Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1939)

Studio Visitors From the East — Martin Hirsch, a Philadelphia exhibitor, and his two sisters are entertained by Jane Wyman, second from right, amid the slot machine atmosphere of the “Gambling on the High Seas” set at the Warner studio. Conflicting Reports On Effect of War Albany — Conflicting reports as to effect of the war and the discount rate against Canadian currency, on the 20 or more theatres near the New York state side of the Canadian border, trickle into Filmrow. Some stories are that the boxoffice has felt it in places (Watertown is one mentioned) . Others, that the dip in grosses has not been marked, at least not enough to cause widespread complaining. Smaller theatres and exhibitors probably would be hardest hit, because they operate on a narrow margin of profit. Even a difference of several dollars a day, due to falling off of Canadian patronage and to losses on exchange, would be important to them. Filmrow reports have been contradictory, not only on the general effect of the situation, but on the policy followed by exhibitors with respect to accepting Canadian money. Since the exchange rate has increased — it was quoted at 11 per cent by Albany banks in mid-week — some houses, at least, are said to have abandoned the policy of taking Canadian currency at face value. One hears certain theatres will accept silver, but not paper, money at par, although banks here say discount is the same on both. Another story is that theatres do not discount small silver coins, or tack a “charge” on lower bracket admissions. However, the accuracy of this is challenged by a few observers. They point out the percentage loss to the exhibitor would be just as large on a 15 cent as a 30 cent admission. It is stated some houses discourage the use of Canadian money, preferring that customers lay on the line in American currency. Also heard is the report some exhibitors accept Canadian money and sell it, possibly at six per cent discount, to “money men” in their localities. The money men hold on until they can make a profit when Canadian currency goes up. It is generally said fewer Canadians are crossing the border, because their money will buy less in the States. Also that the exchange thing is a headache to theatre operators. The rate of exchange fluctuates not only from day to day but hour to hour — it went up one per cent within 60 minutes on a recent day. Settle Lyken Valley Labor Dispute; Picket Cinemart Philadelphia — Labor relations in the film industry here had one boost and one setback in a week. Local UMPTO officers — Lewen Pizor, president, and George Aarons, secretary, and H. A. Snyder of Tremont, Pa., representing UMPTO ’s Lyken ’s Valley group, conferred with officers of operators’ union. Local 307. They announced settlement of a dispute that has been bothering seven or eight theatres in Lyken Valley for the last four months. At the same time, the union threw a picket line around the Cinemart Theatre (formerly the Poplar) , charging employment of non-union help. Suit Bars Expansion For Fox Midwest New York — E. C. Rhoden, operating head of Pox Midwest, states there are no expansion plans under way for his circuit because of the government suit. Here for a few days with Lon T. Cox, chief film buyer and booker, Rhoden left for Kansas City Thursday with his aide after washing up several details on new product buys. Rick Ricketson, head man in Pox Intermountain, returned to Denver the latter part of the week after spending 10 days in town on numerous routine matters. Eastern Attorneys W'est For FWC Case Duty Los Angeles — Richard Everett Dwight of Dwight, Harris, Koegel & Caskey, eastern attorneys for National Theatres and 20thFox, is here from New York with Fred Pride and another legal assistant in connection with the “Big Stick’s” alleged violation by FWC of a 1930 consent decree. Dwight and his aides are working with Charles A. Buckley, local counsel for FWC, and will remain here for about a month. Larry Kent, chief booker for FWC, is due to leave New York the end of the month or the first week in October. UA Turns to Some Questioning New York — In an unexpected move, UA, Friday, used the government's interrogatory approach in the anti-trust suits against the majors, by filing 38 questions seeking to learn from the Department of Justice complete data on each theatre and individual against whom the government charges UA sought to conspire. Observers see in this approach a method of learning who the government witnesses are and thereby permitting UA to prepare its defense. A Design for Probing In Coast Subpoenas Hollywood — Exposition of alleged labor racketeering, possible income tax evasions and various corporate affairs is the design of Charles H. Carr, assistant U. S. attorney general in issuing subpoenas for William Goetz, assistant to Darryl Zanuck and William Dover, until recently an executive at 20th Century-Fox. Immediately following empanelment of a federal grand jury before Federal Judge William P. James, it was said Goetz and Dover were to appear for questioning momentarily. Carr indicated he expects Attorney General Frank Murphy to come here from Washington September 25 to lend his weight to the investigation, at which time Carr tacitly admitted that William Bioff (ex-IATSE power), Zanuck, Joseph M. Schenck and other industry figures would be subpoenaed. The assistant attorney general refused to divulge upon what subjects or along what lines the examinations of these executives were to be based. 'Tlie grand jury is in session under U. S. Attorney Benjamin Harrison, with A. M. Buley, oil operator, as foreman. English Transport Returns To Partly Normal Basis New York — Shipments and mailing to and from England have returned to a partially normal basis as far as Joseph H. Seidelman, in charge of Universal foreign affairs, is concerned. Mail is reaching the home office in nine days and film shipments are slightly delayed, but otherwise the usual routine is being maintained. Composers Organize Albany — American Composers Alliance, Inc., has been formed as a mem’eership corporation. Greenbaum, Wolff & Ernst, 285 Madison Ave., acted as attorneys in the proceedings. On the same day, a certificate of dissolution of American Composers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, was filed here. BOXOFFICE : : September 23, 1939 40-K