Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1937)

SPEED CASE GOVEBNMENT MOVE TO Dallas Operators SETOA Convention to Be at Birmingham Mark Anniversari] Dallas — On the 25th anniversary of its organization the Dallas Motion Picture Operators Union entertained members, theatre managers and owners, equipment men and several honored guests Tuesday night at a banquet and dance on the Jefferson Hotel roof. Dancing began at 10 p. m. and the banquet was served midnight. Karl Hoblitzelle, president of the Interstate circuit, made the principal address felicitating the proejctionists on their organization and their past success and said he was in favor of a union. He admonished the operators, however, that as they gained more recognition they must not abuse their power as seems to be the case in some other parts of the country now, he said. Honor Award to Rupard R. J. O’Donnell, in his usual humorous vein, said that he called C. E. Rupard “Red” to his face, but usually by other names to his back. Rupard is business representative of the union. On behalf of members O’Donnell presented Rupard with a solid gold life membership card in the local MPMO. H. D. Hill, president of the operators, R. R. Pengilly, recording secretary, and Rupard were in charge of arrangements. Other union officers are C. H. Hortun, vice-president; Paul Humphreys, financial secretary; N. E. Hoylman, treasurer; A. H. Gentry and G. L. Luther, members of the executive board, and J. C. Brewer, sergeant at arms. Union representatives from Houston and other cities were among the guests. "Orchid" to Exhibitor Greensboro, N. C. — Manager Hadaway of the National Theatre here, an ardent safety crusader himself, was awarded an “Orchid” by a local newspaper, in a lengthy editorial, on his recent showing of “We Drivers,” a safety picture, distributed by the Paragon Film Exchange, Atlanta. SETOA Convention to Be at Birmingham Atlanta — The Thomas Jefferson Hotel, Birmingham, Ala., has been selected by the convention committee as the official hotel for the SETOA convention to be held in Birmingham June 27-28-29, according to Bill Griffin, Cullman, Ala., convention committee chairman. Birmingham theatre owners and managers met Sunday, May 30, with the committee chairmen, to work out definite plans for the three-day meet. Arrangements have already been made for two important events on the program, that of a tea or party at Vestavia, one of the show places of the world, and the other, John Temple Graves II, as speaker at the Tuesday evening banquet. Graves is an Oxford man and one of the most outstanding speakers and journalists in the south. His subject will be “Southern Footlights,” and according to Bill Griffin, this is only “the beginning” of the interesting events being planned for the SETOA convention. REPUBLIC REGIONAL MEET SET FOR N. O. Atlanta — A regional meeting of Republic Pictures franchise holders, C. C. Ezell, Dallas, and A. C. Bromberg, Atlanta, will be held in New Orleans Friday, June 11. Those attending from this territory will be H. H. Everett, district manager in Charlotte, and Cy Dillon, branch manager, Roy Bradley, office manager, and Salesman M. F. Funderburke and Jack London. From New Orleans, Leo Seicshnaydre, branch manager, George Harrell, George Nunngesser and Jack Duffy, salesmen. From Tampa, Henry Glover, branch manager, George J. Jones, office manager. F’rom Atlanta, Carl Floyd, branch manager; George J. Jones, office manager, and A1 Rook, salesman. Tries to Force InterstateMajor Suit in Behind Frels Action Dallas — The United States government will attempt to have its case against the Interstate circuit and major film distributors moved up in Judge Atwell’s court as early as possible behind the Frels case, it was learned on good authority. The hearing had been set for June 30 when the May term opened. The government’s suit is for an injunction to dissolve the minimum price regulations for subsequent runs in Texas key cities. Frels to File Anew Dallas — Deadlocked hopelessly for more than two days, the jury in the Frels damage suit told Judge Atwell in federal court Monday afternoon there was no possibility for them to reach an agreement and were then discharged. The jury, however, did find for B. F. Fordtran, of Bellville, who was one of the defendants, and absolved him for any part in the alleged conspiracy. During the trial Frels withdrew charges against Fordtran. The film market, keyed to a high interest as the trial consumed practically a week, was quieted following discharge of the jury and routine along the Row proceeded as usual. Getting Ready for New Trial Parties to the suit departed for their homes Monday morning. From sources close to Frels it was indicated the plaintiff will start immediately to prepare his records for a new trial. A new hearing can not be had before fall, it was said. Much importance in the case was attached to the charge by Frels that C. E. Hilgers, then manager of Fox, told him (Frels) that he was offered only half of that product because the distributors held a meeting and decided at that time that product would be split in Victoria evenly between Frels and the Jefferson Amusement Co. Hilgers, now a resident of Paris, Prance, as managing director of the French RKO Company, made the ocean voyage to appear as a witness for the defense. He (Continued on page 91) SOUTHERN EDITION Is One of the Seven Sectional Editions in Which BOXOFFICE Is Published Weekly. The Other Six Editions Are: NEW ENGLAND, MIDEAST, CENTRAL, MIDWEST, WESTERN, EASTERN, V. W. CRISP, Southwestern Editor. 210 S. Harwood St., Dallas. Tex. NELL BENEDIC, Southeastern Editor. 148 Vz Walton St., N. W., Atlanta. Ga. J. W. LEIGH, 1509 Bodenger Blvd., New Orleans. LES KETNER, South Texas Editor, 531 N. St., San Antonio, Tex.