Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1937)

HUB FILM UNION ELECTS OFFICERS Boston — Ann Early has been elected recording secretary of the Boston Film Exchange Workers Union, Local 20450 of the AFL. A tie with Mae Rogers resulted in the first count of ballots. This outcome results in somewhat of a coincidence. Although the various names on the ballot were not arranged in alphabetical order, it was the first name in the race for each particular office, with one exception, that won the nod. Gilbert Houghs of M-G-M was named to the executive board, although two opponents were before him on the printed ballot. Each other office winner headed his respective slate. A nominating committee met with Business Manager James Burke, according to a union member, and selected the nominees from a list nominated from the floor. The president and vice-president were the sole candidates for those offices mentioned on the official ballot, although blank spaces were left below their respective names where the name of other candidates might have been written in. FTP Moves Boston — The local Federal Theatre has finally moved into the heart of the Hub Theatre district, occupying the Majestic on Tremont St. This former legit house, used occasionally as a roadshow stand in recent years, has been generally closed for the past few years. The Federal Theatre formerly was housed in the Repertory and, later, in the Copley. Picket Law Proposed Boston — A law has been filed in the Massachusetts legislature that would, according to its sponsor, “further define and legalize picketing.” Morris Berson, Socialist candidate for the office of attorney general last year, is back of the measure. Gerald F. Rackett, a vice-president and plant manager of Technicolor, who was recently appointed executive vice-president of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers. He takes charge of Pacific Coast activities of the organization. HOW TO TIP Did Benchley Redeem the Hats? Boston — A former local industry executive and his wife were recently in a convivial mood at the Stork Club in New York. The missus had wandered to the bar and, when her executive looked up, was engaged in conversation with a film gent known as Robert Benchley. In fact, this gent is said to be more or less well known, although not necessarily by other men’s wives. Anyway, the conversation and the Club specials had been flowing for upwards of a half-hemisphere on the clock when suddenly the lady in question remembered they had never been introduced. “What’s your name?” she popped politely. “Or, just call me ‘Curley’,” Benchley invited. Her husband was conducting an exploring expedition in his pockets at about this time and was able to locate only two cents and one moth ball, both of which are regarded with a certain amount of disinterest by Stork Club hatcheck blondes. He beckoned to his mate, although it developed later that she was even more broke, not even having one moth ball. “Did you see whom I was talking to?” she gurgled. “Yeah,” he assented, still fishing. “It was Governor Curley!” INIMICAL THEATRE BILLS FAIL IN MAINE Portland, Me. — Four measures which, if passed, would have injured theatre exhibitors in Maine were disapproved March 24 by the legislative legal affairs committee in its report to the Maine legislature in session at Augusta. A measure to legalize “beano” or “bingo” games, opposed by Maine churches and supported by the American Legion and "Veterans of Foreign Wars groups, was reported as “legislation inexpedient.” No Sunday Charity Shows The same committee frowned upon the legalizing of pari-mutuel betting on dog racing and reported against a bill to permit “fraternal, religious and educational organizations to conduct public entertainments on Sunday for profit, the proceeds to go to charity.” The committee also reported adversely on a bill to prohibit “any person, firm, association or corporation except residents of Maine” from operating pari-mutuel pools. Lottery Bill Retabled A bill creating a state lottery was retabled in the Maine house of representatives March 23 by Rep. Randolph Weatherbee of Lincoln. An unfavorable minority report on a bill which opponents said would allow participants in amateur Sunday sports to receive compensation was accepted by the house without debate. The report had been accepted previously in the senate. National in Scope Local in Service Will a strike affecting all New England be the result of the new Boston Theatre-Exchange Workers Union? How will the seven anti-trust suits filed in Boston affect your business? o BO XOFFICE 0 F F 1 C E What last-minute legislation should you take a stand against? Will attempts to organize theatre managers be successful? SEND YOUR RENEWAL CHECK NOW for the NEW ENGLAND EDITION What is your fellow showman in New England doing? The Pulse of the Motion Picture Industrie TO BRAD ANGIER New England Editor 14 Piedmont Street BOSTON. MASS. $2 a year — $3 two years — $5 three years 14 BOXOFFICE :: April 3, 1937.