The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

13 WEEKEND NEWS HIGHLIGHTS IN THE INDUSTRY Philly Duals Scare Philadelphia — Aroused by reports that Stanley-Warner may turn to double features, Allied Independent Theatre Owners of Eastern Pennsylvania has organized a committee of six last week end to sound out members on the matter of double features. While the membershin is not united on the question of duals, there is a sentiment for regulation of twin bills, so that "A’s” and "B’s” will not appear on the same program. The Alliedmen fear that if the double featuring increases to the point where two topnotch features are dualled, it won’t be long before S-W doubles the shows up. Reports that S-W might double have been current for some time, but it is not believed likely that the circuit will adopt the policy yet. However, exhibs are keeping their fingers crossed with a meeting having been scheduled for this week on the double feature question by Allied. Censor Bills Doomed Boston — Following Massachusetts legislative hearings on two censorship measures with Messrs. Brennan, Howard of Allied Theatres and Independent Exhibitors appearing against the measures, death of both bills in committee is expected. Four labor bills were also opposed by the organizations. March 16 sees a hearing on a bill to legalize "Bank Night” as well as regulation of '"Beano.” “Remous” Still Banned in N.Y. Albany, New York — Finding the plot of the film "Remous” (Whirlpool) is "practically the same as that of 'Ecstasy,’ ” the Appelate Division has upheld the State Education department authorities who had refused to issue a license for public exhibition. Connecticut Bills Balked Hartford, Connecticut — The General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee’s action in voting unfavorable reports on proposals to legalize "Bingo” and parimutuel betting on horses and dog racing foreshadows a fight on the floor when the report is made to the Senate and House. Kuykendall’s 3400 Word Bulletin New York City — Printing highlight of the weekend was a 3400-word bulletin from MPTOA president Ed Kuykendall, who commented ( I ) on the InterstateHoblitzelle case, (2) the Neely Bill, (3) radio competition, (4) radio gossip commentators, (5) good pictures, (6) the Will Rogers Memorial Fund Drive. The following brief indicates the substance of the report: "(1) The Supreme Court’s decision should be a great help toward complete confusion and uncertainty, (2) if this bill should become law it will do more damage to small independent theatres and country-town exhibitors than to anybody else, (3) the real trouble appears to be the misuse of screen talent by radio, damaging and destroying the value and popularity of screen stars when they do appear on the screen, (4) it is one thing to have appraised pictures in the press, but another thing for the hired agent of a commercial advertised on a sponsored radio program to urge the public not to buy a certain piece of commercial entertainment because in his personal opinion it is no good, (5) good pictures are still in demand, (6) this should be supported. Ameche’s Boston Puzzle Boston — When 20th Century-Fox’s Don Ameche came to town last weekend to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the first telephone transmission March 10, and get some attention for "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell,” a press luncheon given for him was the signal for combined representation from M. & P., Keith’s, as well as the company, itself. 20th-Fox product is split in Boston between the two circuits. In addition Ameche appears soon in the Metropolitan (M. & P.) in Paramount’s "Midnight.” France Hits Distribs Paris, France — American distributors received a body blow here when Jean Zay, Minister of Education, obtained the Cabinet’s approval for a cinema bill providing for the reorganization of the French film industry. The bill is modeled in some respects after the regulations applied in Italy and Germany and includes a tax on all foreign films on which the French language is dubbed. This hits American films particularly, since they form 80 per cent of the films dubbed in France. WEEKEND GROSSES New York — After successfully hurdling the censors, "Blackwell’s Island,” at the Globe, took $19,000 to hit a high for Brandt operation there. The gross summary: BLACKWELL’S ISLAND (Warners)— At the Globe, opening March 1, in its first week, took $19,046, a house record. Saturday, Sunday of the second stanza, $4,800 rolled in. FAST AND LOOSE (Metro) — At Loew’s Criterion, opening March 8, did "excellent” business, holding over. LET FREEDOM RING (Metro) — At the Capitol, opening March 9, business was reported "very good.” THE LITTLE PRINCESS (20th CenturyFox) — At the Roxy, starting March 10, with stage show, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday did $23,668 with 5 5,991 cash customers. MY SON IS A CRIMINAL (Columbia) — At the Central, did $2,000 on the week. NEVER SAY DIE (Paramount) — At the Paramount, starting March 8, with stage show, on Saturday, Sunday did $13,000. THE OKLAHOMA KID (Warners)— At the Strand, did $27,884 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Did $31,000 on the second week. PYGMALION (Metro) — At the Astor, opening December 8, in its 14th week did an estimated $1 1,500. SPIRIT OF CULVER (Universal)— At the Rivoli, business was reported as "fair.” STAGECOACH (United Artists) — At the Radio City Music Hall, did $45,000 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday — with stage show — second week. U Employees Win New York City — Universal employees, members of American Federation of Office Employees here have secured wage and hour agreement which gives 10% increases to employees with the company less than 10 years and 13% if more than 10 years. Agreement calls for modified closed shop. Although non-union employees won’t have to join union, newcomers will have to join the union within a week. The exchange union here, while accepting the concessions, is negotiating separately for further concessions. Union claims the above to be a big victory. Warners Release Announcement New York City — Warner Brothers, meeting in convention here this week, released highlights of its production announcement, with 48 features for 19391940. Heading the list is “The Life of Beethoven,” starring Paul Muni. Bette Davis is listed for three films — "The Knight and the Lady,” "Elizabeth the Queen,” with Errol Flynn; "All This and Heaven, Too,” with George Brent, and "The Old Maid,” with Miriam Hopkins, Humphrey Bogart. Flynn is scheduled for two other pictures — "The Sea Hawk,” with Olivia De Havilland, and "The Adventures of Don Juan.” Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney, John Garfield also have been scheduled for three pictures each. Robinson is listed for "The Story of Dr. Ehrlich,” "The Moon and Sixpence,” "Brother Orchid.” Cagney’s schedule includes "The Story of John Paul Jones,” "The World Moves On.” Scheduled for Garfield are "20,000 Years in Sing Sing,” "Dust Be My Destiny,” "Forgive Us Our Trespasses.” Among the several biographical films on the schedule is a remake of "Disraeli.” March 15, 1939