The Exhibitor (1949)

NT4 THE EXHIBITOR tor, were in Tallahassee, Fla., recently for “on the scene” infor¬ mation relative to the governor's proposed five per cent tax on amuse¬ ment admissions. Other showmen in the area have their ears to the ground listening for the intended action. Sonny Shepherd, managing director, Miami, reports a very enthusiastic reception froTn the audience partici¬ pation shows of “Dr, I. Q, ”, which have been broadcast from the theatre. Among those scheduled to attend the Variety Clubs convention in San Francisco this week from the local area were George C. Hoover, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Fitch, and Arthur Schwartz. Stan Neivert, manager, newly opened Little River, has found a very active community interest, and, in coopera¬ tion with 20 local merchants, has put over a publicity campaign for a tele¬ vision set giveaway. A five-week period with a set each week being given away has proven a great induce¬ ment to the eager patrons. Heralds, plus lobby displays, window cards, and trailers have been a stimulus to business of the participating mer¬ chants, but not neglecting the kiddies, Neivert has had a bicycle giveaway plus candy, ice-cream and pops at Saturday matinees. At the Sheridan, Carl Jamroga, manager, has had a general clean-up which included painting and freshening ....The Hialeahis now closed for the summer, and manager William Hall will be relieving Ryt suesse as manager. Colony, while Ryt Suesse steps over to the Beach to pinch hit for manager Arthur Schwartz, who went to San Francisco for the Variety Clubs International convention. At the boulevard, Tom Kestler, assistant manager, reports prepara¬ tions made for redecorating the audi to rium . . . . At the Colony, Ryt Suesse, manager, had over 50 pro¬ fessional and golden glove fighters as guests while showing “The Set-Up”. A1 Wilkie, public relations. Paramount Enterprises, A1 Weiss, manager, Olympia, and Caesar La Monaca, bandleader, are judges in a contest sponsored by The Miami Daily News. The contest is being run simul¬ taneous with the showing of “A Connecticut Yankee”, and is to find a male teen-aged singer who must sing a Crosby song in Bing’ s style. Prizes are a $100 music scholarship and a week run on the stage of the Olympia. MULBERRY The Gem celebrated its second anniversary. ST. PETERSBURG A Westinghouse air-conditioning unit was installed in the Playhouse. Other improvements include a Simplex projector and RCA sound head. TAMPA Elmer Hecht, manager. Park, recently conducted a bang-up campaign on “The L'ife Of Riley” which included a tieup with Proctor and Gamble and a drug store. This resulted in a half-page ad in The Daily Times, a complete window in the drug store, and a com¬ plete window in another store. WEST PALM BEACH E. R. Covington, manager, Grand, was wounded as he was about to get into his car after a midnight show. WEWAHI TCHKA Bob and Billy McDaniel, owners, Iona, installed new projection room equipment. WILDWOOD M and M Theatres, Leesburg, Fla. , announced that work had started on its new theatre. Georgia BAIN8RIDGE Martin Theatres, Columbus, Ga. , announced that work on its new theatre on South Broad Street will start soon. The new house will be built on the site of the old Callahan, one of the oldest houses here, owned by the late W. L. Brackin. CORDELE Earl Murray and Ray Tyler opened their drive-in on Highway 41, south of the city limits. HARLEM Plans for the construction of a new theatre have been announced. HARTWELL The Judy, second theatre for this town, had its opening recently. The 500-seat house is owned by Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Yarborough. Mrs. Clyde Ehrhardt will manage the house. The theatre was named after the Yar¬ borough’ s daughter, Judy. HOGANSVILLE Albert L. Wood announced that work on his Negro theatre, to seat 400, will start shortly. QUI WAN Residents defeated a Sunday movies proposal by an overwhelming vote. RCSSVI LLE I. R. Bedford and R. E. Himes opened their new drive-in located on the McFarland Gap Road. SAVANNAH M. A. Brown has been given a permit for construction of a drive-in. WEST POINT In a referendum this town voted in favor of Sunday movies. Films have shown here since last March 20, following issuance of a permit to this effect signed by 25 per cent of the voters. Later, another petition was filed in opposition requesting an election. In compliance with the Sunday law passed during the last session of the Georgia General Assembly, the City Council then ordered the election. Louisiana ABBEVILLE S. J. Campesi andO. Bales announced that their new theatre is expected to open in the very near future. CENTERVI LLE A. M. Randall sold the Center to his wife, Mrs. A. M. Randall. The house is still under his management, how¬ ever. COVINGTON The Majestic, operated by W. J. Salles, recently was completely renovated and redecorated. GRAND ISLE Anthony Marullo, owner, Rendevouz, added television in the lounge of his theatre for the enjoyment of his patrons. HAMMOND A new drive-in theatre is scheduled to open here soon under the operation of W. L. Mitchell. HARVEY The Gay, operated by Clarence Thomassie, recently installed new RCA sound. JONESVI LLE Charles A. Phillips is building a theatre here. In connection with the recent showing of U-I’ s “Family Honeymoon”, Lincoln, Miami Beach, Fla., a tiein was made with the Mutual Network show, “True or False”, during a matinee performance at the theatre. The show was broadcast. May 4, 1949