Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1941)

Indiana Exhibitors Aid Greek War Reliei Fund Indianapolis — Indiana exhibitors have been making an effort toward aiding as much as possible in the Greek War Relief cause, and have reported these accomplishments: From Fred C. Doughty, manager of the Lyric and Cozy theatres, Winchester, Ind., comes information of a special one page cooperative ad on the feature “Land of Liberty,” whereby the newspaper agreed to donate a percentage of the ad revenue to the Greek War Relief Fund. Doughty sent in the theatre employes’ contribution together with the newspaper’s. At Washington, Indiana, A. J. Kalberer, city manager for the Switow circuit, operating the Indiana and Liberty there, announced the formation of a Citizen’s Committee among the leading business men of the city. They set aside February 2 to 9 as Greek War Relief Week. Containers for the receiving of donations were placed in the theatres, as well as in other business establishments. Indiana theatremen have contributed approximately $1,150.00. Those lately received are as follows: Indianapolis Cooperative Theatres, Inc., $100.00; Fourth Avenue Amusement Co., Louisville, Ky., $100.00; Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, $50.00; Indiana Theatre, Indianapolis, $50.00; A. H. Borkenstein, Fort Wayne, $25.00; Ansted, Pearson & Schilling, Connersville, $15.00; J. M. Dixon, Flora Theatre, Flora, Indiana, $10.00. Tivoli and Astra theatres, Jasper, $5.00. Mike Todd Takes Over Oriental Chicago — In “show business” all his life, although he has had no actual experience operating a theatre, Mike Todd, on Friday began operating the 3,900-seat loop Oriental, succeeding Jones, Linick & Schaefer, who had managed the house the past couple years. It is understood Todd is managing the house for the 32 W. Randolph Street Building Corp., the latter having requested Todd to do the job following an impasse caused by Jones, Linick & Schaefer’s inability to make payments on rental past due. It is reported JL&S were about $40,000 in arrears. Todd told Boxoffice he is retaining Jack Hunt as manager. William F. Crouch has resigned as executive secretary of the United Theatre Owners of Illinois to handle publicity for the Oriental. Crouch, a trade-paper reporter for years, is now associated with the Howie Mayer publicity office which handles the Todd account locally. In his initial week’s bill, Todd is presenting a “Gay 90’s Revue” on the stage and “Hell’s Angels” on the screen. It is understood he is planning on concentrating on his stage presentations since the Oriental, under its present price policy, has had difficulty obtaining suitable product. Todd, a native Chicagoan, rose to fame in recent years on Broadway. He first Filmack Into Larger Quarters Next Month Chicago — Irving Mack, sales manager for the Filmack Trailer Co., announces that headquarters of the firm will be moved from 843 S. Wabash Ave. to the one-story building formerly occupied by MetroGoldwyn-Mayer at 1325 S. Wabash Ave. The change is expected to take place sometime next month. Filmack will occupy most of the 20,000 feet of floor space at the new quarters, although a portion of the one-story building is being sub-leased to the Alexander Film Co., which will move from its present quarters at 839 S. Wabash. The move next month by Filmack is the fifth time the company has had to take larger quarters in the past 22 years. Adapt Bette Davis Vehicle Hollywood — Aeneas Mackenzie and Wally Klein are collaborating on the script of “The Widow of Devil’s Island,” forthcoming Bette Davis starrer for Warner. struck the critics’ eyes when he dazzled Broadway with a colored swing version of “The Mikado” starring Bill Robinson. Subsequently, Todd and Billy Rose became the most successful showmen at the New York World’s Fair. A few months ago, Todd returned to Chicago to open his north-side “Theatre-Cafe” which has proven to be a successful venture. It can best be described as “a poor-man’s night club.” ANY NEWS TODAY? Planning a new theatre? Remodeling? Being promoted? Getting married? Got a new baby ( infant )? Buying new equipment? Been elected mayor? Son or daughter graduating? Proud of a new exploitation stunt? Hired a new staff member? Solved a knotty problem? Then Tell It To BOXOFFICE BOXOFFICE, 4804 E. Ninth St., Kansas City, Mo. NAME THEATRE LOCATION 42 BOXOFFICE :: February 22, 1941