The Exhibitor (Nov 1938-May 1939)

11 WEEK-END NEWS HIGHLIGHTS IN THE INDUSTRY Paramount’s Train Moves On Philadelphia — Fresh from Eastern triumphs, Paramount’s "Union Pacific” train arrived here May 8, after a succession of gala days. Pulling into Syracuse, New York, May 3, the special was greeted by a crowd of more than 25,000 persons. At Utica, New York, the train was given an enthusiastic reception by more than 3 5,000 persons. Heading into the Massachusetts territory, eight mayors were up at daylight to greet the arrival of the Union Pacific Special and attend a luncheon in honor of the Hollywood party at Springfield. Among the Massachusetts mayors attending the luncheon were: Roger L. Putnam, Springfield; William P. Yoerg, Holyoke; Frances J. O’Hara, North Adams; Whitman 13. Wells, Greenfield; Anthony J. Stonina, Chicopee; William H. Feiker, Northampton; James Fallon, Pittsfield; Raymond Cowing, of Westfield; Judge P. F. Gibson, Brattlcboro, Vermont. Nathan Goldstein arranged a special breakfast for the Hollywood guests. Arrival in Boston caused thousands to jam the station and the hop to Jersey City, where the train rested while its members came to New York City, duplicated the scenes all along the way. The Philadelphia visit was augmented by several other stars who came over from New York City. Conn. Pari-Mutuel Progresses Hartford, Connecticut — The General Assembly’s finance committee has voted to recommend adoption of a measure legalizing pari-mutuel betting on horses and dog racing in Connecticut as a means of swelling state revenues. Representative Charles L. Johnson (R-Sherman), the bill’s sponsor, laid stress on the revenue-producing features of the proposal in discussing the committee’s action estimating that legalization of racing would add $2,000,000 annually to the state’s income. The bill, raised in the finance committee after the judiciary committee had turned it down, will be brought up to the House in the very near future, probably this week. Tear Bomb, Fire in Theatres Philadelphia — A tear gas bomb was thrown in the Capitol, Reading, Pennsylvania, last weekend. House had been having labor trouble. A day before, Howard, Philadelphia, was damaged by fire, believed caused by defective wiring. Mass. TMAT Vote May 15 Springfield, Massachusetts — Massachusetts State Labor Relations board has ordered an election to be held in Springfield and Pittsfield May 15, at which time eligible employees of the Western Massachusetts Theatre, Inc., will indicate whether they wish the Theatrical Managers, Agents and Treasurers’ union, Motion Picture Division No. 13, to serve as their bargaining agent. Decision was arrived at April 5 by the state board, following agreement by counsel at a hearing held on complaint filed by George Coleman, former manager, Arcade, Springfield, charging the Western Massachusetts Theatres, Inc., with firing him because of alleged union activity. It is understood that both sides are completely satisfied with the outcome of the hearing. The Goldstein brothers, Nathan and Samuel, owners of the Western Massachusetts chain, have maintained that they welcomed public scrutiny of the operation of the chain, and that the charges levied against them would not stand up. The TMAT spokesmen, on the other hand, express confidence that the labor board elections will show the union has a substantial majority. Election in Springfield will be for employees of the Western Massachusetts circuit in Springfield, Westfield, Greenfield, Northampton, Holyoke, Chicopee. The Pittsfield election will be for employees of the Pittsfield, North Adams theatres of the chain. Hours for voting will be 9 to noon. At 2 that afternoon, the state board is expected to decide whether the union has sufficient members to qualify it as bargaining agent. The hearing, at which decision to hold the election was made, was held in Springfield and was conducted by Commissioner Francis M. Curran of the state board, with Attorney John B. Dacey serving the board as counsel. The Goldstein organization had retained Attorney Harry B. Ehrl'ch, known throughout Massachusetts for his ability and his knowledge of labor law, to represent its interests, and Attorneys John I. Robinson and Charles V. Sloan, Jr., represented circuit employees not members of the union. Attorneys Gustave A. Gerber of New York and Philip W. Caporale represented the union in court. N. Y. Theatres Tear-Bombed New York City — At precisely 9:30 p.m. last Saturday, Martin Lewis’ Fifth Avenue Playhouse, 5 5 th Street Playhouse, and Thalia were simultaneously bombed with tear-gas. At first it was thought to be a counter attack on Lewis’ antiNazi leanings, but the New York bomb squad scouted that idea, pointing out that it might more probably have been the result of union activities. Nine persons were injured. First of Summer Slumps Hits Broadway Theatres New York City — With business over the past weekend well below average, Main Stem theatres felt the first blow of summer. Typical of the "offness” was the $5 0,000 taken at the Music Hall for the first four days of "East Side of Heaven.” Many a spot did, relatively, not as well. Complete report to The Exhibitor follows. "BOY’S REFORMATORY” (Monogram) — At the Central, opened, did a poor $1,400 on Saturday and Sunday. "CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY” (Warners)— At the Strand, opened April 28, with Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians and all the Radio Gang on the stage, did $49,000 the first week. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday of the second week, it did $19,500. "EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN” (Universal)-— At the Radio City Music Hall, opened May 4, with "To the Fair” featuring Raymond Lutz, the Spartans, George Meyer, the Music Hall Rockettes, Corps de Ballet, Glee Club, Symphony Orchestra as the stage show, did $50,000 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. "JUAREZ’’ (Warners) — At the Hollywood, opened a two-a-day engagement April 25, did $22,5 00 the first week, and $18,150 on the first five days of the second week. "KING OF THE TURF” (United Artists) — At the Globe, opened May 6, did a very poor $2,000 on Saturday and Sunday. "THE LADY’S FROM KENTUCKY” (Paramount)'1— At the Paramount, opened May 5, with Henry Busse and His Orchestra, Lanny Ross, Billy Gilbert, Hal LeRoy, and Shirley Ross on the stage, did a nice $35,000 on the first week. "LUCKY NIGHT” (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) — At the Capitol, opened May 4, and did poorly on the week, following an awful beating from the critics. "PYGMALION” (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) — At the Astor, opened December 8, 193 9, did $7,000 in its 22nd week. Closing date is May 14, end of 23 weeks, four days. "ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE” (20th Century-Fox) — At the Roxy, opened May 5, did very nice with $30,982 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, playing to 60,65 0 admissions. "WUTHERING HEIGHTS” (United Artists) — At the Rivoli, opened April 13, did $29,000 on the third week, and headed on the fourth to a take of between $22,000 and $23,000. Ticket Tax Bill Passes Albany, New York — The Senate has passed the Condon bill providing for a five percent tax on the gross receipts from motion picture rights to boxing bouts, wrestling matches and other sports. Notarius to Coast New York City — Paramount executives tendered a dinner May 9 to Lou Notarius, theatre department, who leaves May 12 to become assistant to Y. Frank Freeman on the Coast. “Lone Ranger” to Universal New York City — Universal has acquired rights to a "Lone Ranger” serial for the 1940-1941 program, in addition to rights for "The Green Hornet.” May 10, 1919