill. "FYom Here to 

Eternity." went on the screen at 11:15. but the 

crowd did not seem interested in It. Many 

fans carried newspapers containing team 

lineups. A few of the latecomers had team 

lineups which had evidently been obtained at 

Franklin field. After the picture, the screen 

stayed dark for five minutes before the football 

game while television technicians ironed 

out the difficulty, after which a yell went up 

from the crowd. The telecast went on five 

minutes before the game got under way. 

During a time-out lull, the camera switched 

to the packed stands where hardier fans were 

shivering in the chill November wind. At the 

sight of the cold fans, one of the theatre patrons 

pulled out a real hot dog, mustard and 

all from a paper bag, sat back, and said: 

"Science— it's wonderful!" 

.Tlobe' to Uniontown, Pa. 

UNIONTOWN. PA.—CinemaScope and "The 

Robe" will be introduced here at the State 

Theatre November 17. The theatre has been 

remodeled and renovated for "the new day" 

in exhibition. In the gala "The Robe" opening, 

special honors will go to Mike Manos. pioneer 

exhibitor and circuit operator. 

Erie 3-House Moveover 

ERIE. PA.—First three-house moveover 

here was Columbia's "From Here to Eternity" 

Booked into Stanley Warner circuit theatres, 

the picture was introduced at the Warner, 

moved over to the Strand and then continued 

Its extended run at the Columbia. 

WASHINGTON 

rtii- Robe" opened in the Orandln The«Ue 

,it Roanoke. Va . We

' 

' 

General Precision Puts 

Out New Stock Issue 

NEW YORK—General Precision Equipment 

;orp. is offering to its stockholders 108,167 

hares of $2.90 cumulative convertible preerred 

stock for the purpose of paying off bank 

Dans and increasing corporate funds. This is 

he first public financing by the company 

ince its formation in 1936. 

The new preferred is priced at $50 per 

hare and is being offered at the rate of one 

hare for each six shares of common stock 

leld of record on Nov. 6, 1953. It is conertible 

on the basis of $50 per share into 

ommon at a conversion price of $25 per share 

f common stock, and is redeemable at the 

ption of the company at $53 per share on or 

rior to Nov. 30, 1958, and at prices decreasig 

to $50 per share after Nov. 30, 1968. 

The subscription period will expu-e Nov. 23, 

353. An underwriting group headed jointly 

y the First Boston Corp. and Tucker, Anthony 

5 Co. will purchase any unsubscribed shares. 

General Precision has been expanding and 

iversifying its business since 1940, through 

cquisitions of several companies. F*roceeds 

f the financing will be used to repay bank 

orrowings incurred during the expansion and 

)r general corporate funds. 

Consolidated net sales of the company and 

s 17 subsidiaries have risen from $9,100,000 

1 1940 to $54,300,000 in 1952 and $55,600,000 

ir the first eight months of 1953. 

foungstein Off to Europe 

Dn Anniversary Plans 

NEW YORK—Max E. Youngstein, viceresident 

of United Artists, flew to Paris 

/ednesday (111 to set European plans for 

16 company's global 35th anniversary celeration 

and sales drive. 

He will visit England, Prance, Germany 

nd Italy to coordinate the European activies 

with those being planned in this country. 

six-month sales drive will begin November 

) with one-year drives scheduled abroad. 

Youngstein will meet with Charles Smadja, 

A continental manager; Montague C. Morin, 

managing director in Great Britain, and 

ichard Condon, who is making a 90-day 

irvey of publicity and promotion operations. 

'opyright Pact Signed 

ietween Japan and U.S. 

WASHINGTON— President Eisenhower, by 

oclamation on Tuesday (10), accompanied 

an exchange of diplomatic notes in Tokyo, 

]t into effect a new four-year Japanese- 

S. copyright agreement, covering film proicers, 

writers, composers and recording 

mpanies. 

The new agreement will give U.S. nationals 

•otection in Japan on the same basis as 

ipane.se 

citizens. 

I. W. Lea to Decca Board 

NEW YORK—Robert W. Lea, former presi- 

>nt of the Johns-Manville Corp., has been 

Ided to the board of directors of Decca 

ecords. Inc. Lea is a director and member 

the executive committee of Olin Industries, 

ic, and a member of the board of manners 

of the Lackawanna railroad and a 

rector of Universal Pictures Co. 

CONGRATULATIONS—Eric 

Steinberg 

(center), whose appointment as RKO 

manager for Germany was announced by 

Foreign Manager Alfred Crown, receives 

congratulations from Robert K. Hawldnson 

(left), assistant foreign manager, 

and Edwin J. Smith jr. (right), assistant 

foreign sales manager, just before leaving 

for Germany. 

New Holland Agreement 

Made by Eric Johnston 

NEW YORK—Ei-ic Johnston, president of 

the Motion Picture Export Ass'n gave the 

board Thursday (12) details of a new and 

favorable pact he has concluded with the 

Bioscoop Bond, Holland film monopoly. It 

becomes effective Jan. 1, 1954. 

All 3-D, Panoramic and other methods 

supplying the illusion of 3-D will be freely 

negotiable. An indeterminate number of 

"exceptional" pictures can be freely negotiated. 

In the past, the limit was 40 per cent. 

Remaining 2-D pictures will be eligible for 

rental either on a sliding scale or straight 

percentage. In the case of a sliding scale, 

the percentage will range from 22 >i to 40 

per cent, compared with 17 'l. to 32 'i per cent 

in the past. Under straight percentage, not 

more than 50 per cent of the pictures will be 

eligible for maximum terms of 35 per cent 

and the remainder will he eligible for maximum 

terms of 32',. per cent. Before, a 321^ 

per cent limit existed. 

Maas Leaving for Orient 

As MPAA Trouble-shooter 

NEW YORK—Irving Maa.s. head of the far 

eastern division of the Motion Picture Export 

Ass'n, was scheduled to leave over the weekend 

for Tokyo to conduct preliminary negotiations 

on a new U.S.-Japanese film pact. 

The current one expires March 31. 

Maas also was scheduled to visit Indonesia 

and Pakistan on remittance and import problems. 

New Payment of $750,000 

Expected From Brazil 

NEW YORK—Major company members of 

the Motion Picture Ass'n of America expect 

to receive soon a further payment of $750,000 

from the Brazilian government, bringing total 

receipts to $4,500,000 and leaving $11,000,000 

owed. Still further payments are expected 

before the end of the year. Payments began 

early in the year. 

RKO Assigns Diaz to Peru 

NEW YORK—Pedro Diaz has been transferred 

from the post of RKO assistant manager 

in Colombia to that of manager in Peru 

succeeding Erich Steinberg. 

Crosley Signs Dea 

On Chromatic Tube 

NEW YORK— Chromatic Televisio.:.aboratories. 

Inc., 50 per cent owned afUate of 

Paramount Pictures, has signed an a eement 

with the Crosley Radio and Televisi-i Division, 

Avco Corp., to manufacture chjmatriJn 

color tube TV receivers. 

The Chromatron tube, invented r Prof. 

Ernest O. Lawrence, Nobel Prize Winer and 

at present a director of the radio la->ratory 

of the University of Cahfomia, is clmed to 

be the only color tube that can sbw rectangular 

color TV pictures. 

The licensing deal was signed by ichard 

Hodgson, president of Chromatic Tr-vision 

Laboratories, and Leonard F. Cram'. Avco 

vice-president and general manager of:rosley 

radio and television. 

Cramer says the Chromatron tube an be 

mass-produced readily and its design aows It 

to be manufactured in 21 and 24-inc sizes, 

or larger. 

Crosley will produce the Chromatr, tube 

in its Batavia, 111., tube plant whe' production 

facilities will be converted a.s ipidly 

as needed follo\ving FCC color appro, I and 

when network color television begins, pilot 

line for color tubes has been in operacn for 

some time at 

Seton, Higgins Get Nev 

Publicity Posts at ABC 

NEW YORK—Adolph L. Seton h; been 

named trade editor of the American roadcasting 

Co. and Donald A. Higgins hasoined 

the ABC publicity staff as copy chie succeeding 

Seton in that post. 

Seton is a former reporter for Provlence 

and Pennsylvania newspapers and Iggins 

has had experience in newspaper and ubiic 

relations fields in Kansas City and wh the 

United Pi-ess, NBC, CBS and Collier's. 

Also Nat V. Donato and John Calli have 

been added to the New York staff of th ASC 

Film Syndicate by George T. Shupert icepresident 

in charge of the division. L'lato 

resigned as division sales manager for Ljit«d 

Artists Television Corp. to join ABC. allis 

was an account executive with Headlevêed 

Co. 

Taylor Mills Heads MPiA 

Foreign Advisory Unit 

NEW YORK—The foreign advisor.v mit 

of the Motion Picture Ass'n of America iiiow 

being supervised by Taylor Mills becau' of 

an increase in inquiries about the U.S. njket 

from abroad. Much gf the increased .sirch 

for information is due to a belief abroad liat 

picture shortages here will broaden the .arket 

for foreign films. 

The unit was originally set up wit B. 

Bernard Kreisler in charge under the .s.ervision 

of John G. McCarthy, vice-pres.'nt 

in charge of foreign affairs, and vaous 

foreign film delegations were entertained 're 

and supplied with information. Later th 

McCarthy and Kreisler resigned and the ilume 

of inquh-ies for data fell off to the ; nt 

where they were routed to and handle^ by 

individual desks. Now they will all go to I\lls, 

Film rights to the police melodram, 

"Rogue Cop," by William P. McGivern, .'on 

to be published as a novel, have been acqui'd 

for MGM. 

i-D 

BOXOFFICE :: November 14, -S

: 

H 

LLYWODP 

NEV^ 

PRODUCTION 

lollywood Office—Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear. Western Manager/ 

MJ.' LJj.l 

TwcNew Films Given 

Angtleno Premieres 

HOLLWOOD—Its facade transformed into 

the rjlica of a Roman court, the Foui- 

Star Thitre was the scene Tuesday (10) 

the Hoi wood premiere of MGM's "Julius 

Caesar." he first-nighters including industry 

celebritii. state and civic officials. Replete 

with klu lights, bleachers to accommodate 

the fan and other premiere trappings, the 

opening: ignalled the start of an advancedprice 

loz run of the film, produced by John 

Housema and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. 

Among the guests 

Louis Chern 

Ann Bin 

James ason 

Debbie eynolds 

Howar< Keel 

ShelleyVinters 

Kurt l>oZnar 

EdwaroXrnold 

Robert iyan 

June Allyson 

Kothryn Grayson 

Edmond O'Brien 

Dick Powell 

Esther Williams 

Keenan Wynn 

Fernando Lamas 

Olivia DeHavilland 

Clifton Webb 

Spared by an exploitation-pubUcity campaign 

hich concentrated on local sports 

broadcsts and telecasts. "Crazylegs," the 

Hall Brtlett production being distributed by 

Republ, opened Tuesday (10) at Loew's State 

in do\'.town Los Angeles and the United 

Artists a Inglewood. The film biography of 

Elroy 'razylegs" Hirsch, Los Angeles Rams 

grid st- who portrays himself, began a daydate 

ri the following day at the Wiltern, 

Pox Hlywood, United Artists in Pasadena 

and th De Anza in Riverside. 

Hirsi, Joan Vohs and the Ram squad 

made aest appearances at Loew's State at 

the Ofning, after which Hirsch and Miss 

Vohs loved over to the UA in Inglewood. 

Moiogrom Board Holds 

Meting in Hollywood 

HOLYWOOD—A meeting of the board of 

direct-s of Monogram Pictures Corp. was 

held rre Thursday (12). On hand for the 

sessio were Norton V. Ritchey, president of 

the cnpany's foreign subsidiary, headquarteringn 

New York; Herman Rifkin, Boston, 

vice-jESident and franchise owner; Edward 

More: New York, vice-president, and Arthur 

C. Brnberg, Atlanta, franchise owner, as well 

as st-:io executives Steve Broidy, president; 

Haro; J. Mirisch, vice-president: G. Ralph 

Branm, vice-president; George D. Burrows, 

execuve vice-president and treasurer; W. 

Ray .)hnston, board chairman, and Howard 

Stub'os, co-owner, with Mel HuUing, of the 

west last franchise. 

Th meeting followed a stockholders' session, 

t which a vote was to be taken on the 

direcirs' proposal that the articles of incorpration 

be amended to change the companyiame 

to Allied Pictures Corp. 

of 

f//^ ActotS GuHd to Help 

Boost Production Activity 

SWG's Stand on Reds 

Is Alliance Target 

HOLLYWOOD — Almost 

simultaneously 

with the appearance of George Sokolsky, 

syndicated new.spaper columnist and avowed 

anti-Communist, as featured speaker at its 

Thursday (12) membership meeting, the 

Motion Picture Alliance blasted away editorially, 

through the columns of the Vigil 

at the Screen Writers Guild for its stand on 

the Communist question. 

Roy M. Brewer, MPA president, charged In 

the publication that the SWG restored to 

good membership standing Reuben Ship, a 

radio writer deported to Canada, after he 

invoked the Fifth amendment and refused 

to testify before a house Un-American 

Activities committee hearing as to his political 

affiliations, and that the writers' group failed 

to discipline Michael Wilson, "an identified 

Red," for accepting employment by the producers 

of "Salt of the Earth," described by 

the Vigil as a "Red-front" picture. 

Although asserting that "many members of 

the SWG honestly feel that the Red danger 

is over," the MPA publication charged that 

members of the writers' organization may not 

be aware of "infiltration ... of Commiuiists 

today through TV" and contended that under 

present regulations the SWG "would not refuse 

membership to a writer who openly declared 

his allegiance to Russia and the Communist 

party." 

In addition to his talk before the MPA, 

Sokolsky was scheduled for a series of other 

addresses, discussing the anti-Communist 

battle. 

Meantime Brewer, newly aligned with Allied 

Artists as an executive, was principal speaker 

Wednesday (11) at a luncheon meeting of the 

Westwood Exchange club, discussing "The 

Communist Plan to Capture the Film Industry." 

Goodman Opens Ad Firm 

HOLLYWOOD—Mort Goodman, former Republic 

studio advertising-publicity director 

and more recently with the Stodel Advertising 

Co. here, has opened his own advertisingpublic 

relations firm. Among his accounts are 

the United Paramount Theatres western division 

and Filmakers, independent production-distribution 

organization. 

HOLLYWOOD—A prediction that "rock 

bottom has been reached in an all-time low" 

of film production in the U.S. wâ-s voiced 

by the board of directors of the Screen Actors 

Guild at a Tuesday (10) annual membership 

meeting at which all officers were re-elected 

without opposition. 

Reviewing the causes of the admitted lack 

of employment among actors in Americanmade 

films, the SAG board, represented by 

Leon Ames, first vice-president, pledged a 

continuing fight against "the inroads of "runaway' 

foreign picture production" and promised 

to do "all within its power to promote 

additional production of films in this country." 

Ames presented the organization's aimual 

report in the absence of Walter Pidgeon, SAG 

president, who was summoned to Washington, 

D.C., for a meeting with President Eisenhower 

for the launching of the USO drive. 

The SAG board, said Ames, is "completely 

confident in the future of our great industry," 

and cited as major reasons for the present 

production lull the "technological evolution" 

from so-called "flat" pictures and an "increase 

in production abroad, by American 

and other interests, of pictures aimed for 

the American market." 

Other speakers included John L. Dales, executive 

secretary; Ronald Reagan, board 

member and former SAG president; Paul 

Harvey, recording secretary, and Kenneth 

Thomson, television administrator. 

In the guild's annual election, conducted 

by secret mail baUot and the results of which 

were announced at the meeting, the administration-backed 

slate was elected by convincing 

majorities. Pidgeon, Ames. John 

Lund, William Holden. Harvey and George 

Chandler were re-elected to office without 

opposition, while positions on the board went 

to Edward Arnold, Wendell Corey, Robert 

Cummings, Ruth Hussey, Frank Lovejoy, William 

Lundigan, George M(u-phy, Verne Smith, 

Georgia Stark. Lyle Talbot. WiUiam Walker, 

Jimmy Lydon. Richard Widmark, Robert 

Stack, George Boyce and Jack Mower. 

Incumbent board members include Gertrude 

Astor, Louise Beavers, Ward Bond, Chick 

Chandler, Fred Clark, Anne Cornwall, Nancy 

Davis, Rosemary DeCamp, Frank Faylen, 

Wallace Ford. Robert Keith, John Litel, 

Cliff Lyons, Philo McCollough. Emory Parnell. 

Reagan, George Sowards, Barry SuUivan, 

Regis Toomey, Lurene Tuttle, Robert Wagner 

and Rhys Williams. 

BOXrnCE :: November 14, 1953 

39

\ 

] 

i! 

' 

STUDIO PERSONNELITIES 

^rioflAC *h^ novel by MocKinloy Kontor, as an upcorrung Ted 

UllCllt^b 

Richmond nroducl.nn 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 

"Ski Kids" has been lounched by Producer Fred 

Quimby as the newest in a series of five Tom and 

Jerry cartoons. It will be followed by "Bowling Alley 

Cat," "Tee for Two," "Cueboll Cot" ond "Tennis 

Chumps." 

Cleifers 

Columbia 

the 

donees 

United Artists 

The Chester Erskine production, "Witness to Murder," 

will be scored by HERSCHEL BURKE GILBERT. 

Loanouts 

Paramount 

Borrowed from MGM, GRACE KELLY will star with 

Jomes Stewart in "Reor Window,' 

be produced ond directed by Alfred Hit 

Meggers 

Columbia 

PHIL KARLSON was set to < The Wood 

Hawk," historical wester 

J. Rochmit 

will produce. Donno Reed 

IS have the 

toplines. 


Handed the production on "Ben Hur," reins to be 

filmed in Italy next year, was SAM ZIMBALIST 

Screenploy based on the historical novel by Gen 

Lew Wolloce be prepared by Karl Tunberg. 

will 

"The P.O.W. Story," be produced by to Henry 

Bermon, will have RICHARD THORPE os director. 

Universal-International 

"Playgirl," forthcoming Shelley Winters starrer, wil 

be directed by JOSEPH PEVNEY for Producer Albert 

Options 

Columbia 

Because of conflicting commitments, George Raft 

withdrew as the topliner in Producer Sam Kotzmon's 

"The Miami Story" and was replaced by BARRY SUL- 

LIVAN. Also set for the gangland drama was 

LUTHER ADLER 

Booked for "The Miami Story" was BEVERLY 

GARLAND. 


Handed a new long-term acting ticket was LOUIS 

CALHERN, whose next assignment will be in "The 

Student Prince." Handed a comedy role was S Z 

5AKALL. 

ELAINE STEWART was cost with Cyd Charisse and 

Gene Kelly in Producer Arthur Freed's "Brigadoon," 

musical to be directed in CinemaScope and Technicolor 

by Vincente Minnelli. 

HOWARD KEEL will make a special guest appearance 

in "Deep in My Heart," musical biography of 

composer Sigmund Romberg, which will star Jose 

Ferrer under the productionat guidance of Roger 

Edens. 

Paramount 

FREDRIC MARCH joins Williom Holden ond Mickey 

Rooney in the topline cost of "The Bridges of 

Perlberg-George Seaton 

20th Century -Fox 

GARY COOPER, RICHARD WIDMARK and CAM- 

ERON MITCHELL were set as Suson Hayward's co-stars 

in '•Gorden of Evil," romontic drama to be produced 

by Charles Brockett, m CinemaScope, on location in 

Mexico. Henry Hothowoy is the director. 


Producer Edword Small inked NEVILLE BRAND and 

FRANK FAYLEN for top featured roles in the George 

Montgomery starring western, "Adios My Texas," 

being directed in color by Ray Nazorro, 


SHELLEY WINTERS was set os the tille-roler in 

'Ploygirl," romantic dromo scheduled to roll in 

December as on Albert J. Cohen production. 

Accorded o contract extension was actress MARC! 

HENDERSON 

Scripters 


GUY TROSPER is odoptino "Dolly Hessia 

Story Buys 

Independent 

Hoi Wollis Productions acquired "The New York 

Story," on original by Julius Epstein, as a forthcoming 

starring vehicle for Deon Martin and Jerry Lewis. 

Producer Frank P. Rosenberg acquired "The Lion," 

a love story set against the background of o wild 

animal compound, penned by Eleanor DeLamoter as 

a Cosmopolitan magazine story. The script will be 

prepared by Walter Domger. 


Film rights we 

melodrama by V 

lished as o nov 


Hecht-Loncaster Productions acquired "Marty," a 

video play by Paddy Chayefsky, which won a New 

York Critics' TV award, and the vehicle has been 

added to the unit's slate for filming as a featurelength 

theatrical release. 

Technically 



Staff assignments for the Edward Small production, 

"Adios My Texas," include DOC MERMAN as production 

manager, LESTER WHITE, cameraman, FRANK 

SYLOS, art director; BERNARD SMALL, film editor 

and RALPH BLACK, assistant director. 

Warner Bros. 

"Lucky Me," CinemaScope musical, is being photographed 

by WILFRED CLINE. 

Title 

"Keeping Fit " (Pete 

Changes 


Smith short) to KEEP VOUNG. 

20th Century-Fox 

"Gatling Gun" to THE SIEGE OF RED RIVER. 

Employment of Writers 

Low, Says SWG Executive 

HOLLYWOOD—Coincident with a Screen 

Actors Guild declaration that film production 

in the U.S. has hit 'rock bottom" at an "alltime 

low," a Screen Writers Guild executive 

revealed that employment among film scriveners 

also is at a dangerously low ebb, with 

only approximately 100 such workers currently 

on studio payrolls. This word came 

from Leonard Spigelgass, SWG treasurer, in a 

report to members of the organization only 

a few days before the scheduled Tuesday (17) 

general membership meeting. 

One of the honored guests at the Sunday 

(22) Milestone award dinner to be tossed by 

the Screen Pi-oducers Guild will be Gen. Mark 

Clark, who accepted the invitation preferred 

by Cai-ey Wil.son, SPG president. Darryl F. 

Zanuck, 20th-Fox vice-president in charge 

of production, will receive the organization's 

annual Milestone award for industry achievement 

at the affair. 

W. A. Coghlan Leaves Hamric 

SEATTLE— Willard A. Coghlan. manager 

of the Orpheum Theatre, recently closed because 

of shortage of product, resigned after 

five years with the John Hamrick circuit. He 

had been advertising manager and assistant 

city manager here and in Tacoma during the 

five years. Prior to Joining Hamrick. he was 

with United Artists as a field representative 

In the Pacific northwest. 

Republic Launches 

52-Film TV Series 

HOLLYWOOD—R«pubhc's recently an 

nounced plan.-; to enter the TV film pro' 

duction field took concrete form Wednesda;' 

till when Studio City Television Productions 

the Republic video subsidiary, launched shooting 

on •Billy the Kid." first in a series a 

52 half-hour subjects under the general ttolij 

of "Outlaws of the Century." 

Jim Davis has been set for the starrinj 

spot in the series, which is being producec 

by Edward J. White and directed by Willlan 

Witney, both veterans of Republic's sage^ 

brush output. The TV unit is headed bj' 

Morton W. Scott. Republic executive. I 

Edwai-d D. Madden, vice-president of Qui 

syndication division of Motion Pictures foij 

Television. Inc., checked in from New Ytrt' 

for huddles with Maurice Gresham. westerr! 

division sales head, and Lew Kerner. vice-' 

president in charge of production. The com-' 

pany currently is lensing chapters in thret^ 

TV series. "Duffy's Tavern," "Janet DeanI 

Registered Nurse" and "Flash Gordon." 

During the early days of his stay here! 

Madden announced completion of a pro-| 

duction-releasing agreement under whlcti 

coliunnist-commentator Drew Pearson wllj 

make a 26-week series of 15-minute telefilms 

to be called "Drew Pearson's Washingtot 

Merry-Go-Round." The subjects will be shot 

vising. 

in Washington, with Charles 

... 

Curran super- 

Because of the complexities of a Sorter 

Actors Guild contract covering rerun p.iy 

for thespians appearing in filmed TV lo:; 

merciaLs. Hal Roach sr. disclosed he : 

abandoned plans for the making of an extt ; 

sive program of one-minute blurbs with h'. 

actors and. instead. wiU utihze anim.i'.t 

characters. A Roach spokesman said th. 

filmmaker had requested a waiver from tbel 

SAG because the commercials would not bel 

telecast in all situations during the 13-ween 

period specified in the SAG contract, and he] 

would consequently be compelled to pay rerunj 

money in as many as 50 markets. This spokes-j 

man report-ed. however, that the SAG tumed| 

down the Roach request, as a result of whlchi) 

Roach has decided to u.se animation instead 

of flesh-and-blood players. 

Exclusive video rights to the George Mc- 

Manus cartoon. "Bringing Up Father," haw 

been obtained from the King Featiu-es Syndicate 

by Barney Gerard, who produced 

several Jiggs and Maggie tlieatrical films 

during past seasons for Monogram release. 

Gerard is now organizing a TV producUon 

unit to turn out a series based on the Mft- 

Manus characters, • • • 

Prior to departing for his New York headquarters, 

after attending NBC's cross-country 

color-television demonstrations liere. 0«n. 

David Sarnoff. RCA and NBC board chairman, 

predicted that the compatible color 

system developed by his company will some 

day be available for showings in theatres. 

He reminded that recently a test of the ROA 

tint-telecast process was staged at the BiJou 

Tlieatre in New York on a 15x20-foot screen. 

Aithur Slander ha-s been selected as the 

sole nominee for national president of the 

Television Wrlt

I Karolou. 

I 

I 

I 

. iranada 

. Nomclllnl 

: November 

« 

Sladium-Type Theatre 

' 

Under Way in Reno 

HENO. NEV Constiuction of a de luxr 

uidlum-typc theatr.' equipped with a 

memaScope siifen and other Innovations in 

Im exhibiting lia.s benun on the site of the 

iranada Theatre, which was destroyed by fire 

ist January. 

United CaUfornia Theatres, owner of the 

and three other houses In Reno and 

sparks, has given the construction contract 

Construction Co. at a reported 

.sure of $400,009. A spokesman for the firm 

,f Ferris & Er.sklne, architect for the theatre. 

,ld that the structure will be 64x156 feet 

A ith a stadium-type auditorium and no baliiny 

but a sloping floor. It will accommodate 

,bout 1,200 persons and will offer store space 

,11 the street on either side of the ticket 

Alndow. The screen will be 60x25 feet. 

Edward Topham. an executive of United 

i-,Uifornia Theatres, promised that the new 

lieatre would be the "top theatre" in the 

hain of more than 100 theatres as to modrnity. 

•Instead of trying to cut corners, we're 

Ding to put in everything." Topham said. 

We are doing our best to give Reno the 

imest theatre we can build." 

King and Queen of Greece 

Honored in Hollywood 

HOLLYWOOD—Greek royalty in the peri>ns 

of King Paul and Queen Frederika were 

Aolcomed to the film capital on Friday (13) 

•t a luncheon given by the Ass'n of Motion 

Picture Producers and attended by more than 

;!00 industry leaders and film personalities. 

The event honoring the royal couple was held 

;it RKO Radio studios, preceded by an official 

reception at Paramount, at which the 

Greek rulers were greeted by Y. Frank Freeman, 

Paramount studio chief and board 

hairman of the AMPP. 

An entertainment program at the luncheon 

leatured appearances by Danny Kaye, Mary 

\IcCarty, William Shirley, Manny Harmon 

iiid his orchestra, and Dick Powell as master 

if ceremonies, with Robert Sparks. RKO 

Radio producer, supervising the program. 

The official party accompanying King Paul 

and Queen Frederika included His Excellency 

Athanase G. Politis, Greek ambassador; Mary 

lady-in-waiting to the queen; Anthony 

Stathatos, mast«r of ceremonies to the 

Ung; C. Potamianos, vice-air marshall and 

aide-de-camp to the king; Col. John Daskalopoulos, 

aide-de-camp to the king; Dr. 

Thomas Doxiadis, personal physician; Phedon 

Annino Cavalierato, counselor, Greek embassy, 

Uld Rear-Adm. Richard Pollard Gla-ss, U.S.N. 

Quail Hit Screen Tower; 

Dinner for Showman 

Las Cruces. N.M,—V. A. Kane, owner 

of the Rocket Drive-In here, had a free 

quail dinner recently, when eight of the 

little birds managed to commit suicide 

on the drive-in tower. 

Kane has an apartment under the 

screen tower and early one morning he 

heard a noise which sounded as if somehad 

hit the tower with several large 

rocks. Upon investigating Kane found 

eight dead quail. They had broken their 

necks by flying into the tower. 

R' 

IXIARDLESS of Whose thouKhtlcMnew 

responsible therefor, nonrthcleax 

deplorable and pulnful wa.s the body 

blow dealt Hollywood's public relations by the 

fia.sco that climaxed the recent "Pageant of 

Progress" staged by the Lincoln-Mercury 

division of the Ford Motor Co. In cooperation 

with six major film companies. 

It is difficult to recall a more Impressive 

tieup between the motion picture Industry and 

one of the world's foremost industrial organizations—a 

liaison which might have been Invaluable 

in building goodwill. 

Designed to exhibit technical progress In 

tKJth film production and automobile design, 

the "Pageant of Progress" also .served to 

introduce Lincoln-Mercury's 1954 models to 

some 1.800 guests, including the automotive 

firm's executives and sales personnel, civic 

notables and representatives of other Industries. 

It had been planned that the program, 

which featured reproductions of motion picture 

sets contributed by Columbia. MOM. 

Republic. 20th Century-Fox, Universal-International 

and Warners, would also include a 

show staged by LeRoy Prinz and featuring 

appearances by show-world celebrities including 

Red Skelton. as master of ceremonies; 

Jane Russell. Jack Carson. Dan Dailey, Rex 

Allen and others. 

Public relations facets of the event were 

entrusted to Alex Evelove. former Warner 

studio drumbeater-in-chief who recently 

turned to the freelance space-snatching field, 

and under his guidance was secured liberal 

coverage in both the trade and lay press. 

Came the night of the big show and everything 

went off as advertised—nearly. The 

new cars were on hand, as were the 1.500- 

odd dealers from all over southern California; 

glamor and talent were present in 

outsize doses. There was even a noteworthy 

representation from the studios' highest executive 

echelons. Only a small detail came a 

cropper—there was no show. 

It seems that, at the last moment. Eddie 

Rio, west coast representative of the American 

Guild of Variety ArtLsts. vouchsafed the 

belief that there had been some misrepresentation 

as concerns the securing of clearances 

for the aforementioned talent from the 

Hollywood Coordinating Committee and Theatre 

Authority. His expres.sed opinion was 

that there was no rea-son why the performers 

should appear for free—and he refused to be 

budged from that contention. The result: 

The show was called off. 

Everyone with a show-business background 

who had any part in blueprinting the soiree 

certainly must have realized that it was necessary 

to obtain the required clearances That 

goes for Evelove. Prinz. Rio, et al. What 

advance effort or negotiations were pursued 

to establish the green light is not known. 

But the ultimate damaging results and 

repercussions of the carelessness are Inescapable. 

Fifteen hundred disappointed automobile 

dealers, most of them probably respected 

and influential citizens, went home 

to their respective communities to spread 

another lurid report about the vagaries and 

unrellablUlleA of the film capital and Us 

darling denizen*. 

Onr Itrm of the pUnnrd profrain. arrordln( 

in IntrllUrnrr from .Mlrkry

. . 

. . . Theta 

. . . Men-it 

. . H. 

. . Herb 

. . Abe 

. . Helen 

. . Hannah 

. . 

. . Satiu-day 

| 

| 

SAN FRANCISCO 

^he only matinee film performance between 

Palo Alto and South San Francisco made 

its debut at the Laurel in San Carlos. Edy 

Coffey is manager of the Laurel . . . Film 

cowboy Roy Rogers was honorary mayor for 

two days of Marysville during the Notre Dame 

festival which marked the 100th year of a 

convent by that name in Marysville. 

Jimmy Durante will headline the auto show 

at the Civic auditorium here in February . 

Street scenes for the forthcoming Abbott and 

Costello film. "Fireman Save My Child," were 

shown here under the supervision of Producer 

Howard "Red" Christie, onetime football 

star . . . Actor Dan Dailey will be grand 

marshal of the parade in honor of the 35th 

ChOICC Of SHOWMEN EVERYWHERE 

FOR SPECIAL 

MOTION 

PICTURE 

SERVICE 

CO. 

TRHILERS 

Address tour next order to 

25 Hyde Si. Son Francisco 

!. CllirOim* * GEPiLDl KaOSKI POES 

More Than 

90% 

of the theatres in the Minneapolis 

zone purchasing CINEMASCOPE 

installations have preferred 

NORTHWEST SOUND SERVICE 

installation supervision 

AND 

Scope sound systems 

WILL 

BE SERVICED 

BY 

Northwest Sound 

Service, Inc. 

73 Glenwood Ave. Minneapolii 

"31441^^4- 

^ ^THEATRE 

vein 

1 lot Ouic 

THEATRE EXCHANGE CO. 

5724 S.E. Monro* Portlond 22, Oregi 

annual veterans homecoming celebration in 

Porterville. 

More Than 90% of these Cinema- 

Lu Hurley and his dog Myrtle of local television 

fame appeared in jjerson at the Haight 

Theatre in San Francisco during a matinee 

show. Hurley gave prizes to contest winners 

Delta Xi sorority gave a successful 

theatre party. For the third consecutive yeai 

the sorority donated Sl.OOO of the proceed.s lu 

the Blind Babie.s fund of Variety Tent 32 

This year's theatre party at the E^mpire was a 

complete sellout. A fa.shion show by John 

Mouber was followed by a film preview. Door 

prizes were given and stars Henry Fonda. 

Lloyd Nolan and John Hodiak appeared on 

stage in person between appearances in their 

current successful run of the "Caine Mutiny 

reading. The theatre and its services wer. 

donated. Active in the presentation were tht 

president of the sorority. Mrs. Ted Goldman: 

the chairman, Mrs. Al Rosenthal, and Sylvia 

Levin. 

Women of the Variety Club had an athome 

card party, where $500 was raised and 

donated to the Blind Babies fund. Mrs. 

Manuel Levin was chairman . . . Mark Ailing, 

manager of the Golden Gate, is celebrating 

his 20th year with RKO circuit, 17 of which 

Mark spent at the San Francisco house. He 

previously spent three years at Denver. 

. 

. 

The Film Colony club donated proceeds 

from its recent fashion show to the Blind 

Babies fund and Nate Blumenfeld 

returned from the Chicago convention . 

Carrol Bradley, Park, Menlo Park, was along 

the Row. Also Arthur Barnett, Red Theatre, 

Oakland Jack, Kroehler chairs, 

feeling fit as a fiddle and is back doing the 

territory again . . . Robert Borovoy, Courtland 

Theatre, was along the Row. 

A. H. Castle and Francis Sauter, Valley 

Drive-In, Pleasanton, were along the avenue 

Espy, Starlite Drive-In, Redding, 

came in for a brief stay . Oppie, 

executive secretary of Western Tlieatre 

Owners, recuperating the hospital . . 

is in 

Bob Bemis is in the hospital getting over a 

knee operation. 

Anson Longtin, Guild, Sacramento; Bob 

Patton, Uptown, Sonora, and John Bowles, 

Bowles and Hurley theatres were along the 

Row . J. Johnston. Johnston Enterprises, 

Guam, was in town. Also, Ernest 

Paschol from Wailuku. Maui, Hawaii. 

Mel Hulling, Allied Artists, and his wife 

went on a pleasure trip to Los Angeles where 

they attended the very exciting Stanford- 

USC game . Cielapala, Dorothy 

Hawkins, Mrs. P^t Abel and Joan Price are 

new at Warner Bros. . . . Bob Reese came 

in from his Lakeport house . . . Tlie Winters 

Tlieatre at Winters was clased by owner R. E. 

Degmer. 

Stars' Ranch House Threatened 

LINCOLN, MONT.—Tlic Lincoln volunteor 

fire departniciil rushed three and a half miles 

to Circle City one night recently to control 

a grass fire which moved to within 15 feet 

of a ranch house owned by film stars George 

Montgomery and Din.oli Shore. 

Screen at Bozeman Ellen 

BOZEMAN, MONT. The Ellen Theatre 

here has histnlled a new Astrolite screen, 

iKcordiiiK to MniuiKor Ed Pegrnm. Tlio screen 

measures 29x18 feet and Is slightly concave. 

\ AKITV IIM \II)> rr\— Herb Mc- 

Donald ol tilt- La.s \ei;aj. \ ariety Tent 39 

presents a check for S200 to Mrs. Charles 

B. Michael, president of Las Vegas Heights 

Parent-Teachers Ass'n. The donation was 

to be u-sed for playground equipment at 

the Vegas Heights school. 

LOS ANGELES 

Qn the Row were Dallas Day. operator of 

the Rodeo Drive-In in Tucson, and J. R. 

McDonough, who has the Egyptian in San 

Diego, the Tower in Santa Paula, the Calipatria 

in Calipatria and the Eureka in Brawley 

. . . Filmrow extended its sj-mpathy to 

Lester Bliunberg on the death of his father 

David . . . Jim Worsley, Manley popcorn salesman, 

headed for Aiizona on a business trek. 

Here from his San Francisco headquarters 

was Herman Wobber. 20th-Fox western division 

chief, huddling locally with Morrie Sudman. 

manager . i21> will be the 

date for the marriage of Lynne Klar. clerk 

at Italian Films Export, to Sidney Cohen ... 

Al Levoy has shuttered his Temple Theatre in 

Glendale . . . Bill Watmaugh of Warners was 

limping around after getting tangled up with 

his lawnmower. 

Mel Hulling, 

owner with Howard Stubblns 

of the west coast Allied Artists franchise, 

checked in from San Francisco for conferenses 

with Stubbins and to attend the Thursday 

(12) stockholders meeting . . . Ru.ssell W. 

Hadley jr.. far east district manager for 

Paramount International, left for Tokyo, en 

route to his headquarters in Singapore, after 

spending several days at the studio. Hadley 

previously had conferred with home office 

executives in New York. 

Earl Pierce is remodelinfi his Vucaipa Theatre 

in Yucaipa, including a paint Job inside 

and outside, and improvements in the screen 

and sound equipment ... A suspected shor^ 

change ai-tist came a cropper at the Maj 

Tlaeati-e in Ventura when Jean Moore, 

cashier, told police she refused to go for 

game." involving a $20 bill . . . Manngertal 

switches among Fox West Coasters: Jamai 

Galloway moved to the Tlvoli from the Nuart, 

while Bob Hall went to the Parisian; the 

Towne in Bell Gardens now has Emllio Pranll 

lit the helm, moving over from the Inglewood 

ill Inglewood. 

Warners' CliiemaS

, 

THE 

NEW 


:b,.!,j„J f„r //„. :,ur..„.J .Ur,m i fL ... in ,. I in .,,....,, 

lo ii'iffc iirctn fjrojci linn. Îiiif.ls rilhir lit. Si.iuU nr Ltr.f, iiz>,l 

(itni..io.f,/,tc fcntci ltêJ in C invma JîOjtc and {{ arnrrî npe 

itlioul moclificalion. Jlaing dnnUv Jul.j li^nînn-^l,n,^^. Iracls. ,,„ije 

illeri and iftrn, hcli, no tlianfff me,/ hi inadi lo run 

xlional or C incina^Scofie f.rinl.t. /irmih in.\lanlancoui 

intcrcliangcs of ajjerlurcS for anij f.roccJi. UltiSc fcalurey, 

plus silence of opcralion, stcaJineSS of 

piilure and 

inoinu of operation, inahc llie Uriplc _-'/ Hie finesl 

projector in / l/olioijrap/t S 57-ijear history. 

SERVICE THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

SERVICE THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

2S6 EosI First South St. 

Salt Lake City 1, Utoh 

B. F. SHEARER COMPANY 

South Vermont Ay 

Los Angeles 7, Collf. 

B. F. SHEARER COMPANY 

1947 N.W. Kcorney 

Portland 9, Ore. 

F. SHEARER COMPANY 

Gate Ave. 

San Fronciseo, Colif. 

B. F. SHEARER COMPANY

. . The 

. . Bruce 

. . Robert 

DENVER 

Mewly elected and installed officers and crew 

for Variety Tent 37 include Ray Davis, 

metropolitan district manager for Fox Intermountain 

Theatres, as 

chief barker; James 

Paramount 

Rickett-s, 

manager, assistant 

chief barker: Tom 

Smiley, Wolfberg Theatres 

executive, second 

assistant chief barker; 

Arlie Beery. Manley 

district manager, property 

master, and William 

Hastings, Orpheum 

manager, dough 

guy. The crew is completed 

with Henry 

Ray Davis 

Friedel. Marvin Goldfarb, Lewis Marshall, Sid 

Shutteran, Fred Brown and Kenneth Smith. 

Tent 37 will have a Thanksgiving dinner November 

21 at 7 p. m., and the date for the 

next Ladies day luncheon is November 18. 

There will be luncheon and a screening and 

a beauty talk. 

SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY 

Largest coverage in U.S. No "Net" list- Pi" 

ings. Highest reputation for know-how r' 

and fait dealing. 30 years experience in- ( 

eluding exhibition. Ask Better Business Bureau, 

or our customers. Know your broker, 

ARTHUR LEAK Theatre Specialists 

3305 Caruth, Dallas. Texas 

Telephones EM 0238 - EM T-JSQ 

CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE INVITED 

• Wanted 

H. Neal East, assistant division manager for 

Paramount, was in conferring with James 

Ricketts, branch manager, and calling on the 

circuits . . . Dick Ivy has been added as a 

salesman at Paramount and will cover the 

Wyoming area. He succeeds Paul Allmeyer, 

who quit a few weeks ago to become associated 

with Preferred Pictures. 

A. G. Edwards, office manager and booker 

at Lippert, has entered a Denver hospital for 

. 

rest and treatment Evans, recently 

a salesman for Preferred Pictures, has 

resigned to go with RKO as salesman, covering 

Wyoming. He succeeds Harold Copeland, 

who was promoted to the sales management 

of RKO in Chicago. 

. 

Fred Curtis, Thermopolis, Wyo., theatre 

owner, entered a hospital there for treatment 

. . Russell Allen, Farmington, N.M., 

theatre owner, is in a hospital there as the 

result of back injuries sustained in a car 

accident . Corrall Drive-In, Hudson, 

becomes one of the first to close for the fall 

and the owner, M. H. Philipsen, is looking 

for a job for the winter. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Rosenthal, Buffalo, Wyo., 

theatre owners, started on a winter vacation 

by heading south . 

Marshall, Columbia 

salesman, expects to leave St. Luke's hospital 

soon. He has been there several w'eeks 

as the result of two operations on one of his 

eyes . . . Lois Mock, granddaughter of Alva 

Mock, Canon City projectionist, was named 

queen of the Canon City high school homecoming 

celebration. Her mother, incurably ill.

