Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1939)

Move to Banish Games In Manhattan Ahead New York — With a score of houses on Manhattan’s mid-town east and west side winding up the first experimental week to abolish chance games throughout the city, an effort is being made to bring theatres below 14th Street into line. Loew’s, RKO, Harry Brandt’s circuit and units of the Laurence Bolognino chain on July 3 dropped games in houses between 34th and 72nd Streets, west of Eighth Avenue, and between 34th and 60th Streets, on the east side. The move was instigated by Brandt and gained impetus through the $500 fine imposed by Judge Bayes in Brooklyn special sessions on the management of the Atlantic for violating the lottery laws. Although independent houses below 14th Street claim to be willing to get on the bandwagon, RKO is said not to be disposed to follow suit in that area unless Loew’s drops the practice on the lower east side, where the circuit has substantial representation. The Atlantic case will be appealed, with arguments expected to be heard in September. Attorneys for the theatre will cite the People vs. Miller case, which set a precedent when the court of appeals ruled games were not in violation of the lottery laws as long as a consideration separate from the admission ticket is not demanded. Capitol Makes Straight Picture Policy Pay New York — Despite the varying grosses at the theatre, the Capitol continues to show a profit at the end of the year on a straight picture policy. Although there is some wonderment in the trade why vaudeville or stage bands are not added, the Loew circuit will continue to shy clear of additional expenses which would tend to add to the competitive situation now existing between the Paramount and Strand for band names and the Music Hall and Roxy for stage presentation personalities. It is also held addition of vaudeville or name bands to the Capitol may reflect on the State, Loew’s second run Broadway show-window which last week played Eddie Cantor and his Camel Caravan with “It’s a Wonderful World’’ to a record breaking business. The State is said to be one of the most profitable theatres on the Main Stem. Joe Vogel states much of the business at the State was due to the influx of visitors to the World’s Fair over the holidays. Hal Wallis Due Monday From European Visit New York — Hal Wallis, Warner production executive, arrives from Europe aboard the Normandie on Monday. Mort Blumenstock arrives in Hollywood the same day to confer with S. Charles Einfeld. Also due in Hollywood Monday are Bryan Foy, Warner producer, and Joseph Bernhard, WB circuit head. RKO Hearing Before Judge Bondy Now Set for July 20 New York — The RKO hearing before Federal Judge William Bondy scheduled for last week, was postponed to July 20 as there was no business to transact. Col. Hamilton C. Rickaby, attorney for the Atlas Corp., proponents of RKO’s plan of reorganization, stated at the close of the hearing that, should the circuit court of appeals decide favorably on the appeals during the next two weeks, he would move for consummation of the plan. Rickaby indicated he would apply for consummation even if further appeals to the supreme court were taken, but he was dubious that an underwriting agreement would be submitted in that event. From date of approval by the circuit court to the final settlement of underwriting, if no further hitches develop, one month should pass, Rickaby said. Loew Dividend on Preferred New York — Loew’s has declared a quarterly dividend on the preferred of $1,621/2, payable August 15 to stockholders of record, July 28. • REVIEW FLASHES • MILLION DOLLAR LEGS (Para)— A child of one of Paramount's weaker production moments, this collegiate comedy is distinguished for its utter lack of humor and acceptable campus atmosphere. Which shortcomings, coupled with the fact that the cast boasts no established marquee names, presage tough rowing which, incidentally, is the sport on which the film hangs its meager story. Betty Grable and John Hartley are featured. William C. Thomas produced; Nick Grinde directed. THEY SHALL HAVE MUSIC (UA)— The inspired violin of Jascha Heifetz and the noteworthy talents of the California Junior Symphony Orchestra combine to make this Samuel Goldwyn production a rare treat for music lovers. For those who relish their entertainment with less artistic proportions, there is a human story and an impressive cast headed by Joel McCrea, Andrea Leeds and Walter Brennan — albeit there is little for them to do. Archie Mayo directed. WYOMING OUTLAW (Rep)— Inspired by recent newspaper headlines, this western has loads of action and more story substance than is usual. The Three Mesquiteers, with John Wayne leading, help smash a political racket. Acting honors, however, go to Donald Barry who turns in an impressive performance as the young lad forced to become an outlaw because he doesn't subscribe to the theory that people should go hungry in the midst of plenty. George Sherman directed. COMPLETE REVIEWS on the above pictures will appear in an early issue of BOXOFFICE. Trendle Quits Helm Of Detroit Chain Detroit — With the resignation of George W. Trendle as president of the United Detroit Theatres, Paramount affiliate, the entire current management is said to be withdrawing because of failure to renew the Paramount partnership under which the chain of local theatres has been operated. Trendle, it is understood, wiU continue in charge until a successor is named. In this connection, the name of Nate Platte, Balaban & Katz executive in Chicago, is mentioned freely. Official reason for the withdrawal of Trendle is given as “responsibilities in the broadcasting field, to which full time devotion is necessary.” Trendle owns station WXYZ, Detroit, and has a substantial interest in an extended state network. He has been active in the field since 1930. It is understood that Trendle attempted to negotiate a new management contract that would include purchase of an interest in the UDT circuit, but that Paramoimt turned the idea down. A Film Furthering Peace Shown at World's Fair New York — Furthering its aim to “bring about a peace-consciousness in the minds of individuals through the revaluation of the character qualities of man,” the Biosophical Institute is exhibiting a documentary film, “World Leaders on Peace and Democracy,” in the Science and Education Bldg, at the World’s Fair. It runs 22 minutes. Produced by Edmund Lawrence Dorfman, president of the American Institute of Motion Pictures, the film presents ten prominent figures, each giving their views on how civilization may be saved. Those who appear are Dr. Frederick Kettner, founder-president of the Biosophical Institute, Cordell Hull, Albert Einstein, Thomas Mann, Harold Ickes, Robert A. Taft, Harold C. Urey, Dr. Arthur H. Compton, Dr. Eduard Benes and Nicholas Murray Butler. Paramount Debentures To Be Requisitioned New York — Federal Judge Alfred C. Coxe has authorized Paramount Pictures to have the New York Trust Co. requisition and hold for redemption by Paramount, all of the company’s 20-year six per cent sinking fund debentures due January 1, 1955, and all of the outstanding scrip certificates, as yet unclaimed. When Paramount was reorganized in 1935 it had a total of $51,157,743 in claims which had been allowed. It disposed of these through issuing scrip and debentures. About $16,437 in debentures and scrip remain unclaimed since 1935. The company desired to redeem this paper and the petition to the court followed. 22 BOXOFFICE :: July 8. 1939