Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1962)

HENRY KRATZ NAMED SECRETARY OF WISCONSIN ALLIED GROUP The resignation of Harold Pearson as executive secretary of the Allied MPTO of Wisconsin, and the appointment of Henry Kratz to succeed him was announced at the group’s annual convention in Milwaukee. Pearson, at left in top panel, is shown with Eddie Johnson, president, and Kratz. At right, above, are shown F. J. McWilliams of Portage, oldest exhibitor in the state, with Bud Rose, former AA manager in Milwaukee, and Tommy Richards, who was master of ceremonies at the Allied MPTO banquet. Bottom photo shows the new Wisconsin Allied officers, left to right: Gerry Franzen, treasurer; Otto Settele, secretary; Ben Marcus, chairman of the board; Ed Johnson, president, and Dean Fitzgerald, vice-president. Harold Pearson Resigns Post After 15 Years To Leave Industry MILWAUKEE — Henry Kratz, who started in the industry as a dooiTnan at the Wisconsin Theatre here in 1937, became executive secretary of Allied Motion Pictui'e Theatres of Wisconsin, succeeding Harold Pearson, who held the post the last 15 yeai’s. Pearson resigned to go into the soft drink bottling business in Menominee, Mich. The change was announced by Edward E. Johnson, who was re-elected president at the annual convention of Allied MPTW in the Pfister Hotel September 26, 27. Johnson was visibly moved when he disclosed the departure of Pearson at the banquet which climaxed the opening day’s activities. 15-YEAR ASSOCIATION Johnson explained that he had worked with Pearson closely since the latter took over the Allied post in 1947, eating and sometimes even sleeping with him when rooms were at a premium. “When we had to share a room together, we discovered that both of us snored,” he said. “So, we worked out a system; we took turns. One night he’d get to fall asleep first: the next night, it would be my turn. But Harold has done such an outstanding job for Allied that we just don’t have the time aroimd here tonight to recite all the details. Most of you exhibitors have been in contact with him long enough to know what he has done for you individually and the association as a whole. Of course, there are others who would like to say a few kind words about Harold Pearson, and Ben Marcus will lead off.” Following Marcus, Sig Goldberg of Wausau, National Allied director, and Milton London of Detroit, executive director of National Allied, paid tribute to Pearson. STARTED IN MILWAUKEE After his initial post at the Wisconsin, Kratz went to the Varsity here as assistant, then was promoted to manager of the Strand, and went on to pilot other Fox Wisconsin theatres. After three years in military service, he returned to Milwaukee in 1945 and joined the L. F. Gran circuit as advertising and district manager. When Prudential Theatres took over the L. F. Gran houses, Kratz remained in the same position with headquarters in the Uptown Theatre building. Other officers elected were Dean Fitzgerald, vice-president, and Gerry Franzen, both of Milwaukee, treasurer; Otto Settele, Pulaski, secretary, and these directors: Floyd Albert, Mount Horeb; Roland Koutnik, New Berlin; Ranee Mason, Houghton; Fi'ed Miner, Chippewa Falls; Don Perlewitz, Milwaukee; Larry Beltz, Wausau; A1 Bergman, Ashland; Don Deakin, Wisconsin Dells, and James Suick, Antigo. Ben Marcus is chairman of the board. The opening luncheon Wednesday was hosted by Pepsi-Cola. Rudy Koutnik was convention chairman. In his address, President Johnson recounted the success of efforts to gain exemption from the Wisconsin sales tax on all admissions under 76 cents. “Originally,” he said, “we were to be exempt from the sales tax on all soft drinks and popcorn sales. However, we suffered a setback on the latter two items when the Wisconsin department of taxation reversed its original decision. Due to the fact that we felt it was an injustice to require a theatre to pay a 3 per cent sales tax on items which were exempt from the tax as far as the theatre patron was concerned, we engaged the services of an attorney in Madison, who is working toward a solution of this dilemma.” He suggested that the facts outlined in the convention year book be used in speeches for presentation in each exhibitor’s community. Attorney Maurice Pasch declared that when larger and larger percentages of the dollar goes to taxes, and each year the taxes are heavier without admission prices moving up to offset the taxes, some action becomes necessary. He cited the good response he received at the state department of taxation, and was of the impression that despite precedents, things would come out alright. “I don’t want it to appear that we come to the department, with cup in hand,” said Pasch. “What we want to do is to avoid a lawsuit, and I think the department feels the same way.” Milt London cited a case from Detroit when exhibitors waged a battle to erase a tax on air conditioning. “Well,” he said, “we lost in the circuit court, but the supreme court reversed the (Continued on following page) BOXOrnCE :: October 8, 1962 NC-1