Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1963)

MINNEAPOLIS ^he weekend following President Kennedy’s assassination saw an upsurge in business. with theatres reporting an unexpected spurt in patronage on Saturday and Sunday in Minneapolis as a shocked public recoiled from the unmitigated horror and sorrow of radio and TV reporting of the tragic event by turning to the movies for escape and relaxation. In observance of the day of mourning for Mr. Kennedy, most Twin Cities theatres curtailed Monday activities to evening showings only; and local promoter Morris Chalfen postponed his presentation of the Moscow Circus till Tuesday. The 100,000th and 100.001st patrons to attend “Cleopatra” in Minneapolis, Henry Aquirre and his wife of 2220 Conway, St. Paul, were given the royal treatment by Maco Century Manager Bob Thill. They were guests of the theatre at the showing of their choice and received in addition a weekend suite at the Nicollet Hotel, flowers for the lady and a round of wining and dining at noted Mill City restaurants. Now Wtit Coo it Tlintri Service mi M.W. I LA (MIT — POtTlAND. 0M60N Coll — •»!!« — wire — lor o d«<*ontt'otion that’s what we call really giving the patron complete satisfaction for his business. Michael J. Larkin is the new manager of Ben Berger’s Tower Theatre in Superior, Wis. Mike, recently discharged from a four-year tour of duty in the Air Force, grew up in the movie business as the son of Mrs. Bernice Larkin and the late Larkin, operators of the Madelia Theatre in Madelia . . . Bob Short reports that one of the most rabid fans of his Los Angeles (nee Minneapolis) Lakers pro basketball team is none other than Doris Day. In her more enthusiastic moments, Doris has been observed to leap from her seat and cheer along with the Lakers’ yell-leaders. Minneapolis was well represented at the October Theatre Owners of America convention in New York City by Ted Mann, who served as toastmaster for the celebration’s final luncheon . . . Patrons of Charles Steuerwald’s State Theatre in Huron, S.D., can thank the local pheasant hunting industry for their advance look at the movie “The Man From Buttonwillow.” Actor-producer Dale Robertson was in town for a little sport and just happened to have with him a print of his latest venture, so Huron became the host for an unofficial world premiere and sneak preview combined. Leo Vetter, manager of the Mann circuit’s suburban St. Louis Park house, has been promoted to managership of the organization’s downtown Academy and World the atres, located adjacently in the Mill City loop . . . The Edmond R. Rubens of Deephaven were hosts for a theatre party previewing Universal’s upcoming “Charade.” The guests were served the unlikely combination of popcorn and champagne, in keeping with the theme of a movie of and about elegant people. First nighters commented about Cary Grant finally looking his age ( sixty ish), and the ladies exclaimed over Audrey Hepburn’s “divine” Givenchy wardrobe. Jim Clark Takes Charge Of Crosby, N.D., Dakota CROSBY, N.D. — Jim Clark became the new owner of the Dakota Theatre November 15, taking over from the previous owner, Walt Dahlund. Both men are residents of Kenmare but Clark and his wife plan to make their home here with their four children as soon as they can find a suitable location. Prior to purchasing the theatre, Clark had been associated with the Kenmare Laundry for the ten years following his graduation from the Kenmare High School. Dahlund purchased the theatre Dec. 1, 1958, from Bill Ingwalson, who had built it in 1938 from its inception. Shortly after becoming owner of the Dakota, Dahlund employed Ray Semingson to manage the business. On last September 1, Dahlund took over management of the theatre himself and started some remodeling work which Clark plans to finish. Gordon Douglas is directing “Robin and the 7 Hoods” for Warner Bros. ENDLESS BURNS THE ENTIRE POSITIVE ROD Save Carbon Cost EVERY WEEK Opportunity Knocks In B0X0FFICE • CLEARING HOUSE for Classified Ads • SHOWMANDISER for Promotion Ideas • FEATURE REVIEWS for Opinions on Current Films • REVIEW DIGEST for Analysis of Reviews Don't miss any issue. Handy subscription blank on last page. NC-4 BOXOFFICE :: December 2, 1963