Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1938)

Business Bureau Broadside At Support of Cash Games Indianapolis — Like most large cities throughout the United States, IndianapoLs has been the victim of the lottery epidemic which has been sweeping the country, especially during the past two or three years. Warnings are of no avail because obviously a large percentage of the public likes to gamble in some form or another. The Better Business Bureau has asked the cooperation of religious and civic groups in a drive to stamp out organized gambling, lotteries and various cash games. It was pointed out by the Better Business Bureau that such lotteries cost Indianapolis citizens an average of $20,000 a week. Both the Marion county prosecutor and the chief of Indianapolis police agreed that the Better Business Bureau had reason for complaint, but added that “public sentiment is against prosecution of Bingo game operators,” many of whom conduct the lotteries for the benefit of benevolent and charitable institutions, and religious organizations and churches. Officials of the Better Business Bureau declared that Bingo games, chain letters, selling schemes and gift enterprises operated by churches, lodges and other benevolent institutions are “just as illegal as the lotteries conducted by professional gamblers.” Theatre Bank Nights and Bingo games are part of the lottery epidemic that, sweeping the country, has engulfed Indianapolis, according to the bureau. Officials of the bureau have asked for an educated opinion to aid in breaking the rackets’ grip. They declared: Lotteries conducted by a church or a lodge for charitable causes are just as much a violation of the law as those conducted by professionals for private gain, and when upstanding citizens of the community, in organizations commanding respect, resort to this method of raising funds, they are openly encouraging the professional, and helping to break down law enforcement. CAPA Is Providing Boys With Vacations at Camp Chicago — A noteworthy step indeed is the current one by CAPA, in sending several boys to the YMCA camp, Camp Channing, Pullman, Mich. This week eight boys, all children of families in the industry, who otherwise .might not be able to send the youngsters to a camp, left under the sponsorship of CAPA. And each week until the closing of the camp, eight more youngsters will go, with each group staying two weeks. Every member of CAPA will be able to select one worthy boy to make the trip. The committee is headed by Herb Elisburg of Essaness and includes Lou Abramson and Joe Berenson. Another Lobby Service Chicago — The only theatre in the U. S. with a government mail box. That's the distinction of the B&K Garrick Theatre in the loop. The box has been there ever since the Garrick Theatre building was erected, and when the theatre lobby was rebuilt some years ago, the position of the box was not changed. "I'll bet that's the best lighted mail box Uncle Sam has, says Sylvan Goldfinger, the Garrick manager. Chicago Educators Hail Harvard Plan Chicago — Local educators this week praised the plan of Harvard University to recognize motion pictures as a fine art and include a study of films in the graduate school of design next fall. Hailing the plan as a good one. President Walter Dill Scott of Northwestern University said: “I think such a course would find an opportune place in our school of speech and I intend taking the matter up with the dean of the school next semester. I think the motion picture is a desirable medium and form of art, and worthy of serious study. I hope the movement spreads. “There is no doubt that the motion picture industry has advanced greatly since its inception, and can be classified along with painting, sculpture and architecture as well as drama.” President Arthur Cutts Willard of the University of Illinois declared Harvard’s step a fine idea. President Robert Maynard Hutchins of the University of Chicago, in praising the plan, said there was no question but that motion pictures can be classified as a fine art, along with drama, music and art. Carey & Alexander Start Construction at Attica Attica, Ind. — Work on the new $40,000 theatre being constructed here by Carey & Alexander of the Messner Theatre here has begun. The company also operates houses in Lebannon, Rockville, and Monticello. It is planned to have the house opened by November 1. The new house will be the firm’s ‘“A” theatre here. Associated with Carey and Alexander in the operation of the new house will be Ted Pence, former manager of the Messner. AARON SAPERSTEIN MAJOR portion of Aaron Saperstein's short but fruitful life was devoted to the general uplift of the motion picture industry of which he, as head of Allied of Illinois, was so much a part. His competitors or "foes," as well as his colleagues and associates, regarded him as first a man, highly principled, trustworthy and loyal. Exemplary of the spirit in which Saperstein was held in his community, is the following comment by John Balaban, head of the extensive B&K circuit: "He had courage, character and integrity. No more can be said of any man. Even though he was on the opposite side of the fence, he was a very constructive force in our industry. This town and the industry asa whole will miss him." Little more need be written on the fine person that was Saperstein, other than he passed on in the midst of a last duty for his organization. GENE RICH. Speculation in Desloge Over Lead Belt Reports Desloge, Mo. — Report that the Lead Belt Amusement Co., controlled by Mr. and Mrs. George Karsch, might invade this town and open a theatre in opposition to the New Grand Theatre, operated by R. W. Corbin, is causing speculation in the southeastern amusement circles as to whether such a step, if taken, might not lead to retaliatory moves in Farmington, Flat River and Bonne Terre where the Lead Belt Amusement Co. now has theatres. Some weeks ago Corbin announced plans for the erection of a new theatre, with a seating capacity of about 525 and to cost approximately $25,000. Bruce F. Barnes, Clayton, Mo., is the architect. Later it was stated that the Frisina circuit, which operates a number of theatres in southern Illinois, eastern Missouri and southeastern Iowa would be interested in the new house with Corbin. So with Frisina teamed up with Corbin the Karsch company, if it invades Desloge, would be facing strong opponents. However, latest information is that an understanding has been effected by all parties concerned and open conflict will be avoided. An Essaness Tiein on World Fair Promotions Chicago — The Essaness circuit is participating in a promotional stunt that will choose two Chicago girls to represent the Windy City at the New York and San Francisco World’s Fairs next year. The first eliminations were to be held Saturday at the West End Theatre, • with several prizes being awarded in this preliminary competition. 42 BOXOFFICE :: July 16, 1938