Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1941)

~ Si "A Dither in a Demi-Tasse ” * ■ ■ . . ■ —>j New York — “It strikes me that the Legion is stirring up a dither in a demitasse,” observes Howard Barnes, film critic of the conservative New York HeraldTribune, in his review of “This Thing Called Love” which has been condemned by the National Legion of Decency. (See page 3.) While New York critics analyzed the film alternately, virtually no attention was paid by them to the Legion rating. Barnes dipped in more deeply than the others. He said: “To my mind there is nothing objectionable about the proceedings . . . the farcical foolings . . . are never vulgar. If Hollywood cannot handle subject matter such as that in ‘This Thing Called Love’ it might just as well shut up shop.” He also thought the film is “bright when the situations are deftly articulated and the lines have bite; it lags when the script flounders, as it so often does.” Kate Cameron, reviewer for the Daily News, gave the picture three stars and this: “A lively and comic romp that occasionally comes close to the brink of indecency but never really goes overboard. At every close call, the situation breaks up with a genuine bit of comedy that sends the audience into stitches of laughter. The picture is for adults only. Children will be bored by it and adolescents suffer embarrassment at the antics of their elders.” Boildown excerpts from the other critics follow : Lee Mortimer, Daily Mirror — ...grand, gay comedy...races along with funny situations that bring thunderous laughs... Rose Pelswick, EveningJournal — ...geared for laughs, and getting them... mood is one of lighthearted gaiety ... It’s smartly turned out and the pace is brisk. Archer Winsten, Post — . . . won for itself a “condemned” rating . . . thus causing us to approach it with lurid anticipations ready to be disappointed. But don’t worry... is one of the most hilarious films of the year... It cannot be called a dirty or degrading film. The worst that can be said by a moralist is that it deals with a subject forbidden to the young. Cecilia Ager, PM — ...one of the more comical ones, gracefully handled and lightly spun. There’s invention in its script, more winking than leering. . . Eileen Creelman, Sun — ...an uproarious piece... and revolving so fast and so constantly that it leaves the audience slightly dizzy. . .The script goes haywire at times... The comedy is often strident, often repetitious. More often, it is funny. Bosley Crowther, Times — ...the picture is just a series of farce episodes in which Mr. Douglas tries manfully to assert his prerogatives and then Miss Russell, apprehensive, attempts to lure him on to the chase... For persons with delicate sensibilities, might be boldly risque. William Boehnel, World,-Telegram — After a lively beginning. . .bogs down in the middle and limps feebly to a disappointing ending. But the first third is light-hearted, scampish, tasty fun full of good, loud guffaws in the old-fashioned bedroom farce tradition. First Capra Warner At Fifty Per Cent New York — Warner is asking “Boom Town” prices and playing time for “Meet John Doe,” latest Frank Capra film. Sales executives are asking 50 per cent of the gross with an increase in admissions along the lines which prevailed for M-G-M’s special. First day-and-date premiere has been set for March 6 at the Hollywood and Downtown in Hollywood and Los Angeles. The picture is set to go into the Rivoli and 51st St. theatres on Broadway about the same time, depending on the run of “Back Street” at the Rivoli. Negotiations with the Music Hall had been under way for some time but were called off when Warner could not get an early date. The Hall is booked solid for many weeks and refused to make an exception for “Doe.” Warner has sneaked the picture at White Plains and Connecticut within the past few weeks at which circuit executives got their first glimpse. While the Warner press release states the Rivoli will increase its prices, the theatre seems to be unaware of any such arrangement and advises it will maintain the top evening scale of 99 cents but step up the matinee price slightly. The 51st St. Theatre was formerly the Hollywood and has been featuring ballet. It is a Warner house, the same as the Hollywood and Downtown on the coast. Flashes From the News Front Odeon "Invades" Canada Vancouver — The Odeon Theatres of Canada, closely allied with the British firm of the same name, has launched its long-rumored invasion of Canada with the acquisition of four local theatres and the admission of intentions to acquire a coast to-coast circuit. Tax Exemptions in Missouri Jefferson City, Mo. — A ruling that a law exempting opera houses in counties, villages and towns of less than 5,000 population from license or other tax, applied to present day theatres as well, has been made by the Missouri supreme court. The decision was the outcome of an appeal made by the St. Louis Amusement Company for four houses in the county. Drive on Games Looms Frankfort, Ky. — In what may prelude a state-wide drive against the games, the attorney-general’s office has declared that “Bank Night, Bingo and other similar schemes are violative of the laws of Kentucky.” Local prosecution of gambling law violations, it declared, however, is the “statutory duty of local law enforcement officials.” LeBaron to 20th-Fox Hollywood — William LeBaron, former Paramount executive producer, has been signed by 20th Century-Fox to head a production unit. LeBaron was succeeded at Paramount by B. G. DeSylva. Seeks End to Bank Night Pittsburgh — The Better Business Bureau is urging local exhibitors to voluntarily discontinue Bank Night because it encourages the “widespread promotion of other types of commercial lotteries, including Bingo and other forms of gambling.” Out of American Display New York — Charles L. Casanave has been retired as general manager of American Display, accessory manufacturing unit of National Screen Service, by vote of the former company’s board. Casanave’s positions with other NSS affiliates and subsidiaries are unchanged. Ticket Tax Returns Boom Washington — An additional revenue of not less than $55,000,000 annually will accrue to the federal government in the reduction of admission tax exemption from 40 cents to 20 cents, it is indicated by current ticket tax returns. Early With Banquet Plans Pittsburgh — Tent No. 1 of the Variety Clubs will stage its 13th annual banquet the evening of Sunday, November 2, in the William Penn Hotel. The date was set by C. C. Kellenberg, chief barker. Traveling Theatre Car Builds Dodge Goodwill New York — The original Dodge car used by the Denis-Roosevelt Expedition in filming “Wheels Across India,” has been put into service to assist Dodge dealers in planning and executing free motion picture programs. The motionpicture automobile is proceeding on prearranged schedules established by the company’s district representatives who contact car merchants and with their aid act as advance men and booking agents in laying out routes and show dates. Films carried by the traveling unit include “Army on Wheels,” “Land of the Free,” “Years of Progress,” “A Chance to Lose,” “Highway Bound,” “Major Bowes,” and “Thrill Hunters.” Cr ft Top Hits of the Week As culled from the first run reports in the sectional editions of Boxoffice. Average is 100 per cent. Gone With the Wind — Lincoln 250 Dallas 225 New Orleans 200 Pittsburgh 200 Back Street — Kansas City 200 Philadelphia Story — Pittsburgh 185 New Haven (dual) 185 ^ J 16 BOXOFFICE :: February 22, 1941