The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

14 SPECIAL FEATURES Number 26 of a Series: RAY T. QUILLAN Owner of the DIAMOND and GLOBE THEATRES, Berlin, Md. "I can truthfully say that no theatre man should be without THEEXHIBITOR. I depend on it entirely for my bookings and writing my programs. Keep up the good work.” Nearly every Exhibitor reads THE EXHIBITOR! LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Praises Editorial Berwick, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir: I want to take this opportunity of congratulating you on your splendid editorial entitled "Colonel Cole Has An Idea,” which appeared in the March 22 issue of your magazine. I do not believe it would be possible to cover the subject any more thoroughly and to the point and in fewer words than you have so effectively done. I heartily agree with your sentiment, and cannot but believe that every wide awake exhibitor will feel the same. Very truly yours, W. E. Schmidt, Berwick Theatre Company. Praises "Clubwoman” Sentiments Philadelphia. Dear Sir: I agree with the "Clubwoman” to whom Mrs. Goldsmith replies in a recent issue of The Exhibitor. With entirely too much leisure time on my hands before I was married, I too used to think the motion picture business depended almost entirely upon my guidance for its survival. However, I have long since become convinced that previews serve no useful purpose, perform no social function, solve no public nor industry problem, and are motivated primarily by a desire to see motion pictures at "no admission,” and before her neighbors have had a chance to see them. After checking with the distributors and exhibitors, I must take issue with Mrs. Goldsmith as to the previews being of any benefit, for now that there are three or more groups instead of one original group, they are definitely considered to be a nuisance. Very truly yours, (Mrs. Emil) Hildegarde Gretchen Schlaughenhaup. ADVANCE SHOTS Since the publication of the Six-Point Reviews (the Blue Section) last week, reviews have been received of the following subjects. Full reviews will be printed in the Blue Section next week. Features CHAMPIONS OF THE GRIDIRON (Industrial Pictures) — Personnel of the National Professional Football League. 50m. (A 10m. version is also available). A summary discussion of pro football, this should go big in sports-minded spots. FRONTIER PONY EXPRESS (Republic) — Roy Rogers, Mary Hart, Raymond Hatton, Monte Blue. 5 8m. The best Roy Rogers to date, this has everything it takes to keep a western fan on the edge of his seat. HONOR OF THE WEST (Universal)— Bob Baker, Marjorie Bell, Carleton Young. 5 8m. Bob Baker cleans up the cattle-rustling racket, after his accused pal is murdered. I AM NOT AFRAID (Warners) Charles Grapewin, Jane Bryan, Henry O’Neill, Dickie Jones. 59m. Charles Grapewin repeats the same role done by the late Chic Sale in a comedy-drama that is pleasing. THE LADY'S FROM KENTUCKY (Paramount)— George Raft, Ellen Drew, Hugh Herbert, Zasu Pitts. 77m. A good program show, this can be sold largely on the cast, SMOKY TRAILS (Metropolitan) — Bob Steele, Jean Carmen, Frank LaRue. 5 6m. After his father is killed, Bob Steele wipes out the area’s outlawry. THE STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL (20th Century-Fox) — Don Ameche, Loretta Young. 97m. A top-money show, this recounts the highly exploitable story of the discovery, perfection of the telephone. STREETS OF NEW YORK (Monogram) — Jackie Cooper, Marjorie Reynolds. 73m. The best by far of the Monogram Jackie Coopers, this is a nice production with an exploitable title which can be exploited for the money. WITHOUT A HOME (Foreign Cinema Arts) — Alexander Marten, Vera Gran. 90m. Without a name familiar to audiences, this, however, can go in situations catering to Jewish people, making a practice of screening Yiddish dialogue pictures. Shorts Complete reviews of the following short subjects will appear in the next issue of the Blue Section: ALADDIN AND HIS WONDERFUL LAMP (Paramount). 20m. Best of the two-reel technicolor Popeye cartoons, this adds new, exploitable wonderment to the Arabian Nights’ tale. BARS AND STRIPES FOREVER (Vitaphone). 7m. Here is Merrie Melodies’ burlesque on the Alcatraz cycle. COMMUNITY SING, No. 7 (Columbia) — 10m. A cycle of the "murdered” hits of yesteryear, from "Yes, We Have No Bananas” to “ATisket, A-Tasket,” this is a fine entrant. LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE (Paramount). 7m. Popeye buys out Olive’s pet shot to make this a nice entrant in the series. MUSCLE MAULERS (20th Century-Fox). 10m. Lew Lehr’s commentary on wrestling, this has Movietonews’ dialectician in top form. PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL, No. 9 (Paramount. 10m. The usual good collection of interesting miscellany. SCREEN SNAPSHOTS, No. 8 (Columbia). 10m. An excellent survey of the screen’s celebrities cottoning onto ice skating — under California sun! SPRING STYLES (20th Century-Fox). 10m. The third smash for the Vyvyan Donner — Ilka Chase team, this, though 100 percent fashions, is at one and the same time 100 percent entertainment. All Services OF THIS PUBLICATION APPEAR REGULARLY Plus • The Same Intimate Coverage • Better Management • In the Spotlight • Special Features • The National Mirror and everything else that makes this the complete trade journal. April 12, 19)9