The Exhibitor (1951)

NT-4 EXHIBITOR mount. Carson, co-starred with Ginger Rogers in “The Groom Wore Spurs,” a Fidelity Pictures Production, was in for two days of hectic promotional activity culminating in his personal appearances at the Paramount. There was a parade through the streets and Carson was pre¬ sented with the key to the city by the mayor at a special reception in front of the theatre. He then was a guest speaker at the Kiwanis luncheon at the Hotel Syracuse, and helped kick off the Red Cross Drive. One of the most impressive premieres in Syracuse since the war was planned for the opening of the New Astor with Hal Wallis’ “September Affair.” Details for the gala event were worked out by Peter Fink, City Investing Company; Geoi-ge W. Maxwell, manager, and Ed Wall, Paramount field representative. An intensive ad campaign in both daily newspapers and in the Syracuse Orange, daily paper published by the university, as well as large TV and radio advertis¬ ing campaigns, were set. TV and radio coverage of the premiere was arranged with WHEN, outlet in Syracuse for Du¬ mont, CBS, and ABC. Radio coverage was carried as on-the-scene reporting in regular news broadcasts. A mayor’s com¬ mittee composed of every important civic organization attended the invita¬ tion opening on Washington’s Birthday eve. Plans for the premiere included a parade of the American Legion group as well as National Guard units in the city. The street on which the theatre is located was decorated with bunting, and searchlights played into the sky to herald the opening of the palatial new theatre designed by famed entertainment archi¬ tect Dorothy Draper. Local newspapers carried stories and editorials on the the¬ atre in addition to unusual space in the territory on “September Affair.” In the absence of stars, arrangements were completed to select the girl and boy at Syracuse University who most closely resembled Joan Fontaine and Joseph Cotten. They were selected by the uni¬ versity newspaper. Richard Feldman, for the past 11 years connected with Schine Theatres, severs his connections today, Feb. 28. During his stay in Syracuse, Feldman has managed all of the Schine houses, and for the past six years has been at the Paramount. _ j j g_ With foreign language announcers, Danny Kaye broadcasts over “The Voice of America” from backstage at the Roxy, New York City, where he recently was (he stage attraction, with 20th-Fox’s “Call Me Mister” as the screen offering. i:u:ii\(f the New York — A luncheon honoring Abe Dickstein, recently appointed New York branch manager for 20th Century-Fox, was held at Sardi’s, with 40 exhibitors, buyers, and bookers present. Arrange¬ ments were handled by Wilbur Snaper, Snaper Theatres, and Harold Blumenthal, Fabian Circuit. MGM — Friends of booker Moe Rose were saddened by his mother’s death. . . . Norman Starr, formerly of the boxoffiee statement department, is happy over his promotion to assistant cashier. . . . Everyone was glad to see William Kiernan as booker. He was formerly in the cashier’s department. Columbia — That faraway look on booker Lenny Saver’s face is brought on by thoughts of a two-week honeymoon in Nassau and Florida. His personal “Honeymoon Drive” is beginning to move. . . . Head switchboard operator, Josephine Vogel, was ill. . . . Head booker Sam Feinbloom had a sunny wel¬ come for his wife who returned from a Florida vacation. . . . Jack Flas and Sol Lerner, Hempstead Turnpike Drive-In, Beth Page, L. I., were in in anticipation of the opening. . . . District manager Nat Cohn returned from Florida. United Artists — The reason for that spring in the walk of Brooklyn salesman William Schutzer is that he is a grand¬ father. On Feb. 9, his son, Doctor Seymor Schutzer, and daughter-in-law presented him with a grandson. . . . Albert McKennon, Albermac, Pawling, was in. . . . That was Ray Beaudry, U. S. Army Picture Service, who was visiting. Paramount — Film inspectress Rose McConnel was a year wiser on Feb. 9. . . . The time it took to have an extra cup of coffee was all that kept assistant shipper Gilbert Basch from catching the Pennsylvania train in that horrible wreck. . . . Harvey Epstein was ill. . . . Head shipper A1 Kubart, celebrated the fifth birthday of his daughter, Judith, on Feb. 17. Warners — The office is enthusiastic over the “Ben Abner Shorts Drive” from April 8-14. Those who will participate in the drive are A1 Blumberg, Peter Sangleboni, Michael Anderson, Emanuel Gross, and Shirley Levy. . . . Friends were glad to see night film inspector Leonard Brooks home from the hospital. 20th Century-Fox — The film room girls were happy over the new contract. . . . Alice Dupper, film inspectress, will have spent five of the best years of her life with hubby on March J. . . . If booker’s clerk Anneliese Buchdahl looks a little excited these days, it is because she is thinking of that trip to Germany on March 17. Ramblin’ ’round— Folks at U-International are enthusiastic over “Toma¬ hawk.” . . . Manny Goldstein, Film The six Sioux Indians touring key cities to aid in the promotion of U-I’s “Toma¬ hawk” recently met U-I sales executives in New York City, and, pictured above, from left, are Chief Howard Bad Bear, Ben Black Elk, Americo Aboaf, foreign sales manager; Alfred E. Daff, director of world sales; Charles J. Feldman, domestic sales manager; Chief American Horse, Chief Sitting Bull, and, seated, Mrs. B. Elk and Mrs. American Horse. Room foreman, Favorite, had a birthday. . . . Equity had a visit from Washington representative Myron Mills. . . . Ed Berkson, treasurer, Screencraft, ac¬ cepted birthday congratulations on Feb. 22. . . . Don Jacocks, Jr., Alden Theater Circuit, Elizabeth, N. J., was welcomed as a new member of the Bookers Club. . . . There has been a little shifting at ELC. Former office man¬ ager Lou Falkoff has been switched to the home office; new office manager is the well-known Tom McCue. . . . Lippert’s “The Steel Helmet” is now being booked in all key towns in the area through such circuits as Prudential, Skouras, United Paramount Theatres, and Walter Reade. . . . Joe Woods, popu¬ lar union official, took time out for an operation. . . . Friends were sorry to hear of the death of Martin Levine’s mother. He is the son-in-law of William Brandt. . . . That noise coming from the Bonded shipping room was Johnny Hogan announcing that his wife pre¬ sented him with a nine pound boy. They named him Johnny, Jr. . . . Selma Stam¬ mer, film inspectress, Bonded, is still talking about the wonderful time she had at her daughter, Audrey’s, weddingshower at the Great Asia Chinese Res¬ taurant. — Arnold Farber Flanked by Shirley Ballard, right, fea¬ tured in UA’s “The Second Woman,” and TV star Kathi Norris, UA’s A1 Tamarin is pictured at a recent telecast at which he promoted a 10-minute plug for “The Second Woman,” Rivoli, New York City. February 28, 1951