Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1937)

Mass. Legislative Horizon Clearing Boston — The legislative horizon is clearing with Joseph Brennan, MPTO business manager and industry statehouse skipper, keeping a close scrutiny on the situation. The year has been eventful in the number of adverse measures derailed and sidetracked, and in the lack of such measures passed. Action is pending on a bill to allow stage dancing in theatres on Sunday, on bills to curtail Beano, and on the Boston building code bill which would have direct bearing on theatre and exchange building and repairing. The House, also, has overturned an unfavorable committee report on a bill to restrict the building and use of structures for the manufacture or sale of inflammable and explosive material and is reconsidering the matter. BOSTON (Continued from page 49) Sailors Club, adjoining the film district. The fraternity plans to take over quarters of its own within a few months, it is said. Sam Kimball has reopened Pike Memorial Hall in Cornish, Me. Joseph and Max Levenson, circuit heads, have set an “April Shower of Hits” at the Coolidge Corner in Brookline. The Bingham has darkened in Bingham, Maine. Jean Rogers, Universal star, has been visiting in Boston for the past few weeks. She was formerly Eleanor Lovegren, who worked in a Belmont ice cream parlor. Harry Browning, M. & P. publicity head, sent her to Hollywood as a result of a beauty contest concident with “Eight Girls in a Boat” in which she had her first part. The director was Charles Rogers, and this may or may not have been the reason for her name choice. Lily Pons was in the Hub the other Friday. The Capitol Theatre Supply Co. has installed a counterweight set in the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell. The annual benefit show of the Theatre Treasurers’ Club of Boston is to be held April 23 at the Colonial. Thomas J. Waters, vice-president of the organization, is chairman of the entertainment committee for the affair. Lawrence Tibbett was to have been in town Thursday. Joseph Lourie, recently manager of the Fields Corner for the M. & P. Theatres Corp., has been appointed resident manager of the Franklin Park Theatre. “Brother Rat,” Warner foster child, is holding strong at the Plymouth for its eighth week. BOSTON SALESMEN TOSS REAL PARTY Boston — Jean Rogers, Hollywood star, and the film district massed at the Bradford April 2 for the first annual entertainment and dance of the Motion Picture Salesmen’s Club. President Herman Konnis of Universal and his shadow, also Herman Konnis, were there. Roy Atwell stuttered over. If you knew the signal, you could get into Room 646 upstairs for a couple of quick ones. If you didn’t know the signal, you probably got in anyway. It was quite a party. Gloom to the Wind The function was the first annual affair of the new organization which already has an enrollment of sixty-two. James Kennedy, former All-American quarterback, bucked the line for the entertainment committee. The other thirteen on the “eleven” included Harry O. Worden, Maynard Sickles, Tom Duane, Tom Donaldson, Jack Gubbins, Rudy Wetter, A1 Fecke, Irving Shiftman, Harry Goldman, Harry Rosenblatt, Dave Purcell and Harry Goldstein. Receipts went to charity, and gloom went out the window. Local filmdom turned out in a body to witness, and take part in, the first public function of the Motion Picture Salesmen’s Club which was formed as the result of the meeting of thirteen film salesmen in the Hub on December 13, 1936. Konnis Is President Herman Konnis of Universal is president of the fraternity. Thomas Duane, M-G-M, is vice-president. The treasurer is Harry Rosenblatt of M-G-M and the secretary, Samuel Seletsky of Republic. Nate Ross is sergeant at arms. The board of directors is composed of Jack Davis, Thomas Donaldson, Harry Goldman, James Kennedy and Harry O. Worden. Providence Papers Lower Ballg Bars Providence — For years known as a tight spot in which to break film publicity. Providence papers are finally loosening up, chiefly due the apparent change in policy of the News-Tribune, which was recently taken over by the Annenberg interests. This paper is adopting a liberal publicity attitude toward motion pictures. The Annenberg interests also have started a new tabloid daily, the Rhode Island Star, which also promises healthy film cooperation. The conservative, old-line Journal-Bulletin may have to loosen up to meet this competition. TWO FILMS GET HIGH RATING FROM SCHOOL New Haven — On the basis of a perfect final rating of 95, a film rating sheet prepared by the Sheridan Junior High Motion Picture Council rated “Green Light” 68 1 /3 and “Maid of Salem” 65. Entertainment value, basis theme, story, plot and structure, direction, acting, photography and lighting, settings, costumes, make-up, dialogue, casting, social value, and name were all given a score and rating, and the total divided by three. May Present Stock New Britain — Lester Paul, actor and director, and William Reade, formerly with a repertory company, may use Warner's Capitol Theatre for a cooperative community stock venture. The theatre is leased by Warner’s but kept dark. BOXOFFICE :: April 10, 1937. 51