Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1938)

Lefton Buys Out Jossey Interest In Republic's Franchise for Ohio Captures Pittsburgh Cowboy in the Field Lewistown, Pa. — En route to Pittsburgh for a personal appearance engagement, Gene Autry, Hollywood’s ace western star, stopped here for a visit with local exhibitors. Reading in the usual manner, are Paul Kingler, manager of the Rialto Theatre, Lewistown; Autry, and Ike Berney, proprietor of the same city’s Pastime Theatre. Welcome for McCloskey On Pittsburgh Filmrow Pittsburgh — C. M. McCloskey, one of the veteran exhibitors who retired ten years ago, is back in harness and was given a fine reception this week when he paid his respects to Filmrow. McCloskey is one of the owners of the Penn-State Amusement Co. of Uniontown, Pa., and he was more or less forced out of retirement in recent months when two of the partners, O. M. Boughner and Frank E. Mertz, died within a period of a few days. C. H. Gorley, another member of the company, has never been active in the operation of the enterprises. The veteran McCloskey is now general manager of the company and he states he is on duty daily from 10 a. m. to noon, and from 2 to 4 p. m. George Purcell is manager of the Penn and State theatres. Cromwell Will Build a Second Bedford Theatre Bedford, Pa. — A new modern theatre will be erected here by H. R. Cromwell, veteran exhibitor of this city, he announced to Boxoffice this week. Construction will be started as soon as the plans are approved by the department of labor and industry at Harrisburg. Modern in every detail, the new unnamed theatre will have a seating capacity of 700. Cromwell has operated the Bedford Theatre here for 15 years and he is very popular in the motion picture trade! Pittsburgh — Gene Autry spent an hour and a half at the Republic exchange, Tuesday morning, greeting hundreds of children (of all ages and races) with exhibitors pushing their way into the establishment to shake the hand of their big boxoffice star. Used to the handling of traffic, exhibitors acted as ushers to hurry in-and-out hundreds of Gene Autry fans. Jim Alexander, local Republic distributor, had the front doors lifted from their hinges in anticipation of the crowd. Autry and his personal representative, George Goodale, were pleased to greet the bashful smiling kiddies and exhibitors who had brought their own children, nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and even motherin-laws. Public Cowboy No. 1 shook the hand of each person who greeted him and he signed many autographs. There were a number of photographers whom he accommodated. He had “Champion,” his “old Faithful” horse along and a mighty cheer went up when he mounted the beautiful steed and waved his hat to the crowd. Alexander, Fineberg and Collins, who have just announced the signing of a new fiveyear franchise with Republic, announced that autographed photos of the singing cowboy would be available to all who called at the exchange. They didn’t forget a thing to cheer everyone present. Dozens of cases of ice cold “7 Up” beverage were served with the compliments of the local distributors. Traffic on the Blvd. of the Allies was stopped for blocks. Autry packed ’em in this week at the Stanley Theatre, giving the de luxe house its best business in years. He had a very busy schedule, playing extra shows, appearing on special radio broadcasts, visiting at hospitals, etc. — R. F. K. Theatre Firm Will Build 400-Seater at Smiihers Smithers, W. Va. — A new theatre is being erected here by the Black Diamond Theatres, Inc., with headquarters at Montgomery. Gene Hensley and Archie Clemens, executives of the company which operates a half dozen theatres, state that the Smithers Theatre will have a seating capacity of 400 and that opening is scheduled for early October. The same circuit has acquired and opened the theatre at Mamouth, W. Va., which had been dark for several seasons. Huge Marquee in Paw Paw Paw Paw, Mich. — A huge marquee, 40 feet across and nine feet in depth, has been installed on the Strand Theatre here by Manager M. W. Dennis. Cleveland— Nat L. Lefton has bought out J. S. Jossey’s interest in the Ohio Republic franchise and is now sole owner of the Cleveland and Cincinnati Republic offices. The deal became effective with the signing of a new five-year franchise with Republic. Jossey, with an office on the fifth floor of the Film Bldg, continues as local Bank Night representative. Times Critic Interviews Wanger Via Telephone Detroit — Long distance telephonic interview was jointly conducted by Ralph Holmes, dramatic editor of the Detroit Times, and his assistant, Charlie Gentry, this week, with Walter Wanger, over the latter's production of “Blockade,” currently at the Madison. Wanger explained his objectives in making the film, and his views of the reactions aroused, by ’phone from Hollywood, saying in part: “There is a greater market for films in the lighter vein, but occasionally one has to offer a film treatment on the serious side, and I prefer those myself.” Wanger also discussed his future production plans, and declined to answer whether he planned to marry Joan Bennett in the fall. Alden Smith Will Host Invalids at Drive-In Detroit — Shut-ins who are unable to attend ordinary theatres will be guests of the Drive-In Theatre on specified guest nights, Manager Alden Smith announced this week. An invalid who had been unable to see a motion picture in 17 years inspired the plan, when he was able to come to the Drive-In in the family car and remain right in the car while seeing the film. Smith, accordingly, is inviting hospitals, American Legion posts, and other organizations to make arrangements for their unfortunate members and inmates to attend the Drive-In as guests of the management. Flemions Branch Leads Monogram Collections Detroit — Branch Manager William Flemion of Monogram proudly led his branch out into first place this week, in the national collection drive conducted by Monogram Pictures. A 16-week campaign for collections is on, with Detroit in the van for the week just reported, according to announcement from the office of Sales Manager George W. Weeks, who was in town a week ago. BOXOFFICE August 6, 1938 67