The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

5 Harry Brandt Honored By All-Industry Dinner “Wind’s” Bow Big News As Advance Sales Surges Subsequents Won’t Get It For Some Time New York City — With advance sales reported near the $100,000 mark, showings of Metro’s “Gone With the Wind at the local Astor (two-a-day) and the Capitol (three-a-day) continued to make history this week. The premieres (press, trade, etc., December 18 and general public December 19) at both houses were recorded as front page news, and the critics’ ovations set new highs for use of adjectives. Reports that “Wind” might get into the Loew de luxe neighborhoods within the next six weeks couldn’t be confirmed, but it was expected that the future of the picture would be directly affected by the grosses at both box-offices. In the trade, bouquets were handed out to Howard Dietz, Metro ad and publicity chief, and his aides for the best job of selling that had been seen in many a moon. Rochester Operators Elect Rochester — Calvin Bornkessel was last fortnight elected president of Local 253, projectionists, with the other officers as follows: Vice-president, Lawn Clark; business representative, Fred Boekhout; financial secretary, Leon Burton; recording secretary, Floyd Spencer; sergeant-at-arms, Abe Ordan; executive board, William Holmes, Louis Townsend, Louis Levine, Frank Britt; trustees, Louis Goler, Charles Mason, Carl Fredfern; Central Trades delegates, Harmon Smith, Joe Vaccio. Lottery Charge Dismissed New York City — Lottery charge against Morris Traub, manager, Tivoli, was dismissed last week in Special Sessions Court, Brooklyn, on the ground that it was not necessary to buy an admission to play “Screeno.” Atorneys for the defendants believe this will have its effect upon several similar actions now pending. Local Pix Opens New York City — Brandt circuit will operate the Pix, 42nd Street, which opened last weekend with a foreign picture, “Citadel of Silence.” House will also play domestic product. Extended Runs Plugged At Upstate Warner Meets District Head Silver Says "Scarcity Grows Acute” Albany — Pushing of extended runs was the highlight of meetings held last week by Warner theatres zone manager M. A. Silver with circuit managers and executives, one in Albany, with Albany, Troy and Utica managers present, and another in Jamestown, with managers of western district attending. Holiday attractions and policies were discussed, together with plans for the coming year. Silver laid great stress upon the growing necessity for extending the runs of deserving pictures. “With the scarcity of product growing ever more acute,” said Silver, “it becomes more and more important for us to give all the playing time possible to pictures of box-office value, and we must plan to build up greater public interest in hold-over attractions through greater showmanship.” Attending the Albany meeting were managers Andy Roy, Strand; Bob Rosenthal, Ritz; A1 LaFlamme, Madison; Eddie Sellette, Albany, Albany; Troy managers Leo Rosen, Troy; Jack Swartout, American; Sidney Sommer, Lincoln; Utica managers Bill Haynes, Stanley; Arnold Stoltz, Avon; Jack Breslin, Utica; as well as local office executives C. A. Smakwitz, Max Friedman, Jim Faughman, Joe Weinstein and Jules Curley. Silver was accompanied by Max Friedman travelling to Buffalo for the following day’s meeting with managers of Ralph Crabill’s district. "Northwest” Bows in Albany Albany — The world premiere of Metro’s “Northwest Passage” will be held in Albany, according to branch manager Ralph Pielow, who last week announced February 22, Washington’s Birthday, as the date of the picture’s first showing, at the Fabian circuit’s Palace. Silents Return NEW YORK CITY— The silent film made a slight comeback last week at the local Miami, with “The Americano,” starring the late Douglas Fairbanks. J. N. Goerin, manager, said that other silents would also be used to satisfy “demands of old-timers.” THE EXHIBITOR Inde Exhib Leader Feted December 2 1 New York City — Harry Brandt, ITOA leader who has just returned from a tour of the country on a drive against the Neely Bill, was guest of honor at an allindustry dinner-dance December 2, at the Hotel Astor in honor of his 25th year as an exhibitor. Chairman of the function was David Weinstock; treasurer, Milton C. Weisman. Howard Dietz was chairman of the publicity committee. Those named as serving on the committee were Barney Balaban, Nate Blumberg, Laurence Bolognino, Harry Buxbaum, Max A. Cohen, Nat Cohn, George Dembow, Herman Eisenstadt, Si Fabian, Louis Frisch, W. French Githens, Harry Gold, Edward Golden, James J. Grainger, General Will H. Hays, Hal Horne, W. Ray Johnston, Morris Lane, A. Montague, Charles C. Moskowitz, B. S. Moss, Louis Nizer, Charles Pettijohn, Hyman Rachmil, Walter Reade, Samuel Rinzler, Herman Robbins, William F. Rogers, Rudolph Sanders, George Schaeffer, Bernard Sholtz, Fred Schwartz, William F. Scully, Joseph Seider, Murray Silverstone, George Skouras, Samuel S. Strausberg, Major L. E. Thompson, J. J. Unger, W. G. Van Schmus, Nat Wachsberger, Herman Wobber, Jack Alicoate, John Flynn, Chick Lewis, Don Mersereau, Terry Ramsaye, Ben Sclyen. Seek Port Jervis Reduction Port Jervis — S. M. Cuddeback, representing the two Fabian theatres, last fortnight asked the City Council for reduction in the Sunday license fee. This is $20 each for every Sunday, amounting to $2,080 a year. In addition, there is a regular annual license fee of $75. Middletown, with twice Port Jervis’ population, charges only $250 a year, and Newburgh, with three times the population, charges $100 to $150. Theatre property taxes in Port Jervis are $3,650. Councilmen referred the matter to a committee. Suit Application Denied New York City — State Supreme Court Justice Philip J. McCook last week denied an application of J. T. P. Sullivan to dismiss a suit for an accounting filed by Walter Reade. Latter claims breach of contract under which he was allegedly to have received one-half the profits over and above $12,000 annually from City Theatres Company. Starr Heads Bookers New York City — Myron Starr was last week elected temporary chairman of the new Motion Picture Bookers Club. Ed Susse is treasurer, with J. Metzer secretary. Elections will take place after constitution and by-laws are set. A membership campaign is planned. NYS. December 27, 1939