The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

8 THE NATIONAL MIRROR Number 9 of a Series: JOSEPH CONWAY EGYPTIAN THEATRE, Bala-Cynwyd, Pa. "The value of THE PHILADELPHIA EXHIBITOR to me is best proven by the fact that since the publication has been giving me the complete, 100% service it now contains, I have found it fills all my needs. Therefore, for the first time, I have become a one-tradepaper-subscriber.” 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. Universal Will Screen To Boost S. A. Market Seidehnan Starts On Novel Tour of 12 Cities The initial step of a move toward the greater development of the Latin American movie market was taken January 3 1 by J. H. Seidelman, vice-president in charge of foreign affairs for Universal, when he sailed on the S. S. Gripsholm for a screening, marketing cruise through South America. In 12 key South American cities Seidelman will screen a special three reel trailer of Universal’s 1938-39 product, as well as a special print of Gilbert and Sullivan’s "The Mikado.” The trailer has shots from Universal’s forthcoming "Three Smart Girls Grow Up,” "You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man,” "East Side of Heaven,” "Son of Frankenstein” and "Spirit of Culver.” Special scenes will reveal the stars of these pictures, including Deanna Durbin, Bing Crosby, "Charlie McCarthy,” W. C. Fields, talking in Spanish about their roles. Also included in the trailer are shots depicting Charles Boyer, who will be seen in the Deanna Durbin picture, "First Love,” shots of Irene Dunne, who will appear in one of the two pictures that John M. Stahl will make for Universal, some special scenes taken in Paris of Danielle Darrieux, who will appear in "Rio.” Full cooperation was received by Universal from the Swedish Line, operating Gripsholm, who voluntarily added another projection machine, installed new equipment to enhance the screenings. Contacts have already been established with Universal office, which will have principal exhibitors on hand for the screenings on board the boat. During a press conference at which time he made known the above plans, Seidelman refuted recent charges concerning the false picture of American morals painted by Hollywood’s films in South America. When questioned as to the status of German motion pictures in South, Latin America, Seidelman claimed that films from the third Reich are "practically extinct.” It was suggested that the situation does not run in line with other fields in which Germany is practically saturating the market. He could not explain that inconsistency in favor of the United States’ movie industry other than by saying that Germany has nothing to offer in the way of motion picture entertainment. Before leaving the coast Seidelman opened a department headed by experts in South American manners, habits, history. MPTOA Bulletin Asks Conciliation Boards Now Raps Delay In Action On Memorandum Acceptance In a bulletin last week, recorded as its longest in many months, the MPTOA asserted that "IPTOA and we understand all the independent exhibitor associations, who negotiated separately, want the industry trade proposals, agreed upon in principle by the distributors, made effective at once.” Pointing to the fact that delay, prolonged by "unnecessary arguments over details and technicalities for political reasons,” has entered the scene, the MPTOA discussed the trade memorandum situation and asserted that conciliation should be the first step. It urged that distributors start to establish local boards in co-operation with local and state exhibitor associations. The bulletin went into the trade parley developments extensively and indicated that MPTOA is satisfied with the sincerity of the distributors and that efforts be made to get the proposals agreed upon working. NBFU Raps Unapproved Ducts Cutting corners to meet contract figures result in the less conscientious contractors sometimes to install air conditioning ducts made of inflammable material. Against this practice George W. Booth, chief engineer of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, last week called attention to exhibitors that "Our regulations have always recognized sheet iron as the proper material for the construction of ducts. They do not recognize Celotex or other readily inflammable material as suitable.” The NBFU regulations (on which many a U. S. municipality bases its fireprevention laws) provide that "ducts shall be constructed entirely of non-combustible materials,” but that "construction consisting of not less than %-inch cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath applied to either combustible or non-combustible supports may be used as duct walls. Liquorists Want “Rye’And” As a trade association, the new-born National Council of State Retail Liquor Dealers Associations January 3 1 made news by virtue of a resolution passed during the time of travail. The Council went on record as "urging that all motion picture scenarios require references to 'rye and soda’ or 'bourbon and soda’ in stead of the alleged universal 'Scotch and soda’ in order to encourage American industry.” February 8, 19)9