Universal Weekly (1933-1935)

Nov. 30, I935| UNIVERSAL WEEKLY— SHOWMANSHIP SECTION; :31 WORLDS GREATEST PICT10M HERO lh THE YEARS MIGHTIEST \ CHAPTER PLAV / 0 ° OH BoV/ fa THIS IS QREAT Box-office 'FOR SHOWMEN WHO PUV IT RIQHT/ NEWSPAPER COOPERATION AS this is being written, arrangements are being made to publish Frank Merriwell's Adventures through the Bell Syndicate, 247 W. 43rd St., New York City. Newspapers running this strip can materially boost their circulation by tying in with your run of the picture. Following are a few suggestions for newspaper tie-ups. Pick Local Frank Merriwell This should be the high spot of Frank Merriwell Week. Selection of the Merriwell counterpart can be made on the basis of closest physical measurements and best school, sport and health records. The newspaper can receive nominations with photographs and other necessary information for a stated period and then publish voting coupons with the entrants' names and other data. A Frank Merriwell silver cup can be awarded the winner and arrangements made for him to make several public appearances, including your own theatre opening day. Newsboys 9 Parties Stage a special party for the newsboys of the cooperating paper, inviting them to see the first chapter as your guests. In return for this they will be glad to insert heralds in their papers and the newspaper will publish photos of the party and publicize the stunt generally. Sport Stories "A FRANK MERRIWELL" is a frequently used phrase for a last minute rally, or an outstanding feat in a game. See the sports editor and sell him on running a feature listing actual sports performances which were similar to those of fiction's greatest hero, tying them up, of course, with the picture. He can easily fashion a swell story of the reminiscent type on this idea. Stage Merriwell Olympics The sport pages will soon be plastered with stories about coming Olympics. Cash in on this by staging your own FRANK MERRIWELL JUNIOR OLYMPICS in the athletic field nearest your theatre. Have newspaper sponsor this and enlist prominent citizens and outstanding athletes to act as judges. Award prizes for winners of each event and Frank Merriwell cup as the grand prize. Banner field with ads for the serial. Boost the stunt in your lobby. The theatre can serve as starting and finishing spot for a cross country foot race and round the city bicycle race. Have a decorated car escort these races. ORGANIZE MERRIWELL ADVENTURE CLUB T HE Merriwell serial club idea can be a * great help in putting over a campaign. Here are several suggestions: Prior to your opening announce the formation of a FRANK MERRIWELL CLUB, pledged to make Blank City a healthier and safer city. Issue membership cards similar to one shown. Your local Universal Branch will supply you with a mat. On the back print whatever privileges you decide on. These might be, a free pass to first chapter of next serial to members attending every episode of this one. Of a free pass for the member and his mother. Offer club buttons at first episode. Each week have local athletic coaches talk on a different sport and if possible, give demonstrations on your stage and introduce local athletes. Award Frank Merriwell merit badges to youths selected by various schools each week. If your local newspaper is running the Frank Merriwell serialization ask them to sponsor your club and follow through on all activities to give it a big send-off. Sell Chapter Titles Q KETCH suggests display to use in cap** italizing on the exploitation angles in each chapter title. Goal posts, crowd of cheering fans, pennants and football, form the basis for the set up. Chapter one sheet posters are used in the center below the cross-bar. On either side are stills from each chapter with the episode title, and a line or two about the chapter thrills. Here are the twelve chapter titles: "The College Hero," "The Death Plunge," "Death at the Crossroads," "Wreck of the Viking," "Capsized in the Cataract," "Descending Doom," "Monster of the Deep," "The Tragic Victory," "Between Savage Foes," "Imprisoned In A Dungeons" "The Crash in the Chasm," "The Winning Play." THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT Has subscribed to the ideals and principles of the club and is entitled to all the privileges and benefits thereof. Parent or Teacher Manager I ]2|3|4|5|6|7 8:9|I0|II pT