The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

Seek LaGuardia’s Aid In Cutting Electric Rates Await LaGuardia Move In Eastern Production Bid Richmond Talks Over Plan With Mayor New York City — The industry was waiting further developments in the campaign started by Mayor F. H. LaGuardia for the return of production to New York City and the East just a few weeks back. It is believed that the mayor doesn’t intend to let the matter drop but will press for more activity along those lines, following a session between him and union heads a fortnight ago. A plan for eastern production was to have been submitted last week to Mayor LaGuardia by Ted Richmond, producer and representative of Golden West Films, who conferred with the mayor at length. Monogram will distribute three features, all in Magnacolor, made by Golden West. Syracuse Alliedmen Meeting Syracuse — Rap Merriman, regional vicepresident, called the Syracuse unit of Allied to a meeting at the Syracuse Hotel November 21. E. Souhami, state council, will be present. Important discussions are slated. Pettijohn Candidate Wins Harrison — Benjamin I. Taylor. Republican, backed by Charles C. Pettijohn, Democrat and counsel for the MPPDA, kept the post of Supervisor at the recent election, being re-elected. Pari-Mutuel Win Mourned NEW YORK CITY— Approval by the voters of the state of pari-mutuel betting last week did not bring any joy to theatremen, who had opposed the measure, some very actively. It is felt by the exhibitors that it will be just a question of time before dog tracks begin in certain sections. Legislation will be required to implement the amendment. The enabling bill, if passed in the 1940 Legislature, would permit pari-mutuel machines at next spring’s race meetings. Saratoga Springs, which felt that advent of pari-mutuel might mean the end of the track there, opposed. November 15, 1939 Brandt to Hollywood; Hopeful on Code Matters Further Developments Expected in Washington New York City— Scheduled to leave for Hollywood today (November 15), Harry Brandt, ITOA president, indicated last week that he was decidedly optimistic regarding his conferences last fortnight with Attorney General Frank Murphy and others in Washington. Brandt said he couldn’t speak officially on what went on in the Capitol concerning his request for approval of the code, but he was of the opinion that something tangible might result. Brandt’s trip to the Coast should also result in headlines, considering that it is his organization, the ITOA, which brought forward the “poison” charge against certain stars. Nate Sauber Mourned Albany — Passing of Nate Sauber, one time Universal branch manager here and in Buffalo, and before that time in Washington, was mourned by his many friends last week. Sauber had been ill for a long time, and was in a Washington hospital when he passed on. He was 40 years of age. Surviving are his widow and young daughter. Handler Fifth Arbitrator New York City — Milton J. Handler, associate professor of law at Columbia University, was last week named as the fifth arbitrator in the dispute between the major circuits and Local 306, operators union. Others on the board are Charles C. Moskowitz, Loew’s; Major L. E Thompson, RKO; Joseph D. Basson, 306 president, and Bert Popkin, formerly 306’s business agent. Nizer’s Appeal Clicks New York City — Encouraged by a talk by Louis Nizer, prominent film attorney, $26,500 was raised at the 30th annual dinner of the Daughters of Israel here last fortnight. Jersey Allied Dinner Passaic, New Jersey — Members of Allied of New Jersey held their annual beefsteak dinner here November 9. It was preceded by a meeting of the organization. THE EXHIBITOR ITOA Points Out Neighboring Tariffs Lower New York City — Co-operation of Mayor LaGuardia in securing lowered electric rates in New York was requested last week by the Independent Theatre Owners Association. David Weinstock, chairman of the exhibitor organization’s light and power committee, in a letter to the mayor, pointed out that the electric rates in neighboring cities are cheaper than that in New York. In Stamford, Connecticut, Weinstock stated the rate is 30.4 percent less and in Newark it is 26 percent less, with another reduction in rates scheduled in Newark after the first of the year. Weinstock requests the Mayor to enlist the services of the Department of Water, Gas and Electricity or any other city engineering depaitment to compile the necessary data that may be required for a formal hearing before the Public Service Commission. Local 3 06 Wins Ruling New York City— In a decision handed down by the State Labor Relations Board last week, the validity of a contract between Local 306, and the Aban Amusement Corporaton, Manhattan, was upheld by the board following an appeal by the Empire State operators union to nullify the contract on discriminatory grounds. The theatre management had discharged operators of Empire working there and subsequently hired 306 men, signing a contract with the union. Rochesterites Drop Games Rochester — All local exhibs dropped money games last fortnight in co-operation with the district attorney’s edict following charges involving operators of a big downtown game and two arrests in the case. Wuxtra! "Chips” Leaving New York City — “Goodbye. Mr. Chips". Metro’s 26-week tenant at the Astor. was scheduled to have completed its stay November 12. "Columbus” Ellis Appears NEW YORK CITY— Jack Ellis. RKO’s hundred-percenter salesman is taking credit for the discovery of Dick Powell. He told this story of the hows and whys of said event last week when introducing the cxWarncritc at last week's MPA luncheon: “Some years ago I dropped into the Stanley, Pittsburgh, on the way hack to New York from the roast. On the stage was a singer and emcee named Dick Powell. A friend of mine told me that Powell fellow oughta be in Hollywood. I agreed heartily and loudly. Someone must have heard. NYS.