1 12-21). 

, . Bidwell 

. . Ford 

. . "Buffalo 

. . The 

, . Sammy 

SE ATTLE 

paramount will release its 'The War of llir 

'^ Worlds" in this area on ThanksRlvlnK duy 

with a saturation campaign on TV, radio and 

in newspapers. The film will open In approximately 

50 houses simultaneously during the 

two-week period. Walter Hoffman. Paramount 

publicist, is setting up campaigns 

around the territory. 

Allied Artists has started a new threemonth 

branch manager's sales drive, named 

after the manager in each territory. The 

Ed Cruea sales force of Seattle won the 

drive last year. "Jack Slade" is booked at the 

ColLseum . Bratcher, who hius driveins 

in the Los Angeles area, was on the Row 

with his brother Roy . . . Mr. and Mrs. Charles 

Nelson are reopening their Winthrop Theatre 

until they have the opportunity to rebuild 

their other house at Twisp, which was burned. 

There still is no end in sight for "The Moon 

Is Blue," which is still packing them In at 

the Music Box. The film currently was in its 

16th week. "Mogambo," the highly promoted 

torrid jungle film, is doing well at the Music 

Hall . . . Harry Plunkett. salesman for 

National Theatre Supply, ha.s really been on 

the go lately. Thursday I5i he attended the 

opening of "The Robe" at the McDonald Theatre 

m Eugene, Ore. ; then flew to Chicago for 

a NTS branch manager's meeting Friday and 

Saturday. Back here, he and Carl Mahne 

of E\'ergreen went to Portland relative to 

the Cinemascope installation in the Oriental 

Theatre ... In other NTS jaiuits. Cecil 

Thompson was in Portland and Seaside and 

Bill Stahl was in eastern Washington working 

on Cinemascope installations. 

Mrs. Walter Hoffman will spend the 

Thanksgiving hoUdays in Los Atigeles . . 

. 

Guy Mitchell is appearing at the Show Box 

He was in "Those Redheads From 

Seattle" and "Red Garters" . Siegel, 

Columbia, was in Oregon working on "From 

Here to Eternity" , . Allen Wieder, MGM 

publist. was in Portland working on "Torch 

Song" McCormick. RKO publicity 

man, has been transferred to Denver. Harold 

Wirthwein, AA division manager from Los 

Angeles, and Mel Hulling, district manager 

from San Francisco, were at the local exchange 

. Bill," the first in the 

series of junior programs, was featured at the 

10 a.m. matinee in the Music Hall on the 

Armistice day .school holiday. 

A Bugs Bunny birthday party was at Saturday 

matinees i7) at the following Sterling 

theatres—Admiral, Granada, Magnolia, Arabian, 

Uptown, Crest, Lake City, Northgate 

and Bel-Vue . Rivoli at First and 

Madison, now the home of Seattle's burlesque, 

marked its 40th year, making it one of 

Seattle's oldest playhouses. It opened as the 

Tivoli and then took on other names, among 

them the Palm, the Gaiety, the Oak, the 

Olympic, the State, the State-Rit7 and the 

New Rivoli Gardens. Near the start of the 

century, a vaudeville house, the Star, was 

operated on the same site by Sullivan and 

Considine. 

Ridgefield House Closes 

RIDGEFIELD, WASH.—The Bee Gee Theatre, 

owned and managed by Lillian and Slate 

Wilson, has closed. At a recent special council 

meeting Mrs. Wilson had asked the town 

council to eliminate the city admission tax. 

This had been refused. 

— 

— 

— 

—— 

— — 

'Millionaire Earns Shattering 430 

In Its Opening Los Angeles Week 

LcJSi A.NOKl>K.-i It wa.s still Ciii

. . again 

F, 

~]f[fe& ^rat£^\ people say :' 

VeVeHERE... 

because tjoti 

iVe-rcTncRJE 

Each one of these people is olive today because someone 

gave blood. 

Communist machine-gun fire dropped htm In 

combat. But whole blood kept htm olive, saw 

him through the hospital. He thanks you for 

his li(e. 

If you've given blood before, you know how easy it is 

—how quick and painless. And you know what a 

wonderful feeling it is when you realize that what you've 

done may give another person his life. 

Now you are asked to give blood . and again. 

And you can do it safely every 3 months. 

Because America's need for blood has increased 

enormously—for our armed forces, for accident and 

disaster victims at home, for new disease-fighting serums. 

Many a life hangs in the balance! Will you help? 

Call your Red Cross, Armed Forces or Community 

Blood Donor Center today! 

BUSINESS EXECUTIVES 

CHECK THESE QUESTIONS 

It you can answer "yes" to most of them, you— and your company 

She'd been exposed to polio. A new serum/ 

Gommo Giobulin, mode from blood, helped 

ward off the dread disease. She thanks you 

for her life. 

o 

o 

Oi 

HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR Etyl- 

PLOYEES TIME OFF TO MAKE 

BLOOD DONATIONS? 

HAS YOUR COMPANY GIVEN 

ANY RECOGNITION TO 

DONORS? 

o 

o 

o 

HAS YOUR MANAGEMENT EN- 

D0R3ED THE LOCAL BLOOD 

DONOR PROGRAM? 

HAVE YOU INFORMED EM- 

PLOYEES OF YOUR COMPANY'S 

PLAN OF CO-OPERATION? 

are doing a needed job for tfie National Blood Program. 

'*»*f^h)» 

oHAVE YOU ARRANGED TO HAVE 

A BLOODMOBILE MAKE REGU- 

LAR VISITS? 

o 

oHAVE YOU SET UP A LIST OF 

VOLUNTEERS SO THAT EFFI- 

CIENT PLAXS CAN BE MADE 

FOR SCHEDULING DONORS? 

LETIN OR HOUSE MAGAZINE? 

HAVE YOU CONDUCTED A 

DONOR PLEDPE CAMPAIGN IN 

YOUR COMPANY? 

Remember, as long as a single pint of blood may mean Itie difference 

between life and death for any American . . the need for blood is ufgenti 

GIV 

NATIONAL BLOOD PROGRAM 

A tornado whipped suddenly across her homo 

lown. She was badly injured by falling debris. 

But a quick operation, several transfusions 

pulled her through. She thanks you for her Ufa. 

give it 

again and again 

BOXOFFICE 

:: NoveinlXT 14. 196l(

! 

Indicate 

— 

— — 

— 

Holdovers in Chicago 

Remain High Grossers 

CHICAGO It inik'ht .sefin ini|)os.sible, but 

it's true! It's the same brlKtit story, week 

after week—the long-time holdover-, still rate 

In a big way a-s the top boxoffue choices. 

"Cinerama," In Us 15th we^k at Kitel's Palace, 

not only continues to maintain Its local 

appeal, but requests for seat reservatlon-s 

It is a "must" with the thousands 

of visitors to the one convention after another 

here. 

Little if any change is reported by other 

houses where record grosses have been established 

and maintained with such holdovers 

as "Tlie Robe" at the State Lake, "Martin 

Luther" at the Loop, and "FYom Here to Eternity" 

at the Oriental. 

(Average Is 100) 

Carnegie Mr. Donning Drives North (Corroll), 2nd 

run 1 60 

Chicogo LIMI* Boy Lost (Para), plus stoge revue, 

2nd wk 200 

Eitels Palace Tliis Is Cineromo (Cineramo), 15th 

wk 300 

Esquire—Altoir In Monte Corlo (AA) 165 

Grand— Trcosurc of the Sierra Madre (WB), reissue; 

Key Largo (WB), reissue 135 

Loop—Martin Luther (DeRochcmont), 7fh wk 285 

McVickcrs--Toke the High Ground! (MGM); Sky 

Commando (Col) 215 

Monroe—Torch Song (MGM), 2nd wk 190 

Oriental—From Here to Eternity (Col), I I th wk. . .330 

Roosevelt—East of Sumatra (U-l); The Stand at 

Apache River (U-l) 125 

Slate Lake—The Robe (20th-Fox), 7th wk 500 

Surf—So Little Time (MacDonald) 120 

United Artists—Songoree (Para); Sailor of the 

King (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 165 

Woods War of the Worlds (Poro), 4th wk 

Playhouse—Two Cents Worth of Hope 

135 

World 

(Times), 4th wk 

Ziegfeld—The Captain's Paradise (Lopert), 

165 

2nd 

"'' 170 

Robe' Okay at Kcmsas City, 

But Others Weaken 

KANSAS CITY—"The Robe" continued to 

do excellent business in its sixth week but 

other pictures had only fair patronage in 

first run houses here. "Blowing Wild" did 20 

per cent above average at the Paramount but 

was not held. "Penny Pi-incess" did 140 per 

cent in a one week run at the Vogue. "Lili" 

took a spurt in its 26th week, advertised as 

being its last, so it will be held at least a 

few days longer. 

Leon Robertson, Fox Midwest City manager, 

said all four Fox first run houses here— 

the Tower, Uptown, Fairway and Granadawill 

open on Thanksgiving day with "How to 

Marry a Millionaire" In Cinemascope. 

Kimo— Lili (MGM), 26th wk 110 

Midlond— Vice Squad (UA); The Actress (MGM).. 85 

Missouri—Appointment in Honduras (RKO); 

Jennifer (AA) 85 

Orpheum—The Robe (20th-Fox), 6th wk 200 

Paramount—Blowing Wild (WB) 120 

Uptown, Fairway, Tower and Granada Back to 

God's Country U-l); Affoir in Monte Carlo (AA) . 85 

Voguo— Penny Princess (U-l) 140 

Drive-In Theatres Close 

In Kansas City Section 

KANSAS CITY .S,iL,oiial cliiftliiK-. of (Irlv- 

1ns were roixjrtt-d around the exchange offlcf>. 

circuits and equipment dealcr.i. 

Commonwealth clo.sed the followhiB Sujiday 

night (8): Crest at Kan.s4LN City and 

Crest at JopUn. Pines at ExceUlor SprliiKs, 

Ozark at Moiiett, Starlet at WarrriLsburK 

The drlve-ln at Goodland, Ka.s., wa-s cloned 

by the snowstorm but did not close officially 

until Tliursday (5) and the North Platte. Neb.. 

drlve-ln Is still open wcckend.s. 

The Carroll at CarroUton. Mo., which wa.s 

opened last May and operated by Mr. and 

Mrs. Charles Payson. closed Sunday ( 1 » after 

special offerings over the Halloween .season. 

Payson said he would reopen before the middle 

of AprU. 

Durwood Theatres closed the Skylarks at 

Leavenworth. Kas., and at Jeffer.son City 

Sunday night. Sol Prank's Trail at Pratt, 

Rocket at Salina and Chisholm Trail at Wellington, 

Kas., are reported closed. 

Durrel Davis' Y/C at Yates Center. Kas.. 

closed October 31. The Vernle Ajidersons had 

no choice at McPherson, Kas.. as the snowstorm 

closed their Starview, as happened last 

year about the same time. Jay Wooten had 

the same experience with his Airvlew at 

Hutchinson but was planning on passible 

weekend continuance, weather permitting. 

Dickinson's Leawood closed Simday night i8) 

but the 69 still is open. The Pittsburg closed 

Saturday (7). Alex Shniderman closed his 

Concordia (Kas.) Drive-In on Thursday (5i. 

"What do drive-in managers do in the winter?" 

Jeick Braunagel was asked. 

"Plenty," he answered. "Of course, they do 

take a month's vacation. But whenever the 

weather permits, they make repairs, landscape, 

paint and take care of all the odd 

jobs they cannot get at when the drive-in is 

operating. 

"This is their 'house-cleaning' time, too, 

and the time when they put in new attractions 

or new concession equipment if they are 

not repairing the old. Managers also are 

available in the circuit as relief managers 

when necessary for indoor theatres." 

To Offer 3-D Films Soon 

RAMSEY. ILL.—Woody Proffer, manager 

of the Roxy, says his house soon will show 

3-D pictures. Mr. and Mrs. Proffer are the 

owners of the Roxy, a 200-seater. 

Tal Richardson Adds 

Coffeyville Tacketl 

col IKVVII.I.K. KA.. I .. i.. :ii4.-a)ion hm» 

hubleiLicU till- Ttt' kill nK-iiiri- here from Fox 

Mldwcit ujid iMughi nil uf ii» equipment. Fas 

hiLs upvraUxl the theatre for nearly 30 ytnn 

und ttu- leaAe wlU run until IM9 Thin wm« 

anuthiT theatre amurw lho»c of Ahl':!! V^m 

Mldwt..^t had to dlvenl llvlf Tlir company 

Atlll ha.H the Midland which It will conuiiue 

to operate. 

Rlchard-non tuui two drlve-ln theatres here 

He served an a projecUonUt at the Midland 

for 14 years before becoming an exhibitor He 

came to Coffeyville from BarUesvUlc where 

he had been In the furniture uphoLntcry bu-Mncss. 

He and wife operated a cafe for a Ume. 

and In 1948 he left the Midland to go Into 

the drlve-ln business, building Tal's dnv»-ln 

first. Last summer he opened the Skjr Line 

Drlve-ln. 

Redecoratlon will begin as soon as Richardson 

takes over on December 1. He wUl build 

a new concession stand, install new seats, improve 

the restrooms and lounge and the front 

of the theatre. Sound equipment and lighting 

al.so will be brought up to date. Not all of 

these projects will be completed at ooce, but 

are part of his long-range planning for operating 

the theatre. 

Richardson said the pictures shown would 

be along the same poUcy lines. The building 

is owned by John Tackett. 

Sherrill Corwin Denied 

Wichita. Kas., TV Permit 

WASHINGTON—Cahfunua exhibitor Sherrill 

C. Corwin received a major .setback In his 

bid for a Wichita Kas., television station license 

Wednesday i4) when a Federal Communications 

Commission hearing examiner found 

for KAKE Broadcasting Co.. a competing 

applicant. 

Corwin holds 24 per cent of the stock of 

Mid-Continent Television, Inc., which the 

hearing examiner found to have more television 

experience among Its stockholders and 

better programming plans. The KAKE stockholders, 

on the other hand, all were natives 

of Wichita, and the hearing examiner felt 

they would be closer to community Interests. 

Initial decisions may be appealed to the 

full commission. 

1 nnual 

Fair Week in Indianapolis; 

"Robe' Still High 

INDIANAPOLIS—"The Robe" topped the 

boxoffice grosses. Other first run houses had a 

fair week, nothing outstanding. 

Circle—Dangerous Crossing (20th-Fox); Sailor of 

the King (20th-Fox) 80 

Indiana—The Robe (20th-Fox); 4th wk 180 

Keith's— Devil's Canyon (RKO) 90 

Lowe s—Mogombo (MGM), 4 days 75 

Lyric—The Man From Alamo (U-l); Valley of Head 

Hunters (Col) 85

18i 

13 

; November 

| 

INDIANAPOLIS 

patrons of the Pendleton Pike Drive-In 

played Santa Claus Monday night despite 

the early sea-son. Three feature films were 

shown. Truman LaMar, manager of the theatre, 

donated all proceeds from the show to 

the Indianapolis Star Santa Claus fund, which 

provides toys, food, fuel and clothing for the 

needy, the aged and sick. Adults paid the 

regular admission price of 55 cents. Children 

were admitted by contributing old toys, which 

will be reconditioned by members of the Indianapolis 

Police Athletic league for distribution 

at Christmas time. 

The new wide screen was used for the first 

time Monday night (5^ at the Fountain Square 

Theatre for the showing of "Prom Here to 

Eternity" . . . Admission prices are going 

upward here. The Indiana has rai.sed its regular 

scale. Two neighborhoods, the Zaring 

and the Uptown, have jumped their prices 

and other houses, both first and subsequent 

run, are expected to follow suit. 

Marc Wolf, Y&W general manager, is ex- 

FILMACK 

SPECIAL 

TRAILERS 

THESSTRE EQUIPMENT 

! N. ILirNOIS ST., INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 

"Everything for the Theatre" 

CHAIRS REBUILT IN 

YOUR THEATRE 

By Experts in Their Field 

Write lor Quotations 

Chicago Used Chair Mart 

829 So. State St. Chicago 5 

FIREPROOF BRICK BUILDING 

2'/i STORY — STONE FRONT 

845 So. Wobosh, Room «02 

A. V. CAUl^ Serê ^^. 

Merchant Trailers for sure-fire 

merchant-exhibitor Satisfaction 

ph.ne.wimte>,«VXc"m°.. 

hibitor chairman of the Will Roger Christmas 

salute . . . The big Variety treat for members 

aHd guests was held Friday 

1 1 . There was 

dinner from 7 to 8 p.m., entertainment and 

music by Dan Cummings and his band from 

9:30 to 12:30 . . . Manager Earl Cunningham, 

Fountain Square, has gone to Miami, Pla. . . . 

Jesse Frakes of Owensboro, Ky., has taken 

over the Palace there. 

Teachers Visit Filmrow 

On Kansas City Tour 

KANSAS CITY—The motion picture industry 

here took part Friday (13) in a unique 

venture, sponsored by the manufacturing 

committee of the Chamber of Commerce, to 

give school teachers a better understanding 

of the functioning of business. Cooperating 

with the district teachers association, 58 participating 

business firms acted as hosts to 800 

high school and college teachers who made 

forum-journeys through their offices and 

plants. The 58 participating firms included 

manufacturers, transportation, banking, real 

estate, retail and wholesale houses. Teachers 

were drawn from private, parochial and public 

schools. There were 18 assigned to study 

the motion picture industry. 

Meeting at 8:30 a.m. at Central Junior high 

school, the group was piloted to Film.row by 

Senn Lawler and Joe Redmond of Fox Midwest. 

There Arthur Cole of Paramount gave 

a welcome talk and the industry short, "History 

Brought to Life" was shown. Woody 

Sherill of MGM talked on production. Jim 

Lewis, RKO manager, briefed therti on distribution, 

and William Gaddoni, MGM branch 

manager, on booking and buying. 

The group stopped at 20th-Fox to observe 

a typical film exchange, with Vern Skorey as 

host. 

At Central Shipping and Film Delivery, 

storage, shipping, and film inspection were 

demonstrated. Lou Patz of National Screen 

Service, and Bernie Evens. MGM exploiteer, 

took up the exploitation of films at NSS. 

The first reel of "The Robe" was shoivn at 

the Orpheum and information given about 

new screen proce.sses. A tour of the projection 

room at the Midland followed. Fox Midwest 

was host to the teachers at its Corral 

for luncheon. Lat«r they were shown around 

the circuit's operations and given a tHlk on 

exhibition by Senn Lawler. The itinerary 

closed with a screening of "Julius Caesar" at 

the Fox Midwest screening room. 

Board Session 18th 

KANSAS CITY—There will be a board 

meeting of the Kansas-Mi.ssouri Theatre 

Ass'n on Wednesday 1 at the Phillips hotel. 

This is a luncheon meeting, convening at 

12:15, and the last regular boiU'd meeting before 

the ICMTA convention on December 1, 2 

at the Hotel President. Doc Cook, president, 

and George Baker, secretary-treasurer, ai-e 

urging a full attendance. 

To Manage in Peru, Ind. 

PERU, IND.—Ray Helson, former manager 

(rf the Roxy and Orpheum In Ottawa, 111., 

has taken over supervision of the Alllunce 

theatres and drive-in here. Before going to 

OtUvwa. Helson had been employed for 19 

years by Schlne Tlieatres In northern New 

York. 

Commonwealth Lists 

Special Winners 

KANSAS CITY — Commonwealth Amusement 

Corp. gives these winners of the Special 

Weeks' contests: 

Employes week—Dewey Balls, manager, and 

staff of Royal at Hoisington, Kas., first place. 

Second place went to Verne Peterson and 

staff, Go-Sho, Clinton, Mo. 

Managers week—Charles Masner, Plaza. 

Lindsborg, Kas., first place; Chuck Rees, 

Sherman, Goodland. Kas., second place; Eldon 

Harwood, Uptown, CarroUton, Mo., third 

place. 

Final or Atom Bomb week—Leon Hoofnagle, 

Page, Shenandoah, Iowa, first; Verne 

Peterson, second; Frank Jones, Calvin, Washington, 

Mo., third. 

BOWLING 

KANSAS CITY—Playing Friday (6' at 

Holiday Bowl, Poppers Supply won three 

points from Manley Popcorn, Uptown Theatre 

won three points from Shreve Theatre 

Supply, Hailman Printing won three points 

from Dixie Enterprises and Film Delivery 

won three points from Michael's Clothing. 

Men's Won Lost Women's Won Lost 

Poppers 2S 11 Centrol Shipping 19 I 

Uptown 23 13 Finton Jones 17 10 

Hailman 19 17 Hartmon's 16 11 

Shreve 18 18 Manley 14 13 

Film Delivery .17 19 Mode o'Doy 14 13 

Michael's 15 21 Foxy Five 12 IS 

Dixie 14 22 101 Service 8 19 

Manley 13 23 U-l 8 19 

Missouri Nonfarm Labor 

Fails to Make Sept. Gain 

JEFFERSON CITY—Missoiu-i nonfarm emplojTnent 

failed to gain in September, Gordon 

P. Weir, state employment security director, 

said. It was the first month since January 

1950 to fall below the corresponding month 

of the previous year. Ordinarily September 

j 

brings a seasonal gain over August, but this 

did not take place this year. Industries not 

connected with farming employed 1,287.900 

in September, or 2,800 fewer tlian in that 

month of 1952. Last year employment increased 

23,100 from August in September, the 

normal seasonal gain. This year the increase 

from August to September was only 3,600. 

Nearly all durable goods manufacturing lines 

showed a downward trend in September, Weir 

said. 

To Close DuQuoin State 

DuQUOIN. ILI.—The lUL'-.soat State Theatre 

here will be clo.sed December 1 indefinitely, 

according to owners John, Stini and Tony 

Fiorino. It is understood that the Fiorlno 

brothers plan to devote their time to their 

other business interests here. John has an 

extensive slioemaking business, while Sara 

and Tony aie in radio and television retailing. 

Observes Anniversar'y Year 

DWIGHT, ILL —The Blackstonc Theatre In 

Dwight obsen'cd its 33rd anniversary with 

"Fiom Here to Eternity" as the feature. A. B. 

McCuUom first opened the Blackstone in 1920. 

A number of local firms ext

. 

s 

THE NEW 


Ujcsitined Inr (he int reaseil .Urccn it I iini ino I inn nrc cMii rij 

lo wine .Screen nroiec lion, ^liietils eillier Hie Mtiiitt nr lunje iiziil 

aniinioritliic lense.S used in C int nut S^< ope and l\ iirnerS>cupe 

it/touf moJificalion. Jlatin.j JonUe Jul.j ten sion-il,oe s. fracli. .,„ije 

roffer.s and sprorLeh, no cL,n,je neej Le maJe lo run 

i/iontil or C incmci Jjcoiie nrinl.s. ermilj inilunlaneou J' 

inlerclian nei of aperlurci for cnij jiroceii. JJIieie jeaf urei, 

lluS silence of operation, steai/ineSS of picture anil 

uj of 

operation, n,aL- tl,e DripL ^1 tL finest 

projector in Hlotiotjraplt's .17-ijear historij. 

MC CARTY THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

GARDNER THEATRE SERVICE, INC 

GER-BAR, INC 

Indlonopolii 4, Ini. 

442 North Illinois St. 

SHREVE THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: November 14, 1953

. . . Lsadore 

. . . John 

. . Caesar 

. . 

. . . The 

: November 

j 

I 

(ittll, 

i,3( 

I 

week .1 

ST. LOUIS 

(4 1 for the Missouri State Teachers con. 

Jane Wymani 

m 

TTe advance sale of tickets for the Harvest 

Moon festival of Variety Tent 4 Saturday 

night 1 14) at the Kiel auditorium indicated 

a substantial net for the Day Nursery Care 

building program. The club, of which Edward 

B. Arthur is the chief barker, has pledged 

itself to raise $40,000 to finance the new South 

Side day nursery now under construction. 

The St. Louis equipment dealers were well 

represented at the recent joint meetings of 

TOA-TEDA-TESMA in Chicago. Arch Hosier 

of the St. Louis Theatre Supply Co. and his 

son Pat were among those present; National 

Theatre Supply was represented by Manager 

William C. Earle and Joe Schremp, installation 

expert, while Paul McCarty and Bill 

Guinan shared the time for McCarty Theatre 

Supply Co. Ray Colvin of St. Louis is the 

executive director of TEDA. The St. Louis 

territory delegation to the TOA meeting, 

headed by Tom Bloomer of Belleville, was the 

largest out-of-town representation at that 

gathering. Their "Meet in St. Louis December 

14 and 15" buttons attracted much attention 

and were eagerly sought after. They were a 

plug for the 1953 annual meeting of the 

regional MPTO organization to be held at the 

Sheraton hotel here December 14, 15. 

John Adam, who sang in many of the early 

motion picture theatres in the St. Louis area, 

was buried Monday following a requiem mass 

at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic 

church. Adam died early on Saturday (7i 

Scis.sors, brother of Herman 

soooooooooooooooeooc: 

EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE 

St. 

Louis Theatre Supply Company 

Arch 

Hosier 

3310 Olive Street. St. Louis 3, Mo. 

Telephone lEHarson 7974 

Scissors of the Ansell Bros, office staff, died 

after a long illness . . . Andy Dietz, head of 

the Andy Dietz Enterprises and Cooperative 

Theatres, underwent an operation in Lutheran 

hospital Saturday. The next day we were advised 

that his condition "was satisfactory" 

and it was indicated that he might have 

visitors. 

Lester Levey, former Columbia salesman 

and later in the state rights selling field, 

is a patient at Pirmin Desloge ho.spital, room 

411. He is permitted to have visitors . . . 

Realart of St. Louis tradescreened "The Sins 

of Jezebel" at the suburban Kirkwood Theatre 

Tuesday morning and in the Senate Theatre 

in Springfield, 111., Thursday morning . 

Herman Gorelick of Realart was in Mattoon, 

Harrisburg, Flora and Fairfield, 111., this week. 

A number of the theatres staged toy matinees 

Saturday afternoon (7) to obtain toys 

for underprivileged children. The Toys for 

Tots matinees w'ere staged under the auspices 

of the Marine Corps Re.serve units in cooperation 

with the Better Films Council of Greater 

St. Louis and the managements of 28 participating 

theatres . . . Kenneth Hirth. Pacific, 

Mo., was on the Row . Berutt, 

RoUa, was a patient at St. Mary's hospital 

Karzin, local exhibitor, is at the 

Missouri Baptist hospital . . . Mrs. M. Eckert, 

retired inspector for Warner Bros., is in De 

Paul hospital. She retired about ten years ago 

under the company's "company grant" plan. 

The St. Luke hospital building fund will 

benefit from a double-feature program to be 

given November 23-25 at the Osage Theatre 

in Kirkwood. Women of the Kirkwood Grace 

Episcopal and First Presbyterian churches 

are in charge of selling the tickets. The 

facilities of the theatre have been made 

available by the owner, H. R. Wendt, a former 

patient at St. Luke's. 

Fanchon & Marco had a special 

ASK YOURSELF! 

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Get the most out of your Refreshment Service by Utilizing the Experience, 

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Concessionaire. 

treat last 

vention, a special showing of Edna Ferbefti 

"So Big" in the Hotel Jefferson. 

is the school teacher heroine of the picturel 

St. Louis department stores recorded! 

a gain of 2 per cent in their dollar volume 

sales the week ended October 31 as compared 

with the same week in 1952. The Eighth Fed-' 

eral Reserve district also recorded a gain of, 

2 per cent in sales for the week. 

"Martin Luther," following an excellent 

1 

first > 

run week at the Ambassador Theatre, has' . 

moved into the Pageant Theatre for an indefinite 

run of five shows daily. 

] 

I 

C. D. Hill of Columbia, who heads the Will >% 

Rogers hospital drive in this area, Ls stressing -Jti 

that it isn't too much for any person in the 4 

film 

bu-siness to donate an hours pay to thei 

hospital. The drive is to end on Januarj- 15. 4 

"The Robe" is showing at the St. Louis 

Theatre at the prevailing prices of 75 cents top 

for adults and 25 cents for children on Fridays, 

Saturdays and Sundays, and free if accompanied 

by parents Monday tlirough Thursday. 

A reporting source, which checks such 

matters, placed the first week's money gross | 

at only $2,000 below the first week's gross of 

"From Here to Eternity" at Loew's State six 

weeks ago, although "Eteriuty" charged ' 

S1.20 II 

and 85 cents. The St. Louis seats 3.600 and ^ 

1 

the State 3,200. 

John Marlowe, who operates theatres In 

Herrin and Murphysboro. including the 

Herrin Drive-In, has filed suit in the Williamson 

county court at Marion. 111., against 

Wayne Smith of the Egyptian Tlieatre Corp., 

owner-operator of the Egyptian Drive-In on 

Route 148 near Herrin. Basis for the suit, 

said to be for $95,000 damages, are allegations 

Smith made against Marlowe and his corportions 

in an antitrust suit filed in federal 

court. Since the federal court did not sustain 

the allegations that Marlowe had conspired 

with the film company defendants to withhold 

films from the rival drive-in, Marlowe 

contends in his current suit that the antitrust 

allegations damaged lum and his corporations 

in various ways to tlie extent of $95,- 

000. Smith and his drive-in company reached 

out-of-coiu-t settlements with various film 

companies guaranteeing him the right to bid 

for films. Marlowe claims he never objected 

to Smith bidding or otherwi.se interfered with 

his efforts to get pictures. He now seeks 

damages for the charges made and not sustained 

that he did seek to prevent Smith from 

getting pictures. 

Plan for Overland Drive-In 

OVERLAND, MO.—The city board will issue 

a permit for a 500-car $125,000 drive-ln to be 

built on the Sloan property on Page avenue, 

but restrictions have been set 1 

covering exlU, 

type of driveways, noises and lights, trafflo 

control, sewer connections, and a $5 fee per 

speaker. 

f 

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CinemaScope in Columbus 

COLUMBUS, IND.- CniemaScopo is being 

installed in the Mode Tlicntre under direction 

of Tom Grady, manager of Syndicate 

Theatres, Inc. Plans are also being made to 

install a wide screen at the Crump Theatre. 

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Break Into Midway Drive-ln 

STEIUJNG, ILL. Some merchiindlse and. 

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BOXOFFICE : 

14, 1958 i» 

KfTlCE

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doubie 



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Ash the Drive-In Theatre Owner who has Dub'l-Cone Speakers 


Edward Mikkelsen 

4646 North Clifton Avenue 

Chicago, Illinois 

McCarty Theatre Supply Co. 

3330 Olive St. 

St. Louis 3, Mo. 

Hadden Theatre Supply Co. 

209 South 3rd Street 

Louisville 2, Kentucky 

'^^V^-S^^rrm^N*-! 

BOXOFFICE :: November 14, 1953 

Si

. . . Don 

. . . Woody 

. . . Paul 

. . Shreve 

. . 

. . William 

. . Eddie 

KANSAS CITY 

T\ale and Freda Danielson stopped by to 

see 

friends on the Row en rout* from the 

TOA-TESMA-TEDA conventions at Chicago 

. . . Others not mentioned last week who attended 

included Mr. and Mrs. Don Burnett, 

Lamed, Kas.; Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Strowig. 

Abilene, Kas.: Bill Wagner, Bob Fellers and 

Dave Dallas from Midcentral at Manhattan, 

Kas.; Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Becker, Independence. 

Mo.: C E. Cook and wife of Maryvllle, 

Mo.: Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bills, Salisbury. Mo.; 

Richard Ruff. Logan. Kas. 

Helen Wolfe, secretary to Paramount officebooking 

manager Fred Hellweg. left Saturday 

(Ht. Miss Wolfe was a member of the 

25-year club there and leaves many friends 

on the Row . . . B. J. McKenna, vice-president 

and general manager of Manley. Inc.. attended 

the TOA-TESMA-TEDA conventions 

in Chicago. Others from the company who attended 

were J. F. Saunders, district manager 

from Memphis: M. L. Lyons, Chicago division 

manager; L. O. Seley. district manager at 

Boston . , . Charles Manley, president, says 

the popcorn crop quality is considerably better 

this year and that there will be as much 

as last year; maybe more. However, until 

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not try the friendly, healthful, pros- 

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perous Southwest? New Mexico, Texas, 

Oklahoma offer widest variety curative 

sunshine climate, young hospitable growing 

towns. (We accept only the top 20% of 

all theatres available.) Write your detailed 

requirements, 

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ARTHUR LEAK 

STAGE EQUIPMENT >MENT COMPANY 

TTlill 

Satisfaction — Always 

MISSOURI 

THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY 

Konsoa City 6. Mo. 

Carpets -Door Mats 

Complete Inltollatlon Servico- -Frto Estlmotoi 

R. D. MANN CARPET CO. 

928-930-932 Cantrol, Victor 1171, Konsoi City, Mo. 

45S Paul Brown Bldg., Chestnut 4499, St. Loull 

N C SS IS SOUND' 

I 

the 

' 

ver 

. . His 

ATOI Officer Lineup 

Headed by Roy Kalver 

INDIANAPOLIS In (•oiUoniianco with a 

of bylaws voted at the 1952 convenor 

Allied Tliealre Owners of Indiana, 

three directors from each of the nine 

lets were elected at the annual convenheld 

here last week. 

The 27 new district dliectors will meet soon 

choose nine additional directors from the 

at laige. All past presidents are autocally 

members of the board under another 

In bylaws, 

ly Kalver of Decatur was elected presi- 

In the final business session of the conitlon 

to succeed Trueman Rembusch, who 

named to the National Allied board. 

The new directors are; 

District 1—H. Lisle Krieghbaum, Alex 

Jtonta and W. R. Norton. 

District 2—President Kalver, Al Borkenstein 

and John Micu. 

District 3—W. T. Studebaker, S. J. Gregory, 

D. Irving Long and Sam Neall (past president). 

DUtrlct 4—Marc Wolf, M. H. Scheidler, 

Morton Weinberg and past president Rem- 

.i.sch. 

District 5—Mannie Marcus, H. P. Vonderschmilt 

and Beatrice Hancock. 

District 6—J. P. Finneran, T. L. Mandelssohn, 

J. R. Pell, Walter Easley and Roy E. 

Harrold, the latter two past presidents. 

District 7—Oscar Fine, Bruce Kixmiller and 

;l:irry Kornblum. 

District 8—Sam J. Swltow, T. C. Baker and 

; C. Weddle. 

District 9—Joseph W. Barr, Dale McFari.md, 

Richard Lochry and Ernest Miller, past 

-resident. 

, 

Commenting on the director election change, 

nieatre Facts, ATOI bulletin, stated: "It can 

iTOvide a place on the board for a willing 

md able worker who might be in a district 

.vhich ali-eady has its quota of board memoers. 

Another reason is that it permits the 

board to add to its membership a man of 

ome specially needed ability." 

The Allied publication also commended the 

eadership of Rembusch. 

"We can't believe that any other trade asociation, 

within or without the industry, has 

been so fortunate in having one of its 

members give so freely of his time, hard work 

aid money as has Trueman Rembusch over 

last eight years . decision to decline 

renomination was dictated as much by 

the feeling that a change in leadership is 

healthy for the organization and tends to 

Widen participation by a greater number of 

members as it is by a feeling that he has made 

as much sacrifice as should be expected of 

CHICAGO 

G-" 

A. Van Fleet, who wuj> the 

speaker at the TOA prcUdenl's 

bimqurt. rivi'uled In a preits conference that 

his father had at one time owned the old 

Dearborn Theatre here. The general olao 

dl.sclased that he personally was undertaking 

on entirely new venture by becoming a director 

of 20th-Fox, where he will act In an 

advisory capacity. He sold he considered motion 

pictures one of the topmost morale 

boosters to army personnel. 

EIroy Ilirsch, star of "CrazylegB." will be 

here Sunday (15) a-s a member of the Los 

Angeles Rams when the Rams skirmish with 

the Chicago Cardinals. Hlrsch arrives here 

after a visit In Wausau, Wis., his home town, 

which is one of the cities where "Crazylegs" 

made its world premiere. Simultaneously, the 

film opened at the Capitol In Madison and 

the Palace in Milwaukee. 

George Murphy stopped off 

while en route 

to Washington where he was scheduled to 

help President Eisenhower launch the USO 

"Invite a GI to Your Home" Idea. Before returning 

to Hollywood, Murphy will also attend 

the conference of the National Council of 

Christians and Jews . . . Herbert H. Bonlfas, 

owner of the Blaine and Gem, Chinook, Mont., 

was one of the convention visitors who lingered 

here for a day or two. He said his 

primary interest in being here was to look 

into stereophonic sound and Cinemascope Installations. 

He said the 2,500 Inhabitants of 

Chinook arc avid fllmK

. . The 

. . 

CHICAGO 

(Continued from preceding page) 

some of the committees which set up plans 

for the Cardinal Stritch dinner. The event, 

which marked the fourth annual dinner, was 

held Thursday (12) at the Conrad Hilton 

hotel. 

E. G. Fitzgibbons, publicity director for 

Paramount, said that while dates are not yet 

definite, it is certain that the Corbett twins. 

Joan and Jean of "Here Come the Girls" will 

be here for a personal appearance. If a suitable 

schedule can be met. Bob Hope, who 

will be touring with the twins, will make 

this one of his stops . . . Morris Kahn, former 

assistant manager at the Oriental, is 

now managing the Embassy in Fort Wayne, 

Ind., an Alliance Theatre circuit property. 

Ralph Banghart, RKO pubUcity head in this 

area, is in Kansas City to handle "Decameron 

Nights" exploitation . . . Irving Mack, Filmack 

president, said that "Courtesy Is Contagious," 

which had its initial showing during the TOA 

convention, is going over with a bang. The 

film is becoming a convention and sales 

meeting feature. Mack said he was elated 

when he counted the conventioneers who accepted 

his invitation to visit Filmack studios. 

He was host to hundreds of people who 

browsed around last Friday immediately following 

the close of the convention. 

Norman Pyle, MGM publicist here, has completed 

arrangements for "Julius Caesar" to 

open at the Selwyn Christmas day. The 

Selwyn, heretofore a house for legitimate 

plays only, will run the film twice a day 

on a reserved seat basis. Another MGM 

film, "Kiss Me Kate," opens at the Chicago 

on Christmas day. The Chicago plans to 

show the picture in 3-D. 

Morrie Salkin has retired as manager of 

the Woodlawn . election of Variety 

Club officers for the year was to take place 

Saturday (14) . . . Jim Gorman, manager of 

the Loop, said he cannot anticipate when 

the "Martin Luther" run will end. The film 

was originaUy set for eight weeks at the 

Loop. It is going into a seventh week and, 

according to Gorman, the outstanding boxoffice 

grosses have continued on the same 

high level . . . Ben Elrod of Hollywood Television 

Service has left the hospital following 

an operation and is now recuperating at home. 

The second ConwUl twin at 20th-Fox, Betty, 

HANDY 

was married Friday (6). The groom is George 

Helmich . . . FiJmrow was sorry to learn of 

the death of Robert Lee's mother. Lee is a 

member of the Columbia staff here . . . Howard 

Tash has joined the Universal sales 

staff . . . Lou Kravitz, director of advertising 

for Filmack, proudly told of ceremonies 

last Wednesday in which Mrs. Kravitz was 

sworn in as a citizen of the United States. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kravitz were married overseas, 

while he was in European service. 

Visitors to the TOA convention who roused 

considerable interest were Harry and Eleanor 

Smythe. The Smythes, who formerly owned 

Bank Night, now have a spot called Buck 

Ranch in Fort Wayne, Ind. 

Albert Dezel, who resumed some of his 

Detroit activities following the close of the 

TOA convention, returned for a three-day 

meeting of Favorite Films franchise holders. 

The sessions were held Friday, Saturday and 

Sunday at the Ambassador East, with Moe 

Kerman presiding . . . Jack Kirsch was appointed 

exhibitor chairman of the Will Rogers 

Memorial drive for this area. W. J. Devaney, 

MGM manager here, was named distributor 

chairman. 

A. Montague, general sales manager for 

Columbia, is holding a three-day meeting at 

the Drake hotel, starting Sunday (15 1. Climaxing 

the sales meeting will be a special 

showing of "Miss Sadie Thompson" at the 

Uptown Theatre Wednesday (18) at 10:30 

a.m. The picture will be screened in 3-D . 

Ted Meyers, retired from U-I after many 

years with the company, died Monday (9). 

About 300 members and guests are expected 

to attend the Cinema lodge B'nai B'rith informal 

square dance festival to be held in 

the Gold room of the Congress hotel November 

25 . . . Sarra, Inc., took the lead when 

film awards were being passed out here. 

This time, Sarra received the top meritorious 

award for "A Gray Day for O'Grady," a 

film on industrial safety. The award was 

given at the Kentuckiana Film festival. 

The city's amusement tax collections for the 

first ten months of 1953 total $904,000, or 

$45,000 ahead of the same period last year. 

October collections are listed as $106,659. 

which is an increase of $6,000 over October 

1952 . . . LaVezzi Machine Works is turning 

out a new line of aperture plates and pro-

: November 

— 

iiy.HLW 

$300,000 House Being 

Buili in Clearwater 

CLl' AKWATEH. VLA A l,2(X)-.soat thiiifrc. 

boiriK built licrc by H. M. Thomixson Co iil 

iin over-all cost of $300,000, is expcrted lo !> 

completed by mid-December for En Vee. Iiic 

It will be lea-sed to Carl Floyd of Haines City 

It is believed to be the first motion picture 

theatre in the south designed especially for 

ihe wide-screen projections. The En Vee. Inc.. 

IS controlled by Anast N. Notopoulos. a Pennsylvania 

theatre operator, and Phillip Voulls. 

.1 Chicago businessman. Floyd operates a 

circuit of .some 30 houses in Florida. 

The new theatre \va.s designed by James 

Ca.'ilUc. New York architect. It is being built 

of concrete block and steel and will be 192x60 

feet. The screen will be 46 feet wide. 

Billy Wilson, who operated a number of 

houses in Florida, will manage the new house. 

Plan-s are for a gala opening on Christma.s day. 

Lake Charles, La.. Lyric 

Installs New Equipment 

L.'\KE CHARLES, LA. -The Lyric Theatre 

here has completed the installation of a 

new Miracle Mirror screen and an Altec 

stereosound system. The screen measures 

17x39 feet wide. Three large speakers were 

placed in back of the screen and ten wall 

speakers were located in the auditorium. A 

new 110-220 motor generator was installed. 

The installation was made by an Altec engineer 

from New Orleans and the equipment 

was purchased from Hodges Theatres Supply. 

Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Paternostro are the owners 

of the theatre. 

