20th Century-Fox Dynamo (February 3, 1940)

NEW DYNAMO I GREETS “LITTLE OLD NEW YORK” POLICE FROM TWO CITIES. From the police departments of Miami Beach and Miami came policemen to handle the huge crowds that jammed Lincoln Road to view the notables who attended the world premiere of Little Old New York” at the Lincoln theatre. This photograph was taken fiom the marquee of the theatre and gives the reader a good idea of the enormity of the turnout. Piemiere was scaled at $2.20 top and SRO ruled. Notables of stage, screen, radio, business and society were on hand. It was the biggest social vent in Miami’s crowded calendar. AUTOGRAPH FANS OUT. They were on hand by the hundreds. This scene was taken outside the Lincoln. Ushers from six of Wometco theatres were pressed into service. For days prior to the opening, local newspaper readers ascertained the fact that this premiere would be attended by the “greats” of America who are vacationing in Florida. A delegation of 110 prominent social “names” motored from Palm Beach, 68 miles away, to be on hand. To keep the thousands who jammed Lincoln Road,' Manager Sonny Shepard staged a firework display. A parade of youngsters led by the mayors of Miami Beach and Miami marched to the theatre where the newly elected “mayor” of “Little Old New York” was inducted into “office” by Miami Beach Mayor Levi. Among those who were on hand were Louis B. Mayer and Nicholas Schenck of MGM, Maj. Albert Warner of Warner Brothers, and such prominent exhibitors as Canada’s N. L. Nathanson, Des Moines’ Nat Blank, New York’s George Skouras, Cleveland’s Meyer Fine, Boston’s A. Pinanski and many others. Walter Winchell, Nick Kenny, Damon Runyon, Louis Sobol, Jack Kafoed and others also mingled with the stars who hailed “Little Old New York.” Among those who wired congratulations to the Coast was Tony Martin. His greetings went to his wife, Alice Faye, whose performance came in for superlatives. GREAT WRITER. The grand old author, George Ade, was on deck. With him are pictured Georgie Price (holding “mike” up to the g'uest) and Manager Shepard. No Miami premiere would be complete without this great author being on hand. He is one of the movies’ most enthusiastic boosters. But he was only one of at least 900 nationally known fig- ures who were on hand. Ade called “Little Old New York” the “sort of movie that does one’s heart much good.” Shep- ard, who should know, characterized the audience reaction to this production as “full of heart,” meaning that every one on deck enjoyed it thoroughly. Lobby praise as the crowd left the house em- phasized the truth of that observation. M ANY branches, wisely, were arrang- ing for screenings of “Little Old New York,” which got off to a flying start in Miami. Here’s one that every- body is going to like. And remember, in this one you have a lineup of the best box office stars in the business: Alice Faye, Richard Greene, Fred MacMurray and others. Here’s one on which every exhibitor will go to town in a big ex- ploitation way. OLD-TIMER! We mean Damon Run- yon, who is escorting his charming and beautiful wife. One of America’s most widely read newspaper columnists, Run- yon found much enjoyment in this Zan- uck production — and was not bashful about saying so after the showing. Don’t be surprised if in the near future he de- votes one or two of his columns to a discussion of “Little Old New York.” Runyon, after comfortably seating him- self, made this observation: “Looks like all New York had come down here to enjoy a picture about New York.” No truer words have ever been spoken. Cer- tainly there are more “names” from good, old New York here than one can find on Broadway. They all seem to be vaca- tioning or “working” in Miami Beach M. H. SHANBERG of Kansas City and Mrs. Shanberg. There was not a section of the country that was not represented at the premiere. Mr. Shanberg, well known to exhibitors and to this sales or- ganization, makes his winter home in Miami, and was one of the founders of the Midwest division of the National Theatres circuit of today. He wired con- gratulations to General Manager of Dis- tribution Herman Wobber. Wires were sent to Messrs. Kent and Zanuck by the numerous industry notables. this winter. As Milton Berle put it: “I came to Miami for the winter—and I found it.” For a time it looked as if the premiere would be staged in sub-zero weather, but Jack Frost made his exit the day before, but not until after he had practically ruined Florida’s crop. It was as beautiful a Miami night as one could wish for that added to the glamour of the evening. COMIC! The premiere audience was i. mecca for comedians galore. Here’s one, Joe E. Lewis, greeting his public in the lobby, just before the showing. Joe was one of the dozen famous comedians of radio and stage who “ran” for “mayor” of “Little Old New York,” a voting con- test conducted by the Daily News among patrons of Miami Beach night clubs where the funsters were appearing. ANOTHER AUTHOR. Philip Wylie and his wife. This company has pictured many of Wylie’s novels. There was not a notable within a radius of 68 miles of Miami who was not in attendance. Vyvyan Donner was to have been on hand, but she had to fly back to New York on Tuesday. However, she is re- turning here with her models to “shoot” the next edition of her Fashion Forecasts at Miami Beach.