The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

WEEKEND NEWS HIGHLIGHTS IN THE INDUSTRY Comerford Will Filed Scranton, Pennsylvania — Will of M. E. Comerford, filed here last week, names his nephew, Frank C. Walker, as executor with full power. Value of personal property is given as "over $100,000.” Estate contains real estate valued at "over $10,000.” His widow, Margaret Comerford, and his daughter, Margaret Comerford Friday, are principal beneficiaries. The late M. B. Comerford, who died in 193 5, was named with Walker as an executor. All M. E. Comerford shares of stock in the Penncom Corporation are to be held in trust for 1 5 years with the income paid to the residuary estate. The stock will be sold at the end of 15 years and the proceeds paid into the residuary estate for distribution to the residuary legatees. “Puritan” Turned Down New York City — After postponing the scheduled showing of "Yes, My Darling Daughter,” the New York State Board of Regents upheld the censorship’s ban on a French import by turning thumbs down on Lenauer-International’s "The Puritan.” The reviewing Regents body will make its report to the State Board. Attorney Arthur Garfield Hays (father of Jean Lenauer’s wife) stated he may appeal to the courts if the ban is upheld. Monogram Sells 6108 Houses New York City — Annual report of president W. Ray Johnston to Monogram stosckholders reveals operating profit of $37,132 for November, December. For the period pending December 31, 193 8, company showed operating loss of $180,861. Theatre deals signed to date total 6108. Company is optimistic over the future. Baldwinsville Fire Baldwinsville , New York — Fire gutted the Palace February 16, with estimated loss of $2 5,000. Sam Slotnick is president of operating company which will rebuild. “Darling” OK. in Pa. Philadelphia — State censor board has passed Warners’ "Yes, My Darling Daughter” without any fuss or any cuts. Statement from board head Mrs. Palmer indicated approval was unanimous; that she could not understand the action of New York board in turning it down. Statement also praised the film as a high rating comedy. 52 For 20th-F0X New York City — 20th Century-Fox will make 52 pictures in the new season, president Sidney R. Kent revealed last weekend. The annual convention will be held in Chicago early in April. Shorts schedule will remain at 5 2, including 26 cartoons. Kreisler in Washington Washington — B. Bernard Kreisler, once a Paramount salesman here, is the new branch manager, acting for Nat Sauber, ill. Paul Baron, formerly resident manager here, gets the Charlotte, North Carolina, branch managership. 48 For RKO New York City — RKO president George J. Schaefer, arriving here last weekend, indicated that approximately 48 pictures would be made by the company in 1939-1940. Pathe Plan Approved New York City — The new Pathe Film Corporation plan was approved by 70 per cent of the stockholders last week. Thomas P. Loach is a new director. Atlantic City Fire Atlantic City — Palace, owned by Sam Tannenbaum, was damaged by fire to extent of $2000 February 18 when flames started about 3 A. M. It is expected that operator Tannenbaum, who was in Florida at the time, will shortly announce plans to build a modern cinema on the Palace site. “Made for Each Other” Heads New York City Grosses New York City — United Artists’ "Made For Each Other” at the Radio City Music Hall turned in a gross of $63,000 Thursday through Sunday at the mammoth playhouse. Other grosses of New York City reported were: SAINT LOUIS BLUES (Paramount) — At Paramount, $13,000 Saturday and Sunday of the second week with Vincent Lopez on stage. OFF THE RECORD (Warners)— At the Strand, $24,5 80 Friday and Saturday, with Kay Kyser and band on stage given most credit for the gross. PYGMALION (Metro) — At the Astor, approximately $13,000 estimated for the 10th week. IDIOT’S DELIGHT (Metro) — At the Capitol, third week, ending Washington’s Birthday, to be followed by "Honolulu,” "good business.” THE THREE MUSKETEERS (20th CenturyFox) — At the Roxy, $27,068, with 59,32 5 attendance, Friday through Sunday, with stage show, with no second week listed. MUTINY ON THE ELSINORE (Krellberg) — At the Criterion, "very good” business reported. THE LADY VANISHES (GB)— At the Globe, $4,000 Saturday and Sunday of the 10th week. YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN (U) — At the Rivoli, about $16,000 estimated for the week. Alperson Resigns, Rumor Hollywood — Weekend rumors emanating here had Edward L. Alperson resigning from Grand National. Efforts to verify the report proved unavailing. WEEKEND PREVIEWS Hollywood-New York — Caught in the East and West over the weekend were: LET FREEDOM RING (Metro)— Nelson Eddy, Virginia Bruce, Victor McLaglen. 87m. A glorified action drama, with plenty of patriotic ingredients and the finale having Nelson Eddy sing "The Star-Spangled Banner,” all of which makes it a box office attraction. LET US LIVE (Columbia) — Maureen O’Sullivan, Henry Fonda, Ralph Bellamy. 68m. A well produced melodrama of misguided justice, with exploitation angles galore, this should be a money show. SIX GUN RHYTHM (Grand National) — Tex Fletcher, Joan Barclay, Ralph Peters. 5 5 m. A below par western, with a new star, this is just an open air drama. WINNER TAKE ALL (20th Century-Fox) — Tony Martin, Gloria Stuart. 61m. Just a dualler. SOCIETY SMUGGLERS (Universal)— Preston Foster, Irene Hervey. 70m. Smuggling yarn for the duallers. STAR REPORTER (Monogram)— Warren Hull, Marsha Hunt, Virginia Howell. 62m. Good entrant for the action house has a newspaper background. PANAMA PATROL (Grand National) — Leon Ames, Charlotte Wynters, Adrienne Ames, Weldon Reyburn. 67m. Good spy meller for dual support is second of Cipher series. I WAS A CONVICT (Republic) — Barton MacLane, Beverly Roberts, Janet Beecher, Horace MacMahon. 62m. This is a good independent programmer melodrama of crooks trying to make good on parole. SKY PIRATE (Monogram) — John Trent, Marjorie Reynolds. 61m. Tailspin Tommy comes to the screen in a story that combines appeal of spies with aerial acrobatics. February 22, 19)9 TRI