Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1941)

Gold Arbitration Bid Several Measures Concern Seen as Forerunner Trade in Massach usetts Boston — The first of a series of complaints to be filed with the motion picture division of the American Arbitration Ass’n under the guidance of the Independent Exhibitors, Inc., was entered last week when Ben Gold, Nashua, N. H., independent, sought to invoke Section 6 of the Code. Gold, as reported by this publication last week, thus became the first New Englander to bring a case before the local board. Arthur K. Howard, business manager of the Independent Exhibitors, Inc., who aided and counselled Gold in his move, declined to state what further steps the local Allied States Ass’n segment plans to take under the American Arbitration Ass’n set up but indicated that he already is assisting a number of other member theatre owners in preparing complaints for filing. Nashua in Limelight Gold’s complaint again brings up the Nashua, N. H., situation which was thoroughly aired during the three-year hearings of the Morse & Rothenberg Anti-trust Suit in which George S. Ryan, plaintiff’s counsel, contended that two Shea houses in Nashua were the only theatres in the New Hampshire city that could buy major product. Morse & Rothenberg was recently able to purchase a run of Columbia, according to Gold, but Gold himself contends that he has been confined exclusively to independent product. Gold, a member of the Independent Exhibitors, Inc., and a newcomer to independent ownership ranks, was formerly 11 years with Morse & Rothenberg circuit interest. He spent the past ten years with the chain in Nashua. Applications for Two Theatres Rejected Bridgeport, Conn. — Applications for two neighborhood theatres have been turned down by the board of appeals on zoning. Three hundred men and women filled the hearing room to voice their opinions for and against the petitions. For the third time within three months George H. Griffen was denied permission to erect a theatre with stores in the north end. A large delegation of surrounding property owners opposed the petition. Joseph Frouge asked the right to erect a theatre a few blocks away from where the Griffen house was to be located, but after lengthy discussion his application was denied. Mullin Heads Greek Aid Boston — Martin J. Mullin, M&P Theatres Corp. partner, has been appointed local head of the Amusement Industries Division of the Greek War Relief Ass’n. Adolph Zukor, Paramount executive, is national head of the division. (t ft Gather at Booth Bill Hearing New Haven — Unexpectedly early hearing of the two-men-in-a-booth bill before the judiciary committee brought exhibitors from all over the state of Hartford to protest Thursday (Feb. 20). Before the hearing, exhibitors met at luncheon to talk over their line of defense at the Hotel Bond. The judiciary committee now takes the bill and opinions expressed under advisement. y. i> Boston Arbitration Panel Is Selected Boston — The following have been selected as members of the panel of arbitration for the Boston tribunal. Other names may yet be added by the American Arbitration Ass’n: C. N. Angell, certified public accountant, 40 Broad Street. Raymond P. Baldwin, lawyer, 1 Federal St. Daniel Bloomfield, manager of the Retail Trade Board, 80 Federal St. E. G. Boutelle, certified public accountant, 80 Federal St. Prof. Arthur L. Brown, lawyer, Boston University Law School. Ralph R. Brewster, certified public accountant, 110 State St. John A. Day, occupation not designated, 209 Washington St. William Hitchcock, attorney, 73 Tremont Bldg. Walter Humphreys, secretary of the National Ass’n of Wool Manufacturers, 80 Federal St. Reuben Lurie, lawyer, 85 Devonshire St. Arthur Rogow, manager of Sears, Roebuck & Co. Roy F. Williams, editor of Industry, Park Square Bldg. The initial panel has not yet been selected for the Albany board. It is expected to be named momentarily. Loew Anti-Trust Suits Nearer a Hearing Boston — The latest group of E. M. Loew anti-trust suits, including litigations involving the circuit owner’s southern outdoor theatre interests, is scheduled to go before a Master here in the near future. Federal court has appointed Arthur Black to sit on the hearings. The matter is being held up at present because of the current Waldo Theatre Corp. vs. Joseph Dondis et al. anti-trust suit which is requiring the attendance of several interested attorneys elsewhere. Boston — Massachusetts legislative business is picking up. A measure to forbid the selling of SRO facilities in Boston motion picture houses has been unofficially tossed, following the recommendation of industry spokesmen. Officially, the measure will have to undergo several routine considerations by both the house and senate, as will the potentially current measure that would necessitate playing of “Star-Spangled Banner” between performances, before being definitely dead. Numerous public safety measures affecting the industry, including one filed by Eugene McSweeney, head of the department of public safety, are in the works. Also in this year’s record lot of bills, mountained by the fact that last year there was no legislative session because of the newly enacted biennial law, included a number of holiday and outdoor advertising measures. Perhaps the most dangerous bill from an industry standpoint is one brought by Leo J. Sullivan and Thomas P. O’Neill jr„ that would set up a film censorship in the state. A hearing on this measure has been tentatively set for March 12. Wants Beano Licensed George Solomon, operator of the Columbia in Boston, has petitioned that “the department of public safety be authorized to issue licenses to theatres ... to conduct Beano and similar games in addition to their regular performances.” This particular bill is assured of industry pros and cons. “Legislation to further regulate the sale and re-sale of tickets of admission to certain theatrical enterprises, shows, or other public amusements,” is being sought by Charles P. Huse jr. “Legislation relative to the licensing of public entertainments, theatrical exhibitions, amusements, and enterprises on the Lord’s Day” is sought in a bill filed by Thomas J. Lane. Motion picture houses would not be able to sell tickets “for more than the price set forth on the tickets” in a bill brought by George T. Walsh. Aimed particularly at Shubert interests, Paul McCarthy has brought three bills that would provide “that annual licenses first for theatre ticket agencies be increased and for requiring such agencies to post a bond:” so that, “ticket agencies shall not be connected in any way with theatre ticket agencies selling tickets at a premium:” and, finally, “for legislation to abolish licensing ticket agencies engaged in the re-selling at a premium of tickets for admissions to theatres . . .” Also of interest to the film sector are numerous measures that would set up lotteries and sweepstakes for the avowed purpose of reducing taxes, financing old age assistance, etc. Hayden in Hartford P. A. Hartford — Stirling Hayden, who stars in Paramount’s “Virginia,” appeared at the local M&P’s Allyn last Wednesday. BOXOFFICE :: February 22, 1941 NE 61