Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1945)

7 th Loan Special Events Registering Large Gains NEW YORK— The Seventh War Loan has chalked up a considerable increase over the Sixth in the aggregate number of war bond premieres, children’s shows and Free Movie Days, it was indicated as the current drive goes into the home stretch. Free Movie Days, June 6 totaling 10,253, exceeded the number for any previous campaign; children’s shows more than doubled these of the Sixth and the bond premieres were nearly 20 per cent better than in the preceding drive. Comparative figures for the Seventh and Sixth, respectively, follow: Free Movie Days, 10,253 and 7,571; children’s shows, 1,864 and 879; bond premieres, 4,964 and 4,284. The following cities made the greatest gains: Free Movie Days, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Des Moines, Los Angeles, New Haven, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco; children’s shows, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Salt Lake City; bond premieres, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New Orleans. “These figures,” said National Chairman Samuel Pinanski, “are not complete in most situations but they do indicate the returns as of June 2.” It was disclosed that Charlotte had 29 special events which are not included in the above-mentioned categories. Governors Proclaim Event Twenty-three governors and mayors proclaimed June 6 as Free Movie Day in the following states and cities: Oklahoma, California, South Carolina, Utah, Missouri, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maine, Illinois, Alabama, Iowa, Vermont, Ohio, New Mexico, Arizona, Wisconsin, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Omaha and Washington, D. C. Around the nation, highlights of the Seventh War Loan activities included the following : In metropolitan Los Angeles, 80 mobile “On to Tokyo” units made nightly tours of war plants, clubs, residential sections, etc., and piled up large bond sales. Feature of the Seventh in this area will be the bond premiere, June 25, sponsored by seven downtown first run theatres. The Downtown Busi ness Men’s Ass’n and major retailers are cooperating. In northern California theatres have issued bond premiere coupon books to such agencies which sell bonds, giving each purchaser a premiere admission ticket. Rick Ricketson, Colorado state chairman, said that in addition to bond premieres throughout the state, a bond-admission baseball double-header at Denver University will be held; I wo Jima flag-raising survivors will make personal appearances at the Civic Center and, on June 19, a “cleanup" bond premiere will be sponsored by all Denver theatres. In Washington, D. C., the Senators and a service team will play an exhibition game at the Griffith Stadium on June 14 to which only bond purchasers will be admitted. The campaign will be climaxed by the “Cavalcade of Freedom,” to be presented July 4 on the Washington monument grounds. Every Monday has been Free Movie Day in Buffalo during the current drive. A fivetheatre bond premiere is to be held June 18. In Seattle, a $1,000 bond will be given away July 6 in conjunction with bond premieres at five downtown theatres. The theatres are paying for the bond. Robert Sternburg of Boston’s Metropolitan Theatre, reported a sellout for the premiere to be held June 11. Roxy Sells 8,210 Bonds; Exceeds Total of Sixth NEW YORK— By selling 8,210 bonds, the Roxy has already exceeded total sales for the Sixth War Loan when 7,800 units were sold. Quota for the current drive is 12,000 units. Tickets for the Roxy’s war bond premiere and stage show, June 19, have been placed on sale at the bond booth in the lobby. The house is scaled at an aggregate bond purchase total of one million dollars. In addition to the showing of a film obtained through the WAC, a stage show consisting of Roddy McDowall, Tony and Sally DeMarco, John Boles and Jackie Gleason, will be presented. All of Canada Seeing 'All-Star Bond Rally HOLLYWOOD — The Canadian government is making full use of “The All-Star Bond Rally” for its Eighth Victory Loan, according to information received by the Hollywood division of the War Activities Committee. It is being shown in every theatre and war plant in the Dominion and will be viewed by every uniformed man there and overseas. Indication of Canada’s appreciation of the film came in the form of a letter received by Tom Baily, Hollywood coordinator of WAC, from J. L. Ilsley, minister of finance for the Dominion. The letter said in part: “I have been informed that it was your hope that ‘All-Star Bond Rally’ would be seen by more individuals than any other picture ever produced. It would seem from plans now afoot in Canada that your hopes will be fully realized as far as we are concerned. Needless to say, these plans are possible only because of the enthusiastic reception accorded to the production. I know that much of the credit for this success is due to your unremitting effort. The Canadian government and the National War Finance Committee are greatly indebted for your energetic help.” The Canadian version of the two-reeler was produced by 20th-Fox simultaneously with the domestic version. Urges Theatre Managers To Aid Victory Legion NEW YORK — A drive to enlist theatres and patrons in joining the Victory Legion is now under way. Membership in the honorary organization goes to any individual purchasing one $1,000 E bond or anyone selling at least ten E bonds of that value each. An inscribed card and window sticker are presented to members. The motion picture industry metropolitan area committee is urging theatre managers with their bond-selling organization and mass patronage to promote the Victory Legion. Hope Show Bond Buyers Add $100,000 in Buffalo BUFFALO— At least $100,000 worth of bonds were purchased by 3,712 persons who attended the Bob Hope war bond show sponsored by the Erie County WFC, the Buffalo Evening News and the Shea Theatres in, the Seventh War Loan campaign. Sales for the noon show in Shea’s Buffalo included six $1,000 bonds. Hope and his troupe participated in the show at Shea’s Buffalo as volunteer aides in Erie County’s loan drive. Bond Rallies by RKO Go Strong in New York NEW YORK — Local RKO theatres have been booming bond sales with Free Movie Days and special rallies. RKO Keith’s Flushing has held three such rallies so far, and netted a total of $35,100 in E bond sales for the first two. Tieins with local merchants, offering hard-to-get items as bait, have proven quite effective. Special shows for youngsters have received the cooperation of local school authorities. Bond Song's Big Play BROOKLYN — Recordings of a specially written song, “Buy Your Bonds in Brooklyn,” is being played in every motion picture theatre in the borough, as well as at Ebbets Field and outdoor rallies. KEEPS EMPLOYES ON THEIR TOES — Announcement by Loew’s, Inc., that members of service staffs (excluding managers and assistant managers), would receive citations for bond sales, was taken quite seriously by the staff of the White Plains (N. Y.) Loew’s Theatre. Members of the “bond army” who sell $10,000 or more will receive a Gold Star citation; for $5,000 a Silver Star and $1,000 or more a Blue Star. For the photograph above, Mike Stranger lined up the White Plains staff, all of whom have a number of sales to their credit. From left to right: Gladys Nicoletti, Margaret Russo, Fred Fallanca, Nick Nicoletti, Marion O’Dell, Molly Hughes, Margery Verge and Lucy Demasi. 46 BOXOFFICE :: June 9, 1945