Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1962)

Dayton Exhibitor Uses a New Approach Teaches Theatre Etiquette Painlessly ; Finds It Solves Problem of Vandalism DAYTON, OHIO — Children can be made to behave quietly and courteously at Saturday matinees and other times. This has been proven by S. T. Vradelis, owner and co-manager with his wife of the New Salem Ave. Theatre here. Vradelis’ accomplishments were cited recently in an article in the Colonel White High School Courier by Susan Stonrock, who pointed out that in eight years of theatre ownership he had accomplished the seemingly impossible. "Witness a scene from a typical Saturday matinee at the New Salem,” the article stated. “In walk flocks of children, ranging in age from eight to 12. They are neatly dressed, they are quiet and well mannered, they do not throw candy wrappers on the floor, neither do they slash seats nor mark the walls. “What bit of sorcery has Mr. Vradelis used to bring this about?” Quoting Vradelis: “Now and then I give the children a short lecture before the film starts. Maybe I tell them a little about the picture and what it should mean to them. Then I ask them not to put their feet on the backs of the seats because other youngsters going in and out might rub against the backs and get their clothes dirty. Since their parents pay their way to the show, it isn’t fair to make them pay dry cleaning bills, too. “I also try to show them that if they talk to their friends during a movie, their voices rise above the sound coming from the loud speakers. This disturbs others.” Vradelis expressed the opinion that children would learn correct behavior if they were encouraged. The children obey him, but, he said, that not always was the case. When he first bought the theatre, he had just as much trouble with seat-slashers as any other theatre owner. Through patience and a lot of hard work he finally eliminated the problem. “Now I just keep adding new rules to meet any new situation,” he said. Vradelis said he selected the most highly approved films for his children’s matinees. He said that according to the Greeks, drama is philosophy in action and that he believed children could understand such philosophy if it were presented to them in high quality motion pictures. He makes his selections from ratings by national organizations but he gives the kids a voice, too. He often chooses five or six serials and lets the children decide which one they would want to see next. And his policies are paying off. Menasche Named Assistant To Bernard Gates at AA NEW YORK — Richard Menasche has been named executive assistant to Bernard J. Gates, vice-president and general sales manager of Allied Artists International Corp. Menasche was with Columbia Pictures International for many years, serving as supervisor fo ‘he Middle East, manager for Belgium and ontinental sales executive in Paris. He also headed the Paramount office in Belgium. MAKES HIS IMPRESSION— Charlton Heston, left, is the 139th film personality to have his hand and footprints placed in the concrete of the forecourt of world-famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. At the right is Eugene V. Klein, president of National Theatres & Television, Inc., who witnessd the event. Maris and Mantle Sign Columbia Film Pacts NEW YORK — Amid good natured jibes by sports writers and fellow baseball greats, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle signed their contracts with Columbia Pictures to star in “Safe at Home” during ceremonies at Toots Shor’s restaurant on January 26. The picture will go into production at the New York Yankees’ training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on February 13 and will be ready for release about the time that the baseball season opens in April. Frank Scott, who represents the two homerun sluggers in their commercial enterprises, said that the pair received a combined advance of $50,000 and will receive 25 per cent of the net. The picture will be produced by Tom Naud and Mitchell J. Hamilburg. Walter Doniger will direct. “Safe at Home” is the story of a Little League player who attempts to obtain the support of Mantle and Maris for his team. Trans-Lux Stock Dividend NEW YORK — The board of directors of Trans-Lux Corp. has declared a five per cent stock dividend, payable April 2 to stockholders of record March 5, according to Percival E. Furber, board chairman. Buddy Hackett, Mickey Rooney Cast HOLLYWOOD — Buddy Hackett and Mickey Rooney have been added to the cast of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World,” Stanley Kramer comedy blueprinted to roll May 15 for United Artists. 4 Regional Sales Meetings Scheduled by Warners NEW YORK — Four regional sales meetings will be held by Warner Bros, in February, the first of which opened at the Drake Hotel in New York on February 1 and 2. Jules Lapidus heads the eastern division. The meetings, which respectively will bring together key sales personnel from the eastern, southern, central and western divisions, will be headed by Charles Boasberg, general sales manager, and Bernard G. Goodman, distribution vice-president. All 31 domestic branches will participate. The southern division, managed by W. O. Williamson, will convene at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans February 6, 7. Ed Williamson’s central division will meet at the Sheraton Hotel in Dallas February 8, 9 and the final western division, headed by Grover Livingston, will hold its session at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles February 12, 13. Larry Leshansky, coordinator of field sales activities, and Ralph Iannuzzi, head of the playdate department, will participate in the four meetings. Branch managers attending the eastern conference will be H. L. Gaines, Albany: William Kumins, Boston; A. Kolinski, Buffalo: Angelo Lombardi, New Haven; A1 Blumberg, New York; William G. Mansell, Philadelphia, and Ben Bache, Washington. The southern division meeting will be attended by Carroll Ogburn, Atlanta; R. E. Heffner, Charlotte; A. Duren, Cincinnati; C. A. Blakely, Indianapolis; J. B. Tomlinson, Jacksonville; R. C. Borg, Kansas City; Jeff Williams, Memphis; Luke Conner, New Orleans, and Hall Walsh, St. Louis. Central division branch managers will be R. H. Dunbar, Chicago; H. C. Vogelpohl, Dallas; J. S. Young, Des Moines; J. Kaitz, Milwaukee; M. B. Adcock, Minneapolis, and Don Tullius, Oklahoma City, plus R. Hirz, Omaha booking office. The western group will consist of William Twig, Cleveland; Donald Urquhart, Denver; H. J. Morris, Detroit; J. Sarfaty, Los Angeles; William Lange, Pittsburgh; M. F. Keller, Portland; Keith Pack, Salt Lake City; A1 Grubstick, San Francisco, and J. W. Spear, Seattle. To Use Shorts to Spur Travel in United States NEW YORK — The United States Travel Service branch of the Dept, of Commerce will use short subjects which present interesting views of American life and areas to stimulate travel by Europeans to the United States. Ben Butterfield, sales promotion directoi of the USTS, met here Monday (29) vrith the short subjects representatives of the member companies of the Motion Picture Ass’n of America to explore the various sources of material. The government, Butterfield said, would buy prints of American travelogs for presentation in foreign countries. Producers also would be encouraged to make new subjects for which the domestic rights would be retained by the companies and the foreign rights used for stimulating travel to this country. The USTS has been active in attracting European tourists and the first influx is expected this summer. The service believes the motion pictures can contribute a great deal to the program, Butterfield said. 12 BOXOFFICE :: February 5, 1962