The Exhibitor (May-Aug 1948)

NT-4 THE EXHIBITOR Miss Bourdin was luncheon guest of the French Club, starred in a fashion show, met May Queen candidates of Ohio State University, inspected the radar exhibit of the U. S. Navy in downtown Columbus, appeared on several radio shows, and attended an intra-squad football game at Ohio State University, First cooking school to'be held since the war was staged at the Palace through arrangements made by Harry Schreiber and Ramon Cram, The Columbus Dispatch promotion manager, , , , Carl Rogers, ma¬ nager, Broad, was host to 75 honor members of the Columbus Junior Police at showings of “Tenth Avenue Angel”. Members of the Columbia Stock Company were guests at a farewell luncheon given by the ladies committee, Variety Club, Mrs. Cecil M. Sansbury, general chairman, was assisted by Mrs. Ben Cowall, chairman, hostess committee; and Mrs. Lester Thai, Mrs. Walter Kessler, Mrs. Robert Louis, Mrs. Sid¬ ney Katz, Mrs. H.W. Winstaffer, Mrs. Samuel Sculler, Mrs. T.C. Polster, Mrs. Milton Yassenoff, Mrs. Don Bur¬ rows, Mrs. F. R. Gardiner, Mrs. Robert Wagner, Mrs. Charles Selby, and Mrs. Melville Frank. GAL I ON Simplex sound and projection equip¬ ment originally ordered for installa¬ tion at the new Galion has been in¬ stalled instead in the State by Henry Fickensher and Charles P. Alcorn. LANCASTER The world premiere of 20th CenturyFox’ s "Green Grass of Wyoming” was held at the Palace and Broad on May 25, starting a 12-state saturation pre¬ miere. A week-long schedule of gala events featured the selection of the local beauty queen, who honored the picture as "Miss World Premiere”. She took part in the many activities scheduled for Peggy Cummins, Charles Cobum, and Martha Stewart, here from Hollywood for the opening. A giant YOUNGSTOWN Theatremen here are opposing the proposal of Councilman John W. Barber which would hike the local amusement tax from three to 10 per cent. It is pointed out that theatres have ab¬ sorbed the levy, but the practice would not be possible under a higher tax. It is estimated that 80 per cent of the city’ s ticket tax receipts are collected by five downtown theatres. The showmen also maintain that the amount of patronage will take a dive under higher taxes. Pennsylvania BEAVER FALLS Bob Higgins, manager, Rialto and State, was recently engaged in redeco¬ rating his new Snack Bar Shoppe, lo¬ cated near the State. CAR NE G I E Dr. C. E. Herman, operator of four houses, was under observation at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. CLA RENC E Claire Hall left for what is antici¬ pated to be a very enjoyable fishing expedition in the vicinity of the Bahama Islands. He owns the Clarence, and his interests wil 1 be looked after while he is away by his son, "Chicken”. ELD RED Here is one story which sounds like a chapter out of a serial. The man who is probably the only fire-chasing ma¬ nager in the territory definitely scored a big hit with the folks in his community, especially those looking for the unusual. On a recent Saturday night, manager Ralph Burrows, Eldred, Anderson Circuit, observed to his dismay that a large trailer truck,' slowly passing the theatre, was com¬ pletely ablaze underneath. Manager Burrows noticed that the truck was loaded with TNT, and decided that a “big bang” at that time would probably eliminate both him and his job, as well as a large part of the community. He grabbed a gallon fire extinguisher from the lobby, and started in pursuit of both the truck and the fire up the street. By the time the local fire company arrived on the scene, Burrows was not only winded, but had succeeded in putting out the fire. The towns¬ people, after repeated assurances, gradually crawled out of their hiding places, satisfied that once again all was well in Eldred. Burrows was hailed as the local boy who made good, and immediately was voted a lifelong mem¬ bership in the fire department for his brave, unselfish deed. To put it in words of one of the townsfolk, who was on the scene at a safe distance, “When we wanted action, we got it in a hurry. ” ER I E With several unions on strike, the erection of Warners’ new Strand was at a complete standstill. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Galanis, who operate both the Aris and the Erie Restaurants, recently sailed from New York City for a five-month vacation in Greece. FORD CITY Leo Galanis, brother of Jack Galanis, who operates the Aris and the Erie Restaurants, Erie, Pa. acquired the controlling interest in the Allegheny Theatre Enterprises, Inc. , which up until the present time operated the Ford and Ritz. The Nicholas Dipson Circuit, Buffalo, was the previous principal. The Ford is owned by Char¬ lie Fickinger, Coudersport, Coudersport, Pa. Jack Hays will be retained as manager, and the Ritz closed for possible remodeling. It was reliably reported that Galanis would also pur¬ chase the new Roxy, in which event the Ritz will be dismantled. While looking for a new home here, Leo Galanis has been temporarily residing at Kittan¬ ning, Pa. , following his disposal of five restaurants in Bradford, Pa. , but he still maintains an interest in a restaurant in Olean, N.Y. He has been successful in his endeavors. JOHNSTOWN The Dalewasat one time reported to be up for sale as L. L. Chamberlain had expected to retire, and move to Flori¬ da. However, Chamberlain was forced to change his plans due to the fact that his son, who only recently had a miraculous recovery from leukemia, had a relapse, and later passed away. Industryites were offering their con¬ dolences. LI BRA R Y Jerry Castelli, Park, scene of the recent premiere of “The Miracle of the Bells”, departed on a fishing trip to Ontario, Canada. He expected to spend about five days fishing in the North Bay area, north of Toronto, after flying up there with his companions, Hal Bazley and Jim Philips. He is also a partner in Outdoor Theatres, Inc. , which operates the Super 30 Drive-In, Irwin, Pa., and the Super Castle DriveIn, New Castle, Pa. Outdoor Theatres also is anticipating opening a new drive-in to be named the Super, loca¬ ted in the vicinity of Belle Vernon, Pa. MC KEES ROCKS The Regent, operated by Norman Chussits, will open and close one hour later than heretofore during the summer. ME AD V I L L E Ed Claffey, manager, Academy, is rejoicing over the fact that he is a grandfather. His daughter, with the new baby, was up from Florida for a visit. WEST TARENTUM Joseph Zana, owner, Penn, announced that starting on June 23, through Sept. 1, a two-hour combination comedy and cartoon show will be presented. Everyone attending these shows will be given a coupon ticket, and, on the last showing of the summer, Sept. 1, a bi¬ cycle will be given. A second prize is also offered. If a girl wins, she will have the choice of either a diamond ring or a wrist watch. If a boy is the the winner, he will receive a wrist watch. These prizes are being donated by merchants. West Virginia CHAR LESTON Good news for patrons around these parts is that an 1897 law banning women from wearing hats in the theatres is being enforced, with city officials pointing out that the violators may be fined up to $10. FA I RM0N T Don Wermuth, who manages the Fair¬ mont for Warners, recently became the proud papa of a baby boy, Eric Durand. Dad formerly was with Warner Theatres publicity department in Pittsburgh. GLENV I LLE Judge Marsh, Lyric and Pictureland, Also operates a race track and his own semi-pro baseball team. June 2, 1948