Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1937)

ROYALTY PAYMENTS AVOID GAME SUIT Boston — Bank Night litigations brought against the Hudson Amusement Co., headed by George Marked, and against Richard Rubin of Saugus have been dropped, coincident with the payment of back royalty assessments, according to local Bank Night headquarters. Contracts were renewed in both instances, it was stated by the same source. Several other suits for the collection of allegedly-due royalty payments are now in the courts. One of these is against the Campello Corp., operating Keith’s in Brockton, while another names the Reading Theatre Corp. as defendant. Leo Trask and Morris Pouzzner, respectively, head these corporations. Similar suits will be filed unless Bank Night users fulfill the terms of their contracts, Roy Heffner, Bank Night franchise owner, states. Wage Accord (Continued from page 13) not going to be dictated to by these lower-paid workers. “I want to see the shippers and the others get a break,” this theatreman affirmed, “but, on the other hand. I’ll have to keep getting my shows on time or close up. If there’s a strike, where do I head in?” Operators Are Helping Business and policies of the Boston Film Exchange Workers Union is being left in the hands of a few of the leaders of the Moving Picture Operators Union, Local 182, veteran projectionist union that organized the fledgling, according to a BFEW officer. One of these leaders is James Burke, veteran business manager of the projectionist organization who has also been elected business manager of the latter group. “They know what it’s all about,” this officer said. “We’re new to the game.” New Haven Exchange Union Elects New Haven — In possession of its local charter, the new AFL unit of exchange employes met on Saturday afternoon and appointed temporary officers. John F. Gatelee, international organizer of the lATSE and Motion Picture Operators, reported on the Boston union, the first exchange group to be organized with a membership of 361, which represents approximately 70 per cent of the total number eligible in that city, its election of officers and preparation for formulation of demands. In New Haven an intensive drive will be made for membership and another meeting was scheduled for Friday, April 2, at which time Frank Fenton, New England AFL organizer, and several of the new Boston exchange officers were to speak. Meantime, rumors of a CIO meeting to be held on Saturday also, did not materialize, although there was talk in the exchange building of further activity. England’s most popular comedienne, Grade Fields, arrives in Hollywood — umbrella and all — to confer with 20th Century-Fox on details of her new contract with that studio. She will make at least one picture here before returning to her own country. Short Shift Falls Boston — A resolution to memorialize Congress in favor of a five-day week and a six-hour working day has been rejected by the Massachusetts senate. It was first killed by a vocal vote, then by a rising vote of 10 to 6, and finally by a rollcall vote of 17 to 15. Remodel at Worcester Worcester — Loew’s Plaza, closed for more than two years, will be entirely remodeled and will reopen as a second run house about April 10, with Bob Portle, present assistant at the Elm St., as manager. BILLBOARD CONTROL ISSUE IS DEFERRED Boston — The Massachusetts house has put over to the next annual legislative session a bill providing that the supervision of billboards in the Bay State be given to local authorities. The department of public work regulates them at present. The house had previously refused to accept an unfavorable committee report on the measure. It was argued that adoption of the bill would bring about confusion and difficulties because of differences in rules that would be adopted by the various municipal governments. A bill for appointment of a special committee to study the question was rejected. CONN. PROPOSES RESIDENCE TAX Bridgeport — A bill designed to tax the incomes of persons who make their money in other states, but maintain homes in Connecticut is scheduled to be submitted to the general assembly about the middle of April. Strongly affected by the measure will be the members of the various theatrical colonies in the state, as it will mean the paying of a federal income tax, a New York income tax and a Connecticut income tax. Stage and film folk who maintain homes in the state are largely centered around this city and are making plans for a strenuous campaign to keep the bill from getting beyond the committee stage. JACK GOLDSTEIN WITH UNIVERSAL Boston — Jack Goldstein, who resigned as publicity manager of the local RKO theatres to become national exploitation head for United Artists, has been appointed Universal publicist for the Mid-Atlantic territory. USED CHAIRS FOR SALE (WHILE THEY LAST) Specifications — SEATS: Spring Edge, Uph. BACKS: Insert Panel, Uph. UPHOLSTERY: Spanish Leather. STANDARDS: Cast Iron. HINGES: Silent Operating. WOOD: Mahogany Einish. HAT WIRES: Yes. AGE: Sufficient to Prove Their Quality. CONDITION: See Them. PRICE: $3.50 & $4.00 JOE CIFRE, Inc. "SERVING THE INDUSTRY SINCE ITS INCEPTION" 44 Winchester Street BOSTON BOXOFFICE :: April 3, 1937. 19