CinemaScope and 'Robe' 

To Chattanooga Tivoli 

CHATTANOOGA. TENN.—A CinemaScope 

screen has been installed at the Tivoli Theatre 

under the direction of Fred Gillespie, stage 

manager. The new screen allows for a fourfoot 

curve. It is 45x25 feet compared with 

the 28x20.7 of the older screen. The newscreen 

frame is on casters and can be pulled 

back into the depth of the stage by two jacks 

if the old screen is to be lowered into place. 

The first presentation was "The Robe." Manager 

at the Tivoli is Jim Edwards and the 

general manager is Emmett Rogers. 

Martin Bros, in TV Project 

COLUMBUS. GA.—Roy E. Martin jr. and 

E. D. Martin, owners of Martin Theatres, 

have joined Allen M. Woodall in organizing 

a corporation to build a TV station here. 

WDAK-TV. Woodall heads the video company, 

the Maitin brothers are vice-presidents 

and Carol Patrick, also of Martin Theatres, 

Is 

treasurer. 

Celebrates First Screening 

NEW ALBANY, MISS. — A panoramic 

screen has been installed at the Magnolia 

Theatre. Mac Polston. manager, arranged a 

special ribbon-cutting ceremony prior to the 

beginning of the first show, with Miss Union 

County presiding and the New Albany Maroon 

and White band playing. 

After serving a two-year hitch in the army 

Tom Brown has been cast in Universals 

"Fireman Save My Child." 

Florida Session Opens 

Sunday in Jacksonville 

JACKSONVILLE More Uian 300 thcatn 

owners and their wives are expected to attend 

the annual convention of the MoUon 

Picture Exhibitors of Florida at the Roosevelt 

hotel Sunday through Tuesday (15-n>. according 

to Horace Denning, owner of the local 

Atlantic Drlvc-In Theatre, convention chairman 

and first vice-president of the MPEOF 

President Bill P. Cumboii, Lecsburg thcatn 

executive, will preside at the .se.s.slons. uU 

of which will be held at the Roasevclt, except 

for a special .screening of "How to Marry ii 

Millionaire." new 20th-Fox Cinemascope feature 

picture, on Monday morning at the Florida 

Theatre. 

Among the speakers will be Herman M. 

Levy of New Haven. Conn., chief counsel for 

the Theatre Owners of America, and LaMar 

Sarra. Jack.sonville. who Is chairman of 

MPEOF's legislative committee and attorney 

for Florida State Theatres. They will dlscu.ss 

legislative plans for seeking repeal of the 20 

per cent federal tax on theatre admissions, 

and new legal restrictions affecting the operation 

of drive-in theatres in Florida. 

Other speakers will be Dick Pitts. New York 

City, national secretary of the TOA; Nat 

Williams, Thomasville, Ga., exhibitor, and 

the Rev. William H. Alexander. Protestant 

minister and inspirational speaker of Oklahoma 

City. The latter will speak at the clos- 

New Screen Destroyed 

By Fire in Raleigh, N.C. 

RALEIGH. N.C—The panoramic screen recently 

installed at the Village Theatre here 

was destroyed in a fire that started on the 

stage. Damaged slightly in the blaze, which 

was extinguished quickly by Raleigh firemen, 

were the drapes, stage flooring and a few 

front row seats. 

Philip N. Nance, manager of the Village, 

which is owned by Consolidated Theatres, 

Inc., of Charlotte, was unable to estimate 

estimated it 

the total damage. Firemen 

roughly at several thousand dollars. What 

started the fire was not known, but Nance 

thought the wiring might have caused it. 

The theatre's former screen was put back 

in place and the theatre reopened a few days 

after the fire. 

Over 400 Southern Dates 

To Launch 'Shark River' 

New York—More than 400 dates In 

southern Atlantic and Gulf Coast states 

during November will launch Tnlted 

Artists' "Shark River." according to William 

J. Heineman, vice-president In 

charge of distribution. The first playdates 

were Friday (6) at JacksonviUe. 

Tampa, St. Petersburg, Mobile, Jackson, 

Atlanta. Charlotte, Knoxville and Chattanooga. 

The picture was made in sections of the 

Florida F.verglade.s. 

Bolivar 

ll>dr 

Ing banquet Tuesday night. 

Dally chairmen of the business meetlns* 

will be Guy A. Kenlmcr. JaclwonvlUe. general 

manager, Florida State Theatres; Bolivar 

Hyde. Lakeland, executive. TaJgar Thratr». 

and Bob Daugherty. Haines City, general 

manager. Carl Floyd Theatres. 

The following local thcatremen aaslsted 

with preparations for the combined social and 

business gatherings: Howard Pettcnglll. Florida 

State Theatres, publicity; Danny Deaver. 

Normandy Twin Outdoor, movie talent; Bob 

Anderson. Main Street Drlve-In. program and 

advertising: Arvin Rothschild. National Theatre 

Enterprises, finance, and Mrs Betty 

Loop. Atlantic Drive-In. r.^lsiration.v 

'High Ground' Hils 200 

At Memphis Slate 

MEMPHIS—"Take the High Ground!" 

opened at LoeWs State and for the first 

week did twice normal business. It equaled 

the fourth week of "The Robe." which continued 

to score 200 at Malco. 

Average Is 100) 

Malco -Th« Rob« 20th-Fox), 4th wk 

Stote Toke f»i« High Ground! 

Loew 1 Polocc Mogombo MGM). 3rc 

Worncf -Martin Luther OcRo^- " * 

Devil 

RKOl 

Hide-in Thief Takes $100 

At Asheville Strand 

ASHEVILLE. N C -A thief hid In the 

Strand Theatre here and rifled the cash 

box of approximately $100 after breaking Into 

the office. 

Installs Wide Screen 

ST. PETERSBURG-A 

24xl6-foot wide 

scrsen has been Installed in the Pheil Theatre. 

In order to get the curved screen In place 

It was necessary to remove the side front 

stairways. W. A. Brown is manager of the 

theatre. 

New Screen at Five Points 

RALEIGH. N.C—A curved multipurpose 

screen has been insUlled at the Colony Theatre 

at Five Points. J. M. Seago. manager, 

says new lighting equipment has also been 

Installed to give added effect to the new 

screen. 

BOXOFFICE : 

14, 1953 

55

. . Alene 

. . R. 

. . 

. . 

'] 

I 

I 

' 

, 

j 

; 

j 

I 

.'jpliiani 

ii 

Exhibitors ... 20 Years 

Printers .... 30 Years 

Both Give Us the "Know-How" to Produce 

Your Window Cards, 

and Heralds! 

Programs 

BENTON CARD CO. 

Benson, N. C. 

INTERESTED IN 

STEREOPHONIC-SOUND 

SEE US 

TRI-STATE THEATRE SUPPLY 

320 So. Second St. Memphis, Tenn 

JACKSONVILLE 

paul Hargett, manager at Columbia; Ernest 

Pelegrin. office manager, and Jack Galloway 

and Ed McLaughlin, .salesmen, left for 

Chicago to attend the Columbia convention 

there They were to return November 21 . . . 

Chester D. Mikesell. booker for the Sixth naval 

di.strict. Charleston: Bill Murphy, booker, 

D. M. Mo.ss Corp.. New York, and R. L. Bang, 

former operator of the Municipal. Apopka, 

and Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, who have taken 

over the theatre, were on the Row . J. 

Ingram, southeast district manager, visited 

the office. 

C'arroll Ogbum jr., Warner manager, spent 

.several days in the territory . . . Roy Morgan, 

Warners, and Regina Hogan were married 

November 7. They left on a honeymoon tour 

of Florida 

. Roberts, MGM booking 

clerk who suffered a broken back in an automobile 

accident October 17. has left the hospital 

and is recuperating at home. Kathleen 

Willis, assistant cashier, who suffered a 

broken thigh and internal injuries, was taken 

home November 7. 

Marshall Fling, Universal office manager, 

and his family, is spending a week in Atlanta. 

Visitors at Universal iHcluded Bill Boardman, 

Playhouse. St. Petersburg; George Stonaris, 

Dreka Theatre. DeLand: L. O. West ajid sod 

Ken. Century, St. Marys. Ga.; June Paircloth. 

Lake Forest Drive-In. and M. C. Moore. Lake 

Shore. Jacksonville. 

H. D. Hearn of the Exhibitors Ser\-ice Co. 

reports that the Monroe Theatre in Key West 

is 

being air conditioned by installing a fortyton 

unit. A 24xl5-foot wide screen has been: 

installed and the theatre equipped for 3-D 

exhibition. The 700-seater will be changed to 

first run with Increased admission prices. 

Jacksonville Snack Bar 

Is Damaged by Flames 

| 

JACKSONVILLE—The snack bar at the. 

Skyview Drive-In was almost destroyed by! 

fire, apparently caused by a short circuit in 

electric wiring. The frame building, valued at! 

$5,000. suffered damage estimated at about 

while equipment and contents, valued 

S4.000, 

at $3,000, were damaged to the extent of 

$2,000. I 

National Theatre Enterprises is owner of 

the snack bar, which was covered by insur- 

. 

. 

R. C. Price, RKO manager, was in Miami . 

Visitors at Elxhibitors Service included Jimmy ance. 

Bello. Astor. Atlanta; Harold Laird. Republic. 

Tampa; Jack Barnett. Monogram. Atlanta: 

Bobby Crowell. Tower Drive-In. Tampa 

Stein Is Modernizing 

The High Springs Drive-In closed October 31. 

Two Georgia Drive-Ins 

ASHBURN. GA.—Stein Theatre.';, which 

bought the Joy Drive-In here from Jack Parrish 

and W. R. Davis, has completely remodeled 

the situation and installed all new! 

RCA equipment. It will accommodate overi 

200 cars. 

1W 

Ml SI 

Jw Ball 

!.vCoiits. 

raod s( 

Uto^li/e ?«t ill ft PfwqU OiwcûcA 

K-v^^^ 

We're not a "general store" operation. 

There's only one item we handle and 

that's theatre seats. All we know and 

do centers around rehabilitation . . . 

parts replacement and replacement of 

worn seats or backs. 

Modestly, we're 

sort of proud of each job we do and 

we don't mind referring you to our 

many pleased customers. Better still, 

we'd love to do an actual job for you. 

Why not let us quote you cost? 

MANUFACTURERS— 

roam rubber and sprino cushions, back a/id seat covers 

DISTRIBUTORS 

UnhoKtery fabrics and general seating supplies 

w^

Poubie 

YOUR CUSTOMERS AND VOU 

M PUVL'COHi 


SUPERB SOUND 

Ask your Ballant) ne representative to demonstrate the 



EleftrUal Compentntt or* Monufaclurtd under ftollonlyn* 

Co. Poi«nt$ by General Eletlrit. 

UNIQUE DUB'L-CONE

EVER CONSIDER NEW MEXICO? 

| 

^ STEREOPHONIC 

ALL IN ONE 

3-D 

x^^ 

PANORAMIC SCREEN 

SOUND 

; 

November 

THE 

NEW 


Ib.U.jnJ for iL ;.,.r...uJ S fU.„..li 

...U.r, 

lo wide U,ccn projection. _.7,,./,/, .///,, ll.c yn,u(( or fi,r.,e iizej 

un.,..,or,,Lie /.„.., ,....,//„ Ci.,.„.uS.o,. ..,J liLrnerX.pe. 

ilLoul moJificution. JL,,i„.j Jo.JJc .l,.l,, /.„ ./o,, -.,/,«. j. Ira.Ls. .,..ije 

rolLs a.J .s,,ro.Lls. no ,L..,e „.ej L ,.,.J,- In ru. 

nlionaf or CincnaScofu ,ui„t.s. jKrmUs in sla nlu .uoui 

l/crc hcingcj of ii lyert iirr S for (inij ftroecM. ^Jliv Sc fmliircs, 

pLs siLnce of niu ration, ^t.a./inc^^ of f,ict..re anJ 

loniij of Oftcrut ion. niti/.i flu- Uriftit .^1 titi final 

projector in / 1 /of loifrtip/i 'a >7-y

. . The 

. 

. 

I 

NEW ORLEANS 

nmong exhibitors from the New Orleans 

area attending the TOA convention in 

Chicago were Mr. and Mrs. Herbie Hargroder. 

Beverly Drive-In, Hattiesburg. Miss.; Joy 

Houck. Joy Theatres, New Orleans, and Andrew 

Orkin. Amite, Jackson, Miss. . . . Teddy 

Solomon will close the 51 Drive-In. Jackson. 

MLss.. effective November 15. Solomon will 

keep his Sky-Vue Drive-In open 12 months . 

Fred T. McLendon will close his Hub Drive- 

In, Monroeville. AJa.. November 29 for the 

winter . drive-in at Minden, La., booked 

COCOYL 

FINEST GOLDEN 

COCONUT OIL 

SEASONING 

TAMPA 

1207 19th St. 

ROY SMITH 

JACKSONVILLE 

1075 W. Adams St. 

i4" B-O NATURALS! 

by Theatres Service, will discontinue operations 

for the winter. 

Nick Schiro has sold the Pix. New Orleans, 

to A. Fiarito. The change in ownership was 

effective October 31. Fred Gooch has assumed 

ownership of the Mayvel. Sandersville. Miss. 

The Mayvel w-as formerly operated by M. Sevel 

jr. . . . Roy Pfeiffer has closed his Istrouma 

Theatre in Baton Rouge. 

Heaci of Real Estate Firm 

Sees Big Film Future 

From Mideast Edition 

DETROIT — "The motion picture people are 

not through," H. P. Holmes, head of the 

Detroit real estate firm bearing his name and 

chairman of the economic committee of the 

National Ass'n of Real Estate Boards, said in 

an interview here. 

Holmes' committee recently completed a 

study of the theatre investment situation, reported 

in the national press, and he testified 

some months ago before the senate small 

business committee at Washington on the 

status of the film business. The real estate 

people are strongly interested in what happens 

to theatres, not only because of the 

effect upon the theatre property itself, but 

because of the effect a theatre closing has 

upon property values in the adjacent areas, 

he said. 

"I feel that I made a good guess, they are 

coming back in good shape," Holmes said, 

referring to his earlier belief that the industry 

would make a recovery, and citing boxoffice 

lineups at "The Robe" as proof apparent to 

the ob.server outside the industry. 

W. 6. Herbert Named 

Awards Chairman 

FromConodionEditi-.n 

MONTREAL—The management committ«. 

of Canadian Film Awards has announce© 

the election of Walter B. Herbert as chairman 

of the sixth annual competition for Canadian 

Films. Canadian Film Awards it 

jointly sponsored by the Canadian Ass'n foi 

Adult Education, the Canada Foundation aad 

the Canadian Film Institute, and its purpose 

is to encourage high standards of film 

making in Canada. 

To be eligible a film must be produced in 

Canada and relea.sed during the year 1953 

The competition will include six cla.«,>-es: . 

Theatrical feature length 35mm—Any film' 

produced principally for theatrical distribution, 

which Ls over 3,000 feet in length. 

Theatrical short 35mm—Any film produced 

principally for theatrical distribution, which 

is 3.000 feet or less in length. 

Nontheatrical 16mm—Three classes, one 

sponsored by a government agency: another 

sponsored by an industry or a nongovernment 

agency, and a third open. 

Amateur—Any film produced by an individual 

(or group) whose main source of livelihood 

is not motion picture production, and' 

for which the producer has not received com-: 

pensation. 

Robert Mitchum will star with Debbie Reynolds 

in RKO's "Susan Slept Here." 

ATLANTA 

CHARLOTTE 

MEMPHIS 

NEW ORLEANS 

Rhodes-Stelling Service 

COMPLETE SOUND & PROJECTION SERVICE 

ENGINEERS: 

E. L. RHODES CLAY STELLING 

218 E. 56»h St. 

P. O. Bo« 194 

Sovonnoh, Go. 

Augusto, Go. 

Phones: 3:8788 

Phones: 3:6909 

1:6829 

Paramount Troupe Filming 

'Sabrina' in New York 

From Eastern Edition 

NEW YORK—Humphrey Bogart. William 

Holden, Audrey Hepburn and producerdirector 

Billy Wilder were in town for ten 

days of shooting of scenes for "Sabrina Fair." 

Scenes are to be made on the Mamaroneck 

estate of Barney Balaban, the Frederick T. 

Bonham estate in Westchester, on Long 

Island Sound, aboard the French liner 

Liberte, the United Fruit Co. pier, the Glen 

Cove station of the Long I.sland railro.id. in 

front of the Paramount building and aboard 

a tug in the Hud.son river. 

ana 

Theatre Equipment and Supp/ies 

Scmlord CofC Gives Kid Show 

SANFORD. FLA.—The Junior Chamber of 

Commerce gave a variety Halloween show 

for children and their parents at the Rit/. 

Theatre. The program lasted one hour and 

Of( 

followed the regular theatre schedule. 

Bigger Job of Remodeling 

ELBA, ALA.— Mananer Dozler Roberts says 

remodeling the Elba Theatre will co.st approximately 

three times the oriKinally estimated 

expenditure of $15,000. 

^^fgrgmny^ 

SERVICE 

BALLOONS ARE YOUR BEST AD FOR- 

"Ttie Greatest Stiow on Earth" 

"Hans Christian Andersen" 

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" 

"Peter Pon" 

Somplei free. 

Bolloons 146 Wolton Atlanta. Go. 

Attend TOA Convention 

HATTIESBURG, MISS. Mr. and Mrs. 

Hargroder, owners of the Beverly Drlve-In. 

attended the Chicago convention of Theatro 

Owners of America,

: 

November 

You Are Invited To The Caro/inas 

Ir yil" ANNIVERSARY 

ThI *\L meeting 

THE OLDEST THEATRE OWNERS ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD 

THEATRE OWNERS 

NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA Inc 

ORGANIZED MAY, 1912 

Nov. 22nd'23rd-2m, CHARLOTTE, N.C 

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS MEETING IS OBVIOUS. YOU, AS THE OPERATOR OF A THEATRE OR 

DRIVE-;N, REALIZE FULLY WHAT ALL SHOWMEN ARE CONFRONTED WITH AT THIS TIME. 

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT? 

We are do'ng our utmost to have present at our convention capable men who can help you decide just what can 

be done about it! These men are outstanding in our industry, and have been selected so that every phase of 

our business will be represented on the convention progrom. 

If the problems of your business have you buffaloed, you won't go wrong if you bring them with you to the 

convention and let these able men help you find a solution! 

You Should Not Miss: "WHAT WILL WE DO?" Day 

OF COURSE, THERE WILL BE THE USUAL ADDED ATTRACTIONS:— 

COCKTAIL PARTIES 

BANQUET 

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE LADIES 

Yes -We'll have a STAR -one of the most 

charming and talented in Hollywood 

{SORRY—CAN'T TELL YOU HER NAME DUE TO OPPOSITION) 

This meeting, regardless of the fact that it had to be held during Thanksgiving week (November 22, 23, 24), 

will be one which you should attend. Your committee feels positive that if you do attend, you will give thanks 

that you did! 

BOXOFFICE : 

14, 1963

'. 

pay 

: 

November 

'i 

Make it the Biggest Bonus ever— 

Give it in U. S. Savings Bonds 

If your company is one of the more than 4S,000 companies 

that have the Payroll Savings Plan you knoiv what your 

employees think of Savings Bonds — they s])ell it out for 

you every month in their Savings Bond allotments. 

If you don't have the Payroll Savings Plan, and are wondering 

whether your people would like to receive their 

bonus in Bonds, here are a few significant facts: 

—every month, hejore they get their pay checks or 

envelopes — H,()i){),0()0 men and women enrolled in 

the Payroll Savings Plan invest $160,000,000 in 

U. S. Savings Bonds, 

—the ranks of Payroll Savers are growing: On June 

30th sales of $25 and $.50 Savings Bonds, the sizes 

purchased chiefly by Payroll Savers, were 69? and 

97' higher than in the corresponding period of 

1952. 

—Payroll Savers hold their Bonds: 75*^ of the 

$7,400,000,000 Series E Bonds which had matured 

up to June 30. 1953, were being retained by tbeir 

owners beyond maturity under the automatic extension 

program. 

—on June 30, 19.53. the cash value of Series E and H 

Bonds — the kind sold onlv to individuals— totaled 

$36,048,000,000, a new high. 

It costs no more to give your Christmas Bonus in Savings 

Bonds. To the Payroll Saver, and to the man who buvs his 

Bonds at a bank ( because his company does not provide 

the Payroll Savings Plan) a One Hundred Dollar Savings 

Bond looks bigger and better than a check for S75, Make 

this a merrier Christmas Jor every employee. Give the giji 

that keeps on giving. 

i'hc United States Government does 

thanks, for ihcir ixitrinl 

for ihi 

ing. The Treasury Department 

dondlion. llu 

.v,«p Council and 

BOXOFFICE 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

14. 1953

and 

. ; . 

TOO Equipment Show 

At Dec. Convention 

OKLAHOMA CITY P A Bub" Warner of 

Manley, Inc.. Dalln-s. will be on liand ureetlng 

his many good friends at tlic Uirrmbcr 7, 8 

Theatre Owners of Oklahuin.i nniMiition In 

the Biltmore hotel here. He i.s planning a huge, 

exceptionally fine display for his company in 

(he TOO tradeshow. Attending the parley 

with him will be Manleyites Frank St. Claire 

and Bill Gale. This will be the first tradeshow 

held in connection with the annual TOO 

convention in several years. 

In charge of organizing the tradeshow are 

Red Slocum. Paul Stonum (chairman) and 

Ray Hughes. 

Also new with the TOO—at least, in a long 

while—will be the special convention publication. 

The program, bearing many pictures, 

TOO data and convention program, 

will be mailed in advance of the meeting 

and will be distributed at the convention. 

It will serve two purposes—informational and 

as a souvenir. The ten-day advance mailing 

also will be to encourage more film folk 

to attend the meeting. 

Talbot, Tulsa, secretary-treasurer. 

Board members include, in addition to the 

above, Phil Hays, Bartlesville; Ralph Drewry. 

Tulsa; A. R. Walker, Broken Bow; Charles 

Procter, Muskogee; Alex Blue. McAlester; Ray 

Hughes. Heavener; Bill Slepka, Okemah; 

Eddie Holt, Coalgate; Gordon Leonard, city; 

Mrs. Avece Waldron. Lindsay; Paul Stonum. 

Anadarko; Homer Jones, Alva; Vance Terry. 

Woodward; Virby Conley, Perryton, Tex.; 

H. S. McMurry, Dumas, Tex. 

TOA Convention Goodby 

Costly to Byron Savage 

OKLAHOMA CITY Uynin SavuKc 'jI C- n 

tury Thratrc Supply was back, home Saturday 

(71 from the TOA convention and equipment 

show in Chlcugo with a .tad titory He had 

the misfortune to lone buffRa«e contalnMiK 

such valuables im a $1,600 rlnv, and It all happened 

as he was bidding Roodby to frlcnd.n 

at the hotel. He .said he loaded his cur, putting 

all his wife's luKgaRC In the trunk which 

he locked He put hLs new two-suiter baK. his 

new brief case and a top coat In the back seat 

locked the car door then returned to the hotel 

lobby to .say his final adieu. He was away an 

hour, returned to find his car had been burglarized 

and his l>ag, containing his Sunday 

best clothes, his wife's new $1,600 ring, a 

16mm camera and light meter, his 22-Jewel 

Hamilton watch, etc , his new brief case, 

loaded with convention tecluilcal data. gone. 

His bag also contained $500 In ca.sh. And, 

he has no insurance. The thief left his lop 

coat. Two policemen were standing right by 

the cai- that was parked In front of the hotel. 

He called to them, reported his lass and hung 

around while the police department checked 

into the theft, but finally gave up and came 

home. 

Sam Brunk Elected 

Chief Barker of 22 

oKiAiKi.M A 

' : . 

m')iiiit iuilr\riiiii.. . 

barker for 1»M a; 

crew Monday 19) i: 

atop the Blltmorr 

film director for K 

which Roe.s on thifirnt 

BMlstant. and . . 

Downtown TheaUe* (jii.ttil iii^.j^'-:. -'-tui.d 

a.ulstant. 

Paul Town«end, city manager of the Sunley 

Warner Theatres here. »b» named properly 

master and Je** Bollman. maintenance 

and equipment man. doughguy Charley 

Hudgens. outgoing chief barker, will serve 

as International canvo-sman. 

Hunt .lucceeds Don TuUlu*. Warner branch 

manager, as first assistant nr. nt i>n 

promoting the Varielv Inlern-Mional ronvenlion. visited the DkUhonu t it.^ lent .>n its 

election night November i. Nine of the newly elected crew members of Tenl 22 are 

shown with several barkers from Dallas Tent 17. Left to right: Kendall Way. Sam 

Brunk, Jess Bollman, Paul Townsend. Dave Hunt. D. V. Terrv. George KUher, C. \. 

Dolsen, Dee FuUer, Ralph Drewry and Variety Executive Director William C. McCraw. 

BOXOFnCE : 

: November 14, 1953 

sw 

63

. . . Maudie 

. . George 

. . 

: November 

i 

DALLAS 

There were many volunteers from the Women 

of the Motion Picture Industry for duty 

by the Lutzer Bros., was robbed 

and doorman 

Saturday 

were 

(7) of $114. The cashier 

in the Cerebral Palsy Telethon the forced at pistol point to turn over the cash 

at 

Baker hotel November 7. 8. which brought 

Pabst, 

at boxoffice closing time 

in more than S250.000. Among the volunteers district manager for United Artists, headquartering 

were Marie Russey. Flo Gan. Mable Guinan, 

in New Orleans, visited the Dallas 

Gertrude Hefner, Orlean Hart. BiUie Stevens, branch. 

Maxine Adams. Verline Osborne. Mildred 

Freeman, Rosa Browning, Mrs. J. B. Roberts, Freddie Hansen, National Theatre Supply, 

Ritz Theatre, Richardson; Minna Mae Stevison, 

reported a most interesting meeting of NTS 

managers at the Palmer House, in connection 

Rachel Shirley, Rosemary White and 

Lorena Cullimore. Pi-esident Verlin Osborne 

of the WOMPI invited the board of directors 

to her home for an informal dirmer meeting 

November 12. 

The Southside Drive-In, Fort Worth, owned 

FILMACK 

SI>ECIAL 

TRAILERS 

SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY 

list- 

30 ye?'S experience including 

exhibition. Ask Better Business Bureau, 

or our customers. Know your broker. 

ARTHUR LEAK Theatre Specialists 

3305 Caruth, Dallas, Texas 

Telephones EM 0238 - EM 7489 

CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE 

THE NEW DA-LITE 

with the TOA and supply tradeshowings in 

Chicago last week. 

Horace R. Fall was in Oklahoma on business 

. . . Hank Robb was in Tulsa in behalf 

of the Admiral Drive-In which he owns . 

H. C. Kaufman, exchange operations manager 

for Columbia, was here on a routine visit 

Vencill of Columbia was promoted 

from head contact clerk to booker. 

Solon Writes His Thanks 

For Repeal Clippings 

Congressman Paige Belcher. First district, 

Enid, wrote this note to us; "Dear Wesley: 

Thanks for the clippings of stories run in 

BOXOFFICE. I thought the picture, as well 

as the story beneath it, was very good. 

Thanks also for the other stories and your 

nice comments about me in behalf of my 

efforts to have the (admissions) tax repealed." 

Herb Bohen has closed his Watonga Drive- 

In until spring. The drive-in was managed 

by his son Milton. Herb operates the Ann 

and Rook theatres in addition to the drive-in. 

(By Wesley Trout). 

"WONDER-LITE" 

ALL-PURPOSE SCREEN 

1. For 3-D, For 2-D. For WIDE SCREEN. 

2. Has Proven Its Superiority in Theatres. 

3. Quick Deliveries. 

HERBER BROTHERS 

"Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years" 

408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1, TEXAS 

BUFFALO 

3409 Oak Lawn, Room 107 

COOLING EQU 

BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO., INC 

P M E N T 

Oollai, 

Te«at 

Rowley Chain to Show 

TOA Courtesy Short 

DALLAS—Nearly 100 partner.";, managers 

and home personnel of Rowley United Theatres 

attended the annual Rowley convention 

in the Adolphus hotel November 10. 11. The 

affair opened with a luncheon in the Danish 

room. 

Most of the convention was devoted to a 

discussion of the TOA convention in Chicago 

and to problems which the partners and 

managers brought up for discussion. 

Of special interest was the screening of a 

reel made by the service department of TO.^ 

entitled "Courtesy Is Contagious." This w.: 

made by Filmack for the association and u.; 

be shipped around to the various Rowle;. 

towns and shown to all employes. 

Out-of-town people in Dallas for the Rowley 

convention were: J. S. Carbary, Little 

Rock; Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Clary. Killeen; 

Bruce L. Collins, Corpus Christi; Cecil Cupp. 

Arkadelphia: Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Davidge. 

Durant: Mr. and Mrs. Lance M. Davis. Rotan; 

Olan and Billy Dickey. Rockett: Marcus 

DeLeon, Del Rio; Mr. and Mrs. Ross Dixon 

and their daughter and Elliott Dixon from 

Colorado City; W. P. Florence, Magnolia; Mr. 

and Mrs. S. L. Gerhard. Mount Pleasant; 

Harry Harrington and J. F. Jones. Palestine; 

Lewis Lila. Laredo; Mr. and Mrs. A. E. 

McClain: B. T. Lilly, Sulphur Springs; Archie 

Neubauer, Robstown; Mr. and Mrs. H. C. 

Overt. Sherman; Wade Wallace, Killeen. 

Also J. W. Trauthan. Sweetwater; Mr. and 

Mrs. W. W. Waldner, Tayor; Mr. and Mrs. 

Dean White, Cameron; John B. Jones, San 

Angelo; Jack Lilly, Commerce; F. R. Jones. 

Waxahachie; Leahman Marshall. Terrell; Mr. 

and Mrs. Paul Poag, Del Rio; Roy Brockman, 

McKinney; Ike Robb. Big Spring; Lester 

True, Sweetwater; George and Palmer 

Procter, Muskogee; Mr. and Mrs. Henry 

Rogers. Sweetwater; Alton Sims. Memphis; 

Mr. and Mrs. George Spence, Laredo; S. L. 

Stokes. Corpus Christi; W. R. Stuckart, Branham; 

J. F. Thames, Little Rock. 

Texas COMPO Plans Lunch 

To Fete George Dembow 

DALLAS—Texa.s COMPO will honor Gîu.:. 

F. Dembow. vice-president and general sal< 

director for National Screen Senice at 

luncheon when he comes here to direct t!.. 

NSS regional sales conference November Hi 

December 1 at the Adolphus hotel. 

Branch managers and salesmen for NS^ 

from Atliuita, Chai-lotte, Dallas, Memplils. 

New Orleans and Oklahoma City will attend 

the .sales meeting. 

Aids in Arlington Drive 

ARLINGTON, TEX.—Intcrstnto Tlieatres 

hold a special picture show on Saturday morniHK' 

to assist in raising food luid dotliing contributions 

to Arlington's thiid shipment of 

gotJds. fo

Double 


M PWi-COHi 


SUPERB 

SOUND 




Eteclricol Componenit are Manufactured under Ballanlyr 

Co. 

Paienlj b/ General Eleclric. 

UNIQUE DUB'L-CONE -^^ 








minutes. 

WEATHERPROOF 






or swell. 

DEPENDABLE 



Ask the Drive-In Theatre Owner who has Dub'lCone Speakers 


HARDIN THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

714 South Hampton Rd. 

Dallas, Texas 

BOXOFFICE : : November 14, 1953

Novi-mbor 14, 19.S3 

i 

Eastern Oklahoma 

By ART LAMAN 

pALL weather has at long last hit the Tulsa 

area and exhibitors are looking forward 

to a spurt in indoor entertainment patronage. 

"The Robe," first Cinemascope picture, 

opened to big business at the Downtown 

Orpheum and business is holding at top level. 

Alex Blue, long-time city manager for the 

Robb & Rowley interests in McAlester, will 

take over management of the Admiral Drivein 

in TuL'â 

Noticed by the Tulsa World that the 

Broken Arrow Drive-In has gone to a dollar 

a car admission. "Mogambo" was held over 

at the Ritz in Tul.sa The Majestic Theatre 

in the Downto\«i circuit, will play some of 

the top art pictures starting in the next few 

weeks. 

Howard Nelson of National Theatre Supply 

was a recent Tulsa visitor. While here, he 

showed us the new anodized aluminum seamless 

Permascreen. The screen is of solid 

aluminum and can be used indoors or out for 

wide-screen, 3-D or 2-D projection. Nelson 

says the screen gives 125 per cent more reflection 

than white screens. 

Oklahoma City Variety Tent 22 elected 

board members Monday (2). Lon Hall from 

New York made a short talk at the meeting, 

outlining the show for which he works and 

which will be a Variety Club-sponsored event. 

The show consists of three features, the 

Skating Vanities of 1954, a water ballet and 

dancing waters, plus a number of other acts. 

The Tent 22 event will be held November 

25-29 at Municipal auditorium in Oklahoma 

City. All theatres in the city are running advance 

trailers on the show. Tickets may be 

obtained in advance from Variety members 

or at the boxoffice and proceeds from the 

show will help the Tent 22 charity fund. 

Art Laman Will Manage 

Tulsa, Okla.. Rialto 

Tulsa—.\rt Laman, BOXOFFICE eastern 

Oklahoma representative, who has 

had wide experience in theatre work, advertising 

and promotion both in and out 

of the theatre, will take over management 

of the Rialto Theatre here Monday 

1161. 

Laman has plans for promoting a number 

of extra features in the Rialto during 

the coming months. His work for BOX- 

OFFICE from the eastern Oklahoma area 

will continue. 

a flat S45 for each show. His operating costs, 

including a western picture, run about half 

this amount. However, the free .'^how fills all 

of rhe 250 seats and gives Davis top concession 

business, plus fine public relations for 

the theatre, the merchants and the town. 

More theatremen in small towns and cities 

would do well to investigate the possibility of 

putting on such a show in their theatres. It 

will be a sure boost to the weekly gross and 

will create new customers for the regular show 

nights. 

As a screen game, 

HOLLYWOOD takes top 

honors. As a box-office attraction, 

it is without equal. It has 

been a favorite with theatre goers for 

over 15 years. Write today for complete details. 

Be sure to give seating or ear capacity. 

HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO. 

a3 1 South Wobaih Avcnu* • Chicago 5, llllnoit 

Every so often we come in contact with a 

theatre owner who again convinces us that 

hustling in show business pays off. Such a 

man is the manager and owner of the Hydro 

Theatre in the small town of Hydro, population 

less than 1,000. E. A. Davis, who works 

on the side as a car salesman, believes that 

extra work around his theatre pays off. 

Davis has promoted a free Saturday show 

in his theatre, paid for by a group of businessmen. 

Here are the figiu-es: Davis gets 

REAL MONEYMAKERS for 

YOU! 

CRETORS 

The Poppinest Popcorn 

Machines in the World 

Add new and greoter profits to your concessions 

with an attractive Cretors. It's so 

quiet in operation but it's mighty loud in 

ringing up POPCORN SALES! 

WRITE FOR FULL INFORMATION TODAY! 

Bernard McKenna, operator of the Oklahoma 

Theatre in Norman, has set aside special 

nights during each week for showing art pictures. 

They are doing nicely. The Wsiite Kerr 

Starlight Drive-In at Sulphur was damaged 

in a booth fire. Some film was burned, also. 

John Saunders, Cleveland theatreman, will 

op)en his new theatre at Barnsdall in mid- 

November. Barnsdall has been without motion 

picture entertainment since a fire burned the 

theatre early this year. 

Athel Boyter and Glen Thompson of Oklahoma 

City .said that Allied Independent Theatre 

Owners of Oklahoma will hold a convention 

early in 1954. Dates have not been 

worked out as yet. 

The Theatre Owners of Oklahoma convention 

will be held in Oklahoma City December 

7. 8 and BOXOFFICE Oklahoma City reporter 

Polly Trindle is mighty busy these days 

working on the program for the event. 

Recently, we wrote about Jerry Stout o{ 

Denton and his pet giveaway night. Just after 

this item appeared, our attention was called 

to another special pet night, held at R\-an. 

Okla. It seems that someone gave Claude 

Tliorpe a dog. Claude owns the Gem at Ryan 

He decided to give the dog away to some 

boy or girl. With a Uttle extra advertising on 

the event, the Gem did a very much increa.

: November 

THE 

NEW 


rJjesiunecl lor lite tin reuicd Sirccii ill ii mi nit I ion net c Marij 

to tvitic Jtrtcn f,rojetfion. Î..,f,fi ei/Lr //, , Untt// or [ttr,,e iizctl 

tintt niornli it Icn.se.s iisctl in C incina-^t onr tint/ II iirntrJjcope, 

ilLoul motlificalion. JJatintj tlonUt- tl.tltj len sion -sl.oes, Irt.tLi. ,,„itl, 

illeri and inrothcli. no thtinife nml hf nttttft- lo run 

ilional or C incnici ^cotic nrinls. ]- crmili in.sltinhtntom 

inlerc licingci o^ apcrlttrci for ">ttj firoieSS. ^JlicSe fetilitrei, 

plus silence of operation, sletiil i ne SS of pit lure antl 

ynomtj of operal ion . mahe lite Uriple _^-/ lite finest 

projector in / 1 totiot^rttpli S .Iz-ifCtir historu. 

W. R. HOWELL 

12 South Walker Avenue 

Oklahoma City 4, Okia. 

MODERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. 

1916 Jackson Street 

Dallas, 

Texas 

BOXOFFICE : 

14, 1953

. . . Howard 

3 

. . Ralph 

. . Mr. 

. . Bill 

. . The 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

H pologies to John T. Griffin of Mmkogee, 

food manufacturer and radio-televLsion 

chain operator in Oklahoma and Arkansas, 

for taking radio station KOMA, 50.000-watt 

CBS outlet here, away from him and generously 

giving same to Roy J. Turner, rancheroilman 

and former Oklahoma governor. It 

was purely accidental—one of those things 

that will happen from time to time in a busy 

editorial office and printing plant. The misinformation 

appeared in the October 31 issue 

in a story built around Dave Hmit. former 

Republic branch manager here who is now 

film director for KWTV. which is connected 

with KOMA. Griffin owns KOMA and half 

of KWTV. Turner ha-s some stock in KWTV 

as does Video Independent Theatres and some 

more individuals. Henry S. Griffing, Video 

president, and Charley Guthrie, Video executive, 

are on the board of directors for KWTV. 

TTie new television station is scheduled to begin 

operation in mid-December. The staff 

is now working in KOMA headquarters and 

station operation will be launched from there. 

However, in the near future a new studio, 

situated just next to radio station KOMA. 

will be completed as the home base lor KWTV 

—a VHF CBS station. 

The J. Eldon Peeks of Oklahoma Theatre 

Supply returned from a week in Chicago 

where they attended the TOA parley and 

ANOTHER OSCAR MAY 

BUILT DRIVE-IN THEATRE 

equipment show. Mrs. Peek had no mo«l 

than returned to town when she headed U 

the new Veterans haspital here where PauA 

Ketcham. .sales manager of United Artists 

Dallas, had been moved. He recently suf-1 

fered a stroke in E>allas. Ketcham. formerlj 

with Standard Theatres here, now known an 

Cooper Foundation Theatres, was moved here I -Vie* of 

Tuesday 1 1 ... Mrs. Peek reports Soonerland 1 < stnick 

was well represented at the TOA conclave. Including 

Mrs. Bess Willkie, Harrah. 

'..(letal. 

fAtPjaiopl" 

Mrs. L. H. Goerke of Canton spent 

days at Guthrie attending a lodge 

C. Federer of the Center 

State was ill several days . Gale, office 

and warehouse manager for Manley here. Is 

a new BOXOFFICE subscriber. 

Jake Watkins of National Theatre 

came back from the Chicago trade meetings 

Friday i6i. but stopped en route home in 

Tulsa to see "The Robe" at the Orpheum. 

Altec Service Corp. installed the CinemaScope 

setup at the Tulsa Downtown Theatres operation. 

Jake flew to Chicago and attended a 

national meeting of NTS personnel prior to 

the TOA convention . Drewry. general 

manager of the Tulsa Dowiitown Thea-' 

tres, was here Friday on business. He and; 

Hank Robb. Dallas, drove over and back onj 

the new Turner turnpike the same day. Mr.! 

and Mr.s. Robb spent the weekend with thel 

Drewrys in Tulsa. 

"The Roi)e" this week ends a five-week run 

at the Criterion, which charged 90 cents until 

1 p.m., S1.25 thereafter; 75 cents for teens 

with school cards, and 25 cents children . . . 

The Plaza, Cooper neighborhood, switched to 

a foreign film schedule. The first offering was 

iireSfl 

..[;*» 

.;, jBd Bl 

rj; 

until 

tl 

iiTlivtJ 

,ate» 

: Wion: 

si;, WOO 

:B,'s1oc« 

rsliTinstii 

T-edtoPi 

fclOB, Sti 

The Warner held "Mogambo," charging 65 

cents until p.m.. 85 cents thereafter, andj 

1 

20 cents for children. 

. 

The week's openings: "Diamond Queen" at 

the Warner: "Botany Bay" followed "The 

Robe" at the Criterion: "Gun Fury" at the 

Center: "The Sea Around Us" at the State; 

"The Cruel Sea" at the Harber. and "Calam-j 

ity Jane" at the Midwest DeMillej 

ballet will be at the Municipal auditorium] 

December 3 with the Oklahoman and Times 

Charities, Inc., sponsoring the one-night performance 

at $1 to $2.95. 

lisle 

Mh 

3. TEX 

Kits of 

With our highly skilled and experienced crew—we are in o position to build a better Drive-ln 

at a lower cost. Also we hove the equipment to build for your present theatre—wide screens, 3-D 

screens, mural paintings for towers, or any other additions you would like to make— REMEMBER, 

IT IS OSCAR MAY WHO HAS HAD THE EXPERIENCE—AND HAS THE KNOW HOW TO SAVE 

YOU MONEY. 

OSCAR MAY OUTDOOR DISPLAY 

Phone 

518 Tierney 

Road 

L0.9186 Fort Worth, Texas 

THE SOUTH WEST'S FOREMOST BUILDER 

OF LOW BUDGET DRIVE-IN THEATRES 

WRITE, WIRE, PHONE— For all detoils of a Personalized Turn-Key job, a job complete in every 

woy—and one that will sove you money our estimates will be (urnised without cost. 

NOTICE: 

WHEN YOU LET YOUR CONTRACT BE SURE IT IS WITH OSCAR 

MAY -DO NOT CONFUSE THIS NAME WITH ANY OTHER SO 

CALLED BUILDERS OF DRIVE IN THEATRES 

Tickets for the Variety Tent 22-sponsorr. 

"Hippodrome of 1954" are on sale, scaled (vn:-. 

