Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1939)

New Measures Join Pennsylvania List Philadelphia — A group of extraordinary bills, affecting the inner workings of the industry, have just joined the line-up of theatre legislation before the Harrisburg legislature. As Boxoffice went to press, it was reported a bill was being introduced before the house of representatives closing down all theatres owned, controlled or managed by producers or distributors. Details about the bill could not be obtained at once. Another bill, introduced at the same time, would prohibit theatres from charging more on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays than on week days. A third bill, introduced two months ago by Representative Charles Melchoirre, of Philadelphia, but ignored up to now, by theatre men, would force Ascap out of Pennsylvania. Melchoirre’s measure, which is now in committee, provides establishment of a State bureau with which authors and composers would register their works at a small fee. They would also set the price, with the publisher, on sheet music and records so as to include a certain fixed royalty on every sale. Once the composition was brought, it could be used free of charge everywhere. Pending Legislation Is Far-Reaching Philadelphia — Film men are not paying enough attention to legislation pending in Harrisburg that may profoundly affect various phases of the business, in the opinion of George P. Aarons, UMPTO secretary and counsel. His survey of bills introduced into the house of representatives relating to theatres includes: Bill 26 — Affects licensing of projectionists. Bill 198 — Affects “monopolistic abuses” in connection with copyrighted musical compositions. Bill 237 — Provides refunds from capital stock and corporate income taxes to corporations showing certain increases in employment. Bill 391 — Legalizes Bank Nights, with a tax on prizes. Bill 402 — Places a tax on admissions. Bill 411 — Legalizes Bank Nights and bingo. Bill 414 — Taxes vending machines. Bill 475 — May affect making of trailers and slides. Watchful , But Quiet on Gotham IATSE Strike Philadelphia — Local 307 of IATSE isn’t saying anything about the possibility of the New York projectionists’ strike spreading here, but it is reported the officers of the group are watching New York developments with “keen attention.” Reason is that there are a considerable number of theatres in this area employing unorganized projectionists, and the IATSE would naturally like to get an idea about the best way of changing that situation. The Strike — Day by Day New York — This is a day-by-day account of the strike situation, precipitated by Local 306. It was a generally quiet week. But these developments took place: Saturday, April 1 Counsel for distributors and circuits ready with injunction applications in event reports that strike in theatres to be called today eventuates. Reports fail to bear fruit, but keep C. C. Moskowitz at his Loew desk until 1 : 30 Sunday morning waiting for something to happen. Matthew Levy, Local 306 counsel, returns from Washington where he conferred with Thurman Arnold, both declining to comment on meeting. Paramount Newsreel men return to their posts after two-day picketing which advanced the belief on part of majors that, because of the contract between Local 702 and newsreel laboratories, restraining orders would have been issued. This angle compares with exchange employes who have no contract with major companies and hence are violating no agreement. No missout in shipments, clerks and bookers being called into service at exchanges and delivery companies handling shipments without interruption. Sunday, April 2 Exchanges being picketed quietly and Moskowitz, acting as exhibitor coordinator and spokesman, on tap all day except for a brief visit to Medical Center where he visits his brother-in-law recuperating from an operation. Everything in check, managers report. Levy slated to meet Monday with Joseph E. Brill and Berkley W. Henderson, department of justice representatives, and present union executives who will offer their side of the strike situation. Major circuits previously presented their arguments to the department here and in Washington. Monday, April 3 Union executives appear with Levy, at local State Mediation Board, but details held secret. Meeting is slated to be continued tomorrow. Although distributor representatives are said to have attended meeting, this does not prove to be the fact. Attorneys for circuits and distributors contend they have presented their side of the situation and now it is up to 306 Bookers Become Shippers Again New York — Two bookers in local ex-' changes are back in their old jobs in the shipping department. They returned on short notice when Local 306 projectionists called the strike. The two men up to that time had retained their membership in Local B-51, union for backroom employes. But a few minutes before going back to their old posts, they resigned. to get together with Century and Cocalis circuits on whatever moves are to be made for placing this union’s men in the two independent circuits’ houses. Tuesday. April 4 Thurman Arnold is understood to have received report on strike situation from Henderson and Brill after two-day investigation. It is believed the department of justice investigators are not in sympathy with what 306 is doing and so state in report. Also understood government does not agree with union that the dispute comes under Norris-LaGuardia Act and will order 306 to cease and desist with the threat of taking action if the order is not complied with. Meanwhile, exchanges say they continue shipping without missouts. Exhibitors cooperating to full extent and in sympathy with exchanges. Because Harry H. Buxbaum, Joe Lee and the rest of local 20th-Fox sales force held back from going to Chicago convention, William Sussman will hold special meeting with men and detail what happened in Windy City. Wednesday, April 5 Another quiet day on Filmrow and in circuit and distributor headquarters. Lawyers still on hand for developments, injunction papers ready but no meetings today and no action to relieve the monotony of impatient waiting and anxiety. Downtown, it was reported official statement from department of justice is expected tomorrow. Many executives home with flu, colds and grippe are being informed regularly by telephone. Exhibitors who have contacted 2,000 operators employed in theatres cannot get to first base on what is going on behind union doors. Spring shows first signs to day, but the many back room employes who last week crowded Filmrow seemingly taking in the film shows to kill time on their hands. A paradoxical situation in that they are not getting paid now for a second week while the projectionists, for whom they are striking, still draw pay in theatres they attend. Thursday, April 6 Most important development of the day is failure of Loew’s to open the Olympia, on upper Broadway, acquired by the major circuit in a partnership deal with Skouras. Local 306 refused to provide operators until strike dispute out of the way. Meanwhile, pickets continue parading exchanges in all-day downpour. Berkley W. Henderson, government agent, scheduled to issue statement today informs press he has not been advised by Washington to release details, but indications story may be ready Friday or Saturday the latest. Friday, April 7 Approximately $4,000 was paid the strikers today, each receiving $15. This is the first payment in two weeks, $5 coming from the Local and the balance from IATSE. Several strikers have applied for state relief. Local B-51 will meet Wednesday at the Capitol Hotel. The government is silent on its findings. BOXOFFICE : : April 8, 1939 27