Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1938)

Myers Balks ^■RAILING the wake of Nathan Yamins’ appeal for $5 from each independent theatre to replenish the Allied “War Chest” comes information via Boxoffice’s Red Kann on the difference of opinion which crept into the organization’s negotiating committee at the Chicago trade practice parleys with major distributors. That the “old guard” is stalling on the trade practice program in preference to the continuance of its “on the warpath” program of legislation and litigation was the indication behind Abram F. Myers’ statement Allied had agreed to no agreement in Chicago recently. Allied’s directors were reported to have divided themselves into what might be described loosely as two groups. Myers headed one and by his side were some of the organization’s “old guard,” including Cole of Texas, Samuelson of New Jersey and Blum of Maryland. New England’s Yamins was understood to be aligned with Branch of Michigan, Steffes of Minnesota and Cohen of New York; these cohorts resting on the theory current distributor willingness to effect reforms represented an encouraging beginning, if not the end. The “Old Guard” is understood to have argued for hammering the majors down the line and to their knees. Extremely significant was the fact that Allied men broke up under the impression, and perhaps, as it appeared last week, la BOSTON (Continued from page 77) musical comedy opening Tuesday at the Shubert. Jack Granara, RKO publicity head, is not claiming credit for a Snow White bridge party held last week by the Fitchburg Women's Club. The affair was so completely in keeping with the film theme that an apple-seller, garbed as a witch, was in evidence. It was all for sweet charity. The Easton in Northeastern is running films ... A. Rudenstein has taken over the Princess in Bridgewater from C. Babb. RCA sound has been installed in the Liberty in Providence. Similar equipment was put into the second Bomes house in the Rhode Island capitol, the Hollywood. “Good Used (But Not Abused) Chairs” is what Joe Cifre, Inc., is offering . . . and quipping. boring under it, that the trade practice program was well on its way with the odds much in favor of ultimate adoption. In view of this, Myers’ statement technically denying any agreement had been reached has raised a number of eyebrows, quickened a number of pulses and shot up an assortment of blood pressures, not necessarily in the ranks of distributors. The mood appeared to be an angry one, leading to any assortment of deductions. 10 Years Ago ( From Boxoffice Files, Nov. 17, 1928) gOUND continues to make rapid progress in the New England field, with Samuel Pinanski announcing that soon all houses in the Netoco chain will be equipped with the popular device . . . A1 McEvoy opened his Victory in Lowell, Mass., on election day, supplied latest news of returns and, as a goodwill gesture, did not charge admission. Rhode Island, Providence particularly, is movie mad, with temples of cinema entertainment reaping the harvests of good bills and fancy presentations . . . Fred Lovett is at the Royal in Olneyville, R. I., handling the reins after several seasons with the Fay chain. The Strand at Willimantic, Conn., has been sold to Myron W. Sperry of Hartford . . . Manager Dan Finn of the Strand, Hartford, reports large attendance after having installed sound in his house . . . Hartford’s Fox-Poli Palace is closed for renovation and, upon relighting, will present a combination film-flesh show. More renovations: The Fox-Poli house at Springfield, Mass., and the Palace and Poli in Bridgeport . . . Harvey Cooks, formerly assistant manager of the Fields Corner, Dorchester, Mass., is now manager of the house, succeeding J. J. Dempsey. A1 Jolson’s “Singing Fool,” in which the mammy star is heard as well as seen, is smashing attendance records in Boston. How to operate motion picture theatres profitably Here is a new book full of HOW TO DO IT information, written by a man who believes that the first objective of theatre management is to make money. In this book he covers motion picture theatre management from A to Z, giving the best results of years of experience as a guide in establishing successful policies, building profitable business, and efficiently operating any size theatre. The Management of Motion Picture Theatres By FRANK H. RICKETSON. Jr. Get This Great Aid to Theatre President. Fox Inter-Mountain Theatres, Inc. Management! GET IT TODAY!! 375 pages, 6x9, illustrated, $3.50 Send check or money order to ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS, 4704 East Ninth Street, Kansas City, Missouri 80 BOXOFFICE :: November 19, 1938