$1.50 to S2.95. including tax, for all p. : 

formances, except a special Saturday ma:.- 

nees when adults will be charged $2 a:. 

students $1. Dates for the skating .sh,n> 

and water ballet are November 25-29 at tlu 

Municipal auditorium. Tickets are on sale 

here at Veazey's drugstore. 

In September, theatres and tent shows 

turned in G.42 per cent le.ss sales tax than in the 

same month of last year. Other amusements 

and athletic events showed a sharper decrease 

in collections. This group collected and reported 

to the state tax commission 20.19 per 

cent le.ss in September of 1953 than in the 

.siinic month of 1952. 

Mrs. E. R. "Rod" Slocum. El Reno, was 

vatationing In Mexico . and Mrs. Earl 

' 

Snyder Jr. of Tulsa and Mr. and Mrs. A. A. 

"Speedy" Moulder, Sapulpn, also attended the I 

TOA convention at Chicago. In nil. there 

were about 25 Oklahomans at the TOA convention 

and big trndeshow in Chicago . . . 

Connie Rlggs, executive director of Variety 

I'lnt 22, was In Dallas a couple of dnys on 

BOXOFFICE : : November 14, 19SI 

s Smite; 

'•taciatf 

'lijt-im 

-Widen 

£4110! 

^wjage 

«12), '1 

Wtlie 

gi

— 

. . Frank 

. . John 

. Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Howell of 

ell Theatre Supply returned late Satur- 

(7) from Chicago where they took in the 

itlons. 

city council has renewed WKY-TV's 

(tract and lease covering use of the Municlauditorium 

Little Theatre and room 410 

five weelcs of delays. Councilmen, howr, 

first struck out the five-year option 

for renewal. The lease, presently held 

WKY Radiophone Co., calls for $5,000 a 

for Little Theatre, $41.67 a month for 

410 and exclusive rights to televise 

In nts held the auditorium. The mayor 

nted out until the first contract was made 

WKY five years ago, the city never 

lived more than $1,600 for use of Little 

fttre. Dee Fuller, Tent 22 crewman, is the 

Itorlum manager. 

Elizabeth Tucker, Guthrie; Mrs. L. H. 

erke. Canton: Ray Hughes. Heavener; 

Terry. Woodward: Bill Slepka, Oke- 

E. R. Slocum, El Reno: H. S. McMurry, 

las, Tex.: Phil Hays, Bartlesville: Mrs. 

Avece Waldron, Lindsay, and H. D. Cox, 

.Singer, were on the Row. 

C. B. "Brownie" .\kers and wife Margaret 

'!an to be living back in Tulsa about Novemler 

25. 

They've been house shopping in Tulsa, 

Advisory Plans Set 

For Drive-In Ass n 

DAI.I-.'VS CliiiKlr K/.-ll, pn l.li-tit of Fili-ll .V 

A.>xs(K-latfs luul hc'iul of the Int4>rnalluiiul 

Drlvc-In Theatre Owners Axsn. hits rcvcale

. . What 

. . Isaac 

. . 

. . The 

. . When 

' 

SAN ANTONIO 

Ifelly Branson, Palace chief engineer, took 

off for Tennessee on the remainder of 

his vacation . . . Johnny Bustin, drama critic 

and entertainment editor of the Austin 

American-Statesman, dropped in to see "The 

Robe" at the Majestic. The film was shown 

there ahead of the Capital city run at the 

Paramount. 

Jack Howard Britton, 

MRGINIA GREr 

cameraman, projec- 

lEIF ERICKSON 

Westerns-Features-Serials 

Tower Pictures Co. 

HAROLD SCHWAHZ 

302 S. Harwood St. Dallas 1, Texas 

Phone 

RA-7736 

tionist and stage electrician, and Jack Heinna, 

also a technical expert, worked on location 

with the Paramount crew which produced 

"Arrowhead" at Fort Clark, dude ranch near 

El Paso we like about Austin is 

the hospitality that always greeU us whenever 

we visit there. Interstate City Manager 

William Heliums (Major Heliums when he 

dons Uncle Sam's uniform i is a prince. Then 

there are Buster and Louis Novy of Trans 

Texas Theatres, who have a warm welcome 

for all visitors. 

Oliver B. Thomas, manager of the State, 

slipped on a rug at home and broke an arm. 

He was recuperating in a local hospital at 

press time . . . Beulah Greene, assistant managerof 

the same house, celebrated a birthday 

November 4. Miss Greene again has been appointed 

captain for the fourth consecutive 

year for the Community Chest drive by Interstate 

City Manager George Watson here. 

"Chelo" Hansen, switchboard operator at 

Azteca Films, has a new engagement ring 

and wrist watch from her fiance in St. Louis. 

The nuptials w'ill be early next year . 

Jewell Truex, manager of Azteca, took in the 

Texas-Baylor football game at Austin Saturday 

(7). 

Cau§rht in Austin: The Paramount held a 

sneak prevue Friday (6) at 6 p.m. . . . Mrs. 

John Bustin and Mrs. Bill Heliums had 

50-yard line tickets for the Texas-Baylor 

tussle Saturday (7) . . . The State and Paramount 

presented midnighters by popular demand 

Halloween night . Novy, oldest 

brother of the Trans Texas Theatres boss, was 

in visiting from Monterrey, Mexico . . . Mr. 

and Mrs. Harold Novy were on the scene for 

the Texas-Baylor gridiron skirmish. 

AUSTIN 

âchary Scott and his actress-wife 

Ford spent the week in the Capital 

visiting with Scott's parents. Dr. and 

Z. T. Scott. They were en route to New Yo 

from Hollywood where Scott has just coci 

r*" 

pleted "Appointment in Honduras" wi 

> 

Glenn Ford and Aim Sheridan. John Bi;^': 

amusements editor of the Austin Amenea 

Statesman, had a front-page interview \vi 

art on the Austin-born film star. The Scoti^ j 

said they plan to do a play which novellW#, 

William Faulkner wrote for Miss Ford. 

; 

Raymond Brooks, Austin American ca;;.' 

correspondent, covered the President's re^t. 

visit to the Rio Grande valley along with son 

400 other newshounds . Austin The&bWBT. 

is getting a face-lifting. Among the changiWa 

are a complete repainting job, a paved, curb** < 

and lighted parking lot and a new screen ar 

sound system. The Austin is the fourth ar 

last local Interstate house to be equippt 

completely for wide-screen and stereoph 

sound attractions. 

The Paramount is doing strong busine; 

midway in an eight-day run of "Mogambo 

Interstate City Manager Bill Heliums repori 

that the Clark Gable-Ava Gardner starrer 

hitting the finest boxoffice pace here sine 

"From Here to Eternity" played the bi 

downtown picture palace . tb 

Longhorn Drive-In opened recently, it estat 

lished a fixed price policy of 60 cents 

Apparently the idea is booming, becai 

nearly every other ozoner in town is worl 

the 60-cent-a-car plan at least once a 

In the theater field QUALITY LEAVES ITS MARK 

:^p^-UHiL gives you 

. 

more profit per drink- 

more drinks per gallon! 

^ 

I^Price 

"Otcar" — awarded annuolly by th< 

Pepti-Cola — awarding you exc 

Ji 

Academy of Motion Picture Art> 

and Science!. 

profltl witll exceptional parforn 

r^\k 

.telling SALES* SERVICE, .«

week 

Governor's Refusal 

Helps 'Jane' Anyhow 

MINNEAPOLIS Winner I'xpIoltoiT 1- 

Antliony Rfinicker fuik-d in his ctforUs tu 

indiuc Gov. Sigurd Anderson of South 

Dakota to proclaim a 'Calamity Jane" week 

in that state the seven days that the picture 

was breaking. Tlie failure, however, developed 

into a tremendous publicity plug for the picture. 

Newspapers throughout the state played 

up the governor's refusal on their front pages. 

Even the leading national news services carried 

the story and radio and TV stations 

commented on It. The resultant publicity 

developing from the governor's turndown of 

Relnlcker is believed to be an important factor 

in the big business that the picture did 

in the territory. 

fitter viewing the film. Governor Anderson 

said he resented Its portrayal of Calamity Jane 

as a wholesome. ail-American type of girl. 

He declared it gave a false impression of the 

female gunslinger who had attained notoriety 

in and around Deadwood and the South 

Dakota Black Hills after the Civil war and 

up to her death in 1902. 

"To honor her in any way." asserted the 

governor, •would be unfair to the hundreds 

of thousands of splendid South Dakotans who 

helped to build the state." 

Despite the governor's stand, however, the 

WB exploitation crew that worked on the picture 

in the territory succeeded in getting the 

mayors of three South Dakota towns—Rapid 

Lead and Deadwood—to proclaim 

City. 

'Calamity Jane 

' 

m their communities 

while the picture was playing. For the 

occasion there were western parades and 

activities and the Black Hills beauty queens 

were rung in on the festivities. 

Allen Gardiner Injured 

In Iowa Car Accident 

WOODBINE. IOWA—Allen Gardiner. 45. 

who operates theatres here and in Logan 

Iowa, was injured when his car struck a bridge 

on Highway 30 about three miles north of 

Logan. He was taken to Mercy hospital in 

Council Bluffs where his condition was said 

to be fair. Gai'dlner, who was alone in the 

car at the time, lost control of his station 

wagon in attempting to pa.ss two other autos. 

officers said. Gardiner's car struck the concrete 

bridge abutment head-on and then 

bounced across the highway to strike the other 

rail. Gardiner suffered facial and head injuries 

and lost considerable blood before his 

removal to the hospital. 

Kid Prices Increased 

CUMBERLAND. WIS.— Herbert 

Robinson, 

manager of the Isle Theatre, has adopted a 

new price scale for children. Youngsters between 

the ages of 5 and 12 are to be admitted 

for 20 cents; those from 13 through senior 

high school will be admitted for 35 cents, with 

the presentation of a student activity ticket. 

Previously the Isle had charged 9 cents for 

children. 

More Big Screens Installed 

DES MOINES—CinemaScope-type screens 

have been installed at three more theatres 

In Iowa: the Palace at Vinton, managed by 

Ernie Kammerer; the Lenox at Lenox, Mrs. 

Holben, owner, and the Sunset at Sumner. 

Harry Pace, proprietor. 

Showmen in Twin Cities 

Fight Policeman Censor 

MINNKAPOLIS— Film ctasorshlp will blunder 

Httuck In municipal court here Ihl.s 

week when Judge L. L. Anderson will rule on 

whether a policeman ha,s the right to set 

up himself a-s a censor, and whether the city 

Is empowered to revoke or su.spcnd the license 

of a theatre which .vhowed a picture deemed 

Improper by the policeman who halted ILs 

exhibition. 

The police action was caused by the old 

nudist film colony picture, "Elysla." and 

posters used In front of the lower loop Grand 

to advertise It. The posters revealed nude 

women. 

The North Central Allied organization and 

the Minneapolis Star editors have taken a 

hand in the matter. 

Sam Berger. Grand owner, obeyed the order 

of the policeman. Jake Sullivan, police morals 

.squad head, to stop showing "Elysia." but 

when the city council license committee suspended 

the theatre license for ten days, 

although no charge had been made against 

him, he went into court and obtained a 

temporary order restraiiung the city from 

shuttering the showhouse. 

Claiming that the self-constituted oneman 

police censorship is invalid and opposed 

to freedom of expression under the constitution. 

S. D. Kane. North Central Allied 

executive counsel, representing Berger, is 

seeking a permanent injunction to prevent 

the closing of the theatre for any period. 

In the past "Elysia" has been frequently 

exhibited in Minneapolis without any police 

interference or furore of any kind. This was 

its first revival in recent years. 

After halting "Elysia" at the Grand. Sullivan 

told newspaper reporters that the picture 

Builds Ray, N.D., Airer 

RAY, N.D.—Although its opening isn't 

scheduled until next spring, grading and 

preliminary construction work are being 

rushed on a new drive-in theatre here. Cecil 

R. Hamers will own and operate it. 

HOLLYWOOD VISITORS — Gloria 

Mahler, left, booker for Standard Theatres 

Management, hpadquartt'ringr in 

Milwaukee, Ls greeted by Nicole Maurey. 

French actress, on the set of Paramounfs 

"Legend of the Inca" in Hollywood. At 

right is Miss Mahler's sister Vicky, also of 

Milwaukee. 

wiiMit "li-wd or Indpccnl," but wild the poller 

deimrtment hud rtcclvetl rompUilnlH lh«t 

Juvvnllrs were brltuc atlritctrd by It and Uir 

pastern. Hr compurcd the film In (trrlodlcaU 

that feature nudr women and iiwcrted "wr 

don't want that." 

Kane nayii NOA lii deeply alarmed and lerlously 

concerned by the acUonit of Sullivan and 

the council Uccnxc committee and tuu decided 

to back up Berger. 

"If 

the actlon.s are to stand." Kane pointed 

out. "Individual freedom Lt .serlouxly In danger. 

We arc faced with a one-man cenxorshlp 

entirely subjective In nature and without 

judgment standards, moral or otherwise. Such 

a censorship Ls Intolerable In America and U 

Ls a censorship by whim and caprice." 

The lengthy editorial In the Minneapolis 

Star carried the caption. "To the Pure." 

"Must we adapt our movle.

. . Congratulations 

. . . "The 

, 

I 

MINNEAPOLIS 

Qhief Barker Bcnnie Bcrger ha^ appointed 

S. P. Halpern as the Northwe,st Variety 

Clubs legal counsel with the title of "The 

Fixer" . to the local 

Paramount branch which finished eighth 

nationally and second in the midwest division 

in the Adolph Zukor Golden Jubilee drive. 

Branch Manager Jess McBride and his boys 

did a fine job. 

Local film salesmen now are arranging the 

Northwest Variety Club heart hospital theatre 

collections which start November 26. 

Chief Barker Berger asks exhibitors not yet 

contacted by salesmen to call or drop a card 

to the club immediately so that a print of 

the new special trailers for their use can be 

reserved. "This is the only theatre collection 

of the year and, as you know, this and the 

special $100 a plate dinner held in September 

are the only fund raising events each year for 

this very worthy cause." Berger pointed out. 

"Our Variety Club heart hospital is the finest 

and the only specialized hospital of its kind 

in the world. It deserves your support." 

Herman Goldberg of the Warner real estate 

department was here on a routine visit . . . 

Although several weeks have elapsed since 

Harry Kalmine and other Cinerama bigwigs 

w-ere here to in.spect various Loop theatres, 

there's no word yet anent Cinerama taking a 

local house and coming here . . . Charlie Fox. 

Milwaukee burle.sque impresario, who was de- 

prived of a local home for his girls-and-mus 

show, is still dickering with the Minnesoli 

Amusement Co. for its shuttered Aster. Han! 

B. French, MAC president, says matters ai' 

.still in the negotiating stage. 

Meeting in Rochester and with W. C. Carte: 

Plainview. presiding, the Southern Minnesot; 

Exhibitors a-ss'n discu.ssed 3-D and wide scree' 

developments. The con.sensus was that small 

town exhibitors should continue to delay pui 

chasing equipment until some furtht 

standardization and lower prices are attaine< 

"Calamity Jane" is proving a smash gn > 

in the Twin Cities and outstate. It was ni 

over for second weeks in both Minneapoli> 

St. Paul, where it chalked up well-abovi -: 

business, but in many of the terru : 

smaller towns it has been hitting sensat. : 

figures. At the outset Warner Bros, hat: 

prints working, but this number has bee 

reduced and now prints are being routed i 

avert missouts. 

DELIVERY 

We oim to make delivery 

on lenses and screens from 

three to four weeks after 

receipts of order. We try to 

get you the hard-to-get items 

so that you don't have to 

moke them locally. Our engineering 

service, plus the enlarge 

foctories, places us in a 

much better position to give 

you the best of now equipment 

under these trying 

further information 

For use on both drive-in and 

indoor theatre screens. For 

both 2-D and 3-D pictures. 

"UNI-MAX" Metallic 

Screen Paint 

DES 

1121-23 High Street 

WE ARE 

MOINES 

TO SELL YOU 

Complete 3-D Equipment 

Stereophonic Sound 

25" and 26" Magazines 

Wide Angle Lenses 

For Century—Motio—Simplex 

CinemaScope Lenses 

F-2 Speed Aperture plates, 

also new gates, if needed 

CinemaScope Screens 

Standard Metallic 

''Silver Screens" 

4 weeks delivery 

Wide Angle Curved Screens 

4 weeks delivery 

THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

Phone 3-6520 Dcs Moines, Iowa 

Fay Dressell, RKO manager, is looking for 

ward to January 21 when the new Jan 

Russell Technicolor musical. "FYench Liue.i 

will be released . . . Esther Bolnick. Wameji 

receptionist, was vacationing in New YorlJj 

city . . . 20th-Fox's "How to MaiTy a Millionj 

aire." is set to open at Radio City Novembe' 

26 as the Thanksgiving week attraction ani, 

in St. Paul December 3. 20th-Fox exploitee 

Abe Bernstein from New York i.s here no\ 

helping Chick Evans to set up the campaigi 

Robe" opened at Ted Mann ani 

George Gran-strom's St. Paul World this weel 

to the expected terrific business 

Murphy. Minneapolis Star-Tribune cril 

went to Hollywood to visit the studios. 

"Martin Luther," wliich ran for four w 

at the Lyceum here ... is back in Minnea 

this time at the Minnesota Amusement 

Century . . . William Lochren, who pionei 

screen advertising and local newsreels h( 

died in St. Paul at the age of 69 . . . Pri 

Eisenberg. who recently resigned as Unil 

Artists' South Dakota salesman, will dew 

himself to his Washburn (Wis.i Theatre . 

Gil Swanberger. Bennie Berger circuit gei 

manager, passed out the cigars after 

birth of a baby son. his third ... All 

salesmen were out on a two-week trip 

the territory. 

The neighborhood Campus is joining 

downtown legitimate Lyceum In present 

occasional Swedi.sh pictures . . , Even the loc«5ii 

neighborhood theatres equipped with 

have been playing "I. the Jiu-y" as a 2-D i' 

traction . . . Tlie State. St. Paul neighbor!'. - 

house, advertises "no commercials, no i\ 

strain and no glare." 

"Obsessed," Briti.sh film, opened at the{ 

neighborhood fine arts Wcstgatc here . . .. 

The East Lake is first of uptown theatres to! 

advertise a "giant wide-vision .screen" 

After a thrw-month leave because of iUness^ 

William Mussman, Paramount city 

and office manager. Is back on the Job. 

Charlie McCarthy Named 

AUSTIN. MINN. Tlu" Au.slui Hcrakl lists 

what numo could be better for .someone In the 

cntfrlainmont business than that of the new 

immaKcr of the Austin Theatre. He Is Charlie 

McCarthy, newly arrived from Sioux PallJ. 

.s U.. to succeed John Chancy, who has gone 

to Minneapolis to take a position with the' 

Minnesota Amusement Co. 

«i(l)m, 

BOXOFFICE November 14, 1963

double Satisfaction 



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WEATHERPROOF 

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DEPENDABLE 



Ask ihe Drive-In Theatre Otvner who has Dub'lCone Speakers 

— more than lO.OOO installed in new and existing theatres. 

The Ballantyne Company 

1712 Jackson St. 

Omaha 2, Nebraska 

American Theatre Supply 

316 South Main Street 

Sioux Falls, South Dakota 

Theatre Equipment Supply Co. 

1009 North 7th Street 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

BOXOFFICE :: November 14, 1953

. . 

: November 

IV.C. Carter, Plainview, Minn.,Exhibitor 

Laments Critics Vnkind Remarks 

MINNEAPOLIS — Irked because Cedric 

Adams, widely read Minneapolis Star columnLst, 

and various publications have been what 

he considers "piclung on the film industry," 

W. C. Carter, pioneer PlainWew, Minn., ex- 

fund, Christmas seals, Easter seals and a 

hibitor, WTote a lengthy letter to Adams, taking 

dozen other projects. Do we ever read about 

the latter to task. Adams gave the lett€r these things in any new-spaper or maga- 

the top position in his Monday Star column, zine? I never have. I'm not asking for 

thanks, but it might be well to let people 

calling it "the strikeback." It occupied twothirds 

of the Adam-s' column. 

know something nice about the theatres . . . 

"Maybe if I write this letter to you while 

I'm still angry I'll have enough courage to 

"You're not the only columnist or writer 

who gives out with the unkind remarks. But 

mail it to you." wrote Carter. "I just finished when you do it, they really hurt. The hurt 

reading another of your remarks, your unkind 

does not come to as so much because we in the 

remarks, about the movie industry. business understand them, but the impression 

Can't you or your colleagues ever say anything 

they give and leave upon the public is harm- 

kind about our industry? 

ful to us. So how about saying something 

"We in the theatre business know that our nice about us once in a while? After all, we're 

business is undergoing a revolution. But we only human. Thanks for letting me blow my 

stack. I'd never have nerve enough to write 

believe it will turn out the best for all of 

Lately in the magazines and newspapers, this to any one else." 

us. 

however, all that the public ever gets to read 

about the movies is that the studios are 

closing down, all the big stars are being 

dropped, no new pictures are being made, etc. 

"If the public continues to hear these things 

they're going to start believing them and start 

staying away from the movie theatres. We 

exhibitors know these things are not true. We 

get our weekly trade papers. They list all the 

new movies being made, the new stories being 

bought. They tell us the truth about things 

in Hollywood. Where the rest of you get 

your information I don't know . 

"We have a small-town theatre, the Gem, 

of which we're proud. We have just finished 

irLstalling a new wide screen. It's the first 

in southern Minnesota. We. like all smaUtown 

exhibitors and anyone else 

in our busine.ss 

put our all into our theatre. It certainly 

is anything but encouraging to read all the 

unkind things said about our industry. 

"Picture how dark the main street of any 

small town would be without the bright lights 

of the movie marquee blazing away every 

RCA products are 

among the best to 

be had—buy wisely! 

night. I might also mention that the movie 

theatres come in very handy for running 

gratis trailers urging our patroas to contribute 

to the March of Dimes, the Cancer 

New Screens Installed 

At Nebraska Theatres 

A number of theatres in Nebraska have put 

in new screens. Among them are the following 

installations: 

Columbus—The Columbus, managed by 

Burns Ellison, a curved screen. 

Cozad—Rialto, owned by W. J. Hagadone, 

a panoramic screen, 32x14 feet. 

Oxford—Granada, operated by Manager 

Tramp, a panoramic .screen installed by Carl 

White of Quality Tlieatre Supply, Omaha. 

Norfolk—Rialto, manager by Elton Benson, 

a curved screen. 

Closes at Dana, Iowa 

DANBURY, IOWA—The Dana Theatre 

here has been closed by Manager Lewie 

Ahlwardt because of lack of patronage. The 

last show was a benefit performance for the 

Ray McNamara family. 

3-D Going Strong! 

The public likes third-dimension, wide-screen and 

all depth illusion effects. 

Don't Wait-You May Lose By Delay 

Most exhibitors ore doing it now^-to meet increasing 

demand. Let's talk it over. 

RCA-lnternational Chairs 

The Finest for Comfort, Beauty, Durability in our 

Best 

DRIVE IN SCREEN PAINT 

Resurface with nonrcHcctive paint so you can 

show 3-D on drive in and other screens. We hove 

the point ond proper thinners. 

Sproy or brush on. 

New Marquee Letters 

Perk up your marquee with new and better letters 

that ottract patrons. 

Theatres. 

WESTERN 

THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

'Robe' Sets Gate Record 

At Omaha Orpheum 

OMAHA— -Tl-ie Robe" .êt a new aUtim. 

gate record at the Orpheum, Tristates Distrlc, 

Manager William Miskell reported after thi 

first week. The mark was 420 per cent 

Miskell said the 3.000-seat auditorium wa; 

consistently packed from opening to closlni 

throughout the week. Lightest day was tin 

opening day, when the theatre was delugec 

with calls such as "how long will i have U 

wait" and "how long is the Une." Show? 

run from 11:45 to 1 at SI, then S1.20 'tit 

closing. 

In the face of such competition, the Brandeis 

reported that "Prom Here to Eternity 

did nearly 130 per cent In its third week. 

(Average Is 100) 

Omaho Anna (IFE) T 

Orplieum The Robe 

',, 

(20th-Fox) 

RKO Brondeis 

wk 

From Here to Eternity (Col) 3rd 

l; 

Stote— Blowing Wild (WB), 2nd wk 

Town Marshal of Cedar Rock (Rep); Born fo Sin 

UD); Male ond Female (UD) 

"Worlds' Rates 150; 

'Robe' Up in Twin City 

^^NNEAPOLIS—"War of the Worlds" was 

last week's surprLîe boxoffice package, outdistancing 

all of the other newcomers which; 

included "Moonlighter," "The Master of 

Ballantrae," "Flight to Tangier" and "Hundred 

Hour Hunt." A spurt of "The Robe" in 

its fifth week also came unexpectedly, contributing 

to its already phenomenal boxoffice 

performance. In addition to "The Rot)e" other 

holdovers included "Mogambo" and "Calamity 

Jane" in their third and second weeks and 

still going strong. 

Century Master of Bollentroe (WB) 85 

Gopher Mogombo ;MGM), 3rd wk 120 

Lyric Wor of the Worlds (Pora) ISO 

Radio City The Robe i:20th-Fox), 250 

5th wk. . 

RKO-Orpheum Moonlighter (RKO) 90 

RKO-Pon Calamity Jane (WB), 2nd wk 125 

State Flight to Tangier (Pora) 85 

World Hundred Hour Hunt Greshler) 80 

Bick Downey Takes Over 

Hamburg, Iowa, Colonial 

HAMBURG. IOWA—The Colonial 

Theatre 

. 

here has been leased to Bick Downey of 

Hastings, Neb., on a long-term contract 

Downey will build two restrooms, remodel the 

lobby, install cushion seats and a new giant 

curved screen. Downey has been in the theatre 

business more than 30 years. He owned 

and operated his own theatre in Hastings 

for seven years until it was destroyed by fire 

earlier this year. 

Regular show schedules will be maintained 

during the remodeling Job, except when the 

, 

new screen and new seats go In. 

New Screen in Slayton, Minn. 

SLAYTON. NHNN. A new wide .screen luv.'; 

been installed at the Murray Tlientre hm- 

D. G. Rauenhorst, theatre owner, saj-s the 

new .screen is as Ini-ge as the building can 

take without major alterations, which may be 

foitlicomini; in futiirt- months. 

Jennie Cowles to Mystic, Iowa 

MYSTIC, IOWA— Mr. and Mrs. Al Cast«r 

have sold the Strand Theatre here to Mrs. 

Jennie Cowles who plans to operate Wednesday 

through Sunday as before. The Casters 

maimgcd the Strand for the past year. 

BOXOFFICE : 14, 1953L

tituimoi-fi/iir linsc.i iijeil in C incinii ^^( nnc anil II 'a rncrîon, . 

THE 

NEW 


IbcsUjHcJ f„r iL- Incrcaicl Urccn iff„n,l„..Ho„ naciU.r.j 

to wJe urccn f,rojcclio„. _.I,,,f,fi ,!ll,,, ll.v .,»,

star of 'Nebraskan/ Given SO-City 

Sfate Debut, Meets Omaha Squaw, 96 

WALTHILL. NEB.—A paleface cowboy film 

star invaded this little northeast Nebraska 

town last week to visit a 96-year-old Indian 

squaw. The star Ls Phil Carey, who stands 

more than six feet in his cowboy boots. The 

Indian woman is Mrs. Lydia Johnson iher 

Indian name is Slanting Sun), who had to 

use an Omaha tribe interpreter to tell her 

story. 

The occasion was the world premiere of 

Columbia's "The Nebraskan" November 10 

at the State Theatre in Omaha. The picture 

was scheduled for showings in 60 other state 

cities in what is believed to be the first saturation 

3-D affair in the country. 

With the aid of the grandson of the man 

who was the hunting companion of her father, 

the aged Indian woman rolled back the years 

for Carey. 

She told of buffalo hunts she witnessed as 

a child. She told how the tribe was forced 

to go on increasingly longer trips as the 

buffalo were pushed ever westward and the 

Omaha tribe had trouble getting their winter 

meat. Walt Hamilton, the interpreter, became 

engrossed in the story. 

"Your father." he told Slanting Sun, "was 

a great warrior. My grandfather spoke often 

and well of him. Two Crows, and his courage 

on the hunt." 

Her faded eyes sparkled and she talked 

rapidly in guttural tones. Hamilton said .she 

was recalling an Omaha tribe legend in which 

her father captured two Sioux Indians 

single-handed. 

Carey told her through the interpreter that 

the 3-D film portrays many happenings of the 

early days in Nebraska. He gave her a huge 

box of groceries he purchased in town before 

going to her home. She looked over a piece 

of meat with an experienced eye and again 

muttered in her native tongue. 

"What did she say?" asked Carey. 

"Just what any old grandmother would say 

to a young man who has pleased her," said 

the interpreter. "She said, too, the young man 

comes with peace in his heart and gifts in his 

hands and that is good." 

As the sun was setting, the group of film 

people left to go back to Omaha and the aged 

Indian watched from her door, leaning heavily 

on her cane. 

Carey and starlet Marilyn Novak made ap- 

PES MOINES 

BEST. 

fumack 

SPECIAL 

TRAILERS 

PROGRAMS

i 

[fs, 

Northwesi Variety 

Elects New Crew 

MINNEAPOLIS— Holding Its iiniuial iiifeting. 

tlie Noithwe.sl Variety Club elected its 

Ijoai'd of directors for 1954 and alternate delegates 

to the next Variety Clubs International 

convention in Dallas. 

Those chosen were Tom Burke. Sim Heller, 

Jess McBride. Ben Meshbesher, Eddie 

Schwartz. Charles Winchell. LeRoy J. Miller. 

Gilbert Nathanson. George Granstrom, 

Joseph Podoloff and Charlie Rubenstein. 

Convention dclciâtes alternates elected were 

Gilbert Nathanson and William Ronning. 

Present Chief Barker Bennie Berger and the 

new barker to be named by the board within 

the next month are the regular convention 

delegates. 

The past five chief barkers also serve with 

the board of directors, although they have 

no vote. 

The club voted to organize a women's 

auxiliary. Treasurer Heller reported that It 

is in sound financial condition. Members 

stood one minute in silence to honor the 

memory of Ben Friedman, one of its most 

active workers during his lifetime, who died 

during 

the year. 

Art Anderson, heart hospital committee 

chairman, urged that all theatres be contacted 

regarding heart hospital collections 

late this month. 

Hedda Hopper Hits at Reds 

In Twin Cities Speech 

MINNEAPOLIS—striking out against the 

Hollywood Reds, Hedda Hopper, syndicated 

film columnist, in a T\vin cities address declared 

that 'the life of one American soldier 

is worth all of the careers in Hollywood." 

Among others, she also flayed the playwright 

who depicts race against race and defended 

U. S. Senator McCarthy. 

"Hollj-wood is a state of mind," declared 

Miss Hopper. "It has no mayor, no civic 

center and only recently a post office. It's 

just a suburb of Los Angeles and yet it's the 

best-known place in the world. 

"It has some of the finest people in the 

country. It has talent, and the motion picture 

has been and caia be the greatest power 

for good, for it can depict the American way 

of life and democracy at work." 

Miss Hopper told about those members of 

the Hollywood film world who have been 

associated with the Communist party and how 

progress ha.s been made in rooting them out. 

"We must act to rid the country of communism 

and those who toe the party line," 

declared Miss Hopper. 

Hollywood gets a lot of publicity, but it does 

a poor job in public relations, asserted the 

columnist. 

Orlve-ln License Denial 

Held Illegal in Iowa 

CHARLES CITY, lOWA-Di.strlct Judge 

William P. Butler has declared unconstitutional 

an Iowa law which was u.sed by the 

St. Charles township trastee.s to refuse an 

operating licen.se for the Charles City Drlvc- 

In on Highway 218. The decision wu.s handed 

down in a suit brought by the Central States 

Theatre Corp. of Des Moines. The law Involved, 

chapter 361 of the code of 1950. vests 

in 

the township trustees power to regulate or 

prohibit a legitimate business. 

The suit was brought by Central States 

against Robert Sar. Forrest Klages and Raymond 

Fluhrer. trustees for St. Charles township. 

Floyd county; J. W. McOeeney. Justice 

of the peace; E. W. Henke, county attorney, 

and Bernard Atherton, sheriff. Henke 

indicated the decision would be appealed, 

although no formal action has yet been taken. 

The decision was of far-reaching import 

because it also prohibits trustees from licensing 

rural roadhouses, pool halls, dance halls, 

skating rinks, clubhou.ses, amusement parks 

and bowling alleys. The licensing law has 

been in effect in Iowa since 1924. 

Judge Butler said he declared the law unconstitutional 

because it gives the trustees 

unlimited power over legitimate business. 

Central States was granted a permanent 

injunction barring the defendants from interfering 

with the Charles City Drive-In under 

"any pretext of enforcing the provisions of 

chapter 361 of the code of 1950." 

"Chapter 361 of the code of 1950 is unconstitutional 

in that the legislature has attempted 

therein to vest in an unincorporated 

and nonlegislative unit of government, to wit, 

the tow'nship trustees, an unlimited and undefined 

power to regulate or prohibit a 

legitimate business, limited only by their 

undefined discretion," the Judge said. "The 

action of the defendants is a taking of property 

of the plaintiff without due process of 

law and contrary to the constitution of the 

state of Iowa and contrary to the Fourteenth 

amendment to the Constitution of the United 

States." 

The suit was instituted in Charles City 

after the Central States Theatre Corp. was 

denied a license to operate the drive-in June 

5. 1952 MunuKcr of ;: . : . . 

by Central SUl < 

.strucllon 

material 

to the war In Kor< i 

did not apply for .. 

1952. the firm .start. 

5. application wa.s u„i.,. ,-.. 

denied. The theatre firm. t. 

said, thereafter undertook t>. 

applied 

aire without a llceaie and d.. 

of 1952 the officers of Floyd toui.iy arrcitU 

various persons connected with the operation 

of the theatre, fines were Imposed, appeals 

taken but not perfected. 

On April 6. 1953. the theatre firm again 

applied for a renewal or reissuance of the 

Iicen.se. but was refused. Thereafter, the 

Judge said, the plaintiff attempted to operate 

the theatre without a license and the 

manager. R. Wlnkelman. was arrested three 

times and charged with violation of chapter 

361. The last arrest was April 13. 

In the meantime, the trustees had Issued 

a license to the Star-Vue Drlve-In which 

operated in the St. Charles township On 

April 14, Central States filed a petition In 

district court. The Judge's decision resulted. 

In his opinion, the judge said, "the power 

of the state to prohibit a legitimate business 

is exceedingly doubtful and it seems to me 

further that the authorities relied upon by 

the trustees are largely authorities dealing 

with those businesses which by their nature 

are so unlikely to be injurious to the public 

health and morals that the power of the 

state to prohibit them Is sustained, but . . . 

these cases furnish no analogy which would 

support the power of the state to prohibit a 

legitimate business enterprise." 

The fight was injected into the 1953 sessions 

of the legislature through a bill which 

would have shifted to the board of supervisors 

the authority to licen.se drive-in theatres 

outside cities and towns. The legislature 

failed to pass the bill, with the result 

that the authority of township trustees was 

left unchanged. 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

Four More Theatres Join 

Wide-Screen Groups 

OMAHA—The wide-screen race is on with 

full steam in the Nebraska territory. Some 

of the latest installations are by Tom Sandberg. 

Ravenna; Fred Schuler, Humboldt: 

Rollie Connell and Vern Lindholm, Bassett, 

and Duane Lockmon, Stuart. 

Lockman, just back from a deer hunting 

trip, is doing painting and other redecorating 

and adding new seats. Other wide-screen installations 

are at Gothenburg, Lexington, Central 

City, Cozad and Seward.

. . . The 

. . Johnny 

. . 

. . The 

: November 

. . Harold 

. . Most 

t 

j 

j 

OMAHA 

ôn McLucas. United Artists manager, was 

laid up for a spell with a bad cold, one 

of the many victims of the epidemic which 

swept Omaha. Another was M. E. Anderson, 

Paramount manager, who had to give up a 

duck hunting trip on the Missouri river with 

Orville Eby of the booking department, Eby 

reported that in spite of nasty weather which 

struck the area the ducks failed 

to show up. 

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Bickford were in town 

with Mrs. Neil Munkres, owner of the Chief 

at Weeping Water. The Bickfords are going 

to run the theatre and were being introduced 

to the booking duties . . . Al Gardner, former 

Omaha-Iowa salesman now an exhibitor in 

Iowa, was reported haspitalized in Omaha 

with injuries suffered in an accident . . . 

Loren Landkamer, manager of Tristate's Bonham 

at Fairbury, is on vacation . . . Evelyn 

Cannon, MGM office manager, received a 

birthday cake and gift from the staff. 

The Quality Theatre Supply Cos. plategla.ss 

front window bears the battle scars of 

Halloween. There are three small holes made 

by BB shot . . . Hal King, Lippert representative 

from Des Moines, was in town . . . Ben 

Marcus, Columbia district manager at Kansas 

City, visited J. H. Jacobs, head of the Omaha 

branch . Jones, MGM chief booker, 

drove to Denver on his vacation and ran 

into the snowstorm which struck western 

Nebraska and eastern Colorado. 

Anthony Blankenau, exhibitor at Dodge, 

brought his mother. Mrs. Herman Blankenau. 

in for a visit at Theatre Booking Service and 

to view "The Robe" at the Orpheum. Mrs. 

W. C. DeLand. whose daughter. Erma, is with 

TBS. also came to town from Osceola to see 

the picture. Floyd Kerwood, Hastings operator, 

also came in for "The Robe." 

Tristates' Rivoli at Hastings will have 

Cinemascope in operation soon . . . Henry 

Saggau, who has the Ritz at Denison, Iowa, 

has most of his Cinemascope equipment and 

hopes to have it installed this month . . . Ray 

Brown has received wide-screen equipment at 

Harlan, Iowa . . . Joyce Anderson, secretary 

to UA Manager McLucas. was one of the 

happiest gals on Filmrow. After years of 

apai-tment living she is moving into a brand 

new house. 

Dick Marvel, exhibitor at Mason City and 

Arcadia, has .sold his interest in both towns 

State Theatre at Hudson. S.D., is 

closing . . . Paramount Booker Orville Eby 

is on vacation this week . . . Mr. and Mrs. 

Paul Haeker. Alma exhibitors, were in town to 

see about getting some new equipment . 

Harvey Past. Winner, S.D., exhibitor, went 

deer hunting in the Black Hills. 

Henry McGrath, FEPCO general manager. 

Is expecting his .son Danny home on leave 

.soon. Danny has been on submarine duty in 

Japane.se waters . . . Mort Eichenberg, former 

RKO and Columbia salesman, has been released 

from the army as a captain after serving 

In Alaska following his recall . . . Manager 

Doc Burton has installed 3-D equipment at 

the Grove In Gerlng. 

Exhibitors on Filmrow Included lowans 

Arnold John.son, Onawa. Elmer Svendsen, 

Alta.; Ray Brown. Harlan; Oke Goodman, 

Vllllsca, and Floyd Hill, Early, and Nebroskans 

John FLsher, Valley; Paul Tramp, Oxford; 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schuler, Humboldt; 

Charles Thoene, Lyons; Jim Travis, Milford; 

Adolph Rozanek, Crete; A. E. Thacker jr., 

South Sioux City, and Phil and Wayne March, 

Wayne and Vermillion. 

Two young men taken into service a day 

apart will be back home and out of the army 

this month. They are Carl White jr., son of 

Mr. and Mis. Carl White, owners of the 

Quality Theatre Supply Company, and Charles 

White, son-in-law of Howard Brookings, theatre 

owner at Oakland, Iowa. The boys are 

not related but were good friends before m- 

duction. Charles White was manager of an 

Iowa Tlieatre before entering service . . . Mr 

and Mrs. Carl White returned last week from 

Chicago where they visited their son and 

daughter-in-law wliile attending the equipment 

dealers convention. Also with them were 

LyTin White of the Omaha firm and several 

other Nebraskans and Omahans; Mr. and Mrs. 

Walter Creal, Mons Thomp.son, St. Paul; Mrs. 

Ann Schi-oeder. Wisner, and Walt Hagedone, 

Cozad. 

Dan Flanagan, new manager of the Chief in 

South Omaha, comes from the Arbor Theatre 

in Nebraska City. His family will continue to 

live in Nebraska City and he will commute 

between there and Omaha. 

Gold Life TEDA Card 

Given to F. A. Van Husan 

OMAHA—F. A. Van Husan returned to 

Omaha from the Theatre Equipment Dealers 

Ass'n convention in Chicago last week with 

one of the most highly 

prized articles he has 

received in 50 some 

years in the film industry. 

He proudly 

displayed gold engraved 

life membership 

in TEDA. It was inscribed 

: 

"This life membership 

card of the Theatre 

Equipment Dealers 

Ass'n is presented to 

F. A. Van Husan in 

Frank A. Van Husan appreciation of his untiring 

efforts for the betterment of our 

organization." 

The industry veteran has 38 years of continuous 

service and was on the TEDA board 

Walter Lower Dies 

MOOSE LAKE, MINN.—Walter Lower, 

owner of the Lake Tlieatre here, died In a 

hospital in EXuluth. 

Returns to Boone, Iowa 

BOONE. IOWA— S. N. Fangman. who was 

manager of the Ccntrul States Tlieatre Corp. 

theatres in Boone for nearly 20 yeius before 

going to Fremont. Neb., in 1951. hius returned 

to Boone iis city manager for the firm's theatres, 

the Rlalto and the new drlve-ln .soon 

to be built. 

MILWAUKEE 

T F. Gran has been confined to his home to 

the last two weeks due to illness, bu'' 

industry friends are sending him wishes fa 

his speedy recovery . . 

rHHHjHnHH|l 'ôm Cornell, as re- 

;HH^F ^^HlI ported, is not associ- 

IH^^HI^^BIB 

B'ted with Standarc 

Theatres Managemen" 

here, but is with L. P' 

Gran Enterprises . . 

"Martin Luther" is Ir. 

its fourth week at the' 

Strand. Special mom-! 

ing matinees were helc 

last weekend for the. 

visiting teachers. lr| 

town for the statt, 

L. F. Gran teachers convention! 

being shown at morning, 

The film also 

performances in the German language. I 

Wisconsin Variety Club held its annual elec-; 

tion of officers Monday i9) at Jimmy Fazio's 

Supper club ... Ed Johnson of the Roosevelt 

said his theatre was robbed last Sunday 

Thieves were unable to find any cash so they 

took a radio and an electric clock . . 

"Sabre Jet" opened at the Palace. 

