Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1937)

Attempted Abduction Stirs Theatremen Boston — New England theatre men were amazed last week to hear of the attempted kidnaping of Mrs. Samuel Goldstein, wife of the head of the Western Massachusetts Theatres, Inc. Two men accosted Mrs. Goldstein Friday in her garden and inf 01 med her that her husband had been critically hurt. They said they were usheis in the Paramount Theatre in Springfield. one of the Goldstein houses, and that they had been sent to rush her to his side. Checked Up on Story The attempted abduction failed when Mrs. Goldstein, suspicious because of the men’s appearance, asked them to wait several minutes while she went into her house to change her clothes. A telephone call to circuit headquarters revealed the story to be a fabrication. By the time she had reached the window, she saw the men, appaiently frightened away, speeding toward Connecticut. The two were described by the theatre owner’s wife as being tall, swarthy and between 28 and 30 years old. Police were informed by Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein that they had seen an automobile parked a short distance from their country estate in East Longmeadow, a suburb of Springfield. earlier that morning and on the night previous. It is believed by authorities that the men were awaiting an opportunity when Mrs. Goldstein would be unaccompanied. Operates 14-House Chain Samuel Goldstein has been identified with theatre operation for years. Together with his brother, Nathan, he operates some 14 motion picture houses in the westein part of the state. Recent plans have been set in motion to extend the chain into other parts of New England. Western Massachusetts Theatres. Inc., has its headquarters in Springfield at the Broadway Theatre, while an office, managed by John Glazier, is maintained for booking purposes in the Metropolitan Theatre Bldg, in Boston. A widespread search for the would-be kidnapers has been inaugurated by authorities. Precautions against similar kidnaping attempts have already been taken by a number of other prominent New England film figures. Oppose Drive-Ins (Continued from page 107) were enough to close the theatre a single night. E. M. Loew, operator of New England’s largest independent circuit, jumped into the open-air area this season with plans to open such spots in Providence and Lynn. The Drive-In Theatre Corp., also has been negotiating for several other New England locations. The corporation, headed by Thomas Di Maura, owns the New England franchise rights to a number of features coincident with the construction and layout of such spots. FAN FLARE Robert Taylor Finds Many Staunch Defenders Boston— Hub film fans . . . some of them . . . take their celluloid cynosures seriously. As witness some of the letters printed in the column of Miss Ann Marsters, Boston Sunday Advertising film scrivener. The latest trouble arose when a Miss Janet M. expressed a dislike of no less than Mr. Robert Taylor. Miss Peg Elmason of Boston came back with the retort; “If everyone admired Robert Taylor as I do, he would not be a movie star. He’d be a saint.” “Why not be honest with yourself, Janet, and admit that you’re only trying to be different?” wrote Margaret, Mary and Natalie from Cambridge. “If he gave you a side-glance, you’d probably swoon in his arms. (I know we would).” “Anyone who has eyes can see that Robert Taylor is the best looking actor in Hollywood,” is the opinion of Miss Edythe B. of Groveland. Dot and Gertrude C. of Portsmouth, N. H., state in no uncertain terms, “There is certainly something wrong with any young woman of today who does not like Robert Taylor.” As for Nellie-Theresa Sembroski of East Side Street, she eloquently dismisses the matter with: “Phooey on him.” The world goes on. TURN OUT FOR PARA. REGIONAL MEETING Boston — Paramount’s New England regional sales convention, held at the Copley Plaza here last Monday and Tuesday, was attended by about 75. Joseph Unger, eastern sales manager; Milton Kusell, eastern division manager; Robert Gillham, publicity director and Don Velde, advertising manager were among those present. William Erbb, Paramount New England manager, presided. Salesmen, theatre executives, and others, numbering approximately 60, were at the two-day confab. Discussions of future Paramount product, new season plans, and Inter-company topics were featured, as was the case at similar meetings scheduled throughout the country. A special screening of "Souls at Sea” was held. A banquet in the Sheridan Room of the Copley Plaza was in line for Monday evening. NEW HAVEN (Continued from page 110) tended the regional convention last week at the Copley Plaza, Boston . . . Germaine made fourth place in the booking contest. Adolph Haas of the Alexander Film Co. was host to some 20 exhibitors in the state on an all-day cruise in Long Island Sound on his yacht, "Two Smiles." A southern fried chicken dinner and sheet shooting were among the high points, and the boys were hoping Mr. Haas could get back for the boat races. John Sirica’s appointment by Peter Parokas to the managership of the new theatre being constructed in Thompsonville for August opening has been confirmed . . . The Rialto, New Britain, Sirica’s former berth, is now occupied by Irving Cohen, formerly at the Victory, Lowell, and originally at the Rialto, Los Angeles. Zippy Goldman, well known in this territory through his one-time association with Producers, Red Seal First Division, and then Republic, and lately with Grand National, Boston, has joined the Warner sales staff in Boston. Mutual Advertising Service, now under Harry Egert operation, is reported to be contemplating distribution of Rex premiums here. "Vanishing Gangster” is roadshowing at the Strand, Bridgeport, State, Torrington, Colonial, Southington and Strand, Wallingford. Nick Mascoli has put his Carroll, Waterbury, on a straight premium basis — dishes five nights a week. The exodus to the beaches includes the Arthur Lockwoods who go to Madison; Ed Levy, Dan Finn and Jack Fishman, all Woodmont-bound; Leo Schapiro back to Indian Cove for a second season. Congratulations to Eddie and Millie Sokolosky who will be joined on the Glorious Fourth. Sokolosky is employed by the Daly interests as manager of the Capitol, Lowell . . . Also to the former Lucille Sirica, of the Capitol, Waterbury, who was married recently to Alfred Lertz, also of the Brass City. Morris Joseph went to New York to witness the opening of "The Road Back” at the Globe. WHERE SMART EXHIBITORS • NOW COME V FOR SEAT SERVICE RECOVERING FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF OUR MANY CUSTOMERS • IN THE CENTER Converting Squab Seats to Spring Seats OF THE FILM DISTRICT William SLIP COVERS, ETC. — at — 12 Piedmont Street S. KOSTER Telephone LIBerty 3803 BOSTON 114 BOXOFFICE : : June 26, 1937.