Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1939)

BOSTON (Continued from page 62) Memorial according to the well proved “Can You Stand It?” formula. Sam Davidson, "New England distributor of “Mayerling,” reports that the Lux Radio Theatre version of the film feature has resulted in a revival of interest, and bookings, in the Danielle Darrieux-Charles Boyer starrer. It’s Florida for a number of New England theatre men, including A1 Anders, Ken Forkey, Louis Gordon, and George Kraska . . . S. Ernest Pelson has resigned as Imperial office manager here to become resident manager of the Lincoln in New Haven. Al Seligman, national accessories manager for Columbia, was in town last week. He later left for Albany from where he will head through Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia . . . Cameo has booked “Ballerine” into the Lincoln in Hew Haven for two weeks and into the Fine Arts in Boston for an indefinite run. H. M. Addison, Loew’s divisional manager, returned to his Boston office late last week following a business loop. Paul Levi, Metropolitan publicity head, has said it to Edith Freedman with a diamond. No wedding date has been set, it is understood that the ceremony will be held shortly. James Roosevelt, according to his local office, was to have returned here from Hollywood this week . . . Bucky Levin, local Columbia accessories manager, made a lucky birthday of it on Friday the 13th. Levin was born on Friday, also. George Kraska, Fine Arts Theatre operator, reports that “Grand Illusion” is proving a record breaker at the Back Bay house. Charles Repec, M-G-M head booker, returned to work late last week after being out four days with a severe cold . . . Irving Zussman, head of Metro Premium Company, left New York last week on a coast business flight. Tim O’Toole, Columbia branch manager in New Haven, returned to his office last week from a West Indian cruise . . . Dave Ambuter is now loorking with 24 prints of “Shock Troops of Disaster,” gratis WPA film version of the New England hurricane. Ben Domingo, RKO city manager, held over Blackstone, the Magician, stage imit at the RKO Boston last week following heavy attendance at the regularly scheduled weekend booking. Myer Gruber, former local first divisional manager and present premium man, has married . . . Carl Waldron, Wholesalers representative, is contemplating the (Continued on next page) Role for Lupino Hollywood — Ida Lupino has been spotted in Columbia’s “Mrs. Leonard Misbehaves.” Philadelphia Sales Tax Loss Cited Boston — Unhappy Philadelphia sales tax experiences are among the more prominent arguments being introduced here in opposition of the proposed two per cent Massachusetts sales tax which would bring theatre tickets under its jurisdiction. The Philadelphia Merchants’ Ass’n wrote the Boston Chamber of Commerce that ; “In January last we predicted that a city sales tax would result in a loss of at least ten per cent in the volume of retail business, in loss of employment and in wages paid. “The actual results of nine months’ operation under the city sales tax proves this estimate to have been too modest. “Under the official figures of the Federal Reserve Bank, the sum of the montlily losses and gains in percentage from March to November inclusive disclose for department stores throughout the country a loss of 88 per cent or an average monthly loss of 9.7 per cent; for the city of an average monthly loss of 16 per cent; for the territory in the Philadelphia Reserve District, outside the limits of the city, 50.9 per cent, or an average monthly loss of 6.3 per cent, while certain suburban stores in the immediate neighborhood of Philadelphia gained 100 per cent or an average monthly gain of 11.4 per cent.” Rites for Lucius Rich Held in Bridgeport Bridgeport, Conn. — Funeral services were held here for Lucius M. Rich, 77, who died in Brooklyn, N. Y. Rich was well known in theatrical circles, having been treasurer of Hawes Opera House, the Park City Theatre, and the Poli and Plaza theatres when the latter were owned by the late Sylvester Z. Poli. Rich, too, was the originator locally of baby shows, a promotion for which, in New Jersey, Governor Moore honored him with a gold medal. /. K. Carey of Boston's Public Safety Dead Boston — Jeremiah K. Carey, supervisor of plans in the department of public safety, is dead. All theatre specifications for Massachusetts had to pass through his hands. Joseph Carey, a son, is a salesman for equipment man, Joe Cifre. Cummings Assistant M-G-M Office Head Boston — J. M. Cummings, veteran auditor, has been assigned permanently to the Boston M-G-M exchange. Cummings has been made assistant office manager, aide to Henry Wolper. jyjEL MORRISON, manager of the Strand Theatre, Dover, N. H., brought here the disquieting report that the recently convened New Hampshire legislature is considering the advisability of legalizing Beano games for charity pm’poses only. The pari-mutuel law, which allows betting on horse races, expired January 1 and a fight over its continuance is anticipated. Maine, like most other states, is wondering where it is to get the money to pay old age pensions. Although the dominant political party has promised no new taxes will be assessed, theatre men are keeping an eye on Augusta and watching for mention of luxury taxes in legislative huddles. Thus far, nothing likely to affect theatres has been brought up. Rumor has it that Keith’s Tlieatre, closed many months, will reopen soon with a combination stage and last-run picture policy. The Casco, another closed theatre on Congress St., is expected to reopen next spring or summer. The State and Strand have adopted a permanent policy of holding late owl shows each Saturday night. The regular bills will be shown. Tire biggest problem at the State these days is the job of finding questions suitable for children 10 to 14 years old. Weekly and weakly, Nate Press, assistant manager, and Bill Romanoff, chief of service, scratch their heads in preparation for Manager Harry Botwick’s radio broadcast, “Recess Time.” Chelsea A. Waldron, George Gould and John Russell, members of the Motion Picture Operators’ Local, attended the New England convention in Worcester, Mass., last week . . . John Divney, manager of the Maine, is on the Lions Club committee to bring Paul Whiteman here for a benefit performance January 21. A. J. Moreau, district manager of M&P Theatres, just returned from a swing through Vermont. Higgens Secures Two For Booking Service Boston — Herbert Higgens, veteran film booker now operating a personalized booking service, has been appointed Boston representative of the State in Bridgton, Me., by C. F. Millett. Higgens also has taken over exchange representation for John Franciosi, operator of the Florence Hall in South Barrie. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Want to Sell Your Theatre? “I can give you 100% Service because I liave no outside i nterests.” I I I I I I I then see SAM HAASE Real Rstate Broker Tlieatre Specialist !!!!!!!]!! BOXOFFICE :; January 21, 1939 65