Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1937)

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Frels Suit Begins (Continued from page 119) Allen Wight and Austin Dodd. The defense Wright, with special counsel representing Long and Fordtran. Attempts to Show Damages Frels remained on the stand almost all day Tuesday. After testifying he was unable to buy pictures from the defendant film companies for several seasons, he then began to name his grosses, expenses and profits for those years endeavoring to show damages. Frels was cross-examined several times by three different attorneys who again attempted to show that some of the independent pictures had drawing power equal to films from the majors. The defense also questioned Frels on his income tax returns in an effort to show an inconsistency with profits stated therein as compared to previous testimony by Frels from his permanent company records. Frels pointed out that his tax returns included other business besides his theatres, inferring they would be of no value in this case. Frels admitted that after Jefferson went into Victoria he planned to open a theatre in Beaumont against the circuit, but didn’t do so because film companies from whom he had propositions did not come through with product for the situation. He said he had been told that if he opened in Beaumont he could get films from these companies for his other smaller towns. He said he opened theatres in Bay City and Wharton against Long, believing it would also help him to get “big eight” product for other towns of the Frels circuit. Fordtran Charges Withdrawn B. F. Fordtran, one of the defendants, was questioned by plaintiff counsel as to a visit to Beaumont to see Gordon and Clemmons which he said was to persuade Jefferson not to build a theatre in Bellville where Frels was a partner with Fordtran. Judge Atwell held up a question as to the conversation between Fordtran and the Beaumont theatre men, whereupon Pat Russell, plaintiff’s attorney, withdrew it. At this time the plaintiff dismissed charges against Fordtran as a defendant in the law suit. Following a brief recess, George Wright, representing the distributors and heading the defense, made a single motion for the court to dismiss the case. Judge Atwell commented that while the evidence was slight he would not grant the motion at the time. After a brief consultation the defense put Sol Gordon on the stand. Sol Gordon on Stand The witness explained his company was known as a circuit specializing in oil town operation and that Jefferson went into Victoria because it was a thriving town with oil possibilities, which did develop. He said film companies were notified of their Victoria theatre in order that Jefferson might have a chance to bid on product for their Queen Theatre there. Gordon detailed the visit of himself and Joe Clemmons to the office of Frels in the Uptown Theatre. He said they wanted to make some compromise on the Victoria situation as Frels was giving them a lot of trouble there. He said he offered the (Continued on page 123) HARRY PAUL NAMED TEXAS SUPPLY HEAD Dallas — Harry M. Paul, well-known equipment man, has been made manager of the Texas Theatre Supply Co. to succeed Ray Elkins, it was announced early in the week. Elkins will remain and be associated with Paul for a few weeks longer and then return to the general office and then to Omaha as branch manager. He was also branch manager in Des Moines from where he was transferred to Kansas City and then back to Dallas out of which market he worked the Texas territory for the past few years. Weldon C. Girard resigned his position with National to be associated with Paul in his new location. VITAGRAPH PROMOTES KEETER TO FLORIDA Atlanta — Harold Keeter, office manager for Vitagraph in Atlanta, and formerly of Charlotte, has been promoted to Florida salesman, replacing Bill Brumberg, recently made assistant branch manager for Vitagraph in Chicago. Bill Hames, booking manager, succeeded to the office manager’s post and Dave Alterman, booker, was upped to booking manager. Russellville Change Russellville, Ala. — Kermit C. Stengil of the Hartselle Theatre Corp. of Nashville has purchased the Franklin Theatre here from W. E. P. Lakeman. ABBEVILLE HOUSE CHANGES HANDS Abbeville, La. — The Abbeville Theatre Corp. has taken over the operation of Prank’s Theatre here May 1, changing the name to the Dixie Theatre. SERVICE FOR iLiinniriLiE rock ^HIS week we move over to the ITO convention at the Hotel Marion for a lead shot at the happenings, the business side of which will be chronicled in detail in this issue: J. F. Norman, the new president of the Arkansas ITO, was elected by acclamation. He has served as an officer in the organization for the past 12 years and has been one of its most active workers. R. V. McGinnis of Hope and Pine Bluff (using two addresses is going to put us to a lot of extra trouble, Mac), the newly elected secretary-treasurer , has plenty of pep and has always been interested in association affairs. O. W. McCutcheon of Blytheville, who was elected vice-president, was termed a “fire-eater” at the convention here. He’s; an oldtimer in the industry, understands the theatre man’s problems, and has plenty of determination. Among the oldtimers who never miss a convention were T. W. Sharp, J. M. Ensor and Bill Landers. Some of the boys were beginning to worry about Bill on Sunday afternoon. He failed to show up till late that evening. And to Fred Lawrence: King and McGinnis said you pulled a fast one on them. You failed to return with what they sent you out for. F. G. Roberts of Clinton, Okla., announced here that he will open his new theatre at Bald Knob about July 20. Work of remodeling the building will begui in a few days. Purchase of the building now occupied by the Rio Theatre in Van Buren from the Edmondson estate by the Malco Theatres, Inc., has been announced by W. R. Willis, (Continued on next page) YOUR THEATRE Quality Merchandise— Priced Right COMPLETE STOCKS MOTIOGRAPH PROJECTORS ARCTIC NU-AIR COOLING EQUIPMENT INTERNATIONAL CHAIRS BRENKERT LAMPS ROTH GENERATORS V — TEXAS THEATRE SUPPLY CO., Inc. "Complete Theatre Eqiupment" 2010 JACKSON STREET — DALLAS, TEX. — PHONE 7-5510 BOXOFnCE ;: May 29, 1937. 121