Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1939)

^J*HE hopes of all those interested in the revival of Quoddy were somewhat dashed when the power bill was refused consideration by the house May 17. This probably spells “finis” for the project upon which a small fortune has already been spent and which would have put an otherwise bankrupt territory upon a prosperous footing. Chief among exhibitors affected is Mrs. Nellie Shea, who operates two theatres in and near Eastport. Summer theatres along the shore and inland are being cleaned and dressed up, preparatory to being opened, most of them early in June . . . Friends of Bill Freiday, York Harbor exhibitor, who runs three summer houses in that territory, are wondering fust . what has become of him. Bill used to live in Portland, operating the Deering, a suburban subsequent, but hasn’t been seen for a month or more . . . Report has it that John Divney, manager of the Maine Theatre, is to announce his engagement soon. Just who the lady in the case is will remain a dark secret for another week or two. Golf and vacations are two popular subjects along the Row. Red, sunburned faces which will soon be -brown, attest that numerous theatre folk have been taking advantage of the clear, sunny weather to get in a few rounds. Harry Botwick of the State, is proud of his score but grieves over two shots he dubbed on the last hole; Bill Romanoff, handsome young chief-ofservice at the State, declares the game to be a treacherous one; Bill Benjamin, NS salesman, claims fives and sixes on his first time out; Walter Dyer, Filmrow ace, modestly refuses to comment on his low scores. With a new chamber of commerce head m office that body is attempting to put over an all -year -round promotion plan for Portland, instead of relying on summer tourist trade to fill the coffers. Theatre managers and exhibitors like the idea tremendously . On the committee to promote the publicizing of a Father’s Day, each year on June 18, is Harry Botwick, a very proud Fete Morris Joseph on Silver Anniversary New Haven — Sincere congratulations and warm greetings were offered Morris Joseph, Universal exchange manager here, by throngs of friends in the industry, at his silver anniversary cocktail party at the “U” offices, Tuesday. Exhibitors presented the “Dean of Meadow Street,” who came here as Universal manager when only one other film company had a selling and distributing outfit in the territory, with a silver testimonial, beautifully inscribed, which will be added to many other tokens of esteem which decorate the manager’s office. Among the out-of-town guests were William Scully, F. J. McCarthy, and A1 Herman of New York; Maurice Wolfe, Herman Rifkin, Steve Broidy and Nat Furst of Boston. member of the clan. The C. of C. and principal Portland merchants are cooperating to put the idea over. The Cameo Theatre, operated by the Leon P. Gormans, added an automobile educational reel to its regular bill this week . . . The Strand, managed by Leo Young, dressed up its inner lobby with a handsome illuminated display heralding the opening of “Rose of Washington Square,” May 22 .. . Joseph Konan, State usher, has been promoted to doorman to replace Malcolm Lester, who left May 20. Bringing Broadway to Maine, the Lakewood Players open their 39th annual season May 27 with “Susan and God,” a comedy by Rachel Crothers . . . The Deertrees Theatre at Harrison, one of the best equipped summer playhouses in this part of the country, has been leased by Bela Blau, New York theatrical producer. Mr. Blau plans to inaugurate a nine weeks season there on July 1 using a company of Broadway actors. “Rose of Washington Square,” just completing a week’s run at the Strand, has been moved to the Empire for a second week . . . Horace Heidt and a company of 35 people who played at Howard Duffy’s Old Orchard Pier Saturday night, May 20, proved to be serious competition to local theatres. “Summer Souvenirs,” the State Theatre’s juvenile radio program which will take the place of “Recess Time,” will go on the air June 3 over WCSH . . . Lever Bros, are making arrangements to conduct cooking schools in numerous theatres throughout Maine this summer, a stunt they did last year with great success. Local 458 of the MPMO held its annual outing at White’s Bridge Friday evening . . . Bill Romanoff, State Theatre chiefof-service was to have gone to Augusta to take an I. Q. test with the idea in mind of becoming a state highway patrolman . . . Leeman Place, former employe of the Maine Theatre, has been named assistant-pro at the Riverside Golf course. Frederic Rush to RKO Unit in Los Angeles Boston — Frederic Rush, who went to the West Coast when Charles W. Koerner assumed an RKO divisional managership there, has been assigned to the RKO Hill Street Theatre in Los Angeles as assistant treasurer. Rush, who formerly was connected with the local RKO Theatres publicity office, recently resigned as a Graphic Theatre circuit manager. Suspend Summer Meetings Boston — Some 70 members of the exchange employes union, at a meeting earlier in the week, voted to suspend sessions for the summer. Moving Cautiously On New Imposts Boston— The Massachusetts financial situation will have to be more seriously impaired than it is at present before Gov. Leverett Saltonstall will agree to an establishment of a state lottery as a means of tapping new sources of revenue, he indicates. Discussing possible support of the establishment of a state lottery, Governor Saltonstall said: “I should be supremely surprised at myself if I ever considered seriously a recommendation for a state lottery.” He informed legislators that he preferred to have Bay State budget requirements placed before him in a completed form before engaging in discussions of proposed new taxes, several of which would hit the film industry. " Gateway " Contest Crew Holds Hub Auditions Boston — Louis Alleman, Arthur Willy and Herbert Rawlinson were in town on the “Gateway to Hollywood” promotion. Also convening with RKO Divisional Manager Harry McDonald, City Manager Ben Domingo and Publicist Jack Granara were Harry Mandel, RKO circuit advertising manager, and William Englund, circuit personnel director. At a Ritz-Carlton luncheon, where there were 75 of the more promising of approximately 400 auditioned screen aspirants, Helen Wells, WPA stage player, and David Parker Sheppard of Harvard were named local winners. NEW HAMPSHIRE J^NSEL N. SANBORN, operator of theatres in Carroll county communities and speaker of the house in the state legislature, was honored by the Calumet Club at a dinner in Manchester. Members of the state senate also were guests. Since completion of its $50,000 renovation program, the Scenic in Rochester is being advertised as “New Hampshire’s Most Beautiful Theatre.” Raymond S. Morgan, a University of New Hampshire student, was among those given screen auditions by Herbert Rawlinson, RKO-Radio talent scout, in Boston. He has acted in summer stock and in college productions. Radio fans who have heard Juanita, formerly of the well known team of George & Juanita, had an opportunity recently to see her in person at the Strand in Manchester, where she headlined the stage program. Vaughn Yerxa, who is in the theatrical business in Quincy, Mass., recently visited friends in Rochester, where he was formerly assistant manager of a department store. 100 BOXOFFICE ;: May 27, 1939