The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

WEEKEND NEWS HIGHLIGHTS IN THE INDUSTRY New York Operators Strike'Ended New York City The strike of certain Local 3 06 operators, which had caused a serious problem to the local industry for nearly three weeks, was settled April 8 at a midnight meeting. Projectionists who had been on strike went to work April 10 upon orders from Local 3 06, thus ending the 12 day layoff. Strikers were granted a 15% wage increase, except in cases where prior 10-year contracts had been signed. The increase is retroactive to September, 1 93 7, runs until September, 1940. Scale is now $87.50, upped from $76. SO. Further negotiations regarding home office and exchange projectionists, to arrange reduction of hours from 3 8 to 3 5 hours weekly, are pending. The settlement appeared as a face saver. It began April 7 with conferences between union and distributor heads. Meanwhile, conferences between Empire union and Local 306 are continuing to try to effect a merger between the unions, with the only stumbling block apparently the question of Empire unemployed. Local 306, it developed, sent checks for $15 to the backroom employees of Local B 51 who had walked out in sympathy. End the strike meant a resumption of normal routine in the local industry, with everyone pleased. “Ecstacy" Up Again Albany, New York — A "toned down” version of the motion picture "Ecstacy,” starring Hedy LaMarr, came back in the state censorship mill last week. Jack Haupt, president, Eureka Productions, Inc., distributors, filed an appeal in the State Education Department, asking the Board of Regents to reverse the Motion Picture Division’s ban on the film. Gibbs Report Incorrect New Haven, Connecticut — Reports which circulated in some sectors that Harry Gibbs, Connecticut Films, had passed away were branded as false by Gibbs. It developed it was another Harry Gibbs. Hornell Deal Reported Hornell, New York — A deal whereby Warners would take over theatres in town was reported here last week. Worcester Manager Threatened Worcester, Massachusetts. — Howard Pettengill, manager, Warner, was given police protection and his home placed under guard after he received a note demanding $5 000 under threat of his life. At the same time, a manager of an insurance agency received two extortion letters. Pettengill was ordered to leave the money in small bills in specified spot. Detectives in overalls left the package there but no one appeared. Note said in part: "Don’t notify cops, we mean business. This is what will happen if you don’t pay up. Your theatre will be destroyed and your life taken. People will be hurt when your theatre is destroyed.” Maine House Sticks to Guns Augusta, Maine — The Maine House has refused to join with the Senate in rejecting an amendment to the Sunday movie bill providing for a five cent tax on each Sunday admission. Bill has a local option clause. House insisted on its action in passing the bill to be engrossed as amended, with a conference following. The House, however, adopted two amendments. One would permit municipal officers of a city to decide whether Sunday movies should be permitted prior to the inhabitants voting on the proposal at a regular city election; the other prohibits more than a six day week for theatre employees. Vt. Billboard Law Signed Montpelier, Vermont. — Anti-billboard interests won one victory when Governor Aiken signed a bill regulating the use of billboards in the state. New law increases the tax by 60 per cent on large signs, prohibits rows of signs to be erected in series, bans signs within 3 00 feet of parks, playgrounds or cemeteries, limits signs of 3 00 square feet or more to 3 00 feet from highway and prohibits signs within 3 00 feet of intersections. Boston Vote Due Boston — Loew’s Boston house managers, assistants, etc., were to have voted April 11 on designation of a collective bargaining agent. Allied Jersey Meets New Brunswick, New Jersey — Allied Jersey members meet here April 12 to discuss legislation, other problems. “Dodge City,” “Castles” Big in Broadway Gross Lists New York City — "Dodge City” at the Strand and "The Castles” at the Music Hall continued to be the big noise in the weekend grosses. The reports: "MIDNIGHT” (Paramount) — At the Paramount, opened April 5, with on the stage Tommy Dorsey and his band, associated artists, $19,000 est mated Saturday and Sunday. "BROADWAY SERENADE” (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) — At the Capitol, opened April 6, business decidedly off, with adverse newspaper reviews blamed. “DODGE CITY” ( Warners )— At the Strand, opened April 6, with Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, associated artists on the stage, a splendidweekend, with $27,000 Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and "You Can’t Get Away with Murder” reporting $2 8,000 for the week before (second week). "PRISON WITHOUT BARS” (United Artists)— At the Globe, opened April 8, $6100 Saturday and Sunday, good business. "THE STORY OF IRENE AND VERNON CASTLE” (RKO-Radio) — At the Radio City Music Hall, with "Easter Greetings” on the stage, opened March 30, $65,000, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, top business. "THE STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL” (20th Century-Fox) — At the Roxy, with Art Jarrett, Paul Remos and His Toy Boys Dorothy Crooker, Gae Foster Girls on the stage, opened March 31, $26,83 8 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with attendance at 51,415, a total of 162,231 for 10 days, with $79,63 8 gross. "THREE SMART GIRLS GROW UP” (Universal)— At the Rivoli, opened March 17, $16,200 for the third week, in the black. "PYGMALION” (Metro) At the Astor, picked up to $10,000 on its 18th week. "THE MYSTERY OF MR. WONG” (Monogram)— At the Central, $2800 Saturday and Sunday. Variety Meets in Detroit Detroit, Michigan — Variety Clubs will meet here April 27, with a big program planned, it was announced last week. Climax of the affair comes April 29, with a banquet. Top industry execs are expected to be present. “Party” Verdict Appealed Waterbury, Connecticut — Test case regarding a new game, "Hollywood Party,” which resulted in Fred Quatrano, Lido, being discharged by a local judge, will be appealed by prosecuting attorney Frank Healey to the Supreme Court of Errors. Latter claims it is practically the same as "Bingo.” Weekend Previews New York City — JEP reviewers last weekend caught the following: "MAN OF ACTION” (Republic)— Richard Dix, Gail Patrick, Edward Ellis, Joan Fontaine. 98m. Republic has produced a high rating, exploitable picture that is definitely a credit to it. Picture makes good on everything preliminary reports claimed for it. April 12, 19)9 QUAD