The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

9 J. Louis Rome Again Heads Baltimore Variety Club Popular Exhibitor Returned to Tent’s Leadership Variety Club, Tent No. 19, Baltimore, Maryland, held its election of officers at the Hotel Belvedere last week after the regular bi-monthly luncheon, with J. Louis Rome unanimously re-elected chief barker. Directors elected for two year terms included Frank H. Durkee, Owen D. (Nick) Weems, Rodney Collier, William Hicks, Edward Sherwood, Joseph Young, while those elected for the one year period included Samuel Diamond, J. Lawrence Schanberger, Elmer Nolte, Joseph C. Grant, Edward Kimple, Jr. From the Board of Directors the following officers were elected: Rome, chief barker; Durkee, first assistant; Weems, second assistant; Diamond, treasurer; Young, secretary. Durkee was appointed chairman of the first annual banquet committee. He will appoint his own aides. Affair will be held January 21. 20th Century-Fox’s Arleen Hits Town With Sam Wheeler As Host A whirl of social events, meetings with the press, a trip to the 20th Century-Fox exchange last week highlighted the visit here of beautiful Arleen Whelan. The talented star was the guest of Azadiah Newmann, noted portrait painter. Samuel N. Wheeler, branch manager, entertained Miss Whelan at a cocktail party at the Shoreham Hotel. Among the others present were Mrs. Wheeler, R. Wade Pearson, Miss Newman, Samuel A. Galanty. Miss Whelan met the local exchange staff, autographed several score pictures. Ira Sichleman, assistant booker, proudly displayed a "best wishes” signature from the star. Later, as the guest of Morris Mechanic, New, Baltimore, she met the Baltimore press at the Variety Club. Movie Tax Suggested As New Revenue Getter Virginia Assembly Seeks More Money for Schools The old bogey of increased taxation for theatres raised its unpretty head for Richmond, Virginia, exhibitors last week, when delegate Joseph H. Saunders, Newport News, suggested moving pictures, cigarettes as "untapped sources of revenue for the state.” Delegate Saunders, however, appreciated that there should be opposition to taxing the cinema, for he recalled the lobbies brought to bear upon the Old Dominion’s Assembly earlier when such a measure was proposed. Flax Brothers Expand to Bring Added Comfort to Exhibitors Samuel M., Jacob E. Flax have decided to utilize the second-floor space of their Republic exchange for the complete comfort of visiting exhibitors, friends of film row. Long unused, the second floor is now being entirely redecorated, repainted, furnished to form a lounge, reading room, exhibition room, rest rooms, reception room, private office. Little Sets Cinema Festival Washington’s first International Cinema Festival-— only the second of its kind ever celebrated in the U. S. — was inaugurated at the Little November 27 with the first showing of "Janosik,” said to be the last film to be imported from Czecho-Slovakia before the German grab. “Orage” Bows to Invited Guests With the French Ambassador to the United States as the honored guest, Belasco officials unfolded last week to a distinguished Washington audience the first showing in this country of "Orage.” Harry Thomas is distributing the picture in this territory. 1938 Christmas Drive Is Launched in Washington Warners’ Seven-Way Tie-Up Looks Impressive Hardly last fortnight had Washingtonians regained normalcy after the customary Thanksgiving gourmandizing, when the annual Christmas drive for under-privileged children was started. As in previous years, the Number One program is that involving the Warner theatres, The Evening Star, the ParentTeachers’ Association, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Federal Employees of Washington, the National Broadcasting Company, the Peoples Drug Stores. The Star furnishing the continual publicity, the 17 theatres — first run Earle, Metropolitan, subsequent-run Tivoli, Ambassador, Savoy, Avalon, Colony, York, Penn, Apollo, Home, Uptown, Sheridan, Calvert, Silver, Takoma, Avenue Grand — will act not only as receiving stations for gifts, but will December 17 offer special children’s shows at which a gift will be accepted as admission. In association with the Police Department, which will act as the headquarters for food, the PTA will list the needy families, as well as sort, wrap, classify the gifts. The federals will make collections, while the NBC, through radio stations WRC, WMAL, adds to the publicity outlets. Fifty drug stores of the Peoples chain will act as receiving stations for gifts. Also continuing a practice of some years’ standing, RKO-Keith’s tied in with the Washington Post, in association with the Women’s Council, District of Columbia Federation of Churches. November 26 a special program was conducted by manager Hardie Meakin at the theatre. Admission for children was one toy, for accompanying adults 2 5 cents. Three Loew theatres — Capitol, Palace, Columbia — are also joining as in former years, with the Washington Times, Herald in adding further to the Christmas spirit of "Do unto others.” Fred Rohrs Says Things Are Fine Things are beginning to boom again in the United Artists office here, branch manager Fred Rohrs related last week. What with the Frederic March picture "There Goes My Heart,” which played the Loew’s Capitol last week, midst rave notices, the follow up by Sabu’s "Drums” the local UA office force is very pleased indeed. December 7, 19)8 ON YOUR DESK EVERY WEDNESDAY NAT