Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1961)

MILWAUKEE 'J'he Fox-Wisconsin circuit has added the Lake Park Drive-In to its circuit, with Chuck Frank as manager . . . The Christian Challenge Crusade starts a two-week run at the Arena, with noon hour concerts to be heard at the Strand Theatre, given by Bill Carle, former Metropolitan Opera singer . . . More than 1,000 Milwaukee dealers and employes of Standard Oil division of American Oil Co. and their families have been invited to see a movie about the firm at the National Theatre. It is in color and called “The Big Step,” with several Hollywood stars featured. Mrs. Vivian Wesley of Green Bay, winner of $1,100 in the Milwaukee Sentinel SkilWord puzzle and the Cinerama-Palace Theatre bonus of a vacation in Europe for two, received her check from Tom Johnson, Sentinel circulation sales promotion manager on WISN-TV. She and her husband will leave in about a week. Pledges were still being received as a result of the Talk-A-Thon from the Boston Store window. It was the Variety Club’s effort this year to raise funds for the Epilepsy Clinic which the club sponsors. The quota this year is $50,000. Allied’s first regional meeting of the year was held Tuesday (2) at the Loraine Hotel, Madison. As a “tie-in,” the committee threw a testimonial luncheon for veteran exhibitor, F. J. “Mack” McWilliams of Portage and Miami. “Mack” is 87 and still mighty active. IN A HURRY FOR SPECIAL TRAILERS? Let Filmack make them! You'll be glad you did! We'll give you fast service and the finest quality! 1327 S. Wabash FILMACK CHICAGO, ILL. Wednesday night (3) citizens of Madison received the red carpet treatment on the occasion of the reopening of the Strand Theatre. In particular, however, Dean Fitzgerald and his charming wife were taking bows. The house has been completely renovated. Prior to the grand opening, Fitzgerald and Pat Halloran, Milwaukee branch manager for U-I, were hosts to 25 exchange managers and their wives from Milwaukee at a dinner at the swanky Simon House. The film to x-eopen the Strand was “Spartacus.” It drew a packed house. The same night, there were things being cooked up at Baraboo. It seems that the powers-that-be at Baraboo are anxious for a repetition of the official opening of the Circus Museum, located on the old Ringling Bros, former headquarters. Boxoffice readers will recall that the promotion received more “ink” than any other exploitation of the year. And why not? Didn’t Bud Rose of Allied Artists Pictures wangle a personal appearance of Rhonda Fleming in connection with his picture, “The Big Circus,” as a tie-in? He even had a politician riding an elephant, and Miss Fleming riding on the bandwagon in the gala parade for the grand finale. At any rate. Chappie Fox, director of the Museum, and Durlin J. Meyers, another big wheel in the area, invited Rose up for a gabfest on the subject. They want Miss Fleming again and they have things all arranged again for her stay out at Meyers’ plush DeviBara resort. The writer was present during the conference, and the way things stand right now, if Miss Fleming can make it, (and she likes Baraboo), it’s a deal. ASCAP Amendment NEW YORK— The ASCAP committee on elections has certified to Stanley Adams, president, a change in the society’s by-laws to enable an amendment to be carried if it is supported by two-thirds of those who actually vote. This amendment to the bylaws will do away with the old system under which votes which were not cast were counted as negative votes. In filming “Two Enemies,” a Columbia release, in Tel Aviv 1,000 extras will be used. P/ease SGttcf tnB □ 2 years for $5 □ 1 year for $3 □ Remittance Enclosed □ Send THEATRE STREET ADDRESS TOWN ZONE STATE NAME POSITION THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 52 issues a year 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Mo. Don Douglas Becomes Drive-Ins Secretary DALLAS — Don Douglas, who retired as director of public relations and publicity for Rowley United Theatres at the first of the year, took over as executive secretary of the Texas DriveIn Theatre Owners Ass’n, starting May 1. Douglas succeeds Ben Waldman, who has served as secretary of the drive-in group and other trade associations the last year. The appointment was made by the drive-in board at its April meeting, and was announced by Robert Davis of Sherman, president of the TDITOA. Don is well known in the Texas territory, having been at one time secretary of the Dallas Film Board of Trade, treasurer of Texas COMPO and for the past 20 years with Rowley United. His retirement was announced in January but, says Don, “I have always been interested in association work and it is the kind of work I like. I have already discovered that retirement and the so-called golden years are not as much fun as working, and as long as I am physically able I hope to carry on.” President Davis commented: “We feel fortunate in securing the services of Don Douglas who has many friends in the trade and is familiar with all phases of the business.” The new offices of the executive secretary of the association will be in Room 209, 2013 V2 Young St., Dallas, 1. Lou Wisper Leaves Board After 25 Years Service DETROIT — Lou Wisper, senior partner in Wisper & Wetsman Theatres, retired as a director of Cooperative Theatres of Michigan, a post he has held since the organization of this big buying-booking organization 25 years ago. He asked stockholders at the annual meeting to turn the office over to his partner, Bill Wetsman, whose father, the late Frank Wetsman, was a director many years ago. The stockholders adopted a special resolution recognizing Wisper for his many years of service to the organization and to the industry. Others elected as directors were: Irving Goldberg, Community Theatres; James H. Ross, Dearborn Drive-In; Nicholas George, George Drive-Ins; Irving Belinsky, Eastwood Theatre. East Detroit; Ray Forman, Oxford; Harold H. Smilay, Down River Theatres; Milton H. London, executive director, Allied States Ass’n, and Lee Ward, Mount Pleasant. To 'Hong Kong' Crew HOLLYWOOD — British cinematographer Jack Hildyard has been signed on a three-year deal by Norman Panama and Melvin Frank. His initial assignment will be “The Road to Hong Kong,” a UA release, starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, which the producer-writer-directing team is now preparing for possible July production in London. Don Douglas NC-4 BOXOFFICE ;; May 15, 1961