Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1937)

Art Featurettes Declared Obscene bq Boston Court Boston — The so-called “art motion pictures” released nationally by Hollywood Film Distributors, Hollywood, Calif., have been declared obscene under Massachusetts statutes. Shorts of the concern shown for sale in Boston have been seized. Charles H. Williams, independent exchange manager, has been put on probation until December 15 for handling the product locally. The motion pictures which, according to a pamphlet put out by Hollywood Cine Film Distributors, are “copyrighted art studies and subjects . . . produced by professional directors and camera men,” were nabbed June 3 on the complaint of Henry J. Bailey. Charles Williams, who recently opened the Filmart Corp. of New England at 43 Church St., was arraigned June 4 before Judge Daniel Gillen in Boston municipal court. Williams pleaded not guilty and was held on $500 bail to June 15. Judge Adlow of the municipal court found him guilty Tuesday and decreed that he be put on probation for six months. Williams Severs Connection Williams, who declares that he was informed that inasmuch as the films are averredly protected by U. S. copyright and that they allegedly are therefore legal, is generally held to be only unfortunately connected with the episode. What is important, however, is the opinion of the Bay State court on “Original Hollywood Art Featurettes,” which are being distributed throughout the country, largely as 16mm. and 8 mm. releases for private showings. Williams has informed Boxoffice that he no longer is connected in any way with the distribution of the pictures. No statement has been forthcoming here, so far as it can be learned, from Hollywood Cine Film Distributors. The concern has been informed of the Massachusetts decision. Probate Poll Estate New Haven — The $4,000,000 estate of the late Sylvester Z. Poll has been accepted for probate in the probate court here, and surprised many who had estimated his worth at $30,000,000. A trust fund was set up under the terms of the will, with Mrs. Poli’s income stipulated as not to exceed $100,000 annually, and the income for the four daughters to be free from control or interference by their husbands. It is believed Mr. Poli made substantial gifts to his family before his death. Jacob Levine Boston — Jacob Levine died in Boston last week at the age of approximately 70 years. He was better known to dozens of film men, affectionately, as “Uncle.” He was projectionist at the Globe, operated by Ben Welansky, at the time of his death. Foreign Film Stubs on Censor Hurdle Boston — It took a foreign film to incur disapproval of Massachusetts censors in the most recent batch of motion pictures to be surveyed under Bay State regulations. Paul G. Kirk, Commissioner of Public Safety, ordered the eliminations of scenes in the sixth reel of “Wedding of Palo,” the only motion picture in the last 42 that have come under his scrutiny upon which cuts were demanded. The eliminations on the film, which is to be shown at the Fine Arts Theatre, were: “Scenes showing Eskimo women with bare breasts.” Among the films on the list to be approved in their entirety were 20th Century-Fox’s “Slave Ship,” Columbia’s “Girls Can Play,” M-G-M’s “A Day at the Races,” and Republic’s “Dangerous Holiday.” Six vaudeville acts, on an accompanying list, were considered not suitable for Sunday showing in the Bay State. Deletions were required on two others. Nine of the acts reviewed were passed for theatres in this state in their original form. CLEAR PETROFSKY IN ZONING BOARD CASE Bridgeport — Peter Petrofsky, whose legal membership and voting on the zoning board of appeals was questioned by Mayor Jasper McLevy, and who sued the board thereafter, was declared properly a member of the board in the superior court last week. It is believed that the clearing of Petrofsky now will result in the granting of theatre building permit to Walter Blank for his site at Park Ave. and Olive St., which was being held up pending the outcome of the case. The case, which was brought simultaneously by Walter Blank against the members of the zoning commission attempting to force the issuance of the permit, has not yet reached trial, and it is believed, may be withdrawn. The theatre will be leased by Lou Anger on completion, according to plans made. McKay to New Post Boston — Richard McKay has resigned as assistant to Jack Saef, exploitation manager of the first-run Paramount and Fenway theatres in Boston. McKay goes to Westbrook, Maine, where he has been appointed assistant manager at the Star. This is also an M. & P. Theatre Corp. situation. Saef has not appointed a replacement as yet. ANTIDOTE FOR DUALS IN BETTER PRODUCT Portland, Me. — The high quality of the new product now being released leads J. Harold Stevens, Paramount branch manager, to believe that it will be the most effective antidote against excessive dualing. Stevens, back from his company’s convention last week in Los Angeles, is highly enthusiastic about some of the new pictures awaiting release, such as “Souls at Sea,” “High, Wide and Handsome,” “Double or Nothing” and “Artists and Models.” Better features and longer runs are an impending vogue, he believes. Theatre Union Elects Providence — Christopher Horan, doorman of the Strand, was elected president of the new “front of house” theatre employes union at an organization meeting held June 15, presided over by Fred Newcomb, secretary for the New England district organization of the lATSE and business agent of Providence Local 23, and Herbert Slater, business agent of Local 23, MPO. Other officers chosen at the meeting were Harold Conroy, vice-president; John McDonald, recording secretary; John Curley, financial secretary; Albert L. Cornell, treasurer, and Joseph Jackson, business agent. A class B charter is expected to arrive from AFL headquarters for the new organization within a week. Theatrical Workers Chartered Boston — The charter of the newly organized American Federation of Labor guild of ushers, doormen, cashiers, candy girls and night cleaners has been received in Boston. The local has been chartered as Theatrical Workers B4. Wage and working demands, already tentatively drawn up, were being withheld up to a few days ago because of the absence of John Gately, William Green’s representative, who was expected in Boston some time this week to approve the stipulations. No meeting of union members had been set at the time of going to press because of the delay of the proposed visit of Gately. The last meeting was held two weeks ago Friday. Turnquist Rejoins Smith Boston — Elmer Turnquist resigned from Imperial Pictures on Thursday of last week to rejoin Phil Smith with whom he had been associated for a number of years. Turnquist was New England manager for Imperial at the time the franchise in this territory was acquired by Harry Segal. No one had been named to his post at the time of going to press. Turnquist has been assigned to the handling of Jam Handy shorts. JOSEPH WOLF SUCCEEDS MURRAY Boston — Robert Murray has resigned as salesman for Columbia in New England. Joseph Wolf has been promoted from the booking department to take over the assignment. 108 BOXOFFICE ;: June 26, 1937.