The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY TALENT TEST DATES SET New York City — Several dates for talent tests in connection with RKO’s "Gateway to Hollywood” tie-up have been arranged. Cities, hotels, theatre affiliations, dates are Washington, D. C., Carlton, RKO Keith’s, January 25; Philadelphia, Warwick, Stanley-Warner, February 11; Buffalo, Statler, Shea’s, February 18. Bryant Washburn will handle details in these spots. Two applicants will be chosen in each. PARAMOUNT 1939-1940 PLANS READY St. Louis — Neil F. Agnew, vice-president in charge of distribution, revealed at sales meeting that 54-60 features would be made during 1939-1940, that the budget totals $2 5,000,000. A national sales convention will be held this year, with time, place to be announced later. Agnew said that 10 pictures were ready or nearly ready for release on this year s program, including such fare as St. Louis Blues, Cafe Society,” "Hotel Imperial,” "Never Say Die,” "I’m From Missouri,” "The Lady’s from Kentucky,” "Union Pacific.” Titles of future pictures, such as "Beau Geste,” "The Gracie Allen Murder Case,” "The Light That Failed,” "The Cat and the Canary,” among others, were listed. 20 th CENTURY -FOX MEETS IN CHICAGO New York City— The annual sales convention of 20th Century-Fox will be held in Chicago April 15-17, it was officially announced, with Herman Wobber, sales chief, to preside. Sidney R. Kent, president, will address the body. CELLER BILL AGAIN INTRODUCED Washington, D. C— Representative Emanuel Celler, New York, introduced his anti-block booking bill. It is the same measure he sponsored last session. It is also certain that he will re-introduce his bill leading to the abolition of the prohibition of importation and interstate transportation on prize fight films. RKO RE-ORGANIZATION PLAN PROGRESSES New York City— Weekend developments in the RKO reorganization revealed that the condition of the stockholders’ consents might hold up approval of the plan. Federal judge William Bondy said they were in very poor shape. New consents might be asked. Several specific claims were then registered with the court, with the case then adjourned until January 26. WEEKEND PREVIEWS Outstanding weekend preview was that of Vitaphone’s technicolor Lincoln in the White House,” two reeler with Frank McGlynn as Lincoln, climaxed by a stirring reading of the Gettysburg address. Made in the same spirit of Americanism demonstrated in "The Declaration of Independence,” the short is a fine addition to the series, worthy of marquee attention, playable in any, every house. Among the features seen was Grand National’s "Trigger Pals,” first of the western senes with Art Jarrett apparently a better singer than a cowboy, but pleasant, nevertheless. Victory’s "Six Gun Trail,” with Tim McCoy, emerged as a routine entrant Other shorts seen were Vitaphone’s "Ski Girl,” a routine skiing subject with excellent photography; "The Human Bomb,” a Vitaphone-Floyd Gibbons thriller. Heavy 20th-Fox Selling by Chase National Bank Semi-monthly report of transactions, holding to the Securities Exchange Commission last week revealed that Chase National had disposed of 5 0,400 shares of 20th Century-Fox common stock. The bank retains 23 6,578 shares of the common. Other 20th Century-Fox changes were William Goetz disposing of 10,000 shares; Darryl Zanuck 10,000. Paine Tri-National Treasurer Appointment of Charles B. Paine, formerly treasurer, Universal, as treasurer of both Tri-National Films, Inc., was announced last week by John E. Otterson, president. Russell Birdwell Resigns Russell Birdwell resigned last fortnight as publicity director for SelznickInternational. He will open his own public relations counsel office soon. WEEKEND GROSSES Business on new, continuing pictures opening in key cities over the week-end, as reported by direct wire, to The Exhibitor, included the following: THE BEACHCOMBER (Paramount) — at New York’s Rivoli did above average business in its third week. GOING PLACES (Warners)— At New York’s Strand, with stage show, did $29,000 Friday through Sunday. KENTUCKY (20th Century-Fox) — At New York’s Roxy, with stage show, did above average business. KING OF THE UNDERWORLD (Warners) — At New York’s Rialto, did $5,5 00 on the week-end. THE LADY VANISHES (GaumontBritish) — At New York’s Globe, still above average business. PYGMALION (Metro)— At New York’s Astor, in its fifth week, is still doing "nice” business. SWEETHEARTS (Metro)— At New York’s Capitol, was strong in its third week, with stage show topped by Louis Armstrong and orchestra, Bill Robinson. THERE’S THAT WOMAN AGAIN (Columbia)— At New York’s Radio City Music Hall, with stage show, fair business. ZAZA (Paramount) — At New ’ll ork s Paramount, with stage show headlined by Benny Goodman and orchestra, did $25,000 on Saturday, Sunday for the best business in six months. January 11, 1939 TR.I