The Exhibitor (1951)

EXHIBITOR NT-1 NEWS OF THE Chicago A bandit pair, one with a pistol, threatened George Wertical, 35, owner, Midwest, and Mrs. Eilene Vasil, at the boxoffice. The robbers fled after $60 was handed them. . . . The Virginia, Urbana, Ill., was given a permit to build a new lobby concession stand. . . . George Kidd, turned from high school history teach¬ ing and athletic coaching to become owner, Rialto, Pekin, Ill. . . . Nate Slott and associates bought the Commodore and the building housing the theatre. Nate Gumbiner is off for relaxation in California. Seven hundred patrons at the Douglas were unaware of a fire which scorched the walls and ceiling of the lobby. . . . Leon Jardosky, Paris, Ill., is gradually recovering from a leg fracture. . . . Harry Schochet, Lippert auditor, re¬ turned after several weeks in Indianap¬ olis. . . . Ilya Lopert, Ziegfeld, came in for a business visit with manager Art Steagall. John Wendell, manager, Lincoln, De¬ catur, Ill., removed the marquee after substituting sign boards on both sides of the entrance. . . . Edwin Silverman, Essaness president, left for a Palm Springs, Cal., vacation. . . . Jack Kirsch and Basil Charuhas made contributions to La Rabida Sanitarium, a Variety Club charity, in memory of Pierre Chrissis, son of D. J. Chrissis, who gave his life in Korea. ... A revue was sponsored by a dancing school at the Lee, Augusta, Ill., owned by Emmett Huston. Jack Kirsch, Allied Theatres president, is currently heading the Red Cross drive. . . . The Hinsdale, Hinsdale, Ill., again was used by the Junior Infant Welfare society for its annual cooking school. The Variety Club made donations to its charity, La Rabida Sanitarium, in memory of Bernard Goldberg, father of E. I. Goldberg, Paramount sales depart¬ ment, and Henry Stickelmaier, Publix Great States Theatres. John Balaban’s office received word that he was up and around after his emergency operation. . . . The Alliance Francaise has taken over the Ziegfeld for April 16, when “Tales of Holfman” opens. . . . J. V. Walker, for a couple of years on the Grand staff, Du Quoin, Ill., was made manager, Plaza, Mount Ver¬ non, Ill. William K. Hollander, B and K press director, vacationing on the coast, was feted by several of his proteges at the home of David Lipton, U-I vice-presi¬ dent. Daniel Kirsch, son of Jack Kirsch, Al¬ lied Theatres of Illinois president, and Dolores Hillman, of the banking family, Lew Herb, EXHIBITOR traveling cor¬ respondent, snapped the above photos some time ago while visiting Dallas. Shown, top to bottom, are Herman R. Beiersdorf, Lippert branch manager; Torrence Hudgins, Interstate official, and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph WT. Donnell, Texas, St. Joe, Tex., seen in the NSS office. were wed. . . . The Holiday, Forest Park, Ill., tried to stimulate attendance by ad¬ mitting children under 12 free. . . . Irving Beck bought the Moon, Wilber, Neb., from Mrs. William Troxell. Quincy Theatres, Inc., operating joint¬ ly with Publix Great States at Quincy, Ill., elected at an annual meeting David Wallerstein, president; Jack Hoeffler, vice-president, and Elmer Upton, secre¬ tary-treasurer. . . . James Thompson, Nortown manager, escaped severe weath¬ er with a Florida sojourn. . . . Boshoven Theatres acquired the Century, Coopersville, Mich. Dallas When the Wallace Theatre Circuit held its first regular 1951 managers ses¬ sion in Tahoka, Tex., the meeting was very successful. Royce E. Blankenship, general manager, presided. In the morn¬ ing the group with their wives and se¬ lected guests screened, “I’d Climb The Highest Mountain.” The regular busi¬ ness session was attended by the man¬ agers only. Three new committees were formed by Royce Blankenship for ad¬ vertising, for maintenance, and for pub¬ lic relations. These committees will meet at least once a quarter between the regu¬ lar managers meetings, and will discuss circuit business and find ways and means for improving theatre management. Ap¬ pointed to the advertising committee were: A. J. Burleson, Jeff Hardin, Sr., and T. J. Simpson; maintenance com¬ mittee: E. W. Baudine, Chuck Newton, and L. P. Flood, and public relations committee: Dorsey Oliphant, A. D. Brown, and G. B. Harvey. Host and hos¬ tess to the group were Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Flood. Flood is city manager for Tahoka. Frels Theatres, Inc., opened the Rice Drive-In, El Campo, Tex. A modern snack bar has been installed at the spot, which has a 310-car capacity. T. A. Wilkinson is managing. Denver H. W. Reisinger, recently treasurer, Victory, Dayton, 0., has been named city manager, Wolf berg Theatres, which in¬ cludes the first-run Broadway and four drive-ins, with the first-run being added on a long-time lease next year. His ap¬ pointment by John Wolfberg, company president, makes a new position of over¬ all supervision. Reisinger’s wife and HOLLYWOOD WS MODEL POPCORN WARMER The Modern Way to Sell Popcorn! A BUILT IN WARMER FOR YOUR CONCESSION COUNTER • QUICK CIRCULATING WARM AIR thermostatically controlled. • LOTS OF CAPACITY for peak periods. • EASY OPERATING elevator lift. Features of the WS Model • PERMANENT DURABILITY • ALL METAL • ALL WIRING CONDUIT ENCLOSED • COMPLETELY INSULATED • UNIVERSAL HEAVY DUTY HEATER • STAINLESS STEEL CORNWELL AND PAN • CHROMOLAX SUPER SPEED HEATING ELEMENT • ROBERTSHAW THERMOSTAT • PACKAGED REMOVABLE HEATING UNIT • MANUFACTURER HUNT POPCORN CO. 1908 SO. VERMONT AVENUE LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA April 11, 1951 MIDWEST-WESTERN