The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

West Virginia ITO Meets in Clarksburg, Feb. 28 Col. Cole, National Prexy, To Address State Group Richard D. Marks, vice-president of the Independent Theatre Owners of West Virginia, announced last week that Colonel Harry A. Cole, newly elected president of the Allied States Association, has been invited to address a general meeting of the ITO membership February 2 8 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Theatre owners, managers from all parts of the state will be present for the afternoon session, presided over by ITO president R. J. Hiehle. West Virginia exhibitors have been active recently in connection with adverse legislation. A new bill in the legislature would license all motion picture machine operators, require two operators in a booth. "Bank Night,” give-aways would be prohibited by another bill. The West Virginia "blue law” would be repealed under the terms of yet another measure. USFS Handles Government Films So successful was "The River,” produced by Pare Lorentz for the Farm Security Administration and released in the fall of 1937, especially after Paramount took over the national distribution of the picture, the United States Film service has been organized to distribute government-made motion pictures. To start the functioning of the Washington office, located at 203 I Street, N. W., last week came one P. Miller, from the New York office. Russell Anderson, formerly assistant ad-sales manager under Al Miller, 20th Century-Fox, was named head shipper, inspector. Howard Collins takes the vacancy at 20th Century-Fox. Frank Durkee to Be Honored A testimonial is being given to Frank H. Durkee, first assistant Chief Barker, Baltimore Variety Club, in the club rooms February 22 in honor of his splendid work as general chairman of the recent successful dinner-dance. “Darling Daughter” Passed by Va. Censors Warner Show Goes Through Cut -less "Yes, My Darling Daughter,” Warner picture which was banned by the New York State censors, was passed by the Virginia board without an elimination, it developed this week. The New York censors’ action marked the first time any picture approved by Hays code on the coast had been held up. Baltimore Sunday Bill Due An ordinance was all ready last week to be introduced into the Baltimore City Council by Richard C. O’Connell, which would change the opening time of Sunday movies and baseball so that people need not have to stand out in the weather until the two o’clock time. This has come about due to the rigid enforcement by Police Commissioner Stanton that no one can enter either until two P. M. Sundays. If passed it would be put on the ballots in the Spring mayoralty election for a vote. Shaffer, England Win Prizes Frank Shaffer, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg, Virginia, won second place prize, $100, in class two of the recent competition for the best exploitation campaigns in connection with Motion Pictures Greatest Year. R. E. England, Virginia, Charleston, West Virginia, won fifth place prize of $2 5 in the same division. Complete list of winners will be found in another section of this issue. Balto. House Changes Policy Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, managed by Leonard (Chum) McLaughlin, will inaugurate a policy of straight vaudeville without pictures February 27. Twelve acts will be offered on the bill each week. There will be two performances each day and three on Sundays. Distributor Drives Get Under Full Speed All Companies Plugging "Big Pushes” Company drives forged ahead on all fronts here during the past week, as meeting followed meeting, sales talks followed the sales talk. The several forces went after the business, that promises to be greater than ever before. At Columbia, the Personal Achievement Campaign has the salesmen hard at work and not a dull moment. Republic’s co-managers — Samuel M., Jacob E. Flax — are reaping in sale after sale in celebration of the company’s anniversary. Warners’ Robert F. Smeltzer stated every branch in the entire country is 'over its quota” in the Gradwell L. Sears Drive, that "you can bet your bottom dollar, it’ll be a cat-and-dog fight from now on.” Robert J. Polhard, branch manager, RKO, met briefly last week with his sales staff for the weekly pep talk to spur on the George Schaefer Drive. Folliard is hoping that the 100 percent mark will be attained long before June 2, the final day of the drive. Meanwhile, Art Jacobson, NSS, announced he would set aside the month of April, beginning on the third, as "Opportunity Month.” Details of the project will be announced in the next issue of The National Exhibitor. Branch manager Harry F. Bachman, hard at work with his staff on the W. Ray Johnston Drive, toured the Virginia circuit with salesman Harry Crull to bring in the contracts, play dates. Both Bachman, Crull have been meriting, receiving plaudits from the home office for their work in the drive. The McCarthy-Heineman drive for Universal has the local office on its toes. In honor of the western division manager (William J. Heineman), eastern sales director Frank McCarthy, the drive opens February 26, continues until April 22. Some of the features which will bring in the Universal dates are "You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man,” "Three Smart Girls,” "Dark Rapture,” "Code of the Streets,” "East Side of Heaven.” Literature on the "New U” drive has already been sent to the local, nearby exhibitors. Last week Paul Baron, pinchhitting for Nate Sauber, met with the sales force to plan the campaign. Maryland Ad Fee Bill Up Delegate Conray last fortnight introduced a bill in the House at Annapolis, Maryland, which would increase the fee for roadside signs and advertising. February 22, 19)9 NAT