Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1939)

Suit for Earlier Availability Planned by Dallas Nabes H, Wall Plans Another Rockingham, N. C. — H. C. Wall is planning a $25,000 theatre on West Washington St., adjacent to the bus station. This will give him two houses — the Richmond and this, the new Little Theatre. Dallas — A move on the part of several Dallas neighborhood theatre operators is on foot to file a suit asking earlier availability of pictures for their theatres, Boxoffice learned early this week. Details of the action could not be obtained, nor was it learned who the defendants will be, whether distributors, theatres or both. The general complaint, however, is that some of the Dallas houses Building, Remodeling Is Paced by R&R Dallas — New theatres and remodelings in the Robb & Rowley circuit will stand out in 1939 as major undertakings of that organization, according to jobs thus far completed and those under way. The Grand at Mineral Wells will blossom out for its reopening August 11. The remodeling started July 27 with the house closing down completely on July 31 for ten days to allow redecoration of the interior. The sound and all mechanical equipment will be modernized. When the Palace work is completed, the Gem will be given similar treatment with the cost of improvements at both houses totaling $10,000. The Mineral Wells theatres are owned by Resort Amusement Co., of which T. M. Dunn and J. W. Courtney are resident partners and managers. This company is affiliated with the Robb & Rowley circuit. Modernize at Terrell Terrell — Complete modernization of the Iris here will start when the house closes on August 8 to reopen August 20. Leaman Marshall is the resident partner and manager with R&R affiliation and interest. Replace Destroyed Houses Waxahachie — R&R built two new theatres here, an A and B house, and one new theatre in Sherman, an A. Both A houses replace complete fire losses. Build in Oklahoma Dallas — Among new theatres now under construction for fall opening are the State at Sapulpa, Okla., owned by Jimmie Zardaludes and Griffith, to be ready August 15, and the theatre on Navigation Blvd.. owned by Navigation Theatre Corp., of which Ben McKinney is president, to open August 20. charging 25 cents have 90 days clearance, while others with same admission have 75 days availability, according to one of the interested parties. One exhibitor charged he is losing $100 weekly in gross because his theatre waits too long for pictures. He gave his opinion that all pictures should clear even the 15 cent runs in 90 days. Strand in Montgomery Reopens Remodeled Montgomery, Ala. — The Strand Theatre has reopened after extensive remodeling. It has been repainted, replastered, recarpeted and an electric drinking fountain has been installed, along with new projection equipment. New seats will be installed within the next two weeks. The theatre opened under new managership, Marvin Warren, a native of Alabama, who has been with the Wilby Theatre in Chattanooga, taking over. Vickers Charities Head Charlotte — John Vickers, head of the Carolina Delivery Service, has been named chairman of the prospects committee of the Charlotte Community Chest. Remodel at Wichita Falls Dallas — Remodeling of the old Opera House at Wichita Falls now under way by Texas Consolidated Theatres, is expected to be completed for opening in October. The circuit has renewed its lease on the State which for a brief time was held by V. E. Hamm, although Texas Consolidated was in continuous operation of the house. RKO World Fair Lounge Visitors — l7i New York these days one of the relaxation spots for the tired exhibitor is the RKO Radio World Fair lounge in Radio City. Above are Southerners enjoying the hospitality. TOP: D. B. Austell of the Cabarrus Theatre at Concord, N. C., and Don Austell of the Rivoli in Greenville, S. C. CENTER: Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cupp and son of the Royal and Co-Ed theatres at Arkadelphia. Ark. BELOW : Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Mack and friends of the Strand at Jonesboro, Ark. 90 BOXOFFICE :: August 5, 1939