The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

28 THE EXHIBITOR all roads in were blocked. . . . M. A. Silver, Warners’ upstate zone manager, met in Buffalo with Jack Shea, shea interests; Ralph Crabill, Robert Horning. . . . We ran into the Fritz Schweppes, Capitol, Elmira, and Tom Roberts, Colonial, Elmira, and missus, enjoying an evening in Buffalo, Syd Samson and others. Medina Cliff Schaufele, Diana was ill. . . . Schaufele, on “South of the Border,” gave away autographed photos of Gene Autry, tied up with local merchant for Gene Autry sweater giveaway to his Saturday matinee and had amplifier playing Autry songs in front of theatre. Middletotvn Observed shivering in near zero weather were Jim Frank and Teddy Rosenberg, NTS, trying to get into Teddy’s new car. It appears that Teddy locked his car and left the keys inside. . . . Harry Stowell, Paramount manager, is champ on the shuffle board at the Ritz. Hudson Valley theatre folks who think themselves good at shuffle board will certainly be surprised when they go into action against Harry. . . . Among visitors were Harry Rubin, Paramount projection director; Jack Carroll, Altec. . . . Harry Wagner, Paramount projectionist, has been keeping up his piscatorial reputation by going off on ice fishing expenditions. Cold sport these days. Olean Murray Lafayette, Haven, on “Four Wives” tied up with shops to display gowns, stills, and posters. He used a teaser campaign by making 600 telephone calls to women with teaser message. Newburgh In the eleventh session of the Netco (Insomnia) League, Cameo defeated Park, 2-1; Managers shut out Operators, 3-0; Broadway defeated Art Department, 2-1; Ushers defeated Ritz, 2-1; Red Sutton, Ushers, bowled a 188 high single for the session and Fred Schaefer, managers, a 546 high three. Teams now stand Park won 25, lost 8; managers, won 24, lost 9; Cameo won 23, lost 10; Ushers won 20, lost 13; Broadway won 18, lost 15; Art Department won 10, lost 23; Ritz won 8, lost 25; Operators won 4, lost 29. . . . After his recent engagement, Paul Whiteman told Gene Levy and Clint Lake at the Ritz, “It’s a swell town.” . . . Fred J. Schaefer, manager, Broadway, was elected president of the Broadway Business Men’s Association. . . . Harry J. Freidman, former Academy manager, and now chairman of the March of Dimes committee, reports that he distributed about 200 boxes and has disposed of approximately 2,000 buttons in schools, business places, and industrial plants; and that he expected receipts from the March of Dimes campaign this year would go ahead of last year’s record. Rochester Manager Charlie Freemen, Century, finds “jitterbug” couples running low and gets a headache lining up contestants for BINGO CARDS MADE ON CARD — NOT PAPER] WITH PUSHOUT TABS — LARGE 1.000 COMBINATIONS— SIZE 4i/2x5 $2.25 PER THOUSAND JOSEPH FITZER 104 GORLAND AVE. SYRACUSE, N. Y. Friday night shows. . . . Frank Smith, treasurer, Eastman, reports a woman comes into lobby at 5 P. M. daily to talk with goldfish. . . . Fred F. Fromm, stage hand, left $10,000 cached in bags hidden in home when he died December 31, Surrogate Feely’s report reveals. . . . Manager Jay Golden, RKO Palace, showed films taken at Gannett dinner announcing publisher’s candidacy for Republican Presidential nomination. . . . Alexander Zigas, Brooklyn projectionist, arriving in town penniless with his wife and baby looking for for a job, was given succor by a priest after his auto collided with another, landing him in jail. Meyo Construction Company has started work on a new Schine theatre in Canandaigua. Circuit has taken a 20-year lease on two South Main Street stores and plans to remove the separating wall, rebuild and redecorate the interior and install a modern front. . . . William J. MacFarlane, manager, Playhouse, who also will manage the new theatre, says the seating capacity and date of opening have not yet been decided, but work will be speeded as rapidly as possible. House to be known as the Lake, will use mostly B product. Syracuse Bert Larkin for past ten years booker for Smith Chain Theatres, is now operating the Harvard. . . . New heating plant has been installed by Rube Canter, Strand, Marcellus. . . . Jefferson, Auburn, is now using “Book Nite” since closing vaudeville. . . . Jack Kerly parks his car under Avon marquee due to garage shortage. . . . Tommy Roe is reported to be looking for a new connection. . . . James Constantino should hire guides that can back track. . . . Lou Leiser is very busy selling “Oh, Johnnie, How You Love.” . . . Rap. Merriman admits the sound modifying job done by RCA at Franklin is good. . . . Bert Barton. Strand, would like a transmission. . . . Wonder how many of the local 376 boys attended the Loew’s State banquet. . . . Tenth round of local 376 meeting was fought, decision to be reported later. . . . We hope George (Altec) Brown finds time to install the new door closer. . . . Wonder