The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

6 THE EXHIBITOR "GWTW” in 3 5 Nabes NEW YORK CITY — The biggest splash of day-and-date openings of “Gone With the Wind" will take place in the metropolitan territory at the end of February or the first week in March when the Selznick picture bows in simultaneously at 35 Loew nabe houses, it was learned from an authoritative source. Tentative policy calls for a $1.10 top for the two matinees. There will be reserved seats for the evening and possibly for the weekend showings. Newburgh Union Decision Upheld in Appellate Court Two Operators Had Sought Re-Instatement Newburgh — Appellate Division last fortnight affirmed a ruling of Supreme Court Justice Graham Witschief rendered June 3 in which he decided against Walter Davidson and Harold Convoy, who had sought reinstatement in Local 45, and had sued to recover $5,000 damages for expulsion from the union. Justice Witschief refused in his ruling to find that Davidson and Convoy had been expelled from the union through “bad faith” brought about by the “machinations of Tweed (ex-Mayor James D. Tweed), business manager or agent of the defendant.” Justice Witschief also refused to invalidate the expulsion. In a trial of the action, in which Fred Weinhold, president of the union, was defendant, held before Justice Witschief in December 1938, Davidson and Convoy testified that they were expelled from the union of which John LaMont was then president without notice in writing and without a hearing as required by regulations of the union. Both claimed that as a result of the expulsion they had been unable to get regular employment in theatres. Defense asserted that the Cameo, in which both had worked, was unfair, that the two worked there in violation of the union rules and that neither had paid dues after November 1, 1934. Because of the alleged failure to pay dues they were automatically stricken from the rolls of the local, the defense averred. Affirmation by the Appellate Division was unanimous and was unaccompanied by an opinion. Judge Raps Gambling Laws New York City — Judge Thomas Downs in Queens County Court last week end sharply criticized what he called “the stupidity and hypocrisy” of the state laws against “innocent gambling,” and suggested that the legislature give the people an opportunity to pass upon their possible modification. Jack Bowen President Of New York Film Board Beier, Abner, Levy, Sattler, Felder Also Chosen New York City — Officers elected last week to leadership of the Film Board of Trade to serve through 1940 are: Jack Bowen Heads the Film Board President — Jack J. Bowen, Loew’s; First vice-president — Nat Beier, United Artists; Second vice-president— Ben Abner, Loew’s; Treasurer — David A. Levy, Universal; Secretary — Myron Sattler, Paramount; Sergeant-at-arms — Joseph J. Felder, Monogram. Installation takes place soon. Louis Nizer continues as executive secretary and attorney. Teapot Boils Over NEW YORK CITY — The local tempest in a teapot over the failure of Mayor La Guardia to mention name of “Harvest” as best foreign-language film of 1939 in connection with annual Critics’ Awards took a new turn last week when, following the mayor's apology to Andre R. Heymann, distributor of the film, a group of local foreign film distributors sent a telegram to the Film Critics’ Circle in which they “expressed their embarrassment and disapproval of the action of one, a newcomer to the group, in refusing to accept the award.” Those signing the telegram said they hoped it would not reflect on the importers as a group and the foreign films in general. The following signed their names to it: Joseph Burstyn, Max Goldberg, Jean Lenauer, Martin Lewis, I. E. Lopert, Archie Mayers, John S. Tapernoux. Seiden Offers a Trio NEW YORK CITY— Joe Seiden has been sending around cards reading: Just to remind you, worthy friends, of three great openings you can attend: “Gone With the Wind” “Tevyah the Dairyman” “Motel the Operator” No need to bother about “Tevyah" or “Wind” — “Motel’s” the picture to keep on your mind! You can see the others later; but first see “Motel the Operator.” With wishes sincere for a Happy New Year, Joseph Seiden “Wind” Exploitation Discussed by Ferguson Local Meeting Brings Men From Eastern Area New York City — Exploitation policy for “Gone With the Wind” and other Metro releases was discussed by William R. Ferguson, exploitation manager, who presided, at a one-day conference of Metro’s American and Canadian field representatives here last week. Part of the campaign will feature a nation-wide tour during which original costumes used in the filming of the picture, as well as artists’ sketches and designs from which they were created, will be exhibited in leading department stores and salons in connection with the film’s engagements. Costumes and other material will be moved from city to city in a van with specially constructed racks for the period apparel. Tour will be conducted by Captain Volney Phifer and his wife, Eloise Phifer, with Paul Kamey, publicity man, going in advance of the caravan. Tour opens in Philadelphia. January 16 with Baltimore and Washington scheduled as the next stops. Tour will continue for at least six months. Miss Pat Reis, representing Howard Dietz, who is visiting the Metro studios in Culver City, and Jack Peters, Donahue and Coe, advertising agency, spoke on advertising. Marstens Leads In Yonkers Yonkers — At the annual meeting last fortnight of the Westchester County projectionist union, Local 650, Arthur Marstens was re-elected president. Other officers, returned to their posts for a fouryear term by a overwhelming majority, were Yonkers’ Irving A. Weiss, first vicepresident; Mount Vernon’s Anthony Dente, second vice-president; Mount Vernon’s Irving Brickman, third vice-president; White Plains’ Richard S. Hayes, business manager; Yonkers’ Albert E. Bell, trustee; New Rochelle’s George B. Alley, trustee; Mount Vernon’s Fred Thome, financial secretary and treasurer; Mount Vernon’s Emil Smith, recording and corresponding secretary; and Yonkers’ Lawrence Sabatino, press secretary. January 17, 1940