The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

THE NATIONAL MIRROR 13 Trade Faces Challenge, Hays Tells Civic Lights MPPDA Head Reports Progress , Foresees Future The motion picture faces a challenge today to retain the gains of the past and to forge ahead to its maximum usefulness in meeting new and changing conditions, Will H. Hays said last week when, as the president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, he spoke at a luncheon meeting of leaders of national civic, educational, religious, welfare and youth organizations at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York City. The occasion was a reunion of those national citizen groups which first met 17 years ago with Hays to launch and participate in a partnership effort with the industry to achieve a two-fold purpose; (1) improvement of the quality of pictures, and (2) improvement of the quality of audience appreciation throughout the country. Describing this formula as "a social experiment” unprecedented in industry, Hays said that while it had succeeded — "probably beyond the anticipation of many of us” — there was more yet to be done. What is done in future, he emphasized, must be brought about, as in the past, "through partnership with the public, with you here today and with all organizations, associations, agencies, and individuals constructively interested in the highest development of motion pictures.” On motion of Dr. James E. West, Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America, the group adopted unanimously a resolution expressing appreciation to the motion picture industry for the progress that has been made through the years. Said Hays, further: "Our partnership has been sincere on both sides. It has continued for 17 years. If the formula had failed it would have been disastrous. But it didn’t fail. The developments in motion pictures, in which you have had so helpful a share, have stemmed from this fruitful partnership. It shall go on.” Y. Frank Freeman in East Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president of Paramount Pictures, Inc., who has been in Hollywood since December 1 serving as co-ordinator between the company’s studio and New York office, arrived in New York last week. Freeman returns to Hollywood after a stay of several days in the east devoted to conferences with company executives. Freeman took over his coast post following the transfer of Adolph Zukor to the foreign division. 20th Century-Fox Plans National “Tailspin" Plug Air Caravans Will Tie In With Neiv York Opening 20th Century-Fox plans top exploitation for "Tail Spin,” it was announced this week. Definitely set are two air tours, involving more than 12,000 miles of flying, and a gala dinner and preview at the Waldorf-Astoria, New York City, immediately before the New York break of the picture at the Roxy. On January 17 four famous women fliers left New York for Hollywood by air. They were accompanied by Bill Chambliss, assistant to Marc Lachmann, special exploitation representative, and by Jim Johnson, home office advertising. Girl fliers remain in Hollywood until January 2 8. On that date, they will divide into two groups for an air tour of the key cities, during which they will del iver prints of "Tail Spin” to local exhibitors. Each group will be accompanied by two studio stock girls. The "Northern Group” will visit San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh. The “Southern Group” will stop at Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Dallas, New Orleans, Memphis, Atlanta, Philadelphia, with a visit to Boston before returning to New York. All along the line, according to the plans revealed by Marc Lachmann, welcoming festivities and other attention-getting features will characterize the visit of the fliers and actresses. Advance men will precede each tour, lining up the publicity tie-ups. Formal dinners or luncheons are set for each key city. When the touring fliers and actresses reach New York, they and the entire New York area membership of the "Ninety-Niners” will be guests of honor at a “Tail Spin” dinner held at the Waldorf-Astoria evening of February 9. Paramount Will Redeem $5,000,000 Debentures The board of directors of Paramount Pictures, Inc., at a special meeting last week voted to call for redemption at an early date $5,000,000 of the company’s six per cent debentures, at par and accrued interest, payment to be made out of excess cash balances augmented by a small six-year bank loan. It is expected that the company’s consolidated cash position after call and payment of the $5,000,000 of debentures will be in excess of $10,000,000. The interest saving accruing to the company as a result of the debt retirement will amount to about $2 5 0,000 annually, it was announced. After the call there will remain in public hands $4,400,000 of the original $26,000,000 issue, the rest having been purchased for 3 % pet cent debentures of the company. Number 1 of a Series: CHAS. A. SMAKWITZ District Manager of the 25 WARNER BROS. THEATRES in the Albany, N. Y. Zone. "I want to compliment you upon your weekly publication, THE NEW YORK STATE EXHIBITOR. It has a definite place in New York State so far as our industry is concerned. As a sectional local trade paper, the exhibitors can practically use it as a handbook. The data on releases — the complete and accurate casts and information relative to pictures — make it without question the only, as well as the best and timely publication of its kind. As far as giving the exhibitors concise and to the point happenings, national as well as local, it is unique.” Nearly every Exhibitor reads THE~EXHIBITOR ! AN INVITATION Throughout 193 9, expressions of praise, comment, criticism or suggestion from our many Exhibitor Friends will be carried in similar form in every issue. W.e welcome the expression of every reader and will use them in the order in which they are received. January 18, 1939 TRI