The Exhibitor (1953)

NT-4 EXHIBITOR Ben Ivalmenson, Warners’ vice-president in charge of distribution, is seen recently congratulating William G. Mansell, pro¬ moted from Philadelphia branch man¬ ager to central district manager, at the home office district managers meeting in New York. “It Happens Every Thursday.” On “Seminole,” Rothermel had a tiein with the local milk dealer to distribute bottle hangers. Danville Jim Feeney, manager, Capitol, presently is conducting kiddie matinees each Tuseday morning during which time he talks to his patrons from the stage. Recently, the police chief made a personal appearance, and spoke to the children on safety. The Capitol’s candy girl made the local paper’s head¬ lines when she became an entry in the local Soap Box Derby Queen contest. Haileton Phil Duffy, manager, Grand, was hard at it selling local boy Jack Palance in “Second Chance,” and on “Law And Order” he went back to the factories where Ruth Hampton visited not too long ago. All cooperated, including radio stations, with a wealth of free plugs. Duffy made arrangements with the lead¬ ing hotel to place a permanent lobby display. Northumberland Stanley Searle, manager, Savoy, has a gimmick for patrons in his lobby, a card table on which is a small box the contents of which are to be guessed by his customers, the reward being a free pass in the form of a soda cup bearing his signature. The same idea prevails for his candy concession. Pettsville Carl Herman, manager, Hollywood, is back after a severe eye infection which had him bedded in the hospital. Harman’s activities were not interrupted by his week at the institution, during which time, he arranged for a tiein with a jeweler on “All I Desire.” On “Let’s Do It Again,” Herman promoted the co¬ operation of disc jockeys and music dealers. Quakertown H and M Enterprises’ Star-Lite DriveIn opened. The spot has a 700-car capacity. Reading Larry R. Levy, manager, Loew’s, ar¬ ranged a preview of “The Band Wagon.” Seen, left to right, are Alexander Hilsberg, conductor, and Frederick Mann, Robin Hood Dell executive, welcoming Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz, com¬ poser and lyricist of MGM’s “The Band Wagon,” before a recent children’s con¬ cert at the Philadelphia concert spot. Larry Levy, manager, Loew’s Colonial, has been promoted to manager, Loew’s, Providence, R. I. He is succeeded here by Robert E. Diem, assistant manager, Loew’s Aldine, Wilmington, Del. Earl Sitlinger, student assistant, Colonial, be¬ comes assistant manager in Wilmington. Scranton Bud Irwin returned from Florida and Havana. . . . Tom Collins, Comerford, was undergoing minor surgery. . . . Bill Kays, manager, Capitol, and his family were spending their holiday period at Lake Wallenpaupak. . . . Helen Donnelly and Mary Price, Comerford accounting department, were on vaca¬ tion. . . . Ann Monahan, Capitol, has established residence in this city. James Gavin, manager, Comerford, Clarks Summit, Pa., before departing for vacation, arranged for the inception of his daily movie time-table to appear on page one of The Abington Journal. . . . Bill Kays, manager, Capitol, returned from his vacation while Bill Graff, assis¬ tant manager, Capitol, and Bill Butler, district manager, started on their re¬ spective holidays. Activities increase in the Comerford’s summer drive as managers redouble efforts. In conjunction with the ponybike giveaway, manager Lou Stassi, Holland, Old Forge, Pa., arranged for an additional 35 consolation prizes from the merchants. Manager Barney Drexinger, Pastime, Duryea, Pa., also additional 12 prizes among the mer¬ chants, is using three sheets on all attractions, and has a weekly herald distributed by newsboys. Recently, Stassi drew 268 children to an evening perform¬ ance, where he distributed the pamphlets supplied by the Huffy Bike Company, manufacture of the 20 bikes to be given away at the end of the drive. Paul Tigue, manager, Westside an¬ nounced the installation of new equip¬ ment. The present screen will be re¬ placed by the new screen of 21 x 34 feet dimensions. Bill Cavanaugh, Comerford, returned from Asbury Park, N. J., where he vaca¬ tioned with his brother. . . . Mike Gettings, Capitol, was on vacation. . . . TRADE SCREENINGS Philadelphia Warners — (230 North 13th) Aug. 6, 2, “Island In The Sky” (John Wayne, Lloyd Nolan, Phyllis Winger) ; 12, 2, “The Diamond Queen” (Fernando Lamas, Arlene Dahl, Gilbert Roland) ( SuperCinecolor) . Harry Speigel, Comerford advertising department, his wife, and daughter, were in Atlantic City. . . . Emmett Hart, recently returned from vacationing in Atlantic City, is relieving Jimmy Gavin, manager, Clarks Summit, Pa., on vaca¬ tion. West Grove The Roslyn, reported closing, is re¬ maining open for the summer. Wilkes-Barre Lloyd Hause, district manager, was a surgical patient at the Geisinger Hospital, Danville, Pa. In Hause’s absence, Sam Friedman takes over the territory. Virginia Richmond The American premiere of 20th-Fox’s picturization of C. S. Forester’s “Sailor Of The King” was held at the Byrd as a benefit performance, with proceeds going to the Sheltering Arms Hospital. Plans formulated by the company and representatives of Neighborhood Thea¬ tre, Inc., called for a series of publicity and exploitation events several days in advance of the premiere. Newspapers called wide attention to the film, pro¬ duced by Frank McCarthy, a native son, with merchants displaying window and counter cards announcing the opening. Additional and widespread interest for the picture was generated by the membership of the hospital. Prominent citizens from Richmond and other parts of Virginia as well as military and government dignitaries from Washington were invited to attend. Also on hand were McCarthy and Jeffrey Hunter, starring in the film. Frank McCarthy and Jeffrey Hunter, producer and star, respectively, of 20th-Fox’s “Sailor Of The King,” em¬ barked on a six-city tour through Virginia publicizing the screen adapt¬ ation of the C. S. Forester novel. The Hollywood personalities, guests of honor with General of the Army George C. Marshall at the American premiere here, launched the junket in Williamsburg. Lynchburg followed along with Roanoke, Lexington, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and Winchester. Returning to Washing¬ ton, McCarthy and Hunter emplaned for Hollywood. Variety Club Tent 13, Philadelphia The second group of Variety Club campers left for the tent’s camp for handicapped children on Aug. 1. “A Perilous Journey” was shown through the courtesy of Republic. August 5, 1953