The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

7 WEEK-END NEWS HIGHLIGHTS IN THE INDUSTRY Paramount to Make 60 Hollywood — Barney Balaban, Paramount president, announced that Paramount will release approximately 60 pictures in the new season beginning September 1. He paid tribute to production, studio heads William LeBaron and Y. Frank Freentan for their work. Highlights of the new season program include two Charles Laughton pictures, and "French Without Tears,” made in England. Other 193 9-1940 angles include the Hopalong Cassidy series and pictures with Ronald Colman, Gary Cooper, Jackie Cooper, Joe E. Brown, Fay Bainter, as well as 14 younger players. Four big features for the new season are completed, with five in work, with 15 set by September 1. Coast Levy Revolt Hollywood — Local 37, IATSE, voted to call a "dues strike” to back up its ultimatum demanding restoration of self-government and guarantees for local autonomy under the IATSE. The 12,000 members of the "Big Four” Alliance locals were invited to join the union, including No. 3 0, lab workers, cameramen’s local and sound technicians. About $108,000 in dues are payable to the IATSE in May. Pushing Del. Sunday Fight Wilmington, Delaware — An attempt to keep the Delaware Sunday movies fight alive was expected this week following the veto of the Rinard bill allowing Wilmington to vote on the issue. Theatremen, who were taking no part in the attempt, were, however, hopfeul that the Rinard trailer bill was checked. The legislature is now in recess for 10 days, reconvening May 2. “M of C" Hits Top Spots New York City — That Republic’s "Man of Conquest” is being accepted as one of the season’s big pictures was further manifest when president James R. Grainger announced that he had personally effected a deal with Balaban & Katz’s John Balaban whereby the Republic production would open May 26 at the Chicago Roosevelt, ace house of the B&K circuit, for an indefinite run. Another important deal was that with Hilgers and Feichshnaydre for a run at the Saenger, New Orleans. Death of Cocalis Mourned New York City — Passing of Soteros D. Cocalis, 5 2, April 22 after an operation in Mount Sinai Hospital here, was mourned by the trade. He operated 3 8 theatres in New York, New Jersey and Long Island and lived in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Born in Greece, he came to the U. S. in 1906, entered exhibition in 1917, was a partner with the late Jack Springer for many years. He was president of Cocalis Enterprises, Inc., and the Springer-Cocalis circuit. Surviving are his widow, his mother, three sons, four daughters, two sisters and a brother. Pa. “Bank Night” Test Meadville, Pennsylvania — A test case on the legality of "Bank Night” will be carried to the state Supreme Court on an appeal from a Crawford County judge’s ruling that such awards do not constitute a lottery such as that outlawed under the 1860 statute. District Attorney Herbert A. Mook said he would appeal to get a final state ruling in the matter. N. Y. Legislation Progresses Albany, New York — Progress has been reported in connection with two industry measures. The vote on the Crews bill providing for two men in the booth has been deferred until April 26. The Owens bill, which allows a Sunday movies referendum in certain towns, passed the Assembly, now goes to the Senate. Museum Gets Old Films New York City — Douglas Fairbanks Sr., has contributed a huge collection of films, 2,700,000 feet, to the Museum of Modern Art Film Library. Collection weighs about 13 tons and includes many Fairbanks early productions. Museum will show them on future programs. “Ecstasy” Ban Upheld New York City — Ban on "Ecstasy” was upheld by the State Board of Regents after hearing the appeal of Eureka Productions, Inc. A similar ban on "Sunset Murder Case” was also upheld. Appeal to state courts is now possible. Hold-Overs Continue as Big Draw; “Dark Victory” Opening Strong New York City — Extended runs continued strong along the Main Stem this weekend, as "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell,” "The Hardys Ride High,” "Prison Without Bars,” and "Wuthering Heights” continued to be the attractions, despite "Dark Victory” taking $65,000 on its four-day weekend. Complete reports, as submitted to The Exhibitor, follow: "DARK VICTORY” (Warners)— At the Radio City Music Hall, opened April 20, with "Salute to Spring” on the stage, did $65,000 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. "DODGE CITY” (Warners) — At the Strand, opened April 6, with Guy Lombardo, the Lombardo Trio, Doris Rhodes, Gene Sheldon on the stage, did $18,000 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday of the second week. First week: $41,000. "THE HARDYS RIDE HIGH” (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) — At the Capitol, opened April 13, will do an estimated $21,000 on the second week. Estimated first week: $27,000. "MIDNIGHT” (Paramount) — At the Paramount, opened April 5, with Tommy Dorsey and Orchestra and associated artists on the stage, did $45,000 on the second week. Now playing the third (and last) week. "PRISON WITHOUT BARS” (United Artists)— At the Globe, opened April 8, did $3,180 on the Saturday, Sunday of the third week. "PYGMALION” (Metro-Goldyyn-Mayer) — At the Astor, opened December 8, 193 8, did an estimated $7,500 on the 20th week. "ROMANCE OF THE REDWOODS” (Columbia)— At the Central, opened April 22, did a fair $2,200 on Saturday, Sunday. "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, 31,716 people paid $16,630 on the fourth Friday, Saturday, Sunday. "WUTHERING HEIGHTS” (United Artists) — At the Rivoli, opened April 13, did $49,500 on the first week, is headed for a take of between $3 8,000, $40,000 on the second. Week-End Previews Philadelphia — To the main office of The Exhibitor have come over the weekend, from Hollywood and New York City, reviews of the following pictures: CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY (Warners) — Edward G. Robinson, Lya Lys, Francis Lederer, Paul Lukas, George Sanders, Dorothy Tree. 106m. Again Warners comes through with a headlineborn production that should give exploiters a field day. A timely melodrama, with a fine cast, this can be ballyhoo’d into the big money. DOUBLE CRIME ON THE MAGINOT LINF (Tower Pictures) — Victor Francen, Vera Korene, Jacques Baumer. 83m. Murder and intrigue on the Maginot Line, this French production has possibilities for other than art, French houses. THE RETURN OF THE CISCO KID (20th Century-Fox) — Warner Baxter, Lynn Bari, Cesar Romero, Henry Hull. 70m. A good western that brings back Warner Baxter in his well-remembered role of the Cisco Kid. STREET OF MISSING MEN (Republic) — Charles Bickford, Harry Carey, Tommy Ryan. 65m. Alcatraz alumnus Charles Bickford seeks revenge on newspaper publisher Harry Carey, but becomes a hero in the end through Tommy Ryan’s influence. April 26, 19)9 QUAD