Angelo Porchetta, former head booker (or 

Fox Wisconsin Amusement Corp. and now 

associated with the Madison Theatres. Madison, 

was married last week . of the 

area drive-ins have closed the winter.j 

for 

The 15 Outdoor remains open and Manager 

Rudy Kutnick says it will stay open untilj 

the snow piles so high that the patrons 

can't get in. 

i 

Mike Lecione, who operated the Lincoln at; 

Kenosha several years ago. has reopened that! 

house . Lake at Washburn has closed! 

for the season. George P. Grosshas has 

taken over the lease on the Uptown at Racine 

and will open the house November 19. The 

Uptown formerly was operated by Fox Wisconsin 

. . . Julius LaRosa opened at tbe 

Auditorium Thursday (12) with a variety 

show . . . Robert Montgomery was 

speaker before the Better Business Buren 

meeting at the Schroeder hotel here. 

Benny Benjamin of Screen Guild pre-' 

viewed "The Sins of Jezebel " at the Oriental 

. . . Attending the TOA-TESMA-TEDA conventions 

in Chicago were Ben Marcus, Harry. 

Melcher, M. Miller, Percy Alberts. Sig Gold-) 

all that time until last year when he resigned. 

He retired last November 1 as owner 

of the Western Theatre Supply Co. and sold 

the business to Paul Fine, also a pioneer of berg. Harold Pierson, Edward Johnson, HugOfj 

the industry in the Midwest. 

Vogel, Jack Yeo, William Exton and All 

Mrs. Van Husan, Mi-, and Mi-s. Fine and Kvool . . . Andy Kenny, recently booker 

Miss Esther Virgil, now of Denver but who for Warner Bros., has moved to MGM .ioffice 

manager. 

served as secretary to Van Husan in Omaha 

12 years, were present for the ceremony. 

Frank DeLorenzo, projectionist at the Al- i 

hambra. is at Columbia haspltal for a checkup 

. . . Visiting on Filmrow were Larry Belts, 

Wausau Theatres. Wausau. and Jack McWll- 

| 

Hams. Portage Theatres. Portage . . Ben 

Swenke. office mani\ger and former head 

, 

booker at Warner Bros., celebrated his 25th i 

year with that exchange . Hamley. 

; 

United Film Service representative In Wisconsin, 

attended the TESMA convention in 

Chicago. 

Sam Clark Buys Theatre 

MiVILLE, NO—The Hollywood Theatre 

here hius boon bouKht by Sam Cliu-k of Lakota, 

N.D., from Lyslo and Warron McMillan. 

-•Jiefc! 

78 BOXOFFICE : 

14, 1»H

— 

ITOO Meeting Is Set 

For Cincinnati Feb. 2 

COLUMBUS Tlu' anmuil coiivciilion n[ 

the IiidepenUfiil Tlu'utie Owners of Ohio will 

be held Febniary 2-4 at the Netherluiid Pliiza 

hotel in Cincinnati, according to Robert Wile. 

ITOO .secretary. The convention will bt> held 

.simultaneously with the national convention 

of drlve-ln operators in Cincinnati. 

11 Butterfield Houses 

Install CinemaScope 

DETROIT—Installation of CinemaScope 

equipment is being ru.shed in first run theatres 

In 11 major Michigan towns for the 

Butterfield circuit, representing nearly all the 

major situations in Michigan out-side of Detroit. 

Houses in the present program are 

State, Ann Arbor; Regent, Battle Creek; 

Regent. Bay City; Liberty, Benton Harbor; 

Capitol. Flint; Majestic, Grand Rapids; Michigan, 

Jackson; State, Kalamazoo; Michigan. 

Lansing; Oakland. Pontiac; Temple. Saginaw. 

and Regent. Mu.skegon. 

Basic equipment is being supplied by 

National Theatre Supply, with sound from 

Altec and screen from 20th-Fox. 

No bookings for the new proce.ss have been 

set upstate yet. but it is expected "The Robe" 

will be booked for the 11 towns as soon as 

equipment is installed. This film is cun-ently 

playing the Fox in Detroit, while the United 

Artists, opposition hoiuse, is also equipped to 

show CinemaScope productions. 

Detroit Variety Opens 

Renovated Clubrooms 

DETROIT—Marking a notable revival of 

Opens Under New Owner 

PARIS. KY.—The Millersburg Theatre has 

opened under Leonard Howard, who purchased 

the theatre last June and has since then remodeled 

it. He is offering two shows a week 

Wednesday and Saturday nights. On opening 

night gifts were given to the first 100 persons 

buying tickets. 

Weldon Parsons Weds 

DETROIT—Weldon Wa>aie Parsons, manager 

of the first run Broadway Capitol Theatre, 

barely back on the job after an eye operation, 

was man-ied October 31 to Claire Bowman, 

former rught club entertainer in Florida 

and California. 

Panoramic Screen to Lodi, Ohio 

LODI, OHIO—A panoramic screen, almost 

twice the width of the former one, has been 

instaUed at the Idol Theatre by Cliff Padgett, 

owner. 

IMtlZK TO KAIHO MANA(;*:R—Waller 

Kessler, left, munaRrr of Ix>ow'h Ohio, 

Columbus, is shuun îviiiK a $2.^0 savlnKx 

bond to Bert Charles, manacer of radio 

station WVKO, Columbu.s, as second prize 

in the national M(iM contest for the best 

radio .station promotion for "The Hand 

Wagon." First prize went to W.WZ. .Vew 

Haven. Conn., and third to WONS Hartford, 

Conn. Prices were given on the basis 

of mail response in proportion to total 

radio homes in each area. 

Orson Welles Considers 

Production in Quebec 

MONTREAL—The po.ssibility that Orson 

Welles may either write, direct or produce an 

English-language motion picture on French 

Canada was reported last weekend following 

a visit to the city by the former "boy wonder" 

Ohio Court Upholds 

Bingo Conviction 

of the theatre. Welles, who left here for 

Europe, talked with officials of Frontier Films, 

a local company, and said he was tremen- 

observers feel. Although only the validity of 

the at 

antiblngo ordinance Columbus was activity after a long lull. Variety Club of 

Issue, the opinion by Judge Henry A. Middleton. 

Detroit opens the clubrooms in the Hotel 

dously interested in the "lore and legend of 

Tuller daily, except Sundays, starting November 

members 

French Canada." 

Toledo, a member of the supreme bench, 

9. The rooms will be available for and guests from 5 p.m. on. Opening hour 

"There must be many powerful stories to 

told stemming from the folklore of this 

added this: 

to legalize 

"The legislature has 

lotteries in any form." 

no right 

be 

on Saturdays will be 1 p.m. The clubrooms 

great race within the Canadian nation." This decLsion apparently kills the Kane act 

have been newly decorated and refurnished, 

Jack Zide, chief barker, announced. 

The annual election of officers was held 

Welles said. However, he had "no comment" 

on reports he would write, direct or produce 

a film here, but R. Mingo Sweeney of 

and similar bills introduced in the last session 

of the legislature, which would permit 

bingo and other games of chance when conducted 

Thursday (,12i, with a buffet dinner served 

Frontier Films said he would continue negotiations 

for charity. 

with Welles Europe winter. The Columbus appeal to the high court was 

to members in the first major stag event of 

the season. 

in this 

The film company officials said a minimum handled by J. Raymond Snowden, assistant 

budget of $750,000 would be required to produce 

city attorney. Snowden argued: "The gaml>ling 

spirit feeds iiselt as much on a charity 

a motion picture in association 

with 

Welles. 

'Mogambo' Helmets Given 

To High School Groups 

A crowd of high school kids who wore "Mogambo 

helmets around town and to the local 

' 

football games gave the picture fine ballyhoo 

coverage prior to its opening at Loew's Poll 

in Waterbury. Conn. Manager Bob Carney 

gave an extra pair of tickets to a young firtist 

who painted the billing signs. 

Carney also arranged for the local Grant 

and Woolworth stores to distribute 6.000 circulars 

imprinted with show copy and for a 

decorative street float to tour the city. 

A camera store cooperated with a full window 

display, and colorful theatre front drew 

attention to the many .scene stills in side 

frames. Six-sheets were posted on the marquee. 

A package schedule of radio time on WATR 

featured exciting selling copy. 

ruled Ih-lt llir -.Li'. 

...rt 

authority to legaJIxilottery 

llcltrt*" for >:- 

mou.H decUlon came m 'ip. 

by the city of Columbiui .i. 

app. Meantime, 

•The Robe' will continue pla>nng at the Fox. 

Managing Director Dillon M. Krepps has set 

an Invitational premiere to Introduce the 

newest presentation with appropriate eclat. 

Film Trucking Case Up 

COLUMBUS—The complaint of the Independent 

Theatre Owners of Ohio against the 

Huntington-Cinclnnatl Trucking Unes will be 

heard by the public utilities commission 

November 18 at 10 am . In the State Office 

building here. Robert WUe, ITOO secretary. 

Informs the association members. 

h 

BOXOFFICE : 

: November 14, 1953 

ME 

79

. . . Albert 

. . MGM 

. . United 

. . Arthur 

. . 

DETROIT 

TXTclber Haartge, operator at the Midtown, 

has been battling a fall cold for over a 

month with poor success . . . Walter ColUns 

of Warners and Alden Smith of Mutual picked 

a nice fall afternoon to meet for a lobby-andelevator 

confab . . . Del Ritter's Rialto was 

host to some 700 neighborhood youngsters for 

a Halloween party sponsored by the Hunt 

police station area businessmen . . . Herman 

Cohen, former local film salesman and one- 

DETROIT DESK SPACE 

Write or 

FOR RENT 

Excellent Downtown Location 

Convenient to Filmrow 

Phone Boxotfice, 1009 Fox Theotre BIdg. 

Detroit 1, Mich. Phone WOodward 2-1100 

time manager of the Dexter, returned home 

for a short visit from London, where he was 

busy producing his latest picture. 

Mrs. Jerome Curl, nee Gulp, has returned 

to her duties at United Artists following her 

honeymoon . staffers were excited 

Tuesday when a fonner member of the office 

crew returned to exhibit her young son . 

Don Mtutin of Allied Artists is working up a 

good sweat a.s unofficial press agent for the 

Film Bowling league . Detroit Theatres 

.scheduled the reopening of the Regent 

for November 12. The house has been closed 

since a fire last December 20. It has been 

extensively remodeled. 

Jack Morgan, MGM veteran, is still on the 

siclclist . . . Operator Roy C. Thompson jr. 

has moved out to Pox Avenue . . . Nightingale 

notes—Floyd Akins philosophizes "it's better 

to get the 190's while you can" after looking 

over the score sheets . . . Fireman Frank 

Quinlan and busy Bill SwistaJc had to mLss 

bowling sessions because of work . . . Fred 

Sutterfield was missing with no excuses given 

Doyle, who hurt his leg last bowling 

day, was another missing man in the 

lineup. 

F 

AUTO CITY CANDY CO. 

2937 St. Aubin TEmple 1-3350 Detroit 7, Mich. 

COMPLETE SUPPLIES 

FOR YOUR THEATRE CANDY DEPARTMENT 

Service 

Repairs 

DETROIT POPCORN CO. 

READY-TO-EAT POPPED CORN 

Corn - Seasoning - Boxes - Bags - Salt 

POPCORN MACHINES AND CARMEL CORN EQUIPMENT 

5633 Grand River Ave. Phone TYIer 4-6912 

Detroit 8, Mich. Nights- UN 3-1468 

RCA 

Dealer 

You con olways 

depend on RCA 

quolity. 

See us Now . . 

Whatever you need— 

we can supply it. 

ERNIE FORBES 

Carl Mingione of the Arc Theatre, who is 

getting the Stub-Timer ready for the projection 

market, has just completed building 

that bar in his basement—after a year and 

a half . . . Harry R. Lush, owner of theatres 

at Plymouth and Northville, has re-registered 

title to the Penn and Penniman-Allen theatres, 

as well as the C. W. Candy Co.. with 

Charlotte L. Lush as co-owner . . . Jack Zide, 

head of Allied Film Exchange, hosted the 

trade at a special sneak preview of "The Little 

Fugitive," winner of the Silver Lion award 

at the 1953 Venice Festival, at the Adams 

Theatre Wednesday evening . and 

Roger Robinson, circuit operators, have returned 

from a visit to Chicago. 

Carl Dross has put five of the big new 

Cretor popcorn machines in local theatres 

and reports nice business . Glenn Clark, 

manager of the Dexter at Dexter, has installed 

a wide screen, one of the most enterprising 

reports from so small a town. Republic's 

Bert Tighe advi.ses . . . Floyd Chrysler of 

Chrysler Associated Theatres reports seeing 

Jim Robertson, retired owner of the Cinderella 

and Roosevelt, in town looking chipper. 

HANDY

THE 

NEW 


^.si.jnJ for iL l,ur.....J urc.n JUln.lion .,c.csu,r,j 

to wiiie ^lrcen projcclion. Împl\ cilliir Ihc smull or tur

. . . Florence 

. . Henry 

. . Adam 

. . Herbert 

. . "The 

. . Jack 

. . "From 

November 

j 

CLEVELAND 

Industry birwigrs in town included Ted 

OShea. Paramount assistant sales manager: 

John J. Maloney. MGM central division 

manager and J. P. Curtin, Republic district 

manager . Hellriegel. theatre building 

contractor who has been living in Youngstown 

to supen'ise construction of the Wick Drivein 

motel, has moved back to Cleveland and is 

living at 6310 Wilber Ave. in Parma . . . Irving 

Tomback. Warner publicLst, was here in advance 

of the opening of "Calamity Jane" at 

the Allen . Goelz has resigned as 

manager of the Paramount. Steubenville. 

United Artists Manager "Danny" Rosenthal 

and salesmen Aaron Wayne and Jack Share 

and bookers George Bre.ssler and Tony Reinman 

are getting set for their November sales 

drive, with prizes computed on business over 

periods of six weeks. Available during the 

period are the following pictures: "Captain's 

Paradi.se." "Act of Love." "Beat the Devil," 

"Crossed Swords" and "The Joe Louis Story" 

Friedman. IFE office manager 

and secretary to Division Manager Mark 

Goldman, is wearing a new diamond solitaire, 

symbol of her recently announced engagement 

to Sam Harris, formerly of New York, now 

living in Cleveland. 

The Allen sneak previewed "The Little 

Fugitive" with enthusiastic results. The Joseph 

Burstyn picture is being released territorially 

by Bernie Rubin of Imperial Pictures . . . 

Nat L. Lefton, onetime big shot in the independent 

distribution field as executive of 

Standaid Film and as Monogram and Republic 

franchise owner, now retired, was a 

Film building visitor for the first time in 

.several years. He is .spending a couple of 

weeks in Cleveland where he maintains an 

apartment as a stopping off place between his 

summer home in Michigan and his winter 

home in Nokomis. Fla. . . . Nate BigeLson. 

manager of the Warrensville road golf driving 

course during the summer, leaves soon for 

Fort Lauderdale, where he hangs up his hat 

in FVed Schram's home. 

Sam Barck, partner of his brother Maurice 

in ownership and operation of the Park Auto 

Theatre on Route 62 between Alliance and 

Salem, is convalescing at his home from surgery 

performed at Mount Sinai hospital . . . 

Bernie Rubin of Imperial Pictures gave Manager 

Ed Pyne of the RKO East 105th St. Theatre, 

200 3-D puzzle pictures to give away to 

the first 200 children attending the theatre 

WE ARE 

AUTHORIZED SALES REPRESENTATIVES 

ALL CINEMASCOPE EQUIPMENT 

OLIVER THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

M. H. FRITCHLE, Manager 

East 23rd St Phone: TO-l-693i| 

Cleveland, Ohio 

INCINCCniNO 

to see "Robot Monster," released through Imperial. 

They are said to be the first 3-D 

puzzles available. 

Among those attending the TOA-TESMA- 

TEDA meeting in Chicago were Leroy Kendis 

of Associated circuit; Jack Armstrong, general 

manager of the Schwyn circuit; George 

Manas, Toronto, circuit owner, his wife and 

son Tom; Edward Ramsey, Plymouth; Leo 

Jones, Upper Sandu.sky; Arthur Wintner. 

Cleveland; Paul Vogel. Wellsville . . . Mrs. 

Carl Moore, wife of the owner of the Ohio 

Theatre in Van Wert, is on the convalescent 

ILst after a brief illness. 

Filmrow visitors included Blair Russell. 

Russell. Millersburg; Bill Biggio. Virginia. 

CarroUton. and the Shea boys from A.shtabula. 

Geneva and Conneaut; Marvin Harris. Toledo 

. . . ciixuit owTier "Lights-Camera-Que.stions." 

the only known regular weekly industry-sponsored 

TV program, seen every Thursday from 

7 to 7:30 p.m., is marching up the popularity 

pole .so rapidly that a change in format had to 

be made. Answers to a question .submitted to 

the TV audience came in so fast that telephone 

Unes were jammed, w'ith the result that 

contestants are now asked to submit their 

answers in writing. Prize consists of guest 

tickets to the downtown theatres. 

. 

Frank Murphy, Loew's Theatre division 

manager, is back in harness after two weeks 

on vacation. He was occupied doing odd jobs 

around his new home Ochs, 

drive-in circuit operator, closed all of 

has 

his outdoor houses for the season and he and 

Mrs. Ochs left for Florida Ochs, 

. 

circuit booker, has a new winter interest. He 

is establishing a territorial sales organization 

for a du-ect selling campaign on the Whirl 

Wind antenna for TV sets. First efforts are 

being concentrated in the Cincinnati. Dayton 

and Columbus territories. 

Elsa Rothman, formerly with Columbia, has 

joined the Washington circuit . . . Jack Silverthome. 

manager of the Hippodrome and 

Tower, and Barry Bernard. RKO publicist, set 

up a campaign on "The Sea Around Us," a 

coming Tower attraction, that involves all 

phases of education including the Cleveland 

board of education, the Cleveland Public 

library, the book stores, the science and 

geography classes of all junior and .senior 

high .schools and the editors of the junior 

and senior high school papers. The board 

of education broke one of its hard and fast 

rules and permitted colorama of the picture 

on bulletin boards. School paper editors will 

attend a private screening and compete for 

cash prizes for the best review. Western Re- 

.serve university aLso came in for a bulletin 

board display. 

Marshall Fine of As.sociated circuit and 

Sandy Leavitt of the Washington circuit attended 

the Ohio State-Michigan State football 

game in Columbus . Robe" is 

now in Ls fifth week at the Hippodrome iUid 

still playing to big crowds . Here 

to Eternity" moved out of the Palace after 

an unprecedented run of seven weeks. No 

picture ever played that long at the Palace. 

The previous record holder, "Peter Pan," 

played four weeks. 

Ernie Sands, Warner manager, thanks exhibitors 

for their fine cooperation In the 

sales drive named In his honor, but says he 

needs a little more help to put him in line for 

one of the big prizes to be awarded at thj 

conclusion of the drive on December 26 . . 

j 

P. L. Tanner of Film Transit Co. and wifj 

have opened their Florida winter home. i 

Gordon Campbell, RKO salesman who canw 

here from Detroit to take over Harry Weiss 

t€rritory, has gone back to Detroit as member 

of the 20th-Fox sales personnel. Camp, 

bell just marked his eighth anniversary witi 

RKO, having started with the company as s 

booker in Cleveland . . . M. H. Fritchle o; 

Oliver Theatre Supply Co. says his compan> 

is qualified to install all approved Cinema- 

Scope equipment, including the Miracle Mirror 

screen, stereophonic sound and anamorphic 

lenses. 

BOWLING 

Open Letter to 1.4 Local 160 

Cleveland, Ohio 

There is a gang of projectionists in Cleveland 

known as the 160 bowlers whose names 

we of the Nightingales would like to see in, 

BOXOFFICE so we will know that you are, 

still in there pitching that old bowling ball. 

We know that it is not round but egg-shaped.: 

but who cares just so long as it gets a fewpins. 

I have been told that Nick Carter, your! 

business agent, used to be a bowler. Now it| 

would be nice to see him in your lineuo when 

you meet us in the spring for our match ^ 

games. Your reply is awaited by us 

:;:p[|j[ 

Secretary 

The Nightingale Club 

Detroit 

FLOYD H. AKINS 

DETROIT—Ernie Forbes finally pulled 

ahead to a clear lead in the Nightingale 

Club Bowling league. New team standings: t 

Ernie Forbes. 

NTS 

Local 199. . . 

Amusement Sup. 9 

.12 

10 10 Altec 

High scores rolled were Carl Mingione 220, 

total 558; Gilbert Light 208, 531; Francis 

Light 190, 539; Edgar Douville 190. 530; Roy 

Thompson 200-193, 525; Ralph Haskin 190, 

501; Matt Haskin 194-190, 500; Mel Donlon 

194; Welber Haartge 194; Floyd Akins 193: 

Jack Colwell 191. 

Frank Slavik to Stage 

Another Benefit Show 

MIDDLEFIELD. OHIO — F:ank Slavlk. I 

owner of a growing chivin of small-town theatres 

who believes that good public relation! 

is the foundation for a tlieatre's success. Is 

holding another of liLs free shows November 

17 at the Mumac Theatre for the benefit of 

St. Edward's Catholic church of nearby Parit 

man. Tlie church sells admission tickets 

keeps the entii-e amount of the sales. Slavik 

donates the use of the theatre, all of Its serv^ 

ices and tlie picture program. 

"You can't buy the lasting goodwill 

dered by this type of cooperation," 

says. Tlie money raised Is for the purchMt' 

of 

a golden tabernacle. 

New Screen Installed 

UPPER SANDUSKY, OHIO-Tlio Star 

Theatre presented Its new Mlradf-Mlrror 

screen with n showing of "Tlie Actre.s.-i." Leo 

T. Jones Is the owner. 

u^MlBi 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

14, 1988 

I

Poubie Satisfaction 



SUPERB SOUND 



undistorted sound reproduction at all 

volume levels. 

Electrical Componcnit arc Manufocturtd under Bollontyft* 

Co. Paienl» by General Electric. 

UNIQUE DUB'L-CONE '.~,^ 








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WEATHERPROOF 






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DEPENDABLE 



A&k the Drive-In Theatre Owner who has Duh'lCone Speakers 

—more than 50,000 installed in new and existing theatres. 

HADDEN THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

209 South 3rd Street 

Louisville, Kentucky 

November 14, 1953

I 

CINEMASCOPE 

'ji 

' 

Sjlititjali 

Sub Runs Slip af Cleveland While 

Top Films Set Records Downtown 

CLEVELAND—Like the little girl who, 

"when she was good was very, very good but 

when she was bad she was horrid," the big 

pictures are doing tremendous business in 

Cleveland, while the others are just getting 

by, a survey of the local situation reveals. 

Downtown "From Here to Eternity" established 

an alltime record with a run of .seven 

weeks at the Palace and a gross of approximately 

$140,000. "The Robe." playing to 

packed houses at the 3.500-seat Hippodrome, 

chalked up a phenomenal $150,000 in its 

first three weeks. "Mogambo" had a healthy 

four-week run divided between the State 

and StUlman theatres. 

But neighborhood theatres, which noted a 

slight rise in attendance in late summer, now 

report a lack of interest in pictures. 

"3-D brought them in at first out of curiosity," 

one exhibitor said. "But once they 

saw it, they did not come back for more. 

The wide screen seems to have an appeal 

providing the picture shown on it also has an 

appeal. Apparently, the public today wants 

the best entertainment presented in the best 

medium for the least money. The admission 

scale is of less importance than first, the 

picture and, second, the medium." 

Asked whether patrons comment on the 

big screen presentation, many exhibitors say 

they are showing shorts on conventional size 

screen and features on large screen for the 

purpose of making patrons aware of the 

RCA STEREOSCOPE SOUND | 

| 

r 3-D or WIDE SCREEN 

Whatever you need—We can supply it. 

MIDWEST THEATRE SUPPLY 

CO., 

INC. 

1638 Central Porkwoy Cincinnati 10, Ohio 

Cherry 7724 

FILHACK 

SPECIAL 

TRAILERS 

L

I 

I 

! DETROIT—Theatre 

I 

amusement 

, continued 

I 

; 

Service, 

. . David 

. . Ruth 

. . Tom 

. . 

. . 

I 

. 

Presentation Media Poses 

Problems for Showmen 

CLEVELAND Industry Iciuler.s returning 

irom the TOA-TESMA-TEDA conventions in 

C'hlca«o were renewint; Uieir cllscusslorus on 

the pros and con-s of the various new presen- 

Mtlon media. 

Pictures are presented to us a.s completed 

;iroduct," Leroy Kendis of Associated Theares 

circuit said, "but we do have a choice of 

presentation methods. For that reason, our 

ircuit of some 20 subsequent run houses Is 

MUilcinK haste slowly. We have Installed large 

ireens in theatres adapted for them. We 

imve installed 3-D equipment in .some of them. 

lUit to date, we have not committed ourselves 

iirther. Whether Cinemascope with stereoiilionic 

sound, 3-D or .some other new device 

provides the panacea to our ailing theatres is 

ter for the public to decide." 

While some exhibitors were viewing 3-D 

a "dead duck," along came John J. Maloney, 

IIGM central division nianai:er. to report that 

3-D version of "Kiss Me Kate" outgrossed 

the 2-D version by about 40 per cent. As a 

result of test engagements, Loew's State here 

.all offer the film in 3-D. 

"This is the first quality picture available 

in 3-D," Maloney said, "and the medium here 

.--hows iUs added entertainment value." 

Richard Reading, general manager of the 

Selected circuit hou.ses of Alliance, was the 

only exhibitor attending the split version 

screening of "Kiss Me Kate" at the State 

recently who came out strongly for the 3-D 

version as having vastly greater audience 

appeal than the 2-D version. 

Theatre Trucking Halts 

Film Carrier Service 

Tiucking Service, organized 

about four years ago to service the 

business in this area, has disfilm 

carrier service and has turned 

this portion of its business over to Cinema 

headed by G. E. Leveque. The latter 

firm, which in effect merged with Theatre 

Trucking about two years ago, has reopened 

offices in room 304 of the Film Exchange 

CINCINNATI 

i 

building to carry on the business independently. 

Conn remained for the NTS mana«ci> invention 

held simultaneously at the Palmer 

Theatre Trucking Service will continue to House in Chicago. 

carry film on one downriver route south of 

Detroit, Dale Patrick, president of the company, 

said, and will also continue a general 

trucking business, including general service 

to theatres and other branches of the entertainment 

business. 

Robert Seeley Elected 

Head of Legion Post 

DETROIT—Robert Seeley of Altec Service 

wa.s elected commander of Russell Johnson 

Theatrical Post 371 of the American Legion, 

Detroit's show business veterans organization, 

succeeding Jack Yellich of the Broadway 

Capitol. 

Other new officers are senior vice-commander, 

Clifford Vericker, Greenwood Theatre; 

junior vice-commander, Wayne Roberts, west 

side projectionist; finance officer, Morris 

Katz. Telenews Theatre; adjutant, Welber 

Haartge, Midtown Theatre; service officer. 

Max Kolin, Telenews Theatre; historian. Earl 

McGlinnen, Fox Theatre. 

Guests at the installation party were Mel 

Donlon, Floyd Akins and Edgar Douville of 

the Nightingale club and their wives. 

Jâx .Mlllbauer of the Belmont Aulo Thetttrc 

is building a new home on land adjoining 

his theatre. He hope.s to be able to 

move into it by Thank-sKlvInu . . . Jimmy 

Herb, general manaRer for the Semclroth 

Theatres. Dayton. Is entering the hospital for 

a general checkup. He expects to remain 

there for a week or ten days. 

Bob Kcyes, general manager of the Victory. 

Dayton, has added additional duties. He li 

a.s.sociated with the Schwind Realty Co.. 

handling real estate property In Dayton . 

Louis Wiethe now has a wide Astrollte .screen 

in his Valley Theatre. Cincinnati, together 

with stereophonic .sound, and Ls ready for 

.showing of Cinemascope pictures. HLs first 

attraction on the new wide .screen was "Little 

Boy Lost." Midwest Theatre Supply made 

the installation. 

Another Cincinnati theatre to Install an 

Astrollte screen is the Monte Vista, owned 

by Charles Shaw. National Theatre Supply 

handled this . . . Visitors on the Row were 

P. J. Williamson. Lou Wetzel. Alan Warth and 

Roy Wells, all of Dayton; Guy Greathou.se. 

Aiuora; Ray Law. Lebanon; William Settos. 

Springfield; Don Keesling and Goode Home. 

. 

Bramwell, W.Va.: Al and Bill Thalhelmer. 

Logan. W.Va.; George Turlukis. Hamilton; 

Charles Williams. Oxford; Gilbert Ogden. 

Warsaw. Ky.; Bob Hairell. Cleves; J. Steadman. 

Marietta; F. Mandras, Charleston. 

W.Va.; Messrs. Raad and Joseph, Parkersburg. 

W.Va.; Mrs. Julis Simons. Charleston. 

W.Va.; Harry McHaffie, Marmet, W.Va. 

Roy Wells of the St. Paul Theatre has installed 

a wide .screen. 

A group of exhibitors from Dayton attended 

the TOA-TESMA-TEDA conventions in Chicago. 

They were William Clegg. Dayton chief 

barker, and Roy Wells and Fred Krimm. 

From Cincinnati. Herman Hunt, exhibitor and 

Variety chief barker, attended, as did theatre 

supply owners Homer Snook of Midwi-t 

Theatre Supply, and James Conn, iiiaii.i rr 

of the local office of National Tlieatrr Sisppl:. 

Franli Feltz and his family are vacationing 

in New York. Feltz operates the St. Henry 

Drive-In. St. Hemy . 

Henry has 

joined U-I a.s clerk . Olsen. hu.sband 

of Anna Bell Ward Olsen. exhibitor at Lexington. 

Ky.. is convalescing from a recent 

illness in a Cincinnati hospital. When Olsen 

has recovered, he and Mrs. Olsen will return 

to their home in Lexington. 

Lee Heidingsfeld, RKO salesman, will 

handle the Cincinnati territory as well as 

Dayton, filling the vacancy caused when 

Uoyd Ki-ause became branch manager In 

Cincinnati. Jack Purrer. RKO West Virginia 

salesman, resigned, effective November 16. 

and was replaced by Heywood Mltchi.ssun. 

former head booker at U-I. 

Ronald Coleman, Kearse Theatre. Charleston. 

W.Va.. opened "The Robe" November 5. 

Manager Robert McNabb of 20th-Fox and 

West Virginia salesman Tom Morris were on 

hand for the opening . 

Hill, who operates 

a number of theatres In Covington. Ky.. 

had a Cinemascope wide screen installed in 

his Liberty Theatre by Midwest Theatre Supply. 

A Cinemascope screen Installation by 

^ 

NTS U nchrdulrd noon ml the 8moo( Thratre. 

PartcenburK, W Va a Jur clrrult ittu*- 

tlon NT8 n\— -.--.. '' --naUcope 

ncrcrn utd i:iaUoni 

ut the Nation. 

:.torlum 

In Uayton .si . r'

. . Leonard 

. . Henry 

November 

jsi 

e' 

til 

RESEARCH BUREAU 

for 

MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION 

The MODERN THEATRE 

PLANNING INSTITUTE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas City 24. Mo. 

Gentlemen: 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU 

to receive information regularly, as released, on 

the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

n Acoustics n Lighting Fixtures 

D Air Conditioning Q Plumbing Fixtures 

D Architectural Service 

p projectors 

D "Black" Lighting „ „ . 

D Building Material 

D Carpets 

D Coin Machines 

, 

Projection Lamps 

D Seating 

° ^'^ns and Marquees 

D Complete Remodeling ^ Sound Equipment 

a Decorating 

Television 

D Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts 

D Drive-In Equipment D Vending Equipment 

D Other Subjects 

Theatre 

Seating Capacity 

Address 

City 

Slate 

Signed 

Postage paid reply cords for your furthei 

in obtaining information ore provided in The MODERN 

THEATRE Section, published with the first issue of 

coch month 

Detroit Industry Hosts 

Actor Robert Wagner 

DETROIT—The Fox Theatre and 20th Century-Fox 

were hosts Friday at a pres.s and 

exhibitor reception for Robert Wagner, the 

otily star to appear so far in two Cinema- 

Scope pictures— "Beneath the 12-Mile Reef" 

and "Prince Valiant." Though neither is yet 

released, exhibitors recalled his rather tragic 

roles in "Titanic" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." 

Representing the theatre were David M. 

Idzal, managing director, and Jean Kennedy, 

publicist. The exchange was represented by 

Jay Frankel of the sales staff and Sol Gordon, 

exploiteer, who handled the press arrangements 

for the event. 

Wagner is a Detroit yoimgster, bom here 

and a local resident imtil the age of nine. 

During his stop, he visited Edgar A. Guest, 

renowned local poet, who was a personal 

friend. Wagner's Detroit visit was made with 

the objective of malting personal appearances 

in connection with the current Torch Community 

Chest drive. 

Among those present at the event were 

Harold Brown, United Detroit Theatres president; 

Call Buermele, head of General Tlieatre 

Service; Weldon Parsons, manager of the 

Broadway Capitol Theatre, and his bride; 

Anne Fearon, United Artists Theatre, and 

Norman F. Wheaton, manager of the Telenews. 

Showman Has Star Role 

In Lost Money Drama 

CLETVELAND—Sam Fritz jr., manager of 

the Hillard Square Theatre, this week was 

the star performer in a play more fantastic 

than anything Hollywood could think up. 

As a result, he made the front page of every 

local newspaper, and was the subject of 

special radio and TV stories. 

While driving from his home to the theatre 

the other evening, suddenly a ten-dollar bill 

recently deceased husband. Pi-itz refused to 

accept the offered reward. But one day there 

was delivered to his home a beautiful walking 

doll for his little girl. So, like all Hollywood 

stories, this one, too, had a happy ending. 

2,700 Films Available 

DETROIT- A luinc inventory of motion 

pictures, mostly in lemin. Is being made available 

through the audio-visual education center 

of the University of Michigan at Ann 

Arbor for public use. A total of 2,700 titles 

is now available, with 7,000 prints In stock, 

according to Information from the center. 

These films are largely used for school audiences, 

but may also be secured on loan by 

"any responsible organization or Individual." 

COLUMBUS 

^r. Wilfrid Eberhart, associate professor b|lil 

the education department of Ohio Stati - 

uni\ersity. has tjeen appointed as a membe: 

of the Ohio censor advisory board by Go» 

Frank Lausche. Dr. Eberhart succeeds Ld 

H. B. Malone . Costantini hi 

been named assistant manager of Loew's Ohio 

A native of Hopedale and a graduate of Notn 

Dame university, he formerly was a membe 

of the staff of LoeWs In both Pittsburgh 

Dayton. 

Arthur Longbrake, 72, theatre manager 

songwriter and vaudevillian, died in a loea 

hospital. Longbrake at one time managed 

Bandbox at Springfield and other theatres 

He penned 109 songs, most famous of whlc)' 

was "The Preacher and the Bear," which wai 

popularized by Weber and Fields. A native 01 

Urbana. Ohio, he is survived by his wife Nina 

Robert T. Oestreicher, brother of Freq 

Oestreicher, Loew's publicity manager, WBi 

defeated in the election for mayor of Coluni' 

bus by 284 votes out of more than 80,000 cast 

His successful opponent is Maynard Sensen-i 

Renie Riano. tbel 

brenner. Democrat . . . 

original Maggie of Monogram's Jiggs 

Maggie film series, has started a twice-w 

audience participation show on WBNS-TV 

here. 

"liona Massey presented a program of songe 

and readings before the Executives club at ttu 

Neil House here . Fonda, John 

Hodiak and Lloyd Nolan are stars of '"IlM 

Caine Mutiny Court Martial" to be staged 

at Memorial Hall December 12 prior to 

Broadway opening. 

Manager Harry Schreiber of the Palace i 

the Ohio State Journal presented the fourOl 

annual Queen of Queens competition 

county and city high schools on the 

stage Novemt)er 13 . . . The Granville, Ohio, 

Opera House, a 104-year-old structure 

been taken over by Granville Opera HouseJ 

Inc., a new corporation. Tlie Opera House 

hit his windshield. Startled, he stopped the 

car and got out to see what was happening. is the only film theatre in Granville. Harry B. 

And there, scattered along the road was a 

profusion of bills 10s. 20s and 50s. He gathered 

Pierce will continue as manager. 

Wright and William O. Brasmer 

Edward 

of 1 

them up. and soon had some $400 worth. And Denison university department of theatre a 

then he found a couple of United States will advise on choice of films. In return. I 

bonds. Tliese identified the loser. Calling the 

Studio Tlieatre has been granted 

university's 

police, a further search was made and another 15 nights' additloiml use of the building 

$150 was found. FYitz and the police located dramatic productions. 

the owner of the bonds as a resident of the 

MOM'S "The Actress," starring Spenoer 

neighborhood. She was astonislied when they 

Tiacy and Jean Simmons, is tlie current 

pre.sented her the valuables which she did not 

know she had dropped from her handbag. 

the money was recovered. 

at the World. Tills is 

few MGM featiu-es to have a first run at tbe 

attraction one of 

All 

425-.seat art house. 

It later developed that this money and 

the bonds was her entli-e inheritance from her 

Springfield Majestic 

Lowers Ticket Prices 

SPKINGFIELU. OHIO Aiinus-Mon price*; 

at the Majestic Theatre here have been 

duced in an attempt to approve 

attendance. Adult admi.-isions were lowered 

from 60 cents to 55 cents in the evenings 

and from 45 to 40 cents In the afternooa 

Cliildren's tickets were cut from 25 to 20 centl. 

George Bauer is manager of Uie MaJesUo. 

In another policy shift the theatre changed 

opening days on double feature attracUoni 

from Thursday and Monday to Tliursday and 

Sunday. , 

Twentieth Pox's "Tlie Raid 

rected by Hugo Pregonese. 

BOXOFFICE 

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Bonoff Properties 

To Gordons Sons 

NEW HAVEN -Sons iil one of the film 

industry's most prominciu pioneers are reenteruiK 

the business, in aji indirect way, 

BOXOFFICE learned this week. 

Negotiations ai-e underway for the sale of 

theatres in Madison ajid Old Saybrook to 

Israel Gordon's Sons, Inc., of New Haven 

The firm is made up of Arnold Gordon, an 

insurajice and real estate broker here; Victor 

Gordon, New Haven lawyer, and Dr. EJniest 

Gordon of 'Vonkers, N.'V. They are the .sons 

of the late Israel Gordon, who, with his late 

brother Nathan, founded the Olympla Theatres 

chain 

The Gordon brothers are purchasing properties 

housing the Bonoff Theatre, Madi.son, 

iind the Saybrook Theatre. Old Saybrook. 

from Leo E. and Sally Bonoff for a total 

price of "up to S165.000." A bond for deed 

has been filed in the office of the Old Saybrook 

town clerk, and, according to the agreement, 

the sale will be completed by the 

execution of warranty deeds on or before 

January 15 of ne.xt year. 

The Bonoffs. veteran exhibitors, sold their 

theatre businesses to the newly formed Madiion-Saybrook 

Theatres. Inc., a subsidiary of 

Interstate Theatres Corp. of Boston, in 1948, 

but retained title to the real estate. Madison- 

Saybrook Theatres took ten-year leases on 

both theatres from the Bonoffs. The leases 

expire April 18, 1958. but there are options 

for ten-year renewals. 

Arnold Gordon, treasurer of Israel Gordon's 

Sons, Inc.. said he and his brothers are 

buying the real estate for investment purposes. 

When asked if they intend to return 

to exhibition eventuaUj', he pointed out, 

•That is a question that cannot be answered 

for many years because of the leases involved." 

The theau-es involved in the purchase 

are the only ones in the respective 

towns. The Bonoff, Madison, seats 598 and 

the Saybrook has a capacity of 558. 

After the Interstate Theatres Corp. sub- 

.sidiary leased the exhibition properties from 

the Bonoffs. approximately $80,000 was spent 

on rebuilding of the Madison house. The Saybrook 

situation is considered to be in firstclass 

condition. 

Morris Melnick. New Haven, is serving as 

broker in the sale. 

The Olympia Theatres circuit founded by 

I.srael and Nathan Gordon totaled 36 theatres, 

situated throughout New England. The 

chain was sold to New England Theatres, a 

Paramount subsidiary, in the early 1930s for 

a price reported at that time to be S4.000.000. 

Israel and Nathan Gordon were also among 

the founders of First National Pictures, w'hich 

later became the Warner Bros. Pictures Corp. 

A nephew of Lsrael and Nathan Gordon Ls 

presently a leader in New England motion 

picture exhibition. He is Louis Gordon, a 

partner with Arthur Lockwood in the 37- 

theatre Lockwood & Gordon circuit. 

Columbia's 'Paris Model' 

Premieres at Hartford 

HARTFORD—Joe Hyams. Columbia exploiteer, 

was here for the November 4 world premiere 

at E. M. Loew's of "Paris Model." American 

Pictures Corp. production featuring 

Paulette Goddard and Marilyn Maxwell. 

Hyams set up a campaign with George E. 

Landers, division manager for E. M. Loew' 

Theatres. 

^ I 

L 

,M BoxomcE 

Louis Richmond Hosts 'Sins' 

Louis KichiiKind (In Kkuvsrsi. uwnrroperator 

of the Kenmure Theatre in Boston, 

was host at a lunrheon for French 

actress Michele .MorRan. who stars in "The 

Seven Deadly Sin.s." playing an extended 

engagement at the Kenmore. The lunrheon 

was attended by film and drama rritUs 

and by the French Consul Francois Charles 

Roux and his wife and staff members of 

the French consulate and their wives. E. .M. 

Loew. left, oldtime friend and a.sso

Drive-In 

. . Lyman 

. . 

. . 

BOSTON 

Toe Rapalus, owner-operator of the Majestic 

in Easthampton. and Samuel Goldstein, 

president of Western Massachusetts Theatres, 

shot a total of 600 pounds of buck 

and bagged a 170-pound bear on a hunting 

trip in New Brunswick. They sold the bear 

for $50 in Vanceboro, Me., on their way home. 

Telling of his vacation trip while in the film 

district, Rapalus said: "Sam really achieved 

a record for deer hunting. While he was sitting 

down, and not more than 300 yards from 

our camp, Sam shot a 300-pound, 11-point 

buck, the largest captured in this area in 

some time. Now he is known as Sam 'Daniel 

Boone' Goldstein." 

Louis Richmond, owner-operator of the 

Kenmore Theatre, has completed the interior 

decorations in his new offices at 90 Beacon 

St., and is now officially ensconced on the 

second floor in his attractive new quarters 

. . . Irving Bloom's son Alan is engaged to 

marry Eleanor Waldstein of New'ton. Alan is 

a senior at Northeastern university. His 

dad is a theatre promotions agent. 

