Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1939)

Minneapolis Theatre Reopening in Fall Minneapolis — The on again-off again reopening of the 4,200-seat Minnesota Theatre here seems to be definitely and very much on again. While the Benz brothers, millionaire realty and wholesale liquor dealers and owners of the Palace Theatre here, who were expected to lease the big showhouse, have withdrawal from the picture, the Minneapolis Theatre Co., its owners, are preparing to give the venture a whirl themselves. “Except for minor details (presumably a deal with the musicians and stage hands), an agreement has been reached under which the Minnesota Theatre will reopen in time for the fall season,” it was announced by H. K. Moss, president of the Minneapolis Theatre Co. The manager will be Gordon Greene, present manager of the Palace and formerly Minnesota Theatre manager for a number of years when the house was operated by Paramount-Publix. Greene also was to have managed the theatre for the Benz brothers. “Because of wide ownership of the stock in the Minneapolis Theatre Co., the same being held by approximately 650 people, most of them residents of Minneapolis and none holding more than four per cent of the outstanding stock, the operation will take on something of the flavor of a cooperative civic venture,” the Moss statement points out. The Minnesota Theatre was relinquished by the Minnesota Amusement Co., last February and has been dark ever since. Prior to that, it had been closed for nearly a year because of unprofitable operations. The decision of the owners to reopen the building undoubtedly results from their inability to find a tenant. While vacant, the property is eating up a fortune in taxes and ground rental. Date of opening and policy will be announced later, Moss states. It is known, however, that Greene has in mind a policy of feature pictures and stage entertainment, with daily giveaways, at 25 cents admission. Midwest in the West — Francis Mahoney Plans New Ft Dodge House Fort Dodge, Ia. — Francis Mahoney, Fort Dodge, has announced plans for the construction of a new theatre building here. The theatre will seat approximately 500 persons and will cost $15,000, it is estimated. Town's First Theatre Stapleton, Neb. — Citizens of this town are very enthusiastic over the first local motion picture house opened recently by George Campau, formerly of Halsey, Neb. The house seats 200 and was equipped with all new sound equipment purchased from Western Theatre Supply Co. of Omaha. Above: Ben Blotchy sr. (center), Paramount’s Minneapolis branch manager, and his son Ben jr. (left) talk things over with Producer Harry Sherman after the convention banquet; down a notch, Jack Bryan (left), Washington salesman, and Robert Ableson, 100 Percenter from Minneapolis, flank Actress Evelyn Keyes at luncheon; beneath the white sheet and getting plenty of attention, is Ralph LiBeau, district manager out of Kansas City, who broke his arm while swimming at Laguna Beach. The studio starlets are Suzanne Ridgeway (left) and Alma Ross. "Local Angle" Films Draw in Midwest Omaha — Local “angles” on features have done the most to give exhibitors in Nebraska and western Iowa profitable grosses during the past product year. Top picture in this classification was “Boys Town,” filmed by Metro at Father Flanagan’s boys’ home just west of Omaha. Father Flanagan’s work already was well known in this area and filming of many scenes here meant national publicity. “Boys Town” brought the first premiere the Omaha trade area had and from then on the picture was a winner at boxoffices in all parts of Nebraska and Iowa because of the local tieup. Deal undoubtedly helped Metro’s stock in this area. Another local “angle” that couldn’t miss because of the railroad’s standing in Omaha and all points west was “Union Pacific.” The firm employes several thousand persons between Omaha and western points and several larger Nebraska towns are on the route. Paramount outdid itself on a “triple” premiere here. Robert Taylor, a Nebraska product, is a sure draw in the Cornhusker state. Fred Astaire is always good for a local plug in Omaha, since he learned to dance at a local academy. Joy Hodges of Des Moines usually gets special play by exhibitors in western Iowa. Missouri Also Goes for Local Flavor Product Kansas City — Another “local-angle” film that drew neatly in the midwest was “I’m From Missouri.” starring Bob Burns, for which local shots were made of the American Royal livestock show. Paramount premiered the picture here, affording a springboard for good grosses throughout the state. Another of recent memory was Metro’s “Voice of Bugle Ann,” for which shots were made at the nearby farm of exSheriff Thomas Bash. Threat of Fire Empties Washington , la.. House Washington, Ia. — One hundred fifty persons made an exit from the State Theatre here when fire threatened the building. A short time previously 600 persons had been in the house. Smoke and water damage was estimated at several thousand dollars. The blaze started in a storeroom opposite the projection room. It was brought under control in half an hour. The building is owned by R. E. Doughtery and the Winfield Smouse estate. R. E. Pratt is the manager of the theatre. Break for Lou Des Moines — One half hour after arrival in Des Moines, E. W. Kurtze of the WLS Artists Bureau of Chicago signed Louisiana Lou to a contract for Republic Pictures. Louisiana Lou has been a member of the WHO Barn Dance and Sunset Corners Frolic for the last three years. 52 BOXOFFICE :: June 17, 1939