Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1937)

SHY FROM COMPULSORY SINGLES Cleveland MPEA Reluctant to Ban Duals for Members Cleveland — Answering the demand made by some exhibitors for a compulsory single-feature policy for all members with the statement “it has always been the policy of the association not to dictate to its members how they shall conduct their business,” Ernest Schwartz, president of the Cleveland MPEA, brought to a close that discussion at the group’s general meeting held here last Thursday. Talk on Tax Reports Of interest to all members was a question and answer talk by John Rickling, auditor for Associated Theatres, on the subject of theatre tax reports. “We know,” said Rickling, “that we pay a tax when we have eight or more employes, but we do not know what constitutes eight or more employes. A director is not an employe. An officer of the company, whether he receives compensation or not, is considered an employe. Therefore, in making up a tax report, it is essential to include all officers.” Advises Amended Returns “It has been the opinion of many that officers who draw no pay are not considered employes, and because of this inter pretation, federal investigators are now checking some 18,000 different industries, including motion picture theatres in Ohio.” In order to escape any penalties, whether intentional or unintentional, Rickling advised the exhibitors present at the meeting to file an amended retui’n to the state immediately. POWELL, APEL HANDLE AD-CASTER IN MICH. Detroit — Charles Powell and Del Apel have taken over the Michigan distribution of the Ad-Caster, traveling ad sign. Apel has resigned his position with Allied Theatres as assistant to H. M. Richey to take over the project, while Powell still is handling Skillful Screeno in this territory. Leonard J. Brill, Ad-Caster home office representative, was in the city and made arrangements for the deal with Powell and Apel. The Ad-Caster is being used by numerous theatre circuits in the east to display coming attractions through means of the traveling sign. “DAMAGED GOODS" PASSED Pittsburgh — “Damaged Goods,” released by Grand National, has been approved by the Pennsylvania state board of censors without an elimination, Jules Lapidus, branch manager, announces. FOUR NEW THEATRES NEARING COMPLETION Detroit — The Palmer Park Theatre, being erected by Ray Schreiber and several associates, will be opened July 23. Settling of several recent strikes has made the opening definite. Meanwhile, the Beverly Theatre, being erected on Grand River near Oakman by Barney Kilbride, is taking form rapidly and will be opened about September 1. The Circle Theatre, being built by Joe Stoia and John Miskinis, is again in the construction stage and will be ready about the same time as the Beverly. Out on Harper Ave., theatres are going forward for Detroit’s two largest circuits. Wisper & Wetsman are drilling for the well for the cooling system for the Harper Theatre, to be built at Harper and Lakewood. Saul Sloan is going ahead with erection plans for the Esquire, to be operated by George W. Trendle, at Harper and Cadieux, a mile and a half from the proposed Harper. Ready to Build Cleveland — With plans for Warner Bros.’ new $300,000 de luxe motion picture theatre in Shaker Square approved, construction work will begin this week. Official Authentic Exclusive Motion Pictures of the Sensational HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONTEST BETWEEN ilBRADDOCK-jl LOUIS NOW AVAILABLE FOR OHIO and KENTUCKY REGAL FILM SERVICE 308 Film Building CLEVELAND IIG BOXOFFICE : : June 26, 1937.