Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1948)

Oil Millionaire Into Film Production HOUSTON— Glenn H. McCarthy, millionaire Houston oil man, has entered motion picture production. He has set up Glenn McCarthy Pi'oductions, Inc., and announced that his first film would he “Land o’ Plenty,” the story of a little girl who attains independence through 4-H club work. McCarthy said production would begin in July and the picture would be ready for release in the fall. The story was written by Monty F. Collins of Hollywood. Robert Paige, veteran Hollywood actor, has been assigned to one of the roles. Both Collins and Paige are listed as vice-presidents of the company and Paige also is assistant treasurer. McCarthy is president. Other officers are A. G. McNeese jr., head of the McCarthy legal department, secretary-treasurer, and James L. Pardue, another lawyer, assistant secretary. McCarthy thus joins another wealthy Houstonian, Howard Hughes, in motion picture production. McCarthy said he has been considering going into the motion picture field for some time. “This story,” he said, “particularly appealed to me because of its widespread interest. In its simplicity it depicts the true American way of life.” McCarthy did not say how many pictures his company will make. He will maintain the home office here but will do the actual filming in Hollywood, where Paige and Collins are now trying to line up studio space. Rival Theatre in Teague Purchased by J. G. Long TEAGUE, TEX.— J. G. Long of Bay City has purchased the Lee Theatre from R. H. and W. B. Henderson, taking the operation over last Sunday. Long owns and operates the Star Theatre here of which Floyd Faubion has been local manager for several years. The Hendersons modernized and reequipped a closed theatre here over a year ago. W. B. Henderson, the active manager, then filed an arbitration case in Dallas asking earlier second run availability and asking a division of first run product between the Star and the Lee. Both complaints were denied. Remodeling of the Amusu Starts in Corpus Christi CORPUS CHRISTI, TEX.— In closing for remodeling and redecorating April 1, the Amusu Theatre announced it will be closed until about June 1. New Bodiform seats and air conditioning will be installed and many architectural changes made. The theatre will be completely redecorated. J. Wood Fain Is Elected Woodville, Tex., Mayor ■WOODVILLE, TEX.— J. ’Wood Fain, owner of the Fain Theatre here, has been elected mayor by a substantial majority. The new mayor operates three theatres, is chairman of several civic and church organizations and is active in youth work. Linda White, 19 Months, Wins Baby Show Oscar DALLAS — Little Linda Kay White, daughter of the F. B. Whites, co-owners of the Maple Theatre, is in show business at 19 months. She made a personal appearance at the Veterans of Foreign Wars baby show for one and two years olds, and walked off stage with the Junior Queen ribbon. Linda was decreed by judges to be tops in health, beauty and friendship. They also gave her a 15-inch Oscar at about the time those smaller mementos were presented in Hollywood to Academy winners. The affair, which attracted 2,500 people and several hundred babies, was held in Fair Park auditorium. The Whites also own and operate Ind-Ex Booking Service. 'Sepia Cinderella' in Alamo City SAN ANTONIO — Manager Pinkie Smith of the Cameo Theatre, East Commerce street house, presented “Sepia Cinderella” for a one-day showing Monday. This is the only house in town that shows all-colored talking productions from time to time. 'Mr. Blandings' House To Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CITY— The Steve Pennington Construction Co. has been commissioned by the Selznick Releasing Organization to build a duplicate of the dream house that appears in "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House," RKO film to be released by SRO. The home will be duplicated in 100 cities. The “Blandings” home already has been started at 2803 Northwest 32nd Place. The estimated cost is $25,000. It will be completed early this summer, when it will be opened to the public “as a consulting laboratory” for at least one month. The interior also will duplicate the motion picture home. It will be furnished by local stores. The builder promises that there will be both construction and interior decoration experts in attendance to offer free consultation to home seekers and home planners during the public showing of the model home. Tulsa Theatre to Resume 21-Year-Old Promotion TULSA — “Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!” has been chosen by a committee of Tulsa Central high school seniors as the attraction for the 21st annual Ritz week, opening April 29 at the Ritz Theatre. The seniors, who supplement the program with selected acts from the annual school revue on Friday and Saturday, share in the proceeds from the week’s bill. Their share goes into the class fund for a graduation gift to the school. The Ritz week tradition was begun in 1928 by Ralph Talbot of the Talbot Theatres and the then senior sponsor. Last year’s choice was “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Three Play 'Outpost' DALLAS — Because of renewed popularity here for Nelson Eddy following his recent concert in Fair Park auditorium, three neighborhood theatres opened Saturday with a first run showing of his last picture, “Northwest Outpost.” The picture was released last summer. The theatres are the Delman, Capitan and Arcadia, each separately owned. Extra ad space was taken and paid for jointly. The same theatres ran a top reissue under similar arrangement and reported better results than anticipated. REOPEN DALLAS VARIETY QUARTERS— These men were in charge when the Variety Club of Texas reopened its newly decorated and newly furnished quarters in Dallas. The clubrooms were closed several days while the work was done. Left to right are Kendal Way, member of the house committee in charge of redecoration; Harold Schwarz, chairman of the finance committee; Fred Hoenscheidt, first assistant chief barker, and Julius Schepps, chief barker. BOXOFFICE :: April 17, 1948 SW 87