Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1938)

^■HE scheduled 13-week program of summer plays, presented at The Playhouse, Wilmington’s only legit house, by the Pee Gee Bee Production Co., folded up last week after the third presentation. Lack of patronage forced General Manager Paul Blaufox to call off the program. “Yes, My Darling Daughter,” “The Successful Calamity,” and “Idiot’s Delight” were given on successive weeks before the company shut down. The Stanley Co. officials have not as yet confirmed the rumor that the Queen Theatre would close July 16. All employes were given two-weeks’ notice over a week ago, according to Manager Artie Cohn. Reports from more reliable sources have it that the theatre will not close. A fierce-looking five-inch horned corydalis flew into the projection room of Manager A. Joseph DePiore’s Park Theatre this week and created quite a stir until Projectionist Frank Green killed it. The pest was attracted to the booth by light according to the pest control laboratory of the DuPont Company which examined the insect. Assistant Manager Boyd Sparrow of Loew’s Theatre paid out $28.50 for a round trip to Longwood Gardens, some 12 miles distant from Wilmington, last week. He rented a bicycle for $3.50, and parked it near the Gardens. The bike was stolen and Sparrow was $25 out besides “thumbing” a ride home. The marriage of Stanley Zebroski, Grand Opera assistant manager, and Miss Shirley Harris of Wilmington on July 21 is announced. Field Notes: Walter (Huck) Betts, former pitcher for the Boston Nationals and at present owner and manager of the Ball Theatre at Millsboro, Del., and his wife, are ill . . . Roger Christopher, manager of the Federal Theatre at Federalsburg, Md., has been appointed member of the Federalsburg Rotary Club’s program committee . . . Rinney Boy, the famous movie dog and successor to Rin-Tin-Tin is appearing on the stage of the Strand at Smyrna and Everett Theatre at Middle town. Jack Cohn Decided On Farm Life New York — Nate Spingold, who with Nat Cohn, was prominently on hand to greet Jack Cohn and Abe Schneider when the Century pulled in from the coast, drew even for his efforts. Nat plodded back to the Columbia exchange with a goose egg. Spingold was able to extend the welcome home hand to Mrs. Spingold, who was in Hollywood for a short holiday. But Nat was looking for brother Jack. And brother lack climbed off the choo-choo at Harmon, which is hard by Katonah, where the Cohn farm is situated. Government Studies More Film Making Washington — The New Deal Administration may follow the example of the European dictatorships and resort to extensive use of motion pictures and radio for laudatory propaganda. First steps in that direction, it has been learned, were taken by President Roosevelt before leaving on his western trip, in authorizing a study by the National Emergency Council of the desirability of setting up a motion picture division for the dissemination of “information” concerning government activities. To the extent that centralization of Federal film activities would be provided for, the proposal follows those made in bills introduced during the last session of Congress for creation of a central motion picture agency in the government printing office, but the new plan also contemplates eventually a much more ambitious effort to publicize the government’s activities than anything yet attempted. Although no funds have been provided for the project, a skeleton staff from the Resettlement Administration, headed by Pare Lorentz, producer of “The Plow That Broke the Plains” and “The River,” has been transferred to the NEC and it is expected an allocation will be made from WPA funds in the near future. Korda Signs Van Sittart To Collaborate on Script London — Alexander Korda reached into British government circles when he signed Sir Robert Van Sittart to collaborate with Edward Thompson on the film script for the latter’s best-seller, “Burmese Silver.” Van Sittart is recognizedly No. 1 diplomatic adviser to political powers of the Empire. To star Sabu, the “Elephant Boy,” and Conrad Veidt, Viennese star, “Burmese Silver” will be made in Technicolor. Production starts next season. A Sensationally Tragic Clip in Pathe Newsreel New York — The current issue of Pathe News contains a clip that rates among the more sensational filmed of tragic scenes. An automobile race accident which occurred in Australia killing three spectators and injuring others is caught with stark, breathtaking reality. The car, which was out of control, bounded into the spectators along the railing scattering them like human duckpins. It’s terse and stuns. " Divorce " Upheld Fargo, N. D. — The United States district court here late this week upheld the constitutionality of the state theatre “divorcement” law, making it illegal for distributors to own or operate theatres. An appeal to a higher court will probably be made by distributor interests. RICHMOND ^yiTH the city putting lights in all the parks for night ball games, there is a considerable dent in the boxoffice takes this summer. Exhibitors already are praying for cold weather . . . Charlie Somma has two young ladies visiting all homes near Highland Springs acquainting the natives of the new Henrico Theatre, and giving them a guest ticket . . . Graham Barbee and Ed Healey, officials of the Lichtman circuit were in town last week conferring with Pete Lichtman. Billy Ballenger and the wife are vacationing in Atlantic City . . . Allen Brown and his better half visited Atlantic City and New York on their annual vacations . . . N. C. Haefele, Baltimore manager, National Theatre Supply Co., has sold projectors and sound equipment to the Virginia censor board . . . P. H. Saxon, representative, Novelty Scenic Studios, New York, visited A. O. Budina, architect, Neighborhood Theatres, last week. The Original Show Boat is making its annual appearances along the Rappahannock River, showing in Tappahannock last week . . . Charters of the following corporations have been revoked in the State of Virginia by the corporation commission for failing to pay franchise taxes: The Virginian Theatre Holding Corp., Roanoke; National Amusement, Danville, and Front Royal Theatre Corp., Front Royal . . . The New-Leader candid cameraman is giving two guest tickets to the Westhampton Theatre to everyone whose picture appears in the daily layout in the paper. In addition, the cameraman hands a circular listing the attractions to everyone whose picture is taken on the street. Dr. Kendig, owner of the Free State, Kenbridge, has taken over Harris Ghee’s Rialto Theatre, Victoria . . . Harl Wolever, manager. Paramount, Newport News, is attending the Rotary convention in San Francisco . . . The State in Petersburg has been reopened by R. I. Lassiter. Licensed for Television Boston — A license to operate the first television theatre in the United States has been granted to the Massachusetts Television Institute by the city of Boston. The premiere performance was held Wednesday in Television Hall. This first television playhouse is authorized to give continuous sight-sound performances from 7 to 10 every evening except Sunday. New Shorts Series New York — Milton Schwarzwald has begun production of a new series of Mentone and Nu Atlas musical shorts at Eastern Service Studios. Schwarzwald recently signed a new contract at the Astoria studios. He personally supervises and directs with Larry Williams at the camera and William Kelly assisting. Trans-Lux Books "Datelines" New York — Trans-Lux Theatres has booked the short “Datelines,” produced by Lora Hays, for three days starting July 20. 24-H BOXOFFICE :: July 16, 1938