The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

7 Mrs. Wertz Made Chairman Two New Theatres Bow in West Virginia Area Elkins, Charleston Get Modern Edifices As the Joyous Season, 193 8, approached, the citizenry of two West Virginia cities were doubly grateful for two new theatres, it developed this week. First to open was Manos, Elkins, operated by the Elkins Theatre Company, headed by Mike Manos, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Managing the theatre (which actually is the old Roosevelt completely rebuilt) is James C. Salsgiver, who came from Indiana, Pennsylvania, assisted by cashier Martha Sonner, ushers Martin Allman, Milton Sonner, Emil Kovacich. Latest in Manos’ score of theatres represents an added investment of $40,000, on which Arnold Picchi, Tuckahoe, New York, was the creator of the beautiful job. Theatre front is completely covered with colored plate glass, augmented by a modern marquee. Acoustical plaster makes for perfect reception of the new RCA sound. Opening was attended by exhibitors from far, near, by state, local officials. Second of the season’s openings was the new Custer, Charleston. The house, owned by Eugene R. Custer, is the last word in theatre design, construction, equipment, replete with Carrier air conditioning, RCA sound, American Seating chairs. Custer is well known in the territory as a Paramount salesman out of Cincinnati, later (19171929) out of Columbus. Entering exhibition, he built the Athens, Ohio, theatre, later acquiring a second. When he sold out to the Schine Circuit, he remained as district manager until recently when he built the Custer. Already Custer has plans made for another new theatre in Charleston to be called the State. A June 1 opening is anticipated. Warner Managers Meet Here Managers from all Warner theatres in the Washington territory, executives of the home office in Washington were the guests of general zone manager John J. Payette at the Mayflower Hotel a fortnight ago. A dinner followed the all day general meeting in which managers discussed plans for the new year with the various executives in the Warner offices here. of Maryland Censor Board Mrs. Ruth D. Wertz, Hagerstown, Maryland, widow of Mayor Wertz, was sworn in before the Clerk of the Circuit Court December 27 as chairman of the Board of Motion Picture Censors of Maryland, succeeding Dr. Ben Paul Sandy, resigned. She already has taken up her duties. An ardent picture fan for many years, Hagerstown theatremen say, her appointment was forecast exclusively in The National Exhibitor a few weeks ago. Two Theatres Involved in Balto. Games Arrests Police Act Against Nabe Houses Ten persons were presented by the grand jury last fortnight on charges of conducting or managing lottery enterprises at two northwest Baltimore motion-picture theatres. Seven of the defendants were accused of conducting a bingo game December 19 at the Linden. They were: Harry Silver, president of the theatre company; Frank Boucher, manager; William I. Buckingham, doorman; Helen Wilenski, ticket seller; Marguerite Mataci, "Bingo” card distributor; Samuel Kramer, judge; David Kaiser, judge. The three others, Samuel Stiefel, Nathan Rose, Jack Kelly, were charged with operating a bonus game December 17 at the Royal. Stiefel was named president of the theatre, Rosen vice-president, Kelly manager. Presentments were returned after Robert F. Stanton, Police Commissioner, had warned operators of commercial "Bingo” games that they must cease the operations by December 15. Stanton appeared before the jury for more than hour. Bail for each of the defendants was set at $5 00. Listed as witnesses in the cases were a number of policemen, residents of sections near the two theatres. Beverly Makes Official Bow Warner Brothers’ new theatre here, the Beverly, made its bow to the Washington public December 23. It is located at Fifteenth and E Streets, Northwest. Speakers on the program were the Honorable Melvin C. Hazen, chairman of the Board of District Commissioners; Honorable Julian O. Cardin, president of the Northeast Business Men’s Association. Designed by John Eberson, the Beverly provides seats for 1000 persons on one floor. It is owned, built by the Kass Realty Company of Washington, will be operated by Warner Brothers under a long-term lease. Beverly will be managed by Arthur Kilburg. Local Release Bates Independent productions set, as of December 29, for release during January, subject to change, included: GRAND NATIONAL — Exile Express, Long Shot, Water Rustlers, Trigger Pals, Ride ’Em Cowgirl. IMPERIAL — Feud of the Range, Convicts at Large, Port of Lost Dreams, I Have Lived, Notorious But Nice, Stolen Sweets, Rainbow Over Broadway, In the Money, In Love with Life. MONOGRAM — Convict’s Code, Drifting Westward. REPUBLIC — Fighting Thoroughbreds, The Mysterious Miss V, Riding the Range. TRIO — The Headleys at Home. Stem Confers with UA Chief Charles Stern, district manager for UA, called a sales meeting in Washington last week to discuss this year’s product. Present at the conference were branch manager Fred Rohrs, salesman Mark Silver, Fred Sandy, Dick Harrity. General discussion of business for the coming year was the keynote. Ritter to Do P. A. Here Tex Ritter, it was announced last week, will do some personal appearances in Virginia as well as other southern states. Tour begins in January in the southwest, winding up in the southern belt. The Monogram star is expected to be out for several weeks. Holiday Business Good Holiday business throughout the territory was generally good, a survey revealed this week. However, no spots equalled the terrific business during the Christmas-New Year’s period in New York City where records were broken, with capacity performances at many shows. Influx of visitors was credited there. January 4, 7959 NAT