The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

7 : NATIO M 1 R R 1 " * ' ' '' ' ‘ i WEEK-END NEWS HIGHLIGHTS IN THE INDUSTRY TMAT Vote Uncertain Boston — Boston TMAT argument was heightened when further confusion resulted following the election among Loew’s managers, assistants, pressmen to determine affiliation to the TMAT. Election, with subsequent proceedings, was attended by some confusion, since both sides contested eligibility of certain members to vote. Present were attorneys Gustave Gerber, John Devlin, of TMAT, Loew’s, respectively. Challenged by Loew’s faction were publicity assistant A1 Longo, Joseph Lunny. Challenged by TMAT was Walter Murphy. Challenged by both was former chief of service Wertylneck. Likewise, Lou Brown, replacing Joe DiPesa, Loew’s, during the latter’s illness, was challenged. Result of the election wasn’t determined, but a rehearing was asked by attorney Gerber. Del. Unites Against Trailer Bill Wilmington, Delaware — Caught off guard, Delaware motion picture theatre men, after becoming split to some extent over the Sunday movie bill which favors Wilmington only, were preparing to solidify their ranks to stop the vicious Rainard trailer bill which swept through the Senate, unexpectedly with a vote of 12 to 3. A. J. DeFiore, of Wilmington, was called back from Pittsburgh where he was spending an Easter vacation, by down-state theatre men who have long been associated with him in organization efforts, when the bill was passed. DeFiore, at once arranged a meeting to be held at Harrington to form a solid phalanx to oppose the bill in the House. He had promises of several down-state and Wilmington independents to attend the meeting and expected cooperation with the chain organizations who also opposed the measure. Conn. Gaines Tiff Settled Waterbury, Connecticut — State attorney has decided not to appeal decision in "Hollywood Party” argument. After viewing the working of the game, he has decided the game is legal, supporting a local judge. Para Sets Convention Hollywood — Paramount will meet in convention here June 12-14, it was announced by Neil F. Agnew, distribution head. Home office execs, branch heads, salesmen, etc., will attend. Maine House Drops Tax Augusta, Maine — The Maine House has concurred with the Senate in supporting a Sunday motion picture bill devoid of a proposed five cent tax on admissions. After the House refused to entertain the suggestion, it again considered the measure in the form it was in before the tax amendment was added and passed it 78-34. The Senate had rejected the tax proposal each time it came before it. A two cent tax on admissions was reported likely to be recommended in the appropriation bill to be debated this week. New Montpelier Playhouse Montpelier, Vermont — Roger Glade Rand, architect of the Mowll and Rand, Boston, has taken preliminary measurements for the reconstruction of a new $100,000 Playhouse here, which was destroyed by fire on April 1. Karl M. Knapp, Montpelier contractor, is removing the debris. Reconstruction plans have been temporarily held up pending settlement between Maine-New Hampshire Company officials, owners of the theatre, and the insurance company, according to manager Ralph S. Gilbert. Conn. Anti-ASCAP Bill Dead Hartford, Connecticut — The State Senate has killed the anti-Ascap bill brought up in January. It would have required registration of every musical composition for which public performance license is issued by ASCAP. Week-end Previews New York City, Hollywood — Brief reports on previews over the weekend include the following: BIG TOWN CZAR (Universal) — Barton MacLane, Tom Brown, Eve Arden. 66m. Another gangster show, with nothing to bring it out of the usual double bill classification. SWEEPSTAKES WINNER (Warners) — Marie Wilson, Johnny Davis, Allen Jenkins, Charley Fou. 5 9m. Dual fodder, with a sweepstakes ticket winning background. HOTEL IMPERIAL (Paramount) — Ray Milland, Isa Miranda. 80m. A remake of what was once a big office picture, but lightning didn’t strike in the same place. This emerges as a run-of-the-mill attraction, despite plenty of efforts to introduce a new star and make a big picture out of it. “Castles” Third Week Strong As Second Exceeds First’s Take New York City — Beating its first week take of $100,000 by $10,000 in the second stanza, "The Story of Irene and Vernon Castle,” at Radio City Music Hall, continued its big splash by taking $64,000 on the third week-end. At the Roxy, "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell” continued strong in its third week. Complete reports, as submitted to The Exhibitor, follow: CODE OF THE STREETS (Universal)— At the Central, opened April 8, did a good $2,900 on Saturday, Sunday. DODGE CITY (Warners)— At the Strand, opened April 6, with Guy Lombardo and Orchestra, the Lombardo Trio, Doris Rhodes, Gene Sheldon on the stage, did $24,000 on the Friday Saturday, Sunday of the second week. First week’s gross was $52,000. THE HARDYS RIDE HIGH (Metro)— At the Capitol, opened April 13, did $17,000 on a week-end. MIDNIGHT (Paramount) — At the Paramount, opened April 5, with Tommy Dorsey and Orchestra and associated artists on the stage, did $54,000 on the first week. PRISON WITHOUT BARS (United Artists) — At the Globe, opened April 8, did $4,2 50 on Saturday, Sunday. PYGMALION (Metro) — At the Astor, opened December 8, in its 19th week, did an estimated $9,000. THE STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL (20th Century-Fox) — At the Roxy, opened March 31, with Art Jarrett, Paul Remos and His Toy Boys, Dorothy Crooker, Gae Foster Girls, did $23,000 on the Friday, Saturday, Sunday of the third week, playing to 4S,000 people. Second week figures: $49,390, 107,880 people. THE STORY OF IRENE AND VERNON CASTLE (RKO-Radio) — At the Radio City Music Hall, opened March 3 0, with "The Glory of Easter” and "In Quaint Williamsburg” on the stage, did $64,000 on Thursday through Sunday of the third week. First week, take was $100,000; second week, $110,000. THREE SMART GIRLS GROW UP (Universal)— At the Rivoli, opened March 17, did $1 8,000 on the third and last week. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (United Artists) — At the Rivoli, opened April 13, headed for a week between $49,000, $50,000. Rochester Alliedmen Organize Rochester, New York — About 60 indes met here last week to form a local Allied unit. Max Fogel, Webster, was named chairman until the membership committee reports to headquarters. Charles A. Tibbetts, Murray, is temporary secretary. Other temporary officers are: Grievance— William Tishkoff, Murray; Donald Woodington, Rivoli; George Frank, Astor; membership, Tishkoff, Fogel. Coast Walkout Unlikely Hollywood — Possibility that the IATSE might walk out as the result of the current dispute with producers was thought unlikely, with conferences continuing between the union and producers. April 19, 1939 QUAD