The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

25 WEEK-END NEWS HIGHLIGHTS IN THE INDUSTRY Attleboro “Beano” Restricted Attleboro, Massachusetts — Mayor John W. McIntyre, moving to bring the three locally operated "Beano” establishments under strict municipal control, has imposed a lengthy set of regulations under which they may continue to operate. Among the rules imposed by the mayor is one which reads: "There shall be no advertisement by newspaper, placards, signs, loud speakers or otherwise stating the prizes are to be awarded.” Mayor McIntyre hints executive action on licenses if the rules are disobeyed in a letter sent to "Beano” operators, which states: "May I call your attention to the provisions in your license regulating advertisements indicating that prizes are to be given at ’Beano’ parties? This regulation means that neither directly or indirectly should the advertisement indicate that prizes, coupons, free admissions or any other inducements are held forth to attract persons to come to the ’Beano’ parties.” Televising Begins in N. Y. New York City — Regular television broadcasting became a reality April 30, when the National Broadcasting Company station W2XBS, atop the Empire State Building, sent into the ether (from its mobile unit W2XBT, the first on-thespot, sight-and-sound news television program — the dedication by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, of the New York World’s Fair 1939, as well as commemorating the 15 0th anniversary of the inauguration (in New York) of George Washington as the first U. S. President. Celebs Invited to Allied Meet Minneapolis, Minnesota — Industry celebrities, top ranking execs, MPTOA leaders have been invited to the national Allied convention here June 13-15. Press release of the list of those invited indicates a goodly sprinkling from all companies, organizations, etc. Wilmington Fire Routs 600 Wilmington, Delaware — Fire in the projection booth of the National drove an audience of 600 to the street, with $600 damage to the booth. Father Flanagan Honored by VC Detroit, Michigan — Reverend Edward J. Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, Nebraska, was chosen by the national Variety Clubs at their annual convention as the person who made the most outstanding contribution to humanitarian work in the United States during 193 8. Chief Barker John H. Harris said the selection was the first in annual awards by the club. Harris and all officers were re-elected. A new tent in Atlanta ,the 21st, was admitted officially. Approximately 500 attended the affair. Other highlights were: an amendment to enforce uniform method of elections; pledge of $250,000 charity for the new year after a report showed that amount spent during 1 93 8 ; approval of (in annual plaque to the club carrying on the most worthy charity; decision to hold an annual golf tournament; annual award for the most humanitarian act; decision to purchase portable incubators for premature babies. National canvasmen elected included Ira Cohen, W. C. Pullen, Allen Moritz, Ray Colobin, William Carlson, Nat Wolf, Aeon Lavene, Dick Biechele, Earle Sweigert, A. E. Lichtman, Al Steffes, Charles Trernpe, Walter Green, Bob O’Connell, Everett Bennett, Louis Rome, A. E. Lightman. “Union Pacific” Premiere Big Omaha, Nebraska — World premiere of Paramount’s "Union Pacific” here April 2 8 set a new high. Show was shown in three theatres with personal appearances by Paramount stars, execs, others. The showings climaxed three gala days of celebrating. At a luncheon, among those honored were Paramount president Barney Balaban, vice-president Neil Agnew, three governors, Cecil B. DeMille and others. From Omaha, the special "Union Pacific” train hopped eastward for visits in many cities. British Taxes Disturbing London, England — Both domestic and foreign film interests are much concerned over increased taxation on prints and film stock as indicated in the new defense budget. Newsreel companies were especially worried. It is estimated it will cost American companies about $4,000,000 annually. UA Drive Extended New York City — United Artists has extended its drive until July 1. “Juarez” Opens Strong As WF Visitors Arrive New York City — Warners’ contribution to road-show cinema, "Juarez,” started off with a bang, taking $18,314 on the first five days, to exceed the take on "The Fife of E mil Zola” for a comparable period. Influx of visitors over the weekend for the opening of the New York World’s Fair probably helped the Main Stem to maintain its pace in spite of the opposition on the Flushing marshes. The complete report as submitted to The Exhibitor follows: "CONFESSIONS OF NAZI SPY” (Warners) — At the Strand, opened April 2 8, with Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians and associated artists on the stage, did $27,500 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. DARK VICTORY” (Warners) — At the Radio City Music Hall, opened April 20, with "Salute to Spring” on the stage, did $62,000 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. "JUAREZ” (Warners) — At the Hollywood (world premiere), opened April 2 5 on a two-aday basis, did $18,314 on the first five days. "THE LADY'S FROM KENTUCKY” (Paramount)— At the Paramount, opened April 26, with Henry Busse and Orchestra, Lanny Ross, Billy Gilbert, Hal LeRoy, Shirley Ross, did what indicates a $50,000 week. "MAN OF CONQUEST” (Republic)— At the Capitol opened April 27, did good business over the weekend. "PYGMALION” (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ) — At the Astor, opened December 8, 1 93 8, took an estimated $9,000 on its 21st week. "THE RETURN OF THE CISCO KID” (20th Century-Fox) — At the Roxy, opened April 28, with a stage show, did $20,13 8 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. "WUTHERING HEIGHTS” (United Artists)— At the Rivoli, opened April 13, is heading for a take of $3 0,000 on the third week. Mass. Reviewers Lead Boston — Bay State newspapers, according to the Editors and Publishers’ year-book, lead New England with most employed featured theatre and motion picture writers, while Connecticut is second; Rhode Island third; New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine equally placed, it developed last week. These writers are responsible for all theatrical and movie news from the local source. Maine Holiday Bill Defeated Augusta, Maine — Bill that certain holidays be observed in Maine on Mondays to provide for long week-ends was rejected by the Senate by a 26 to 1 vote last fortnight. NY Sunday Bill Passes Albany, New York — The Owens bill, which allows local option on Sunday movies in certain towns, passed the Senate after receiving House approval. May 3, 1939 QUAD