The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

7 WEEKEND NEWS HIGHLIGHTS IN THE INDUSTRY Columbia Foreign Drive New York City — Dedicated to its entire foreign personnel throughout the world, Columbia Pictures Corporation announced that its annual foreign sales campaign will be designated as the "International Personal Testimonial Campaign.” Foreign manager J. A. McConville stated that the campaign will run for 13 weeks starting February 27, continuing through the week ending May 27 and that it will mark the first time that an annual sales campaign has been dedicated to individuals in the foreign field. Joseph M. Schenck Re-elected Hollywood — President Joseph M. Schenck was re-elected to that post by the Association of Motion Picture Producers at a meeting last week. Fred Beetson was returned to the secretaryship. Other officers are Jack Warner, Edgar Mannix, first and second vice-presidents; Sam Goldwyn, Y. Frank Freeman, Mannix are now on the board of directors. The executive committee includes Warner, Schenck, Goldwyn, Mannix, Freeman, Harry Cohn. Silverstone East New York City — Murray Silverstone, chief of UA worldwide operations, arrived in this city after a five week visit in Hollywood discussing product. A 20th anniversary for United Artists will now get his attention. He will soon leave for Europe on a business trip. McCarthyHeinemann Drive Set New York City — Eastern and western division Universal sales managers Frank C. McCarthy and W. J. Heineman are being honored, it developed this week, with play date and charges drives opening February 26 and continuing until April 22. Lachmann Resigns New York City — Marc Lachmann, doing exploitation work for 20th Century-Fox, resigned. Court Bans Price Check Washington — The Supreme Court decided February 13 that a group of leading motion picture distributors and Texas exhibitors had violated the anti-trust law through film-licensing agreements. In a decision by Justice Stone, the tribunal affirmed by a five to three decision a decree by the Northern Texas federal district court enjoining further agreements. The Department of Justice, which instituted the proceedings, contended eight leading distributors violated the Sherman anti-trust law by agreeing with Interstate Circuit, Inc., Texas, to place restrictions on the use of film licensed to competitors of Interstate. Under the agreement, the government said, films shown at "first run” theatres operated by Interstate Circuit could not be shown at subsequent run houses unless the latter charged a minimum admission price of 2 5 cents for lower-floor seats at night. The first run theatres charged 40 cents or more. Justice Stone delivered the majority decision, which held that the Northern Texas federal district court “rightly enjoined enforcement and renewal of these agreements.” He added that the fact that the pictures involved were copyrighted did not save the companies from anti-trust violations. "An agreement illegal because it suppresses competition,” Stone said, "is not any less so because the competitive article is copyrighted.” In a dissenting opinion, Justice Roberts contended the agreements were "not conspiracies contemplated by the Sherman Act and the holding that they are goes far beyond anything this court has ever decided.” “Good News” Off Air New York City — In deference to exhibitors, Metro Goldwyn Mayer announced it is discontinuing its participation in the weekly radio progam "Good News”, which has been successfully sponsored each Thursday night by Maxwell House Coffee. Metro’s part in this program, which features the personal appearance of Metro stars over the air, will terminate June 29, completing at that time approximately 29 months of operation. Although this radio presentation has reached top position in national popularity, Metro accedes to the opinion of its customers that the appearance of film stars on the air is in direct competition to theatre attendance. In commenting on the decision of the company, William S. Rodgers, general sales manager, Metro, says: "Since our business is with exhibitors, MGM, in fairness to them, is taking this step to discourage radio participation by its stars.” Allied Proposals Received New York City — Distributor attorneys were studying the trade proposals from Allied State Association, received the last week. “Din” Loud in Third Week; Shaw, “Wings” Continue Big New York City — RKO-Radio’s "Gunga Din” continues to be the hit of the Main Stem, taking $37,000 on the Saturday and Sunday of the third week at the Radio City Music Hall. Metro’s "Idiot’s Delight” at the Capitol took a $60,000 on the second week, and went into its third, with a fourth being considered. The summary: GUNGA DIN (RKO-Radio) — At New York’s Radio City Music Hall, opening January 26, with a stage show entitled "The Waltz King,” did $37,000 on Saturday, Sunday of the third week, bringing the grand total to that time $242,000. IDIOT’S DELIGHT (Metro) — At New York’s Capitol, opening February 2, did good on the second week, with plans set for a third week, possibly a fourth . "... one-third of a nation . . . ’’(Paramount)— At New York’s Rivoli, opening with a special premiere the night of February 10, on the basis of week-end business the week’s take is estimated at $15,000. PYGMALION (Metro) — At New York’s Astor, opening December 16, did in its ninth week a consistent $12,000, with occasional turn-away crowds. SAINT LOUIS BLUES (Paramount) — At New York’s Paramount, with Vincent Lopez and orchestra, John Boles headlining the stage show, opening February 8, on Saturday, did $17,000. WINGS OF THE NAVY (Warners)— At New York’s Strand, opening February 3, with Artie Shaw and orchestra headlining the stage show, with Loew, Hite and Stanley added, did $22,000 on Saturday, Sunday of the second week. First week’s take was $48,000, much of which, observers aver, was due to the draw of the Shaw jammers. Weekend Previews Hollywood — Caught in the weekend preview whirl was "Trapped in the Sky,” with Jack Holt, C. Henry Gordon, Ralph Morgan, Katherine DeMille, a good Holt, with a spy background (60m.); "Wife, Husband and Friend,” with Loretta Young, Warner Baxter, Binnie Barnes, Cesar Romero, rated above the usual program average, with a special class attraction (75m.); "The Saint Strikes Back,” with George Sanders, Wendy Barrie, Jonathan Hale, okay for the mystery fans. (64m.) "The Little Princess,” with Shirley Temple, Ian Hunter, Richard Greene, Anita Louise, Arthur Treacher, presenting the starlet in technicolor in a well mounted, costly, handsome production that can stand plenty of selling. (92m.) “Jesse James” Record New York City — 20th CenturyFox’s "Jesse James” ended its four week run at the Roxy with attendance of 5 19,309, exceeded only by "Alexander.” The business done by the 20th Century-Fox picture was indicative of the grosses throughout the country. "Jesse James” was holding over in most key spots of the country, it was reported, even though snow, cold weather and the elements did their best to cut into the gross. February 1$, 1939 TRI