Funeral services were held for Joseph P. 

Callahan at Our Lady of Presentation church, 

Newton, Friday (6V A former manager for 

M&P Theatres, he has been relief manager 

for New England Theatres and was with 

American Theatres Corp. at the time of his 

death. 

Larry Laskey, partner in the E. M. Loew 

circuit, is spending a few weeks in Israel. 

He and a group of civic leaders from New 

England flew over to Jerusalem. Laskey has 

been an active member of the Bonds for 

Israel group and has headed the public relations 

and publicity section of the drives. He 

expects to be away from his office for a 

month. 

With E. M. Loew Theatres closing a few of 

its northernmost drive-ins but keeping the 

others open for a record length of run, Ray 

Canavan, assistant to E. M. Loew, has placed 

Jack Boyd, former manager of the Kingston 

(Mass. I into the Capitol Theatre, 

Lynn, for the winter, and Walter Brooks, 

former manager of the Augusta (Me.) Drive- 

In, into the Civic, Portsmouth, N.H. 

Local industry folk offered sympathy to 

Joseph E. Levine. president of Embassy Pictures, 

on the death of his brother Louis of 

Brookline November 2, just six months after 

the death of another brother Nathan . 

Allied Artists' "Jack Slade" has been penciled 

in at the Paramount and Fenway theatres 

for the week starting December 3. The 

thriller stars Mark Stevens and Dorothy 

Malone . . . E. X. Callahan sr., former district 

and branch manager for 20th-Fox here, 

has opened his own buying and booking office 

in the Statler building, Room 1110. 

An application to build and operate a drivein 

on the site of the former Falmouth airport 

in Teaticket was filed in Falmouth with 

the building commissioner by John R. 

Augusta. No date has been set for hearing 

of the application. A similar request by 

Augusta was turned down by selectmen two 

years ago on the grounds that he had failed 

to meet a completion date deadline specified 

in the original permit. 

John McGrail, Universal publicist who underwent 

surgery, is back in his office, looking 

a bit thin, but cheerful and eager to go. He 

is assured by his doctors that the ulcerous 

. 

condition has been removed by the knife 

Ernie Warren, Paramount, Needham and 

Strand, Canton, has been laid up with an 

attack of the flu, which kept him at home 

and miserable. He is expected back on the 

job soon . O. Seley. Manley district 

manager here, rushed to the TESMA-TEDA- 

TOA convention at the last minute to meet 

Manley heads in Chicago. 

Hilda Peacock, with 20th-Pox for 18 years 

as switchboard operator, resigned last week. 

IMAGE & SOUND SERVICE CORP. 

"The BesI Value In Sound Service" 

Keith McDonald Leases 

MICHIGAN CITY. IND.—Keith McDonald 

of LaPorte has leased the Comet Drive-In 

east of here on Indiana 2 from Robert W. 

Wiley, president of the corporation. McDonald 

has managed the theatre since its opening. 

HANDY

: November 

I 

THE 

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glfflifll BOXOFFICE : 

14, 1953 

JOE CIFRE, 

INC. 

44 Winchester St. Boston 16, Mass.

. . . Bette 

. 

. . The 

j 

| 

NOT IDLE TYPE 

QUINCY. MASS.—Leonard Goldberg, who 

last .summer disposed of his Adams Theatre 

here to Vaughan A. Yerxa, who had managed 

the house, and decided to retire, has concluded 

he's not "the idle type" and has taken 

back the operation with Yerxa as a partner. 

Goldberg operated the Adams 15 years 

before his "retirement." 

He and his wife vacationed for two months, 

then spent two months making plans to get 

back "into the harness." 

Visiting the Boston office of Independent 

Exhibitors of New England, of which he is 

a former president, Goldberg commented: "I 

guess I'm not the idle type. The motion picture 

business is in my blood and I just 

couldn't get back into it fast enough " 

PORTLAND 

lânager Nat Silver of the Strand had "The 

Robe" in its Maine premiere November 10. 

T?ie Strand offered Rudy Vallee, formerly of 

Westbrook, in a recent stage .show. Vallee 

was honored at a luncheon in Cardamone's 

restaurant, Westbrook, and wa.s e.scorted in a 

motorcade from the Monroe avenue home of 

his sister, Kathleen Lenneville, to the Strand. 

The State showed Gilbert and Sullivan's 

operas, "The Mikado," "Patience" and "Pirates 

of Penzance" this week. Manager Ralph TuUy 

had good advance promotions on the shows . 

The Empire is conducting a coloring contest 

for children from 4 to 14 years of age in behalf 

of "Gun Pury." 

Manager Ralph Tully, State, and Nat Silver, 

Strand, cooperated with the Community 

Chest Red Feather drive by offering tickets to 

the operas and "Tlie Robe" for highest winners 

. . . The City Theatre in Biddeford 

showed a Popeye cartoon In three-dimension 

with stereophonic sound on a Cinemascope 

.screen, thus becoming the first theatre In 

Maine to Introduce Cinemascope to a paying 

audience. Bartholemew Murphy Is manager 

Davis Inspected the 23 floats of the 

Portland Red Feather parade. She was accompanied 

by her husband Gary Merrill. 

Businessmen Worried 

Over Five Closings 

PROVIDENCE — Local merchant-s. especially 

those in the immediate vicinity of local 

shuttered theatres, ai-e greatly disturbed over 

the unfavorable effect the closings have had 

on their businesses. 

The recent offering of the Carlton for sale 

brings to five the number of inoperative theatres 

in the city. With the Carlton and the 

Playhouse up for sale and the huge Metropoliton 

offering only an occasional one-night 

stand of a roadshow or concert, three major 

downtown houses are dark. Add to this the 

Royal and the Olympia in the Olneyville .section, 

and the merchants have plenty to gripe 

about. 

Theatre buUdings, generally single-purpose 

structures occupying from 5,000 to 8.000 .square 

feet, present ghostlike appearances when they 

are closed, pointed out one merchant, and 

they have a detrimental effect on business. 

he continued. Other merchants, immediately 

adjoining closed houses, definitely trace a 

slump in business to the time the theatre 

suspended operations. 

In the last decade, no less than 12 local 

theatres have closed. In mo.st instances, they 

have been razed to make room for parking 

lots or office buUdings. But the pre.sent five 

shuttered theatres pose problems that continue 

to plague neighboring business firms. 

The Carlton occupies 5,760 feet on Mathewson 

street, virtually in the heart of town. It 

is flanked on one side by the Dreyfus hotel 

and on the other side by a bus terminal. 

These three units occupy a complete block; 

but directly across the street are more than 

a dozen stores, of varying types and sizes. 

And it is the operators of these stores, who 

once did a thriving business among departing 

patrons of the Carlton, who are deeply 

concerned. The same is true of merchants 

whose stores are adjacent to the other closed 

houses. It is believed that many of these 

store operators would gladly lend financial 

support to anyone willing to reopen the theatres 

or remodel the structures, making them 

available for some "live" activity. 

Julius LoRosa Exceeds 

M&W Gross at Boston 

BOSTON—Julius LaRosa, the page-one boy 

of the day, made his first theatre stage appearance 

at the Metropolitan here and 

achieved a larger opening day gross than 

Martin and Lewis at the same house. Harry 

Anger, LaRosa's manager, said the radio-TV 

singer will take in $139,000 between November 

4 and January 3 in theatre and night club 

engagements. "He will be in the 90 per cent 

bracket," Anger said. 

Lloyd Nolan, and "John Brown's Body." featuring 

dramatic readings by Tj'rone Power, 

Anne Baxter and Raymond Massey. Dick 

Powell Is the director of the play, which will 

have a cross-country tour before going on 

to Broadway. 

^ r 

FIGHTER APPEARS—Lloyd Patriquin, 

new owner-operator of the Warren Theatre, 

Witman, Mass., played the Rocky 

Marciano-Roland LaStarra fight pictures 

ahead of the city of Brockton, Marciano's 

home town, due to a mixup in bookings. 

Quick to take advantage of the opportunity, 

he called the champion and arranged 

to have him appear at the opening 

night of the picture. Mayor C. Gerald 

Lucey of Brockton also was on the 

platform when Rocky aruswered questions 

from the audience and told of his training 

and some of his fight experiences. Left 

to right: Mayor Lucey, Rocky, Lloyd 

Patriquin and Jack Martin, film salesman 

for Republic. Accompanying the fighl 

pictures was the Republic picture, "City 

That Never Sleeps." 

FALL RIVER 

fârl Zeitz, Academy director, won top second 

division honors in golf at the Pall 

; 

River Country club and at a dinner party ' 

received the Albert A. Harrison trophy 

The Capitol, a Nathan Yamins house whu: 

has been operating on a five-day-week scht.;- 

ule, has returned to a full week policy, offering 

continuous programs from 12 noon to 

10:30 p.m. The Center, another Yamins house, 

remains closed. 

The Dartmouth Auto Theatre has closed 

for the season. Remaining open are the 

Seekonk Drive-In, the Somerset Drive-In and 

the Westport Drive-In . Park, Strand ; 

and Empire theatres, Yamins houses, were 

used by Red Feather drive leaders as congregating 

places for workers throughout the 

center, east and south ends of the city to 

hear prominent speakers discu.ss Community 

fund work. 

The Park is offering new encyclopedias and 

dictionaries to men, women and teenagers attending 

Friday or Satmday performances. 

The first volume of the encyclopedia was 

given out on the first Friday or Saturday 

Sub.sequently, other volumes weie given o,i( 

Film Stars in Play 

on Encyclopedia day, with every evening nduU 

NEW HAVEN Hollywood stardom will be 

admi-sslon, plus a 40 cents service chari;i' 

well repie.sented on the stage of the Shubert The Park Is also conducting Jackpot mul 

Theatre here during December. Pre-Chrlstmas 

shows announced this week for the legiti- 

country store nights, when awards are made 

mate hou.se Include "The Calne Mutiny Court- 

Martial," with Henry Fonda, John Hodink and Manager in Waukegon 

WAirKEGON, ILL. — Don Buhrmostcr. 

formerly manager of the Normal Theatre, Is 

the now manager for Publlx-Oreut States 

Theatres of the Genesee and Academy theati-es 

In Waukegon. Lawrence Ross of Decatur 

hits succeeded Buhrmester In Nonnal. 

| 

Jd. Boili 

M-\i If 

ev 

90 BOXOFTICE NovembfT 14, 195S 

tlSFnci

Poiibie Sattsfycthti 



SUPERB 

SOUND 




UNIQUE DUB'L-CONE ^.^ 








minutes. 

WEATHERPROOF 






Electrical Compencnti or* Manufactured und* 

Co. Poienlt by General Electric. 

or swell. 

DEPENDABLE 

I 



//sA Oie Drivein Theatre Owner who has Dub'l-Cone Speakers 


INDEPENDENT THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

28 Winchester St. 

Boston 16, Mass. 

BOXOFFICE : : November 14, 1953

. . The 

. . Paul 

. . Frank 

. . lATSE 

: 

November 

( 

i 

ftiielSei, 

HARTFORD 'Robe'PremiereinR.L; 

ôrris Keppner and Lou Lipman. partners 

in the 750-car, S150.000 drive-in being 

built at Mansfield, three and a half miles 

north of Willimantic, are planning on a 

March opening . Burnside, East Hartford, 

has become the highest priced suburban 

house in this area, raising to 65 cents adults, 

and 30 cents children, compared to 60 and 

25 in majority of neighborhood theatres. 

Joe Faith of the Faith Theatres in Unionville, 

Collinsville, Terryville and Bristol returned 

from a European vacation trip . . . 

Wilbur Neumann of the Bradley. Putnam, tied 

up with the Putnam Police Youth fund's annual 

Halloween party. Neumann postponed 

his first evening show until 7 p.m. so that 

the youngsters could be entertained. 

Walter Murphy of the Capitol, New London, 

premiered Republic's "Sea of Lost Ships," 

filmed on location at the U.S. Coast Guard 

academy in that shoreline city . . . The Victory. 

New London, has dropped admissions 

to 40 and 50 cents for adults . . . Ben Simon, 

Connecticut manager for 20th-Fox, is marking 

his 29th year with the Fox organization. He 

has been in 

35 years. 

Connecticut film distribution for 

Vic Morelli, new Manchester city manager 

for Stanley Warner Theatres, has moved his 

family into a new home in the Silk city from 

Danbury . . . Harold Nelson, manager of 

the Empress, Danbury, was a Hartford visitor 

. . . Jack A. Sanson. Strand, screened "Martin 

Luther" for local ministers and press 

and radio representatives. In addition, he 

distributed 30,000 heralds and coupons at 

churches. 

David Sherman has resigned as assistant 

manager of the Strand. He came here from 

the Capitol, Springfield. 

John Markle, Columbia exploiteer, visited 

Bridgeport. New Haven, Hartford, Springfield, 

Worcester and Providence in the interests 

of "The Big Heat" and "Gun Fury" 

. . . Nick Kounaris and Paul Tolls, playing the 

RKO 3-D release, "Second Chance." at the 

Meriden, Meriden, advertised: "If you have 

3-D glasses, bring them. If not, 10 cents will 

be charged for them" 

. 

S. Purdy, 

promotion director for the East Windsor 

Drive-In, was in town . 

Dizkot. 

manager of the Rivoli, ran a Halloween costume 

party on stage, with prizes for most 

original presentations. 

Allan Stewart, general manager of the New 

Parson.s, opened a Curtain at 8:30 plan with 

"Limelight." The theatre normally runs legitimate 

stage attractions. 

FILMACK 

SPECIAL 

TRAILERS 

Industry 'Shot in Arm' 

PROVIDENCE—The premiere of "The 

Robe" at the Majestic here, pronounced by 

veteran theatremen and local newspapers as 

the "biggest film opening in this city's history" 

gave the motion picture industry in 

Rhode Island at least a real "shot in the 

arm." 

The Majestic management borrowed a bit 

of Hollywood glamor to open "The Robe," 

which resulted in the gathering of tremendous 

throngs. The ceremonies opened at 7:30 

p.m. with a big sound truck and searchlight 

battery parked across from the theatre entrance. 

Police divided Wa-shington street, on 

which the Majestic is located, into two sections. 

Cars were allowed to come up and discharge 

passengers in front of the theatre, but 

through traffic was halted. 

The La Salle academy 70-piece band entertained 

the throngs waiting to get into the 

house, and when the band took a rest, musical 

selections emanated from the sound truck, 

as searchlights swept the cool, crisp skies. A 

double line of men, women and children 

wound around the entire block for more than 

an hour before the 8:30 p.m. scheduled showing. 

Police estimated that there were more 

than 2,000 persons clamoring outside the theatre 

before the invited guests started arriving. 

In the lobby, radio and television officials 

busied themselves with microphones and 

cameras, getting pictures and voices of special 

guests for the premiere of the picture. 

A 15-minute broadcast was handled by 

WPJB AM-FM. A score of newspaper and 

freelance cameramen roamed the outside 

lobby and streets adjoining the Majestic snapping 

pictui-es of 20th Century-Fox executives. 

Motion pictures for later televising of this 

city's biggest motion picture opening were 

shot, as were for future stills exploitations. 

Clergymen from all churches were in attendance, 

including many of the leading dignitaries. 

Other invited guests were justices 

of the supreme court, mayors of all Rhode 

Island cities, town officials, newspapermen, 

radio and television commentators and police 

officials. After invited guests were seated, 

tickets went on general sale, but 2,000 persons 

were turned away. 

Nate Oberman President 

Of Boston Local F-3 

BOSTON—The film exchange office employes 

Local F-3 elected officers recently and 

named Nate Oberman, MGM, president. Other 

new officers are Wendell Clements, Paramount, 

vice-president: Laura McKenna, Warner 

Bros., financial secretary; Julia Canty, 

National Screen, treasurer, and Florence 

MGM, recording secretary. 

Trustees are Harry Smith, RKO; Cyril 

Scully, 

McGerigle, RKO, and Agnes Donahue, United 

Artists, Stewards are Beth Donnelly, RKO; 

Edith Shershow, Republic: Grace Triangle, 

National Screen: Bill Hepburn, Paramount; 

Barbara Lynch, Warner Bros.; Agnes Boyajian. 

Universal; Sonya Lewis, Columbia; 

Katherinc Breen, 20th-Fox; Jack Israelson, 

MC'.M, and Maura Jane Roach, United Artists. 

Inked to topline with Ethel Merman, Mltzl 

Gaynor and Dan Dalley in 20lh-Fox's "There's 

No Business Like Show Business" Is Donald 

O'Connor. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE f^ 

Yê Pine Island and Manchester drive-insj 

both in Manchester, have closed for the 

season. The Sky Ray Outdoor, located on the 

Daniel Webster highway five miles north of 

Manchester, has curtailed its schedule. The 

Sky Ray is giving shows only on Thursday. 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

The Strand in Manchester was closed for! 

three days for the installation ' 

of a new panoramic 

screen. During the installation. "Mar-; 

tin Luther" was moved to the Palace, operated 

by the same management. With the' 

resumption of vaudeville shows at the Palace, . 

Roger Barrette's newly organized Palace The- 

, 

atre orchestra occupied the pit. 

. 

, 

The Lyric in Manchester offered the fir-i 

Queen city showing of the ItaUan film. "O.K. 

Nero." Also on the screen was "A Run fori 

Your Money" Local 195 has 

signed a new two-year contract with Manchester 

and Nashua theatres. The pact was 

I 

signed by the State Operating Co., owner of I 

the State, Strand and Palace in Manchester, ' 

and by the Colonial, State and Daniel Web- I 

ster theatres in Nashua. Leo F. Mclntyre Is I 

president of the local. • 

Manager Ralph Morris made 300 free seats 

available at the Colonial in Laconia when the 

youngsters of that city staged a Halloween 

celebration. 

November-December Dates 

For 'Robe' in New England 

BOSTON—"The Robe." which has broken 

house records at the Keith Memorial here 

and in its second New England engagement at 

the Majestic in Providence, is dated for several 

other New England spots. 

Cinemascope equipment has been placed In 

four theatres of the Latchis Circuit—in Keene, 

Claremont and Newport. N.H.. and in Brattleboro, 

Vt.—for a November 25 playdate. 

The film will open at the Victoria. Greenfield, 

owned by Herbert Brown, on the same 

date. It will open December 9 at both the 

Opera House. Lebanon. N.H.. for Doris Mollica. 

and at the Lyric, White River Junction, 

Vt., for Interstate Theatres. These two houses 

are just three miles away. 

"The Robe" opened at the.se five theatres on 

Armistice day— the State. New Bedford, for 

the Zeitz circuit; the Strand. Portland. Me.. 

Snider circuit, and three Loews Poli houses, 

Worcester, Springfield and New Haven. The 

film is .set for December openings at the 

Palace, Lawrence. Stanley Warner Theatres; 

the Empire, Fall River, Nathan Yamlns, and 

the Opera House. Newport. R.I.. Harry Horgan. 

Phil Engel, 20th-Pox Boston area publicist, 

has been setting up campaigns for the film 

in all these cities. 

The second Cinemascope epic. "How to 

Marry a Millionaire," opened at the Metropolitan 

here on Armistice day and will have 

Its .second New England opening at the 

Albee In Providence November 25. 

Jay Golden, district mnnaRer for RKO 

Theatres; Dave Levin. manaKer; Ben Domingo 

of RKO Tlieatrcs and Phil Engel have 

been huddling over plans for the full campaign. 

Lauren Bacall. star of the film, waa 

here Tuesday (10> to meet the press at the 

Rltz 

Carlton. 

i 

ITWOOI 

'Mo§m 

-ri by the 

5 Counca 

-feey's" 

lor Pa 

Spirit! 

-'ortdi,;,, 

^'W'atioa, 

BOXOFTICE : 

M. 19S3

1 

York, 

I 

I 

. . . Frank 

. . . Dick 

. . Luke 

. . The 

. . The 

. . The 

NEW HAVEN 

T«

is not enough! 

BUSINESS EXECUTIVES! 

CHECK THESE QUESTIONS 

If you can answer "yes" to most of ttiem, 

The need for blood is greater than ever, not only for men 

wounded in combat, but here at home ... to cure disease, to meet 

accidents and disasters, and to prepare for civil defense. 

Our quota can ONLY be met, if those who give keep on 

giving . . . regularly! 

You CAN give more than once ... as often as every three months 

with complete personal safety. The more often you give the more often 

you save a life. For every pint of blood you give goes to someone 

who needs it desperately. 

Remember . . . once is NOT enough. Give blood again and again! 

Call your Red Cross, Armed Forces or Community Blood Donor Center 

for an appointment 

GIV 

to give blood today. 

you— and your company— are doing a 

o 

o 

o 

oooooo 

job for tfie 

National Blood Program. 

needed 

HAVE YOU SEI UP A LISI OF VOLUNIEERS 

SO THAT EFFICIENT PLANS CAN BE MADE 

FOR SCHEDULING DONORS? 

Remember, as Ions as a single pint ot blood 

may mean the difference between life and 

deatli for any American . . . ttie need tor 

blood IS 

urgent! 

give it 

again and again 

NATIONAL BLOOD PROGRAM 

BOXOFFICE NovfinlXT H, 1953

. . not 

. . 

So Bookers Are Buggy, But 

Here's Why 

Daily Struggle With Foibles and Dates Thumbnailed by Former Film Dater 

Jack Reid. manager for J. Arthur 

Rank Film Distributors at Vancotiver, 

lormerly a booker at Winnipeg and Calgary, 

tells of some of the tribulations 

of the booker, following up Ben Somviers' 

"Exhibitor Spends a Day at the 

Exchange." in the same all-in-fun 

Sure, bookers are bugs—but who dood it? 

Ah! Don't blush, Mr. Exhibitor, or duck your 

head or sidle away with your little pinky 

stuck in the corner of your mouth: you have 

a lot to answer for. Consider the types of 

exhibitors w-ho contribute to a booker's daily 

mental breakdown. Here's a few: 

Cautious type: Offer him a fast date on a 

picture that is breaking boxoffice records, 

that just fini.shed five weeks in its first run, 

that everybody is hustling you to book, and 

just happens to be undated on Mr. Cautious' 

open date. What happens? Rubs his chin, 

scowls, sez, "Well-1-1-1, I dunno—might not 

be so good fer me ." Finally dates it, 

plays it to big BO gives you the same 

and 

routine l( it happen.s again. 

Extrovert: "Hey, gimme a 70-mlnulc pitcher 

for August 16, 17— stars, color, western, drama, 

comedy, I don't give a dern—Just so It's 70 

minutes." i 

Ble.ss hlm.i 

Bl|f time operator: Comes In. asts for a cerpicture, 

writes It In his book and the booker 

spots three other titles In the same date. (Any 

booker deserving the name can read a dat« 

book upsldo down at ten feet, otherwl.se, he's 

Through the Booking Book With Pencil no booker. I Shocked Into undiplomatic action, 

booker asks about them other pictures 

and Eraser 

By JACK REID 

in there: get's answer, "Ha, don't bother! 

A short while ago, you printed a story concerning 

the difficulties encountered by an P.S.: It doesn't. 

Yours '11 play." 

exhibitor who played second fiddle to numerous 

cups of coffee in his endeavors to corner after much cogitation and many restless 

Smoke screen: Tells booker he has decided, 

a booker, the end result being the creation of nights, to spot-book THE picture, the company's 

pride and joy. for two days. Monday 

iin impression that a booker is a weird type 

who exists on coffee, and whose most violent and Tue.sday before Christmas and is willing 

form of exercise is era.sing dates. Well, if I to pay his lop for It, not that picture is worth 

may invent a brand-new phrase, "You don't it, mind you, but a couple of his patrons have 

have to be crazy to be a booker—but it helps!" been asking him to play It. Gets bewildered, 

hint and indignant when gently reminded of 

company's policy. This type never quits trying, 

except in January when he Is In Florida 

or California. 

Circuit booker: 'Whaddaya mean, it ain't 

open?" (You've only been chasing him for 

weeks for a date on it. then finally in desperation 

have .set it in one of your good accounts. 

Where does he want it? You guessed It: 

right there. Go fight City Hall.) 

Belligerent: Refuses to admit rental is correct: 

you patiently dig up contract copies to 

prove it. Grumbles about his signature, swears 

salesman must have hypnotized him Into 

signing deal. Same routine every time a 

booking is in excess of ten bucks. Usually 

drlvivs u Ciidllluc 

Inqutrlnc mind: Wanu title. Htan. running 

time, rootagi-, date It played first run. second 

run, third run, where, how many days, condition 

of print, quantity of advertlAlng on hand, 

etc. ad Inf.. then declde» he can't \ine It 

after all. and book-t a wentern with no questlon.s 

a.sked 

Absent minded: Comes In a weeic ahead (or 

his trailer . on shipping sheet . 

storms Into office to complain about lousy 

service and can't be convinced that he wrote 

the title In hLs book without going through 

the laborious process of lifting the phone, 

dialing the office, and a.sklng for the date 

No confirmation? They go In the waste 

basket: nobody ever loolcs at boolcing notices. 

But nobody! Print always .seems to be available 

for this guy. too. 

Good en: Sets 'em In. leaves 'em In, plays 

off every contract lOO per cent, never a-sk-s (or 

reductions, never complains, never changes 

dates: 

as a matter of fact, never existed 

Drive-in: Whips Into office, sets In dates, 

whips out again. Can't waste time In dim 

exchanges, has a date with salesman from 

candy company, salesman from meat packer, 

salesman from wholesale grocery, salesman 

from coffee miller, and Is working on deal 

with five other drlve-lns to buy a freight 

train load of potatoes. 

Yeah, you don't have to be crazy. 'You 

slide into that booker's chair with a head full 

of Ideas and a heart full of ambition when you 

it get the job. but isn't long before the ideas 

move over to accommodate a new set of 

is. 

tenants. Bats, that 

But don't stop coming Into the o((lce. 

we need the dates! 

fellers, 

Exhibitors Question 

Hotel Barroom TV 

TORONTO—While the agenda has not yet 

been announced for the annual convention of 

the National Committee of Motion Picture 

Exhibitors Ass'ns of Canada, opening November 

23, one subject of general discission undoubtedly 

will be hotel beverage room television. 

Word has been received from member 

organizations that the national association 

will be asked to deal with the situation on 

the ground that TV entertainment in 

"saloons" is unfair to theatres and other 

amusement centers. Western Canada exhibitor 

groups are said to be preparing to press 

for action by the national committee. 

In cormection with the proposal for the 

establishment of a Canadian Motion Picture 

Institute to handle public relations in behalf 

of the whole motion picture business, a 

rumble has been heard from Ottawa where 

the 16mm Canadian Film Institute opposes 

use of the institute name. Gordon Adamson. 

executive director of the former National 

Film Society renamed the Canadian Film 

Institute, said that the last name had been 

registered with the Dominion government. 

The matter will have to be threshed out at 

the 1953 convention of the Motion Picture Industry 

Council of Canada, scheduled for November 

24-26. at the King Edward hotel. 

Plenty of Art Choice 

TORONTO— Seekers of the unusual had 

plenty of choice among Toronto's class-type 

theatres for the week. The International 

Cinema opened the British picture "The 

Holly and the Ivy," and the Studio offered 

another Italian film. "Peddlin" in Society." 

while the Melody featured "Cuba Cabana." 

"Ave Maria" was seen at the Pylon while 

the Hollywood took over "The Cruel Sea." 

Usually grouped with other 20th Century 

units, the Circle went it alone this week with 

"O.K. Nero." 

Ottawa to 5-Day Week 

OTTAWA— All Canadian government employes 

have gone on a five-day week. There 

has been some falling off in the Saturday attendance 

at downtown theatres, a number of 

barbers have decided to close Saturdays in- 

the customary Wednesdays and the 

stead of 

Ottawa transportation commission has reduced 

its operating schedules on Saturday. 

Wide Screens at Hamilton 

TORONTO—Jack L. Hunter, president of 

McKean Theatres, Toronto, has installed 

wide screens in his three Hamilton units. 

The latest to get the treatment is the 972-.seat 

Delta, managed by Oscar Lang. Previous Installations 

were made in the Queens, 937 

seats, and the Empire. 888 seats. 

Ottawa Slates Quiz 

Of Bingo Question 

OTTAWA—On the agenda (or the first 

session 

of the new parliament here, scheduled 

to open November 16, is a motion (or the 

appointment of a special commission to draw 

up recommendations for a revision of the 

criminal statutes. 

High on the directive (or the commission Is 

consideration o( changes in the criminal code 

for the governing of games o( chance. Including 

bingo and lotteries and the holding o( 

draws for substantial prizes. 

The bingo question has long rankled the 

theatre proprietors because of the operation 

of games for high stakes in the name of 

charity. One of the most recent bingo features 

in Ottawa, popularly called Monster nights, 

was conducted by the Lions club with prizes 

totaling S9.500. 

The parliamentary move is sure to enter 

Into discu.sslons at the convention November 

23 at Toronto of the National Committee of 

Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'ns of Canada. 

Leading Lady in 'Bitter Creek' 

Beverly Garland has been cast as Bill Elliott's 

leading lady In "Bitter Creek." an Allied 

Artists' 

film. 

BOXOFFICE : : November 14, 1953 95

. . . The 

. . Due 

. . Joe 

. . . Edwin 

. . Two 

. . The 

. . President 

. . Prank 

. . After 

I 

j 

' 

j 

MONTREAL 

Tning Herman, Warner Bros, publicist here 

is making arrangements for the showing 

of "The Beggar's Opera." starring Sir 

Laurence Olivier, at the Kent Theatre soon 

. . . Bill Trow, president of Montreal Poster 

Exchange and of Quebec Cinema Bookings, 

Ltd., and Mort Prevost, manager of QCBL, 

motored to Rimouski on a three-day business 

trip. 

Grattan Kiely has joined Empire-Universal 

as head booker, replacing Orville Fruitman 

who has been transferred to Toronto. Fruitman'.s 

hometown . Oupcher, district 

manager for International Film Distributors, 

returned from a business trip to Quebec City 

National Theatre at Grand Mere, 

closed for several months for alterations and 

to install wide-screen projection, reopened 

November 1. It has a seating capacity of 500 

. . . Robert Stein, assistant booker at 20th- 

Fox, was married to Mona Rice November 2. 

Following the ceremony and reception, the 

couple left by plane for a two-week honeymoon 

to Bermuda. 

Joe Rimer, bookkeeper at Montreal Poster, 

spent a weekend in the Laurentians at St. 

Jovita . to the large increase of business, 

Cine-France Distribution, Ltd.. 690 

Lagauchetiere St. West, has completely remodeled 

a large space in its own location, 

the Home of Cine-France, to obtain new 

offices with a projection room specially fitted 

for its 16mm division, managed by Marcel 

Lavallee. Claude Desjardin.s. former booker 

at E-U, is now booker for Cine-France 35mm 

OUR business] 

HELPS 

YOUR BUSINESS j 

Make more profits 

with POPCORN 

and Other Concession Items 

Distributors of 

CRETORS — MANLEY 

Popcorn Machines 

Hot Dog equipment ond other 

concession needs for profits 

for Details Wire Call or Write 

SUPER PUFFT POPCORN LTD. 

97 Duke St., Toronto, or 

SERVICE CONFECTIONS LTD. 

243 Lilac St., Winnipeg, Man. 

REVENUS ADDITIONNELS 

SANS AUCUN FRAIS DE VOIRE PART 

avec 

PRESENTATIONS CINEMATOGRAPHIQUES 

pour plus de details, ecrivei a: 

ADFILMS LIMITED, 

77 York St., Toronto 

division. Armande Savard Is secretary to Mr. 

and Mrs. J. P. Desmarais, joint presidents of 

Cine-France: Huguette Lavallee is the accountant: 

George Langlois is the newly appointed 

sales representative and Aime Jarrjis 

in charge of the shipping department. 

Among exhibitors who recently visited Cine- 

Prance's offices were Father Juniper Kuefler 

of the Centre Antonien near Quebec City, 

who was accompanied by Brother Leon Sylvain: 

Gerard Cote, mayor of Cap Chat, owner 

of the Chat Botte Theatre: Mr. and Mrs. R. 

Menard of the Little Met. Greenfield Park, 

and Octave Bisson, the Royal, St. Andre 

Avellin . . . Kay Sheehy. formerly with Warner 

Bros., is now secretary to Bob Johnson, manager 

of JARO . staff members of 

JARO were on the sick list: Denise Cerat, 

cashier, and Ginette Matte, stenographer 

Grossman has joined JARO as 

assistant cashier ... At United Artists. Nat 

Zitner is replacing Morey Hamat as booker. 

Hamat was recently promoted to sales representative. 

Sympathy to Hyman Steinberg, poster clerk 

at Montreal Poster Exchange, whose father 

Irving was killed during a fire which destroyed 

the Lambskin Processors on Shearer 

street where he was employed . . . Sympathy 

to Donald Govan, chief studio technician at 

Associated Screen News, on the death of his 

wife. 

Her Majesty's Theatre had the new Italian 

film. "II Trovatore" as opening vehicle for 

continuous daily screen shows. Starring in 

the film version of the Verdi opera is baritone 

Enzo Ma-scherini, who made his debut 

at the MetropoUtan Opera House in the role 

of Count of Luna . feminine section 

of Montreal Museum of Pine Arts will present 

films once monthly during the season of 

October to April, inclusive. English-language 

films will alternate with French-language 

films. 

The Social Credit party has filmed progress 

of a recent convention at St. Georges de 

Beauce, Que., and is presenting the film to 

various locales of the party. 

TV Series of Films Begun 

At Studio in Montreal 

MONTREAL—Montreal will be the scene 

ers of TV quickies. "I expect that our efforts 

will eventually provide opportunities for Canadian 

actors, writers and technical men." 

Jarvis said if the first .series of 39 was successful, 

it would be followed immediately by 

a larger production of film shorts. 

The initial series will be "capsule mysteries," 

all of five minutes duration. Tliere will be 

no trick .solutions. Jarvis said. All the clues 

will be visible for the viewers to solve. 

Gilbert Braun, known for his scripting of 

"Sjiace Cadet," "The Shadow" and many other 

US programs, will direct the first series. 

Braun will be In Montreal about six weeks. 

Wilh the exception of Braun. and po.sslbly 

a leading man from Hollywood, all of tlie 

actors will 

be from Montreal," Jarvis said. 

The Robe' Remains 

Big Toronto Leader 

\%l 

TORONTO—Good to excellent grosses were 

reaped by first run theatres, ten of them 

having extended engagements for what is ' i| 

called a record in this respect. The outstanding 

leader continued to be "The Robe." 

(Average Is 100) j 

j 

(London), 2nd wk IQS 

Hyland-Alwoys o Bride (JARO) 

I 

110 

Imperial—The Robe 20th-Fox), 140 

wk 3rd 

Loews—Mogombo MGM), 2nd wk. 100 

Nortown— Stolog 17 Para), 2nd d. f. wk 95 

Odeon—The Molfo Story JARO) 125 

Sheas—From Here to Eternity (Col), 5th wk 90 

Tivoli, Copitol— Mortin Luther IFD), 2nd wk 115 

Towne—The Story ot Gilbert and Sullivan [Lor>don), 

< 

"tn d t wk 

Uptown—Torch Song MGV; 2nd wk 

IDS ; 

105 | 

'Robe' Breaks Records in Bow 

At Vancouver; "Eternity' Good 

VANCOUVER—The theatre menu in Vancouver 

wasn't very bright. Except for three 

houses with outstanding pictures, there were 

empty seats. In the money were "The Robe," 

"From Here to Eternity" and '"1116 War of 

the Worlds." 

Capitol—The Robe '20th-Fox) 

Record Breoker 

Cinema—Mighty Joe Young IRKO); Isle of the 

Dead RKO). reissues, 4 days Poor 

Orpheum—The Wor of the Worlds (Pore). . . Averoge 

Plaza ond Hastings—The Golden Blade (U-i). . . .Poof 

Strond—Main Street to Broodway (MGM) 

TORONTO 

Fair 

Vogue—From Here to Eternity Col), 3rd wk...Good 

'Z 

T loyd Taylor, supervisor of Famous Players 

drive-ins in Ontario, closed them all just 

ahead of the arrival of wintry weather ... 

Manager Barney Carnon of the local Hyland 

featured a beauty review on the stage in a ! 

tie-in with Tiffany Cosmetics at the first 

evening performance of 'Always a Bride." 

Duncan Campbell, manager of the Mountain 

at Hamilton, presented a "Pair of Fours" 

in a double bill which consisted of "The 

Four Poster" and "Four in a Jeep." Campbell 

is staging a new feature Thursday nights with 

local 

personalities. 

Intimation comes from Manager Jack 

Clarke that "Kiss Me Kate" will be the Christmas 

attraction at Loew's. It is expected the 

two-dimension print will be used on the wide 

screen . N. A. Taylor of the 

Canadian Picture Pioneers and President 

Jack Cohn of the U.S. Motion Picture Pioneers 

are exchanging compliments. Taylor attended 

the New York dinner honoring Barney 

Balaban and, in turn, Cohn is scheduled to 

and 134 Montrealers the players as a venture 

marking a complete switch in the U.S.-Canada 

television relationship starts unfolding 

next week. Production will start on the first 

of 39 television film shorts for showing on 

United States television networks. It will be 

the first attempt to market Canadian-produced 

commercial TV in the U.S. 

"Tl-iis will herald the start of a new Canadian 

be a special guest at the CPP banquet In 

television industry," said Richard J. Toronto November 25 when J. J. Fitzglbbons 

will 

JarvLs, president of Frontier Films, produc- 

be named Canada's Pioneer of the Year. 

Manager Hubbard of the Cinema, Hamilton, 

got a third week out of "The Story of Gilbert 

and Sullivan," then turned to "The Paris 

Express," which opened November 4 for an 

unlimited run . playing two weeks at 

the Melody, Toronto, "Sensation of San 

Remo," a German musical, was booked into 

the Savoy, Hamilton, by Manager Dan Mc- 

Kinnon . Vaughan of Toronto, general 

manager of Allied Artists In Canada, Is 

on a coast-to-coast bu.slne.ss tour. 

The 20th Century Theatres Managei.s club, 

headed by Lionel Axler. organized the annu:il 

benefit show for Variety Village to be pre- 

.sented on the stage of the Victory on Spadlnii 

avenue Siniday night (15>. 

BOXOFFICE NovtMubt-r 14. 1953 

i

Poubie Satisfaction 



[f SUPERB SOUND 

2!^ 



undistorted sound reproduction at all ôlume levels. 

Componenlt are Monufoclurcd undar Bollanlyns 

Co. Paienit by General Electric. 









minutes. 

WEATHERPROOF 






or swell. 

DEPENDABLE 

A heavy 1.30 02. Alnico V magnet gives THREE to FIVE 


Ask the Drive-ln Theatre Oiiner who has Dubl-Cone Speakers 


H. I. Howard 

Theatre Equipment & Supply Co. 

906 Davie St. 

Vancouver, B. C. 

J. M. Rice & Co., Ltd. 

202A Canada Building 

Winnipeg — Manitoba, Canada 

Perkins Electric Co., Ltd. 

277 Victoria Street 

Toronto, Canada 

Perkins Electric Co., Ltd. 

1197 Phillips Place 

Montreal, Conodo 

BOXOFFICE :: November 14. 1953

. . . Harry 

. . The 

, . . Manager 

. . Manager 

. . 

. . John 

. . The 

' 

Gile 

WANCOUVER 

$5,400 at the Victoria city tax sale. The house 

had been dark for the last year. Name of the 

purchaser was not divulged. Aceman also 

operates the Avon in Vancouver. Under conditions 

of tax sale purchases, the new owner 

êorge Geirard, projectionist at the Strand 

and a member of the Famous Players 25 will not have title to the property for one 

Year club has retired from show business and 

has moved to California . . Mrs. Douglas 

year and the former owner may redeem the 

property by paying the back taxes . . . The 

Hadden. wife of the assistant at the Strand, 

is recovering from surgery in St. Paul's has- 

Cassidy Drive-In on Vancouver Island will 

not proceed with construction until said 

1954, 

Bob Foster of the Orpheum is out Jack Sweeney, president. 

of hospital after suffering a heart attack . 

Jack E31is, assistant manager at the Plaza Wex Fairley, son of the manager of the 

Parksville Theatre at Parksville on Vancouver 

here, has taken over as manager of the Royal 

Island, was awarded a decoration for gallantry 

by Queen Elizabeth. The 23-year-old boy 

was in Korea with Lord Strathcona's outfit. 

He won the decoration while transporting 

ammunition to the front-line trenches 

at Moose Jaw. Sask.. for the Phillit circuit. 

He was replaced at the Plaza by Doug Stevenson 

from the Vogue. Bob Ci-uishank. 

Vogue student manager, replaces Stevenson. 

John Hamill. formerly with the Orpheum in 

San Francisco, is on the staff of the Vogue 

as student manager. 

Frank Fisher, Canadian general manager 

for JARO. i.s in town on his semiannual visit 

Blumson, chief accountant for 

JARO. was in town for his annual audit of 

the local JARO office . . . Len Johnson, president 

of the British Columbia Exhibitors Ass'n, 

reports that the BCEA will hold its annual 

meeting and dinner at the Hotel Vancouver 

Monday (30i . . . Harry Howard of Theatre 

Equipment Supply and Shirl Wilson of Perkins 

Electric were in Chicago for the TEDA 

convention. 

British Columbia had a holiday Wednesday 

(11 >. It was Remembrance day, declared a 

holiday under the factories and .shops regulations 

. . . Helen Segal, wife of International's 

branch manager, is arranging the Christmas 

party for the Crippled Children's hospital to 

be held December 18 at Sunset Memorial center 

.. . Howard Boothe. Audio manager, is in 

Winnipeg representing the British Columbia 

Automobile Ass'n at the Canadian association 

convention . provincial censor board 

has extended its jurisdiction to theatre advertising 

matter, posters, stills, etc. As one 

local columnist said, the next casualty probably 

will be Mickey Mouse. "That's how tough 

things are getting," he said, "and if you're 

waiting expectantly to .see some of the topnotch 

foreign epics, don't hold your breath. 

In other words, it's time for a change in the 

British Columbia censor setup." 

The Rio in Victoria, owned by the Jack 

Aceman interests of Vancouver, was sold for 

1 screen game, 

HOLLYWOOD fakes top 

honors. 

As a box-office at- 

Iraction, it is without equaL It has 

en a favorite with theatre goers for 

over 15 years. Write today for complete details. 

Be sure to give seating or car capacity. 

HOLLYWOOD AMUSIMINT CO. 

•II South WolHiih Avenu> • Chltaao 5. Illlnoli 

With the farm slump and decreasing entertainment 

dollars believed to be factors, the 

amusement industry in British Columbia is 

continuing the nosedive that started several 

months ago. Film industry leaders here say 

that the decline in farm prices has hit pocketbooks 

hard in this area, which is largely dependent 

upon agriculture's welfare for its 

prosperity. 

