Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1939)

New England Pointed Out As Rich Film Material Manchester, N. H. — Since the historic adventures of various sections of the country are being filmed, the Manchester Union asks why New England is being overlooked. In an editorial, “New England Epic,” the Union said: “Hollywood, which is poring over history books to good advantage these days, is politely urged to remember that parts of the country other than the West and Southwest are rich in adventure, too. Tliere is plot material aplenty, as only one case in point, in the exploits of Rogers and his famous Rangers. “For some strange reason, the so-called great open spaces have had lion’s share of attention from the film makers. Here in New England, there were great wooded places. The story of their clearing and of the founding first of homes, and then villages, is certainly as stirring as the portraying of life in the West. “The Pioneering Fathers here in New England were brave men. every bit as brave as those of their descendants who were to people the West. No section of the country is more deserving of having its story written for the screen, there to be a stirring 20th century reminder of life when the nation was in the making.” Massachusetts Legislature Will Recess Ten Days Boston — Massachusetts legislature adjourns July 4 for ten days, which means that several important taxation and labor bills of particular interest to exhibitors will be deferred until after the recess. Indications are now that the lawmakers will be debating these and other measures well into the summer. It also means that a number of key men in the film industry here cannot make plans for their own vacations until the legislators close shop. Springlield Deluxer Will Close Till Labor Day Springfield — Western Massachusetts Theatres, Inc., operators of the Paramount, the city’s largest, newest and only airconditioned house, will close the house at least until Labor Day, it is announced. Lack of product is given as the reason. Some redecoration is contemplated during the dark period. Recent negotiations with unions with the idea of running one feature and seven acts of vaudeville collapsed when operating costs were found too high. Eames Buys Property Littleton, N. H. — John B. Eames, operator of theatres in Littleton, Colebrook, Bethlehem and Bretton Woods in the White Mountains section, has purchased the site of the James C. MacLeod department store, which was destroyed by fire last December. He plans to erect a large commercial block. JACK GRANARA, publicity chief for RKO Theatres here, leaving July 2 for a week’s vacation at Forest Lake in Maplewood, N. H. Red King, stage manager at the Keith Boston, is assisting Granara during the summer months until stage shows return to that house. Judy Canova, Ann and Zeke threw a press party at Dinty Moore’s . . . Marjorie Adams film critic of the Boston Globe heads for Hollywood for a three-week vacation July 6. Among her friends on her visiting list is Charles W. Koerner, former divisional manager for RKO Theatres in New England. Bachelor dinner for Phil DePetro, manager of the Jamaica Plain Theatre in Jamaica Plain, Mass., at the Hotel Kenmore, Boston, June 28. M&P Theatre employes had their annual outing at Mayflower Hotel in Plymouth, with about 100 participating in outdoor and indoor sports. Ed Cuddy was honorary chairman of the committee, with Ed Cantor, chairman. Phil Seletsky headed the athletic committee, Harry Browning, publicity, and Henri Schwartzberg , transportation. Bayside Theatre in Hull, Mass., opened by M&P Theatres for the summer season. Harry Browning, publicity director for M&P Theatres, has put his sailboat in the water and will race it in the annual regatta of the Medford Boat Club, July 4. T O Two German machine guns in the office of Specialty Pictures remind visitors that this company is distributing “Four Aces,” starring Private Slack, only private in the AEF to win the Congressional Medal. Winnie Coyle, treasurer of the Keith Memorial, is turyiing in some good scores on the local golf links, and she’s sporting a gorgeous tan. Benny Goodman played a free show at the Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common, June 23, swinging out for a whole hour. Staid Boston had never seen anythink like the outdoor jitter jamboree that resulted. Offices at headquarters of M&P Theatres at 60 Scollay Square are being renovated. John Hickey, well-known stage director in these parts, recently visited town, spending time with Red King, stage manager of the Keith-Boston and Howard Burkhardt the new manager of Loew’s Orpheum. Barry Mirkin, formerly assistant stage manager and featured vocalist at the Metropolitan Theatre now emcee and band leader for the Major Bowes World’s Fair Revue, now on tour. Mirkin, a Boston lad, was associated with Harry Gourfain for several years as assistant producer of unit stage shows and later was companystage manager for the Ted Lewis and Horace Heidt orchestras. Barrett Kiesling, good-will ambassador (Continued on page 59) IDEAL ARE GOOD DO YOU HAVE “CHAIRITIS”?* (A condition whose symptoms include squirming patrons, etc. Not even good pictures are a cure for this uncomfortable malady. Extraction of ailing chairs recommended.) CHAIRS BOXOFFICE CAPITOLIZE — IDEALIZE CAPITOL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY NEW ENGLAND ORGANIZATION FORt NEW ENGLAND EXHIBITORS 28-30 PIEDMONT STREET • BOSTON. MASS. BOXOFFICE :: July 1, 1939 57