Boxoffice (May 17, 1952)

United Artists European Business On Increase, Says Arnold Picker NEW YORK—United Artists business is set for a marked increase in Europe, according to Arnold Picker, vice’ president in charge of foreign distribution, who expects that the continent will soon represent 25 to 30 per cent of the company’s foreign business. Each European territory is ahead of last year, especially France, England and _ Italy, where “The River” is doing “sensational business,” Picker said. In France, where “The River’ played eight weeks at two Paris theatres, the Kenneth McEldowney picture is expected to be the alltime high grosser for UA and will probably be up among the top U.S. pictures from all companies. The picture has also played four to six weeks in Brussels, Amsterdam, Zurich, Oslo and Stockholm and has just opened in Rome, where it is also doing strong business. In England, where Picker attended “Operation Screening,” the first UA sales meeting of district supervisors in five years, the company has 17 features ready for release. Nine of these were shown at “Operation Screening.” Six UA pictures will play the Odeon and Gaumont-British circuits in six weeks, according to Picker, including “High Noon,” not yet released in the U.S., which opened at the Odeon Leicester Square Theatre in London. In Spain, UA has made arrangements with C-D Films to become the exclusive outlet for all of its releases permitted in the country under the allocation of 40 films yearly from UA, Columbia, Republic and Monogram. The five majors are permitted to = top re CUS fee Se } c i: / VA a 1 Arnold Picker ee “Of course, the better theatre sound systems include...” bring in a total of 60 films yearly. In Germany, UA’s “Arch of Triumph” opened to big business in 34 theatres day-and-date. However, Picker noticed that the increase in popularity of local product is starting to hurt the business for American pictures. Picker was away from the U.S. for seven weeks and visited England, France, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and, on the way back, Brazil. He will remain at the home office until September, when he is scheduled to make a trip to the Far East. George Waldman Resigns As a UA Sales Manager NEW YORK—George Waldman, veteran sales executive, has resigned as United Artists sales manager in the upstate New York and New Jersey territory. William J. Heineman, UA vice-president in charge of distribution, said Waldman’s decision was entirely his Own and praised his work under Fred Meyers, New York district manager. Waldman said he would announce future plans soon. During his years in theatre management and distribution, he has been associated with Warner Bros., Eagle Lion and Film Classics, as well as with UA. UA to Release ‘Fabiola’ In 4 Foreign Versions NEW YORK—United Artists has prepared four full-length foreign-language versions of “Fabiola,” presented by Jules Levey, for exhibition in Spanish, French, Italian and German theatres throughout the U.S., according to William J. Heineman, vice-president in charge of distribution. All four versions will be uncut and play three hours. The Englishdubbed version, which was released by UA in June, ran 96 minutes; 161 Sixth Avenue New York 13, N.Y. LANSING CORPORATION 9356 Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, Calif. A LIMITED NUMBER ARE STILL AVAILABLE FROM THEATRE SUPPLY DEALERS 38 In the Newsreels Movietone News, No. 39: U.S. marines get first taste of atomic warfare; bookie Gross names names; Wasp home with 61 of Hobson crew; Ike on farewell tour of Italy; Darryl Zanuck, film producer, honored in Australia; 15 years ago at Lakehurst the Hindenburg exploded; Ray and Maxim sign for title bout; motorcycle hill climbing. ‘ Nows of the Day, No. 273: U.S. marines take part in A-bomb test; Wasp home with crash survivors; new swim suits on parade; Anzio today; Japan hails new independence; Tito shows Yugoslav strength; off to movicland; new types of self-defense. Paramount News, No. 76: Yucca Flat, Nev.—marines get A-bomb baptism; Ike’s farewell to Italian troops; Washington—Wedemeyer heads citizens for Taft; Washington—happy birthday, Mr. President; Wasp home from tragedy at sea. é . Universal News, No. 559: In memoriam—Anzio; Queen Juliana anniversary; Wasp comes home; military parade in Yugoslavia; A-bomb test in Nevada; California—swim suits—heavenly bodies; France— soccer finals; !daho—motorcycle climb. Warner Pathe News, No. 78: Marines undergo atom test; Tokyo—Japanese mark newly won _ independence; desert pipeline brings oil from Iraq; Italian kids honor Gls at Anzio; Beverly Hills, Calif—swim styles for 1952; New York—Sugar Ray and Maxim sign for title bout; Toronto — jiu-jitsu — defenders dampens Dashing Dans; Baltimore—walking race. ° Movietone News, No. 40: Clark assumes Ridgway’s Far East command; jet liner opens new travel era; YD 60—all jet bomber; British stage mock invasion; flowery hats go out of his world for sweet charity; Wellesley girls man the shells; jeep cowboys hit the trail, News of the Day, No. 274: Ridgway’s farewell— Clark takes over; mothers of the year; treat for triplets; latest jet bomber; new commando technique; horsemanship classic; Yanks vs. Germans in Golden Gloves bout. Paramount News, No. 77: Jeeps on a Sunday outing; General Clark inspects new command; Capt. Kurt Carlsen visits Paris; how smart are rats?; Armed Forces day, 1952. Universal News, No. 560: General Clark succeeds Ridgway; new convair; train wreck in Maryland; triplets in New Jersey; Dr. Figl; mother of the world; Captain Carlsen; French fashion figures; Jeepers Creepers. Warner Pathe News, No. 79: Ridgway shows Clark his Far East command; commandos invade Britain; biggest U.S. jet bomber on first flight; chancellor of Austria in U.S.; melting pot fashion in Hawaii; Yakima—jumping jeeps; Italy—picture hanger in his cups. °e Telenews Digest, No. 19B: Korea—hopes dim for peace; Florida—Senator Russell defeats Kefauver by 53,000 votes; Ohio—Taft wins all 56 delegates in his home state; England—record-breaking jet airliner, Comet, returns; Hollywood—London’s double-decker buses; California—new bathing suits; Canada—jiujitsu expert; Missouri trout fishing derby. Telenews Digest, No. 20A: Far East—Clark takes over; Texas—first films of air force’s new all-jet bomber, the YB 60; New York—Secretary of the Army Pace reveals first official details of U.S. atomic artillery; Korea—UN troops build antiatomic de fense; Paris—skipper’s holiday; horse racing—Golden Gate handicap. For YOUR BOXOFFICE Engraved by our oxclusive Process on lu oe ee 4 specifications, ADULTS -< re tis CHILDREN: 20 LAMOLITE ILLUMINATED PRICE ADMISSION SIGNS Our enlarged plant facilities assure OVERNIGHT service from coast to coast. Plastic Signs Engraved for the Entire Theatre Send for Folder *Pat pend Edgar S. Bowman 682 Sixth Avonuo Now York 10, N. Y. TOP FILM MAN WANTED to handle on exclusive basis important product for Chicago, Des Moines and Omaha exchan : BOXOFFICE 4718. Hoey: BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1952 ¢ «Fr