The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

8 Newsreel Exec Arrested New York City — Max L. Hymes, 36, controller of Movietonews, Inc., newsreel affiliate of the 20th Century-Fox Corporation for the last nine years, lodged in the Tombs last week end in default of $25,000 bail pending grand jury action in his alleged theft of about $141,000 from the concern in the last five years. Hymes, a certified public accountant, who was born in England, was arrested by order of Assistant District Attorney Robert H. Thayer, head of District Attorney Dewey’s indictment bureau, in an investigation that had been going on for a month. New Altec Contract Ready New York City — Introduction on a nation-wide basis of a new form of contract relating to motion picture equipment was announced last week by L. W. Conrow, president of Altec Service Corporation. New contract form covers the furnishing of repairs and replacement parts for projector mechanisms, arc lamps, arc generators, rectifiers, and associated apparatus. The new form of contract is offered to exhibitors on a nation-wide basis as a result of a comprehensive nine months’ trial period in a number of theatres. Richard Harrity Injured Portsmouth, Virginia — Richard Harrity salesman for United Artists, Washington, was injured in an automobile accident on the Portsmouth-Suffolk boulevard December 7. He was taken to Lakeview Hospital, Suffolk, suffering from a minor fracture of the jaw bone, the loss of several teeth and bruises and lacerations. According to State police Harrity was traveling toward Suffolk when the fog began to form a thin skim of ice on the windshield. Stopping on the highway to remove the ice, another machine crashed into the rear of his car. Art Committee Appointed Hollywood — Frank Canra, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, last week appointed a committee of art directors to consider any changes in the rules which should be adopted to govern the Academy Award for Achievement in Art Direction The committee, under the chairmanship of Bernard Herzbrun, consists of Lionel Banks, Hans Dreier, Cedric Gibbons. John Victor Mackay, Jack Otterson, Hans Peters, Van Nest Polglase, and Bertram Teitelbaum. Berman’s Swan Song New York City— Pandro S. Berman swan songs at RKO-Radio with “Vigil In The Night,” and will vacation in New York before announcing his future plans, it was made known by his friends here last week. "Ecstasy” Still Cummins’ New York City — According to a statement last week from Samuel Cummins, general manager, Jewel Productions. Inc., “Eureka Productions is still releasing ‘Ecstasy’.” THE EXHIBITOR 5 0 Percent for "Pinocchio” NEW YORK CITY— Ned Depinet, sales chief of RKO, announced last week end that RKO would ask 50 percent for “Pinocchio.” the new Walt Disney feature-Teelinicolor cartoon. Show must play single, and must be given extended playing time, in addition to the percentage asked. Philly Case Settled Philadelphia — A court tilt involving operation and posession of the Darby, Darby, was settled last week end, with operation of the house remaining with the Koff-Munzer interests. Entrance into the matter of an exchangeman who helped mediate the dispute was believed a factor in its final settlement. As a result, the Koff -Munzer interests will not go through with the proposed erection of another theatre in the town. Hudson-E. M. Loew Deal Lowell, Massachusetts — Negotiations were under way last week between George Hudson, manager. Royal, and owner of the building in which it is located, and E. M. Loew, which it is expected will be terminated in the Loew interests leasing the Royal. Reports that the Royal is to be sold were classed as erroneous by a Hudson spokesman. Union Parley Continues New York City — Conferences between representatives of the exchange workers’ union and major company executives regarding a new basic contract for the employees will be continued December 14 after having begun last week end. Roosevelt Goldwyn President Hollywood — James Roosevelt was last week elected president of the Samuel Goldwyn Studios. He continues as vicepresident of Samuel Goldwyn Productions. THE EXHIBITOR Volume 23, Number 5 December 13, 1939 Advance Shots 14 Better Management 16, 18 Editorial Page 3 Hints on Newspaper Advertising 17, 19 Late News Highlights 7, 8 National Mirror 8, 10 National Mirror Picture Pages 15, 20 National Release Date Guide Inside Back Cover News of the Territory 21 Production Happenings 12. 13 Reviews (The Exhibitor Servisection) Blue Section Territorial Highlights 5 Territorial Highlights Picture Page 6 Warren Stokes Hollywood Newsreel 12 “Why I’m Optimistic” (An Interview with Fred Quimby) 13 Material contained on this and the following pages often represent new developments in stories to be found on other pages of this issue. If the reader will bear this in mind, it will avoid possible confusion. This section of THE EXHIBITOR goes to press last, with latest developments within the industry, where available. New GN Suit Filed New York City — Two Grand National stockholders owning jointly $260 worth of stock filed suit last week against Grand National, Educational and their officers for $10,000,000. A conference between E. W. Hammons, Grand National president; T. K. Stevenson, ERPI. J. Ahearn, RFC representative; Referee Peter Olney, Jr; Patrick E. Shanahan, chairman of the Grand National creditors’ committee, and counsel for the committee, was called for December 9, following a meeting December 6, to come to some sort of a conclusion regarding the $600,000 loan GN is attempting to negotiate. Meanwhile, the hearing was adjourned to December 11. Some sort of a showdown on GN’s financial situation was expected early this week. Handbills Decision Heard New York City — Section 318 of the city’s sanitary code which prohibited circulation of handbills, was declared unconstitutional in a decision by Judge Bromberger in Magistrate’s Court, Brooklyn, last week end. Charge against the People’s Cinema, Jack Zelony, was dismissed. Decision is in line with the United States Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the subject. RKO Managers Frolic New York City — Marking the end of the fourth year of the RKO Managers’ Bonus Plan, local RKO men met at the Hotel Astor December 11 for a general fete. Wives and sweethearts were the company’s guests at any legit show selected. J. J. O’Connor is the general manager of the circuit. Van Schmus Host Again New York City — W. G. Van Schmus, managing director, Radio City Music Hall, was host December 11 at a cocktail party at which Ilona Massey, star of “Balalaika,” was introduced to the local working press. Metro’s “Balalaika” is the next Music Hall presentation. "Gone” Into Mastbaum? Philadelphia — Choicest unconfirmed rumor of the week end had Metro’s “Gone With the Wind” scheduled to go into the S-W Mastbaum, 5000-seater, which has been closed for many, many months Show, however, is definitely set for the local S-W Boyd. AC Houses Close Atlantic City — Rumors were current here last week that some of the local houses would close their doors for the winter season. The Boardwalk Strand, the Margate, Margate, have already shuttered for the season. "Of Mice” Bows Dec. 22 Los Angeles — World premiere of “Of Mice and Men” will take place at the Four Star December 22, it was announced late last week. Korda Departure Delayed New York City — Alexander Korda, UA producer, has delayed his departure to England until late this week, it was learned last week end. December 13, 1939