The Exhibitor (Jun-Oct 1939)

THE EXHIBITOR Thanks Exhibitors for voting "PENNY'S PARTY The Besi One Reel Color Novelty Produced in 1939 Pete Smith RENOVATE NOW This is the most logical time of the year to start the re¬ modeling you have contem¬ plated all winter. Take ad¬ vantage of it. Do it now! Ask our representative to submit sketches and estimates. NOVELTY SCENIC STUDIOS. Inc. INTERIOR DECORATORS Draperies Stage Curtains Wall treatments 318-320 W. 48th STREET, NEW YORK CITY IRWIN SEATING famous for its “NECK TO KNEE COMFORT’* AND SNAPPY APPEARANCE Distributed by National Theatres Supply Co. Schedule Announced for Allied Convention Full Program Arranged By Committee Minneapolis — Program for the na¬ tional convention of Allied States Asso¬ ciation of Motion Picture Exhibitors June 13-15 was announced last week by committee head Al Steffes. Among the topics he reveals will be discussed are giveaways, rackets of all sorts, admissions through box-tops and covers, non-theatrical competition, etc. Steffes said he didn’t think any atten¬ tion should be paid to the Neely anti¬ block booking measure as he hopes to be able to report by the time the conven¬ tion is held that the bill has passed the Senate. Trade practice reforms will be dis¬ cussed, including the proposed arbitra¬ tion plan. On June 13 the executive session will be held, with only independent exhibi¬ tors admitted to the room; with a secret ballot taken. Tentative program is as follows: June 1 3 — Registration, followed by a luncheon meeting of Allied’s national board and the first session of the con¬ vention at 2 P. M. June 14 — National board meeting at 11 A. M., followed by luncheon at 12.30 P. M. and another session of the con¬ vention at 2 P. M. open to guests, visi¬ tors, etc. June 15 — National board meeting at 10 A. M., with a buffet luncheon at noon and the third day’s sessions at 1 P. M. Banquet will be held June 14 at 7 P. M. A social program of golf, etc., has also been arranged. Universal Shows Profit New York City — Cheever Cowdin, chairman of the board of Universal, last week reported a net profit for the company, before federal income taxes, of $581,587 for the 13 weeks ended April 29, 1939 as compared with a net loss for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 1938, of $199,487. For the six months ended April 29, 1939, he reported for the company a net profit, before federal income taxes, of $739,578 as compared with a net loss of $5 88,28 5 for the six months ended April 30, 1938. Abrams U Shorts Chief New York City — Leo Abrams, Big U exchange head, was last week appointed short subjects sales chief for Universal. He is succeeded by Dave Levy, formerly with Metro here. Majors’ Counsel Ask More Particulars Make Request at Hearing Before Judge Bondy New York City — Defense counsel in the anti-trust action against the major motion picture companies argued in sup¬ port of a motion requiring the govern¬ ment to furnish more detailed particu¬ lars before United States District Judge Bondy in chambers last week. The defendants’ counsel asked: First, an order from the court direct¬ ing the government to comply with the court’s decision of March 7 by furnish¬ ing "a further and more definite and adequate statement and bill of particu¬ lars.” Defendants claimed the govern¬ ment had not answered adequately many of the questions the court had ordered to be answered. Second: For an order, in the alterna¬ tive, "striking the petition for failure to comply with said decision.” Third: For an order for additional particulars which already had been granted to Columbia and United Art¬ ists. Fourth: For an order extending the time of the defendants to answer until 60 days after service of a further bill of particulars. Defense counsel argued this was necessary because of the extremely long period (from 1918 to the present) covered in the government’s original bill of particulars. Wanger Lineup Set Hollywood — Walter Wanger an¬ nounced last week the completion of his lineup of pictures for United Artists re¬ lease during the coming season of 193940. With the recent acquisition of "Send Another Coffin,” the new novel by F. G. Presnel, Wanger will contri¬ bute five productions to the United Ar¬ tists program. "Winter Carnival” has already been completed, will be the first to be re¬ leased. "Whose Wife?” is the second production on the Wanger schedule. "House Across the Bay” will have Joan Bennett as the star. "My Personal Life” will be one of the most important fea¬ tures on the Wanger program. The Wanger production schedule will be wound up with "Send Another Coffin.” Washer Returns to Goldwyn New York City — Ben Washer last week returned to Samuel Goldwyn as the latter’s New York publicity and adver¬ tising representative. Washer has been in charge of publicity for George Abbott Productions and will be succeeded in that post by Frank J. McCarthy. June 7, 19)9