Motion Picture News (Jan - Mar 1930)

50 Motion Picture News March 29, 1930 Gold Pass to Governor Providence — Publix this week presented a gold pass to Gov. Norman S. Case, admitting him to the ne.w Strand at all times. Publix expects to open the Strand, after complete renovations, in about four weeks. Change Theatre Name Garland, Tex. — The name of the Crescent Theatre has been changed to the Fagg. Fire Damages Theatre Morgantown, W. Va.— Damage of $40,000 was caused by a tire in the Metropolitan Theatre. Harold Sanders and H. D. Kelly, projectionists, were trapped in the operating room, but escaped down a fire ladder. Exhibitor Sells Interests Lampasas, Tex. — Furman L. Wolf, part owner and manager of the Beltonian and Beltex Theatres, the Wolf-Walker houses of Belton, has sold his interests to H. H. Cluck of San Antonio. Roy L. Walker, of Lampasas, has retained his interests. Lynch Buys Star Pavvtucket, R. I. — The Star, home of pictures, vaudeville and stock, has been purchased by William J. Lynch for $25,000. The building erected more than 100 years ago, formerly was used as a Masonic Temple. Preparing for Summer Aberdeen, Wash. — At an approximate expense of $5,000, the Fox D. & R. Theatre is overhauling its ventilation system. Decorations for California San Francisco — The Publix Circuit has placed an order for the latest type triangular directional glass signs with cathedral glass for the California. Back from Waikiki San Francisco — Joel Cohen has returned to Golden Gate Ave. after spending several months in Honolulu. Hollywood Bound George R. Batclicller, president of the Chesterfield Motion Picture Corporation, has left for California where he will put into production "Hearts in Bondage." Edgar Lewis will direct. Reeder Takes Over Theatre Ephrata, Wash. — Edwin Reeder, well known business man of this town, has moved to Harrington and assumed management of the theatre in that town. Repairing Damaged Theatre Great Falls, Mont. — Contractors are busily engaged in repairing the damage done recently to the Alcazar Theatre by fire. The Victim Because it boosted the week-end records at the Colony in New York. "The Cohens and Keljys in Scotland" has been held over for a third week. And thereby hangs a funny tale: The doorman saw a man slop, scan the b'lling and art in front «»f the theatre, and heard him remark in a rich Irish brogue: "Tis a hell of a jam for a Kelly." Came the Yawn "Pete" WoodhuU on a recent trip through the Middle West was read'ng a newspaper in a hotel one evening when he suddenly became aware that the lobby, which had been well filled a short time before was entirely deserted. "Gee, but you roll up the sidewalks early in this town," he observed to the clerk. "I suppose I've got to go to bed, too." "You can if you want to, but the crowd's up on the balcony listening to Amos and Andy on the radio," retorted the clerk. Moran Convalescing Los Angeles — George Searcy, the Moran of Moran and Mack, the "Two Black Crows" comedy team, who has been ill nearly a year, is recovering. Baltimore Lowers Prices Baltimore — Admission prices at the Baltimore, managed by Fred C. Schanberger, Jr., formerly 35 cents to $1.50 top with four reserved seat shows daily, have been changed with the adoption of a 11 to 11 grind policy. Now they are 25 cents from 11 to 12:30; 35 cents from 12 :30 to 6 ; and 40 and 60 from 6 P. M. until closing time, except Saturday. Visits San Francisco San Francisco — E. J. Sullivan, manager of the Fox Hippodrome at Napa, was a recent visitor to this city. Gamble Switches to Portland Portland, Ore. — Ted Gamble, well known Seattle theatre man, has arrived to assume the management of the RKO Orpheum Theatre. Gamble was in charge of the nine Universal houses in Seattle until recently. For several weeks the Orpheum has been managed by Fred Miller, treasurer, who will continue as Gamble's assistant. Schine Enlarging Houses Gloversville, N. Y. — The Schine chain is enlarging its theatre in Geneva, so that it will seat 2,000, and its theatres in Rochester and East Rochester to increase their seating capacity. Remodeling Liberty Theatre Healdsburg, Calif. — Remodeling and redecorating of the Liberty Theatre, recently purchased by the T. & E). Junior Enterprise Company, was started this week. Mineola Theatre Closes Mineola, N. Y.— The Mineola Theatre has been bought in for $160,000 by Adame Ciccarone, a builder and contractor, at a foreclosure sale. One reason given for the failure of the Mineola is its close proximity to Hempstead, which supports two Fox theatres and a smaller house. The structure will be converted to other uses. Sound Boosts Business Elma, Wash. — Installation of sound equipment has greatly increased his business, Ray Graham, of the Graham Theatre, reports. Walter A. Smith Resigns Corning, N. Y. — -Walter A. Smith, who has been manager of the Fox and State Theatres here, resigned this week. Mr. Smith was associated with the Schine interests at the time it owned the State Theatre, and when Schine sold out to Fox, Mr. Smith remained with the company in a dual capacity. Harry A. Burke has succeeded him. Marks Elects Officers Chicago — The following officers have been elected by Marks Bros. Theatres, Inc. : Samuel Dambow, Jr., president ; Fred L. Metzler, vicepresident and treasurer; Jules J. Rubens and Austin C. Keogh, vice-presidents ; Marion Coles, secretary, and Morris G. Leonard, assistant secretary. Spurlock Remodeling Rex Ottawa, O. — Following a complete remodeling of the house, J. W. Spurlock has reopened his Rex Theatre. Texas Theatre Re-opens Cuero, Tex. — C. S. McLelland has assumed the management of the Palace Theatre, which has been closed for several months. J. A. Graves is owner of the theatre building. Remodel Masonic Theatre Ellenville, N. Y. — The Masonic Theatre here is being remodeled. Theatre Changes Hands MonticeJlo, N. Y.— Fred H. Starck, Sr., has sold the Rialto Theatre here to Max Cohen and Louis Krutcher for a reported price of $65,000, and will retire from the theatrical business to devote all his time to the presidency of the Sullivan County Trust Co. The theatre seats 800 and is wired for talkies. Improve Colorado House Colorado Springs, Colo. — The Strand Theatre, recently taken over by J. E. Tompkins, is to be converted into a highly modern place of amusement, according to plans submitted to the city engineer. Change Theatre Name Leola, S. D. — The Royal Theatre has undergone a thorough remodeling and will be reopened shortly as the Century. Sound equipment is to be installed in the near fdlure. Buys Theatre Interest Hot Springs, Ark.— W. H. Mitchell, formerly projectionist of the Best Theatre in South Hot Springs, has assumed the interest of C. E. Longacre in that house and will operate it hereafter. Camera Hound Hollywoodfilm company vention here the mob as shooting with then dashed other end. b twice. And him up! -A branch manager of a holding its annual conlined up at one end of the photographer began a panorama camera and around the rear to the usting into the picture not a producer signed