The Exhibitor (1950)

NT-2 EXHIBITOR Stanton Davis, RKO booker, spent a week’s vacation at Norwich, Conn., at the home of his fiancee. . . . Passing out cigars to honor the birth of his second daughter was Max Burlone, office man¬ ager, United Artists. . . . Helene Young, UA availability clei’k, took a leave of absence to devote full time to her house¬ wifely duties, and await the arrival of a Young heir. Prior to her departure, she was presented with a high chair, and enjoyed dinner at the China House with her office co-workers, Ida Kessler and Arlene Kisloff, and Mary Margogian and Peggy Flaherty, Eagle Lion Classics. Much credit was given to Frank Lydon, field secretary, Allied Theatres of New England, who spearheaded the op¬ position to the project which involved the building of a RCA projector-type, 12 by 12 television receiver on Boston Common. The gift to the city of Boston of an anonymous donor, the outdoor project was abandoned by city authori¬ ties. It has been decided instead that the large TV screen will be used as portable equipment in various large shut-in institutions. In this way, it was felt that maximum benefit could be de¬ rived without creating any unpleasant competition for amusement and sporting interests. New Haven Crosstown Condolences were in order for assis¬ tant manager Jack O’Connell, Roger Sherman, on the death of his mother. . . . Dixwell had the “Miss America” beauty pageant recently for the “Miss Hamden” title. . . . Three local Loew houses will have soft drink machines installed as well as other Loew houses in circuit. . . . The Rivoli, West Haven, has new red and yellow terraza. . . . Sid Kleper, College manager, was to leave for his vacation. . . . The White Way closed for remodeling. ... Sam Hadelman, Grand, planned a visit to Boston, and also expected to see some ball games. . . . Trixy Wells staged her dancing revue at the Cameo, West Ha¬ ven. . . . Franklin Ferguson had a clever Father’s Day show at the Whalley. Meadow Street The E. M. Loew Drive-In, Milford, has a new playground, with slide, merry-goround, and clown. . . . Maurice Shulman, Rivoli, Hartford, renewed his showing of Swedish pictures. . . . The Plainville Strand repeated with a western show for youngsters. . . . The Circle, Manchester, is continuing the stamps and stamp al¬ bum youngster giveaway. . . . The New Haven Drive-In has a Kiddie Cartoon Festival every Friday night and also the pony rides. . . . The Bryan Memorial, Washington Depot, had a benefit per¬ formance for the Marie J. Reed Nurse Scholarship Fund. . . . George Sawyer, manager, Victory, New London, was pic¬ tured with “Miss New London” chosen at the “Miss America” pageant beauty contest at his theatre. . . . The Liberty, Bridgeport, started yo yo demonstrations. At a recent meeting of the MGM Pep Club, it was decided to have the annual outing at Lake Quassapaug, Middlebury, in the week of Aug. 7. Leon Jakubson volunteered to be the chief chef, and he’s planning having some charcoal broiled steaks. . . . Other exchanges may go to Lake Quassapaug. . . . Sam Cor¬ nish, Niantic, Niantic, was in. Circuits Loew's Poli The Bridgeport Majestic set a color¬ ing contest for “Rocketship XM.” Variety Club Tent 31, Connecticut An all star lineup of talent was set for the Variety Club benefit vaudeville show at the Shubert. Proceeds will be used for a special building program in Milford, the main charity of the Variety Club. . . . New members recently included Phil Gravitz, Charles Lane, Jack Schwartz, and Sam Cornish. Connecticut Danbury The Warner Circuit closed down the Capitol for the summer. . . . The Empress is presenting only one complete perform¬ ance every weekday evening. Hartford Joseph A. Adorno, son of Sal Adorno, Sr., owner, Palace, Middletown, was re¬ nominated for state treasurer on the Republican ticket. Manager Fred R. Greenway, LoewPoli Palace, and his assistant, Lee Feigin, plugged both “Movies Are Better Than Ever” campaign and “The Big Hangover” in a street gag. . . . Manager Lou Cohen, Loew-Poli, and assistant manager Norman Levinson scheduled a beauty contest, with winners to be named “Miss Hartford” and “Miss Capi¬ tol City of 1950.” . . . Jack Haney, Strand, resigned, Tony Cassente re¬ placing. . . . Assistant manager George Hudak, E. M. Loew’s, promoted displays in antique shops and libraries for “For¬ tunes of Captain Blood.” The Center’s name has been changed to the New Center by owner Maurice Greenberg. Henry Needles, Warner Theatres’ district manager, is back after a wrist operation. . . . Manager Joseph Giobbia, Crown, held an ice cream eating con¬ test. ... In September, Bernie Menschell, partner, Community Amusement Circuit, will walk down the aisle with Miss Irma Singer. Middletown Sal Adorno, Sr., owner, Palace, has been plugging his theater’s air-condi¬ tioning system extensively. New Britain Peggy Carr, Strand, resigned. Her replacement is Margaret Mackavoy. . . . Sperie Perakos, district manager, Perakos Theatres, has been named lieuten¬ ant governor, Yankee District, Order of Ahepa, Greek social order. Massachusetts Springfield The Broadway, second-run house for Western Massachusetts Theatres, Inc., shuttered, possibly never to reopen again for motion pictures, according to President Samuel Goldstein. The present plan is to reconvert the Broadway to its original status, that of a legitimate showcase. In addition to touring shows, the Goldstein plan for the Broadway includes name bands, radio shows, and even a concert series. Present manager is C. E. Patch, to be replaced by Daniel J. Maloney when the new program goes into effect. Legit productions have here¬ tofore been appearing at the Court Square, a combined vaude and film house, John E. Silverwatch, manager. Fire threatened the Strand, Westfield, Mass., and caused evacuation of a mati¬ nee audience when a reel of film burst into flame in the projection machine operated by Horace Bassett. The fire department responded. Dick Stephens, Columbia, was in start¬ ing promotion for “The Good Humor Man.” PHILLIPS: Phyllis Shapiro is the new candy girl. . . . Albert Desautels, maintenance executive, was supervising a new paint job for the front lobby and installation of new frames. . . . Charles Hurley, manager, was in Boston to dis¬ cuss bookings with chief booker George Roberts. ... A meeting of all managers of the Rifkin Circuit was attended by Herman Rifkin, president, and Julian Rifkin. A luncheon followed. . . . New Super Vend machines have been in¬ stalled in the lobbies of the Phillips, Strand, Jefferson, and Liberty. Taunton The Park, John G. Corbett, manager, added a lobby and stage presentation of The Waynes in musical variations over WPEP. The lobby presentation also adds to the candy sales, states Corbett. The Wayne show goes on before the be¬ ginning of the last show, Monday through Friday night. Guest stars round out the stage show. Vermont Derby The Derby Port Drive-In is admitting all children under 12 free. Fair Haven Use of the Fair Haven was given to the high school and St. Mary’s Junior High for graduation exercises. Rutland Robert H. Knight, Grand, cooperating in a citywide safe driving campaign, gave a pass to each of 160 children who took part in a bicycle parade. . . . Frances O’Neil, manager, Strand, as president, Rutland County Fish and Game Club, conducted a fishing derby for children. A brook was heavily stocked with trout. Mayor Dan J. Healy and other city officials awarded prizes. . . . Mrs. John Clark, Strand, was vaca¬ tioning. Miss Joan Pitaniello was substituting. June 28, 1950