Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1938)

Ga. Jury Dismisses buit on fugitive Atlanta — The $100,000 libel suit brought by Judge Vivian Stanley, chairman of the Georgia prison and parole commission, against makers and distributors of a motion picture which Stanley contended was based on the novel, “I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang,” has been dismissed by a superior court jury. The jury’s verdict for the defense climaxed three weeks of trial which was featured by a special showing of the picture on Filmrow for the benefit of the jurors. Defendants named were Warners and a number of distributors and exhibitors. Stanley announced the case would be appealed. Stanley is a former member of the state prison commission and contended that he and other members of the commission were held up to scorn and ridir cule as a result of the film, in which Paul Muni starred in 1932. Stanley charged the film was based on the novel written by Robert Elliott Burns, escaped Georgia convict, who fled to New Jersey, where subsequent extradition demands were refused. Several like suits by members of the prison commission and other state officials were settled out of court. A Thorough Remodeling For Wilmington Royal Wilmington, N. C. — The new Royal Theatre, closed recently for remodeling, now is open. Lighting of the new sign and marquee attracted considerable attention, due to the unique design and brilliant illumination, in contrast to the old “rabbit sign.” The doors carry out the modern, streamlined motif of the remodeled house. The front color scheme is red-black-and-silv.er. The interior color scheme is blue, black, silver, cream and orange. Seating arrangement was revised for better vision; a man’s rest room was provided; the balcony was carpeted, and new foyer and vestibule space provide larger quarters. Cooking School Tie High Point, N. C. — The Paramount Theatre was the scene recently of one of the most successful cooking schools sponsored annually by the High Point Enterprise and conducted by Miss Anne Outland, home economist and cooking school director. Waters Books RKO Atlanta — The Waters Circuit of Alabama has booked the new season’s RKO product. Ten theatres are embraced in the chain. Salesman Cam Price of the local exchange represented RKO in the negotiations. A Find in Atlanta Atlanta — Atlanta, which has given Hollywood Jane Withers, Dixie Dunbar and Evelyn Keyes, has made another contribution to the world of entertainment — Stanley Hoffman, 12-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Hoffman. Stanley has been signed by Joe Penner, radio and screen star, to appear on Penner’s coast-to-coast radio show over the Columbia networks. In 1936, young Stanley was one of the winners of a radio contest in Atlanta, for which he was given a free round trip to New York. The boy possesses a fine voice, with uncommon range for one so young. He will be known on the air as Tommy Lane. Crescent Remodels Nashville Offices Nashville — Tony Sudekum, president, announces that contract has been awarded V. L. Nicholson Co. of Nashville for remodeling the office building of the Crescent Amusement Co. here. The interior is being completely remodeled and a new heating system is being installed. The job will cost $9,000. Murfreesboro Opening Expected January 1 Murfreesboro, Tenn. — Tony Sudekum, president, announces that the Crescent Amusement Co., Nashville, will open a new theatre here as soon as remodeling of a building on the south side of the Public Square is completed. Tire lease is effective January 1 and Mr. Sudekum expects to open the theatre on that date. Western and outdoor pictures will be featured. StaHord Managing the High Point Broadhmst High Point, N. C. — Emmett Stafford, former manager of the Rialto in Durham, has assumed duties as manager of the Broadhurst here. He succeeds Charles H. Lewis, transferred to the Carolina in Durham. Prior to his activities in Durham, Stafford served at the National and Imperial theatres in Greensboro, and in Goldsboro, his native city. He has been with North Carolina Theatres Co. about eight years. Homer Fuller on Short Visit to Orlando , Fla . Orlando, Fla. — Homer B. Fuller, former manager of the Beacham Theatre here, visited here recently for a brief period. Fuller, head of all theatres in Melbourne, said the advance influx of out-of-state automobiles indicated a prosperous tourist season for Florida this winter. Wil-Kin Announces Personnel Changes Atlanta — Wil-Kin Theatre Supply Co. announces the following changes in personnel: Weldon C. Girard, former maintenance man with the Arkansas Amusement Co., Little Rock, and National Theatre Supply. Dallas, has joined the company as salesman for north Georgia and South Carolina. George Tarrant, former theatre operator; has joined the firm as salesman, working Tennessee and Alabama. Bill Hutt has been transferred from Atlanta office to Charlotte, N. C., office as salesman. Malcom B. Smith and Charles C. Moore, recent graduates from Georgia Tech, have joined the firm, Smith in architectural department and Moore as city salesman. The firm also announces completion by the Charlotte office of redecorating of the Temple Theatre at Sanford, N. C. Second Annual Cooking School in Winder , Ga. Winder, Ga. — The second annual Winder News-Strand cooking school was held at the theatre October 4 and 5. The feature was “Star in My Kitchen,” an interesting and entertaining picture. Following the procedure last year, local merchants and nationally-known firms participated by offering valuable prizes to ladies who attended. Hollywood Theatre in Mebane Being Improved Mebane, N. C. — Work has begun on remodeling the Hollywood Theatre, with the job expected to be completed soon. Four hundred new seats are being added, with 200 additional seats, making more than 800 seats in all. The remodeling is expected to cost about $4,000. A new high intensity light will be added in the near future. Installed as Commander Gastonia, N. C. — William Conn, theatre operator, recently was installed as commander of Gaston Post No. 23, American Legion. “THE WAGES OF SIN” A Willis Kent Production Distributed By ASVISTY EXCHANGE 109 Walton St. ATLANTA. GA. For: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Geogia, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, North and South Carolina. BOXOFFICE :: October 15, 1938 117