Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1938)

Into the Light Boston — Whether the old tale about mysterious underground chambers and tunnels, branching out from a point close to the Worcester Theatre now in the process of being razed is a fact or a figment of the imagination, seems destined to be solved soon. For more than half a century amateur explorers have returned from expeditions to the cellars of the playhouse and an adjacent theatre with findings that have been as indefinite as they have been numerous. Included in the findings are (1) a dungeon system used as a gaol in the city’s early days; (2) a hiding place for fugitive slaves smuggled into Worcester via the underground railways from the south during the Civil War days; (3) a secret gambling den offering illegal prize fights and cock-fighting as added attractions. Catherine Cannon Dies Alter Prolonged Illness Boston — Catherine Cannon, for years a popular figure in the local film district, died last week. She had been in ill health for many months and had been forced last January to take a leave of absence from duties as Republic cashier and personal secretary to Herman Rif kin. She had long been widely known in the district and had been an outstanding competitor for years in swimming and diving contests at annual film outings. She went into the film business a decade and a half ago with Si Bunce, pioneer theatre man who now is a leading New England premium distributor. She later entered the employ of Herman Rifkin, when the latter operated the Supreme Film Co., and had been with Rifkin for the past 13 years. Holdovers Prevailing In Two Boston Theatres Boston — “Brother Rat” and “Five of a Kind” were held over at the Fenway and Paramount for a second week following heavy business in the first stanza. Two other holdovers ended last week. They were “You Can’t Take It With You” and “Vacation From Love” at Loew’s State and Loew’s Orpheum and “Men With Wings” and “Road Demon” at the Metropolitan. The Globe. Bridgeport. Lowers Admission Scale Bridgeport — The Globe Theatre admissions have been scaled down to 15 cents matinees, and 15 and 25 cents evenings, all week. Former Saturday and Sunday prices were 15-20 cents matinees, 20-30 cents evenings. Sidney to Direct Gang Hollywood — George Sidney has been assigned Jby M-G-M to direct the latest Our Gang comedy, “Practical Joker.” TAMES CONROY’s wife is home after J three weeks in St. Vincent’s Hospital . . . Rumor has it the Park Theatre, dark for a year, will again house a federal theatre unit . . . Sam Badamo, who manages the College in New Haven and lives in Bridgeport, has just celebrated another birthday. Manager Edward Fitspatrick of the Loew-Poli, at Waterbary, has the best collection of cameras along the circuit. Anita, wife of Harry Rose, manager of the Globe, comes forward with the information that her husband dried the dishes for her the other night for the first time and they have been married 19 years. Federal Theatre unit in town for a onenight stand of “Haiti” at Central High School. Strand, Stamford, was first in this section with “Mars Attacks the World.” Warner was the only theatre here to try an election night opening. Business was fair. The Palace, Torrington, reopened on Armistice day. Capitol, Danbury, is running four-hour night shows on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tony Masella, assistant manager of the Globe Theatre here, entertained a group of theatrical friends and associates at an Italian dinner at his home in New Haven. In the group were Harry F. Shaw, Loew’s New England division chief, and Mrs. Shaw; Harry Rose, manager of the Globe, and Mrs. Rose; Irving Barrett, vaudeville agent, and Mrs. Barrett, and Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. Russell. Charles Hatfield Rites Held in West Newton Boston — Charles E. Hatfield, president and treasurer of the operating company of the University Theatre in Harvard Square, died last week at the age of 76 years. Hatfield was formerly mayor of Newton. For more than 30 years he was president of the First National Bank in Newton and president and director of a number of other banks and commercial organizations. He was president of the Scott Stamp and Coin Co., through which he met and became an intimate friend of the late Calvin Coolidge. Hatfield was born at Medford in 1862. He was educated at Dean Academy. He opened a law office at Newton where he early became interested in politics. He was prominent fraternally, belonging to both Masons and Odds Fellows. Funeral services were held Sunday in the Unitarian Church in West Newton. Burial was private. Hatfield left a wife, Mrs. Martha Hatfield, and a daughter, Miss Margaret Hatfield of Washington. Who Gets Him? Boston — A New England theatre operator reports the receipts of the following letter from a youth who, evidently, has his eyes turned toward a possible bright future in the motion picture industry: “Dear Sir,” the young man wrote, “Please forward to me at your earliest convenience a full description of the usher’s uniform at your theatre: Design of buttons, markings, color, etc. Also be sure to enclose a swathe of the actual cloth so that I may examine its texture. “Furthermore, I would be obliged if you would send me a chart of insignias you make available to your usher captains, etc. I would appreciate, also, photographs of your present staff. “I think it is only fair to inform you that I am requiring the Theatre to furnish me similar information with reference to the uniform of their usher corps. It is my intention to compare all these points exhaustively before I make up my mind whether to apply to your theatre, or the other theatre, for a position on your staff. “Yours very truly ...” "Captive of Nazis" Is Providence Roadshow Boston — Harry Segal, Imperial Pictures head, who has taken over the New England distribution of “I Was a Captive of Nazi Germany,” opened a roadshow engagement of the special last week at the Play House in Providence which he leased for the occasion. DiMaura. Guarino Move Drive-In Headquarters Boston — The Drive-In Theatres Corp., headed by Thomas DiMaura and James Guarino, will vacate present headquarters on Melrose St. The theatre operating concern plans to take up offices at 164 Stuart St., just outside the film district. Seize Machines Portland, Me. — Fifteen nickel and dime machines were seized at Rockland, Me., November 12 in raids conducted by City Marshal A. D. Fish and a squad of Rockland police who had 16 warrants. Five of the warrants drew blanks. Off the Screen After 25 Weeks Boston — "Moonlight Sonata," the English production featuring Paderewski, bowed out of the Fine Arts Theatre here Tuesday after a run of 25 weeks, an all-time record for Boston film houses. BOXOFFICE : : November 19, 1938 79