Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1939)

New "Final Stretch" For RKO Revamp New York — While Judge Bondy approves the RKO reorganization with modifications, he thinks that the stockholders’ assents necessary to confirmation are in poor shape. Therefore, again postponed, the anticipated final clearance is scheduled for January 26. The delay was largely at the request of Hamilton C. Rickaby, counsel of the Atlas Corp. group, who are proponents of the plan. Judge Bondy said: “The consents are in poor shape. They may be technically sufficient, but they do not show great care in preparation. I will require conclusive proof of consent.” With exception of the need to rephrase one clause covering the proposed reduction of the Rockefeller Center claim, and the final state of the consents, the proposed plan with minor modification appears heading for confirmation. Albany Film Trade Honors Deneau With Dinner Albany, N. Y. — Sidney Deneau, transferred as chief booker in the Albany office of Fabian Theatres to New York headquarters, was honored last week at a dinner by managers of local exchanges. The young executive was presented with a wrist watch by Bernard Kranze, RKO district manager. Harry G. Black, manager of Proctor’s Troy, a Fabian house, toastmastered. Among the speakers were: Louis R. Golding, Fabian divisional manager; Ralph Pielow, M-G-M Albany manager; Clayton G. Eastman, Paramount district manager; S. J. Ullman, manager of Fabian theatres in Schenectady. Schaeier Meets With District Managers New York — George J. Schctefer, RKO president, met here olficially over the weekend with district managers and addressed them at a two-day meeting called by Jules Levy, general sales manager, at the Waldorf-Astoria. Plans were outlined for handling "Gunga Din," “Great Man Votes," and "Love Affair." All ore booked into the Music Hall, "Gunga Din" opening there January 26. No Sunday Penalty In Philadelphia Philadelphia — Nineteen local theatre operators, charged with violating the Sunday Movie Act of 1935 by holding midnight shows on New Year’s eve, were acquitted here Thursday by Magistrate James W. McBride with the sentiment “it’s safer for patrons to be in theatres than out on the streets” on that eve of high hilarity. The magistrate, in his decision, said the theatre operators “had no intention of violating the Sunday laws.” Similar charges lodged against 40 other theatres here probably will be dropped, inasmuch as Assistant City Solicitor James F. Ryan said he would not appeal the decision. Action against theatre operators followed a stern warning by the Rev. W. B. Forney, who said he would institute proceedings against police officials if they failed to make theatres toe the line over the New Year’s weekend. Night clubs also defied the Sunday ordinance. Thus far, they have escaped prosecution. Freeman Due Before Product Parleys New York — Y. Frank Freeman is due here from the west coast on Friday for production conferences with Barney Balaban. Paramount president, and Neil F. Agnew, sales chief. Before leaving for a mid-winter sales meeting in St. Louis, Agnew told Boxoffice Paramount’s production program this season will probably have the same number of releases as last year. Production details will be taken up with Freeman. Starting March 1, Paramount wUl hold its annual three months’ sales drive as last year. Harry Sherman, producer of the “Hopalong Cassidys,” will make six pictures for Paramount release next season, with William Boyd again starring. Sherman is attending the sales meeting in St. Louis. Irving Dellinger Suddenly Quits N, /. Allied Helm New York — Giving as his reason “pressure of personal business,” Irving Bollinger suddenly resigned as president of Allied of New Jersey and was succeeded immediately by George Gold, former vicepresident. Harry Kridel of Newark has been elected to fill Gold’s unexpired term, with Dollinger replacing Kridel on the board. Bollinger was unanimously elected to his second term as president at the organization’s annual convention in Atlantic City, October 20. Gold will hold his post for the balance of the one-year term. Allied’s next meeting takes place at the Hotel Lincoln here Tuesday, to be followed by a state-wide meeting in Trenton, January 23. Three Spanish-Language Productions for UA New York — United Artists has augmented its production roster to include three Spanish-language pictures in keeping with the company’s, international policy. Fortunio Bona Nova has been engaged to produce as well as act in the productions, the first of which is to be made in Hollywood. The others will be produced in Mexico. The initial effort will be based on a current Mexican best-seller with a modem theme. 'The producer will appear in it as co-star with Andrea Palma. It will be released in March. — MetropoLtan Photos L046 Bags: 2,092,000 Letters — About — This is only part oj the mail received at Movie Quiz contest headquarters in one day. Other bags, left-right-bottom, are out of the camera range. Ludwig Lawrence Due in U. S. for Loew Confab Paris — Ludwig Lawrence, Loew’s representative for the continent and India, expects to sail within a few days for the United States for home office conferences with Arthur M. Loew. 26 BOXOFnCE :: January 7, 1939