OTT AW A 

Twentieth Century Theatres' personnel in 

the Ottawa district has been reshuffled 

following the closing of local drive-in 

operations. Jack Marion, who managed the 

Britannia airer, was shifted to manager of 

the Imperial downtown. Bill Stepanischen 

has been moved from the Aladdin Drive-In 

to Toronto, while Ken Musson, manager of 

the Cornwall ozoner, has been named assistant 

manager to Ernie Warren at the 

Ottawa Elgin where Don Bickerson continues 

as house manager. Continuing as before are 

Don Watts at the Rideau and Ken Brown at 

the Nelson. 

Genera! disappointment occurred when Bert 

Lahr. veteran comedian, was compelled to 

cancel his visit to the Canadian capital 

November 6 for the annual ball of the Ottawa 

Press club in the Chateau Laurier. He sent 

belated word that he had been called to 

Hollywood for a retake on MGM's "Rose 

Marie" . . . The second theatre in Ottawa 

to have a wide screen is the 20th Century 

Elgin where it was introduced November 6 

by Manager Ernie Warren with the showins 

of "From Here to Eternity" at advanced prices. 

The first enlarged screen was installed at 

Casey Swedelove's Linden. 

Peter Sturgess, assistant to Manager Jim 

Chalmers of the Odeon, has resigned to become 

business manager of the Canadian 

Repertory Theatre, local home of stock drama 

R. Crabbe closed the Auto-Sky 

Drive-In on the Baseline road Saturday night 

in the midst of the season's first snowstorm 

... A screening for Ottawa clergymen was 

conducted at the Little Elgin by E. S. Warren 

of "Martin Luther." prior to opening November 

16 which tied in with the observance of 

Martin Luther Sunday at local churches. 

D. B. Stapleton's Westboro in the west end 

made a splash introduction of n dinnerware 

premium . Fred Leavens reported 

good business on "The Seven Deadly Sins" at 

the Elmdale . . . T. R. Tubman, manager of 

the FPC Capitol, announced no date had yet 

been .set for Introduction of ClncmaScope at 

this theatre although work has started. 

MARITIMES f 

JJ rchie Mason has severed his political aflll-! 

iations to devote all his attention to the 

Capitol Theatre in Springhill. N.S., which 

he operates with his son Lloyd, and to a 

Montreal theatre in which he holds a hall 

interest. On the eve of the Springhill municipal 

election, he submitted his resignation 

as mayor, a post he has held 11 years. During 

that time he also served four years as a member 

of the Nova Scotia legislature. Msison Is 

president of the Maritime Exhibitors Ass'n. 

Three-dimension was introduced at the 

Capitol in St. John's. Nfld.. recently by FPC 

Nora Hogan. Capitol manager, has been a 

Newfoundland exhibitor many years and i> 

a sister of Pat Hogan. manager of the Paramount 

exchange at St. John. N.B. FPC will 

equip its Paramount in St. John's for Cinemascope. 

The interior of the Roxy Theatre at 

Lake. Nfld.. has been redecorated, and 

"H 

" 

fixtures, including candy and cigaret venders, 

have been installed in the lobby. Mai Pekley. 

formerly a motor car salesman at Corner 

Brook, has taken over the theatre, succeeding 

Court Mitchell . S. Arklie. manager 

of the Imperial in Botwood. Nfld.. and 

wife have retiuned from a 4.000-mile trip In 

U.S. and Canada, during which he stopped 

at many theatres to inspect the new 3-D 

and wide-screen proce-sses. 

Red Pope, owner of the Regent in Summerside. 

P.E.I. . ran "Salome" three days, interrupting 

his usual three-change-weeUjr 

schedule. He offers double bills on the weekends, 

usually westerns . Royal at 

Borden. P.E.I. . sticks to single bills with a 

S35 bank night pot each Friday. 

Olive Liscomi)e has been the chief assistant 

of her father J. S. Liscombe in the operatioD 

of the Royal in Dominion. N.S.. many years. 

Liscombe now is retired from politics but he 

has served in most of the municipal offices, 

including town clerk 28 years, treasurer, registrar 

of births and deaths, police magistrate, 

supreme court commissioner and justice Of 

peace. Now in the mid-SOs. he would pass fof 

a man much younger. He has been an exhibitor 

at Dominion 45 years. 

Wheat Crop Crisis Brings 

Threat to Boxoffices 

WINNIPEG—A sudden economic agricultural 

crisis is threatening to hit prairie prov. 

ince exhibitors -squarely in the boxof flee. With j 

grain elevators jammed with last 

year's surplus 

wheat, western Canadian farmers find 

themselves unable to dispose of thLs year^ 

crop at local elevators. Tliei-efore. many 

farmers are not receiving any money for this ( 

year's heavy harvest. In fact, most of them 

have to spend additional money to build their 

own grain receptacles. 

Small town exhibitors, who depend on 

farmer patronage, already have felt the pinch 

as the lack of harvest cash slowed down ticket 

purchases. 

Many exhibitors recall the fearsome years 

when they took potatoes and other farm pvi'- 

duce in lieu of cash, then saw Uiese perisliable 

items rot before they could dispose ..i 

them for cash to other sources. 

Producer George Pal whase next venturt 

I 

will be "Conquest of Space." has been handed tj( 

a new long-term contract by Paramniint. 

BOXOFFICE November 14. I95S 

\ 

.lit 

lOJJ 

till SB 

Sto 

'oral! 

teal playi 

Sptaseti 

ireterns 

%W^ 

oxl-Jam 

; tatrf 

d iital 

isilFin 

^ HID 

5 tee-ins, 

twejui 

i-Wer 1 

tiiiiKii 

M-tom 

rao-c 

Hivai,t 

'-\isat 

. ;ither; 

RKO 

— 

OXOfflCECDDDiUHi'^lJJD? 

The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY ABOUT PICTURES 

ALLIED ARTISTS 

Hiawatha (AA)—Vmcent Edwards, Yvette 

Duga.v, Keith Lnrsen. Pretty good. I think 

;t coiild have been improved upon. Good Ini.m 

-tory but somehow it did not bring out 

>!i;y of the poem. It did draw, though. 

t complain. Good story. Played Sun- 

Nice.—Marcella Smith, Vinton 

.„i.il:i, McArthur, Ohio, Small-town and 

patronage. 

iiiral 

Son of Belle Starr (AA)—Keith Larsen, 

:)ona Drake, Peggie Ca.stle. Had first run 

:n thi.s section. Good action picture. Single 

billed it on Friday-Saturday. Something I 

seldom do. Business and comments were both 

ery good.—Lloyd Hutchins, Center Theatre, 

Mensett, Ark. Small-town and rural patronage. 

COLUMBIA 

A! Jennings of Oklahoma (Col)—Dan 

Duryea, Gale Storm, Dick Foran. This wa.s 

ll-in for a last-minute switch. To any 

haven't played it, I would suggest they 

Will please those who "don't particularly 

care for westerns." And those who do. Boxjffice 

107 per cent. Played Sat. Weather: 

Clear, cool.—James H. Hamilton, Pine Hill 

Drive-In Theatre, Picayune, Miss. Smallown 

and rural patronage. 

Valley of Fire (Col)—Gene Autry, Pat 

Buttram, Gail Davis. I played this with Roy 

Rogers' "Home in Oklahoma." In looking for 

the right combination for a double feature 

for my drive-ins. I found Rogers ani Autry 

ogether were just what the doctor ordered. 

Try it.-Wilder S. Funk, Star Theatre, St. 

.Stephen, and Kingstree Drive-In, Kingstree, 

3.C. Small-town and rural patronage. 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

Jeopardy (MGM) — Barbara Stanwyck, 

Barry Sullivan. Ralph Meeker. A really fine 

feature whose trailer won't help sell a ticket. 

Too little footage, the aforementioned trailer 

Hid a weak title keep this from being grade-A 

iiaterial for country town single billing. 

Doubled with "Confidentially Connie" to dis- 

.ippointing business. Those who came liked it! 

Played Wed.. Thurs. Weather: Nice.—Bob 

Walker. Uintah Theatre. Fi-uita, Colo. Smalltown 


Naked Spur, The i MGM)—James Stewart, 

et Leigh. Robert Ryan. We played this 

very late but it still did normal business, 

Jimmy Stewart is popular and well liked here. 

This is a natural small-town show. Worth a 

liate. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cool.—Joe 

McPherson, Key Theatre, Kewaiina, Ind. 

small-tov/n and rural patronage. 

Naked Spur, The tMGM >—James Stewart. 

Janet Leigh, Robert Ryan. Very late playing 

this but I couldn't have done much better if 

I had played it close to release. Very good 

with beautiful scenery. Played Sun., Mon,— 

' C, Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. 

small-town and rural patronage. 

Naked Spur, The (MGM)—James Stewart. 

Janet Leigh, Robert Ryan, This did not draw 

as well as I had anticipated but regardless of 

that It Is good. Sometimes brutal but well 

acted and with magnificent ."icencry. Jimmy 

Stewart seems to go on forever and I didn't 

think Janet Leigh liad It in her. Played Sal.. 

Sun. Weather: Fair and cool.— Barbara and 

Klifton Altls. Buncelon Theatre, Bunceton, 

Mo. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Small Town Girl (MGMi—Jane Powell. 

Farley Granger. Ann Miller. You little boys 

in the small towns had better tack onto this 

one. Tlie title is a natural and the picture 

will satisfy them. This is the first musical In 

months that has held its own, which is really 

something. You can't go wrong with this one. 

Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair.—George 

Kelloff, Ute Tlieatre. Aguilar, Colo. Smalltown 


Too Young to Kiss (MGM)—June Allyson, 

Van Johnson, Gig Young. Good cast, good 

story, good picture. There are plenty of laughs 

and no slap»stick in this and you can use it 

on your best playing time and not go wrong. 

Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Hot.—F. L. 

Murray*. Strand Theatre. Spiritwood, Sask. 

Small- town and rural patronage. 

PARAMOUNT 

Come Back, Little Sheba (Para)— Shirley 

Booth. Burt Lancaster. Terry Moore. I played 

this early in the house and late in the drivein. 

I believe it's had its day. It was a swell 

show, but my people want something else 

and I haven't found it lately!—Wilder S. 

Funk. Star Theatre, and Kingstree Drive-In, 

Kingstree, St. Stephen, S.C. Small-town and 

rural patronage. 

Pony Express (Para)—Charlton Heston, 

Forrest Tucker, Rhonda Fleming. A good 

western in Technicolor. Business was good 

and I showed a profit on the engagement. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.-E. M. 

Freiburger, Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla, 

Small-town and rural patronage. 

RKO RADIO 

Beware, My Lovely ( i—Ida Lupino, 

Robert Ryan, Taylor Holmes. Small-town 

movie-pushers will do well to "beware" of 

Bob Hammers Away 

On the Formula 

T lOX AND THE HOKSE, THE (WB)— 

Steve Cochran, Ray Teal, Bob Steele. 

Again I say, what's so hard about taking 

a horse, a dog and a youngster and a simple 

little yarn and making a movie? It 

packs the house every time, yet we get one 

or two a year, while they keep the blood 

flowing from the James boys, the Daltons 

or Indian depred.itions until we're scaring 

people away. This is a natural to do business 

anywhere. It was like old times once 

again. Give Warners a date it you passed 

on this and you'll be beaming once more. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Beautiful.— 

Bob Walker. lUntah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. 


thU and 

HKO hiu. 

acted. ••; 

lapp..: 

keep.

; Nov. 

The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

(Continued from preceding page) 

Ing. Played Fri., Sat., Sun. Weather: OK.— 

Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. 


Night Without Sleep (20th-Fox) — Gary 

MerriU, Linda Darnell, Hildegard Neff. That's 

exactly what I had after counting out takings 

for this film. It has a very strong cast but 

when will HoIlyTX'ood stop making this kind 

of film? They are morbid—dark and Just 

plain non-entertaining! Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Fine.—Dave S. Klein, Astra Theatre, 

Kitwe-Nkana, Northern Rhodesia, Africa. 

Government, mining, business patronage. 

People WiU Talk (20th-Fox)—Gary Grant, 

Jeanne Grain, Finlay Currie. BOXOFFICE 

calls this picture a comedy and gives the rating 

as "good." But, I didn't find it like that. 

And I don't know why it was called a comedy. 

The cast is good and the acting is good but 

it just did not go over here. I didn't think 

too much of it myself. Business was poor. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.—F. L. 

Murray, Strand Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask. 


President's Lady, The (20th-Fox)—Charlton 

Heston, Susan Hayward, Margaret Wycherly. 

One of the best pictures in a long time. These 

two stars are tops in their roles. Had one 

customer tell me Holljôod doesn't make 

enough good biographical pictures and I agree 

with her. With the wealth of story material 

in some of our greatest men and women of bygone 

days, surely we should have more pictures 

of this type. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: 

Fair.—George Kelloff, Ute Theatre, 

Aguilar, Colo. Small-town and rural patronage. 

R«tum of the Texan (20th-Pox)—Dale Robertson, 

Joanne Dru, Walter Brennan. A 

splendid western which gave me a good crowd 

both nights. Was well received and had many 

good comments. I made a few dollars which 

is my good comment! Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Fine.—F. L. Murray, Strand Theatre, 

Spiritwood, Sask. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Ruby Gentry (20th-Fox)—Jennifer Jones, 

Charlton Heston, Karl Maiden. Doubled this 

with "The I Don't Care Girl." The latter was 

practically one continuous musical number 

which naturally improves the concession busine.ss. 

Whatever Jennifer Jones brought us, 

we weren't sure atwut, and we held the fight 

pictures over, too. Thursday was pretty low 

but Friday did pick up considerably. Played 

Thurs., Fri. Weather: Mild.—Robert Tuttle, 

Sky Drive-In Theatre, Adrian, Mich. City 


Stars and Stripes Forever (20th-Fox)—Clifton 

Webb, Robert Wagner. Debra Paget. A 

wonderful, wonderful picture but not overly 

appreciated. The color was also grand. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.—Arden A. Richards, 

Cralgsville Year Round Drive-In Theatre, 

Cralgsville, W.Va. Coal mining, farming, 

lumber patronage. 

Treasure of the Ooldi-n Condur, Tlic 

Titanic (20th-Pox)—Clifton Webb. Barbara 

Stanwyck, Robert Wagner. A great movie. 

Should do well In any theatre. Excellent acting 

by all the sliu-.s. Our patrons all remarked 

on how well they liked the .show. 

Bu.slncs.s should have been better, although we 

did okay. Play It for sure. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Good.—Bob Mellln, Marlon Theatre, 

Marlon, Wis. Small-town and rural patronage. 

i20th- 

Fox)—Cornel Wilde, Constance Smith, Finlay 

Currie. The preview sold this one—that 

was the only exciting part about the picture. 

People will come to see it, the trailer is really 

good. But when the show's out, be sure you're 

out for coffee. Played Sun. through Wed. 

Weather: Good.—Burdette C. Ross. Lamont 

Theatre, Lamont, Iowa. Small-town and 


UNITED ARTISTS 

nioulin Rouge (UA)—Jose Ferrer, Zsa Zsa 

Gabor, Colette Marchand. I think it would be 

better to skip this picture in most small towns. 

—Wilder S. Funk, Star Theatre, St. Stephen, 

and Kingstree Drive-In, Kingstree, S.C. 


Outcast of the Islands (UA)—Trevor Howard, 

Ralph Richardson, Wendy Hiller. An unusual 

picture made in England that our patrons 

wouldn't buy. Beware of this one. Not 

for small towns. Bank night failed to save it. 

Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: O.K.— 

Joe McPherson, Key Theatre, Kewanna, Ind. 


UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL 

Francis Goes to West Point (U-D—Donald 

O'Connor, Lori Nelson, Alice Kelley. Not 

nearly as many laughs as the previous 

"Francis" picture*. However, they still seem 

to Uke him. I would say that they need a 

Canny Cnticism From 

Our Marcella 

OIRLS OF PLEASURE ISLAND (Para) 

Leo Genn, Elsa Lanchester, Don Taylor. 

We had stiff competition that night 

and still this one drew and people loved 

it! Received comments on it for several 

days. It is different from the run-of-the 

mil! picture—risque, but not too much so, 

and still sweet. Should go over in any 

community. Played Wed. Weather: Nice. 

—Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, Mc- 

Arthur, Ohio. Small-town and rural patronage. 

new gag writer for these pictures if they wish 

to survive. Donald O'Connor is very good as 

usual. Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Mild.— 

K. R. Corkum, Cross Theatre, New Ross, 

Nova Scotia. Small rural community patronage. 

Mon. Weather: Pair.-Bob MeUin. Marlon 

Theatre, Marion, Wis. Small-town and rur»l 

Silver Whip, Tlie (20th-Pox)—Dale Robert- Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm (U-I) patronage. 

.son, Rory Calhoun, Robert Wagner. Excellent 

—Marjorie Main. Percy Kilbride, Richard 

story and excellent cast. Way above average 

Long. A good Kettle picture. I thought it was Jim Thorpe—All-.\merlcan (WB) — Hurt 

western but in black and white. Business not 

a little better than average. However, BOX- Lancaster, Charles Bickford, Steve CochrHLH 

quite up to par. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. OFFICE said an average Kettle and that A good picture and one which brought tev> 

is 

Weather: Dry.—Ben Spainhour, Twilight 

a pretty fair estimate. Played Mon., Tues. from some of the patrons. This should ha|B' 

Theatre, Greensburg. Kas. Small-town and 

Weather: Good.—F. L. Murray, Strand Theatre, 

Spiritwood, Saskatchewan. Small-town don't know who Jim Thorpe was. Those w8ft 

been made 15 years ago. Many people nMT, 



Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair (U-D—Marjorie 

Main, Percy Kilbride,- James Best. For 

some silly reason our patrons go nuts over 

U-I's comedies, including this series. What 

makes it hurt is U-I's high prices and percentage. 

Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair. 

—Arden A. Richards, Cralgsville Year Round 

Drive-In Theatre, CralgNvlllo. W.Va. Coal 

mining, farming, lumber patronage. 

Meet Mc at the Fair (U-D—Dan Dallcy. 

Diana Lynn, Chct Allen. Here Is an excellent 

small-town picture. It has everything, beautiful 

color, good acting. Just enough music 

and a down-to-earth story that pleased. This 

is what I call entertainment and our pati'ons 

seemed to agree with me. Played U-I's 

"World's Most Beautiful Girls" with this. 

Very good short subject. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Good.—Mike OUenyk, Belfield Thb 

atre. Belfield, NX). Small-town and rural 

tronage. 

Steel Town (U-D—Ann Sheridan. J 

Lund. Howard Duff. We agree wholeheartedlSi M 

with Bob Walker, Uintah Tlieatre, Fruttii[':'%i j 

Colo. He said it all with his writeup in tlu 

July 11 issue. This was enjoyed by everyom 

and held its own for the one night stand. WJl 

draw on any date. Played Sunday only 

Weather: Cloudy and cool.—John C. Ccffri: 

Jr., HomesteaD Drive-In Theatre. Nor'.. 

Montpelier, Vt. Small-town and rural p-. 

tronage. 

Seminole (U-D—Rock Hudson, Barb.ir 

Hale, Anthony Qulnn. What more could : 

exhibitor ask for? This is an excellent filn 

and business was way above average as 

Hudson always packs them in here at my 

atre. He and JuUa Adams are going to 

me keep in business. Another title tor 

picture would have helped but we still 

good business. Give us more Uke this. 

Tues. Weather: Cool.—Jerry E. 

Crest Theatre. Seagoville, Texas. Sm 


Seminole (U-D—Rock Hudson, 

Hale, Anthony Quinn. I played In.-'ian 

i 

tures three weekends in a row .v::: thej 

never cease?) and this one outpr .d tlu, 

other two by half again. The color \v.>; excellent 

and the sound good. Played Thurs., 

Sat. Weather: Good.—M. W. Long, 

Theatre, Lansing, Iowa. Small-town and 

patronage. 

WARNER BROS. 

Beast From 20,000 Fathoms, The ( 

Paul Christian, Paula Raymond, Cecil Kella-! 

way. Tliis is one of those I-saw-it-but-they-; 

won't-believe-me tj-pe of shows. Pretty welli 

put together I thought. It does not. however 

belong in the top allocation bracket if you 

care to compare it with some other top-notch' 

features put out by this company. Its stricQjl 

middle of the week stuff or dual bill ta 

weekends. Played Wed., Thurs. Weath*; 

Mild.—I. Roche, Vernon Theatre. Verno*, 

Fla. Small-town and rural patronage 

Jazz Singer, The (WB)—Danny ThonU 

Peggy Lee, Mildred Dunnock. It's too b( 

they don't give shows like this a better tit 

It was a good movie and not as much muakl H 

as you would expect—and that is what kep(| ( 

the crowd away. Everyone who saw it liked LedltjH 

i 

real well and, after hearing what the sbn;]| 

was about, many were sorry they didn't coopl i 

Musicals don't go well here and the title 

one has surely Is misleading. Played S 

saw it appreciated it. but too many dldrft 

come. Played Fri.. Sat. Weather: FiUr.— 

George R. Armstrong, Arroyo Drive-In Th< .. 

tre. Cortez, Colo. Small-town and rural i" 

tronage. 

South Sea Woman (WB)—Burt 

Virginia Mayo, Chuck Connors. A very ] 

Ing picture that did average business : 

Played Sun., Mon. Weatlier: Fair and 

—Dan Guest, Tower Theatre, Wichita 

Tex. Subsequent run city patronage. 

Trouble Along the Way (WBi—John W 

Donna Reed, Cluirlcs Cobinn. Welldiainii. 

Will do host In Catholic towns. 

Wayne always Is good and this Is no 

tlon. GotxJ family picture. Did fair 1 

situation. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. W« 

Fair.—George R. Armstrong, AnLe Tl 

Cortez, Colo. Small-town and rural 

tronage. 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuido 

: 

14. :

' 

,nterpr«tt 

Good; 

retlve onolyilt of loy ood tradopress r Th« plus ond minus Indlcot* d«9rce of 

..I only; a 

ossification is not rated. LiÎ^l|1 «vv«t currvnt 

up to dote rcgulofly 

, doportm^ 

as also OS on ALPHABETICAL INDEX to fcoti 

tsrol prrcc7 Blue Gardenia. The (90) Drama WB 3-14-53 + 

>9 Blueprint for Murder. A (76) Drama. 20th-Fox 8- 1-53 -f 

Born to the Saddle (77) Drama Astor 5-30-53 2: 

1 BoUny Bay (94) Drama Para 10- 3-53 + 

Bright Road (69) Drama MGM 4-11-53 ± 

Bwana Devil (85) Drama (Three-dimension, 

Natural Vision) UA 12- 6-52 ± 

: By the Light of the Silvery Moon 

(102) Musical WB 3-18-53 -f 

c 

; Caddy. Tlie (95) Comedy Para 8- 8-53 ++ 

; iBlamity Jane (101) Musical WB 10-31-53 ++ 

Call Me Madam (114) Musical 20th-Fo)t 3-14-53 ++ 

Captain John Smith and Pocahontas 

(75) U-l 

Captain Scarface (72) Drama Astor 

JOCapUin's Paradise (85) Comedy UA 11- 7-53 ++ 

18 Captain Scarlett (75) Drama U A 9-26-53 ± 

Carnival Story ( .) Drama RKO 

Cease Fire ( . ) Documentary Para 

17 Champ for a Day (90) Drama Rep 9-26-53 ± 

92 Charge at Feather River. The (96) Sup-West 

(Three-dimension, Natural Vision) ... .WB 7-11-53++ 

12 China Venture (83 ) Drama Col 9- 5-53 + 

"City Beneath the Sea (87) Drama U-l 2- 7-53 H 

58 City of Bad Men (S3) Western 20th-Fox 6-27-53 ± 

54 City That Never Sleeps (90) Drama Rep 6-U-S3 ++ 

Clipped Wings (65) Comedy AA 

59CodeTwo (69) Drama MGM 3-21-53 - 

''Column South (84) Superwestern U-l 5-16-53 -f 

'^Combat Squad (72) Drama Col 10- 3-53 ±

REVIEW DIGEST 

Very Good; 

£ 

il •- *!= lu. |iocIo. = Izq! « 

The Drama. .. .20th-Fox 5-23-53+ * + * -f H f 8+2- 

1477 Glory Brijade, (81) 

Blade, The (81) Drama U-l 8-22-53+ * ± i: ± + ± 7+5- 

Goldlown Ghost Riders 

1507 Golden 

1482 (57) Western Col 6- 6-53 i: ± — ± 3+4- 

Great Jesse 1506 James Raid (73) Drama.... LP 8-15-53+ ± - 2+2- 

7+1- 

1489 Great Sioux Uprisins. The (80) Drama... U-l 7-4-53+ + + + + + i" 

1334 Greatest Show on Earth, The 

Drama P"ra 1-12-52 H ++ tt tt tt 4+ ++ 14+ 

(153) 

1496 Gun Belt (77) Western UA 7-18-53+ + + + + ± 6+1- 

1525 Gun Fury (82) Superwestern 

(Three-dimension) Col 10-24-53 4+ H H H 8+ 

1450 Gunsmoke (79) Western U-l 2-14-53 + ± ± + + W 7+2- 

H 

(75) Comedy MGM 8-1-53+ + + ± + ++ 7+1- 

1500 Half a Hero 

1490 Hannah Lee (78) Western. Jack Broder Prod. 7- 4-53 + + ± + ± 5+2- 

Christian -H- 1430 Hans Andersen (112) Fantasy.. RKO 11-29-52 4+ ++ + tt 13+ 

ft +i 

Hell Is 1467 Sold Out (75) Drama Realart 4-18-53 + 1+ 

1526 Here Come the Girls (78) Musical Para 10-24-53 ++ + + + + 6+ 

1266 Hills of Ireland (65) Travel 

Musical World Travel 2- 2-51 + 1+ 

1493 Hindu. The (S3) Ferrin 7-11-53 + ± + + 4+1- 

1442 Hitch- Hiker. The (71) Drama RKO 1-17-53+ ff H tt H+l- 

± + rf 

Hollywood Thrill-Makers (..) Drama LP 

1461 Homesleaners. The (62) Western AA 3-28-53* - ± ± 3+4- 

Hondo (..) Drama (Three-dimension) WB 

Hot Blood (..) Drama Col 

Hot News (601/2) Drama AA 

1477Houdinl (106) Drama Para 5-23-53+ + + W 4+ + + 9+ 

1470 House of Wax (88) Drama 

(Three-dimension, Natural Vision) WB 4-25-53-1+ + ++ H tt + -^ 11+ 

How to fHarry a Millionaire (..) Drama 

(Cinemascope) 

20th-Fox 

1494 Hundred Hour Hunt (84) Drama Greshler 7-11-53 ± + + + + 5+1— 

- Good; - Fair; - Poor; - Very Po rated 2 pluses, — as 2 

1479 Believe in You (91) Drama U-l 5-30-53 ff ± + # 6+1- 

1 

1450 Confess (95) Drama WB 2-14-53+ -H H tt 12+ 

+ -H +t I 

1448 1 Love Melvin (77) Musical MGM 2-7-53+ + 

± + 

+ 

± 

+ 

— 

+ 

— 

+ 7+ 

7-25-53+ 3: 5+6— 

1498 1, the Jury (87) Drama 

-. 

...UA 

1374 If Moscow Strikes (69) 

Documentary March of Time 5-17-52 + + + 3+ 

1498 Inferno (83) Sup-West (Threedimension) 

20th-Fox 7-25-53 + + 10+ 

1468 Invaders From Mars (78) Drama 20th-Fox 

ft 

4-18-53+ 

ff 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

ff 

+ — 5+1— 

1479 Iron Mountain Trail (54) Western Rep 5-30-53+ ± + + ± 5+2- 

1504 Island in the Sky (109) Drama WB 8- 8-53 ± + ft ff ± 8^2- 

+ 

1478 It Came From Outer Space (80) Drama 

(Three-dimension) U-l 5-23-53 tf + + + ff + ± 9+1- 

1468 It Hacpens Every Thursday (80) Drama.. U-l 4-18-53 ± + '+ + + ft - 8+2- 

It Should Hapcen to Vou (. .) Comedy Col 

1508 11 Started in Paradise (88) Drama Astor 8-22-53+ ± ± 3+2- 

1386 Ivanhoe (106) Drama MGM 6-21-52 tf tt fr 13+ 

+ 4+ ff tt 

J 

1463 Jalopy (62) Comedy AA 4- 4-53 + ± - + ± 4+3- 

.-t: 6+3- 

1460 Jack McCall, Desperado (76) Western .... Col 3-21-53+ ± ± + + 

1526 Jack Slade (89) Drama AA 10-24-53 + - ± ± ± * 5+5- 

1466 Jamaica Run (92) Drama Para 4-11-53 H di ± + + + 8+3— ± 

1441 Jazz Sinjer, The (107) Drama WB 1-17-53+ ft ± ft ft tt +11+1- 

Jennifer 1529 (73) Drama AA 11- 7-53 — - 2- 

1445 Jeopardy (70) Drama MGM 1-31-53+ ft + + + + + 8+ 

1520 Joe Louis Story, The UA 10- 3-53 + ft + ft ft + 10+ 

(88) Drama 

1492 Johnny, the Giant Killer (70) Fantasy LP 7-11-53+ + ± — + 4+2— 

1471 Juojler, The (86) Drama Col 5- 2-53 tf + + ft +f 1111+ 

+ 

1484 Julius Caesar (122) Historical Drama. MGM 6-13-53 ft tf tf ft + ft ft 13+ 

K 

1461 Kansas Pacific (73) Drama AA 3-28-53 -| 

+ + + ± 5+1- 

1495 Kid From Left Field, The (80) 

Comedy 20th-Fox 7-18-53 ft ft + )t •) 

+ + 10-t 

1530 Kiss Me Kale (109) Musical 

(Three-dimension) MGM 11- 7-53 It It tf tf +f ft 12+ 

L 

1402 Udy Wants Mink, The (92) Comedy Rep 3-28-53 

1510 Landfall (88) Drama Stratford S-29-53 

± 

Last of the Pony Riders (59) Western Col 

1484 Last Poise, The (73) Westifn 6-13-53 

Col 

1497 Latin Lovers (104) Drama MGM 7-25-53 

1466 Law ,ind Order (80) Western 4-11-53 

U-l 

1431 Lawless Breed, The (80) Drama U-l 12- 6-52 

1351 Les Miserablcs (110) (American Dlaloo) 

Drama IFE 3- 8-52 

1485 Let's Do Ajain (95) Mui-Com 6-20-53 

It Col 

1458 Lill (81) Comedy- Drama MGM 3-14-53 

Limpino Man Drama LP 

( ) 

I Lion Is In the Streeli, A (88) Drama WB 9-12-53

1 

495 

I 

, 

She 

: 

•> 

Savage 

, Phwlom 

' 

Pmt 

, Prince 

, Prnident'i 

Good; 

. UA 

, , Rep 

RKO 

, , Col 

A 

Very Good; 

• 

Pickup on South Stretl (80) Drama. 20lh-Fo« 516-53 

From Spact (72) Science-Drama. .UA 6-20-53 ; 

1 Plunder of llie Sun (82) Drama WB 8- 8-53 

, Pony Eipresi (101) Western Para 3- 7-53 

Siniiter (65) Drama RKO 2.21-53 

Po«iter Ri.er (77) Drama 20lhFox 5-23-53 

Lady, The (96) Drama. .20th-Fo> 3- 7-53 

o( Pirates (80) Drama Col 1-31-53 

{Prisoners of the Casbah (78) Drama Col I0-31-53 

Priiate Eyes ( . ) Comedy AA 

Problem Girls (70) Drama Col 3-28-53 

ProiKi Moon Base (63) Drama LP 9-5-53 

Promoter, The (88) Comedy U-l 11- 1-52 

' Foir; Poor; ' Very Poor. rolcd 2 plu REVIEW DIGEST 

llliiiil 

+ H « -f 9) 

:t + ± * 

tn Is Crowned, A (82. 66) Doe U-l 6-20-53 i| 

It Mjn. The (129) Com-Or Rep 5-17-52 + 

Vadis (172) Drama MGM 11-17-51 ++ 

5- 2-53 ± 

-t- Raiders of the Seven Seas (88) Drama. 

Rebel City (63) Dr.nma AA 5-30-53 ± 

i Remains to Be Seen (88) 

Comedy-Drama MGM 4-25-53 ff ± 

1 Return to Paradise (89) Drama UA 8- 1-53 + + 

Return of the Plainsman (,.) Western. Astor 

Ride. V.iQuero! (90) Western MGM 6-20-53 ± ± 

Riders to the Stars ( . 

. ) Drama U 

Robinson Crusoe ( . ) Drama U 

Rob Roy ( . ) Drama Disney 

Roar of tne Crowd (71) Drama AA 5-23-53 4+ ± 

! Robe. The (135) Drama (CS) 20th-Fox 9-26-53 +f 4+ 

Robot Monster (62) Drama 

(Three-dimension) 

Astor 

) Rogue's March (84) Drama MGM 1-3-53++ ± 

i Roman Holiday (119) Comedy Para 7-4-53 

) Royal African Rides (75) Drama AA 10- 3-53 

Run for the Hills (76) Comedy Realart 

i Sabre Jet (96) Drama 

: Safari Drums (71) Drama 

.'Saginaw Trail (56) Western 

.-U Sailor of the King (83) Drama 

ioOSalome (103) Drama 

!155San Anlone (90) Western 

iSOSanqaree (95) Drama (Three-dimeni 

Para»ision) 

.' Sarage Frontier (54) Western 

Mutiny (73) Drama 

:'2 Scandal at Scourie (90) Drama, 

UA 912-53 

AA 6-27-53 

Col 9- 5-53 

,20th-Fox 8- 1-53 

Col 3-21-53 

Rep 3- 7-53 

Para 5-30-53 

6- 6-53 

1-24-53 

.MGM 5- 2-53 

il63 Scared Stiff (108) Comedy Para 4- 4-53- 

|442$t> Around Us. The (61) Documentary, , 1-17-53 

^WSta Devils (91) Drama RKO 6-13-53 

|52SS«a of Lost Ships (85) Drama Rep 10-24-53 

k95 Second Chance (82) Drama 

(Three-dimension) RKO 7-18-53 

309 Secret Conclave (85) (American Dialog) 

Drama IFE 8-29-53 

1 Seminole (86) Drama U-l 2-21-53 

I Serpent of the Nile (81) Drama Col 5- 9-53 

(..) .LP 

2 Shadows of Tombstone (54) Western .... Rep 10-10-53 

: Shane (117) Western Para 4-18-53 

Shark Ri.cr (80) Drama UA 

Had to Say Yes (89) Comedy RKO 

446She'$ Back on Broadway (95) Musical. .. .WB 1-31-53 

S09 Shoot First (88) Drama UA 8-29-53 

418Silyer Whip. The (73) Drama 20th-Fox 1- 7-53 

' Sins of Jezebel ( . . ) Drama AA 

|47g Siren of Bagdad (72) Drama Col 5-23-53 

:507 Sky Commando (69) Drama Col 8-22-53 

3g7Sky Is Red, The (99) Drama ReaLirt 6-28-52 

12 Slasher. The (75) Drama LP 8- 1-53 

5 Slaves of Babylon. The (82) Drama Col 

4 Slight Case of Larceny (71) Drama.... MGM 

3Small Town Girl (93) Musical MGM 

il Snows of Kilimanjaro (114) Drama, ,20th.Fox 

'- So Big (101) Drama WB 1010-53 

aSo Little Time (88) Drama MacDonald 9- 5-53 

So This Is Love (101) Musical WB 7-18-53 

|4S3 Sombrero (103) Musical MGM 2-28-53 

SZaSomelhing Money Can't Buy (82) Comedy, U-l 10-17-53 

l«9Son of Belle Starr (70) Western AA 7- 4-53 

Son of Sinbad (. ) Adv-Drama RKO 

)60Son of the Reneg,i(le (57) Western UA 3-21-53 

Song of the Land (71) Documentary UA 

919-53 

5- 9-53 

2-28-53 

9-27-52 

J82 South Sea Woman (99) Drama WB 6- 6-53

i 

White 

I 

Homestcodcri, 

I 

Jack 

I 

Terror 

I 

Actress, 

mwm eiJiiiiT 

i 

company in order of relcose. Number in square is notional releosc dote. Rutmi' 

Letters ond combinations thereof indicate story type os follows: 

El Morksmon, The (61) W. .5333 

Wayne Marrb, Elena Verdugo. SUotord Joller 

glTroii Bloxcn (63) W. .5329 

Alan Hale Jr.. HIchard Tyler, Jim Flosers 

a Cow Country (82) 

W..5310 

Edmond O'Brien. Ilden Westeott 

COLUMBIA 

Member of the Wedding, The 

(91) D..521 

Ethel Waters. Julie Harris. B. DeWUde 

©Prince of Pirates (80) D. .524 

John lierik. Barbara Ku.sh. Carla Balcnda 

Five Angles on Murder (88) D. .543 

Jean Kerrt. Iilrk Bogarde, Busao Shaw 

©All Ashore (80) M. .534 

Savage Mutiny (73) D. .539 

On Top of Old Smeky (59) W. .572 

OSolomo (103) D. .545 

Ulta Uaysorth, Stewart Granger, C. Lauthtoo 

(Special prerelease) 

7The~(90) D . . 61 

Glenn Ford. Gloria Orahame. Robert Burton 

©Slaves of Babylon, The (82). . .D. .612 

Rlehard Conte. Linda Christian, Terry Kllburn 

Combat Squad (72) D. .613 

Jolm Ireland, Loo McCalllster 

g] Project Moon Base (63). 

Donna .Martell, Ross Eord, E 

53 Norman Conquest (79). . 

Tom Conway, Bva Bartok 

..D..5315 

Rorke 

..D..5303 

53 Shadow Mon (..) D. .5316 

Cesar Romero 

SMon From Cairo, Tho (..) D. .5302 

George Halt, (ûina Maria Caoale 

BGSins of Jeicbel (..) 

D..5225 

Paulette Goddard, Ocorge Nader 

m ©Bond Wagon, The (112). 

Fred Astalre. Csd rharb«e. Jl 

@ Affoirs of Dobie Glllis (73) 

Dehhle Reynolds. Bobby Van, I 

^ Big Leaguer (71) 

E

. 

. 

. . W. 

. 

• 

. 

. 

. 

1 

FEATURE 

CHART 

iPARAMOUNT 

ging, Th« (99). M.. 5214 

UuTlU Mrlrhlur 

Little Shcbo (99). .D..S2I3 

BliirlcT UuoUi. Tirrr Uaon 

blond, TIM 

C..5215 

IM Taflor, Du UndKslcr 

_ (89) C..5216 

mn, Mlckt; liaoncr. MwUrn lUnrtll 

RKO RADIO g X, 

mOHans Christian Anderun (112). F. .331 

Haiiny Kaye, Farliy (iranstt, Junoalra 

B Hlteh-Hlker, Th* (71) O. .314 

Edmond U'Urlen, Frank Lostjoy. W. Talaio 

(B Count thoHoun (74) O. .316 

Jlardimal.l c',r,y. Teroa Wrlfht. D. Mwu 

SI Port Sinister (65) D..317 

Jamea Wartrn, Lynoa BoberU. P. Cannu^ 

a Big From*, Th« (66) D. .319 

Mark Bteims. Jean Knt 

REPUBLIC 

a Wemon Tkay AlnMt LrMMd 

(90) 0..5204 

John Lund. Audm Ti>tt»r. Brtan fl«Bla A/dan. UmpH i>Hml*. Haib iliMay 

..0..92M 

Mm 

,,D..5207 

20TH CENIUPY FOX 

OCaM M« M 

ithd Mtf^. 

•wMO Harawd. rbarlun II 

OTmU«M W*llMf 1109) 

twrtd Wayn*. ttl* Plaaa. k 

'j*M »«aa Drat* 

(B Bandits of th* West (54) W. .5243 

Allan "Rocky" Lane, Cathy Dona, R Banrcrt 

B Chomp for a Day (90) CO.. 521 

Alex Ntcol. Audrey Totter. Ckarlaa Wlaaki UiM James Maaon. Patrlda Medloa 

Ccose Fire (..) Doc. .5308 

> 'rea Dvcumtstarr 

E ©Deeomeron Nights (87) CD . . 461 

Joan Fontaine. Loub Jourdan. Blnnle Banna 

SShe Hod to Say Yes (89) C. 

Jean Simmons. Robert Mltchum. A. Hondeutt 

@ Crazylegs (88) D. .5224 

Lloyd Nol.tn. Joan Vohs. Hroy Hlrsch 

Flight Nurse (..) D. 

Joan Leslie. Forrat Tucter, Jeff Doonell 

OoHaw to Marry a Mlllionair* 

(..) CD. 336 

Betty GraMe. Marilyn Monroe. Launa BactU 

©Misi Robin Cruso* (75) D. . 

'©Hwo Come the Girls (78) M. .5309 

I Bab Hape. Arlene Dahl, Ton; Martin 

|Ala*a S«os 

D.. 

IBohert Byan. Jan Sterling. Brian Ketth 

OCosonoYo's Big Night C. 

iBob Onpe. Joan Fontaine 

etlephont Walk 

AD. 

iHhabeth Taylor, Dana Andre»a, Peter Fine* 

For«yer Femole C. .5226 

iQtager Rosffs, William Holden, Paul Douglaa 

OKnoek on Wood C. 

flianny Kaye. .Mai Zetterllng 

OvLost Treosure of the Amozon D. 

remando Lamas, Rhonda Fleming 

lO'J'Money From Home C. 

.Omi Martin Jerry Uwls, Richard Hasdn 

IQMd Garters 

SW 

~"«aa (aooney, Jaci Cataaa, Gene Barn 

Ulyases 

D.. 

Douglas. Sllvana Mangano. A. Qulnn 

lite Christmas M. . 

SGFrcneh Line, The (..) M.. 

Jane Russell, Gilbert Roland, J. UcKemle 

a OCarnival Story D ( . . ) . . 

Anne Baiter. Stete Cocbran, Lyle Bettger 

SO'J'Son of Sinbod (. .) AD.. 

Dale lioliert«on. Sally Forrest. Lfll SL Cyr 

Heavy Woter 

[5oc.. 

OJet Pilot 

D.. 

John Wsyno. Janet Leigh, J. C. Fllppeii 

Night Without Sfon D. 

David Farrar, Nadla Gray 

0\VRanger$ of the North SW. . 

Victor Mature, Piper Laurie 

©Rob Roy 

Richard Todd, Glynla Johns 

AD., 

Fortune Hunter, The D. 

John Derek. Joan Bana. Harry Ci»«» Jr. 

Geraldina D. 

