Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1940)

Economy Program Gripping Sludios Hollywood — Sweeping retrenchment programs resulting from apprehension over the European situation among the studios this week followed the initial move taken earlier at a Warner economy meeting. Twentieth Century-Fox executives were the second to act through the launching of a rigid economy regime throughout the studio with the immediate dismissal of more than 100 persons. Other plants are expected to follow with similar moves. Early effects of the retrenchment are registering in the publicity departments. Jack L. Warner earlier called an “emergency meeting” of producers and department heads to launch a drive for stringent economies and the elimination of all waste motion in the studio’s picturemaking operations. Indicating there would be no slashing of personnel, Warner urged closer cooperation among all departments. Neely Foes and Advocates At Washington Hearing Dallas — Key representatives of both sides of the Neely bill controversy from the exhibitor angle, have been in Washington for the past two weeks taking part in that hearing. Judge Roy Walker, president of Theatre Owners Protective Ass’n, has headed the list of opponents there along with other exhibitors who were made delegates from the 22 congressional districts. Among these was Henry Reeve, Mission at Menard, who came through the other day en route to Washington on a call from Judge Walker. On the Allied side in Washington, was Col. H. A. Cole, the national president. At the capital at the time was Rubin Frels of Victoria, but it was not learned whether Frels went to Washington in connection with the Neely hearing or the government suit. Report Mrs . Jack Buys New Jacksboro House Dallas — Authoritative reports reached here this week that Mrs. Trixana Jack has purchased and now is operating the new Palace in Jacksboro recently built and opened by Hollis Boren, of Memphis. Mrs. Jack, the mother of Fred Jack, Warner southern division manager, and of Jo Jack, of Film Forwarding Agency, has operated theatres in Texas for a number of years, her last situation being in Texarkana. Roy DiVinney, house manager for Boren since the new house was built, was in town this week scouting around for a new connection. Mrs. Jack’s venture affords the town two independent theatres with the owners each having one theatre. Mr. Thompson, who bought the Mecca there a few months ago, has current plans to remodel and modernize that house, it was said. Says LazarusAllied Split Over Clearance Washington — H. A. Cole, Allied president, declares Henry Lazarus resigned as a director of Allied because of a row over clearance in Texas. States Cole: “It is due Allied that the facts be made known. Mrs. Lazarus is interested in the Bryan Amusement Company of Bryan, Texas, which is booked by the Jefferson Amusement Co., a Paramount affiliate. An independent exhibitor in Texas, a member of Allied, has built a fine, new theatre at College Station, adjacent to Texas A. and M. College and six miles from Bryan. This new theatre, the Campus, is seeking a reduction of the 45 days’ clearance that Bryan takes over it and has the support of the student body which has instituted an effective boycott against Bryan. “Mrs. Lazarus appeared before the Allied board last week and, after prolonged discussion, she was told the board could take no action. Allied regrets Lazarus’ precipitate action, but it cannot intervene in behalf of a theatre tied up with an affiliated chain which is exacting unreasonable protection over an independent Allied exhibitor. Particularly when that protection is so unpopular in the community as to be the subject of a boycott.” Renew Doris Day Hollywood — Doris Day has been given a term acting contract by Charles R. Rogers. TENNESSEE JJEWPORT AMUSEMENT, Inc., headed by J. Winston Baird, opened the new Doradele in Copperhill Monday night, May 20, with George A. Bauman as manager. Speight & Hibbs, Clarksville, were architects. The new theatre is scheduled to give night shows on each night except Wednesday, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Prices are 25 cents and 10 cents at all shows. Among the “out of town” managers of the Crescent chain to come to Nashville to see the new Belle Meade were Mr. and Mrs. W. L. “Bud” Baniza, of Huntingdon, and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Johnston of McKenzie. Opening on June 10, Clarksville will have “The Credit Theatre,” the first of its kind in the United States, and which will allow patrons to run a charge account for admission. It will have stage plays only, presented under the supervision of Charles Boilin Watts, New York. Plans were made for a big crowd and gala evening for the Southern premiere of “Dark Command” at the Sevier, Bristol, at midnight Sunday. Regular schedule followed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Merchants of Rockwood have given the public free shows on Saturday for the past four weeks, but have decided to discontinue it as an unprofitable venture. The pictures were shown in an empty store building. Charter to Tent 22 At Ceremony June 3 Oklahoma City — Formal opening of Tent 22, Variety Club of Oklahoma City, and presentation of the charter will take place June 3 at the Silver Glade Room of the Skirvin Hotel here. Several chief barkers from other tents will be present when the ceremonies begin at 7 p. m. John Harris of Pittsburgh and national chief barker, will present the charter, and James G. Balmer, national dough guy, also from Pittsburgh, will induct the members. Several Oklahoma City and state officials will be present as guests of honor. Bob O’Donnell, president of the Interstate circuit of Dallas, will make the principal address. A motion picture will be shown depicting charitable work being done by the various clubs of Variety. Auto Accidents Befall Five Alexander Men Dallas — A series of automobile accidents plied into the manpower of Alexander Film Co. within the past few days and took a slight toll from the head of the organization on down to four representatives in Texas. To start it off, J. Don Alexander, president, was in a car turnover in Florida with E. J. Sparks. Neither received injuries of consequence. In District Manager J. A. Mclnaney’s division in Texas, George Likins, west Texas salesman, had both legs broken in an accident near Marfa. He is mending rapidly. Lou Shrader turned over near Lufkin, receiving a broken pelvis and is now recuperating at his home in Dallas. Jim McKinney jr., who handles Houston for Alexander, and who is a son of the Columbia representative, had one of his hands slightly injured in an intersection collision there, and is back on the job. Joe Froehling was injured on a highway in south Texas but has recovered and is now back on duty. Shut Birmingham Ritz to Permit Redecorating Birmingham — With the last show at the Ritz, Sunday night, the house closed for two weeks in order to undergo a complete remodeling program. According to Bill Coury, manager, the new program calls for interior redecoration; new drapes on the stage; acoustical treatment and new seats in the balcony. Returns to Manage Memphis — Robert Kilgore will have charge of the Palace here upon its reopening by Loew’s Friday, May 31. Kilgore, a native of High Point, N. C„ has managed houses in the New York area the past 10 years. He at one time was an usher at the Palace in Memphis. BOXOFFICE : : May 25, 1940 s 115