The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

7 , , v I — A . ' ' Exchange Managers Report Orives’ Progress Maryland Senate Okays “Bingo” Bill Church Organizations Had Supported Measure By a vote of 18 to 5, the Maryland Senate last week passed the bill by which "Bingo” in Baltimore would be legal. It was then sent to the House of Delegates. Bill was introduced by Senator John G. Callan, Democrat, Second Baltimore District. Senator Callan amended it on the floor to permit the game on only one night each week and any resident of Maryland can sponsor such games. Senator stated supporters of the bill had sent him 15,000 messages, many from church organizations. "Bell” Bows at Gov’t Premiere Leading national figures will attend tonight (March 29) a special preview of Darryl Zanuck’s Cosmopolitan production, "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell,” in the DAR’s 4,000 seat, Jim Crow Constitution Hall. Colonel Jason Joy, 20th Century-Fox public relations staff, arrived in town last week to arrange the guest list, in cooperation with the National Geographic Society, sponsors of the event. Government, science, journalism will be well represented at the showing, it was indicated. In addition, members of Washington diplomatic corps will be on hand. Members of the President’s cabinet, the Supreme Court also will be present, as well as Senators, Representatives, other high governmental officials. Some 200 Washington correspondents, representing all of the news syndicates, several thousand newspapers here, abroad will be present. 25 “Snow White” Prints Ready RKO’s Robert J. Folliard announced last week 2 5 prints of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” for distribution to territory exhibitors during Easter week. He said he had to borrow 12 prints to add to his own 13 to meet the demand. The Walt Disney production will be withdrawn April 29. Query Takes Over Three Murphy Theatres Seven Houses Under Marion Jurisdiction D. D. Query, well-known exhibitor, with headquarters in Marion, Virginia, announced last week his acquisition of three of the four houses operated by M. K. Murphy. The shift adds the Appalachia, Appalachia; the Big Stone Gap, the Norton, Norton to the Query-operated Lincoln, Marion; Town Hall, Abington; Dixie, Glade Springs; State, Damascus. Murphy retains his interest in the Glade Springs, Glade Springs, but he will place emphasis on his farm. Query stated he would completely redecorate the Appalachia, Big Stone Gap houses, the job to include new marquees, seats, painting. Announced also were Query plans to build a new theater in Norton, which will give him two theaters there. He said that he was ready to build in Abington, where he already has a lot all set, plans drawn. Query stated that he had three or four more spots in mind as possible locations for new theaters. There will be, for the present, no change in the operation of the expanded chain, Query said. Honor UA’s 20th, Rohrs' 15th United Artists’ office here last week was done over to usher in the 20th anniversary. Popular Fred Rohrs, branch manager, now entering his 15 th year of service with the company, proudly exhibited the new blue banner depicting the progress made by the company during that time. Rohrs entered the service as a salesman in the Kansas City office, several years later heading the branch at Charlotte, North Carolina. He was later transferred to Atlanta, and two years ago came to Washington. Exhibitors everywhere, well aware of Rohr’s splendid work, will join in congratulating the genial UA head on the occasion of the company’s 20th and his 15th. Monogram Begins New Weeks Bush Monogram’s Harry Bachman announced last week a George Weeks Sales Drive for the week of April 19. The popular sales manager, in whose honor the drive is dedicated, visited the local exchange last week to iron out some details, Bachman stated. His first visit to the exchange, Weeks was heartily greeted by the staff, his many friends here. George Weeks A drive for him In other exchanges, also, there was activity along the drive route as recent reports indicating where local branches stood within the last fortnight. Other developments: Universal — Evidence of the spirit of the New Universal is apparent at the local office Acting branch manager B. Bernard Kreisler at the helm. Recently returned from the West Coast, Kreisler brought with him the latest in selling devices, a phonograph. Armed with the little portable set, Kreisler, his salesmen have stormed the territory’s exhibitors, planking the portable on the desk, revolving the record, listening to Bing Crosby, Deanna Durbin, a sales-talk by John Frasier, Universal City commentator. With the Frank McCarthy Drive well under way, the salesmen have quotas. Kreisler has offered the boys a new hat had an added incentive to keep ahead of the for the office showing. District manager Al Herman called on the local office immediately upon ris arrival from a cruise. RKO — As the Schaefer Drive nears the second month, local forces, headed by branch manager Robert J. Folliard, began a strenuous, vigorous campaign to line the exhibitors up. In the office, headed by office manager J. Russell Hildebrand, the spirit was at a high level. Paramount — Branch manager J. Edward Fontaine announced last week progress in the new Four Star Drive of Paramount. Drive, that opened February 26, finishes May 27. Office force, under the direction of capable Jack Fruchtman, is lending its best efforts to make the local office wind up in the money. United Artists — Branch manager Frederic A. Rohrs announced last week the annual sales, playdate drive is nearing completion, that the office had great hopes of winning prize money. Drive ends about May 30; but, before that time, UA will offer showmen "Stagecoach,” "Zenobia,” "Captain Fury,” "Wurthering Heights,” 'King of the Turf,” 'Prison Without Bars.” March 29, 1939 NAT