Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1939)

Arbilration Setup in Trade Code Attacked Oklahoma City — A bulletin to all members of Allied Theatre Owners of Oklahoma was issued by Secretary George W. Sumner, prior to the convention of the Theatre Owners of Oklahoma, Inc., rival organization. It attacked the arbitration setup of the past and as proposed in the new trade practice code and advised members against signing arbitration agreements under any conditions in connection wih buying of film for the coming year. “The MPTO convention will be held at the Biltmore Hotel Monday and Tuesday, June 26-27,” it stated further. “We would advise every independent in the state to attend that convention and place yourselves in a position to judge the merits of the theatre organization that is controlled by the Hays office producers-distributors, when compared with the Allied organization now being formed in Oklahoma, and which is a unit of National Allied. “The Allied convention will be held in KING’S FRONTS AND LOBBIES pull them in. KING’S Oklahoma City early in September. We believe every independent theatre owner in this state should make his plans to attend. “By attending both conventions, you will be in a better position to judge which organization is better qualified to represent you, an independent theatre owner, and to protect your interests.” Five members of Allied attended the Theatre Owners of Oklahoma, Inc., convention but took no part in proceedings. Expect a Hearing Soon on Houston Suit Over Film Dall.as — The case of Brig. General Andrew Jackson Houston who is asking damages from Republic Pictures of Texas, W. G. Underwood, Interstate circuit, Karl Hoblitzelle, R. J. O’Donnell, because, he claims, the picture “Man of Conquest” reflected on the character of his parents. General Sam Houston and Mrs. Sam Houston, was expected to be heard in a Houston district court before the week ended. Will Horwitz, prominent Houston exhibitor, was not named in the suit, as was first indicated. W. G. Underwood has been in the Bayou City for the trial and to confer with defendant attorneys. Baker, Botts, Wharton & Andrews. The plaintiff lives at La Porte, Tex. Threet Reports Plans for New PU Arthur House individual treatment of theatre auditoriums please patrons inside. See KING for Theatre Remodeling and Re-vamping. KNOWING HOW SINCE 1910 PLANS FREE ON REMODELING lOB KING SCENIC CO. 20 11 1/2 Jackson St. Dallas — On the Row this week, L. M. Threet of Lufkin, who does much traveling these days in the interest of new theatre ventures he is contemplating, says Dallas theatre architects are now working up plans for a 1,000-seat house he proposes in Pt. Arthur on a site owned by his company, L. M. Threet Theatres. His new Jackson Theatre, now well under way at Jacksonville, will open in August. New House in Athens Athens, Ala. — A new 340-seat theatre has been opened here by the Sudekum circuit. The Queen Feature Service, Inc. Quality Theatre Equipment & Supplies Morris Ave. Phone 3-8665 BIRMINGHAM, ALA. BUFF ALO COOLING EQUIPMENT 315 s. HARWOOD BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO., INC. Dallas. Texas AGNER SIGN SERVICE INC. AGNER LETTERS AGNER GLASS AGNER FRAMES SOLI) BY C. L. McCOY Texas — Louisiana — Arkansas — W. Tennessee — Arizona — New Mexico— Oklahoma For Better Marquees Phoiip 7-S7:{8 2625 ELM STREET DALLAS. TEXAS THE newest group of Barkers to get by the Variety Club’s membership committee are H. C. Miller of Tyler; Fred Hoenscheidt, R. E. Griffith Theatres; Jack M. Corgan, Corgan & Moore, architects; Hiram Parks, Warner; the last three residing in Dallas. Incidentally, the club’s Monday luncheon was held at Hope Cottage where Variety funds on several occasions have been donated for the care of underprivileged babies. Audrey Cox, the Lamesa exhibitor, was catching up on booking for three theatres following a vacation trip to the New York World’s Fair. And just as likely as not Mrs. C. W. Matson of Rockdale may be another tourist at the New York Fair this summer, she told us on the Row this week. She says she has New York yet to see and will go if present plans work out. Her daughter, Miss Gladys Matson, who is attending Texas University for six weeks this summer, probably will accompany her. Last summer the Matsons motored to Mexico City. T. C. Kirksey of the Gem, Rosebud, was one of the regulars in town this week, visiting the various booking departments. Clever little advance display ads ran in Dallas newspapers telling about the opening of “Young Mr. Lincoln” Saturday at the Majestic. The punch was a testimonial from Elm St. managers carried in a box at the top of the space. One day Louis Charninsky, of the Capitol and Rialto, said “it was the best.” In following issues other managers told of the pictures’ fine entertainment merits, and even the opinions of the publicity men were quoted. The Lincoln film is playing the Griffith and R&R circuits as a “Money-Back Picture,” that is, patrons are offered a refund of their admission if they ask for it. C. H. Cox of Gilmer paid the Row an overdue visit and did booking for his Crystal and Strand. P. G. Cameron is off to California true to what he told this column a few weeks ago. While away, the Rita Theatre is under direction of his son Guy Cameron. Guy loosened up the other day and bought a Packard. About that time a business friend asked him if he had sold the theatre while the boss was out of town. Henry Sorenson has a little washed air unit set up in his office to keep him cool the rest of the summer and in an adjoining room Col. Cole was doing a little engineering on his cooling plant so that the thermometer on his desk would behave to his liking. Speaking of cooling, the Columbia exchange is a good place to be these days with its constant temperature of 78 evenly AIR CONDITIONING Peterson “Freezem" Mfg. & Sales Co. ru() Soutluvest Blvd. Kansas City, Mo. 68 BOXOFFICE :: July 1, 1939