Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1945)

Mideast Area's "Mighty Seventh" Exhibitor Chairmen Ohio Kills Local Tax For Amusements COLUMBUS— A bill to repeal the Ohio three per cent admissions tax and to permit Ohio cities to levy their own amusement taxes was killed in a legislative committee session last week. Exhibitor interests over the state vigorously opposed the bill. Opposition was led by P. J. Wood, secretary of the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio. It was feared that if admission taxes were given to municipalities, the tax might mount to as much as ten per cent in some cities. The bill’s fate was watched with interest by industry leaders throughout the country, since if it had been passed the action might have been followed in other states. Veteran Exhibitor Dead In Greece, Friends Hear WHEELING, W. VA.— Word has been received here that the veteran Wheeling exhibitor, James Velas, died in Greece under Nazi occupation. Friends say he died of starvation. An old-timer in exhibition, he was an original First National Pictures franchise holder. Ill for some years, he returned to his native Greece seven or eight years ago. Recuperating, he later was married there. When he departed for the old country, he turned over his State Theatre here to his nephew, Chris Velas, who has continued operations. New Post for H. L. Ratner PITTSBURGH — Confidential Reports, Inc., has named H. L. Ratner of this city as branch manager, succeeding Paul Buechler, who returned to New York for a new assignment. The new national theatre checking service office is in the Clark Bldg. Harold L. Groves, field director, was a local visitor following a tour of the midwest. Groves had been connected with the Copyright Protection Bureau for 15 years prior to joining Confidential Reports, Inc. Christys Buy New Theatre CONNEAUTVILLE, PA. — Mr. and Mrs. James B. Christy have acquired the Palace here from Nick Kategianes. The Christys, Jim and Hazel, well known in the local motion picture trade industry, own and operate the Tidioute, Tidioute. They took possession of the Conneautville house last Saturday. May Relax Sunday Laws HARRISBURG — A bill to permit Pennsylvania municipalities to pass on the playing of ice hockey on Sundays advanced through the senate, 29-15, and was sent to the house. AWAITING THE GONG— Mideastern showmen promise some lively competition in the Seventh War Loan campaign that will open soon. Chairmen in the various states in the area have their aides placed strategically, and are on the qui vive for the coming drive. Above, 1. to r.: Kentucky, Lew Hensler, Lexington; Michigan Co-Chairmen Ray Branch of Hastings and James F. Sharkey of Detroit; (a picture of Co-Chairman Martin Thomas of Iron Mountain was not available for this issue) ; Ohio, CoChairmen Meyer Fine of Cleveland and Maurice White of Cincinnati; Pennsylvania, Co-Chairmen Morris M. Finkel and M. A. Silver of Pittsburgh; below: West Virginia, S. J. Hyman, Huntington. M-G-M Promotes Ripps To District Manager ALBANY — Herman Ripps, local manager of M-G-M, has been promoted to a district managership of territory including the Buffalo, New Haven and Albany exchanges. Ripps will make his headquarters here. Another shift by the Metro organization involves Ralph Maw, Metro Buffalo manager, who has been elevated to district manager covering several midwestern exchanges. Maw’s post as Buffalo manager has been taken over by Jack Mundstuk, who has been with Metro at Cleveland. Old-timers in the business will be interested to know that Jack Mundstuk is the son of Dave Mundstuk, who was one of the earliest pioneers in independent exchange operation, having for many years owned and operated one of Detroit’s first independent distribution outlets. Jack Mundstuk has been in the M-G-M organization 15 years in Detroit, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Cleveland. After being graduated from the University of Michigan in 1926, Mundstuk took a short flyer in the lumber business, but in 1930 he joined M-G-M at Detroit as booker. A native there, Jack married a home town girl, Retta Tannenholz. They have one child, a five-year-old boy named Jay. The family left Cleveland over last weekend to look for a home in Buffalo. Federal Court Permits Percentage Appeal PITTSBURGH — An order allowing an anpeal by film distributor defendants on the supersedeas previously granted in the Roth vs. Paramount litigation was executed in U.S. District Court by Judge Nelson McVicar. This appeal, in the “percentage pictures” case, is against a court “stop” order, or supersedeas, obtained by exhibitor plaintiffs which halted an earlier directive by the court that distributors be allowed to inspect and copy, books, records and various papers of the exhibitors and that the exhibitors be enjoined and restrained from destroying such documents. Few members of the industry here are informed regarding the legal technicalities of the case, but spokesmen from the two dozerexhibitors say that the case has “gone to sleep” and that several months may elapse before further action takes place. Milt Rrauman Quits M-G-M For Film Classics Office PITTSBURGH— Milton Brauman, M-G-M sales manager here, resigned last Saturday to accept the management here of Film Classics. The resignation came as a real Filmrow surprise. “Milt” had been connected with the exchange for 16 years, as booker and booking sales representative and finally as sales manager. Married and the father of two children, Brauman succeeds James Hendel at Film Classics. Hendel, a nephew of Harry Hendel, Centre Ave. exhibitor, was Film Classics’ first manager. He resigned, and Milton “Mickey” Hartz was appointed. Hartz withdrew after a few weeks to join PRC here as West Virginia representative, Hendel returning to his former post. Cpl. Jack Stebbins Struck By Shrapnel in Germany DETROIT — Cpl. Jack Stebbins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Stebbins, owner-managers of the Film Exchange Bldg., has received hip injuries in Germany. He escaped serious chest and groin injuries when shrapnel struck a silver dollar, letters from his fiancee, and his eye-glasses, breaking the latter, in his pockets. He formerly was with M-G-M here. Corporal Stebbins has been awarded a Purple Heart. United Applies for Akron Tele and FM Station AKRON — The United Broadcasting Co., operating WHKK, has filed application with the FCC for television and FM stations here. BOXOFFICE :: May 5, 1945 ME 67