Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1963)

DES MOINES sand will explain the basis for rating movies. The other leaflets will deal with indecent literature. Twenty thousand of the leaflets already have been distributed. Butterfield at Pontiac Reduces to Art Field From Mideast Edition DETROIT — A change of name and policy for the Strand Theatre at Pontiac marks the passing of Butterfield from regular theatre operation in this former circuit stronghold. The Strand, with seating capacity reduced from 1,127 to 992, becomes the Forum Theatre, and is being switched over to an art policy, still under the Butterfield flag. Old records list six Butterfield houses in Pontiac, all within a block of each other, in what was considered the biggest concentration in one area of a city anywhere in the country. Pontiac (population 82,223) is the biggest city within 50 miles of Detroit. It marks the nearest approach to Detroit of the Butterfield circuit operation, which once had 100 theatres and was rated as the largest independent circuit operation in the country at the time. Paradoxically, the headquarters of the circuit has been maintained in Detroit for close to half a century. North English Orpheum Readied for Reopening NORTH ENGLISH, IOWA — The Orpheum Theatre, closed since January, is being reopened by Richard Munn, who recently returned from California. Munn worked through the latter part of October and early days of this month to have the Orpheum ready for opening this week. Renovation work included washing, repairing the big screen, repairing seats and cleaning walls preparatory to painting, painting the ceiling and giving the booth equipment a thorough cleaning and checkup. Garth Grove will be in charge of projection and Honore Hogendorn is to operate the concessions stand. Teitel-Goldberg to Open New Chicago Art House From Central Edition CHICAGO — The Globe Theatre on the near north side will shift from subsequent runs to first-run art films, starting late in November. Clares Teitel and Dan Goldberg, owners, who present art-type movies in their World Playhouse and Town Theatre, said they believe there is a need here for another top art house to provide necessary playing time for the many fine art pictures now on the market. They said that every year dozens of excellent art movies are being passed up due to lack of screen space. The Globe is being remodeled throughout. 'Cane' Sets House Record From New England Edition MIDDLETOWN, CONN. — The Adorno Palace broke all house records with its extended engagement of Times Film’s “Mondo Cane.” Richard Cardinal Cushing will sponsor the world premiere of Otto Preminger’s “The Cardinal” at the Saxon Theatre in Boston December 11. Jowans are proud, but not surprised, that Neal Houtz, Iowa Allied president, was the hit of the national convention’s merchandising forum. Houtz, an expert in the field (and an expert on his feet), spoke on the importance of enthusiasm and pride of the exhibitor in his theatre. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Audubon Theatre owner John Rentfle jolted his Filmrow “podners” recently when he rode into town high in the saddle, headed ’em off at the pass and then galloped into the sunset to the strains of “Git Along Little Dogie.” Resplendent in broad-brimmed Stetson, red and white checkered western shirt, string tie, breeches and embroidered boots, Rentfle looked like a cattle baron from the pages of Edna Ferber. In reality, he heads Audubon’s Chamber of Commerce and his get-up was part of the city’s annual Operation T-Bone. This includes a week-long celebration in the beef-feeding capital of the world, climaxed by a twoday trip to Chicago via the beef train. John rode herd on the whole shebang, including the final rail roundup, which took 1,200 head of cattle to the Chicago market. Armed With an Autograph: Mrs. Bryan Rowley, wife of the Marshalltown exhibitor, brought film star Tony Randall’s autograph all the way back from New York — on her arm. Attending National Allied’s convention with her husband, Mrs. Rowley asked for the autograph and Randall obliged. He grabbed her arm and wrote! A Star Is Born Dep’t: Welcome from Boxoffice to Charles A. Caligiuri jr., born October 25 to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Caligiuri. Dad is Paramount branch manager. “Little Chip” has two older sisters. Congratulations to all . . . Joe Jacobs, Columbia manager, is back after a two-week bout with virus. Joe won . . . Karen Bitting of Columbia copped first prize as a clown at WOMPI’s recent Halloween masquerade party. The funfest was at the home of Gladys Crandall. Reports are that Florence Bundy of Central States also was tops, as a flapper. Ed Hyman, vice-president of American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres, was here from October 22-27 for sessions on upcoming product. Hyman and Morris Sher, his assistant, were met in Omaha by Don Allen, general manager of Tri-States Theatre Corp., and Don Knight, Tri-States assistant general manager. The foursome came here for important conferences . . . Happiest note is the return to work of Art Thiele at Iowa Theatre Supply, following several weeks in the hospital. Variety Club had a festive farewell at the Elks Club here for Bill Davis of National Theatre Supply. With the November 1 closing of the High street office, Davis moved on to Kansas City to become associated with NTS there ... In from around the state: Si Backer, Harlan; Ade Mueting, Pocahontas; Bob Malek, Independence, and Clarence Locke from the State, Washington. Service Activities Fill WOMPIs Leisure Hours DES MOINES — Those proverbial busy fellows, the legendary “one-armed paperhanger” and his counterpart, “the cranberry merchant,” are slackers compared to the local Women of the Motion Picture Industry. As Filmrow’s annual Christmas candy saleswomen, the WOMPIs are featuring Fanny Farmer Almond bars and a wide variety of plain and fancy party goodies. Wherever there’s a WOMPI, there’s a stock of holiday treats for sale, advises Dorothy Pobst, United Artists office manager and WOMPI president. Other WOMPI holiday activities already under way, according to Janice Funk of Central States and WOMPI publicist, include the doll project and plans to assist a needy family for the Yule season. In the former action, members of WOMPI style and sew wardrobes for Christmas dolls to be distributed by Santa, via the Salvation Army. Dolls are placed on display in a local department store prior to Christmas and a prize is awarded for the “bestdressed.” Local WOMPIs also are aiding in compiling mailing lists for the upcoming March of Dimes drive here. A continuing action, in which the women urge the cooperation of all in the industry, is the Eyes for the Needy program. In this, old eye glasses or sun-glasses are collected for reuse by those in need. If you have any spectacles no longer in use, you are urged to contribute them to the cause. Contact Dorothy Pobst or any other Des Moines WOMPI. At the Statue of Liberty the Federation of American Pan Hellenic Societies of Greater New York presented the PanHellenic Award to Columbia for bringing “Jason and the Argonauts” to the screen. * Make Money By Selling Merchant HOLIDAY TRAILERS Ask For Free Catalogue Showing Beautiful New Ad Styles and Sales Aids that Make It Easy For You To Sell. 1 32 5 S. Wabash CJi fni Cl cj2 CJrci i Per Co . ® ^ca6° » ■ ® ■ BOXOFFICE :: November 11, 1963 NC-3