Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1939)

Oklahoma s Allied Unit May New Texas Opening Encompass Three States Attracts Throngs Oklahoma City — Forces behind the new Allied unit in Oklahoma are giving serious consideration to redrafting plans to include Kansas and Arkansas in the organization. Should the idea eventuate, the Texas Panhandle area will probably also be included, according to Orville Von Gulker, organizing committee chairman. Fifty-two independent exhibitors have joined the Oklahoma unit since it was officially organized two weeks ago, George Sumner, corresponding secretary, announces. The original goal of 100 members has been set aside, with prospects that the membership will well exceed that figure once the planned organized campaign out in the field gets underway. Gulker announces a special board meeting will be held here June 6 at the Biltmore Hotel, with all Oklahoma independents invited. A bulletin issued by the new group informs independents, “You wouldn’t have nearly so many sleepless nights worrying about your show house ... if eternal vigilance is practiced.” Accusing them of sitting “year after year, just hoping that things will work out all right,” the bulletin asked, “When are we going to ‘rare up on our hind feet’ and tell someone what we think is good for us and let them like it?” In reference to the trade practice draft now being negotiated, the bulletin asserted: “Concessions are being offered this year, but don’t think that they were initiated by your ‘bosses.’ Every part of the new trade practice code is the result of organized work by theatre owners — organized in 27 states but not in Oklahoma! We’ve been letting someone else do the fighting while we anticipated the results. Isn’t it time for us to start doing our share and help in this fight so save the business of the independent theatre men — that’s you and me!” Work Progressing on New Texas at Jasper, Tex, Jasper, Tex. — Work of remodeling a newly acquired store building into a new theatre, The Texas, is well under way, according to A. B. (Doc) Rhodes, owner of the local theatres in arrangement with Jefferson Amusement Co. Around $8,000 will be spent on the building exclusive of equipment, it was said. The capacity will be around 900. Lone Star will continue operating as at present, but the Texas will be the “A” house. Ballinger, Tex. — Opening of the new Texas, under direction of Jack Scales, was a memorable event in theatre history here. The sidewalk was jammed before the boxoffice opened and on the street music was furnished by a local orchestra. As customers entered the foyer they were served ice cold drinks and were presented with souvenir programs. Speakers included the Mayor, Rotary and Lions presidents, and a representative of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. Scales made public acknowledgment of his appreciation of many flowers and telegrams received from friends. The Texas, destroyed by fire early this year, is owned by the H. T. Hodge interests. The operation is in partners with West Texas Theatres, an R. E. Griffith subsidiary. Out-of-town guests were: Wallie Aiken, Interstate Theatres, Abilene; Lester Gottshall, National Theatre Equipment Co., Dallas; Mr. and Mrs. Andy Mauldin, Broadway and Lyric theatres, Lubbock; Mr. and Mrs. Homer Hodge, State and Queen theatres. Winters; Mr. and Mrs. Norman Hodge, Queen Theatre, Merkel; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Briggs, Lyric and Texas theatres, Odessa; Lynn Stocker, West Texas Theatres, Dallas; Mr. and Mrs. Presley Nesmith, Abilene; J. C. Foster, Odessa; Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Hodge, Abilene; Guy Schrader, Tad Screen, Dallas. NOW Uur eleven years experience in handling new cooling installations and remodeling obsolete systems is worth considering. Let us handle your cooling just as we have handled hundreds of satisfactory installations in the Southwest. HERBER BROTHERS "Fair Treatment and Adequate Service Always" 210 SOUTH HARWOOD DALLAS TEXAS 104 BOXOFFICE :: May 27, 1939