Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1939)

Newspaper Favors a Library for Films Boston — Editorializing on the theme, “Forgotten Films,” the Boston Transcript asked rhetorically, “Should there not be some kind of film library where we could spend half an hour or so in turning up pictures that had their great virtues, but, for one reason or another, will never be revived? How it could be worked out would prove a complicated process, taut what are complications to the ‘mind of tomorrow’? “Just such a film was ‘The Edge of the World,’ which was recently put on here and failed to attract attention. Its plot was not much, but then it did not matter. What did matter was the singularly beautiful photography of sea and sky and rocks and people. “The picture was taken under considerable difficulties on the Island of Hirta, from the remote coast of Scotland. It had the same quality of lonely beauty that was a distinction of ‘Man of Aran.’ More honest than the latter picture, it did not suggest that the island was inhabited by only three people. Perhaps its honesty was its undoing in the eyes of the public. But what would we not give now and again for those superb pictures of vast cliffs rising sheerly from the sea!” Change Opening Days Hartford — Loew-Poli theatres here have changed their opening days for new pictures. Jack A. Simons’ Loew-Poli has changed from Friday to Thursday, while Louis Cohen’s Loew-Poli house, the Palace, has switched from Friday to the same day. Moves in the same direction have been reported from other areas. Fish Weds Mendenhall Boston — Marion Pish and Ernest Mendenhall of the Copley-Plaza were married last week in Middleboro. They later left for New York on their honeymoon. The bride is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fish. Fish, who has patented a number of inventions, is with the Capitol Theatre Supply Co. Hamilton Knows His Politics, Too South Norwalk, Conn. — Albert Hamilton, manager of the Empress Theatre here, the other night let his patrons know he is a pretty good political forecaster as well as a showman. Immediately after Mayor Frank T. Stack had been re-elected to head the city's administration, Hamilton announced the fact to them. Then, only two hours later, he surprisingly followed up with a series of newsreel clips of the mayor and his wife about their home. QEORGE landers, manager for E. M. Loew, was in Boston last Tuesday to discuss the release of the Columbia film, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” which the theatre here was scheduled to present on Friday, October 20. Mrs. E. M. Loew, wife of the Boston Theatre chain executive, was in Hartford last week while passing through this area. According to reports, Mrs. L. was going down to New York. Members of the Loew-Poli Palace service staff are sporting new uniforms. Congratulations are in order for Louie Cohen, manager of the house, whose 20th wedding anniversary is heard hereabouts . . . State appeared to be quite busy on opening day for Sammy Kaye last Thursday. Miss Iris Barry, former film editor of the London, England, Daily Mail and author of several books on the motion picture industry, spoke here at the Avery Memorial last Friday night. She spoke of early French pioneers, besides showing films to the audience. Phil Spitalny and “Hour of Charm” Orchestra were due at the Harris Brothers’ State Wednesday . . . Joseph Allen jr. appeared on the M&P Allyn Theatre stage last Saturday afternoon for a personal appearance. The Jitterbug Contest, staged by the Park St. Lyric, a Warner unit, was, according to Paul Binstock, manager of the theatre, “the biggest thing I ever had yet in the theatre.” Downtown WB Strand has changed opening day for new films from Fridays to Wednesdays . . . Book Night is scheduled to start soon at Maurice Shulman’s Webster. A set of 15 books will be given away. This will, according to the management, run for an approximate time of 15 weeks. Bristol doings: Manager Deiinis Rich, Cameo, spent a recent day off visiting relatives down New Haven way . . . In Boston recently was Allari Schwartz, manager, Milford Drive-Hi Theatre. New display frames are scheduled to be installed at the Capitol, Waterbury . . . Julian B. Tuthill and M. Oakley Christoph, representing the motion picture departments of the two major newspapers in town, were down New Haven way recently to view the trade preview of “Hollywood Cavalcade.” In and about Connecticut: Sidney Kleper, Loew-Poli, Meriden, confined to his home . . . Mike Sirica, manager, Capitol, Waterbury, a recent visitor to the N. Y. World’s Fair . . . Joe Ziburis, Charles Schnoomakers, Joe Gandy and Frankie Wendler, the new' members of the service staff, Loew-Poli, Waterbury . . . Nothing more has been heard of the idea of Athen Prakas,’ owner of the Rivoli at Bridgeport, to open a new house in Bethel. Springfield, Mass., Court Square Theatre is having new lighting installed on its Stage. More Springfield news: Harry Smith, division manager for Western Massachusetts Theatres, Inc., is ill .. . Reports have it that the Paramount’s shows are getting better and better as time goes on. Congrats are due partly to Nate Goldstem, Western Massachusetts Theatres, Inc., who is in New York booking stage attractions. Manager Bill Powell reports that the theatre is on a policy from now on of a “real show for the money.” State St. Princess has had its marquee painted . . . Unionists are picketing the E. M. Loew’s on Asylum St. The men are from the A. F. of L., which claims that the theatre isn’t employing any union help . . . WB Regal’s new marquee has been the brightly-lighted sign that new-comers to Hartford have seen when on State St. Comments still are being heard. Seen on Prospect St. last Friday afternoon talking with Julian B. Tuthill, Times, was Manager Jim McCarthy of the downtown Strand, a Warner unit . . . North End Lenox, Warner unit, is, according to the latest reports, still packing them in on Saturday afternoons. Adults seldom show up at the Saturday matinee, inasmuch as kids usually crowd in, and if the film is good, there’s sometimes SRO business 071 the management’s hands. Loew-Poli doings: Assistant Manager Wally Cooper’s driver’s license was stolen last Sunday night . . . Some two months ago Eddie Downs, service staff, found $12 on the floor of the theatre. Being the right kind of fellow, Eddie turned the money over to. the management, which kept the sum up to a few days ago, at which time the sum of money was given Downs . . . Russ Grant is assisting Lou Cohen, manager, Loew-Poli Palace, while regular assistant. Jack Tescher’s vacation is being done . . . Loew-Poli service staff holds publicity meetings on Sundays at 1 : 30 p. m. . . . Last month to college: Alabama — Irving Herbert, Harold Rose and Gordon Pearl; while to New Britain’s State Teachers’ College went part-time doorman. Herb Pivnick. New fellows seen about the Loew-Poli are Bob Pasternack, Marshall Levy and Bobbe Hoffman. Don Adreonatta is taking Russ Grant’s place at Loew-Poli while Russ is over at the Palace, in Tescher’s absence. Plans to Reopen Eagle at Lubec on Percentage Boston — Robert Whitten plans to reopen the Eagle Theatre in Lubec, Me., on a percentage deal. Tlie house is being rebuilt following a fire. Whitten is operating elsewhere in Maine at Vanceboro and Millbridge. He has been running Fisher Hall in Pembrook one night a week. Whitten has discontinued operation at St. Francis, and he has darkened at Prospect Harbor for the season. Divides Scripting Chore Hollywood — Allan Scott will team with Gregory LaCava on the screenplay for “The Primrose Path.” LaCava also will produce and direct for RKO. BOXOFFICE : : October 21, 1939 67