Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1939)

J^ANAGER H. RODMAN of E. M. Loew’s Capitol, Pawtucket, played host to 15 WPA executives one night last week, that they might see the WPA film, “Shock Troops of Disaster.” The local press gave him nice break on the stunt. Rodman is also using idea of having customers fill out “request cards” and leave them in a lobby mail box for pictures they would like to see. In past two weeks more than 1,200 of the cards have been turned in. Reports that Fall River is due to get a new theatre one of these days persist, with a hearing before city council on Tuesday, of an ordinance designed to prevent erection of a theatre within 400 feet of a church, school, hospital or public garage, reviving talk on the street. Manager A1 McEvoy of Bates and Union theatres in Attleboro, Mass., has arranged a tieup with Interstate Bus Co. in his territory whereby persons living in Attleboro or in Plainville may ride the buses to and from their homes to the theatre, buying tickets that include bus fares and admission to either theatre . . . McEvoy took cognizance of Friday the 13th, playing a midnight “Spook Show” at the Bates. Other theatre managers can file the idea away for the next Jinx Day — scheduled in October. Maurice Cook, featured organist at Loew’s State, reopened at that house last Friday after a long stay in Syracuse, N. Y. for the circuit. Associated Theatres has leased the Metropolitan Theatre here for February 17 and 18 and will bring George M. Cohen to town in “I’d Rather Be Right” for two nights and a matinee performance. Corporation has legit franchise with New York producers but this season is playing vaudefilm policy at the Playhouse, its legit theatre here, and will accordingly switch the Cohen show into the Met. “Refugee Theatre-of-the-Air” troupe, playing its first theatre engagement, at Fays this week, got a nice two columii personal interview in Sunday Journal theatre section in addition to complimentary reviews from local critics on their opening. Manager A1 Clarke of the Carlton, taking over “Dawn Patrol” from Majestic for an extended first rim showing, maneuvered a flashy model airplane display in a vacant store on Washington street which attracted considerable attention. Clarke, incidentally, is a licensed air pilot — the only flying theatreman in the state. Up Kenneth Rockwell To New York House Providence — Kenneth Rockwell, who stepped up from assistant managership to the RKO Albee here to the manager’s berth at that house, has been promoted to helm the circuit’s Colonial, on 62nd and Broadway in New York. Succeeding Rockwell here as manager of the Albee is Harry McDonald who comes from RKO’s Keith Theatre in Boston. A Luncheon Guest — Bob Russell, Loew-Poli manager in New Haven, greets Richard Carlson, starring in “Duke of West Point,” currently at the Shubert, at a special luncheon and preview arranged for the star at the Hotel Taft. Pat McGee Joins Schine Chain Boston — Pat McGee, former Oklahoma circuit executive who recently has been associated with Roy Heffner in theatre operation and film distribution here, has joined the Schine circuit in an executive position with headquarters in New York. McGee was head of the Standard Theatres chain in Oklahoma City before coming to Boston. He started in the Oklahoma metropolis in a minor capacity with the Criterion Theatre, advancing to the management of that house under the guidance of Joseph Cooper during that individual’s operating contract with the Publix circuit, moving up to city manager and then to zone chief when Warner took over the Cooper contract, leaving about two years ago to join with Heffner here. Heffner at one time was branch manager for Paramount in Oklahoma. J^ANAGER MORRIS ROSENTHAL of the Majestic and his wife, Molly, have returned from two weeks at Miami . . . The Globe lobby is getting a new paint job and more ornamental decorations are being added . . . 'The dark Capitol at New Britain has. been housing a cooking school . . . Stratford, Devon and Milford PostTelegram carriers were recent guests at the Majestic. Matt Saunders hosted Peter F. Hunt, local railroad station master and a railroad man since 1882, at the Loew-Poli for “Stand Up and Fight.” Landed quotes in newspapers of Hunt calling film “best railroad picture I have ever seen.” Joseph H. Rayner, Danbury projectionist, has taken Dorothy Mae Schirmen of that city as his bride. NEW HAMPSHIRE jyjANCHESTER theatre patrons were saddened recently by the sudden death of Frederick Lydon, popular 32year-old singer. Fire Chief Albert C. Melendy of Nashua, who was critically injured when struck by an auto while directing his company at the Colonial Theatre fire on New Year’s morning in 1938, has returned home after a year’s absence. He was in a hospital until last summer, then stayed at a lake cottage, and later at the home of friends. Elihu L. Webster has been reappointed as manager of the City Opera House in Rochester. The Halsyon Theatre in Colebrook is serving an unusual purpose, its stage being used as a court at intervals by the Colebrook Badminton Club, which lost its quarters when the Town Hall burned. Peter D. Latchis, Keene theatre owner, is serving as temporary chairman of the Keene Taxpayers’ Ass’n which aims at becoming a permanent influence in that city. Mrs. Gordon Kahn, wife of the scenario writer, has returned to Hollywood after a visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. I. A. Brodie, in Manchester . BOSTON (Continued from preceding page) opening of Stuart Street headquarters. Katherine McGovern of M-G-M has lost her mother. She accompanied the body to Sidney, Nova Scotia for burial last week. Paul Levi, publicity manager of the Metropolitan, and Edith Freedman are engaged. Miss Freedman, a Boston girl, is now in New York with Macy’s. Levi came here from New York several years ago as assistant to Harry Brown jr., in the publicity department of the Paramount Theatre. Later, upon Gene Fox’s acceptance of an executive position with National Screen Service on the coast, the Harvard graduate became advertising director at the Metropolitan. Steve Broidy and his local Monogram force already are hard at work on the forthcoming sales and date drive celebrating the W. Ray Johnston Stiver JubUee. Activities will officially begin on February 4, and will run through to March 5. Tom Foley, doorman at Loew’s State, and Mary Sullivan, employed at a candy concession in the theatre, now are “one” by virtue of a ceremony performed at St. Anne’s Church in Neponsett. Featured in "Sabotage" Hollyw'OOD — Sidney Blackmer and C. Henry Gordon draw featured roles in Columbia’s “Sabotage,” starring Jack Holt. Metro Signs Hunter Hollywood — Metro has signed Ian Hunter to a term acting contract. 66 BOXOFFICE :: January 21, 1939