Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1948)

=Makes a Contest Out of Fire Drilh Here's How One Exhibitor Helps Teach Fire Safety Joint origin and execution of an idea on safety for children have brought remarkable results, according to W. W. O. Fenety, owner and manager of the Gaiety and Capitol Theatres, Fredericton, N. B. Here’s an explanation for BOXOFFICE by Fenety: QN SATURDAY afternoon at each theatre we give each child an envelope with the pamphlet enclosed, both of which are serially numbered. At the end of the afternoon show, a half dozen numbers corresponding to the numbers on the pamphlets are drawn and announced in the press on the following Monday. These drawings give the holders a free ad'mission to the next Saturday matinee. This will be continued each Saturday for a period of four weeks. Then free morning shows will be held at each theatre, consisting of cartoons, etc., and a thorough fire drill put into effect. Lectures are also being conducted at the schools during the campaign. None of these pamphlets or envelopes were found on the floor or in the lobby, on account of the “free ticket” angle, and the fact they have to retain them for a period of 48 hours to ascertain the winner. In this way the literature is carried into the homes and read. Fire Chief Doherty and myself instituted this idea and we feel that the response from parents has been very satisfactory, allaying fears that were caused by the recent theatre fire at Moncton, N. B. Enclosing the one page circular in an envelope, and with all the printing in red, provided a striking phase to the distribution. Six points were stressed in giving instructions in what to do in case of fire, or other emergency in places of public assembly, and with schools, churches, Sunday schools accented. The circular is 9 by 6 inches, and the envelope is 6% by 3% inches. The “lucky number” being at the bottom of each circular and envelope. Holders of the lucky numbers have to produce both circular or leaflet and the accompanying envelope when applying at the theatres for the free tickets. The Capitol seats 502 and the Gaiety, 870. The latter being located in the heart of the main stem of Fredericton which has a population of about 15.000, and the Capitol being somewhat in the business background. It is believed to be the first time in theatre annals that not a circular was found on floor of auditorium or lobby after a general distribution. Parents by the hundreds reported SAVE THIS PAPER AS YOUR NUMBER MAY BE DRAWN FOR FREE TICKETS FOR NEXT SATURDAY'S SHOW. WATCH FOR WINNERS IN PAPER MONDAY. Your Lucky Number is at the Bottom. Take this Paper Home aod Show it to your Family. What to Do in Case of FIRE or Other Emergency IN SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, SUNDAY SCHOOLS AND ALL PLACES WHERE LARGE GATHERINGS OF PEOPLE ARE HELD 1. Listen for instructions from some older person in authority— In School, your Teachers; In Churches, your Ministers, Priests or Ushers; In Theatres, the Managers and Ushers. Always remember that these people are there not only to direct you but to protect you from harm. 2. Pass through the aisles to the nearest door marked EXIT in an orderly manner with no running or pushing, and always be quiet so as to be able to hear any orders or instructions from those In charge. 3. W'hen older children have younger sisters or brothers with them, be sure that they are ahead of you so that you can be sure they are with you. Rejnernber in these cases th^ younger ones are under your care and protection. 4. If your friend, or the one in the next seat to you, is crippled or lame or for any reason unable to travel without help, be sure he is taken along with you, and If you are unable to manage him or her be sure and call an older person. 5. Never scream or push or do anything that will cause you or any other person to trip and fall as this is the greatest cause of loss of life in any crowded place. 6. Always be on your good behaviour in these places where groups of children or others gather, and NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CALL FIRE OR ANY OTHER REMARK THAT WILL IN ANY WAY CAUSE A PANIC. N9 1997 Issued by (he Fire OeperimeBt in cooperation with the Management and Owner of the Thealrca in PrederictoB. Not one of these leaflets was found on the floor of the theatre after they were distributed, indicating the interest the fire safety idea created among the children. Safety rules are printed on the pamphlet and the prize numbers are printed at left bottom. Children bring both this sheet and an envelope, also carrying the prize number, back with them on the second week when the drawing takes place. their children brought home the printed instructions, and read everything thoroughly. For those that couldn’t read the wording, the parents and older brothers and sisters officiated. The fire chief and members of his staff aided us in handing out the enveloped leaflets. The fire chief will also help out at the Saturday morning shows, with talks and demonstrations. The tieup between the fire department and two theatres looks to be one of the most effective and successful alliances aimed at children’s safety in the history of both film exhibition and fire fighting. With ramifications penetrating the public and Sunday schools, and also the local churches. 'Dragon' Free of Duties JOHANNESBURG — “The Reluctant Dragon” (RKO), Walt Disney feature, has been classified as an educational film by the South African film board and will be admitted free of all duty charges. Kermit Axelrod Quits RKO NEW YORK — Kermit Axelrod, who has been with the RKO foreign publicity staff under Don Prince for the past two years, has resigned. Richard Haestier has been named to replace him. Daylight Saving Time Set for 22 States NEW YORK — Daylight saving time is scheduled to go into effect April 25 in 21 states either by state legislation or local order, and will continue until September 26. Advanced time went into effect last March in California by state legislation in a move to conserve power following a severe drought. This will make a total of 22 states observing daylight saving time. Last year 19 states moved clocks ahead one hour. A bill putting daylight saving time on a national basis has been introduced by Senator Reed of Kansas. The senate subcommittee on interstate and foreign commerce now is considering it. Hearings will be held April 13. Industry opposition to the bill will be presented to the subcommittee by the TOA. A. Julian Brylawski, chairman of the TOA national legislative committee, and Herman Levy, general counsel, and Robert Coyne, executive director, will appear before the committee. The idea for national daylight saving time was advanced a few weeks ago by President Truman. The Commerce and Industry Ass’n of New York, Inc., reports daylight saving will go into effect by state law in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New Jersey. In Maine it is observed statewide on an unofficial basis. In the remaining states scheduled to adopt advanced time, the daylight saving law is permissible, giving municipalities the right to decide for themselves. These states are: Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. New York City, 62 other cities in New York state and many smaller communities will adopt daylight saving under the state option law. Three UA Publicity Men Promoted by Lazarus NEW YORK — Paul Lazarus jr., United Art-^ ists director of advertising and publicity, has promoted three members of the publicity department which is headed by Alfred H. Tamarin. Caswell Adams, who has been handling special events, will handle the metropolitan newspaper desk, replacing Lawrence Beller, who has resigned to join the Motion Picture Ass’n. Lew Barasch will take over the special events post after three years as tradepaper representative. Philip Cowan, who joined UA in the sales promotion department, will become tradepaper contact. All three will move into their new posts April 19. Mrs. Celia Einfeld Dies NEW YORK — Funeral services for Mrs. Celia Einfeld, mother of S. Charles Einfeld, president of Enterprise Studios, were held at the Riverside Memorial Chapel April 7. Mrs. Einfeld, 65, died at Beth Israel hospital April 5. Interment was at Mt. Zion cemetery, Maspeth, L. I. Mrs. Einfeld is also survived by another son, Joseph, and a daughter, Mrs. Minna Weltz. 26 BOXOFFICE :: April 10, 1948