Mala Pooen. John CarraO. KrMln* MlOai 

Hell's Half Acre D. 

Wendell t"i>rey. BielyD Keyti 

©Jubilee Troll W. 

Vera Raliion. Forrert Tucker, Joan UaUi 

Johnny Guitar 0. 

Joan fravrford 

©Laughing Ann CD. . 

Margaret Uickvood. Wendell Cat«T. T. 1 

Red River Shora W. 

Rei Allen 

Trouble in ttM Glea D. 

Marjaret l«-k»oo

FEATURE 

CHART 

UNITED 

ARTISTb 

F,

. ANIMAL 

6-U-53 

. 5- 

10- 

' 

n 

tUM*, tetond fho dote o» 

•viaw. tf Very Good. Goi 

• 

ylaw in BOXOFFICE. Symbol between dolei 

.t Folf. Poor. Very Poof. O Indieotet cc 

I •III*, rin* l< netionol 

ralln« Irani BOXOFflCI 

photogrophy. 

ri 

I 

jOiiTij 

ciiiiirr 

Columbia 

K, Title Rrl D.itc Rating Rn'd 

CAVALCADE 

Creyhounrt Cipers (S'i) 7-30-53 - 9-19 

The Bio Bf,.r> (8) 8-27-53 -r 9-26 

Tlir« 

ALL-STAR COMEDIES 

«nii SiiB Guy 116' jl » '•53 - 6-16 

Ht Popped His Pi.IoI 

5-14-53 6-ZO 

Urrei 

(16) 

A Poppin' (16) 6-11-53 ± 8-15 

1953-54 SEASON 

Oh S.^y Can You Sue 

(16) 9-10-53 -t 10-10 

A Hunlmg They Did Go 

10-29-53 

( ) 

ASSORTED FAVORITES 

Calling All Fibbeit 

(16';) 4-16-53 

1953 54 SEASON 

Wife Decoy (171 9 17-53 

Silly Billy (181 10-22-53 

CANDID MICROPHONE 

(One-Reel Specials) 

Subiett No. 5 (10) . + 8-22 


Subject No. 1 (91 2) . 910-53 ± 10-24 

COLOR FAVORITES 

(Technicolor Reissues) 

A Helping Paw (7) . 7-53 

er (7)-.. 5-28-53 

ÛMollier Hen's Holiday (7) 6-18-53 

„ ..,*uiioi 

' ".wliffllTht Dream Kids . 

W z) 7- 9-53 

Rocky Road to Ruin 

(SJ/j) 8- 6-53 


Courage (7) . . . 9- 3-53 

^2 Fiesta Time (71/2) 10- 8-53 

)3 Room and Bored (7) 11- 5-53 

04 A Boy. a Gun and Birds 

(71 b) 

11-26-53 

COMEDY FAVORITES 

(Reissues) 

136 Hot Water (I81/2) 7-16-53 


;31Half Shot at Sunrise 

(16) 1015-53 

.!2Meel Mr. Mischief 

(171,2) 11-12-53 

JOLLY FROLICS 

(Technicolor Cartoons) 

"05 Christopher Crumpet (7) 6-25-53 + 8-22 

r^. MAGOO 

(Technicolor) 

33 Safety Spin (7) 5-21-53 4+ 6-20 

04 Majoos Masterpiece (7) 7-30-53 -f 9-19 


"01 Magoo Slept Here ( . . ) 10-15-53 

SCREEN SNAPSHOTS 

Comedians (9',/2) - 5-14-53 + 6-27 

:39 Hollywood's Pair of Jacks 

'2) (101 6-18-53 ± 8-lS 

'oOOut West in Hollywood 

(10) 7-23-53 ± 9-19 


jSl Hollywood Stuntnien 

(101 2) 9-17-53 -I- 10-31 

-'52 Hollywood Laugh Parade 

(10) 10-22-53 

53 Men of the West (10) . .11-19-53 

SERIALS 

-ÔThe Lost Planet 6- 4-53 -f 

15 Charlers 


.20T>ie Great Adventures of 

Captain Kidd 9-17-53 -f 10-10 

15 Chatters 

STOOGE COMEDIES 

Loose Loot (16) 4- 2-53 ;06 5-16 

07 Tricky Dicks (16) 5- 7-53 ± 6-20 


n Rip. Sew and Stitch (17) 9- 3-53 -J- 10-24 

102 Bubble Trouble (16' 2) 8-53 

, 

+ 10-31 

THREE-DIMENSION STOOGE 

COMEDIES 

-JOSpooksl (16) 6-15-53-)- 6-20 

;-;0 Pardon My Backfire (16) 8-15-53 + 9-26 

THRILLS OF MUSIC 

WORLD OF SPORTS 

5807 World'i Championihip Rodeo 

(10) 5 21-53 ( 6-20 

Billiard and Bowling 

5808 

Champs (9',2) 6-18-53 ± 9-26 

Dude Ranch Sports (9' 7-23-53 + 9-19 

,) 

195354 SEASON 

6801 Assault and Mit-Tery 

(10) 9-24-53 -f 10-24 

6802 Hockey Thrillt and Sgilll 

(91/2) 10-15-53 

Snow Speedsltft (..)... U-12-S3 

Metro-GoldwYn-Moyer 

All'S Bundle 

Frm Biaiil 

1 10) 10- 2 5) 

A13 6Bronc\ and Bfindi (91 10- 2 5) 

HERMAN & KATNIP 

(Ttchnieolor Carloeni) 

H12-3 Htrmin. the Ctrtooniil 

(7) 5 15.$) i 7. i 

Hl2 4Drlnl>on the Meuie (71 « 28-53 f 10-24 

KARTUNES 

X12-3 Phllh.rm.niMt (7) 4- 3 52 ^ 

X12-4 Afro-Nulki (71 5- B-SS + 

X12-S Inienlion Contention (7) 6-19-53 -f 

X12-6 No Place Lite Rone (7) 7-31-53 + 

NOVELTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

Prod. No Tide Rel Dale Rating Re.'d P12. 4 Winner by « Hare ' 

(6) 4-17.53 

CARTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

W-442 Little Johnny Jet (7) 4-18-53 

S- 2l 

6-201 

S- I 

9-2

- June-53 

-: 

•. 

'. 

• 

' 

SHORTS CHART 

MUSICAL FEATURETTE 

8304 Andy Russell and Delia in 

House Party (20) .... 3-12-53 -f 4-11 

Les Brown and Orch. in 

8305 

Crazy Frolic (9) 4- 9-53 + 4-25 

8306 Harry James and His Music 

Makers (14) 5- 7-53 + 5-16 

8307 Music on the Double (IS) 5-28-53 -f 5-23 

8308 Surprisino Suzie (15).. 7- 3-53 -f- 9- 5 

8309 Camp Jaboree (18) 10-8-53 

8310 Fabulous Dorseys (..). .10-29-53 

3-D MUSICAL FEATURETTES 

8100 Nat "King" Cole and Russ 

Morgan & Orch. (18) . 

+8-8 

VARIETY VIEWS 

8343 Sky Police (9) 3- 9-53 + 4-11 

8344 Deadly Drums (10) 5- 4-53 +t 5-16 

8345Boli»ar Bonanza (9).... 9- 7-53 + 10-24 

8346 Behind the Wall (10) . 9-24-53 


9341 Byways to Broadway (9) 

WALTER LANTZ CARTUNES 

(Technicolor) 

8323 The Dob That Cried 

Wolf (6) 3-23-53 -f 4-25 

8324 Buccaneer Woodpecker (6) 4-20-53 -f 5- 2 

8325 The Mouse and the Lion 

(6) 5-11-53 5-23 

8326 Operation Sawdust (6) . 6-15-53 8-22 

8327 The Flying Turtle (6) 6-29-53 + 8-22 

8328 Wrestling Wrecks . (6) 7-20-53 +9-5 

8329 Maw and Paw (6) 8-10-53 9-26 

8330 Belle Boys (6) 9-14-53 + 10-24 

8331 Maw and Paw in Plywood 

9-28-53 

) 

Hot fJoon 8332 (. 10-12-53 

8333 The Hypnotic Hie (3-D) 

(6) 8-26-53 

10-26-53 

Warner Bros. 

Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating Rev'd 

BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE 

(Technicolor Reissues) 

9307 Country Mouse (7) 3-14-53 

9308 Little Dutch Plate (7) . . 4-11-53 

9309 Ain't That Ducky (7).. 5- 2-53 

9310 Mighty Hunters (7).... 6-13-53 

9311 The Fighting 6V/z (7) . . 7-11-53 

9312 Sniffles Takes a Trip 

(7) 8- 1-53 

9313 Wacky Wild Life (7) . . . . 8-29-53 


1301 Old Glory (7) 9-12-53 

1302Walky. Talky Hawky 

.- (7) 10-17-53 

1303 Birth of a Notion (..).. 11- 7-53 

1304 Eager Beaver (..) 11-28-53 

1305 Scent- Imental 0«er You 

() 12-26-53 

BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS 

(Technicolor) 

(7) 9727 Unswept Hare 3-14-53 

9728 Southern Fried Rabbit 

(7) 5- 2-53 -f 7- 4 

Hare Trimmed (7) 6-20-53 ft 6-27 

9729 

9730 Bully for Bugs (7) 8- 8-53 8-22 

+t 


1723 Duck! Rabbit, Duck! (7). 10- 3-53 + 10-31 

1724 Robot Rabbit (7) 12-12-53 

CLASSICS OF THE SCREEN 

9104 Star in the Night (20) . 3-21-53 

9105 Plantation Melodies (20) 5-16-53 

9106 Looking at Life (20) 718-53 4+ 8-22 

FEATURETTE 

1101 Minstrel Days (7) 9-26-53 

1102 They Were Champs ( . . ) 11-21-53 

JOE McDOAKES COMEDIES 

9405 So You W«nt to Learn to 

3.28-53 + 6-20 

9406 So You Love Your Dog 

(10) 8- 1-53 +8-8 


1401 So You Think You Can't 

Sleep (10) 10-31-53 

1402 So You Want to Be an 

Heir ( ) 1219-53 

MELODY MASTER BANDS 

(Reissue) 

9804 Ozzie Nelson & Hit Orch. 

(10) 4-18-53 

9805 Vincent Lopez & Orch. 

^ (10) 6- 6-53 

9806 Spade 8-22-53 

Cooley Band (10) 


1801 Dcti Anaz and Band 

(10) 10- 3-53 

Hal Kemp 11-14-53 

1802 & Orch. (. .) 

MERHIE MELODIES 

(Technicolor) 

9713 Fowl Weather (7) 4- 4-53 + 

9714 Muscle Tussle (7) 4-18-53 + 

9715 Ant Pasted (7) 5- 9-53 + 

9716 Much Ado About Nutting 

(7) 5-23-53 -t- 

9717 There Auto Be a Uw 

(7) 6- 6-53 + 

9718 Tom-Tom Tomcat (7) . . . 6-27-53 + 

9719 Wild Over You (7).... 7-11-53 H 

9720 Duck Dodgers in the 24J/2 

Century (7) 7-25-53 H 

9721 Plop Goes the Weasel (7) 8-22-53 + 

9722 Cat-Tails for Two (7) . . 8-29-53 + 


1701 A Street Cat Named Sylvester 

(7) 9- 5-53 ++ 

1702 Zipping Along (7) 9-19-53 + 

1703 Easy Peckins (7) 10-17-53 

1704 Catty Cornered (7) 10-31-53 

1705 Of Rice and Hen (7) . .11-14-53 

1706 Cats A-Weigh (7) 11-28-53 

1707 Punch Trunk (7) 12-19-53 

SPORTS PARADE 

(Technicolor) 

9506 Cheyenne Days (9) 4- 4-53 i: 

9507 Yo Ho Wonder Valley 

(10) 5- 9-53 -f 

9508 Desert Killer (10) 6-27-53 9509 Ride a White Horse (10) 7-25-53 + 

9510 A Danish Sport Delight 

(10) 8-15-53 + 


1501 Royal Mountics (10) .... 9-19-53 ++ 

1502 Sea Sports of Tahiti 

(10) 10-24-53 

1503 Born to Ski (..) 12-12-53 

1504 Arabians in the Rockies 

(..) 12-12-53 

TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS 

9005 Thar She Blows (20).. 3- 7-53 -H- 

9006 Under the Little Big Top 

(20) 4-25-53 + 

9007 America for Me (20)... 5-30-53 + 

9008 Where the Trade Winds 

Play (20) 7- 4-53 + 


1001 Gone Fishin' (20) 9-12-53 + 

1002 Romance of Louisiana 

(20) 10-10-53 

M03 North of the Sahara (7). 11- 7-53 

1004 Don't Forget to Write 

(..) 12- 5-53 

VITAPHONE NOVELTIES 

9602 No Adults Allowed (10) 4-11-53 + 

9606 Head Over Heels (10).. 6-20-53 +f 

9607 The Spirit of West Point 

(10) 8- 8-53 + 


1601 Hit 'Im Again (10).... 9- 5-53 

1602 Say It With Spills (10) 10-24-53 

1603 Stars of Yesterday ( . 

. ) 12-26-53 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Prod. Ua. Title Rel Date Rating Rev'd 

Lippert 

5220 A Day in the Country 

(15) 3-13-53 

(Three-dimension Featureltc) 

5227 College Capers (15) .... 5- 1-53 

(Three-dimension Featurette) 

5307 Bandit Island (27) 9- 4-53 

Republic 

COMMANDO CODY ADVENTURES 

5268 Enemies of the Universe 

(30) 3-28-53 

5269 Atomic Peril (30) 3-28-53 

5270 Cosmic Vengeance (30) . . 4-28-53 

5271 Nightmare Typhoon (30) 5-28-53 

5273 Destroyers of the Sun 

(30) 6-26-53 

5272 War of the Space Giants 

(30) 6-19-53 

5274 Robot Monster of Mars 

(30) 7- 3-53 

5275 Hydrogen Hurricane (30) 7-10-53 

5276 Solar Sky Riders (30) . . 7-17-53 

5277 SOS Ice Age (30) 7-24-53 

5278 Lost in Outer Space (30) 7-31-53 

SERIALS 

5284 Return of Captain Marvel 

(reissue) 4-15-53 

12 Chapters 


5381 Canadian Mounties vs. Atomic 

Invaders 7- 8-53 .... 

12 Chapters 

THIS WORLD OF OURS 

(Trucolor) 

5188 Ceylon (9) 3- 1-53 

9221 Washington—City of 

Destiny (9) 4- 1-53 

9222 Singapore (9) 6- 1-53 

9223 Germany (9) 8- 1-53 

Independents 

Atom (10) General Electric. A Is for 3- 7 

Dart (27) March of Time My Son's 

H 

± 3-7 

Mephlsto Waltz (18) Times Film Corp +3-7 

Travel Royal (20) British Inf. Svc ff 314 

Mastery of the Air (20) British Inf. Svc. + 3-28 

Royal Destiny (20) British Inf. Svc... -f 3-28 

A Visit lo Picasso (20) Joseph Burstyn ff 3-28 

Aloha Null (10) Dudley 

-f 9-19 

SHORTS REVIEWS 

Half Pint Palomino 

MGM (Technicolor Cartoon) 9 Mina. 

Good. A novel cartoon about the 

search for the world's smaller; horse. 

Barney Bear accepts the challenge 

and, with the aid of Benny Burro and 

a trained horse lly, he finds a tiny 

horse. After a few kicks where it 

hurts, Barney captures the little 

palomino. However, the coveted 

horse himself wins the prize v,rhen he 

produces his son, less than half his 

This Is a Li'ving? 

MGM (Pete Smith Specialty) 9 Mins. 

Good. This tells of the hustle and 

bustle of the ordinary human being 

in his every day endeavor lo make 

a living. Then Pete Smith, v/ith his 

wry comments, presents the contrasting 

views of acrobats and other 

specialists plying their trade and 

the hazards they have to meet in 

order to make a living. After watching 

high diving and marksmanship, 

the average human being will think 

his life is comparatively simple. 

The Log Rollers 

20lh-Fox (Terryloon) 7 Mins. 

Good. Heckle and Jeckle. the talking 

magpies, in another zany cartoon. 

They want to use lumberyard 

The Reluctant Pup 

20lh-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins. 

Good. The little bear cubs and 

their Papa Bear tangle with a big 

dog in this amusing cartoon in Technicolor. 

The cubs decide to enter 

Pago, their huge pup, in a dog show 

and Papa is annoyed until ho hears 

of the cash prizes being offered. 

Papa tries to give Pago a bath but 

gets dumped in the bathtub himself 

But all is forgiven after Pago wins 

first prize in the show. 

The Timid Scarecrow 

20th-Fox (Terrytoons) 7 Mins. 

Good. Dinky, the kind little black 

duck, is an amusing cartoon 

character, as always. This time, 

Dinky decides lo paci out the scarecrow 

with some straw lo make him 

look bolter. The scarecrow admits 

he's afraid of crows, especially when 

Ihoy humiliate him by picking at him 

and flying in and out of his lattored 

sleeves. The barnyard rooster decides 

a timid scarecrow Is worthless 

and he is tossed on the garbage 

heap. But when the saucy crov attack, 

the scarecrow gets badMt 

lost courage and drives the bircif^ 

Adobe Village 

(The Earth and lis Peof^M 

Univ.-Int'L 19 at. 

Very Good. Like the previous jbjects 

in this travel series procred 

by Louis DeRochemont Assoc es 

this is a fascinating and iniorir iv» 

short. Opening with scenes of M loc 

size. 

City, currently so popular with urists, 

the scene then shifts tcii 

It Would Serve 'Em Right surrounding small farm village qq 

(Pete Smith Specially) 

Mexico's high central plateau. I^tt. 

MGM 

10 Mins. 

lages like Tezeyuhca are iflt 

around the church, so importa lo 

Good. This time Pe'.e Smith takes 

the farmers' lives. Preparation '.tx 

a series of bores, all played by Dave v/ork begin early in the morrir. 

entire in :'... 

their children's pictures 

all dory. Guitar strains ac: : 

at every opportunity, to the drunk 

the farmer's home activity in 

who breaks everything in sight. One 

^ 

ning. 

Chris Crusty tells his friend, Harry T. 

Underdog, about a sure-lire method 

of growing hair. Finally, Underdog, 

Behind the WaU 

who has lost all of his remaining UniT.-Int'l (VarietT View) 10 1m. 

locks, turns the tables on Crusty. Very Good. Actually filmed wiln 

the walls of the rilinr'? rta'e ^n 

O'Brien, ranging from those who 

show you 

the family stays 

itentiary, this will 'r 

interesting to most : 

is one of America's 

and the cells, prison v - 

routines are shown in 

audience is introduced 

Kane, an ex-marine, now 

guards, who is fulfilling 

to his dying buddy, who 

ficed his life for him, to 

his brother, one of the 

mates. 

Rip Van Winkle Re 

Univ. (Variety View) 1 

Good. An imaginative shi 

ing with Rip Van Winkle's 

ing to find the Catskill M 

filled with mcxiern roads and 

The bearded old codger is 

at the fast-moving cars and 

material to build a home on private 

to-date towns with their sc-iTr 

property over the objections of laden stores. He is doomed '; 

huge Pierre, lumberyard owner. 

search of the ol^^ 

While Pierre has the muscles, the 

forever in 

people he knew when he fel^ 

magpies have the brains and give The appropriate narration 

him a bad time of it, ending when 

Pierre blasts himself with dynamite. 

Parker Fennelly. 

Easy Peckin's 

(Merrie Melody) 

Warner Bros. 7 > 

Good. This Technicolor 

about the sly red fox and th«_ 

rooster has the usual nu) 

laughs. The fox raids the 

yard for some poultry for di 

all his cunning-ness. he is 

ally out-foxed by the little 

g 

who is guarding the frighten^ 

In the end, he not only falls 

a chicken dinner but loses 

hide in the bargain. 

Sea Sports of Tahiti 

(Sports Parade) 

Warner Bros. 

ION* 

Good. A colorful travel she; I cii 

ing with the fascinating nj^Drt ol 

this playground of the South Pa. ' 

Photographed and directed ' 

William F. Whitman, 

li 

it shova 

i 

activities as natives using a mo 

method for hooking cocoanulo, ' 

stead of climbing lor Iheni ;; 

fishing, spear fishing, pearl lir. ' 

which is both a business and o s, 

and soccer, which Iho Polyni 

have adopted. 

BOXOFFICE BoolrinGuide 

Nov.

. hoped 

: 

' 

' - 

. 

, 

:• several years . .. 

" 

' 

' 

Dpinions on Current Productions; Exploitips 

( 

— 

f' f* 

fVf IJ j] ? }] ? V J ? ' U 

(FOR STORY SYNOPSIS ON lACH PrCTUt 

How to Marry a MUlionahe F 'Zl^ZT 

20»h-Fox (336) 95 Minute* RaL 

Even were it less meritorious as enterlalnmont, this sparkling 

comedy would command attention because it is tha 

:ond CinemaScope feature to be reloasod. In that riicho it 

vides irreiutable testimony to the Iloxibility with which 

. :t widely-discussed process can ombraco diam-tncailyli.vorgenl 

subject matter. Many will opine that herein CinomajBcope 

appears to better advantage than in the phonomenally- 

'BUCcesslul "The Robe," largely because of the spoclanilat 

'panoramic shots and the breathtaking beauty ol Iho lilm's 

'iush modern backgrounds. Even if made and projoclcd in 

conventional form, the picture would qualify as superb, 

adntillating fare, unquestionably destined to rogiator in !ho 

hit class. Bright Technicolor photography, standout performances 

by a star-studded and highly exploitable cast, and 

skilled direction by Jean Negulesco are other obvious assets. 

Nunnally Johnson doubled as both writer and producer. 

Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall. David Wayne, 

Hory Calhoun, Cameron Mitchell, William Powell, Fred Clark. 

Escape From Fort Bravo F ,„rcl, 

MGM (409) 98 Minutes Bel. Dec. 4, '53 

Countless millions of Injuns hove bit the celluloid dust since 

those distant days when a nickel permitted the fan to see 

them do so. As the business of fabricating and projecting 

motion pictures grew more expansive—and expensive—the 

Jcavtilry-and-redskin film was forced to transcend formula if 

to get a tumble from anyone other than the juveniles 

1 the most devoted sagebrush disciples. This one definitely 

li^does, and as a result it should attract satisfactory attendance 

;from those customers of genera! tastes while western fans 

foi all ages queue up to buy tickets. For the former, there 

ore a name-heavy, competent, merchandisable cast; spectacular 

production values; rugged natural backgrounds; 

drama; romance and a solid screenplay; while the latter 

are due for out-size helpings of their favorite fodder—action, 

suspense and gore. Skillfully directed by John Sturges for 

producer Nicholas Naylack. 

William Holden, Eleanor Parker, John Forsythe, William 

Demorest, Richard Anderson, Polly Bergen. 

Walking My Baby Back Home 

F 

usical 

(Technicolor) 

Dniv.-Int'l (406) 95 Minutes Rel. Dec. '53 

Upon the considerable popularity of Donald O'Connor, a 

scattering of hit songs—some old, some new—and Technicolor 

photography hang the success chances for this filnusical. 

Opposing those few assets are liabilities which could easily 

erect difficult hurdles in the picture's path to praise and 

prosperity. Production mountings ore transparently meager, 

the story is comparably thin and woefully hackneyed, and 

performances other than O'Connor's leave much to be desired. 

In fact, his contribution falls short of his previous standards 

because, obviously, his pace—especially in the hoofing department^was 

slowed dov/n to that of the femme star, Janet 

Leigh, whose forte is anything but that of song-and-dance 

gal. In merchandising the feature, attention should be called 

to the presence of musical specialties known to the hepsters 

in addition, of course, to the trio of saleable values above 

listed. Lloyd Bacon directed for Producer Ted Richmond. 

Donald O'Connor, Janet Leigh, Buddy Hackett, Lori Nelson, 

Scot Man Crothers, Kathleen Lockhort, Phil Garris. 

Stranger on the Prowl 

United Artists (5335) 82 Minutes HeL Nov. 2, '53 

Absent from U.S. screens in recent years, Paul Muni returns 

in an Italian-made feature, with English dialog, that appears 

destined for its best American reception in the so-called 

art house situations. As concerns bookings in more orthodox 

operations, the film can't expect more than the secondary 

spot on less-important dual programs because of its lack 

Ol star names—other than Muni's—and the paucity of other 

merchandising ingredients. The offering, as produced by 

Noel Calef and directed by Andrea Forzano, unfolds at a 

rather leisurely pace but has its suspenselul moments and 

reflects, throughout, painstaking attention to atmospheric 

details, while the Italian backgrounds should evoke some 

interest. Performances generally ore good, including a skilled 

interpretation by Muni in a tragic role and a strong supporting 

contribution by Joan Lorring, while the balance of the 

cast is composed entirely of Italian p'.oye.'s. 

Paul Muni, Joan Lorring, Vittorio Manunta, Luisa Rossi, Aide 

Silvani, Arnold Foa, Alhred Varelli, Elena Manson. 

1532 BO) 

F 

D 

"1^ 

^ ly 

Gilbert and Sullivan 

United 

Th. 

Robert Morlcy, Mnurico Evan.s Marlyn Gr' 'n. Filccn Horlio. 

Polor Finch. Dinah Sheridan, Wilfrid Hydo While. Muriol AkcdL 

Shark River 

United ArliBts (5336) 80 Minutes 

- 

Ag - ' 

: 

spun 

and ! 

picture 

bills an 1 n -: 

The fact that : 

Iished and p-:: 

help to attract L .... ., 

merchandised. The iilm's iniio: 

through arresting footage d(. 

swamplands, whirh s'-Tjor.: 

as not to slov/ 

' 

John Rawlins 

are sincere c- 

particularly 

th-; 

tribute materidl;-/ ;? ;ho cIl-::;:. j 

;. .::;:.. 

FDriaa 

(VtiM Mw) 

R*L Not. 

' 

n. 'S3 

Steve Cochran, Carole Mathews, Warren Slerons. Robert 

Curmingham, Spencer Fox, Ruth Foremcm. Bill Piper. 

Flight Nurse 

Republic (5301) 90 Minutes ReL Nor. 15. '53 

Quite possibly the more exacting among ticket buyers will 

feel that an overabundance of heroics cliches and preachment 

detracts materially from the incir'"^ :„, _. , ,,,i.- ...,. 

film, which deals with a heretofore u: 

Korean conflict and which otherwise i 

win recommendation. The features 

performances by a competent cast, the T':-:-r^-.'.:r.rj pcr'.r^.-:; of 

how effectively the air force evac:uated wounded combatants. 

and the adroit interpolation of stirring s'ock footage. Had 

scripting and direction avoided the above-listed wonc- _? 

and an additional propensity toward stressir : 

it could have been a far better offering. '.' 

picture can expect fair patronage and averr. : 

which lot can be insured if the star name.;--.-.:. . 

established marquee value—and the topicalness o! the subject 

are smartly merchandised. Directed by An.3n Dwan. 

•; .-. iva 

Jocm Leslie, Forrest Tucker. Arthur Franz. JeH DonaaO. 

Ben Cooper, James Holdon, Eristine Miller. Maria Palmer. 

Last of the Pony Riders 

Columbia (573) 

One factor, at 

59 Minutes 

servc-3 to distinguish tl 

ReL Not. '53 

starring gallct 

.res of predecci 

for release thr 

the sagebrush 

pany—the veh 

o swan song c: 

that has extenc 

ception of this prciac ".g remark, however, there u ve.> '..:Ce 

hat can be said about the feature that has not been expressed 

and reiterated in cc~rr.'-r.:':r.-: rr. 

''-- —.-rr.v c-r'.:oT 

Autry vehicles. 

'- 

That — 

i.- 

best to round up the 1 

his usual brand of corr 

pings, including outd: 

is exploitation fodder 

while showmen need 

:bout 

the abundance of me- crge 

Archaibaud directed :_: . .. .... .... 

Gene Autry. Smiley Bumette, Kathleen Case, Dick Jones, 

John Downey, Howard Wright, Arthur Space. Buzz Henry, 

N'ovemljer 14. 1953 153] 

F

. . Faith 

. . Don't 

. 

. . and 

. . It's Glittering . . . It's Alive With Legs . . 

. . With 

. . and 

. . And 

. . See 

, , A 

. . and 

, 

' 

FEATURE REVIEWS 

Story Synopsis; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs 

THE STOHY: 

"Gilbert and Sullivan" (UA) 

THE STOHY: 

'How to Marry a Millionaire" (20th-Fox) 

In 1875 in London, young Sullivan (Maurice Evans) is interested 

only in composing serious music in order to please 

fiancee while D'Oyly Carte, enterprising theatre manager, is 

convinced that the composer should collaborate only with 

Gilbert, (Robert Morley), the pompous librettist. Sullivan loses 

his fiancee when "Trial by Jury" is a big hit, but he resigns 

himself to this and the team goes on to even greater success. 

Over the years, Gilbert and Sullivan have many quarrels but 

always reconcile and continue to work together. Sullivan is 

knighted by Queen Victoria and composes a serious opera, 

which is not as successful as the comic operettas, and the 

team again breaks up. Years later, Sullivan is ill but agrees 

to take a bow with Gilbert at the opening of their revival of 

"Yeomen of the Guard." But Sullivan dies and, in 1907, 

Gilbert, too, is knighted. 

CATCHLINES: 

The Delightful Comedy Lines and Lilting Music of Gilbert 

and Sullivan, Sung by the World-Famed D'Oyly Carte Opera 

Company . . . Don't Miss This Great Show. 

Three beautiful New York fashion models—Betty Grable, 

Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall—decide it is just cs easy 

tc love a rich man as a poor one, and pool their resources 

to rent a swank penthouse apartment. Three months of 

desperate financial juggling ensue, and none of the three 

has yet managed to land a millionaire. Then Betty meets 

William Powell, a wealthy Texas widower, who introduces 

her and the other girls to his oil-tycoon friends. True love 

prevails, however, when Lauren tumbles for Cameron Mitchell, 

though mistakenly believing he is only a hard-working 

mechanic; Betty falls in love with Rory Calhoun, a forest 

ranger; and Marilyn goes for David Wayne, their apartment 

landlord who is beset by tax troubles. 

CATCHLINES: 

It's Gay . 

Laughs . Love-Making . . in Miracle-Making Cinema- 

Scope . . as Three 

• 

Gorgeous Gals Decide Il's Just as Easy 

tc Love a Rich Man ... as a Poor One. , 

THE STORY: •Shark Hiver" (UA) THE STORY: "Escape From Fort Bravo" (MGM) 

Warren Sievens, a returning Civil War veteran fleeing 

Jacksonville after killing a man, persuades his brother, Steve 

Cochran, to escort him and a wounded friend, Robert Cunningham, 

through the Florida Everglades to the Gulf oi 

Mexico, where they plan to embark for Cuba. During the 

trip through the unexplored, treacherous territory, Cunningham 

dies. Later the travelers encounter Carole Mathews, a 

young widow, and he five-year-old son; Steve and Carole 

love, and she and the boy join the trek. During the 

fall in 

balance of the journey Stevens is slain when the Seminoles 

attack but Carole, Steve and the boy finally reach the gulf, 

where Steve plans to give himself up, pay the penalty for 

aiding the fugitives, and return for Carole. 

CATCHLINES: 

They Eat 'Em Alive in Shark River ... No White Men Ever 

Crossed It ... No Red Man Ever Ventured Beyond It . . 

Thrills . . . Thrills . . . and More Thrills ... All in Flaming 

Color Photog.'aphy. 

•Flight Nurse" (Rep) 

THE STORY: 

Joan Leslie, flight nurse in the U. S air force, asks for duty 

in Korea because she hopes to meet and marry there Arthur 

Franz, an air-rescue helicopter pilot, with whom she is madly 

in love. Concern over her own romantic problems soon 

begins to dissipate when Joan comes into contact with the 

war's hardships and suffering—and, after a lew brio! hours 

with Franz, she is swallowed up in the thick of the action. 

pôrrest Tucker, a seasoned air-evacuation pilot, falls in love 

v/ith her and tries to make her give up and go home when she 

shows signs of cracking up under the strain. But Joan refuses, 

and finally finds Franz again, wounded and hospitalized, 

when she herself is badly injured in a daring air rescue. 

Realizing that her destiny lies for now in Korea, she sends 

Franz back to the girl he'd once been engaged to, and goes 

back into the fight with Tucker at her side. 

CATCHLINES: 

A Stirring Drama of the Angels of Mercy . . . Who Bring 

Hope and Courage . 

and Tenderness ... to Our 

Battle-Scarred Veterans ... a Movie That Breathes Warmth 

and Humanity. 

THE STORY: "Last of the Pony Riders" (Col) 

Gene Autry, former Pony Express rider, plans to establish 

1 ::tage line to carry mail, now that the transcontinental 

rjraph is nearing completion. The heavies, led by the 

il banker, Howard Wright, are also planning to grab the 

1 contract for a stage line which they are organizing. 

.scheme involves getting the Pony Express to default on 

m, as a result of which the government would cancel its 

ling Pony Express contract. Autry gels on the villains' 

: i but is captured and imprisoned while the heavies apply 

irr-nsure on Dick Jones, an express rider. -Autry is rescued 

lay Sniiloy Burnelle, his pal. in time to bolster Dick's courage 

and savo him from an attack by the outlaws. The villains 

foiled, Autry goes into partnership in the new stage line 

with hi:i ox-boss. 

CATCHLINES: 

An Exciting Era in Frontier History ... as the Pony Express 

Makes Its Last Thrill-Packed Ride ... to Make Way for the 

Overland Telegraph . Miss Gene Autry In a Whing- 

Dlng Wostorn 

William Holden, cavalry captain attached to Fort Bravo, 

a union stronghold in Arizona territory, is feared for his 

brutality. The fort houses Confederate prisoners and the 

commander is afraid that an Indian uprising may force him 

to arm the rebels. Eleanor Parker arrives to attend the 

v,-edding of her friend, Polly Bergen, daughter of the commandant, 

and soon captivates everyone—even Holden—who 

reveals to her his loneliness and disillusionment. He does 

not know that Eleanor is a southern sympathizer, end his 

bitterness increases when she plots to help the rebel prisoners 

escape. Holden recaptures the fugitives, but en route back 

to the fort they are ambushed by Indians. Eleanor summons 

aid from the fort, Holden and one other survivor are rescued, 

and Holden and Eleanor pledge their love. 

CATCHLINES: 

For Shock-Thrills Sheer Excitement the 

Strange Events That Unleashed the Fury ... of a Savage 

Indian Raid ... as Frontier Passions Explode ... to Bathe 

the West in Blood. 

THE STORY: 

••Walking My Baby Back Home 

' 

Dischorged after service in World War II, Donald O'Connor 

lays enthusiastic plans to continue in civilian life the impromptu 

orchestra he formed while in the army, the plan 

being to have Janet Leigh, a WAC sergeant, as the singer. 

Janet, however, walks out, and O'Connor learns he is duo 

to inherit his grandfather's fortune if he makes good as a 

singer at a public concert. Donald uses an advance on the 

inheritance to form his band, but it flops. He and his pianist 

join a minstrel troupe with whom Janet is appearing, but this 

show also is forced to disband. Next Donald reorganizes his 

old band, then learns his family has set him to make his 

singing debut. On the night of the concert he is rescued 

at the last minute by his orchestra, and the critics are so 

enthused that they hail Donald as a musical genius. 

CATCHLINES: 

It's Your Favorite Song-and-Dance Man . Donald 

. . 

O'Connor ... in the Gayest Laugh-Filled Musical Funfest 

o! Hi.s Career Gorgeous Janet Leigh a 

Wealth of Toe-Tingling Song Hits. 

THE STOHY: "•Stronger on Prowl'" (UA) 

Paul Muni, a homeless wanderer in Italy, tries desperately 

to raise enough money so that he can leave a war-torn port 

city and begin a new life in some other country. Hounded by 

the law, he steals a small piece of cheese from a grocery 

and, when the proprietress objects, accidentally suffocates 

her while trying to keep her quiet. The police launch an 

intensive hunt lor him, and Muni is joined by young Vittorlo 

Monunta, a lad who had stolen some milk from Iho same 

store only a few minutes previously, and who thinks the 

law is pursuing him. Realizing that he is doomed. Muni 

nevertheless strikes up a friendship with the boy, and 

together they try to elude capture, but Muni eventually is 

mowed down by police bullets and Vittorio. chas:otiod and 

overwhelmed by the tragedy, returns to the comlorl of 

his mother's arms. 

CATCHLINES: 

Ono of the Screen's Most Distinguished Actors , . Paul 

Muni ... In an Unforgettable and Compelling Drama of 

Mans Fight Against Injustice and Inhumanity , Picture 

I.adon With Hard-Hilling Drama . Tender Romance. 

;U-

T. $3.50 extra Double numbering extra. 

Kansas City, Mo. Cash with order. Kan- 

Ticket Co.. 100 W. 18th St.. Kansas 

i y 

: November 

, 

FIrmisione 

I 

F.O 

| 

ITES: ISc per word, n 

.OSING DATE: Monde 

Box Numbers I 

nimum SI. 50. cash with copy. 

noon preceding publicalion 

BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt B 

Four inaortiona lor price ol thra 

dale. Send copy and annwor* 

vd., KanHos City 24. Mo. 

CLteRIIlGHOUSt 

HELP WANTED 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

THEATRES WANTED 

niMltonlit Militant manager nunicd (or mod- 

IiiiWom home, 45 mllea from Itlchmond 

M Bllti from Wuhlnglon. looted on Ixaurim 

btellent equipment, dual sound, spare 

"M ilr eondlUoned. new seals. Oood presenl 

(iiiire Write unl). George Clanton, Daw 

PItUlid' 

EiPffitnccd theatre managers 

lurroundlni! territory Write In detail 

ria Comar, i'ersonnel Director, Sianio) 

mealres. 23IT Clark Bldj.. I'lllsburth. I'». 

POSmONS WANTED 

DiVryi again available! Complete drivt-ln pro- 

Jection-sound outflti from $1,505 (lend foe lliUI 

Time deaU arranged. In-car ipeakers «/4" eonea, 

115 60 pair w/;uncllon box: undergrouno cable, 

$e5.M. Dept. C, 80 8 Cinema Supply Corp . 602 

W. 52nd 8t . New York II) 

Drivt-ln thtatrt speakiri with itralght cords, 

45. Car-aide ipeakeri. $7 15. HeplaccDail 

15 

ipalr.; -S year,.; wide expfrldoor. 

outdoor. Have mobile home for 

Intcnlevi. Wife cashier, manageress. 

No wires. Herbert James, 64UT Wells. 

n'l rod this one unless you want a manlib 

Utts. eiperlenced In all phases of 

t Ire operillon. particularly advcrtlslni; and cxitloo. 

Eieellenl references. Desire situation 

rtlahona. Teias or Arkansas. Only proeresslve 

3ll or Independent coiKldercd Itoxofrici;. 5310. 

unit nanancr's job. Mar- 

nlld: Lecturer's or 

leaa, both expcrlenn'd k 

good booking proposition. 

14 years experience all types 

Western, Southwestern states prelii. 

8ll«le. Rercrvncrs. Sliilc all Boxofricc. 

STUDIO AND PRODUCTION 

EQUIPMENT 

Become a producer! Shoot local newsreeli, TV 

commercials, documentaries Make advertising tieups 

with local merchants Film production equipment 

catalog free. Dept. C. 80S Oncma Supply 

Corp. 602 W. 62nd St . New York 19. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE 

CONSTRUCTION 

Plans for modern drive-in theatre. 15 years tiperlence. 

Information KltEB Drive-In Theatre 

Plan Service. Box 555. Bdgcwater Branch, Cleve- 

We'll build you a modern drive-ln theatre at a 

price you can afford. Abare and Saenz Construcllon 

Co , 340 So. 6lh St.. Slalon, Tex. Phone 1002. 

rapidly growing renowned year 

No T\' Exetllent 

$22,000 down Beautiful, health, 

value $41,000, 

ful, profitable. very Apartntnt Boxoltlce, 630« 

Wide-icrttntd, 690-aeat de luit rtlrlteratcd Indoor, 

modem drlieln controls rich southwest cUt, 

oil heavy play Including valuable real niale. 

$42,500 down Illustrated brocliure Similar iltuation 

same area Arthur Uik, 3305 Carulh. 

Dallas. Southwests only theatre broker. 

drlie-ln. first da" condition. 

12 months operation. $30.0< 

lleply Boxofflce, S3I3. 

Outright Itast, $85 weekly. South Texas refrigerated 

theatre, unopposed town 3.000. Includes 

good blinding, equipment, going busln*-M grossing 

$560 week. $4,250 advance rent applies on 

option purchase. Experienced buslnejaman only. 

Give background, finances Boxofflce. 5317. 

THEATRE SEATIMG 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

am with Bore action. S3 50 thousand caxda. 

r times. Novelty Oames to., 14S4 

Btord An., Brooklyn 16, N. Y. 

our kiddy shows. Large variety, latest news- 

I editions. Comics Premium Co.. 412B, Qreen- 

8t, N. V. C. Publications (or premiums 

(ilusiiely) since 193U. 

t 

ngo die-cut cards. 75 or 100 numbers, S3.60 

M. Premium Products. 339 W. 44tb St.. New 

18. N. V. 

with real Hawaiian orchids, 

etch. Write Flowers of Hawaii. 670 

SLalayette Park Place. Los Angeles 5. Calif. 

sale: Klre engine for drive-in theatres. Take 

t|klddles for a ride before the show. Seals 20 

efren. "37 LaSalle motor and chassis, new tires 

1. Bright red. all chrome 

Is. laddcr.evt CC, 8 01. 

Cinema Supply COrp , «03 W Slnd 8t .

lUIiL 

47.6% INCREASE 

There are quite a few reasons to feel i>ain every time you toucli a d 

of-Living item . . . and find it hurts you where it eounts ... in yi 

pocketbook! 

The diagnosis of "why". . . can be found in the Bureau 

Labor Statistics report . . . showing an increase in your rent of 42.4 

your FOOD of 141.4%; your apparel of 99.2% and your KUEi. 

47.6% . . . from 1939 to 1953! By examining the Exhibitors Dig 

report you'll find a rise of 98.9% in your theatre equipment ;i 

SUPPLIES since 1940! Ample reasons indeed for you to be hurtiu' 

your profits! 

YOull feel a smsc of relief liowever, wlicii \oii look al the 

iiegliy;ible iruredse, W \N\ , 

yoii"\c rfct'i\i'il from NSS during I 

same period ! 

Compare all )nuv .osts, wilii tlie LOW COST, Service-W 

X-Sniil.- rnlicy o( Ihe I'ri/.e Hahy! 

nflnonni 

SCRVICC 

Of mt nntusmr 

t

Boxoffice-November.14.1953

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