what theatre owner is after the Dumas legacy? ... It is reported that there will be a new theatre erected in Fayetteville. . . . Heavy snow blocked all roads to Jimmy (pardon me, James) Constantino’s Strand, Phoenix. . . . Francis Miller wishes Jack Meaney would buy gas instead of calling for tows. One of the local boys promises to use the following birthday list: For Floyd Lewis, pair of stilts; Joe Cecile, box of bi-carb; Louis Boyd, some Four Roses; Carl Henry, a mirror; Fay Woodford, haircut; Ray Roe, book on fever; George Raaflaub, month’s payment on car; Larry Sherman, cheerier outlook on life; John Meaney, set of muscles to go with wrestling honors; Eddie Cummings, course in public speaking; Jim Mosher, bustle to offset the bay window in front; Phil Rossomando, few words in English; Bert Barton, correct time; Bob Poulsen, new crop of hair; Jack Bartle, copy of the bare facts; Mel Denny, rubber tired “scooter;” Ken Wilcox, new set of counterfeit crockery; Lloyd Tracy, comfortable chair; Jack Seeley, copy of a certain book; “Bill” Doss, set of rubber fenders; Lynn Goff, extra foot in height; “Howie” Kennar, antidote for fireman’s conventions; Harry Burley, new lock for his telephone; John Eccles, extension of the lunch hour; Ed Labadie, slightly more comfortable looking physique; Claude Linstruth, pair of roller skates for picket duty; Elmo Carpenter, jar. Correction: Sidney L. Grossman was appointed secretary and Frank Allen, Solvay, makes the third member of the grievance committee appointed by regional vice-president Rappaport Merriman. . . . There will be a new theatre opened in Trumansburg about May 1, it is said. . . . Contrary to reports, the new building at Ovid will house a bowling alley instead of theatre. . . . Congratulations to Sid. Holland in winning the first place in the “Only Angels Have Wings” contest. . . . Joe Fitzer has landed a circuit contract for his “Bingo” cards. . . . Mrs. Henry Jacobson has returned from Ashville, North Carolina. . . . Pat McGee, Schine district manager, stopped off. . . . Sidney Grossman has added a new money night at his Elmwood. . . . Sam Slotnick has not been seen very much lately. . . . We are glad to hear that Joanna, small daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George (Altec) Brown, is recovering. . . . Martin Wazlohowski was reported out of circulation for the past week. . . . Wonder if Alfred DiBella is looking for someone to sue since the water pipes froze at the East. . . . Rivoli has been advertising in local papers for amateur stage talent. . . . Wanted, by Jack Kerly, furnished room in down town section (or several sets of keys for present apartment) . Harry Gurnes will celebrate a birthday January 31. . . . Jack Kerley tried to give Phil Rossomando a belated Christmas present. . . . Lynn Goff reports the fish are biting on Oneida Lake. . . . Robert Poulsen reports tracks very muddy lately. . . . Howard Kennar finds the weiner restaurant very economical. . . . William Maxon seems to be in favor of less expense. . . . Howard Kelley and Francis Miller were engineers on Melvin Denny’s railroad. . . . James Constantino reports he is unable to drive Robert Dumas downtown since the legacy came. . . . Wonder how soon Francis Miller will let his sons play with the electric train. . . . “Bennie” Coates just had the old shoes shined up. . . . Jack Meaney doesn’t seem to be able to step over man holes. ... We hear there is another deal pending in upper James Street. . . . Harry Unterfort, manager, RKO-Schine-Keith’s, ran contest to find old minstrel show programs in connection with “Swanee River.” . . . RKO-SchineStrand is now dark Monday through Thursday, with vaudeville and feature picture ending the week. Note from Fred Donohue to Jack Meaney: Doors of the Regent are opened well in advance of the first show. . . . All rewards offered for return of William Meany’s lessons are off. . . . A1 Gilbert thanks us for the plug but says he still wants to sell the extra box office. . . . Wonder if Phil Rossomando uses the welding outfit and assortment of pipe wrenches to keep his motiograph running. . . . Wanted by Fay Woodford, “Please do not disturb” sign. . . . Jack Seeley and Ken Wilcox have broken a contract to make a balloon ascension for Local 376. . . . Lynn Goff is reported going in for steeple jack work. . . . All RKO-Schine houses used large collection boxes for March of Dimes. . . . Gang at Empire wired best wishes to Frank Suttell on opening of the Strand, Rochester. . . . Syracuse Scenery and Stage Lighting Company (George Steeves and George Robertson) is reported wooing Mel Denny away from his old pal, Fay Woodford. . . . Syracuse projectionists are thinking of taking organ lessons after reading a recent school projection article in a daily paper. . . . “Jim” DeVenney is slowly recovering. ... Fay Woodford has located Mel Denny’s diary and will publish it serially. January 31, 1940