Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1937)

COVBWNC MICHIGAN. KENTUClCy: WEST VIBGINIA AND WESTERN PENNSYl VANIA lATSE READY TO UNIONIZE FLINT Jack Saxe Joins Monogram Staff Detroit — Jack Saxe, who has been associated with William Hurlbut in local independent film circles for seventeen years, has resigned as office manager of Republic Pictures, to become associated with the newly organized Monogram Pictures, Inc. Saxe has disposed of his interests in Republic. Saxe will become an officer of Monogram Pictures and will be in charge of the office. He will be associated with Hurlbut and S. K. Decker, who both recently announced acquisition of the Monogram long-term franchise. Hurlbut and Saxe were originally associated together with the Favorite Film Co. Saxe thus returns to Monogram, where he was connected for three years, prior to Republic taking over the company two years ago. Monogram remains in the same exchange quarters as Excellent Pictures and will continue to handle physical distribution for all Excellent product. Jack Saxe To Follow Detroit Detroit — The local Variety Club’s method of presenting motion pictures for shutins will be adopted nationally by the organization, according to a notice sent to all chapters by Johnny Harris, national chief barker. All chapters have been advised to obtain trucks similar to the one donated to the local club by Harold Robinson. NO SLIPPERY ROCK HOUSE Slippery Rock, Pa. — Harry Batastini and P. W. Means have dropped plans to build a new theatre here. Circumstantial Proof Misleads Detroit — Many of the Filmrow wiseacres were “sure” last Saturday that the film exchange employes were on strike. They were “sure for two reasons.” First, they pointed to the eightcolumn streamer headline in the Detroit Times, which read “Strike Ties Up Films.” Shortly afterward a sausage factory delivery boy came into the film building staggering under a heavy load of “hot-dogs” addressed to the “AFL, Film Exchange Building.” To the wiseacres, these two added up to one thing — Strike. The answer really was that the Times was referring to the Hollywood strike, which later read “Strike Ties Up Hollywood.” And the weiners were actually delivered for the big film exchange party held Sunday night at the Eastown Ballroom. POTTER RETIREMENT POSTPONED 30 DAYS Detroit — Lieut. Lester Potter, police theatre censor, who has served in that capacity for 27 years, will remain at his post all this month and will not retire until May 30, instead of the first of this month, as had first been announced, he told Boxoffice this week. The censor grabbed local headlines again Saturday, when he hit at a “strip-tease” dancer at a local beer-garden. Potter and his aides arrested the girl, billed as Shang Lee, “Chinese Princess,” when they said she appeared in even less than Gypsy Rose Lee in her famous strip number. KENDIS IN PITTSBURGH Pittsburgh — J. D. Kendis, Hollywood producer for Jay Dee Kay Productions, was here over the weekend negotiating with state-righters. Negotiations About Ended for AFL Operators in All Theatres By Gene Rich Detroit — It was authoritatively learned this week by Boxoffice that the lATSE practically has completed arrangements to make Flint, Mich, theatres 100 per cent union operated. This was learned following a meeting between Roger Kennedy, business agent of the local operators’ union, and four Flint independent exhibitors, representing 14 houses. The Flint exhibitors who conferred Tuesday afternoon with Kennedy were Jimmy Minter, who is president of American Theatre Science, out-state booking organization, and operator of three Flint theatres and one in Owosso; Lester Matt, operator of four theatres; Doc Eiseman, who operates two houses; and Daniel Kesz, operator of one theatre. Butterfield theatres have used AFL operators in their house for years in Flint, while the independent exhibitors have dealt with an independent union. Wages and privileges granted the independent union are said to have been similar to those enjoyed by the AFL. Definite Deal Near Kennedy advised Boxoffice that a definite deal probably would be signed within the next few days. It is thought that both the independent exhibitors and the AFL made concessions in coming to terms. Kennedy stated that the independent union members will all be absorbed by the lATSE. Kennedy has been known for his peaceful organization methods, and for his determined opposition to violence and unorthodox tactics in union work. It is this stand that has advanced the high standing of the local lATSE and is aiding Kennedy in this present move to consolidate union projectionists under the AFL throughout Michigan. The Flint agreement will include the Minter Theatre, operated by Minter in Owosso. The two Butterfield theatres there are already AFL operated. OBSERVES ANNIVERSARY Monongahela, Pa. — Bill Gray observed his fifteenth anniversary as an exhibitor here last Saturday. He operates the Bentley Theatre. MIDEAST EDITION Is One of the Seven Sectional Editions in Which BOXOFFICE Is Published Weekly. The Other Six Editions Are: NEW ENGLAND, CENTRAL, MIDWEST, WESTERN, SOUTHERN. EASTERN. ELSIE LOEB, 12805 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. R. F. KUNGENSMITH, 1701 Blvd. of the Allies. Pittsburgh, Pa. EUGENE D. RICH, 2125 Cass Ave., Detroit, Mich., Phone Randolph 7978. CLARA HYDE, 127 Tremont St.. Ft. Thomas, Ky.. Phone Highland 1657.