Universal Weekly (1933-1935)

Mar. i6, 1935 Carl L aemmle Anniversary Jubilee 23 "Imitation of Life” Could Go On Forever At The Lafayette Theatre, Haverhill, Mass. //IMITATION OF LIFE" is rolling I up box-office records and being held over and re-booked everywhere in the United States. This is the first of a number of such engagements in New England which has come to the attention of the Universal Weekly. William Lavery of the Lafayette Theatre of Haverhill not only held the picture for one week but ran up his gross to a higher figure on the second week than the first. No wonder he is holding it a third week! He was also rather astonished to have an editorial printed about "Imitation of Life" in the Haverhill Gazette. It is the first time in the history of that staid and dignified publication that an editorial on a moving picture has ever been published. Undoubtedly the Haverhill Gazette was an earnest advocate in the days before the Civil War of the abolition of slavery. Here is the editorial. Announcements and revues of the motion picture, "Imitation of Life," that have been attracting Haverhill audiences for two weeks, do not fairly present the cast. I have before me an advertisement of the picture that has the name of Claudette Colbert in big type and the names of Warren William and Rochelle Hudson conspicuously displayed; but no other names. That is a serious error of omission. Miss Colbert, a beautiful and talented actress gives a competent performance in this picture. Mr. Williams is an ingratiating leading man and Miss Hudson a charming ingenue. If these three, however, were merely capable troupers and not the possessors of names that mean a lot to cinema-goers, the picture would still be outstanding because of the superb work of Louise Beavers and Fredi Washington. NEWREELS No. 334 RUTH REPORTS FOR NEW JOB ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. — The bambino joins the Boston Braves at their Spring training camp as the baseballers warm up in the first of the season's workouts. DEATH ENDS EMINENT CAREER OF OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES WASHINGTON, D. C. — The great jurist closes a life of high service to his countrymen, succumbing to bronchial pneumonia at the age of ninety-four. CIVIL WAR DIVIDES GREEKS REBELS SEIZE warships and clash with loyal troops in a revolt against the Government. The Army is mobilized and big bombing 'planes pursue the insurgents. CENSORS OKAY BEACH STYLES ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. — Lacy bathing suits and daring designs for wear on the sands pass official review by the resort's police force which decides what can be worn and how much must be. CARNERA IN STIFF WORKOUT ORANGEBURG, N. Y. — The Man Mountain starts strenuous training for his forthcoming bout with Impelletiere, giving his sparring partners and the punching bag a tough time. LATEST "BEEF TRUST" INSURED CHICAGO, ILL. Hefty chorus ladies working in a "Gay 'Nineties" revue take out policies protecting them from loss of the curves on which their jobs depend. CARNIVAL GLEE RULES CITY IN MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION NEW ORLEANS, LA. — Hugs throngs pack brilliantly decorated streets in riotous welcome to the chief figures of the traditional pre-Lenten festival. Fantastic floats add to the pageantry of a joyous occasion. HUEY LONG VS. GEN. JOHNSON WASHINGTON, D. C.— The "Kingfish" has his say in a vivid newsreel interview, replying to remarks made about him by the former chief of the NRA. FIRST CENTURY IS HARDEST KINGA, U.S.S.R. Official records put an ancient farmer in the Methuselah class by giving his age as 152 years. SOVIETS ENTER DIONNE RACE NALCHIK, U.S.S.R. — A Russian woman gives birth to a quartette of healthy babies, making herself runner-up to the famous Canadian mother of five. LAFAYETTE THEATRE HAVERHILL, MASS. Frank P. Miller, Mgr. March 9, 1935 Mr. William P. Kelly Universal Pictures Corp. Boston, Mass. Dear Mr. Kelly For the first time in the history of this city, as far back as it is possible for me to look, a picture holds over into a third week on its first run. "Imitation of Life" has positively caused a sensation here with everyone who has seen it talking about it and those who haven't waiting in line for hours for a chance to see it. As you know the picture grossed more the second week than the first and it looks as if next week will top last. The picture is certainly the greatest popular hit in years and Universal is to be congratulated for turning out a picture as perfect as any picture is likely to be. Kindest personal regards, (Signed) WILLIAM J. LAVERY, Mgr.