The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

7 Harrisonburg Aroused by Sunday Show Moves Roths Stay Closed But Others Open The Roth Brothers, operating Valley Enterprises, Inc., were last fortnight affected by a drive of Harrisonburg, Virginia, ministers against Sunday movies. Sunday shows at Bridgewater and Grottoes, both in Rockingham County, continue. After the sermons and circulation of petitions opposing Sunday movies, the State, Virginia did not open in Harrisonburg as advertised. There was a line waiting at the box office of each theatre as the announcement was made that no show would be held. Sam Roth, president, Valley Enterprises, Inc., which operate the theatres in Harrisonburg and in Rockingham County, said that he had no statement to make. Sunday movies were shown in Harrisonburg February 19 without advertising and passed off without attention until the ministers and laymen decided to take steps to halt the shows or take the operators to court. The shows advertised for February 26 then brought the concerted movement. Fremont, Baltimore, Changes Fremont, Baltimore, Maryland, was sold last week by Joseph Walderman and Joseph Poltilove to Aaron Coplin, forrn Serly of Baltimore, but who has been interested in theatres in North Carolina. Walderman still continues in an active capacity with Coplin in the management of the house. Where, Oh Where in Va. ? To exhibitors of Virginia, members of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Virginia last week went ballots to determine whether the 1939 mid-summer sessions would be held in Roanoke, Hot Springs, Old Point Comfort’s Chamberlain Hotel, or elsewhere. Noteworthy omission from the list, presented is the "traditional” spot, the Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach. Maryland Censor Lineup Changed by Governor Senate Balks Appointment of Mrs. Wertz The Maryland censor board line-up underwent changes last fortnight as the Senate rejected the appointment of former governor Harry W. Nice of Mrs. I. M. Wertz as a member. It was reported that the Governor is inclined to have the three members of the censor board all Democrats but the 193 5 law creating the commission provides the appointment of a minority member. A strategic move, however, is believed eliminating this section. Holmes Alexander, writer and one time a member of the legislature, is understood to have been selected by Governor Herbert R. O’Conor as the next chairman. The move would be non-political. The governor has proposed George W. Mitchell, Westminster, to succeed Mrs. J. Wilson Ryon on the board. Optimism Flows Along Distrib Row Washington’s drive-conscious distribution fraternity was still decidedly optimistic last week. Warners’ Robert F. "Belasco” Smeltzer announced last week the Sears Drive had passed the half-way mark with three divisions "neck and neck and neck.” Said Smeltzer: "There’s less than one per cent that separates the leading divisions, and 1 aim to have my exchanges forge ahead in the next eight weeks so’ll there will be no doubt as to the winner.” The genial Warner executive said he relied on the aid of great features like "Yes, My Darling Daughter,” "Oklahoma Kid,” “Blackwell’s Island,” "Dark Victory” to bring in the dates. Acting branch manager B. Bernard Kreisler, Universal, announced recently a vigorous campaign to put the Frank McCarthy Playdate Drive "over the top.” Returning to the territory after an absence of more than a year, Kreisler pledged he would have the boys "up near the front” by time the drive ends April 22. Kreisler announced he would continue to tour the territory, with which he became so well acquainted while salesman for Paramount here. Two Industry Bills Face Delaware Exhibs Pepper Censor Measure Giving Concern With the final day for new bills set for last March 3 the motion picture business of Delaware this week faced three bills. Bill” Hayes, veteran legislative correspondent, who has seen array after array of movie bills come and go, during past sessions, predicted that none of them would be passed. The Pepper bill, from down-state Selby ville, came as something of a surprise. Its backers are as mysterious as those of the Rinard bill in the Senate and the Canby Sunday movie measure in the House. The latest bill in full is as follows: House bill 14 0 — Introduced by Rep. F. W. Pepper. An act relating’ to motion picture films, advertising in connection therewithj disapproval of by judges of the Juvenile Courts; penalties for violations. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Delaware in General Assembly Met: Section 1. No motion picture film, which is sacrilegious, obscene, indecent, immoral or is such as will tend to debase or corrupt the morals of the youth of our State shall be sold, leased, lent or used for exhibition to the children of the State of Delaware in any public or private place therein, when such motion picture films shall have been disapproved by the Judges of the Juvenile Courts, nor shall the preview of any such kind of motion picture films be exhibited or the preview of any kind of film be exhibited or displayed for viewing for the purpose of advertising in connection therewith for a period of longer than five minutes in any one exhibition of motion picture film. Section 2. Upon the application of five or more responsible citizens of any community, made to either of the said Judges alleging that certain motion picture film is sacrilegious, obscene, indecent, immoral or is such as will tend to debase or corrupt the morals of the youth of this State, any corporation, firm, association, co-partnership, or person selling, lending, leasing or exhibiting or using any such motion picture film objected to. Should, after witnessing such exhibition of said objectionable film or films, the said Judges decide in their judgement, both agreeing thereto, such film or films tend to debase or corrupt those of adolescent age, further exhibition of the film shall cease unless eliminations, changes or rejections as suggested by the said Judges shall have been made. No form of admission to any public or private place exhibiting any motion picture film not having been approved by the said Judges shall be granted to any person — male or female — under the age of 18 years. Section 3. Any corporation, firm, association, copartnership, person or persons violating any of the provisions of this Act and is convicted thereof before the Municipal Court of the City of Wilmington or before any Justice of the Peace of this State shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than twentyfive dollars ($2 5.00) nor more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for the first offense and for any subsequent offense the fine shall not be less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). Section 4. All Acts or parts of Act inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistencies only. Wilmington newspapers are backing Sunday movies but editorially say little about the censorship and anti-trailer bills. Favorable Md. “Bingo” Report The House Judiciary Committee of the Maryland General Assembly last week voted a favorable report on the bill to legalize "Bingo” with limitations introduced into the House of Delegates by the Sixth District delegates including Edward A. Freburger, William M. Hudnet and Henry D. Grube. March S, 19} 9 NAT