The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

THE NATIONAL MIRROR 13 Latest Allied Bulletin Raps Hays Tactics Covers Various Trade , Legal Matters From Allied States Association last week came a regular bulletin, touching several subjects of trade interests. Highlights were: MR. ZANUCK WRITES A LETTER— In reply to the Allied wire commending withdrawal of Tyrone Power from the air, Darryl Zanuck promised future co-operation on such matters in order to protect the company’s players, the exhibitors and the company. MR. RODGERS MAKES AN EXPLANATION — The Metro sales chief announced that first indication that "Good News” would be withdrawn from the air March 3 1 was in error and that the July 1 date had to be agreed to in order to allow the sponsor to get another show. ALLIED TRAILERS — They are being booked by many members, but more can be used. THE SUPREME COURT DECIDES— The decision in the recent Texas case is reviewed. The organization then asks regional associations to review all complaints of members regarding restrictions placed in theatre contracts at behest of chains or other prior run exhibitors. A memorandum to regional units in good standing is enclosed “showing the procedure for reaping the benefits of the decision.” REPEAL OF NORTH DAKOTA DIVORCEMENT LAW — Agents of the Hays organization and the majors "have been unusually active in their efforts to undo Allied accomplishments in behalf of the exhibitors and otherwise to destroy their confidence,” the bulletin says. Reviewing what has gone on in North Dakota, the bulletin says "thus we come to the end of the North Dakota adventure with the Big Eight in ignominous retreat from the judgment of the highest court of the land.” The bulletin says “the situation of the independent exhibitors will never be secure, they can never deal with the representatives of the Big Eight with confidence, so long as the master minds of the Hays Association control Big Eight strategy and policy.” U Loss $591,178 Annual report of Universal Pictures Company, Inc., and subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended October 29, 193 8, released last week shows combined net loss of $391,178 after providing for all charges, including depreciation and amortization of fixed assets in the sum of $269,2 32. This compares with a net loss for the year ended October 30, 1937, of $1,084,998 after all charges including depreciation and amotization of fixed assets in the sum of $370,3 86. J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of the board of directors, points out in his remarks to stockholders that the company operated at a profit of $161,929 in the last quarter of the fiscal year. Alperson Plans Uncertain Future plans of Edward L. Alperson, vice-president-general manager of Grand National, who resigned last week, remained undisclosed this week. Brandt’s Death Mourned Passing of Joe Brandt, once president of Columbia, February 2 3, was mourned by the trade. He had been ill for some time. Brandt entered the business in 1908 as private secretary to Carl Laemmle. He helped found Universal, then resigned to Joe Brandt He died at 57 form CBC, which later became Columbia, in partnership with Harry and Jack Cohn. In 1932, his interest was purchased by Harry Cohn. Before entering the motion picture business, Brandt, who would have been 57 on July 20, was in the advertising business, did some theatre-paper reporting. His wife, one son survive. “Sight, Sound First” Green That first in the thoughts of exhibitors now installing new equipment are sight, sound — a better image on the screen, finer sound for the ear — is shown by the sales reports of the National Theatre Supply Company’s 29 branches, as announced by president W. E. Green last week. Said he, in part: "Of the 104 theatre owners who recently modernized their houses . . . , 40 percent put the bulk of their purchases right in their projection rooms. . . . These betterments in projection and sound were, you might say, the first line of offense in drives for more business. "Not that these exhibitors are neglecting carpets or seating or comfort cooling, or any department of their houses. The past month’s huge shipments . . . show that customers of these can, above everything else, depend on the quality of the picture image and the clarity of sound they’ll hear.” North Dakota Bill Signed Governor John Moses last week signed the North Dakota bill repealing the theatre divorcement act, a measure about which there has been much controversy. North Dakota was the first state to ban theatre divorcement, but the recent legislative move leaves the country without such a state statute. Number 19 of a Series: BEN FERTEL General Manager, COLONIAL AMUSEMENT COMPANY, Inc., operators of 4 Philadelphia theatres. "I am very pleased to voice my opinion again in favor of your marvelous publication. THE EXHIBITOR is one trade paper that my entire staff is anxious to read; as well as myself. "I particularly appreciate the editorials, and the blue sheets giving comments on the shows.” Nearly every Exhibitor reads THE EXHIBITOR! AN INVITATION Throughout 1 93 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. March 1, 1939