The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

24 THE EXHIBITOR Bill Tishkoff, Murray, spent a few days in Strong-Memorial Hospital for physical check-up. . . . Albert Fenyvessy, Arnett, is installing interior panels to improve sound. . . . City manager William Cadoret and Jay Golden, RKO Palace, went to New York to visit the home office. . . . Manager Albert Lebowitz is running series of Italian films at Embassy pending booking of stage shows. . . . “Grapes of Wrath,” RKO Palace, got play in the dailies after Reverend David Rhys Williams, Unitarian Church, used films as topic for sermon assailing social conditions. Charlie Tibbetts, house manager, Murray, recognized his former boss on the screen playing the chief gangster in “Another Thin Man.” Leonard Bershad, known on the screen as Sheldon Leonard, was manager of the Eastman here 10 years ago when operated by Publix. Tibbitts was his assistant. . . . Secret Service agents warn theatre managers precautions taken against getting counterfeit money are inadequate. . . . Manager Lester Pollock, Loew’s, has arranged for interviews with Rochester friends of Edison as a plug for “Young Tom Edison” and the museum is preparing a display of Edison inventions, some from the Eastman estate, for lobby display. Schenectady Phil Rapp, Plaza, will be handing out cigars soon, probably in June. . . Saul Ullman, Fabian city manager, and Proctor house manager Dick Murphy arranged a benefit concert at Proctors. . . . Two double trucks in Schenectady dailies, 500 bulletin board announcements throughout General Electric plant, and other promotional aids were arranged by Ullman and his forces in connection with Proctors showing of the Metro short, “Night Descends On Treasure Island,” showing lighting of the San Francisco Fair, as designed by a G.E. engineer. . . . Ralph Pielow, Jr. has been a frequent visitor to Schenectady. . . . Phil Rapp tied up with Elks Club to present American Flags to representatives of each school in the city, on the Plaza stage, during Flag Week. . . . Wonder who was the checker seen slumming in the Trocadero although he thought his evening very secret??? Staten Island Elihu Glass, manager, Liberty, was a very close observer of the baby diapering contest for men which he held on stage in conjunction with “A Child Is Born.” Glass’ desire to learn the intricate technique of diapering is due to the fact that he has been poppa for three weeks. . . . For the showing of “Swanee River,” Capitol, manager Sig Kasse dug up some colored street gamins and had them sing spirituals in front of the theatre. . . . Ex CHAIRS CUSHIONS NEW AND USED LARGE STOCK ALWAYS ON HAND Send for Our Catalogue Parts, Repairing or Reconditioning ALLIED SEATING CO., Inc. 36 WEST 13th STREET, NEW YORK THE OUTSIDER. Mary Maguire, George Sanders and Barbara Blair may be seen in Alliance Film’s release of the Dorothy Brandon novel. eellent reaction to the W.P.A. art exhibit in the lounge of the St. George prompted manager George Evans to arrange a photography exhibit with the Staten Island Camera Club. . . . Chairman of the Film Council of the D.A.R. published a laudatory letter on the editorial page of the local newspaper, complimenting Paramount manager John Firnkoess for his excellent lobby display on “Little Old New York.” Display featured original Commodore Vanderbilt buggy and old prints and etchings. . . . Steve Trilling, son of the Ritz manager, is taking flying lessons. Syracuse Contrary to rumor, Gus Lampe does not pay premium for top billing in this column. . . . Charles Martina’s New Empire opens March 23 with Gene Krupa in person plus picture. . . . George Ketcham, architect, is receiving bids for the new Spadaro house in Ellenville. . . . Answer to Fay Woodford: You can’t have gasoline cook stove in booth — compromise on electric refrigerator. . . . Fitzers are constantly adding to the Rivoli to take care of crowds. . . . Phil Rossomando complains that larger seating quarters at Rivoli disturbs his rest in the booth. . . . Warren Williams wonders who watches him on days off. . . . One-arm bandits are evidently collecting from Robert Dumas. . . . George Wilmer’s 10 piece orchestra has been engaged for New Empire stage shows. . . . Cute little gong in Ruth Bolton’s office nearly upset luncheon schedules at Loew’s State. ... We understand “Chuck” Nelson underestimates his chief (Flash). . . . It’s reported Lynn Goff will take water wings to the ABC tournament. Robert Poulsen is reported studying bylaws with a vengeance. . . . Harry Burley (genial business agent, Local 376) reads The Exhibitor to learn local Rialto news. . . . Martin (Altec) Bender planed in to install new four-star Simplex at Empire. . . . Charles Martina is buying made-inSyracuse products for Empire and signing contracts with operators, stage hands and musicians. . . . George Smith is installing new PA system at Happy Hour. . . . Jimmy O’Brien, State, Fulton, was all tuned up for “GWTW.” . . . Avon, Fulton, went into full-week policy. . . . Don Blair’s big smile wins many friends for Kallet’s Pulaski house. . . . We extend our sympathy to James Constantino, whose mother died recently. . . . Fire marshal Charles Wilkes collapsed from over-exertion, due to snow shoveling. . . . Lloyd Tracy and William Bessey should have the booth cleaned up in time for opening. . . . William Meaney is evidently suffering from “changeritis” and Howard (16mm.) Kelly from “shifteritis,” “Doc” Jack Meany prescribing. . . . Light did not fail on Bill Doss regardless of Walter Scarfe’s advice. . . . Our sympathy is extended to Robert Daddario. . . .Walter Powers, Oswego, is interested in a new car. . . . Attorney Manheim should remove rubbers when bowling with fatherin-law Jack Karp. Who was the man with long face trying to find the key to Empire booth? . . . It still looks as though the door closer at 505 would be installed by the Oswego Local. . . . Congratulations to “Grandma” Davidson. (It’s a girl.) . . . Adolph Den Haese was seen conversing with Miss McGillicuddy. . . . Notice to Rad: Why not check on balcony supports at 505? . . . Norman Pearlman, Cameo, Binghamton, was taken in tow on Salina Street by Jimmy Spear, RKO salesman. Claude Bortel is doing very well with the RKO theme song as opener at Strand for vaudeville. . . . We understand “Dick” Sawyer is still helping the wife with the work at Phoenix. . . . If A1 Gilbert can’t sell the box office, he would like to dispose of some used seats. (Prices on request.) . . . Notice: News items, subscriptions, advertising copy, etc., will be accepted for The Exhibitor at Altec office (George Brown, manager), 505 South Warren Street. Phone 5-5555. Trumansburg James Ryan and John Ryan, brothers, taking over operation of the Palace here (near Ithaca), installed new RCA Photophone sound for the opening. A third brother, William, owns the house. Utica L. Carkey has taken over the Family from John Augello. He will remodel. Leonard Tuttle is the new manager of the Colonial. White Lake New theatre being built here will seat 1,000, with Leon Lapidus, formerly of Long Island, the owner. He is also building 50 bungalows in the same area. House will be completed July 4. March 20, 1940